Ox Carting and Banteay Samre by Simi

We deffo looked like stupid tourists doing this but to be fair we were the only people in this teeny hamlet and there wasn’t another tourist in site! Arushi, Eashan and I quickly and wisely plucked the fatter tyre cart- the fact they were made out of rubber was a big plus. Millen and Matt went down the more authentic model route- wooden wheels! They had cows and we had buffaloes .. so not an ox to be fair.. which led to the debate about what is the difference between these creatures?

A male cow that has been taught and used as a draught animal is called an ox, also known as a bullock. Castration reduces testosterone and aggression in adult male cattle, making them docile and safer to handle.

A mature female bovine is referred to as a cow, whereas a mature male bovine that has not been castrated is referred to as a bull. A bull aids in the reproduction of calves and can be used for meat, whereas a cow is herded as livestock and gives birth to calves. The name “bull” is used to describe the males of buffaloes and bovines, while the term “cow” often refers to the females of many big mammalian species. Bulls are perceived as being violent and dangerous, whereas cows are a calmer, more gentle part of the bovine family.

In comparison to an ox, a buffalo is bigger and has more hair. The male of the mammal cow is called an ox. It lacks an udder and is castrated once it reaches adulthood. Although not castrated, a buffalo is also a man!

Clear… hope so!😂

Being outside the main temple circuits, sadly Banteay Samre is often overlooked while it is actually one of the more beautiful sites featuring impressive lintels and holding on to much of the ornate decorative features adorning the vestibules and shrines.

The name Samre refers to an ethnic group of mountain people, who inhabited the regions at the base of Phnom Kulen and were probably related to the Khmers. No inscription has been found for this temple, but the style of most of the architecture is of the classic art of the middle period similar to Angkor Wat. The monument most likely dates from the same period, or, perhaps, slightly later, although there are additions attributed to the Bayon style!

This one was like a mini Angkor Wat and both are dedicated to Vishnu the preserver/ protector . There are also images of Laxmi his wife as well as the Garuda - the mount of Vishnu.. the divine Bird.Okumaya devam et