13 December 2014
Today was cooler than yesterday, although still pleasant. Our first stop was the Royal Palace. The king was in as the Blue Standard flew over the private residence.
We took a personal guided tour which was ten dollars well spent. The throne room was very impressive. No photos allowed and disappointingly no guide book or postcards for sale. The formal throne has nine layers above it indicating the nine steps to heaven for the monarch. There are amazing frescoes on the ceiling.
The armoury contained bejewelled swords and silver gift boxes as well as costumes for specific celebrations.
The Silver Pagoda has 5,329 silver tiles on the floor. Needless to say, this is covered with carpet to protect it. This somewhat defeats the impact but what can you do? The Pagoda also contains a gold Buddha weighing 90 kg and decorated with 2,089 diamonds.
The stupa containing the ashes of King Norodom Sihanouk has white and yellow roses surrounding the monument. One of his daughters is also there. She died at a very young age which led to Sihanouk founding the children's hospital.
There is a prefabricated mansion being restored that was a gift from Napoleon III in 1869. Being made of metal, it rusts in the tropical climate!
Next Sam took us on a tour of the city. We drove through Diamond Island, which is a new development reminiscent of Docklands, although with no sky scrapers. Next we went across the Tonle Sap river to new developments on that side of the city. Not sure where the money is coming from .... or going to.
We stopped at Wat Phnom Penh where the city was founded. It sits atop a hill that is probably the city's highest point. There's no view because of the shady trees surrounding the Wat, which is a lovely park.
Our next stop was the National Museum. This is a well laid out building with all galleries opening out to a large courtyard. The displays were great, although should be in Angkor Wat where they came from. We were asked to buy a floral offering in one gallery for a donation ($US1) which we did. In the next gallery, the same thing! Museum shakedown I think.
We then headed to Psah Thom Thmey (Grand New Central Market) which was built in 1937 so new is stretching it a bit. It does look recently restored. Grand it certainly is and you need to check your entry point. Several people were roaming about looking for where they came in. We made some purchases and then headed to another market - Toul Thom Poung or the Russian Market. It sold a lot of second hand goods as well as clothes, DVD and food.
Sam took us to a traditional restaurant for lunch, Khmer Siron. The food was fantastic but way too much.
We asked him to drop us off at Aeon Mall - don't know why. We at least had a good coffee, the first since Wednesday!
Back to the Blue Lime for a swim then off to dinner again to Friends.