About ninety percent of the pictures seen here would be in a temporary watery grave at the height of the monsoon, so I was indeed fortunate to have had the opportunity to walk across the streets of this charming fishing village in Siem Reap, called ‘Kampong Phluk,’ adjoining Tonle Sap—the largest freshwater lake in South East Asia. From children merrily playing in the narrow dirt lanes, to a cultural performance, to the residents in the process of making major and minor repairs on their stilt houses, it was quite the journey into fairy land as we traipsed along behind our guide.
The pretty wooden homes and shops are gaily decorated with potted plants of all sizes and colorful flowers, banners, signages and murals, and photo ops abound at every step. Cambodia is largely filled with friendly people who are both used to the curious eyes of tourists as well as amenable to receiving gifts in cash or kind, and they are immensely grateful for the latter without seeming to be avaricious or obsequious. In fact, parting with a few notes of the local currency bestows you with the feeling that you have received a thousand blessings in return.
It was particularly fascinating to witness the minute details at each homestead- right from dedicated pens and stalls for the pets and domesticated goats and poultry, to separate rooms for different members of the household, and everyone calmly going about their business of refurbishing their dwellings every few months or so. The stoicism with which they watch the passage of the seasons is a rich lesson in life, and you immediately feel the twin benefits of slowing down and letting go. I was struck by the lighthearted scenes everywhere I turned my eyes, even though it was difficult to miss the underlying hardships that the people here face on a daily basis.
