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I was cycling down a small country road in southern Cambodia when I came across a gathering in front of a typical stilted wooden house.  In front of the house an awning had been erected and there were literally about 100 people sat around eating in the shade.

Whilst I was stopped at the side of the road looking at the spectacle in front of me one of the monks came over (top right in the picture below) and asked if I would like some food.  Never one to pass up an experience, or free food, I parked my bike and joined the party.  I was seated with the men at the tables.

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The men were sat at the tables doing ‘business’

All of the woman were sat eating on the floor.

Communal eating

About 95% of Cambodians are Buddhist and the ladies in the photo above with shaved heads are called Mae Chi. They are widows who have chosen to live at the pagoda as helpers so as not to be a burden on their families. Their main role at the pagoda is to clean and prepare the altars for ceremonies.

Once the food was eaten and the bowls cleared away.  A stage had been set up and the monks took to the platform. After introductions by the community leader the monks took to the microphone, and I assume, said prayers and blessings.  The party guests all prayed at this point.

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The monk about to say a blessing.

One of the guests at the party spoke very good english and when I asked about the monks attending the party they explained that Buddhists who take vows to become a monk do not commit to this calling for life. It is common for Cambodian men to become monks for a short period of their life — usually a few weeks or a few months — to bring merit to their parents and to become closer to their Buddhist faith. This is usually done earlier in life, starting at around age 13. The most common reason, apparently though, is that low-income Cambodians choose to become monks to gain access to education which they might not be able to get otherwise.

My new friend explained that the reason for the party was to welcome back the sister of the house owner.  The sister had been living in New Zealand for 20 years and was now moving back to Cambodia to live.  The party was a way for the community to offer thanks and a celebration to welcome her back.

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The house owner whose sister the celebration was in honour of

As always, I filmed some video whilst at the welcome home party which should give you a better sense of the festivities:

It was definitely a privilege to be invited in to join the village community in welcoming back the sister.  Another unique and amazing experience that I have stumbled across during my time cycling in Cambodia.

I hope you found this snapshot of Cambodian life interesting and if so you may want to take a look at a few more of the experiences that I have been lucky enough to stumble across.  To access all of the videos that I have filmed so far during my cycle ride you can find them on my website by clicking here

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Take care and for those of you who cycle – ride safe

Stewart

A communal celebration – Cambodia
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