Mekong Island – Bike addition

Today was perfect day to do some exploring by bike. Davuth, who also works for Lucky Iron Fish, offered to take me on a half day bike tour on Mekong Island which turned into a 5 hour bike ride to 3 different islands. Despite the insanely dusty and bumpy ride it was really fun riding through the countryside and taking in all the sites. If I stopped every time I wanted to take a picture I would have been there all day.

We took this photo after taking a break and discussing what way we should go. We may have gotten lost in a banana field. 

This water buffalo stared at me for a while. At the time I was worried he was going to run at me!

Just ploughing a field... I am such a tourist. 

We visited a house that makes silk. Here, she is explaining how the cocoons are made which they collect, wait for the moths to come out on their own then let them lay eggs to start the process all over again. 

She didn't speak any english but these are various things (wood, leaves possibly) are used as natural dye. 

I was told the entire family (including extended) lives here. Everyone learns the business at about 7 years old and are expected to work when they are not at school. This girl is spinning the silk onto a spool. There are a bunch of steps between raw silk to spinning (including the dye and boiling which takes days).

This is the loom where they make finished material for scarves, dresses, bags etc. The entire process from moth to product takes months. To make a 4 meter long piece of fabric on the loom takes 6-7 days. A small scarf would take a day. Each family member has their own loom to work on.  

We biked through about 5 wats (also called a pagoda). They really are everywhere here.

Boat ride #2 of the day. To which Davuth asked "can you swim". Very comforting. 

It was really nice having a guide who knows Khmer. It comes in handy.

Tired, sore and sun burnt, the day was really great and I hope to go out again soon!