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We had arrived at Phnom Penh City, the present capital of Cambodia. As we leisurely cruised on the river before the city, our Executive Chef and his staff were introduced, and the Captain as well. We then partook of cocktails and some interesting Cambodian appetizers before dinner. Relaxing with champagne, we cruised past the Royal Palace, ablaze with lights, and the kings picture shining brightly.

We then enjoyed another delicious dinner on board. On the morrow we would be traveling via ox cart for our shore excursion.

Phnom Penh was called “The Pearl of Asia” in the 1920s. The French first colonized the country in 1865, and it was a mere matter of decades until Phnom Penh—with its lovely location where the Mekong, Bassac, and Tonle Sap rivers meet—emerged as one of the prettiest French-built cities in Indochina.

The pearl suffered some tarnish throughout the late 20th century. Strained relations with neighboring Vietnam and the U.S. led to the rise of the Khmer Rouge and Pol Pot. The genocide that followed stands as one of Cambodia’s—and the world’s—darkest hours. But that story is yet to come.

If you’ve never travelled by ox cart, then you won’t understand why this means of transportation has NOT become a standard.

Aside from the little bombs they left on the ground, the oxen had a rather earthy smell. Plus, there was a lack of a soft seat, and a back rest, so all the comforts of a normal taxi were missing. I have no idea where they found enough oxen to pull the carts for our entire entourage, but they did. That “smile” on my far is actually more of a grimace.

It was a long way from where we left our boat, past farms where the homes were built on stilts, through a small village, and through what seamed like miles of countryside. Actually, I thought the ox cart ride would never end.

We did however, finally arrive at the monastery. It was amazing, and huge, with beautiful gardens accentuating the brilliant temples and many gilded shrines.

Pete and I were awed by the beauty of the interior of this temple. The art on the walls was unbelievable, and the colossal Buddha statue was like surreal.

Those bananas looked pretty green, but things ripen rapidly in this climate. It was nearing the time for a meal for the monks.

The men wore saffron, and the women were all in white. I believe that the women prepared the food for the monks.

Once the monks received their provisions, they gathered in a large room and sat on the floor at low tables.

The large room was like a shrine, and the walls were covered by beautiful scenes which must have depicted various religious events, similar to what you’d see in a Christian church, but these events were apparently taken from Buddhist history.

There was a strict discipline followed, and the meal seemed a very solemn occasion. I felt privileged to be able to observe it.

In the massive garden there were many gilded statures, and it was very relaxing to stroll the grounds at our leisure.

We entered the temple below where a monk was seated, and offering prayers, or chanting I suppose. We sat before him in a group on the floor, and those two silver platters before him were filled with some sort of blossoms which he threw on us. Sorry, but I have no idea what that was about. ;o)

This monastery was certainly a photographers paradise. I’m including but a few of the many pictures I took.

In the next chapter we will visit the Tuol Sleng Detention Center Memorial, and the Killing Field.