Shopping in Phnom Penh

Phnom Penh may not be your city of tourist spots but compred to Vietnam and Bangkok, I am proud to say that shopping is way better. Like example with North Face bags, people buy them at Vietnam but really the original but cheaper ones are in Cambodia. A price of a Class A there, you can get an original one here. Same story in Bangkok. I ask friends the cost of a Class A branded shirt and yes, it's the same story.

I guess it's because more tourists visit those countries I mentioned so naturally word of mouth is what makes it more popular. And I have no problems with that. In fact, I like it that way. When people around the world start to flock this city, then these items will not be cheap anymore....

Just to show you a sample how our visitors go gaga once we bring them to these stores....

April is My month

Yes, April is my month be uase I get to celebrate my birthday...yehey!!!! A year older, a year wiser as they say. Since I will be celebrating it in the Philippines, I'm being asked to make my wish list. I only have two things in mind and I am specific to the brand/s because they are tried and tested. Yes, I subject my clothes/things to various tests and I really observe them hahahaha...

I already have one but I need a THICKER mat this time...and yes, it has to come with either a strap or a bag. I only need one so if you plan to give me, please let me know in advance hehe...

I only have 1 pair of socks remaining. Imagine that?!?!? Well I have a few which if I use doing speed running, My foot ends up half-naked

Yes, I need these as well. I discovered lately that I don't have white and colorful tank tops. I only have 3 and they are all black.

Happy Easter!!!

I just want to say Peace be with You all and may the season remind us of God's love to mankind.

It's something to celebrate so off we go to hear mass officiated by Bishop Olivier. It is my 1st time to see him. I thought he is old but for a bishop, he looks young. After which we headed to Sofitel to try their Sunday 'Brunch' buffet and Easter Egg Hunt. The selections are way better than their dinner buffet. And their dessert section...ahhhh...to die for! It was complete as they have japanese, italian, chinese and other western food. 

My friend Nicky wanted to bring home the mushroom decors while I want to take home the giant easter egg chocolates. My husband told me it's only for decoration until I saw two tables taking home those gigantic chocolates...hmph! 

Burger King!!!

Finally, another American fastfood in town! Although I still prefer Mike's Burger (local burger) but still, a good very good option to have. I luuuv Burger King especially their Whopper which is what I ate :-)

Burger King is located in airport, immediately outside the arrival area. It's in front of Cafe Fresco. I just arrived here last January but in 3 months time there are like 2-3 new restos I think in the airport. Going back to Burger King, inside there are high stool bars or chairs...in case you are a single traveler  and wants to mingle with others. 

There are also comfy seats inside and outside

Good thing this is located not within walking distance or else.... say goodbye to diet! 

Cons of Work From Home (WFH)

The last time I posted the pros of a WFH arrangement. So this time let me share what I think are the disadvantages. I can only think of 3 things:

1) Social Network - in the professional environment will be limited. You won't be able to attend company parties, events. You're not part of the day-to-day pantry chit-chats (hopefully you are not the topic). And usually during big events, that's the time you can get to talk to other co-workers maybe on a more personal level thus building relationships.

2) Visibility - to top management is a challenge. So when they talk of promotions or other career opportunities, top of mind are people that they see everyday. Because they get to literally see the challenges and hard work that an office person goes through. Like being able to present in front of management, staying late at work to meet deadlines, if person is not in his/her desk you can assume that s/he is in a meeting therefore 'busy', harassment look in their faces when piled with a lot of work and when they are able to get through then it creates a very good impression. As opposed to WFH,  what they see is only the output - -finished product. The key here is to have a very good relationship with your manager who can really represent you and talk about how you;ve done all of these things.

3) Airconditioning - hahaha. I live in Cambodia so this time of the year it's really not cool to WFH. Electricity bills will go high for sure.

WFH is not simple as you think. One has to ask the question, what type of work environment would I thrive in?

Yellow Lights

I just  don't like it or any dark lighting! I really can't stay long when I go to bars. I also don't appreciate restos with yellow lights to create ambience. There's only one place where I would appreciate having one --- in spas. For some reason, yellow lights make me fall asleep. Suddenly my energy gets absorbed by these lights and all I want to do is sleep sleep and sleep. That's very difficult for me especially when I am out with friends in restos. Sometime they ask me why I am silent and they find it amazing everytime I say it has something to do with the lights. Sad to say most of the restos here in Phnom Penh (and even street lights) are in yellow. 

So, all the lights in the house I had it changed to white lights except for this one that you see in this blog. Sometimes you need it if all you want to do is rest, listen to calm music and eventually fall asleep....LOL

Law of Supply & Demand

When people hear of Cambodia, they expect things to be 'cheap'. When we were relocating back in 2011, we asked people how much is cost of goods and basic services and everyone said "it's cheap." My biggest mistake was.....I asked the expats, Europeans to be specific! And you know, for them a dollar is like one peso equivalent to PHL currency. If you compare how much things are in their countries, definitely it's way much cheaper here in Cambodia. But if I compare Cambodia to PHL, it is more expensive here. Like riding a tuktuk, the shortest distance can be $1-$2 one way. In the PHL if I have Php80 I can ride a tricycle (which equals the tuktuk) then Metro Rail and be able to pass 2 cities. Ergo, it's a matter of perspective. 

I started wondering why my budget for food/groceries is higher here and my opinion is this -- for basic goods its because most of them are imported (shampoo, soap, lotions, canned goods etc). Following the law of supply and demand, since Phnom Penh is where the expats are and they are willing to pay for these basic goods so it's easy for supermarkets to charge more. At the end of the day, people will buy especially for products that only have limited stocks. Same law applies with the cost for riding a tuktuk. There is no other alternative if you are traveling as a group (3-4 pax). If you want a cab, you have to phone them. Of course if you are in a hurry, you don't have the time to do that and wait for the cab to arrive. 

Now i learned my lesson and next time we relocate, I will have to brush up on my MacroEco....LOL