Two days travelling on Vanthon's motorbike has left me feeling decidedly saddle-sore. We can cover a wider area so much quicker on the bike, but not so comfortable as there are usually three of us sharing one bike. The Khmer people travel three and four on one bike without any problem and tiny children hang on where they can - no such thing as a booster seat here!
While enjoying a meal in Takeo I had a front row view of a traditional Khmer funeral. This style of funeral is chosen for people of wealth. Oversize speakers amplified the monks chanting and could be heard all over the town - very loud music is popular here for weddings, funerals or any reason at all it doesn't matter.
The coffin had been placed in a structure adorned with flashing lights and as evening came a fire was lit underneath and fireworks set off - I imagine to send the deceased on the journey to his next life. When my time comes, without doubt, I will prefer a more tranquil send-off.
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