Sunday | December 7, 2014
Today was adventurous – partly intentionally and partly unintentionally.
We organized a private tour to go to Ream National Park; again, it was just three of us. Our guide, UK, was another sensational guide. But this time, we had three guides, a boat captain, and a driver, (the same driver as last time). I guess wages here are so low that the company can pay all of them for our measly $720! In fact, we learned from our guide that the average per capita annual income is $1024 (US). But garment workers are paid only $75 per month.
A bit more about Cambodia today and these fact bear memorialization.
This is the wedding season in Cambodia. Weddings are held during the dry season because, if they are held during the wet season “no one will show up.”
As is the case in Vietnam, the government gives land to farmers to cultivate. Once they plant it, it inures to them.
The government receives subsidies from China in connection with the manufacturing of garments. (So China exports its garment orders to Vietnam, further reducing the price of labor.)
There are “special economic zones” established by the government in which people can work as farmers and also as factory employees. That is because farmers in Cambodia no longer make enough money to sustain themselves.
From 1863 to 1953, Cambodia was a French protectorate.
There are two main holidays in Cambodia. Sometime around April 15th, depending on the moon, is the Cambodian New Year. And the last 15 days of October are set aside and celebrated as “reunion time.” During this time, people all return to their childhood home where the families can gather for family reunion.
China is presently funding and building a large bridge over the Mekong Delta River region. Next, China will be building another superhighway to run parallel to Highway4, connecting the southern part of the country with the northern part of the country. (Obviously, China fully intends to recoup its investment, probably annexing Cambodia as a “little brother”, but in any event, they are already enjoying access to the rich natural resources of the country.)
The first part of our day was an hour long boat ride on Freshwater River. The boat wharf, and boats, were not exactly comparable to Miami’s International Cruise Ship terminal!!
Again, I was fascinated by the funky motors on these things.
All along the way, we were accompanied by a boat we nicknamed the “Cambodian Coast Guard.”
I wasn’t immediately aware of the need for it until our guide told us that the same boat we were on now had failed two days earlier and members of our ship had to be rescued and transported on this little skiff.
As we traveled the river, we saw lots of fishermen plying their trade.
We also saw the result of a fisherman who was not so fortunate.
We salso saw some interesting sea creatures.
We finally arrived at Thmor Thom Village (or Big Rock Village). It was a small, basic village, primarily consisting of four houses, all belonging to different generations of the same family. And they were the nicest people we have met so far.
They invited us into their homes.
They showed us how they make (fly infested) rice wine.
They shared their at-home karaoke systems with us.
They shared their babies with us.
They asked us to join the children in their one room school (yes, on a Sunday).
And while there, we met Sokrosh, a 76 year old man who was insistent that his family receive a proper education. He had six children and 19 grandchildren and he took great pride in introducing us to several of his grandchildren.
We saw tons of domesticated animals including dogs, chickens, baby chicks, ducks and monkeys.
We even saw two pigs who appeared to be “makin bacon!”
And, of course, lots of cows.
Then, set off for what was billed as a 30 minute trek into the jungle.
Because either the guides got lost or a tree really had fallen across the path up ahead, we had to circle around and the walk took over 90 minutes. And it was no walk – it was a brutally hot and difficult climb up and down mountainous trails.
While in the jungle, I stumbled across this hat – perhaps a vestige of the Viet Cong’s occupation of the Cambodian jungles!
Finally, we arrived at the beach – the Gulf of Cambodia.
We had a quick drink and then dove right into the ocean fully dressed!
Exhausted, we thought we were heading back to the ship, but our guides took us to the Meditation Mountain Pagoda (Phnom Samathik). Frankly, I could have done without the stop, but it turned out to be fascinating. This little pagoda, buried in the woods, displayed some of the largest and most beautiful Buddha paintings we have seen.
Moreover, we met several nuns who were absolutely delighted to have their pictures taken.
I took several photos of the large gold Buddha who was somewhat camouflaged by the cloud of incense floating before him.
We returned to the ship, signed contracts selling our small apartment and buying a rather large one, and opened a bottle of champagne to celebrate our good news.
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