A different life on the Mekong

We're now at Siem Reap, further up the Mekong and near the Tonle Sap lake. This afternoon we visited a floating village which was fascinating.

 

The people here are self sufficient in that they have everything they need in their community. They move their village around according to the season and the level of water in the lake.

 

There are mobile stores, a petrol filling station, basketball court, pool hall, a school and a police station in the community, alongside dozens and dozens of houseboats.

 

There's a Catholic church for those who wish to attend Mass

And the farmer can still keep his pigs happy in a floating pigsty

 
Not too sure about the sanitary conditions, however, though our guide tells us that all homes are registered and the villagers still have their taxes to pay. There's no escape from that.

 
Well, Maggie said in a recent comment that she used to bathe in the water as a child, but I don't think I'd like to join her in this water.

Out in the lake it's more peaceful, though the drink sellers still buzz alongside and offer their wares. Persistence sometimes pays off.

Hotel Art - Phnom Penh

Aaaah, L'Indochine.

A pity these two chaps wouldn't fit in my bag!

Actually, come to think of it.....

(interesting garment, n'est ce pas?)

Cambodia

There's quite a bit of catching up to do, but no time right now! Arriving in Phnom Penh yesterday meant a new hotel and a better internet connection so at least I can share one experience with you today. Bearing in mind events at home just before we left, we found it rather funny

 

Phnom Penh is very interesting indeed and the Cambodian people charming. Having checked in, we headed straight for the Royal Palace where we were captivated by the wonderful colours, the stunning architecture and overall beauty of the place. Our guide filled us in with just enough background information and we spent a happy hour or two there.

As we left, there were the first few heavy drops of rain, typical for an afternoon at this time of the year, said our guide.

On then, to the National Museum and another guide. This time a happy, giggly lady who had a delightful manner but whose face became anxious as the rain began to fall and a bit of thunder rumbled in the distance. The rain became heavier and heavier and we watched, amazed at the powerful tropical storm outside, which continued for the whole hour we were in the museum.

Time to go, then, and what should we find outside, but a good 12" of water in the street! Our driver insisted on bringing the car right up to the steps so that Sir and Madam wouldn't get their feet wet - Madam's Crocs wouldn't have proved a problem but perhaps Sir's leather Timberlands might not have been so waterproof!

Up to the junction then, and *bang* - our driver reversed the car into another in the middle of the water. We sat whilst the whole accident stuff was sorted out, watching the goings on in the water, children larking about and trying to get our attention, the crowd building up to see what happened - and the antics of the driver of the other car trying to get the best out of the situation as he could. His car was not badly damaged, a light broken at most - but clearly this needed to be sorted and we didn't mind how long it took - the scenes through the window were better than TV.

Sorted out in about half an hour, by which time the waters were receding and the deluge over. We returned to our hotel for a quiet night in, happy hour in the bar and a brilliant Khmer dinner - more later.

Hotel Art, Saigon

At Grumpy's request, some Hotel Art. I have to admit to being so taken with the sights and sounds of the day, that much of the hotel art has been overlooked. However, I did document it all, honest!

Danang was totally bereft of art. Totally bereft of quite a bit actually (including internet service, but that's another story!)

Saigon delivered the goods in the form of one framed picture on the side wall. Quite textile-y in a way - though it wasn't. But most certainly the kind of thing produced by the hundred for each room of the hotel. I didn't feel it did a great deal for the atmosphere, certainly didn't give any hint of time or place and could have been in any room in any part of the world.




Above the staircase was this huge ?painting ?print? Couldn't tell. The light was bad there but it was a strikingly large image - probably 5ft square. I feel it all is supposed to mean something but quite what, I have no idea!

My favourite was our bathroom installation. Beautifully posed, don't you think?

Seen in Saigon

Running a market stall is such a tiring occupation.

 
I loved this ceramic frieze along the roof of this temple.
 
  There were some great walls of prayer papers inside too.
 

More incense cones hanging from the ceiling.

I think this is the place to buy a hat.

The china ware all packed up in sets for wholesale.