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Water Festival Pages
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This is a large open area in front of the viewing stand of the Royal Palace. This street runs parallel to the river at the left. This plaza may be a special place for Cambodia, a comfortable area of positive feelings for the monarchy. Rarely is it full of people like this, though! |
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Looking downriver, toward the city. Many, many of these people will never see a boat although the races are taking place on the Bassac River just beyond the pavilions on the left. |
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Looking upriver, heading north out of town. In a still photo, the crowds look less dense. Open space is seen between bodies. But in real time, the crowds are always pressing in and making contact. The visor on my helmet which I was carrying on my belt was torn off by the crush of the crowd. And this is afternoon, as the crowds are just starting to build toward their peak when darkness falls and the displays along the river are lit up. |
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This is a broad avenue with grassy islands that feeds into the street that runs parallel to the river. Probably many families never go beyond this point. The crowds are big enough here and there is no need to brave the throngs along the river, especially with children. |
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Another intersection leading to the street along the river. |
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This is a large open mall area with wide boulevards separated by huge grassy islands. It's a mile from the river and there are plenty of people and vendors here. |
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When I finally found a motorcycle taxi and started heading home, the people were coming in the opposite direction, starting to fill the side streets leading to the river, especially as the young people looked forward to night time along the river with all the lights and the music. |