During our plane journey to Siem Reap, the Cambodian gentleman sitting next to us asked if we would be also going to Phnom Penh, for the water festival there. We said we were not and thought no more about it. During our second day in Cambodia, we visited the Bayon Temple where there is a massive frieze depicting great battle between the Khmers and the foreign invaders, the Chams. The Khmers won this battle on the Tonle Sap lake. Since then, they have been commemorating the event during this water festival, including a race on the Tonle Sap River near Phnom Penh, with a minor celebration in Siem Reap itself.
Little did I know, when I was composing yesterday's posting on Day 1 of our visit, that the Singapore Dragon Race team, competing in the water festival races, had met with a tragic accident earlier in the day. This accident took place after the race as the team was returning to shore. An unexpected current caused their boat to capsize, and 5 of the 22 member team drowned in the Tonle Sap River. So this post is in their memory - a virtual minute of silence, if you will. May they rest in peace.
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