Universal women's language - shoes!

“A women puts on shoes and she changes”.  Manolo Blahnik.  He’s  right – its true all over the world

After my philosophising about language earlier this week – tonight I discovered the common language of women – shoes.  Those who know me well will not be surprised of my quest to seek out beautiful shoe shops worldwide!  So when Anne-Maree said VDC had a 50% off sale I was there.  50% off at VDC means shoes for less than $20.  Now they are not Manolos or Jimmy Choos and certainly not my favourite Christian Louboutain – but they are fun, fashionable knock-offs made in Malaysia.

VDC Shoes approx 6pm.  These girls can shop!

The David Jones post Christmas sale is quiet compared to this!  To get in you need to navigate through a gaggle of motor bikes, be admitted by the doorman, and then go for your life with 100s of Cambodian ladies.  These girls are serious about their shoes.  I stand head and shoulders taller than them all, a disadvantage as I have further to reach down to the shelves. However  I can reach the boxes stacked on higher shelves, but I am chastised for this!   I buy a lovely pair of cream satin sandals embellished with tasteful bling.  Walking home I can’t hekp but think about the tremendous divide in Cmbodia.  Phnom Penh really is a bubble – Cambodian women in rural areas are hardly in a position to speak the language of shoes.

My working day was busy with the communications strategy and locking in meetings for next week.  Its going to be hectic – not surprising lots is falling into place as my assignment draws to an end.  There is still so much to do…………….

Thursday 21

Sights and sounds

The CARE car was late collecting me this morning so I was able to observe peak hour in my street..  At the same time I was being observed by an expectant tuk-tuk driver hoping for a fare. 

Stand on the street long enough and Phnom Penh will come to you.  My apartments’ security guard buys his breakfast from a street vendor – he calls it porridge – it looks delicious.  A beverage cart follows with all sorts of soft drink, juice, coffee and tea.  A man sells coconuts from a big basket on wheels, and the ubiquitous recyclers drag their carts and sound their horn letting people know to bring their rubbish out.  Their horns sound like a squeaky children’s toy.   However how they are earning a living is not much fun.  I make eye contact and acknowledge them all and am rewarded with warm smiles. 

The day continues on a local theme as I join my Khmer colleagues at their favourite lunch haunt.  This is the first time I’ve eaten in one of the makeshift restaurants.  It doesn’t have a  name and requires great tenacity and courage to cross many lanes of traffic on

Norodon Boulevard

to get there.  Its worth it.  We share Lok Lak American, a national dish (minus the American additions) of sliced grilled beef, lemongrass and salad vegetabes  and a peppery limey dipping sauce ( the American version has fried and an egg!), a chicken and vegetable stir fry, and chicken and morning glory soup.  Its delicious and it costs 8,000 riel each ( US $2)!

After work its back to Pilates.  I’ve stiffened up again due to not enoght stretching exercise during the new year break and holiday with Frank.  It feels good.  Early night