When it’s as hot in Siem Reap as it has been lately (though do we dare for a respite after the last few days of storms), there’s not a great deal you can do except restrict movement as much as possible (mainly so that you don’t skid in great lakes of your own sweat and … read the full post

The English have a quaint little phrase to the effect that horses sweat, men perspire, but women glow. Which is all very well if your name happens to be Fanny or Violet, but I actually thought I might be the first person in history to be electrocuted by their own body fluids as I slaved … read the full post

It’s possible that Caesar salad may be the first truly globalised recipe (provided one excludes the fat, salt, sugar and multiple-chemical delivery systems marketed by fast food dealers). The popular assemblage, once the preserve of restaurants with Maitre d’s that let you know you’d failed by the precise way they called you “Sir” or “Madame”, … read the full post

The word ‘souvenir’ is derived from the French for to remember, and far more than their beauty or intrinsic value that of course is the ultimate purpose of those odd trinkets we buy when we travel. We’re not really buying a thing so much as a memory trigger: for that moment on a rubbish day … read the full post

The last thing I ever thought I’d discover on coming to Asia was an amazing hairdresser. I’d hoped to find new people, tastes and experiences for sure. And to develop a totally new relationship between myself and the world around me, well that would be nice too. But to find a hairdresser able to bid … read the full post

Easter, exhibitions, and Siem Reap’s longest running, and most enormously fun and talented, band are lined up for this April in Siem Reap. Take a look below to see what else may tickle your fancy. There’s definitely something for everyone: Special events *Easter Sunday, get into the Easter spirit with special events being hosted at … read the full post

A few weeks ago, I described a short walk on the north riverside of Siem Reap, and attempted to paint a picture of a lively slice of of the town, one that you won’t see around Pub Street or wandering through the temples. It’s a part of ordinary, everyday Cambodia, full of bustle and barking, … read the full post

I’ve never worked out whether Easter bunnies actually “lay” Easter eggs, or just hide them like fiends, and if it’s the latter then we really need to question the picture of doe-eyed innocence their PR agents have thus far been so successful in promoting. It seems odd I know, but I was unsure whether we … read the full post

When it comes to fruit, it seems that someone forgot to tell nature that no-one likes a show-off. Such a huge, kaleidoscopic, wild variety of redolent, multi-textural glories is clearly the work of an over-achieving braggart. More than 3,000 fruits have apparently been identified, though we consume only a handful (or three) of them. The … read the full post

I’m writing this now, but as it’s 983 degrees I’m as likely to think it’s a good idea to head for the gym as I am to host my own public disembowelment. On the other hand, I do know there are some people out there who are not as congenitally bone-idle as I am, so … read the full post