Cambodia Day 6 part c

On and off, on and off, on and off the bus as we bounced and jostled down the rural road now to our main attraction of the day. Visiting a floating village on Tonle Sap Lake. A brief glimpse into life of the Cambodia river people. Tonle Sap means Great Lake. It is the largest fresh water lake in Southeast Asia. The lake levels rise and fall with the seasons due to the influence of the Mekong River River. The rains begin in summer, the river rises, but instead of flooding its own banks, the river pushes water into Tonle Sap reversing the river's flow. The waters of Tonle Sap River flood the lake increasing it tenfold which floods the surrounding forests and fields. October when the water recedes it leaves behind fertile silt perfect for rice cultivation. The river people literally move their floating homes twice a year with the ebb and flow of the lake. Such a different way of life. Much of their diet is fish. The fish they do not eat is collected to be made into fish paste. Eww. Nearly all the homes have little rafts with dirt on which they have a garden. Many are cultivating crocodiles to sell to supplement their income. There are floating stores, church's, schools, dogs, cats, and just about anything a village needs. You just need a boat to get from point a to b. Fascinating view into a unique way of life. No property taxes.....

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