Battambang:

City of crafts

Battambang

16.03.2017 - Jordan

 

 

This new day in Battambang is labelled 'CRAFTS'. Actually, there are many different professions in the area. 

 

The previous day, we had discovered the French Market (name given because of its architecture) and its jewellers. It's amazing to see expensive jewels coming out these two square meters workshops. It's fascinating to watch the craftsmen working. The precision is extreme, and their movements are mechanical and natural.

 

We also meet an old woman standing next to the road, in a shop, not larger than those of the jewellers. Well, she must be seventy years old. Her gift? Cigarettes and cigarillos creation. With a quick movement, she puts tobacco in the leaves and then glues everything together. Obviously, we test what she offers us! She's 'glowing', she sends so much happiness! 

 

To continue our day, we take a Tuk-tuk. He transports us along a river, shaded by the greenery. We sneak in the paths to finally arrive in a little tourist place. Nevertheless, educational: a rice paper manufacture. You know, this magic component for the spring rolls preparation? It's actually cooked rice which is mixed at the point of making a batter. This one is steamed before being left in the sun. Finally we find out why there's a pattern on it! It's just that drying areas are weaved bamboos. Of course, we eat some summer and spring rolls! 

 

The afternoon ends with an 'angkorian style' temple, where local farmers dry their rice harvests. It makes me think about Japanese gardens, with the farmer who creates patterns with his rake. 

 

A Giant Buddha faces us. In the building which supports it, several rows of statues are watching us. The place is, how to say... odd.

 

We couldn't end our day without one last adventure. Let's go to the bat cave! This one is located at the bottom of a mountain, which stands out in this flat country. The summit has different places where we learn more about Cambodia. There are several temples, but also, it was a torture and execution place during the Khmer Rouges years. Some bones are still there. We have to say that we are not confident when we went down in the cave with only our phones lights. 

 

Bats are coming! They start to make more shrilly noises, they might fly soon! In the meantime, to imitate all the tourists, we take a beer. Then, suddenly, a black cloud comes out of the cave. Millions (according to locals) of bats, run towards the fields. It's a procession, few minutes long, which is going to get food. Impressive! 

 

Going back in town to eat at the student restaurant, we do a small race with other Tuk-Tuks! This is probably linked to our crew of champions and their encouragement, but there's nothing else to say: our driver is the best!

La 'rouleuse' de cigarettes.