The ride today was about 80km and very hot, but very scenic and mostly flat.
On the way, we stopped by an engagement party for a friend of our guide. It was only 8:30 am, but the party was already rolling.
Our destination, Battambang, is the 4th largest city in Cambodia. It was founded by the Khmer Empire in the 11th century! The region is known for its rice production currently. There is a lot of rice consumed over here – by locals and visitors.
The French built many buildings in the middle of last century and many still remain. They also built a railroad that is mostly not working now but stretches to the capital, Phenom Penn.
Some enterprising locals in the government have turned the abandoned railway into a bit of a tourist attraction. We are not ones usually attracted to pure tourist spots ,but this one was too hard to pass up. After the French left and the train service was cut to two trains a week, the locals build their own cars – simple platforms that were propelled by drivers using bamboo poles. Today, there are simple, two-stroke engines attached to an axel with a fan belt. There is enough horsepower to propel the platform 20-30 km/hr down the track through acres of rice fields.
No seats, no seat belts no lights, not much to hold on too or other pesky, safety features. Tracks mostly line up, but there are some good hits when they do not. It is pretty much hold on and hope it doesn’t down pour before you make it back (we made it by seconds)..
You both look great.
Love the details and pictures.
Love Mom
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Nice to see you on the blog! Cambodia is a special place. We are really enjoying all of it- the history, the culture, the people.
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Very nice pictures. As Jane said you look great this life really agrees with you. Barb and Davids baby still hanging in there. Be safe and love to both.
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Great to hear! Sent a mail to David last night to check in but as I know you will, keep us posted. Love, Susan and Chris
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Trip looks great. Glad you did not get caught in then rain. Great blog I really enjoy follow your adventure. Thanks
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Again thanks for the details……… You both look GREAT … no Worries………..Life is good
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