This photo is taken from our old home in Cambodia. Wat Lao Buddhavong looked similar, but it was out in the middle of the countryside of Virginia.
There were all types of fresh vegetables, meats, food vendors and cultural dances.
It had been raining earlier in the day, which made the place muddy. The mud made it feel even more authentic.
As we were sitting at a picnic table of one of the vendors; eating noodle soup, green papya salad, and fried fish; I was drinking iced coffee with milk - suddenly it was as if I had been transported to another world. I was back in Asia (without the two days of air travel). Even Kenyon said it reminded him of Psar Toul Tom Poung (Russian Market).
We walked around and I snacked on Cheik Chien (fried bananas). I was so full I could burst. Then I saw Krolan (sticky rice and beans in a dried bamboo shoot). I had to have some. This was a regular snack on the drive between Phnom Penh and Poipet when I lived in Cambodia. The best Krolan came from vendors on the side of the road.
The experience was such a special treat. The little bits of Khmer that I had learned were coming back to me. Kenyon started quizzing me - how do you say "hello?" how do you say "thank you?" how do you say...thankfully, I could answer his questions.
It was such a wonderful day. My friend Phim moved to the US as a refugee from Laos over 20 years ago. She was our hostess and tour guide at the event. She bought me a sticky rice steamer as a souvenir. It sits proudly in a china hutch since I have no idea how to use it. She has promised to teach me...that may be the subject of a future post.
just Sheri, exploring Virginia
No comments:
Post a Comment