Phnom Penh Custom Made Shoes

Cambodia is hard on shoes.

The pot-holed roads wreck havic on your heels and the heat and dirt deteriates further anything that remains. Therefore a supply of new shoes is required.

Today I decided to try one of Phnom Penh's custom made shoe shops - TT Toul Sleng on St 143. Initially only wanting to fix a pair, I ordered a leather (hopefully) pair of sensible heels to teach in - cost, US $28.

Having come from patternmaking in the fashion industry I was fascinated to see the owner of the shop produce his tape measure and set to work on my feet even saving paper by drawing around each foot on the same piece. It was all done rather quickly for a 5 day production period, so I'm hoping they are ok. I'll keep you posted.

How to Alienate your Customer Phnom Penh Style

I decided to check out Phnom Penh's local clothes shops. Just like Thailand, there are always many staff that surround you once you reveal an interest in an item - always best to keep a straight face unless you want to buy.

On this occasion I only wanted to see what was available in my new home town. There is a large store on Sihanouk Rd - The New Collection. Aimed at wealthy Khmer and foreigners, it has three floors of women's and men's clothing, shoes, accessories and jewellery.

I perused all three floors followed by 5 staff who interchanged on each floor at the stairs. Today, I wasn't buying, I wanted to see what was available so that I could come again and buy what I needed - this is how I shop.

As I wandered the staff produced deep annoying sighs, finally resulting in one staff member shouting to those on the stairs, "She nothing buy!"

As I descended the stairs I was met with disapproving looks - I felt terrible!

Did they not think that I might live here, and I would come again. However, I will NEVER step foot in the place again!