Cambodia: Chapter Four

This blog is solely dedicated to the most amazing experience I've ever had, the Floating Village. It was an incredible sight and my favorite part of the entire Cambodia trip. These people live in houseboats, some better than others, year round, even during the rainy season when the water levels are at their highest. To see and be in the presence of these people was remarkable and something I will cherish and have engrained in my memory for a lifetime. So, please enjoy all the pictures I have posted for you.

This picture was taken from inside the van as we approached the start of the Floating Village. The boats that are used for Floating Village tours. The people that live in the Floating Village doing their daily business. These are some of the poorer looking houseboats that don't seem sturdy or safe. A grandmother and her two grandchildren working together. One house also serves as the local convenience/grocery store for the Floating Village residents. At least they can still got o church on a regular basis.

This is the local school in the Floating Village. I believe that it is free for students to attend.

Adorable kids playing with each other and having the time of their lives with what they've been given.

An older lady and her grandchild, I believe, rowing their boat down the river to shop or fish.

We visited a crocodile farm during our tour, so Missy decided to be brave and hold a baby crocodile.

Two of the many crocodiles being held at the crocodile farm.

Just two adorable kids trying to row their boat down the river. The ores are bigger than they are.

Me, obviously, on our tour boat with some of the Floating Village houses in the background.

I think this picture turned out amazing, so I added it to this blog. You will notice how high the river is if you look at the trees in the background.

Just another houseboat with a family doing the daily chores.

We had the experience of a lifetime. Jenn and Nicole had brought school supplies with them to Cambodia because we thought we might get a chance to do some volunteer work. Instead, we dropped by the school in the Floating Village and surprised the students and teacher with brand new school supplies. Everything from stickers to crayons to notebooks.

Here is one side of the classroom. You will notice that the age groups of the students is quite diverse.

Here is the other side of the classroom. This side was mostly girls.

This little boy was my favorite. He was so adorable and he was so interested in us. I'm pretty sure he just wanted whatever was in the bags we brought.

I got the chance to get a picture taken with three of the adorable and super sweet girl students.

Last but not least, the teacher. His hair was a mess he had holes in his clothes, but he never once stopped smiling.

Having the opportunity to see these students up close was incredible and I will forever have this experience etched in my memory. There are no words to describe just how amazing the Floating Village was. It was nice that it was the last touristy thing we did before leaving Cambodia. We definietly went out with a bang.