Ah, the joys of a lazy day in Southeast Asia. Well settled into my digs in Battambang, Cambodia and without any need for travel plans or desire to do much of anything, I elected for a lazy day of breakfast, second breakfast, and walk-about. First breakfast was at a lovely little Cambodian vegetarian joint. Little egg empanada-type rolls were followed with a small dish of fried noodles and thick Cambodian coffee. Second brekkie was at a cafe run by an NGO supporting Cambodian children's programs. I opted for more coffee and a pineapple shake.
I downloaded the Battambang architectural walking tour from the fine folks at Khmer Architectural Tours.
I set out while the Winter Solstice morning was still relatively cool. Following the well routed tour from North to South, I was treated to an overview of different types of Khmer, Chinese and French influenced architecture amongst the towns structures. It proved an interesting and entertaining way to get to know this place.
Wat Pipetharam, built in 1868 with a heavy Thai influence
A very fine exapmple of original Chinese "Shop Houses," a ubiquitous structure throughout SE Asia. Businesses are on the street level and shopkeepers live above.
Louvered shutters that are a common feature in this hot climate
Psar Nath, the city market. This very French Art Deco building dates from 1936 and has counterparts in Phnom Penh and elsewhere in Cambodia.
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