Travelogue

Cambodia

Phnom Krom is one of the poorest places in Cambodia.  The families in these pictures live along the road leading to Tonlé Sap, which is the largest freshwater lake in South East Asia.  The lake is filled part of the year by the Mekong River and is of paramount importance to Cambodia’s food security, economy, and cultural heritage.  It was humbling to see the level of poverty in the community, notably because the people live in an area accessible to rich, natural resources.  Every half a mile or so along this road, there is a well drilled by the United Nations and donated by a particular country.  Despite no running water, we saw TV antennas on every single house.  We were told that a 13″ black & white TV is run off of a car battery, which are recharged down the road at a gasoline generator every three days; color televisions are often avoided as they use more electricity.  Apparently, there are three stations on the TVs.

Donated wells are found alongside the road and are critical to effective sanitation/hygiene.
TV antennas are on the roofs of most homes/huts, with television an important source of entertainment and an effective way to bring the world into your home no matter where you are.
These Siamese crocodiles were being raised below deck for agricultural purposes.
Men playing games together for entertainment as a shanty on the river.

This girl wanted to pose for a picture with this python, and she also wanted a tip for her troubles.