Kampong Cham Two

Yes, we've moved on, but I wanted to share a little more of the flavour of Kampong Cham other than our ornate bed.  We had travelled long hours for two days and thought it wise to take a break so stayed in KC for a second night. We didn't get far, but found the town, and the people we saw, very charming - I think we could have lingered and explored more, but of course, Siem Reap and Angkor Wat beckoned. 

I was up very early our first morning and was greeted with this beautiful sunrise over the Mekong. 

Across the river is a pink building called the French Tower. We didn't explore but it was an intriguing addition to the skyline. Remember that the French were a very big player in "Indochine" up until they were finally removed forcibly by Cambodia and Vietnam. 

One other remarkable sight is thoroughly Cambodian though.  This bamboo bridge which goes to a large island, complete with guest houses, is rebuilt every year after the Mekong subsides following the monsoon season.

It is a remarkable feat of construction up close.

And it's used by walkers, bicyclists, motor bikers and even less mechanical means of transport.

Of course there are monks who walk under their umbrellas.  Notice the young woman on the right with the red sweater. She is greeting other monks under the golden umbrellas.

In the evening, the river walk in KC comes alive. Here we see the height of fashion for Cambodian women and children. Yes, pajamas. They are every day wear in the streets of the towns and villages throughout the country - its not just because it's evening.

Here's one of the regular evening activities of the local citizens. 

Line dancing! Only two men were participating. The "real" men were over here treating an Italian game with great seriousness -bocce. There were four bocce courts all in use with very serious competition. 

We have been needing haircuts for awhile but it seems hair cutters are few and far between. We went out looking for a bank in the afternoon and walked the city for an hour. On our return, from a different direction, we found this hair salon, two doors away from our hotel. Before and after pictures tell the story. Note that Geordie is having fun. 

No wonder the young woman at one of the temples yesterday called me "handsome man". I'm sure she wasn't just trying to butter me up to buy her post cards. 

The stylists didn't speak English.  Luckily the young woman who appeared to be in charge translated our requests. And it was interesting that my stylist used electric clippers and scissors. The older man who cut Geordie's hair used hand held clippers like those my uncle used way back in 1960. 

And here, as a gentle reminder, is a suggestion we've taken to heart, as we have booked six nights at the Golden Banana in Siem Reap to explore. I'll tell you more in a later post. So much to absorb.