What the video does not show is the feelling most of us had inside our stomach. Here we are in the middle of the Mekong River, with 3 Cambodians, two of whom spoke no English, and a boat that stopped working. When they opened the "hood" out came smoke. We were maybe a half mile out from the shore, each of us had one luggage and one backpack, and we all wonered how we get from here to shore.
A few phone calls, to people they had never known before, and a towboat that pulled us to shore, and we were on our way. What it showed me is that the people here really are family, one helps another, and one's problems are everyone's problems. They all "know" each other and treat each other like brothers. Everything isn't perfect, but that proved the difference betweeen being stranded on the Mekong and sitting in or nice hotel in Phnom Penh. What a place and more especially, what a people.
Jun 15, 2009 Overnight Flight Depart the USA. Jun 16, 2009 Ho Chi Minh City Arrive in Ho Chi Minh City, still affectionately called 'Saigon' by many residents and visitors. Jun 17, 2009 Ho Chi Minh City Journey into the nearby countryside for a tour of the Viet Cong's Cu Chi Tunnels. Return to the city for a Vietnamese water puppet show before dinner. Jun 18, 2009 Can Tho Depart this morning for the Mekong Delta and enjoy a boat trip on the busy Mekong River. Stop at an island to see a traditional farmer's home and exotic fruit orchards. Visit a snake farm and Dong Tam village before arriving in Can Tho. Jun 19, 2009 Chau Doc Board sampans in the early morning to cruise the upper reaches of the Mekong and stop at the floating market of Cai Rang. Then depart for Chau Doc. In the late afternoon, watch the sun set over the rice fields of neighboring Cambodia from the summit of Sam Mountain. Jun 20, 2009 Phnom Penh Enjoy a boat ride on the Mekong today and see a nearby Cham community where Islamic way of life mixes with Buddhism. Return to Chau Doc to explore colorful temples and markets before a private speedboat ride to Phnom Penh. Jun 21, 2009 Phnom Penh In the morning visit the Royal Palace and the National Museum. Lunch is at the Friends Restaurant, a training nonprofit facility run by former street youths. After lunch, visit Toul Sleng Genocide Museum and Killing Fields. Formerly used by the Pol Pot Regime as their detention and torture center, it is a moving example of the difficulties faced by Cambodians at that time. Drive to Chueng Ek where the remains of Toul Sleng inmates are displayed, then wander the market stalls of Psar Toul Tom Puong. Jun 22, 2009 Phnom Penh Visit the new ACIS School in Khporb Veng village for a cultural exchange with local students this morning. Continue your day of public service with stops at the Bright Future Kids Home and A New Life Orphanage, facilities that help local children further their education and improve their options for the future. Jun 23, 2009 Siem Reap Begin with a flight to Siem Reap. Upon arrival, tour the Khmer empire's magnificent Angkor Thom including the Bayon temple. Lunch is at Le Jardin des Delices, part of a school that provides underprivileged youth with hospitality industry training. In the afternoon visit Angkor Wat, the largest temple in the world. Tonight enjoy a traditional Khmer performance at the Sangkheum Center. Jun 24, 2009 Bangkok Morning visits to the temple of Ta Prohm this morning and the tiny, enchanting Banteay Srei, the citadel of women. Tonight enjoy a Thai dinner and dances at Silom Village Jun 25, 2009 Departure Depart for the USA.
Incredible, Chuck! What a journey! Photos, video and narrative are wonderful. Keep 'em coming!
ReplyDeleteWhat the video does not show is the feelling most of us had inside our stomach. Here we are in the middle of the Mekong River, with 3 Cambodians, two of whom spoke no English, and a boat that stopped working. When they opened the "hood" out came smoke. We were maybe a half mile out from the shore, each of us had one luggage and one backpack, and we all wonered how we get from here to shore.
ReplyDeleteA few phone calls, to people they had never known before, and a towboat that pulled us to shore, and we were on our way. What it showed me is that the people here really are family, one helps another, and one's problems are everyone's problems. They all "know" each other and treat each other like brothers. Everything isn't perfect, but that proved the difference betweeen being stranded on the Mekong and sitting in or nice hotel in Phnom Penh. What a place and more especially, what a people.