The Market

We went to the Central Market yesterday afternoon. Young children begged for money and food. The missionaries encouraged us to give food to kids if they ask for money (if we are moved to help a few). They discourage money because some of the kids in the market are paid beggers. The country is trying to discourage begging and push the inportance of education. If begging is profitable enough, they kids will never go to school. Amputees (due to land mines) tried to sell movies and books to us. Goods are extremely inexpensive, from clothing to jewelry. Jade is EVERYWHERE and very cheap. I can buy a beautiful Jade elephant (2”x3”) for $5.00. A decent quality silk scarf sells for $2.00. Cotton are 2 for $1. Since Cambodia does not use coin money, many things cost 1 US dollar. A good meal will cost $3-5.

I noticed that hardly any Cambodians wear shorts. Where temperatures are pushing 90+ degrees and the humidity makes it feel over 104, I asked Boray (one of our guides) why this was the case. He told me it’s an issue of modesty. Women, especially, are very guarded with what skin they bare in public and therefore, keep themselves well covered. Capri’s are acceptable but you won’t find a woman in shorts for fear of giving men the wrong impression about their virtue. Contrasting this perspective to the US, I found myself wondering which nation is really the developing country.