The Festive Hope – Portrait Sothy Keo
Siem Reap lays quiet on the morning of April 18th, the day after Khmer New Year comes to an end. The sun shines brightly on the newly constructed roads that are caked with layers of baby powder — the smokey evidence of the week-long Khmer New Year’s water fights that took hold over the city. Nestled on the riverbanks are two sister restaurants of Khéma and Malis, decorated lightly with multi-coloured stars and straw hats that represent the festive holiday. Sothy Keo runs both restaurants in Siem Reap. Ever since she was promoted to Malis’ manager in 2016 and has…