(Originally posted 30 March 2016) While based in Siem Reap, Cambodia, for a few days, we decided to travel 200km on a day trip tour up North 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 thoroughly entertained by this interesting character for the next two hours.
Andre is a life coach born in Germany but raised 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.
As we heard about Andre’s unusual experiences and interesting beliefs, time quickly passed. 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 Preah Vihear temple structure was worth the trip, 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 see Thailand and all the way to 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 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 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 70s and 80s…. ‘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 mini-bus.
Feature image: Schalk, Lauren, Nikki (Lauren’s visiting sister), and Andre at Preah Vihear Temple, Cambodia