438 replies to this topic

[xyzzy]

Oh my, Klang beer.

You can't beat trying to live like a local...
A case of 24 for $7.40 I gave it a good go

The first time I went to the beer section in Lucky Supermarket in Sorya Mall I was surprised by the selection of different (cheap) beers that weren't available in any of the barang bars I visited. I did stop in one Irish pub that had Klang. Think it was 75 cents a can.

My favorite cheap beer was Zorok from Vietnam. It's a join venture with Miller/SABMiller. But it was more expensive than Klang. The Kingdom microbrews were the best but it seemed crazy paying $3 for a beer in PP. Guess there is a second microbrewery in PP now. Things are changing too fast...

Carry on with the fine slide show sir.

[Premier]

DC, I'm curious as to what rent you were paying per month on that place inclusive of utility bills etc?

[Uncle]

Always a clarifying moment walking past the coffin shop on Sisowath DC.

When I do I usually give thank's I'm not being fitted for one.

[dixon cox]

DC, I'm curious as to what rent you were paying per month on that place inclusive of utility bills etc?

Everything together worked out at around $375 per month dependent upon electricity usage. Ours was between $40 and $50 usually, although the power-cuts helped keep prices down.

We also changed the cooking gas canister once during those three months, which cost $20 fitted.

[petesie]

Outstanding reporting DC..absolutely enjoying every post.

[kliome]

I enjoy the cheeky little tag labels on the pics

I often miss the slow pace of Phnom Pehn. It's a little too slow for me to be able to stay there for long, but I often think about that place.

Thanks DC.

[dixon cox]

Always a clarifying moment walking past the coffin shop on Sisowath DC.

Thanks for the comments Uncle

Everytime I walk along riverside I think I notice that coffin shop, especially early in the morning when the hinges of those wooden sarcophagi glisten in the sunlight.

At least once I stood opposite and pondered whether I need to put my order in sooner rather than later as I stubbed out yet another copy-Winston butt underfoot. At least I'd die happier there than here, but perhaps faster without the medical assistance I've paid for all my working life back in barangland. There's no refunds.

[dixon cox]

Balconies can be wonderful things, I wouldn't take on an apartment that didn't have one. I spent many a pleasant hour watching the activity below with a Winston in one hand and a glass of Klang Beer and ice in the other. Friendly neighbours also added to the enjoyment and it's often interesting to hear how they ended up here or what drew them to the country in the first place.

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[dixon cox]

Outstanding reporting DC..absolutely enjoying every post.

I enjoy the cheeky little tag labels on the pics

I often miss the slow pace of Phnom Pehn. It's a little too slow for me to be able to stay there for long, but I often think about that place.

Cheers Lads, I really do appreciate the positive comments

As Kliome says, the slow pace is not for everyone but I really took to it, hence me talking about early morning walks and sitting on the balcony, hardly the makings of mongering greatness.

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[dixon cox]

In Thailand you get 7-11 and Family Mart, in Phnom Penh you get "Smile", three that I know of anyway. They cater for barang delicacies such as baked beans, cornflakes and processed cheese etc.. I shopped often at them even though prices are a little elevated in some instances, it's a case of supply and demand and I demand only Heinz and Kellogg's.

This branch is just two blocks from Riverside on Street 136, corner of Street 13.

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[xyzzy]

In Thailand you get 7-11 and Family Mart, in Phnom Penh you get "Smile", three that I know of anyway.

I know where three Smiles are located. I found some decent packaged ham at Smile that was better than what I could get at Lucky. Actually the best bread I could find was the hotdog buns at Smile. Bada Bing was suppose to have good bread but I wasn't impressed. You probably had better luck since you have a guide but finding decent barang groceries, if you are making some of your own meals, can be a bit of a challenge in PP. That part is VERY different than Thailand. But I have never been one to eat much local cuisine in SE Asia which is my own fault.

[dixon cox]

I know where three Smiles are located. I found some decent packaged ham at Smile that was better than what I could get at Lucky. Actually the best bread I could find was the hotdog buns at Smile.

I don't think the need for certain flavours from home ever fades. As much as I enjoy foreign food I still yearn for farang food often. I love bread and Thai bread is appalling. However, in Cambodia bread is readily available anywhere in the form of gorgeous baguettes and I consume a fair few of those, plus the sliced bread is more or less the same as back home and it's lovely toasted.

I recall one of the other Smile stores being further up Street 136 (away from the River) on the corner of Street 19, but the location of the third Smile escapes me. But there are several other similar stores operating in much the same way too, plus Lucky Supermarket at the Sorya Center near the Central Market.

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