Today was all about the culture.  Through our hotel, we had scheduled a couple of boat tours.  The Mekong Silk Island Tour was our first tour of the day.  We were to cruise up the Mekong river to Silk Island where we’d be immersed in some rural Cambodian culture.  The second tour was the Sunset Cruise offered by the same company.

The company had arranged for us tuk tuk transportation from the hotel to the boat early this morning.  It was a quick ride with which we’d shared with a nice couple from Maine.  Although the dock was a little rustic, the boat was very clean, hospitable and charming.

Both boat tours took us along the banks of the Mekong River to view different Cambodian life through a new prospective.  The views of the Royal Palace and the city skyline were quite amazing; particularly in the evening.

The river banks were home to many different people.  Vietnamese who fled there country during the wars had built stilt homes and support themselves by fishing the Mekong.  During a heavy Monsoon season, the river has been known to rise up to the actual house.

Further down the river is the Muslim fishing village.  These people are Cambodians whom, over a millennium ago, converted to Islam rather than Buddhism; they are know as the Cham.  The Cham spend nearly all of their time on their boats fishing, most of whom live with their families under the small cover on board.

Further up the river we had reached our destination, a muddy point of entry to the weaving village on Silk Island.  As soon as we set foot on terra firma it was apparent that we’d caught the eye of the local children.

We took a short walk to a traditional weaving home we were shown the entire process from silk worm to scarf.  Also given was the opportunity to purchase some handmade silk scarves and fabric.

Horse cart was to be our next mode of transportation.  We traveled a few miles down a bumpy dirt road at a near gallop speed.  Children waved as we passed.

A few miles down the road, we visited the home of one of the more wealthy residents of the town.  He was a famous Cambodian architect who’d passed away a few year back.  His sister lives there now.

Other things we’d seen on the tour:

Oh, and the children.  Who could forget the children.

It was a fantastic day getting a of view of how many Cambodians live.  Beth and I would like to especially thank Ty Davuth and his partners for a truly unforgettable experience touring with Memorable Cambodia Cruises.

Our trip to the temples and Siem Reap was now at its end.  The hospitality showed to us at check-out from the Golden Temple Hotel didn’t disappoint.  More gifts were given — free t-shirts — and they requested that we have our photograph taken with the reception staff.  In summary, our stay there was certainly one of the highlights of the vacation.

We had a short flight from Siem Reap to Phnom Penh — forty minutes total in the air.  Shortly after take off, the Captain came over the overhead speaker with a very confident, slightly Irish(?) accent and announced the usual announcements.  Time of arrival, 12:25 p.m.  Temperature in PP, 31 degrees.  Significant weather, none.  Oh, and the co-pilot will be taking over the controls as he will be doing the paperwork.  Wait… what?  Honestly, that is first time I’ve ever heard that.  Regardless, with an absolutely perfect flare, that was the smoothest landing we’d ever experienced.

Upon arrival, we procured a taxi to take us the hotel.  The driver, nick-named Sva (Khmer for monkey) spoke better English than many back in the U.S.  He was eager to get the fare, but was also getting hungry.  Our response, “let’s stop and grab some lunch.”  Sva’s reply, “Well, I would get street food.  It’s good for me, but probably not for you.  Not too clean.”  A friendly man, and well spoken, he was able to give some different insight on what we were seeing and what we were going to see.

Having stayed in one of the finest resorts and then in the most hospitable hotel, our expectations for our hotel in PP weren’t that high.  We were kind of expecting a let down.  Wow!  Were we wrong.  400 sqft of space to spread out in with 2 air conditioners!  And the location, was about perfect.

We had a late lunch of green curry pork and pad thai at a restaurant on the corner — outside seating for better people watching.  Beth also got a mai tai.

That night we had opted to walk the riverfront on the street in front of the hotel.  The area was whirlwind of activity.  As it turns out, every night after sunset many people come down to the riverfront park and in front of the Royal Palace to pray, meditate and congregate with others.  To me, it just looked like a lot of people waiting for a fireworks show or a parade.  Vendors sold snacks and beverages.  People sold lotus flowers, incense to burn and small birds that you could purchase and release for good luck.  There was also an area where 15 or 20 tables were set out where you might find an old psychic lady to read your fortune.

Have bar, will travel.

The location of our hotel was fantastic for simply watching the world cruise by.  Beth spent some time on the balcony snapping  candid pics of anything that looked of interest.  The following photos were some of the best.