A great sleep again. Up for coffee at six and on deck to watch and then participate in some early morning stretches, feels good on the old shoulder.
As usual, we have a pretty full day today, there never seems to be too much downtime, but, of course one does not have to participate in every activity. Sometimes there is a hint of guilt if you are not an active tourist all the time. Methinks those day may be fading for us: a little No. 1 time is always good.
After breakfast we were on the buses and headed out into the country about 30 miles to a very modern and newly built Buddhist temple and complex. The area is where the capital of Cambodia was moved to, for the fourth time, between 1432 and 1800 something. Invaders, drought, floods and moving for defensive reasons every time. Phnom Penh is the fifth and latest capital. [Will it be the last?]
The above is to the best of my ability to gather this information from our guides on the bus as we travel about.
The above is to the best of my ability to gather this information from our guides on the bus as we travel about.
We went into the very impressive building and we all had a 'Blessing Ceremony' by two monks as all 110 of us sat on the carpet, shoeless, listening to the chant and then were showered with lotus flowers, or something!
Next stop was to an area out in the country where we experienced an Ox ride Cart experience. I would not say it was something you have to do once in your life but, we did it. Tick that off. It was good to see all us older folk struggling to get on the cart and then trying to be comfortable for the 25 minute experience. Forget about trying to look Cool!
Back to our floating Palace that is beginning to feel too much like home, to a squirt of hand sanitizer, a very cool moist towel and a small chilled refreshing drink from the staff, all with 30 seconds! Well done. Next stop the cabin for a shower and a cool drink and have lunch.
Around 3:30 we were back on the dock for the short walk to a fleet of Tuk-Tuks waiting to take us in groups of four for a 45 minute tour of this fascinating city. It exceeded my expectations by far as clean, neat, orderly, [if you disregard the masses of slow moving luxury cars and scooters.]
The town reeks of money, much more so that we have seen so far this trip. It has risen from the disaster days of Pol Pot, ending only in the late 90s! It appears to be a miracle of economic growth.
The town reeks of money, much more so that we have seen so far this trip. It has risen from the disaster days of Pol Pot, ending only in the late 90s! It appears to be a miracle of economic growth.
Back to the ship for the same welcome treatment by the happy staff who appreciate it when we are off the ship I am sure. We then got ready to see the Children's Show before dinner... Another busy day!
ABT. [Another Beautiful Temple.] The best so far!
Fellette on the steps to the entrance to the temple and Blessing this morning.
Inside, the Buddha even has neon lights...
Absolutely gorgeous, and clean in there.
Outside by The Lady in the lake. Sorry not familiar with the legend.
Friend Brahma as we sat in the ox carts awaiting 'Wagons Ho!'
On the road again.
From the bus: these small scooter driven vehicles travel with everything you can think of in them.
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