We were going to go to the Killing Fields in the morning, but our experience the night before, so full of love and light and hope for Cambodia, we decided we didn't need to see evidence of the darkness, evil and misused power in the past (and present, frankly). We've read some books about the Khmer Rouge and that was enough.
Geoff wanted to go to Wat Phnom, and we all tagged along expecting to see what we had seen a few times before. Yesterday was some kind of Buddhist holy day, so it was a full, lively experience!
In the 1300s the queen wanted to build a hill where she could display some Buddha statues that were found in a canoe floating in the river. The people created a little hill and built a temple on top. Phnom Penh was eventually created around this temple.
It was crowded with worshippers buying incense, lotus flowers and birds to set free.
Ceci paid a dollar and they put a bird in her hands in one second flat. Set it free? Maybe after she held it for a long while. She named it Wat, appropriately.
It didn't squirm or struggle, just contently stayed in Ceci's hand. Then it was time to set her free.
The inside of the temple had a live band of musicians. I noticed one was on break and reading the news.
People loaded their offerings at the foot of the Buddha statues.
I wish our English-speaking, monk friend couldn't have been there to explain what was happening and what things meant.
The ceilings and walls of these places are magnificent.
Around the side was a small Chinese shrine with plumper buddhas. They really had a feast laid out, including mama and baby pigs and bony chickens.
There were some unidentifiable delicacies too.
We walked around the lush gardens, spying monkeys and stopping in a few shops.
We met some very cute older ladies.
Before we left Ceci bought another bird. She took this bird in the tuk tuk and to lunch, letting it go just after our food arrived. Oh how she loves living things!
This is where we called off the dogs because we came upon food heaven. This was a Trip Advisor find a HALF BLOCK from where we had lunch yesterday!!! It was filled with foreigners, and a guy we asked said it was a favorite of expats because one could eat anything without getting sick. It was fresh, local, organic and oozed healthiness. Here was my lunch.
And herbal tea. And an immunity shot. And a vegan salted caramel and chocolate cheesecake slice. Oh be joyful. We went back for dinner too. Bowls, salads, fresh juices, smoothies, colorful main dishes, oh my.
We didn't want to go back to the hotel, but we weren't sure where to go, so our hired tuk tuk driver for the day drove us along the river, stopping when we asked.
We made our way back to Wat Botum, where Ceci wanted to see her puppy. It wasn't around, but a sibling was.
We went into the temple, which was dark and empty, except for a janitor. He walked over and lit up the Buddha. It was gorgeous. He called us over, lit some incense sticks and passed them out. He began a prayer for us, bowing to Buddha. He then blessed each one of us, placing a red, yarn bracelet on our wrists. It was so sincere and simple. The girls thought he might be the cutest old man alive.
In Cambodia one holds hands together in a prayer position at different locations of the torso, chest or face for different people. Those in "lower" positions must greet first and their hands are held down low. When he gave us a goodbye gesture, Geoff brought his hands up to the peer level, letting him know we saw him as our equal. I think he understood. He was so warm and gentle and humble.
We walked around the grounds a little, then climbed in our tuk tuk for home. (I really hope this picture isn't inappropriate.)
The Thurstons have a lady that gives them $10 Thai massages. Geoff, Ceci and I decided to have her come to our hotel with two of her helpers to treat ourselves to a massage, although we had a Thai massage years ago and remember it being sort of a forced yoga, bending our bodies in ways they don't really go. These three weren't as hard core as our previous Thai massages, but I'm still convinced they have a different understanding of anatomy than we do! I spent the first half laughing to the point of tears as I saw Geoff being twisted like a pretzel along with his commentary and forced grunts. Always a good laugh, and we did feel relaxed after.
We spent the evening packing up and getting ready for our next stop, Paradise.
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