Monastery & Angkor National Museum

Our first stop this morning was Wat Kessaram, one of the many killing fields that serves today as a monastery. We met with a monk who chose this temporary life because he came from a very poor family. The monastic life provides him with food, a roof over his head, and a discount on university tuition. The monks here are very different from the Buddhist monks and nuns we visited with in Vietnam. They are not allowed alcohol, sex, or personal possessions. I think that is why this monk looked very unhappy the entire time we were there.

We then toured the national museum, which was very impressive. Lots of well-preserved artifacts, and I appreciated the artistry in carving the lentils and different statues. Lots of Hindu influence, as well. All very male dominated, almost all the statues were men.Read more