So Much for an Inspirational Sunday Post - Cambodia blog post #11

 

I hate doing this; I always try to post an inspirational blog on Sundays. But I just counted, and I possibly have another 24 stories to tell you about our trip to Cambodia. Posting on just Wednesdays and Fridays, that would take me into the new year, and none of us wants that!

So here I am, Sunday morning, inspiring you with the beautiful riverfront walk in Kampot.  

The river’s name is Preaek Tuek Chhu. Further downstream, according to Google Maps, its name is Prek Kampong Kandal. I thought maybe Kandal translated to river, but it really means Central in English. Tonle is river, and we’ll get to that another time (around post #23!). 

Along the riverwalk, a seahorse sculpture stands tall, spraying water from its mouth. It’s said to be a symbol of Kampot’s spirit – its relaxed atmosphere, fascinating history, and beautiful natural surroundings. 

Less than 2,000 feet away, where the Praek Tuek Chhu River meets up with another one, a large modern clock tower is located on Traeuy Kaoh Island. It was only just unveiled on August 22nd of this year and is Cambodia’s tallest and largest clock tower, standing at 115 feet high, with a clock face nearly 33 feet in diameter. 

The sun was out and the reflection on the river was beautiful. 

Across the river, we could see our elevated destination for the morning. Bokor Mountain rose majestically into the clear blue sky. It would be a great day and unusually sunny up there, even though K said it was always foggy and rainy this time of year. But we assured him that, because we were making the drive up the mountain with him, the weather would be stellar.   

A Toyota highlander with a driver arrived. We piled in and started our trek up Bokor Mountain. As we slowly climbed, navigating one switchback after another, clouds started moving in. Followed by the fog, followed by an oppressive fog and drizzle.

We stopped at a waterfall alongside the road.

And a few times for monkey photo ops. Little beggars just like – I almost wrote 'home' – but I mean Kenya.

As we continued to ascend the mountain, the fog and rain worsened and the wind picked up. Oh, we prayed, “it’s going to be clear on top of the mountain”.

So much for this being an inspirational post . . . Check back on Wednesday to see how this turned out for us.