Number nine

This is Number Nine, Mr Issaro, tuk tuk driver in Siem Reap. He became our faithful driver, taking us to and from dinner every day. Why he was Number Nine I never really figured out, but somehow the drivers were assigned numbers. He arrived on the minute, didn't expect any tip (and therefore got a lot) and was a careful driver, something that can't be said about the majority out in the streets. Number Nine had a very friendly smile, but suddenly, like so many Cambodians, became very serious when I wanted to take a picture.

One morning we learned from our talkative waiter at breakfast that this rainy season isn't rainy enough for the rice to grow as it should, at least not in the region where his parents are rice farmers. I can certainly confirm that most days have been rather dry ones, but had not given a thought to the fact that this actually is a big problem for a large part of the population.

Talking about breakfast: I have never seen such choice of fruit anywhere. Here is my plate from a random day.

Jackfruit, mangosteen, dragon fruit, rambutan, papaya and a little banana. 

Cockfighting is a popular sport. Here is a muscular cock preparing for the next match.