Today, we spent our first full day on the Jahan. At 6:30 some of us joined in a Tai Chi class with Mr. Voant on the terrace deck. At 8:30 we ventured out to Wat Hanchey, also known as Hanchey Kiri, a contemporary Buddhist temple and monastery complex, built on a prominent hill. Our group members were excited about the option to walk the hill or ride on a “hog” or moto with the locals. It was only $1 for the ride. Arriving at the top at the temple, one gets a commanding view of the Mekong River. The site still has an interesting seventh century brick structure of a Hindu temple dedicated to Shiva built by the pre-Angkorian kings known as Chenla. The brightly colored modern temple structures are filled with paintings of Buddha’s life and one building has a host of statues depicting past abbots of the monastery. The courtyard has giant fruit sculptures everywhere.
Back on the Jahan, we awaited two monks to arrive to do a blessing ceremony for guests and Jahan staff on the terrace deck. Two chairs are arranged in front of a table, filled with flowers and fruit. The blessing was recited in both Pali and Khmer, while water was sprinkled on the respectful crew seated on the floor with heads bowed and hands pressed together. Donations were collected for the monks and their temple, and fruit and food were also offered to the monks. One of our guides explained the proceedings and answered questions. It is customary to show respect to the monks by touching the ground or moving the hands in prayer three times to indicate the Buddha, Dharma (or Teachings), and the Sangha (or Monkhood).
At 11:30 we departed downstream for Angkor Ban.
Before lunch Max Seigal gave a talk on photography for cameras of all sizes.
At 3:00 p.m., National Geographic expert Barry Till gave a detailed lecture on the history of the Mekong, a summary of its incredible diversity, and a look at the potential for disaster from having too many dams.
At 4:00 p.m. we departed the Jahan and walked up the steep riverbanks to the quaint and beautiful village of Angkor Ban with a population of approximately 1,000 people. We first were able to walk through their colorful temple complex with its many buildings and stupas as well as a large statue of a seated Buddha and one that was reclining. Then we proceeded through the village itself with its ancient stilted houses, often with tall handsome white Brahman cattle below. We also had the opportunity to visit one of the local homes with its amazing see-through bamboo floor, which keeps the house cool for sleeping.
By 5:30 we returned to the Jahan and continued our cruise with a Recap at 6:30 p.m.
