Today was a significantly different experience than the Killing Fields of yesterday
We headed out reasonably early to Oudong, Cambodia’s former Royal Capital from the 17th Century.
What a lovely drive to get there.
The main attraction now, is a visit to the Vipassana Dhurak Buddhist Centre of Kingdom of Cambodia
Many trainee and fully qualified monks reside in this magnificent precinct which is just like a regular neighbourhood. Without the “stuff” we take for granted.
Beautiful grounds, gorgeous buildings and a number of places of worship.
We were invited into the main temple for a blessing by two Monks. The building itself was just out of this world.
And the surrounding structures with the monks all passing freely was awesome.
Our blessing lasted 7 full Minutes of chanting and was mesmerising. Such a great experience
We returned to the ship via Koh Chen Village, traditionally known for its copper and silver craft.
Access to the workshop was via a gorgeous walk through the village along the waterfront houses and small businesses until our arrival.
Everything is made on site. The silver in its raw form is delivered from other parts of Cambodia then it is turned into beautiful creations that are 92.5% pure silver.
Of course we bought something … a lovely silver bangle for Karen highlighted by two lotus flowers, one of the national flowers of Cambodia. We thought the price was reasonable and the money is staying in this local community.
We got back to the ship and departed Phnom Penh to cruise slowly north back on the Mekong until we reached the Island Village of Oknha Tey about 15kms away
A “fleet” of motorised tuk tuks was waiting for our arrival.
And it started to rain. Like rain rain.
Oknha Tey is a smallish island in the Mekong, home to approximately 5,000 residents.
Its claim to fame is the huge amount of raw silk that is produced on the island and turned into to magnificent silk products.
The silk is drawn from millions of silk worm cocoons and then weaved in the traditional methods of centuries past.
The humidity was rising by the minute, so a refreshing and cleansing ale was required
Oh… we bought some silk stuff, because it was gorgeous and for the same reasons as previously – it’s helping out these beautiful people
Our ride back to the ship was different – we had a new driver and she got us home.
Some interesting local scenery on the way made for a brilliant end to a very enjoyable day
Gotta love this place.
Ralph and Karen's Tours 