Pensive, purposeful ponderings

 

 

Pensive, purposeful ponderings

 

22/7

Strangely, when I heard that everyone needed to return to their hometowns to vote, it didn’t immediately dawn on me that it would, once again, mean that the city streets would be deserted. I love it like this.

 

Not that I don’t love it when it’s frantic activity. I do, but this is a real change of pace and volume.

 

Although, the market was positively jumping early this morning, when we loaded up on supplies to cook a special farewell dinner, silence reigns now, in the early evening.

The traffic has been pouring out of the CBD all day and by afternoon a huge number of business were locked up tight.  Roadside entrepreneurs have also doubled and there is an opportunistic element to goods they sell.  The city dwellers are fleeing to their families in far flung provinces bearing gifts and spoils from the big city, no doubt.

 

The garbage truck had almost nothing to pick up on the street earlier this evening, only the odd moto is zooming about and the usually packed parking spaces are empty. It’s a little eerie in the Aerie but it reminds me of the several other occasions that it has been the same scenario and it’s entertaining watching the street life take on a new persona.

 

The neighbourhood children have reclaimed the street as a play zone and families sit around tables outdoors enjoying a leisurely meal while the nightclubs, restaurants and small stores remain closed. There is not a single roadside food cart or mobile restaurant set up anywhere in our street, when they are usually jostling to set up their tables and stools for the passing night time trade.

 

There is an air of expectancy now the exuberance of the flag waving, applauding, cheering and chanting of the numerous parades has subsided. Up until yesterday morning there were regular political parades and rallies consisting of trucks filled with supporters all loudly broadcasting and shouting slogans.  These parades were accompanied by an entourage of both tuk tuks and motos.

 

Tomorrow is the big day and it seems as if the city is collectively holding its breath.

 

23/7

 

After yesterday’s musing I wondered where all those who must be registered as residents of Phnom Penh were hanging out and this morning we found little enclaves of activity and even a voting booth or two to reassure me that there are in fact plenty of citizens still occupying the city precinct and eagerly participating in the democratic process. Those ink stained index fingers indicate that they have already voted. 

 

Now we wait for the victory to be announced and the celebrations to commence.