We woke up feeling rested and a little under-hydrated after a warm, humid day exploring the temples of Siem Reap. We grabbed water to start our day, but little did we know the impact the element would have on our thoughts throughout the days learning. In Cambodian culture, water is a purifying element – a symbol of life and renewal. We saw the importance of water in catch pools and with the moat that surrounds Angkor Wat, but we learned the importance of water at the floating village on Tonle Sap Lake. We loaded onto our tour boat and started to take in the different boats and the people who inhabit them. The makeshift houseboats, stores, and religious vessels were sporadically placed around the mangrove trees.
There are 80,000 people who live on the lake. Many of them live there for financial reasons. Those who live on the lake do not have to pay any property tax, which allows income to stretch that much farther. They people are not tied to one area and can move from village to village on the lake. Not only do these people live their lives on the lake, but their livelihood comes from the lake. Commercial fishing is done by many, with each person setting fish traps in various locations with unique flagging that allows boats to maneuver in between, something our captain did flawlessly. We stopped at one of the floating markets, which was also a crocodile farm. Rithy, our guide, informed us the farmer will buy small crocodiles for around $30 US dollars and raise them 4-5 year before selling them for around $1,000 US dollars.
Watching the prehistoric animals sunbathe was an experience in itself. After the crocodile farms, our captain pointed the ship back to the dock. As we floated across the water many of us noted that, minus the mangrove trees poking out of the water, it felt as if we were back in California floating on one of our lakes. Three boys were swimming next to the pier as we docked. Laughing and enjoying a break from the heat and humidity. It all came full circle. Water a symbol of life and renewal. As agriculturists we know this, but maybe it took a trip to Cambodia to understand it.
After leaving the floating village, we stopped by the roadside to visit a rice and lotus farm. The narrow, moped-tracked road led us through several small rice and lotus fields. Our guide, Rithy, explained that they harvest two rice crops per year, predominantly growing jasmine rice. Although most of the rice grown in Cambodia is consumed locally, they have recently started exporting some. Next to the rice, lotus plants were cultivated. This crop is replanted twice a year and has many uses. Above the surface, the large petals and beautiful flowers bloom, while the roots and fruit are edible, and the stalks provide silk for textiles. However, the full potential of silk production is not yet being realized due to the lack of necessary infrastructure in the country. Despite this, Rithy remains optimistic that the industry is growing and will bring new opportunities for the people of Cambodia.
Afterward, we returned to the hotel to pack our bags and prepare for our departure from Siem Reap. Once checked out, we boarded the bus for lunch, which featured a variety of delicious foods, including lotus roots. After lunch, we participated in an Ag Leadership tradition with our guide Rithy: sharing our stories.
Rithy’s story begins with an unknown date, as he does not know when he was born. His parents tried to flee Cambodia during Pol Pot’s regime but could not cross into Thailand because his mother was pregnant with him. They remained in Cambodia, staying with his grandmother. His parents were eventually taken to fight in the war, where they both lost their lives. Too young to fight, Rithy was left behind. He vividly recalls his village receiving food from the United Nations, labeled as aid from the United States, for which he remains grateful.
After the war, he and many others moved near Angkor Wat, which was considered one of the safest places to live. Living so close to the temples ignited his passion for learning about their history and the religions that built them. He later learned English from a teacher in his village who survived the Cambodian genocide by pretending to be uneducated. As tourism began to grow in Cambodia, Rithy continued to practice and refine his English skills. His combination of language proficiency and local knowledge led him to become a tour guide, and, in our opinion, the best one in all of Cambodia.
Rithy concluded his story by sharing his hopes for Cambodia’s future, including increased investment and tourism from Western countries to help improve the lives of Cambodians. His story reminded us that sharing our personal experiences is one of the most valuable gifts we can offer one another, highlighting the power of stories to connect people.
After visiting the floating market, we headed to Siem Reap’s Old Market, also known as Phsar Chas, to explore the vibrant hub that is nestled in the heart of Siem Reap, Cambodia. This historic marketplace offers visitors a taste of the rich Cambodian culture. The market’s lively atmosphere is enhanced by the chatter of locals and tourists alike, creating a unique blend of everyday life and travel experience.
Immediately after walking in, you are greeted by local vendors who are eager and proud to show their products. Vendors offer a variety of goods, from fresh produce and local spices to handcrafted souvenirs. Beyond food and goods, the Old Market serves as a social gathering space where community ties are strengthened. Locals shop for their daily needs, exchanging greetings and smiles, while tourists engage with artisans and learn about traditional crafts. The market perfectly displays Siem Reap’s charm, where history, culture, and commerce intersect. For anyone visiting the area, the Old Market offers an authentic glimpse into the heart of Cambodian life, making it a must-see destination that resonates with both locals and travelers.
As we said goodbye to Siem Reap, we took time to reflect on our experience learning about the rich history that makes this city so special. As leaders, leaving this area we realized the importance of adaptability, cultural heritage, and community engagement. From the resilience of the floating villages to move their homes in and out with the water, to the stones of Angkor Wat to last hundreds of years we have a better understanding of what it takes to last in a changing world.
Class 53 unloaded the bus at the airport, where our tour guide Rithy sent us off with a smile and his kind words of “goodbye, my dear. I hope you come back.” We all hope we do, too. Class 53 is now heading to Phnom Penh to begin the next leg of our next adventure!
Gratefully,
Ariana, Scott, Trent and the members of Class 53
