Dipping my toe into the black sands of Amed, a remote fishing village in Bali.

This is a such a beautifully designed art. And it almost went unnoticed, hidden at the side of a cart of a vendor selling cold bottled and can drinks in the heart of Pasar Thmey in Phnom Penh city.

“Named after the legendary Japanese warrior, Samurai is enjoyed by Vietnamese adults who need an energy boost. This vitamin-packed energy drink is fortified with six essential B vitamins and has an exciting and refreshing taste with a carbonated, sweet flavor that appeals to the Vietnamese palate.” – from the Coca Cola website.

It was launched in Cambodia in mid-2009. I have not seen it elsewhere yet.

It tastes like gassy, very sweet apple fruitpunch.

In Cambodia, these are called ‘SHOES’ and for the ladies especially, it is a fashion statement.

Prahok is a crushed, salted and fermented fish paste (usually of mud fish) that is used in Cambodian cuisine as a seasoning or a condiment.

It originated as a way of preserving fish during the longer months when fresh fish was not available in abundant supply. Because of its saltiness and strong flavor, it was used as an addition to many meals in Cambodian cuisine, such as soups.

Prahok has a strong and distinct smell, earning the nickname Cambodian Cheese. Prahok is usually eaten with rice in the countryside or poorer regions.

Not many foreigners can appreciate it.

The markets of Cambodia are full of freshly killed and skinned frogs whose bodies seem completely oblivious to those two facts and carry on hopping around in a pointless bid for freedom.

Later, they will be stuffed and barbequed and served as food.

It’s fascinating to me how this butterfly only has one colorful flap.

Everytime we glance at them, they seem to be in some kind of loving embrace. What a strange pair!

They reside at our apartment in Singapore.

Shot at the Chinese garden in Singapore.

MINSTREL/BUSKER – This art form was the most common means of employment for entertainers before the advent of recording and personal electronics.

Prior to that, a living human being had to produce any music or entertainment, using a few mechanical devices such as the barrel organ, the music box, and the piano roll. Organ grinders were commonly found busking in the old days.

This man in Bangkok Thailand shows the way.