Lose sight after drinking too much water

Water is what we cannot live without for all the living things on the earth. However, many people misunderstand that the more water you drink the better it would be. Alert to this case, have a look to this.

As we have awarded that it is believed to be a healthy if we drink much water per day such as lose weight, natural remedy for headache, look younger with healthier skin, better productive at work, better exercise, helps in digestion and constipation, less likely to be sick and feel healthy, relieves fatigue, and reduce the risk of cancer yet be informed that all those benefits mention above come from only if you drink with a proper amount of water which fit to every single body. 

It is recommended that 1.5 liters to 2.5 liters per day should be drink for a normal human being but drinking daily more than recommendation is a big mistake since most of the people wish to benefit of it. However, this causes a serious problem to eye lose sight. Since you drink too much water you would keep running to the toilet. After that it would led to water intoxication. When there is too much water consumed, it may cause hyponatremia. Hypontremia is a condition where there is insufficient sodium in the blood. Because water needs to be absorbed to every cells of our body but when there is too much water; the cells of our brain would swell and causes a pressure in the brain which would make the bleeding in the occipital lobe which is an important brain lobe connected to eyes’ cells. Then your sight would be lost.

Therefore, if you wish to drink more than recommendation, be sure that you are practicing well to lose water in your body by doing exercise and other ways you prefer but make sure that the water is constantly losing through sweat, urination, defecation or exhaled breath, and among others.

Finally, if you found yourself with headache, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, frequent urination and mental disorientation, you may need to consult with the doctor as soon as possible because those are the symptom of water intoxication.

Tuk Kroeung Khmer

What is Tuk Kroeung? Tuk Kroeung is a popular Khmer dip, made by cooked fish and Prahok and served with some fresh and cooked vegetables. It is not difficult to make the delicious Tuk Kroeung and you can make by your self at home. The ingredients are:

·        1 cooked fish

·        7 to 10 garlic cloves

·        5 hot chili peppers (optional)

·        1 to 3 tablespoons peanuts (optional)

·        1 or 2 tablespoons sugar 
   upon preference

·        2/3 tablespoons salt

·        5 to 10 tablespoons Prahok upon preference

·        1 or more lime upon preference

How to make Prahok sauce? Prahok sauce is made by adding Prahok to boiling water, reducing the heat and then simmer gently for 5 minutes or until the fish has broken down and the water is cloudy.

What are kind of vegetables? There are just some of the vegetables which we use to accompany our spicy and delicious fish dip. There are watercress, English cucumber, Japanese eggplant, cabbage, broccoli florets, grape tomatoes, Thai eggplants and so on.

To make the tip, start by browning the garlic and chili in a little bit of oil. One brown, remove and set aside. Next, remove cooked fish meat from bones and set aside.

In a mortar and postal, add the garlic and chili peppers. Then, pound a paste and add the fish and continue to pound until you reach your prefer consistency. Remove it to a bowl and use a spoon to gather and mix it together. Finally, add sugar, salt, lime juice, and Prahok sauce. Boiling water should be added slowly. Some like it watery other it a bit damp or dry.

It’s totally up to your preference. Taste and adjust to your taste bud. Add peanuts and garnish with chopped spring onions. Then, prepare your vegetables before saving (fresh, steamed, slice, fry etc...)

Blessing Dance

Cambodian Blessing Dance (or Robam Choun Por in Khmer language) is a Khmer traditional dance from the repertoire of Cambodian classical ballet to mark special holidays in cambodia . This dance is performed by a group of young Khmer girls to wish good health, happiness, prosperity and success. The blessing dance was first performed in Cambodia to rid the royal palace of evil spirits and bless the royal kingdom.  Today it is performed to bless events and welcome guests.  

The dance features graceful and elegant movements, holding golden goblets. Inside the goblets are flower blossoms. The blossoms are symbolic representations of blessings from the gods. As the dancers pluck the blossoms from the goblets and gently toss them forward toward the audience, the gesture symbolizes the blessings of the gods falling upon the audience.

Eight year old Shrey Noy says she loves dancing because she has been wished to be a dancer when she was 5 years old.  She added, “One day I watched TV show and saw beautiful girls performed classical dance. They all so beauty and the movement of their dancing performance are graceful and made me fascinated in it.”  I told my mum that I would like to learn how to dance so that when I was 6 years old my mum sent me to both school dancing school and Literature school.

Vandy, 10 years old tells her experience. "I felt a bit nervous during my first performance since i never get a lot of exposure before."  She added that her parents appreciate with what she has been doing and so proud of her.

Shrey Noch, 12 years old also said that as a Khmer native, it’s her duty to keep the great traditions if classical Khmer dance.  

Ms. Samourn, 40 years old had 6 children, Three of them are performers of the said classical dance.Two daughters are classical dancer and a son is traditional dancer.  She added, “I encourage not only my children but also other young people should be learn how to dance and let’s keep our Khmer tradition culture.”

Mr. Vothy, 42 years old added, that his wife is classical dancer.  He first met her after her dancing performance show. 

Num Bonh-Chok

Num Bonh-Chok’s dish is the mixture of noodles, the vegetables and Khmer green soup (fish soup) which called Samlor Proha or curry (red and a little bit spicy soup which can be made out of meat or chicken) called Samlor Namya. 

Num Bonh-Chok is available almost everywhere in Cambodia; especially you can find it at a good place in Phnom Penh is Wat Botum that you can see a lot of shops along the sidewalk around that pagoda. Or you can see people sale it in different images, such as:  in markets, restaurants, or they carry and sale on the roads. Some Khmer foods, we use spoons and forks to eat but for Num Bonh-Chok, we use chopsticks instead. 

Num Bonh-Chok is cheap and taste good that you can spend only about 1500-3000riels to get one of a delicious dish of it like in the picture. Please come and try it and enjoy your new meal.

  

‘Num Bonh-Chok’ refers to ‘Khmer noodles’ which is one of the most popular foods in Cambodia that regarded as one of the Cambodian national foods. We don’t know the exactly time it was made but Num Bonh-Chok is only to be found in Cambodia.

  Num Bonh-Chok is made out of rice and to be eaten with so many kinds of vegetable. Those are: water mimosa, water lily, plove kangkep, string beans, cucumber, cabbage, basil…etc.

Samla Kako

Samla Kako is the most popular and famous soup of Cambodian  Samla kako means “stirring soup” . The soup has been popular among cambodian adults and up to now Khmer still make this as part of their dinner menu . Aside from various kinds of vegetables, the soup can also be added with meat like fish, chicken, dove or pork. If one has to opt fish, Chhlang fish or Andeng fish is recommended.

There are many ingredients that we need to use for cooking this soup. If we choose fish, chop it into chunks. For vegetable, we have many kinds such as green papaya, green banana and young palm fruit, sliced it thinly, purple egg plant cut into triangles, long beans cut into three pieces. Other ingredients include lemon grass leaves, rhizome, and turmeric, galangal cut into small pieces, five garlic cloves, and half cup of rice roasted, salt, palm sugar and fish sauce. Another ingredient is stem of Angkeadei leaf and stems of Marum leaf.

         Here's the secret in cooking the soup. First, fry  Prahok in vegetable oil in large pot over a medium low heat, when oil turns green,  add fish, salt, sugar, and water, while stirring. Next, put fish and cook it for 15 minutes, then add the vegetables stirring it constantly. Add the roasted rice powder, sand put some water. Stir well. Increase the heat to medium high and let it boil. When boiled, add Ankeadei and Marum leaf. Samla Kako can already be served.     

Bokor National Park

Bokor Mountain is situated about 180km from Phnom Penh. From Kampot, take the road towards route 4 about 8 kilometers. 

The Bokor National Park is originally a small resort town; it is now an abandoned ghost town. It was built by the French in the 20's and then expanded much later (evidenced by some sleek and modern architecture). More over, it was abandoned due to the civil war in the 70's and was used as a hold out for the Khmer Rouge for a while. There are several other buildings including a

catholic church, a casino, some homes, buildings for the former king, and either a view of fog or a  view of Southern Cambodia and Vietnam's island Phu Quoc.   At around 1000 meters and an hour drive up the mountain road; you can see there are some sights to see on the way up, such as the waterfalls, wild banana trees and other trees as well. Monkeys are everywhere along the way up to the peak, and the old King's "staff" accommodations, so you might want to take a few rest breaks along the way. The route is so nice and wide after 2 years reconstruction by Sokha Resort and Hotel. The road is not as slippery as you could imagine. You can also bring something to eat and drink since there is no restaurants or somewhere you can eat on the top of the mountain. The old ruined palace was abandoned, like the rest of the site, at the beginning of the Second World War. The old Casino occupies a commanding position on the mountain. With shattered windows pock-marked with bullet holes; it bears the scars of recent battles. It was the scene of a ferocious fight between the Khmer Rouge and the Vietnamese in the early 1980s after liberation of Kampuchea by the Vietnamese Army.

However, you will pay 10$ for the entrance fee during holiday in Cambodia. You can also get a ride in a pickup truck (either inside or in the back) for a day trip, including lunch for $12 to $25. Most tours leave from downtown Kampot, or sometime you can take a dirt bike (or a 100cc small bike, not recommended) up to the top.  Drive slow, especially coming back down. If you don't have your own bike, big dirt bikes can be rented in Kampot for less than $12/day. You may want to bring some warm clothes as the temperatures, especially at night are much cooler, and there often fog or rain at the top. There are some simple rooms for rent on the mountain, it is just about 10$ to 15$ per night, and will double the price during the holiday. Or u can rent a cheaper room within Kampot city for only 5$/night. Kampot Province is famous of fresh seafood, so if you are interested in delicious seafood, nice beach and scenery, you can not miss out for any reasons to visit kampot what so ever.

For the safe ride, for the nice scenery, for the cool mountain air, for the adventure, for relaxation all are good reasons to travel the the top of Bokor Mountain.

 There is currently construction, both the road going up the mountain, and on top, to turn this area into a new, modern and glamorous resort.

Korea's influence to khmer teens

by Lim Chanmoniroth

Cambodian youth start to change their style when the incoming of Korean film in Cambodia. These are among the many influences on Cambodian teens to change their style.

·         
Youth always want to try. This age period is the period of the mental development of the human brain and the period that human can develop their knowledge quickly. This is also one of the causes which push the adult to test with the all new things.

·        Korean films are played in all channel in Cambodia, most of the youth idolizes its star and tried to imitate them. Therefore, they want to wear whatever the star is wearing or has endorsed.

·         
      Korean song is very popular in Cambodia, especially the singer group like the Big Bang group, Girl generation, Kara, etc. Not only youth take the Korean singer style, but also Khmer singers imitate those styles. It is the most effective factor that stimulates the youth to change their clothes style.

They change their hair style, necklace, ring, shoes, watch, clothes, and makeup style. In my writing, I choose only the clothes style to talk about. Both adult girl and boy start to wear the jean with bright color such as yellow, red, blue, white, pink, etc. In addition, they change from wear long jean to short jean, from short jean to long jean up to the film and Korean singer’s fashion. Especially the girl, she usually wear jacket with the t- shirt and the short jean. Some of them use the long trousers with the short skirt jean. These are the style of the Korean singer, mostly from the Girl’s Generation Group, Super Junior, and many other Korean singers. Look at this picture you will understand how the Cambodian Youth follow up the Korean Fashion.

In conclusion, youth or adult is an age period that their minds always change. They are easily influenced by the outside environment. However, the change is not wrong but some time too much change will effect to their life and the social culture.

How to Dry Your Hair Properly

Cambodian people are sensitive about their hair beauty. About 90% of the ages of 18-30 go to hair salon very often. They take care of their hair from root to the top because it’s one of the most important part of their body that can be shown off. They have beautiful thick and flawless hair. There is a secret behind this. It’s about how to dry your hair. After having shower, wet hair can make you feel uncomfortable. The fastest way to dry your hair is blow drying, but blow drying can damage your hair. However, if you know how to dry your hair correctly, you will have healthy and beautiful hair. The tips below will guide you how to dry your hair properly.

First of all, use towel to wipe your hair gently, but do not rub it heavily because it can damage your hair and make it fall. Next, comb your hair by using a big tooth comb, and comb it carefully. Do not comb your hair strongly. And then, you can apply some gel on your hair, but it should be in small amount. Finally, you should let your hair dry naturally, or you can dry it by air drying. In case you are in hurry, you can choose to blow dry, but make sure you set the blow dryer at the lowest level. While you are drying, do not dry sticking to one place. Also, you should stop drying before your hair totally dry. It is good to leave it a little bit wet, so your hair will not be burnt.

As Cambodian people have healthy and good looking hair, and they know how to take care of their hair, why not try to follow the tips above?

Prong

by Sorn Sreynech

Prong is a kind of popular soup among Khmer Leor people living in northeastern area of Cambodia. This soup is usually cooked as part of the main dish of people in tribe. Because of its delicious taste, Pront became popular to other neighboring provinces making it an everyday part of their menu.

            The main ingredient of the soup are beef, banana plant, sweet leafs (the mix of wild leaf and pepper leaf), citronella (not leaf), pea eggplant, green peppers, prohok (kind of Khmer cheese made from fishes), a kind of ginger used in soup, garlic and red garlic. The taste of soup is a bit spicy which makes it much more delicious. The soup is rich in vitamins and protein derived from vegetables and beef respectively. Its ingredient, the sweet leaf is rarely found in cities. This kind of vegetable g kind of these leafs mostly grow ionly in forest found in rural areas. This is another must-try in visiting Cambodia.

  

From Worms to Silk

by: Se Sothida

Khmer Silk is very popular in the world for many years. There are not many countries that can produce silk, considering the complexity of the process which requires several days to produce.

Silk is produced from different types of insects, but only the silk of moth has been used for textile industry. The female adult silkworm can produce approximately 400 eggs a time and as soon as it lays eggs, it will die instantly.   

To produce silk as a final or semi final product we have first the silkworm egg is laid on a flat large basket where they are placed under gauze with the intention of keeping larvae of the silkworm egg following it hatch. The incubation from silkworm egg to larvae takes around 10 days. About 6 weeks later the larvae will then be mature enough to spin a web of silk cocoon. The web of silk cocoon emerges with the fibrin secretion from the salivary glands of mature larvae. This rotation of silk cocoon which produces a thick silk thread will take about a week. At this time, it is called pupating. After that, the silk threads are separated from cocoons to make a single thread by using traditional tool. Sometimes, a single filament of thread is taken from many cocoons.

At the end of the process, the product is raw silk that is turned into varieties of different purposes for example, dress, shirt, tie, bed sheet, and other products. Besides, silk is designed by weaving into traditional fabric, sarong, and scarf that Cambodian people always wear in any special ceremonies such as Khmer New Year, Pchhom Ben Festival, wedding, and other events.      

The process of producing Khmer Silk is quite complicated and required deep attention compared to other production process. Khmer silk is famous for both foreign and local tourists as souvenir for their beloved as well.

         

Visiting Siem Reap

by: Sok Sopheaktra

Siem Reap has many places where tourists both domestic and international, can spend their holiday trip together with family, friends and co-workers. The Siem Reap province is the main tourist site in Cambodia According to Khmer History from 9th Century to 12th Century, a lot of temple complex  were built in Siem Reap province. The province is located in northwestern Cambodia, on the  shores of the Tonle Sap Lake which is the biggest lake in Cambodia. Its distance is 314km from Phnom Penh, and can be reached along the National Road No 6 via Kampong Cham Province and Kampong Thom Province.

         
Siem Reap has been popularly known for tourists because of these landmarks: Angkor Wat temple,Phnom, Bakheng  mountain, Banteay Srei Temple and many others. Angkor Wat has been regarded as the (7^th) World Heritage in the world.
 

            Angkor Wat  literally means “City Temple” It is a Temple Complex which has 65 meter height, 200 hectares land area and surface of temple 1,500 meters  built at the beginning of 12^th Century during the reign of the King Sorayak Varaman II (1113 – 1152) dedicated to Preah Vi Snouk who was named Prech Bo Me Vi Snouk Lok right after he died. This temple is a huge sacrifice of Sorayak Varaman II. His intention is to create the real haven on the earth. Angkor Wat Temple is the soul of Khmer people (90% of Cambodian population). It represents Khmer art, great civilization, spiritual heart, national identity and political power in the Angkorean era.

Angkor Wat is not only provided fresh air and cool environment, but also conveys visitor’s feeling to move into the ancient time, the golden age of Khmer empire.

Huge trees seem to tell visitors that those temple were abandon or forgotten for a very long time. So what did happen during that time? How did people live? What was really look like in that era? And how many mystery was hidden according to the time? Almost visitors ask themselves those questions above, when they take their time to visit Siem Reap Province. Besides, Siem Reap provides other services such as: Luxury hotels, quest house, souvenir’s shops, restaurants, night clubs and so on that can make tourists easy to stay, to live or buy the souvenirs for their relative or friends. 

Phnom Bakheng which has 45 meter height and 109 peaks located on the top of 65 meter height mountain of  Bak kheng where tourist usually climb up to get fresh air and take picture of sun set in the afternoon overlooking  Tonle Sap Lake and Angkor Wat set in dense Jungle.

Banteay Srei Temple was built in 10^th century which Cambodian uses this temple to pray to Hindu and Shiva. It is built largely of red sandstone, a medium that lends itself the elaborate decorative wall carvings which are still observable today. The building themselves are miniature in scale, unusually so when measured by standard of Angkor construction. This temple was built with a very beautiful carving. Even this temple is a bit old, but it still can attract many tourist to visit its.

         
Angkor Wat as well as any Khmer ancient temple just a pile of stone, but in the eyes of scholars those ancient stones are not things, actually they have many ancient sculpture and poem on the wall presented about craftsmanship, architecture, believe, faith, living of People in ancient time.

TaTai Resort

by Sok Kahna

The most exciting resort  floating within four rivers is TaTai. Dveloped in November, 2009. TaTai is a among the top-ten tourist destinations along with Prasat Preah Vihear, Angkor Wat, Bokor National Park, Sihanoukville, Ratanakiri Province, Mondulkiri Province, Kratie, Phnom Penh, Kampot, and Koh Ker for its Best in Travel 2010 publication.

TaTai is one of small resorts in Koh Kong Province which is located in south-west Cambodia. Tourists can get there by National Route 4 which is linked to Phnom Penh and Sihanoukville. Instead of traveling by cars or buses, tourists can enjoy traveling by boat. Normally, it takes five hours to arrive at Tatai. During the 5 hours trip along the road, tourists will enjoy with the beautiful scenery of mountains, fresh fruit farms, the five bridges across attractive rivers, and the natural view of lush forests. 

Between the crossing of Sihanoukville and Koh Kong Province, don't forget to try tasty Durian sold along the way by the locals. After relaxing with the 4.5 hours journey, you'll reach Koh Kong Province. Spend another 30 minutes to catch TaTai Resort by boat. TaTai is a peaceful and quiet resort which is surrounded by Cardamom Mountains and section of Kirirom National Park. The Cardamom Mountains are one of  Asia's most pristine ecological areas and also one of its most inaccessible; a perfect hiding place for rare animals - indochinese tigers, asian elephant, and javan rhinoceros. 

What's more, TaTai is seated within the 4 rivers floating. You'll see many luxury tents completely floating platform. TaTai offers an absolute pleasure to tourists. With the floating eco-lodge, it's favorable to receive unsullied feeling and serene precious nature. For newly-wed couples, it's a unique resort that you would consider to have your honeymoon. Within its untouched environment, it's a truly haven on earth. Besides, it is not only a romantic place for new couple, but also a relaxing place for other tourists who want to find a quiet place for their holiday. They can enjoy many entertainment activities such as sunbathing, fishing, jointing barbecue, boating, and others. Furthermore, fresh seafood is the main cuisine that Tatai offers. Tourists will enjoy the taste  of seafood.

TaTai is a marvelous resort that will release your stress. I bet, you'll find a romantic feeling with the beautiful views of lush forested mountains, natural habitat, rare animals, floating eco-lodge.

           

         

Bamboo Sticky Rice

by Lim Seakthor

If we travel to northeastern extreme of Cambodia by national highway number 7, we will come across Kratie province pronounced as kracheh. Because of Kratie is once among other provinces that are located along the Mekong River, it becomes the exciting local capital province for national and international tourists.

Kratie Province is famous for the bamboo sticky rice locally known as krolan in khmer. All tourists that visit this province, they never forget to buy Bamboo Sticky Rice for their relatives because it is tastier. Krolan is made from glutinous rice, coconut milk, and bean. They are mixed together, and packed in a small bamboo stick.

It is about 0.3meter long and 0.3g in weight. At the top of it, they put the skin of coconut. It is prepared in two parallel blocks and then they burn it. The secret of its taste lies in burning the bamboo while the rice is inside it. Once u peel the bark of the bamboo, you can smell its good taste and coconut filling. Its taste is sweet making it the people 's favorite snack.

Aside from  being a tourist destination, Kratie province became popular because of its Bamboo Sticky Rice . Most of the tourists enjoy its taste which makes them crave for more.

Discovering the Mystery of Phreah Vihear

By Vongsen Pisey

Prasat Preah Vihear is an ancient Khmer temple in Cambodia situated at the top of 525 meters cliff in the Dangrek Mountains. Preah Vihear province is about 320 km from Phnom Penh.

This temple was constructed to dedicate to the Hindu God, Shiva and it is the first temple in the early 9(th) century. We can find inscription at the temple about sacred rituals, celebrations, religious festivals and making gifts of Suryavarman II.

Phreah Vihear temple was selected by UNESCO World Heritage as the world’s greatest landmark. The architecture of this temple was adapted to the natural environment and religious function. The design of buildings and their materials express well values of the property.

Preah Vihear temple is unique in its style of architecture with an overwhelming view of the province atop. This temple has four courtyards and levels comprising five Gopuras.

On the first level Gopura is Greek architecture style and each doorway adorned by stone lions. Moreover, Nagaraj Courtyard is made from a single solid stone that had seven headed snakes called Ngu Suang. The front stone stairway is a large stone located on the first and second steps with stone signa statue. Third level Gopuras was the place where the king prays to the God, and the two wings on its side were the shelters for the pilgrims.

The best time to see the beauty of Phreah Vihear is in the morning and evening. In the morning time, one can watch mountains bathed in sunlight while unwinding in fresh cool air from surrounding mountains and forests. Evening is also a great time, where clouds and thick fog spells cold ambiance. Picture taking is good at this moment as sun sets in.

Experience Mondulkiri: Elephant Trekking

by: Nou Pichdalice

An elephant ride is something that cannot be forgotten and will stay in the memory of tourists who have visited waterfalls and rain forests. One can find Elephant Trekking in different places across Cambodia specifically in Mondulkiri – Cambodia’s top trekking destination site.

Mondulkiri is located in the northeastern of Cambodia about 543km from Phnom Penh. One can reach Mondulkiri safely by bus. Mondulkiri is considered the biggest province in Cambodia; however the density is very low. It is full of natural resources; forests with huge trees, many of which have survived for more than a hundred years. Mineral such as gold and gems can also be found in this province.

Tourists consider the place as breathtakingly beautiful due to its the rich culture and natural beauty one can see and experience while traversing the land. One can still find indigenous people whose culture is still very much alive. These are the tribes who make Mondulkiri a unique province in Cambodia worth everyone’s visit. The place boasts of interesting activities like elephant ride, while trekking the rain forest where you can see and experience the green wild thick forest or unwind at Busra waterfall. Mondulkiri offers every visitor a chance to fully interact with nature with the locals as guide who will accompany you on the trek in an elephant ride. Since its inception, the trekking tour has helped local people earn extra income by acting as tour guides for tourists and is considered an environment-friendly transportation means. These tribe people pay a high respect for these elephants by praying to elephant gods as part of regular praying ritual and death ceremonies because domestic elephants are very important for them in their daily life. If you like adventurous trip do not lose this chance and join these fascinating activities.

Tourists can arrange from the travel agency or somewhere at the guesthouse, hotel, or communities. It is recommended to book the tour one day in advance so they will have enough time to arrange everything for you smoothly.

Nou Pichdalice is a fourth year student of Pannasastra University of Cambodia taking up English for Business.

Welcome Readers

Welcome to our blog. Discover Cambodia will provide you the information on places, food and lifestyle that defines Cambodian culture. The blog is a term project of Journalism students in PUC. Our pool of writers will offer you interesting information about living and visiting Cambodia beyond the famous Angkor Wat. The blog will also take a peek into Khmer beauty and fitness secret. You will find it interesting when you come to visit Cambodia. We will serve you a lot of information such as tourists sites in Cambodia, fashion, how to take care your health, and food. You will know which places you want to visit or hotel to stay or food you like. Moreover, you can give comments to our blog, see you guys around. Enjoy it!

Ly Piseth

Editor in chief