Exploring Sihanoukville, Cambodia - pt 2

After our visit to the market, we were driven to – you guessed it – another pagoda. Cambodia current population is 17,392,686, 97.9% of whom are Buddhist. At the Otres pagoda, we were met by some very sweet children, but sadly they were extending their hands for money, with one little girl being especially relentless. I think the ones I photographed were siblings and their mother who was carrying another baby was standing behind. I wish I had known we’d see them because I had lots of gum and chocolates on the ship I could have given them. My guess is that they spend a lot of their time there.

We learned about the “buddha tree” that is often found near the temples. The tree is considered sacred because they believe that one of Buddha's incarnations was born under one of these trees. We then proceeded to walk through the entire complex. Thankfully it was overcast and not nearly as hot as it might have been. The monkeys around the complex were entertaining. Our guide’s English and explanations were very poor. Disappointing. 

 

siblings, mom in background

 

pedals falling from buddha tree (above)

monkeys everywhere

baby monkey

baby hanging on mama's tail

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Then on to yet another pagoda -  Wat Leu. Thankfully by the time we arrived, it had already rained hard so there was only standing puddles to navigate. Again, we walked around the temple complex with various buildings, statues, etc and finally to the last temple where visitors were offered a monk’s “water blessing”. I didn’t go inside but the doors were open on either side of the building so I was able to snap some photos during the ceremony. Our guide explained that the ‘blessing’ was so that things would go well for you, basically for “good luck.” Notice the dish beside him where he accepts ‘blessings’ from those he blesses as well. Outside that temple were a group of young boys who live there, wearing the traditional clothing with heads shaved. Perhaps some of them will grow up to be monks? Our guide told us that his grandfather and father were monks but he is not.  

 

Wat Leu

notice children playing in background while guide is talking

sleeping Buddha

an overabundance of statuary around the grounds

 

boys in training taking our photo

There are about 4,000 monks living in Cambodia. If children are unable to go to school for whatever reason, they can be sent to monk school to be educated in the safety of a monastery. I’m guessing that the young boys we saw were students. We were told that they only eat breakfast and lunch; supposedly they are studying at night.

 

monk performing water blessing (place donations in gold container)

 

buddha tree considered a sacred plant

closeup of buds

inside blossom

lots of statuary

note empty buildings in background

pagoda grounds after rain

There were numerous buildings at both pagodas which I did not photograph but I will say that the grounds (and some of the buildings) especially at this second one were not very well maintained.

Our tour ended with a visit to a beautiful beach resort where we were offered our choice of a fresh coconut or soft drink. As soon as we sat down, many local women would ask us if we would like to have a neck massage. They were very persistent but most of us declined (repeatedly). I was still sore from the other one I had! Even when you say ‘no’, they will still get behind you and try to massage your shoulders in hopes that you’ll change your mind. After our time of "relaxation" there, we were taken back to the ship in time for dinner and some real relaxation in our cabin.

 

light sandy beaches with turquoise water

 

fresh coconut water

skewered beach snacks

women grilling seafood on beach

 

last passengers board the ship

 

the sky looked as if on fire as we left Sihanoukville

 

Goodbye, Cambodia.