Wat Hanchey and Angkor Ban, Mekong River, Cambodia
Our first full day on the Jahan starts with an optional Tai Chi class, which according to participants seems to have a faster pace than the Chinese Tai Chi taught in North America.
Our first stop today is at Wat Hanchey, a Buddhist temple and monastery complex, built on a prominent hill with a commanding view of the Mekong River, which originally was the site of a Hindu temple dedicated to Shiva, also appropriately known as “The Lord of the Mountain.” An eighth-century brick structure still remains, but is completely surrounded by modern structures providing living quarters for the monks, a meeting hall and a temple. A row of oversized sculptures depicting a variety of Cambodian fruits form an educational component for visitors. To get there is easy, by hopping on a motorbike, or slower, by walking up. Kids are eager to great us and hold our hands.
After lunch we arrived at Angkor Ban for a walk through the village with our guides. The first waft we get is of an alcoholic beverage sold along the main road, which is identified as palm wine, a milky substance with about 10% alcohol. The road is lined with small food stands and after crossing the bridge we come to the market, where locals buy fish, fruits and sausages. The stilt houses are constructed mainly of wood, with cows tied underneath chewing on grass.
While most people use bikes or motorbikes, besides the more traditional oxcarts, we also see a couple of Lexus cars on the road. We are told they are cheap – only $12,000! The largest compound is taken up by the Buddhist temple, which also stores the three village long boats used by the villagers during the Water Festival, which is celebrated in the fall. It is a very relaxed visit with ample insights and information about life in a Mekong River village.
The sun is setting with a golden glow reflected on the river. It is time to return to our home the Jahan.
