Love of the Journalist
35. Arkun, Siem Reap
...35. Arkuns, Siem Reap...
The bus carrying the group arrived in Siem Reap at 11 p.m. After a 6-hour drive from Phonm Penh.
He was wearing a red hat. Black 7/8 jeans with floral blouse.
As per the theme of today's material is citizen journalism. Located in Siem Reap.
He and his entourage walked in the Angkor Archeological Park. An ancient temple area. The main areas of the temple are Angkor Wat and Angkor Thom.
It took a lot of time to explore the temple area which covers 400 square KM. While the time given to the group is only two hours.
Cannot explore as a whole. Just pick interesting spots.
He was looking for some interesting objects there. Take a photo with the team. And do not forget to take pictures using his cell phone camera. Interviewed several speakers both tourists and local communities.
“Kata temenku more beautiful Borobudur” temple he said while sitting himself in one of the temple courts. Wiping the sweat that flooded the temple. Then flick the brochure right in front of his face that he received when entering the temple area earlier. The goal is to reduce the slight sultry that hit. The weather is really hot.
“Here why tourists who come here more than to Borobudur or Prambanan?” Laira asked back.
He put his shoulder out.
“We are less promotional times?” the answer is original, but it makes sense.
“Or tourists are indeed more interested in its history. Or ... the condition of the temple that really has not been restored entirely. So that the impression of haunted, natural and left precisely to be the attraction,” continued the man while chuckling.
“Maybe ...” said Laira and lifted her shoulders.
“Can be,” he chimed.
Not satisfied around the area of the temple relics of King Suryavarman II, they had to rush on the bus back. The next destination is Tonle Sap Lake. It is located in Siem Reap.
It is the largest freshwater lake in Southeast Asia.
The group headed for Chong Kneas village. It is a floating village that becomes a tourist destination. Interview with the surrounding community. Certainly with guide and Ponleak as translator.
“Bang Laira still remember the slogan of one of our private TV .. which is OK so ... similar ya?” chirps while showing his thumb while sitting on the stairs of one of the houses there. In front of him lined houses neatly arranged citizens as if floating on the water. All transactions are by boat.
Laira chuckles, “Banjarmasin.”
But a moment later Laira said, “Which do you think is more beautiful?”
He just throws a smile.
Traditional Cambodian people in the area use Khemr language and Riel money as transactions.
He also took some photos there. The kids are bathing and swimming. Not wanting to escape the object, he immediately aimed. Exhausted sure. But the people there who welcomed the group with a friendly, spurring its own spirit.
“Lea sin heuy ( See you) ..” The group of Chong Kneas village children said goodbye as they waved their hands.
He smiled and waved his hand.
The last visit was in the afternoon before dusk. Make those tired faces cheerful again. They arrived in Siem Reap. The city is an important tourist and cultural destination of Cambodia.
Is the old market area of Siem Reap as the ultimate activity today before returning to Phonm Penh.
He several times targeted objects such as people who are trading and buying. Shops that sell their merchandise.
He also interviewed several merchants and buyers there. I forgot to buy some souvenirs.
“Thank you ...” He said when the interview with them ended. Then in return he bought some souvenirs.
Here the transaction is sold using US dollars. Even with language. Many traders speak English. Even with a still thick pronunciation.
He walked down Pub Street. When the sky was getting dark. Street lights have been lit in place of daylight. The glittering glow of flickering lights coloring the area to the left right stands cafes, pubs, food streets, reflexology places and restaurants that are professionally arranged.
The night the Pub Street area gets crowded. And the atmosphere is more alive. Because the road is closed and only for pedestrians. No wonder Pub Street is crowded with many foreign tourists.
Brucks.
He almost fell because he was hit by someone who walked in a hurry. With a swift he can balance his body. Luckily the camera was still hanging around his neck.
“Saum tos (sorry) ...” The man cupped both hands to the chest.
“It’s okay,”. Maybe his fault is also so fun to take pictures not paying attention to his surroundings.
“Rei,” call Laira from the back.
He turned his head, “Ya, Bang ..” While looking at the results. Set the camera lighting to get maximum results.
“Si Ponleak ngajak gather at bar before turning back.” Said Laira who was now standing next to him.
Ponleak is one of the participants from Cambodia. As the host, he felt obliged to be a guide for others. The ICFJ also provides.
It's vertical mineral water, “Yaa,” sahut.
This time, there was no choice in refusing. As a sign of respect for Ponleak and his friends.
The atmosphere of the bar was so crowded that he and the group entered one of the bars in the Pub Street area. The music beats mutually between bars with each other. Laughter of some tourists who drink and clubbing is a common sight.
“Softdrink to Bang. The ...” He mentioned one of the soft drinks with one of the standup comedy stars as his artist. When Laira offers him a drink.
They sat in a circle with four tables joined together. His friends chose to taste Angkor beer which he said was a local product. There are also cocktails. Not to forget the typical Siemp Reap food. Like amok and lap khmer. I prefer fish amok.
Amok itself is like curry sauce. Rich in spice with a Cambodian base spice called kroeung is a mixture of lemongrass, cinnamon, galangal, and mashed turmeric. Steamed with banana leaves. The main common ingredients of fish fillet. It can also be chicken.
Lap Khemr is a traditional Cambodian salad. More specifically a beef salad. It consists of thin slices of roasted beef. Served with Cambodian raw fresh vegetables and fresh herbs.
His eyes caught Chung Lamp of Vietnamese participants who had just returned from the toilet. The man was sitting right in front of him.
Curiosity tickled him when a skewer popped out of the package that Chung Lamp had brought earlier. Where there is selling satay in Cambodia he thought.
What's more when Chung Lam took out a package of food that she bought at the food street night market. Makes shudder. Stabbed tarantulas and fried cocoons. Go into his mouth.
“WOW ...!” exclaimed friends who might not be used to seeing the food included him.
“Anti mainstream ...” Laira's claw while thinning her lips.
His eyes gasped, several times he swallowed his saliva but it felt choked. It seemed like his stomach was suddenly stirred.
He chose to talk with Azizah, a female participant from the country of Brunei.
“So you're married, Zah?” she asked when Azizah had ended the phone call with her husband.
“Yes. Just five months ago,” sahut Azizah. “We're matched. Because there are no girlfriends”
Suddenly his heart broke. I don't know why he was slapped with Azizah's words.
He carefully asked again, “Are you happy (are you happy)?”
Azizah smiled, her eyes twinkling. His face looks blushing. The answer that doesn't need to be clarified anymore, right?
“Very happy ...” Azizah answered, again making her tongue and throat feel choked.
I don't know why he suddenly wanted to go back to the hotel. Wanna call someone. Wanted to see his face. Wanted to say that ....
The trip back to Phnom Penh seemed to be longer. Even all the participants were asleep on their respective benches.
He pulled his phone out of his jacket pocket. Swiping the screen and unlocking the safety.
Kirei: Mas Danang again what—. But he removed. Urinary.
It's 11 p.m. Maybe he's asleep?
He seemed to be typing something but he deleted it again. Already written just send, but he hesitated to send and then removed it again. So next. Till,
Ting.
A message came in.
Mas Danang: Not sleeping yet?
Suddenly his heart rippled in warmth. His lips curved upwards framing a smile though somewhat faint.
Kirei: Again on the way back to the hotel. Why hasn't Danang slept?
Mas Danang: Watch the ball again.
He remembered when they watched the ball together. His request at that time which he believed would be strange. And lead to something sensitive. Turns out just asking for company to watch his favorite club ball.
“You like balls?” ask the man.
“Like don't like.”
“Means?”
“At first I didn't like it. Because it's identical. But forced to like because Brother Ken and Dad like to watch,”
“Like invited to stay up late even though finally fell asleep in front of TV.”
“If there is a match in gor like invited too,” he said.
“Good .. later if we have a boy he should also like the ball.”
DEG
Ting.
A message from Danang came in again.
Mas Danang: What day is it to day (how many days is this)?
Type: Third.
Kirei: Mas Danang is old so senile.
Mas Danang: It’s okay, get old with you (no matter what, just as long as you age with you).
The journey that initially feels long and long is so exciting. While smiling at his own smile because reading a message from someone who makes it fly. Oh, naw. Made him smile. Even he involuntarily chuckled, although by reflex he instantly closed his mouth. Fear is considered crazy. Only he is awake.
Mas Danang: Go to sleep. It was midnight. See you soon ....
His last chat message ushered the girl into a dream. A dream he never expected. Dreams that he considers nightmare (nightmare). A dream he never had in prayer.
But now he is enjoying the dream. I hope to keep dreaming with him.
I hope that.
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Note :
Arkun, Siem Reap (in Khmer): Thank you, Siem Reap.
Thank you for stopping by, reading and giving support .... 🙏