A Watery Adventure...

I think I'll talk about my time in Cambodia in three separate posts. This first one will focus on the place. Tonle Sap lake. This is a fresh-water lake in Cambodia, ranging from 3,000 sq. Km in the dry season, to 10,000 sq. km in the rainy season. It isn't so deep, 1-3 meters in the dry season, and up to 14 meters in the rainy season. While I was there, We actually could've walked across the entire lake.... It was only about 4 feet deep!
 

The population on this lake is immense. When I say 'on' the lake, I am not exaggerating. Sure, there are houses on stilts NEAR the lake, but there are also quite a number of villages floating out on the lake. The estimated population on the lake is around 80,000 people.

They live on boats and barges and rafts.... basically anything that floats.And even the littlest ones can paddle anything. One little boy paddled to school on a cooler lid every day.  Stores float too. And the fiberglass boat shop, and the engine repair shop. Everything is adapted to this watery lifestyle.

The lake is everything. The source of food and water and the receptacle of waste and garbage. It is work and recreation, danger and safety. That is where swimming, showering, laundry, and dishes all take place.

The main source of food is fish. Always accompanied by rice. Sometimes, the vegetable boat passes by that day, and there is some variety. Other times a turtle, snake, or bird varies the diet.



When a storm blows in, you hope and pray that the anchor will hold, lest you blow away. You bring out your pots and pans and bang loudly, hoping to scare the winds away. Every morning your view is different as your house and the houses of those around you have rotated.

And the sunsets are always beautiful, reflecting off the lake for miles. Sometimes there is peaceful serenity, but usually the sounds of motor boats, music, and neighbors are prevalent, filling the air with life. Because everyone lives closely, they share the clatter and music of daily life.