The Russian, the temple and the boiling mini-bus
Based in Siem Reap, Cambodia for a few days, we decided travel 200km on a day trip tour up to Preah Vihear Temple on the Thai border. We opted for a group tour, not only because it is usually cheaper, but you typically meet some other interesting travellers.
It was on this trip we met Andre. Already comfortably seated in our mini-bus, Andre was to be the only other person joining us on this tour. Excited for the day ahead we quickly introduced ourselves and were then thoroughly entertained for the next two hours by this interesting character.
Andre is a life coach who was born in Germany but grew up in Russia. He spent several years in Peru training as a Sharman and has spent the last four months in India learning the art of Tantra. After visiting Cambodia, he will be travelling to Thailand to learn about becoming a Yoga instructor.
The time quickly passed as we heard about Andre’s unusual experiences and beliefs. While listening attentively to every word about his escapades, his abrupt Russian communication style contrasted wonderfully with his easy-going attitude and enthusiasm to try everything.
The vast temple structure was worthwhile seeing and we were lucky enough to receive a blessing from a young monk. We also saw a great view from the top of the temple complex. It was a little hazy on our visit, but apparently on a clear day, you can not only see into Thailand but also into Laos. There is a strong military presence because this area of the Cambodia-Thai border has been a disputed region for many years. Unfortunately, the fighting over the area has caused substantial damage to this world heritage site.
Our driver spoke no English (our English-speaking guide only joined us at the temple), so we could only guess that the little mini-bus was overheating as steam started coming through the air vents. The driver started pouring water into the radiator while our unperturbed Russian companion strolled over to the roadside store to negotiate the purchase of a coconut.
It turns out our tyre was also flat, so while that was being changed, a local farmer stopped and showed us his mango orchard, picking some green mangoes to try with salt and pepper. We were still too nervous to try the fresh fruit that had been washed in some dubious water, but Andre claimed it was the best thing he had ever tasted.
After another long roadside stop to throw gallons of water into a leaky radiator, we failed at persuading the tour company to send another car. Very unsure that we would make the remaining 100km back to the hotel, we resorted to singing along with the bizarre oldies CD playing semi-hits from the 70’s and 80’s…. ‘Words, don’t come easy’.
What a relief it was to be back at our luxurious hotel. With cold refreshment towels and eager ears to hear all about our adventurous day, we told the staff the tale about the Russian, the temple and the boiling min-bus.
It was on this trip we met Andre. Already comfortably seated in our mini-bus, Andre was to be the only other person joining us on this tour. Excited for the day ahead we quickly introduced ourselves and were then thoroughly entertained for the next two hours by this interesting character.
Andre is a life coach who was born in Germany but grew up in Russia. He spent several years in Peru training as a Sharman and has spent the last four months in India learning the art of Tantra. After visiting Cambodia, he will be travelling to Thailand to learn about becoming a Yoga instructor.
The time quickly passed as we heard about Andre’s unusual experiences and beliefs. While listening attentively to every word about his escapades, his abrupt Russian communication style contrasted wonderfully with his easy-going attitude and enthusiasm to try everything.
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| Schalk, Lauren, Nikki (Lauren's visiting sister), and Andre at Preah Vihear Temple, Cambodia |
The vast temple structure was worthwhile seeing and we were lucky enough to receive a blessing from a young monk. We also saw a great view from the top of the temple complex. It was a little hazy on our visit, but apparently on a clear day, you can not only see into Thailand but also into Laos. There is a strong military presence because this area of the Cambodia-Thai border has been a disputed region for many years. Unfortunately, the fighting over the area has caused substantial damage to this world heritage site.
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| Young monk at Preah Vihear Temple, Cambodia |
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| Schalk showing Andre how to take a panoramic photo of the magnificent view |
Our driver spoke no English (our English-speaking guide only joined us at the temple), so we could only guess that the little mini-bus was overheating as steam started coming through the air vents. The driver started pouring water into the radiator while our unperturbed Russian companion strolled over to the roadside store to negotiate the purchase of a coconut.
It turns out our tyre was also flat, so while that was being changed, a local farmer stopped and showed us his mango orchard, picking some green mangoes to try with salt and pepper. We were still too nervous to try the fresh fruit that had been washed in some dubious water, but Andre claimed it was the best thing he had ever tasted.
 |
| The driver pouring copious amounts of water into the leaky radiator. |
After another long roadside stop to throw gallons of water into a leaky radiator, we failed at persuading the tour company to send another car. Very unsure that we would make the remaining 100km back to the hotel, we resorted to singing along with the bizarre oldies CD playing semi-hits from the 70’s and 80’s…. ‘Words, don’t come easy’.
What a relief it was to be back at our luxurious hotel. With cold refreshment towels and eager ears to hear all about our adventurous day, we told the staff the tale about the Russian, the temple and the boiling min-bus.
What an adventure... I wasn't as cautious as Lauren and had coconut and pineapple with Andre, so delicious. The temple site is massive and, as were many of the temples, an active worship site. It was a beautiful site... and a long day!
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