While moored in Kampong Cham, and before departing for Phnom Penh, we visited the hilltop Temples of Phnom Pros and Phnom Srey. As the legend goes, a mountain building competition between men and women was held to determine who, between the two, should propose marriage. They had a day to build the highest mountain with the loser being the one that would have to ask the other for their hand in marriage. The competition would end when the Sirius Star rose. Being clever, the women took a lantern to the highest spot possible and lit it thus deceiving the men to believe the day was at an end. While the men stopped building the women continued and won the competition. Now we know why men propose. It’s a feminine trick. I don’t know if getting down on a knee was part of the event or not.
The day was hazy and the sky unremarkable. Keep that in mind as you gaze upon the views on the mountain. Let’s start with a photo looking down the mountain.
The temple was sculpturally very interesting and intricate. Here are a few views:
As we strolled around the grounds, I snapped this photo of our friend Marsha from Arizona. She was wearing a T-shirt designed and given to her by Kayleigh Mathew, a student she once taught.
The temple and the grounds were interesting. Let’s begin with a photo of the exterior of the temple and then a shot or two inside.
I took this photo for the human interest it provides. He was just sitting, probably meditating and apparently oblivious to our presence.
This stupa was lovely and similar to one at the Royal Palace in Phnom Penh.
Just a few random pictures before we leave the mountain and return to the Viking Saigon in preparation for sailing to Phnom Penh.
Last, but not least.
Beautiful!
Thanks Barb. Great to know you are following along.