Catching up: Impossible but will try: January 7

We have not had internet for several days. Such is the way in Cambodia, and you learn quickly to find something else to do. I will start with January 7, which is Thursday. We began the day at Angkor Wat as planned to see the Churning of the Sea, which we were able to photograph a small portion of. The reproductions were almost as good, so I felt satisfied. We had a wonderful guide with us, and we had told him that we were interested in anything having to do with water. After Angkor Wat we traveled to both the East and West Baray, which is a reservoir built in 11th century to hold water. The East Baray used to be contained by tall, earthen dikes, but it is not functioning anymore. The West Baray is still functioning and provides water all year round but to a limited community. It has a beautiful dike and has now become a destination for Cambodians to get away from the heat on the week-ends. Of course, the rebuilding of the West Baray is a great accomplishment, and it is evident when you look out on this vast body of water. National Geographic just published an article suggesting that the end of the Angkor civilization had to do with the drying up of the reservoirs. The irony today is that Cambodia has more water during the rainy season than they can manage, and none in the dry season. The answer is not simply more wells or even access, but safe water after the access becomes available. Safe water is filtered water whether it is from wells or rain. On the way back to town we stopped at an organic farm, one of three in Siem Reap that is pumping water out of the Baray. There are plantations all around and everything is green; however, this is not a very large area. Organic farming is new and quickly catching on mostly with restaurants and those with money. The evening was once again another opportunity to learn more about Trailblazers from Chris and Scott Coats. Paul has committed himself to work with them cleaning sand and working on biosand filters after I leave. Chris and Scott are remarkable not only in their committment to Cambodia but their passion and belief in empowering the people they have been assisting. Their dream is that someday they will be out of business. We all watched a few fireworks from the sidewalk, marking the celebration of the liberation of Cambodia from the Khmer Rouge by the Vietnamese. Looking back, the displacement and chaos continued until 1993 when Cambodia became independent. Once again, we felt a solid bond with our new friends and warmly toasted our friendship. I promise to catch up tomorrow. Lauren