There are many ways to work up a sweat in Cambodia in April. Walk from your bed to the bathroom, leave your front door, lift a glass of water...but exercise cannot be neglected because we are in a constant state of perspiration. Oh no, the maintenance of youthful looks and wellbeing do not come about without any effort
And you can't fool your body into thinking that just because you are dripping in sweat (whilst walking around the market looking at dresses) you are exercising. It doesn't work.
There really is no escaping the fact that we, as humans, need to exercise. In Cambodia, Canada, Cuba or Congo- whatever the environment, we have to build up the kind of sweat that only comes from heavy physical exertion. There. Enough of the bad news.
Yes, you are right to assume that I am as lazy as a sloth after a heavy meal. However, I am also an optimist and good at finding a ray of light in even the darkest tunnel. So looking good whilst doing something unpleasant (exercise) is the beam of light I'm chasing in this equation.
CityMart on the top-floor of Sorya shopping centre is a shop I find myself constantly referring to in any nook and cranny that pertains to fashion. That's because they stock such an eclectic range of goods. I'm sure that if I ever write about cheerleading outfits for ferrets I will include CityMart in the story, because by that time they will stock said item.
Sportswear is what I'm investigating on this particular occasion and I was not disappointed. Au contraire. For men, women, children most sporting activities are catered for here. And brands I have not heard of since I was a teenager, Kappa anyone? Hang Ten?
The shop layout is a bit all over the place with aisles of golf shorts, tennis shirts and swimwear surfacing at unexpected turns. But for the keen sportsman or woman, the trails will lead to the desired item. The Lee Cooper range carry long-sleeved cotton t-shirts that seem sensible under the current egg-frying sun and UMBRO have enough football shirts to keep half the male population on this planet content. Footwear is plentiful as well with golf shoes, football boots and running trainers provided by brands as diverse as Reebok and New Balance.
Once you are content with your outfit the next box to tick is what to carry your gear around in...stylish options are available. Puma has a very cute sports tote, and for those who prefer backpacks Nike and Fila have taken you into consideration. Sport and style can meet from top to toe.
Norodom has erected a shrine for those who love physical activity. Adidas has a brand-spanking shiny new shop dedicated to those who love sport and on behalf of those people I went in to peruse the style stakes. And I was impressed- for a number of different reasons, the first having nothing to do with fashion at all.
Back to fashion and Adidas has always had a good reputation in terms of quality and design and the arrival of this shop means that Phnom Penhnners can now indulge in this experience in its full glory. The footwear is a particular treat as they have all the trendy stuff that looks great with jeans...oops...the sloth returns...
Sorya Shopping Centre: Nº. 13-61, Trasak Paem (St. 63)
Adidas: Nº. 164, Norodom