Psar means market, and Psar Chaa is the biggest, oldest market in town. You know you're getting close when the air is thick with the odor of fish guts. In the middle of the market is a wide open space where women sell fruit, vegetables, eggs, meat, and a variety of cooking items such as oil and herbs. Encircling the food tables are hundreds of tiny stalls with clothes, purses, shoes, toiletries, jewelry, arts and crafts, souvenirs, and plastic household items. One side offers services like haircuts, pedicures, and tailoring.
It's easiest to slice meat while wearing sitting cross-legged on the table. That doesn't seem so bad when you consider that the meat has been sitting out in the heat all day with flies swirling about. Women often wear matching pajama sets for daily activities.
The shopkeepers are happy to help you part with your money and try aggressive tactics which sometimes involve grabbing peoples' arms and thrusting items in their face. "You want scarf? You want sarong? Come. It free to take a look." Bargaining is required. When you ask the price of an item, the seller will name an outrageously high price. The buyer must name an extremely low price. Both buyer and seller will act shocked by each other. The seller will lower the price by a few dollars. The buyer raises the price a couple dollars. It's all part of an elaborate dance. Sellers have developed certain lines that work well for them. "You buy two, and I give you special bargain." "How much you pay?" "One more dollar, please. So I make profit."
Brightly colored spices are sold in packets. I stocked up on salt, pepper, chili flakes.
Bargaining can be fun if you know what to do and have the right attitude. I have a few lines myself that work well in getting a good deal. "That's my best price. It's a good price for you." "There's another lady who will sell me the same thing for cheaper." If those don't work, then I walk away. 95% of the time, the seller will relent and offer the price you want.
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