Beer over ice

After living in Belgium for five years I am spoiled for good beer. I have never liked pilsner, but that is what is readily available here in Cambodia. The main beer brands are Angkor, Mekong, and Tiger.

Also, remember it's a little warm here. Within a few minutes a cold can of beer is at room temperature, HOT by my beer standards. The locals here enjoy their beer over ice. It sounds funny but it works. First, the beer stays cold; second, as the ice melts it gives you water with your beer, so you should not be as dehydrated afterward; and lastly it reduces the beer flavor, which in my view is a plus. All in all, this is not a bad way to drink beer.

I learned from Igor, a Russian friend in Belgium, that in Russia before you drink you must make a toast. Only an alcoholic would drink without making a toast. Here, before anyone has a drink of beer, they clink glasses with EVERYONE around the table. At a social event, it sometimes seems that you spend all evening clicking glasses.