For someone who isn't obsessed with gathering objects, I spend a vast amount of time shopping. Not that I'm picky--really, I'm not--it's just that I don't have a reason to own anything I don't really like.
And travel is all about shopping. Though one can do research "up the ying-yang," as my friend Sioux Hemm would say, still one can't understand one's needs until one actually gets to a place. Angkor was a really good example. I went there in 2007 without knowing how ridiculously hot and dusty it was, even in January. I had exactly one dress that was suitable. Otherwise, I had hot, tight capris. Shorts weren't acceptable--these are working temples--so I spent a lot of time trying to find loose comfortable clothes to wander around the ruins of Angkor Thom, Ta Prohm and the Bayon.
And as a vegetarian, I can't eat any food that presents itself. And I spend a substantial amount on supplements and western foods..
So here's my latest haul. BTW I loooove the sneakers!!!!!
People who like their fish really fresh can check out the local DaZhang supermarket at Splendid Mall...
...but choose your prey with care.
Note the dead fish in the tanks and the ones with the blotches of fungus growing on their skins...
I don't think these turtles are destined for a child's aquarium or a backyard pond.
The stuff of nightmares, not nibbling as far as I am concerned.