After two long and full days of temples, we were ready for a change and headed to the "floating village" of Kampong Plouk. We boarded a boat and had about a two-hour tour from the river to the village and onward to the giant, Mekong River. While recognizably poor, as much of Cambodia is, the vibrant colors and smiling faces made this village a special one.
I don't doubt that their everyday life here is trying (the waters were up about 4-8 meters while we were there), but it is remarkable to see how they keep going despite the obstacles. To follow our trip we stopped at a Crocodile Farm where we saw the sad but may be necessary, part of raising crocs in captivity. The people here profit well from selling the goods they have made from the skin. While I don't agree with it, it's not a battle to be fought. It is a way of means and a means to an end. If it can feed these people, and they can manage it, then I wish them luck with it. Considering the average city worker makes only about $3600 a year, we're not talking about an endangered species, but I see both sides. It would be great to profit from tourism, but people aren't traveling here to see crocodiles. |