Children of Tonle Sap

As beautiful and awe-inspiring as the Cambodian temples are, it's good to get away to admire some other natural wonders. Tonle Sap is the largest freshwater inland lake in Southeast Asia and is home to a large population of villagers who depend on fishing for a living. Life is hard and poverty is rife. Rithy, the driver, suggested that we purchase candy and some stationery for the large numbers of children who live on the lake. I'm glad we did. It was only a short 20-minute ride to the lake, but that was enough for me to catch a glimpse of the difficult living conditions for most people.

A little tub of joy greets visitors at Tonle Sap

The boat ride started on a narrow inlet of the lake and we saw house boats, supermarket boats, church boats, school boats - an entire community living on the river. One school even had a floating basketball court - how cool! All manner of boats came floating by selling vegetables, drinks and snacks - although the tourist boats sometimes threatened to outnumber the local vessels. A cheeky little boy came floating by in a green tub and started posing for photos - for a princely sum of $1. Isn't that a great photo?

Aunty Jo Jo visiting children at a floating school on Tonle Sap

We chanced upon a Cambodian boat school and were invited to board the vessel by the teachers. The children, who ranged from toddlers to teenagers, were very excited to welcome us. I started distributing the colour pencils and pencils that we had bought in Siem Riep. They were an absolute hit! I wish we had brought even more supplies and books. I am so grateful that the teachers allowed us to interrupt class to visit and take photos. It was definitely the highlight of my trip to Cambodia!

I must admit to a measure of guilt for slinking back to my 5-star boutique hotel when so many kids have so little. Hmmm....there must be an avenue to contribute more.