Other than Angkor Wat, I went to Cambodia to find my mother childhood hometown. She told me the name of the nearest town, Gek Jea. I look it up on the map, nothing even sounded close. When I pass through Kratie on route to Laos, I asked the driver what they call this town in Cambodian. When he told me Krahtcheh, the way he pronounced it, sounded exactly the way my mother said it. I ask if there is a floating village near by.
He said yes, just on the other side of the Island on the Mekong River, pointing toward the island on the river. I went there and stayed for the whole afternoon.
There were only about 30 houses or so on the floating village. I wish I had been there when my mother was still alive, so I could show her the many photos I took there. The tour book does not mention much about the island. If you ever pass by Kratie, other then going to see the river dolphins, you can also visit the island. Not in the rainy season though, most of island will be underwater. There is not street just dirt road and not car, just bicycle and cart pull by cow or water buffalo.
Hi Wayne, An interesting picture complemented by an excellent note. I like how everything seems to be moving or pointing towards the right. The water looks very clean. It must have been a bittersweet moment for you when you heard the name of the town.
I would love to give you two points, but I won't leave a smiley out of respect for your mother. Hello Wayne Very touching Note. And a good reason for your trip to find this place.
