Underneath the temple was an interesting cave system (only 12 steps had to be crawled) then lots of bats, stalactites, stalagmites etc - and most importantly were not land mined during the Khymer Rouge time. They were well worth the visit (although E and J had to be persuaded to do the crawl). Inside is another temple and it is said that the water dripping from stalactites have special properties.
From there we went onto Wat Phnom Sampea a half hour steep climb. On the way more caves , so this one was called "the killing cave" as it was a place of barbaric executions during the war. Now a peaceful Buddha presides over a glass case of skulls and bones.
The wat on top of the hill was "OK" but the breeze was very welcome and the view extraordinary looking over miles and miles of completely flat paddy fields country side.
From there we returned to Battambang. And had a quick bite of street food before meeting up with Nic (who had been on a bike ride with a new one man business) and went off to the Phare Ponleu Selpak Circus. This is a French one arts charity, and the facilities in the school are European standard, European health and safety (etc). there was an exhibition of art, showing that the school is fully equipped. Twice a week, they do a circus performance and although not fully polished (the kids were 16) it was excellent. very expensive by Cambodian standards 14 dollars a ticket for adults, but you could be confident (on this occasion that the money' was being well spent to further educational opportunities for disadvantaged children. Also that children remained at home - not uprooted from their villages and families to education charities as often happens in this country.
To be updated with details of circus.....here the update - they were brilliant!
No comments:
Post a Comment