Cambodia 2015

Sunday8November

We leave Kampong Cham and head north again to reach Kampong Thom, located 3 hours away by bus, including two short stops.

On the bus as if you were there! With its pure Cambodian film screening!  

Second stop on NR6.

And just like that, here we are already in front of our room in Kampong Thom...

The local bakery, an opportunity to grab a bite with some sweets...

It's November 8th, the eve of the national holiday, so the whole town is out, especially since a boat competition has been organized!

The river is the Stun Sen, the main tributary of Tonlé Sap, a huge lake in central Cambodia.

Small itinerant raft-temple...

Masks are quite common in the country. Multi-purpose, they protect against dust, pollution, and neighbors' germs!

17 rowers and 1 captain. Can anyone beat that?

Ah, here, 23 rowers...

Here, I've lost count.

Well. This race is a bit chaotic. Let's go visit the small pagoda next door, the Tep Nimitt Pagoda.

Can-vase at the building's window...

...which contrasts with the splendid interior and its usual vibrant paintings.

The multiple rough stone Buddhas surrounding the colorful Buddha.

The worried disciples at the feet of the dying Buddha?

The modest Catholic church on the other side of the river.

The interior empty of benches or chairs.

It's still as folkloric here. Crossing the finish line is no longer necessarily done with the boat...mockery.gif

Fortunately, the police are watching...

The drum signaling the crossing of the finish line.

Two young monks also enjoy the celebration.

The old bridge, now pedestrian.

The old water reservoir.

The main artery of the city!

I'm sure we can put double that...  

Night has fallen. A quick stop at our hotel, the Arunras, before returning near the bridge because it seems the party continues. A concert is being prepared...

Indeed, there's a crowd here! And for good reason, the local boy won the very first season of Cambodian Idol, the famous New Star show!

To keep the audience waiting, a singer performs a little song...

Just one week after his victory, Ny Rathana takes the stage to the cheers of his fans and supporters!

The congratulatory speeches never ending, we decide to go dine at the restaurant next door... As a result, we are the only customers! chuckle.gif

We return to the concert, which has started. Ny Rathana performs song after song to the amazed eyes of his hometown.

Alright, off to bed. Tomorrow we will visit pagodas and other temples in the surroundings.