Valentines Day in Phnom Penh was filled with sweetness. As Josh and I breezed down the streets in a tuk tuk tables of roses could be noticed on just about every street. They were selling single roses for only a dollar. I don't remember how much a single rose costs in Canada- but I am sure that it's more than a dollar!
When Josh and I reached the market we went our separate ways, on a hunt to buy each other surprise gifts. Forty five minutes of squeezing through people in the crowded market(which included the moment that I discovered that the gift that I planned on buying Josh was no longer being sold) resulted in me spending $3 only a last-minute gift idea that I thought was kinda lame. Josh and I had agreed to meet at Sorya mall which was just up the street from the market. Upon reaching the mall, I ran into our favourite video store as a last resort. The girls giggled upon my arrival and wished me a 'happy valentines day'.
"Any plans?" they gushed knowingly. It was written all over their pretty faces that Josh had just been in the same store buying a gift for me and he had told them all about our 'gift exchange plan'. This was no surprise, since Josh and visit this store at least once a week to browse, pick up movies and talk to the friendly people who work there.
"I don't know what to get him!"I groaned to one of the girls. She stood next to me as I flipped through a shelf of movies.
"When do you have to meet up with him?" she inquired. I glanced at my watch. 11:30.
"Oh no, right now!"I exclaimed, "I have to go!" I scrambled out of the store empty handed and made my way to the 'Pizza Company' restaurant. Josh was already sitting inside drinking a beer. As we waited for our pizza and appetizers, we exchanged gifts. Josh was happy with my little gift to him, and he presented me with 'America's Next Top Model' series1-11, and 'We're Not Married' starring Marilyn Monroe. After lunch, we returned to the video store and Josh picked out the rest of his gift from me. Hey, that works too!
"He came here first and told me not to tell you he was here," one of the girls giggled, in the cute way that the Cambodians do. Yes,it was a sweet Valentines Day, topped off with strawberry-banana ice cream sundaes.So clearly we just used Valentines Day as an excuse to buy each other presents and eat ice cream. It was a lot of fun. I don't think that every day should be like Valentines Day in the way of gifts and dessert. But everyday a celebration of love? Yes, please!

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