Simplicity

A few weeks ago, I was blessed with a breath of Simplicity.

We went to visit our friend’s home province in Prey Veng. It was incredibly beautiful and the kind of experience I will always think back on to recall what real calm, raw nature and Simplicity feels like.

To reach our destination, we took two boat trips. We glided over flooded rice fields, the tops of trees peeking out of the deep and still waters. As we skimmed across the vast expanse of water, fisherman crouched in their wooden boats stopped their work to curiously observe our boat with four foreigners. Houses on stilts kept dry, rising just high enough to keep from flooding. Some homes floated on water. No sign of cars, no electric poles nor wires. Simplicity

From the moment we stepped off the second boat, the rhythmic sound of silk weaving rolled through the clean air. It seemed as if every home had a weaver, joining in the chorus of light beats. We got to watch as one woman wove yards of brilliantly red silk. I definitely appreciate silk products in a new way after seeing the hands that do the work. 

Later, we tried our hand at finding food the locals’ way – fishing. We rowed back out on the flooded fields and found a good spot under the shade of half drowned tree. We hooked our rice bait to makeshift fishing poles. Waiting. Our efforts produced no catches, but sitting under the beating sun, relaxing on waters that seemed to stretch forever, was good for the soul. A little gift of a faraway rainbow topped off the picturesque view.

We all had such a great time in Prey Veng. Simplicity. No electricity, sleeping on wooden floors, working for food, walks to no where for no reason, kitchens with coals, bucket showers, midday naps. Simplicity.

Back in Phnom Penh, it’s nothing like that. I bet going to back to America is going to be even more different…