Cambodia: Day 3, Angkor Wat

Posted by Millbrook School June 24, 2016

Cambodia: Day 3, Angkor Wat

A long and great first day after two days of travel! Our cultural exchange began, appropriately, with a trip the world famous Angkor Wat temple complex. Our guide, Visal, shared so much of Cambodia's rich heritage from the political to the religious. After a great family style lunch, we headed to see and interact with some of the musicians that are keeping the Cambodian Arts alive and well. First we heard some of the music and learned about the different instruments. Then the musicians moved to the stage where a group of dancers awaited us. After a brief tutorial/information, six girls joined the dancers on stage and were put through a series of poses, of which there are 6500! Then the whole group joined them on stage to participate in a traditional circle dance. Even yours truly danced! Then we got the treat of watching an intricate dance by the young women and men of the troupe. We then headed to a local government school where younger musicians awaited us. After a fine concert, which included a haunting Buddhist funeral song, the children taught us all how to play the various instruments, while overcoming a serious language barrier. Additionally, we taught them some Western songs. Then it was back to Angkor Wat for a picnic by the moat. Delicious fish and stuffed frogs were on the menu, as well as some stir fry. An exhausted group went quickly to bed as we have a 4:45 departure for a sunrise activity.

RAP