Takeo Province

Last week, I went on a special trip to my friend Sok Ream’s homeland in Takeo Province.

At 5am, she came to my gate and called my name. I ran to open it, hugged Sok Ream and ran down the alley holding hands to the van that would carry us 6 hours to Phnom Penh. A few hours into the drive, we stopped for baw baw and iced coffee (kafe dekau) for breakfast. Once we arrived in Phnom Penh we hopped onto a monster tuk tuk that drove us another hour to Sok Ream’s village. The ride was long, bumpy, and hot. We stopped many times to buy various goodies for the two day ceremony her family was holding in honor of her grandfather who passed away a year ago. This a customary ceremony for Khmai families to honor their deceased one year after their death.

Three days in Sok Ream’s village opened my eyes and perspective (I feel like this happens at least a couple times a week here) to what life for many people in Cambodia and how much it differs from the life that I’ve known in the United States. I could write a lot about my time Takeo, but for now, I’ll share some photos to give you a glimpse into Cambodian village life.

Hay delivery for the cows living at Sok Ream’s aunt and uncle’s house.

One of Sok Ream’s relatives cooking on the wooden stove.

Cows in the early morning. In the village, we went to bed at 8:30 and woke up at 5:30. I liked this schedule. I felt in harmony with rural life and the sun. Farm life might be for me… some day.

The ladies preparing food for the ceremony. Chores were broken up by gender and age. 

The kitchen.

The ceremony consisted of chanting with monks, praying around a beautiful altar, eating, and finally, dancing in the evening. 

I took a bucket bath twice a day which was surprisingly refreshing from the heavy heat in Takeo.

I loved it all and am grateful for this cultural experience. Thank you Sok Ream, for opening your heart and home to me! xo