Cruising the Mekong River
We spent a very relaxing day, making our way from the capital of Cambodia, Phnom Penh, downriver toward the border with Vietnam. It was a wonderful opportunity to see life along the river and the people that make their home in this bountiful place.
We passed homes floating on the river itself, as well as areas of agriculture that no doubt become flood plains during the monsoons that will come later in the year. It was lush, verdant, and bustling with activity. Paula spoke to us in the morning about modern day Cambodia and the Cambodian people. After the presentation last evening (by our guest presenter) regarding Cambodia’s turbulent history, it was nice to have the present perspective of the country and its citizens.
Shortly after lunch, we arrived at the border of Cambodia and Vietnam. We anchored for several hours, as the immigration and customs procedures took place around us. Many of us also took the opportunity to rest, read, and catch up on relaxing a bit onboard!
Later in the afternoon, many of us met in the Dining Room for a wonderful cooking demonstration, highlighting some traditional Cambodian dishes. We attempted to wrap our own Pork Spring Rolls, after watching our expert teacher demonstrate. Next, we learned about one of the most popular dishes in Cambodia, fish amok. Lastly, we tasted the fruits of our (and our Chef’s!) labors. It was a delicious break in the calm of our afternoon.
We were treated to Duc’s first presentation of the trip in the later part of the day. He spoke about Vietnamese art and artists that have had incredible influence in the 20th (and the early part of the 21st) century. This is a subject about which many of us have little prior knowledge. It was wonderful to learn a bit about the artists, themselves, and the controversial art that many of them are producing.
As customs and immigration procedures waned, we continued downriver, into the heart of Vietnam’s Mekong Delta. We anchored just off the Mekong in the Bassac River, alongside the city of Chau Doc. Our Vietnamese guides, Son and Tri, joined us this evening and introduced themselves as new members of our little ship family. We passed a pleasant evening at anchor tonight, listening to the putt-putting of local motors as they passed alongside us in the dark.
It was a lovely day to rejuvenate from our many adventures and explorations of the last week.
