A mischievous host (Cambodia)

I was at a cafe, just below my stay near the Russian Market in Phnom Penh. This cafe has a classic 1960s decor and it features photos of Cambodian singers from the golden period of Khmer music on its walls. The large windows allow you to see the small alleys around.

A staff, a young woman, brought my Havana Coffee. I pointed to the photos of the singers and asked if they ever played older Khmer music. I had only heard western pop or jazz. The woman seemed surprised that I liked that music and scanned through the Khmer music playlist on my phone. I pointed out my favorite old Khmer song - Ros Sreysothea’s Chnam oun Dop-Pram Muy (I’m 16.)

Later in the night, I woke up and stumbled down for dinner at the same cafe. It was nearing their closing time and I barely managed to sneak in the last order call. I was bit sleepy, still tried to something on the laptop when suddenly I heard familiar guitar strains. I looked up to realize I was the only customer left.

The staff member I had spoken to earlier in the day was at the counter bent over their music system. Having just switched the music, she was staring at me with a mischievous gaze, eager to see my reaction as Chnam oun Dop-Pram Muy filled the cafe. Have you seen that instagram cat. It  is sleeping, someone waves a fish near it. It makes funny faces while eyes still closed and then wakes up, joyous to find the fish. That was me.

This is what I travel for - small things, mostly.

The Spanish latte, my favorite drink here.

Russian Market area of Phnom Penh