We spent three incredible days exploring the temples of the ancient Angkorian Kingdom. We were introduced to the diversity of ruins and temples through our visits to Banteay Srei, Ta Prohm, Angkor Wat (for sunrise!), Angkor Thom, and (with the walls of Angkor Thom) the famous Bayon Temple.
We drove through the agricultural heartland of the country of Cambodia, just skirting along the edges of the Tonle Sap Lake. Arriving to the R/V Jahan just before sunset, we departed the city of Kampong Cham and passed a fantastic bamboo bridge, constructed and utilized only during the dry season on the river.
We awoke this morning to our first sunrise on the waters of the Mekong. Our arrival to the ship yesterday has allowed us to settle into the rhythm and pace of life on the water. The waterways of this country are its lifeblood, and we are able to witness rural life of all varieties, as we move up and down the river system.
We began our explorations by visiting colorful Wat Hanchey. A modern, Buddhist pagoda sits atop a promontory over the Mekong River, where the remains of a 7th century tower still stand. There are beautiful temples scattered throughout the complex, alongside giant representations of local fruits, vegetables, and wildlife from around the world. Our transportation to and from the temple was part of the adventure too! Some of our group chose to walk up the sloping pathway to the temple complex, but the majority of us rode on the back of local motorbikes, driven by locals in the community. Everywhere we went, local children surrounded us, smiling and practicing their English-language skills.
We continued back downriver towards the village of Angkor Ban. Photo Instructor Michael Nolan introduced us to the creative ways that we can incorporate photography into our voyage and National Geographic Expert Paula Swart discussed The Mighty Mekong. We arrived in Angkor Ban for an afternoon visit and enjoyed wandering around this beautiful, traditional village. We walked through the village, meeting local farmers, children, and many young Buddhist monks. We visited the 150-year-old home of a woman who graciously invited us inside to see photos of her family, to ask her questions about her life, and to allow us a chance to see her humble cooking and living areas. We stopped by the local fish, meat, and vegetable market and were told by the local women that they envied the shape of our western noses!
Lastly, we were fortunate enough to witness some of the local fishermen pulling in their nets. This time of the year, the trey riel fisheries are an incredibly important resource for the local people. This small, silver fish is the basis of the fermented fish paste, prahok, which is utilized as the basis for almost every sauce in Cambodian cuisine. Two boats joined together to pull in one, large net, hoping to capture even a small number of these incredibly valuable fish.
Our first day on the Mekong River gave us a wonderful introduction to Buddhism and rural, village life. Our adventures continue tomorrow as we head upstream along the Tonle Sap River.
