Since being in Cambodia, Tola and I have both gotten used to getting up early. We have been on the perfect schedule for my Mom. :) Following our days in Kratie, we got ready to head even further east to a small town called Sen Monorom. We were told that the mini-bus was the best way to get to Sen Monorom because it didn't stop as much as the regular bus, so we decided to listen to the advice we had been given. Our advice led us into a 15 passenger van that eventually became crammed with 40 people. I had been in a packed van before, but I had never been in a van with 40 people and "luggage." In spite of the crowded van our trip actually ended up going smoothly. We even arrived in Sen Monorom earlier than we had expected.
Sen Monorom immediately proved to be a town that is heavily covered with dust during the dry season, so we were thankful when we found a place to stay off of the main dirt road. The individuals who cater to travelers were also very friendly to us. I don't think they have many customers in the town of 8,000 people. It didn't take long to scope out Sen Monorom, but at first sight it seemed to be a town that Tola and I were going to enjoy.
On our first full day in Sen Monorom we did what had planned to do during our time in eastern Cambodia. Tola and I woke up to beautiful sunshine and made our way to a small village outside of the main town. It indeed became time for our day of elephant trekking. In the small village we were greeted by our elephant Atu and the man who would take us through the jungle. As soon as we arrived there appeared to be no time to wait, so we quickly climbed up a ladder and situated ourselves in our little "cage" on top of Atu. I guess I thought riding on an elephant would be like sitting on the roof of a car, but I suddenly realized we would be sitting on top of an animal for a good part of our day. It took a while to get used to the feeling of the elephant's steps as she made her way into the jungle of Cambodia. We made our way along paths surrounded by thick trees and we also trekked through a few streams. It was a beautiful and bouncy ride to our main destination.
After a couple of hours we came to a beautiful clearing and waterfall. We were immediately welcomed by a family who would show us around for the day. Sitting down to eat our fried rice lunch on top of the waterfall became the beginning of an enjoyable day among lush trees, listening to soothing sounds of natural running water, and surrounded by delightful company. We also spent time watching men fish above the waterfall. It was fun spending time with a local family, and Tola was able to understand what they were saying to us, so that made things a bit easier. After spending a full day in the jungle, we rode on Atu again (the elephant) and headed back to the main village. Riding on top of Atu was a wonderful way to see the Cambodian jungle that still exists.
The last main thing that we did while in Sen Monorom was rent a motorbike for one full day. Sometimes it is nice to get off the the beaten track and at least try to explore some terrain without a guide. Our first stop of the day was a large waterfall hidden within the hills. The waterfall was a worthwhile destination, but I think that Tola and I will remember the actually journey more than the waterfall. We ended up taking a route that ended up being very difficult. The dirt roads were very poor, and I often got off the motorbike, so Tola could have an easier time driving up the steep rocky hills. On a couple of occasions we had to push the motorbike through sand that came up to our calves. It was quite the trek and the return trip was much easier because we were more prepared for the rocky roads. Afterwards we were also able to ride to another waterfall and through some picturesque areas of the countryside.
By the end of our time in Sen Monorom we learned the best ways to travel through the thick dust. We prepared ourselves by wearing thick sunglasses and masks, and I think we battled the dust quite well. Beneath the dust, Sen Monorom and the surrounding area had much to offer for our time there. As we got ready to leave, we definitely felt that our time in Sen Monorom was worth it. Through our travels we have found that it is always easy to stay in large cities because they are so convenient, but lately small towns have been full of special surprises .. surprises that have been well worth the extra hours of traveling.
Since being in Cambodia, Tola and I have both gotten used to getting up early. We have been on the perfect schedule for my Mom. :) Following our days in Kratie, we got ready to head even further east to a small town called Sen Monorom. We were told that the mini-bus was the best way to get to Sen Monorom because it didn't stop as much as the regular bus, so we decided to listen to the advice we had been given. Our advice led us into a 15 passenger van that eventually became crammed with 40 people. I had been in a packed van before, but I had never been in a van with 40 people and "luggage." In spite of the crowded van our trip actually ended up going smoothly. We even arrived in Sen Monorom earlier than we had expected.
Sen Monorom immediately proved to be a town that is heavily covered with dust during the dry season, so we were thankful when we found a place to stay off of the main dirt road. The individuals who cater to travelers were also very friendly to us. I don't think they have many customers in the town of 8,000 people. It didn't take long to scope out Sen Monorom, but at first sight it seemed to be a town that Tola and I were going to enjoy.
On our first full day in Sen Monorom we did what had planned to do during our time in eastern Cambodia. Tola and I woke up to beautiful sunshine and made our way to a small village outside of the main town. It indeed became time for our day of elephant trekking. In the small village we were greeted by our elephant Atu and the man who would take us through the jungle. As soon as we arrived there appeared to be no time to wait, so we quickly climbed up a ladder and situated ourselves in our little "cage" on top of Atu. I guess I thought riding on an elephant would be like sitting on the roof of a car, but I suddenly realized we would be sitting on top of an animal for a good part of our day. It took a while to get used to the feeling of the elephant's steps as she made her way into the jungle of Cambodia. We made our way along paths surrounded by thick trees and we also trekked through a few streams. It was a beautiful and bouncy ride to our main destination.
After a couple of hours we came to a beautiful clearing and waterfall. We were immediately welcomed by a family who would show us around for the day. Sitting down to eat our fried rice lunch on top of the waterfall became the beginning of an enjoyable day among lush trees, listening to soothing sounds of natural running water, and surrounded by delightful company. We also spent time watching men fish above the waterfall. It was fun spending time with a local family, and Tola was able to understand what they were saying to us, so that made things a bit easier. After spending a full day in the jungle, we rode on Atu again (the elephant) and headed back to the main village. Riding on top of Atu was a wonderful way to see the Cambodian jungle that still exists.
The last main thing that we did while in Sen Monorom was rent a motorbike for one full day. Sometimes it is nice to get off the the beaten track and at least try to explore some terrain without a guide. Our first stop of the day was a large waterfall hidden within the hills. The waterfall was a worthwhile destination, but I think that Tola and I will remember the actually journey more than the waterfall. We ended up taking a route that ended up being very difficult. The dirt roads were very poor, and I often got off the motorbike, so Tola could have an easier time driving up the steep rocky hills. On a couple of occasions we had to push the motorbike through sand that came up to our calves. It was quite the trek and the return trip was much easier because we were more prepared for the rocky roads. Afterwards we were also able to ride to another waterfall and through some picturesque areas of the countryside.
By the end of our time in Sen Monorom we learned the best ways to travel through the thick dust. We prepared ourselves by wearing thick sunglasses and masks, and I think we battled the dust quite well. Beneath the dust, Sen Monorom and the surrounding area had much to offer for our time there. As we got ready to leave, we definitely felt that our time in Sen Monorom was worth it. Through our travels we have found that it is always easy to stay in large cities because they are so convenient, but lately small towns have been full of special surprises .. surprises that have been well worth the extra hours of traveling.
See that you like both the adventures:)
Then you prefer the small towns...
Dad and I are having steak with Paul as Pam is out of town. Now we will show Paul elephants, alligators, Tola and Emily!
Emily, I can't believe its you. When the love bug bites anythings possible.
The picture of a man in underwear with fishes on the hands is very very sharp.
Impressed about the reflexion of picture from water (like mirror) even the woman's washing of clothes didn't trouble it, woooow!
Wonder if it depends on a good photographer or the very clear water?:)
Grandma - You are too funny, your comments are always priceless! :)
Yim - I think Tola would say it depends on the photographer because he took the photo. :) The camera has been great though!