A Day of Fun

We finished building the classroom a day early, so we were able to have fun for a day before heading to Phnom Penh. We visited Phnom Kulen National Park, where we saw two important religious and historical sites--the River of a Thousand Lingas (Kbal Spean) and the giant Reclining Buddha of Preah Ang Thom.

The River of a Thousand Lingas is a carved riverbed from the 11th century. The Hindu god Shiva is typically represented by a linga, or phallus symbol, that represents his generative, creative energy. The waters of Kbal Spean are considered holy by Hindus.

The carved riverbed of Kbal Spean--"River of a Thousand Lingas"

In the temple at the top of Kulen Mountain, Hindu and Buddhist traditions intermingle. The temple was built as a Hindu shrine, and Hindu religious practices still take place there. But the site is now best known for a giant statue of the reclining Buddha, built in the 16th century when the location was converted to Buddhism.

Entrance to the Phnom Kulen temple

Statue of the Hindu deity Ganesha

In this religious rite, worshippers pour water over the linga (phallic symbol)
that represents the Hindu god Shiva, then splash the water on their faces.

View from the temple

The reclining Buddha

From Preah Ang Thom, we headed to the Phnom Kulen waterfall to go swimming. On the hot sunny day, the cool water in the pool at the bottom of the falls felt like paradise. Because it is the low season for tourism, the falls were not crowded. I rented an inner tube for a dollar and floated through the pool with the water of the falls raining down on me.

Phom Kulen waterfall. Picture by Bayon Tabi Tours
(http://www.bayontabitour.com/attractions.html?name=Phnom-Kulen-Waterfall)

At the end of the day, we sang karaoke Cambodian-style. Our tour guide, Prak Phallin, had unwisely told me that he enjoys singing karaoke with his friends. I got him to promise he'd take the whole GEN team to a local karaoke club on our last day. He even persuaded the owner of the establishment to give us the rate for locals rather than tourists. We were joined in a private karaoke room by members of the Global Heritage team: Dee turned out to have an amazing voice, while Irene and Sokphea taught us all to dance Cambodian style. Phallin made good on his promise and sang several songs for us in Khmer, in a lovely tenor voice. Plus, it was Laura's birthday, and the Global Heritage team surprised her with a cake. Darren and Carlos entertained us with 80's hard rock songs, while Steph, Miranda, and the two Lauras sang the Lizzy McGuire soundtrack. I sang too, poorly but enthusiastically.  It was an amazing way to round out our stay in Siem Reap.

Photo by Dee Mosca

Phallin in action. (Sorry, no time to focus, having too much fun!)