Wednesday 15th August 2012.
Map from http://www.lonelyplanet.com/maps/asia/cambodia/
After our few days on our own in Phnom Penh, our tour now officially started. To begin with, there were 14 of us, mainly from USA, although there was one other Australian couple, also called Smith.
Siem Reap is about 300km north west of Phnom Penh, a bit over four hours’ driving time. However, because we made some interesting stops, (and also because of the condition of the road) it took us most of the day.
I’m not sure which river this is, possibly the Tonle Sap.
As a precaution against flooding, some of the houses are on stilts, and some of them just float on the water.
Flood insurance.
Cambodian farmers use cattle and buffalo in the rice field to plough, carry rice and perform other tasks. Most families would own only one animal, and in spite of the abundance of lush green grass, these cattle seemed to us to be painfully thin.
Instead of a cow, some wealthier farmers owned what they called a “cow machine” – a three wheeled motorised cart which performed the same duties as a cow.
No seatbelt – no worries!
Roadside stall – literally.
More contrasts – our guide told us that sometimes wealthy families would donate money to temples in the hope of a better life the next time around.
Brick works. Local clay is used to manufacture bricks.
Many of the village houses had what looked like one or two haystacks beside them.
No kerbing and channelling here.
Occasionally there might be a much smarter house in amongst the simpler ones, which might belong to a brick works owner or manager. However, the immediate surroundings of these hoses never seemed to be in keeping with the house itself.
Back to the simpler houses again, complete with woodpile and hard working cow.
More village houses:
Rice fields.
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