riverboat cruise

The Mekong River runs through our city. It is possible to rent a boat for $10-20 USD. Generally, a drink is provided as part of the fee during the one hour boat cruise. Kenyon and I recently went on a riverboat cruise with some friends. It offered a unique view of the place we live. Some of the sites I thought would be worth sharing.

Fishing is a large industry in our part of the world. It is a huge source of income and protein for those who live here. As countries like China dam the Mekong upstream there is speculation about what might happen to those downstream who rely on the river for food and livelihood.

Many of those who make their living off the river, also reside in these riverside housing developments. I am told that many of these are people without a homeland. A large percentage are of Vietnamese decent, who came to Cambodia during more difficult times in their country. Without documentation they cannot return. If born here they cannot return, and they are not able to gain residency here. Thus, they live on the river as people without a homeland.

The riverfront is becoming a desirable location to build. I took this picture hoping to show the contrasts between the have and have-nots. On land is a beautiful new villa, right next to those who are living in a floating shanty.

As we were coming closer to our port to dock, I noticed this group of people washing clothes in the river.

Just another day in the Phen...