Around Kampot

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A drive around Kampot gives an insight into the developing economy of the Cambodian countryside. Go there quickly while there is still little tourist infrastructure! Technically this is a poor area, but the amount of work being done and the cheerfulness of the people make it hard to believe that it can remain so for long.

So three of us set out in a tuk-tuk, the national flag waving behind us ... my apologies to friends who know what a durian looks like and have seen half a million papaya trees in fruit: these are exotic things for other people I know.

Anyway ... an attempt at a photo essay and two videos:
Music in a Cave
Boys Showing Off

Travel Notes

The guest house posted a list of items of interest, and negotiated a specific itinerary with us. The tuk-tuk and driver cost US$18.00 for the day, the cost shared between three people.

How I’ve been

Warwick and Wendy proved great companions. Thanks so much for suggesting the trip guys!

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Photos

Kampot District
There is a series of limestone caves outside Kampot. Here are the guides who took me to two of them standing outside their house.

Kampot District
Here my guides wait to go into Phnom Chhnork.

Kampot District
Inside Phnom Chhnork is a 7th-century brikc temple. I wonder how long it will take for the stalectites to completely cover it.

Kampot District
This is the entrance to another cave in the Phnom Chhnork complex.

Kampot District
Beneath this cave the boys played Cambodian music on the formations (click the link in the main text).

Kampot District
On the steps to Phnom Chhnork is a cement naga which was constructed by American volunteers who slept on a bamboo platform beside the steps.

Kampot District
With the Cambodian flag flying behind us ...

Kampot District
... Warwick, Wendy, ...

Kampot District
... and I got back in the tuk-tuk.

Kampot District
In this Moslem fishing village the boats the adults use are kept in neat boatsheds ...

Kampot District
... while the children fish on their own (not all of them - check the text).

Kampot District
This is a house in the fishing village.

Kampot District
A woman waters cabbages for commercial production.

Kampot District
Pepper vines grow up posts in a plantation.

Kampot District
Young peppercorns grow on the vine, ...

Kampot District
... get larger, ...

Kampot District
... and ripen.

Kampot District
Later they are dried.

Kampot District
I have never seen durians growing in plantations before.

Kampot District
These are mango trees, ...

Kampot District
... and this is a papaya (paw-paw) tree.

Comments

[Brian]

Porkers
It looks like the porkers may have tippled too much arak. Wonderful photo's once again, thanks for sharing.

[Alison]

Check out those pigs!
Looks and sounds like a frolicking good time, mama!

[Merle Packham]

A delightful record!
Dear Gillian, I am most impressed with all you are taking in . Absolutely beautiful photography. Enjoy it all.. Love, Merle