So whilst descriptions of meeting monks, visiting a Khmer Rouge prison or buying stuff at markets will help some build a picture of Cambodia, others will do so by the price of a beer. And it should be a happy picture that appears, as a can of beer is about $1.
Admittedly, these are small 330ml cans and in some bars you may pay $1.50 but it's still good value when a dollar equals 65p or so.
The popular beer is the local Angkor - their Tenant's or Carling, although defo better than Carling. Unsurprising to many will be that i've been trying the range of local brews and couldn't resist the temptation of the Black Panther. Especially since it was 8%.
It went down a treat, so when I was told by another volunteer that the ABC was considered even better, and just as strong, I looked forward to getting some of that. Even though its name was rubbish compared to Black Panther.
So I ordered an ABC and happily supped away. Until the bill came. Claire shot a look at me and I withered.
Twice the price?! How much?! Quick mental calculation of exchange rates. Oh right, only $1.50 compared to the Black Panther's 75 cents.
Looks like I'm resigned to drinking Black Panther at 75 cents.
How good a picture does that paint?
Gordon
