Did two weeks just go by? After a good 12 hours sleep last night (the most sleep I’ve had in a night in years, particularly over the last couple of weeks!), I am back in the office after my whirlwind trip of Malaysia and Cambodia.

I couldn’t wipe the smile off my face on the trip into Phnom Penh from the airport, the familiar sites, smells and sounds...it was just weird feeling like a tourist for the first time – I must admit I do prefer the feeling of belonging when you actually live in the place rather than just visiting!


The chaotic streets of Phnom Penh on the way into town from the airport

There was definitely a feel of growth in the capital, a huge amount of construction going on and an upmarket feel with the shift from shops having open shopfronts to the introduction of glass and airconditioning...very fancy.

It was fantastic to see the new Smateria workshop complete with the new Day Care Centre on the top floor...not to mention the new Smateria shop at Pochentong Airport...Smateria have certainly been busy in the last year!

 
Sleeping babies in Smateria's Day Care Centre


Smateria worker hard at it - cleaning motorcycle seats
for the Smoto range

And for Tendance Khmere, I visited their newly opened shop which is attached to their new Cafe - Cafe Gourmand. I can highly recommend the trademark dish – and namesake for the Cafe which is the “Gourmand” dessert tasting plate. “Gourmand” meaning “Greedy”! The new Tendance Khmere “kids” cushion range featured at this shop is great fun and makes wonderful use of TK’s signature bright colours.


"Cafe Gourmand" dessert tasting plate


Tendance Khmere decor at Cafe Gourmand - Phnom Penh

Always a pleasure to see these new developments in person and meet with our wonderful suppliers face to face – a lovely preview of what’s next to come for us here in Australia!
-Sarah