I will try to paint a picture of the ceremony I have just witnessed and as I didn't take my camera because I thought that taking pictures on such an occasion might seem a little disrespectful,I will use plenty of adjectives!
We arrived at a traditional wooden house on stilts about thirty minutes out of Phnom Penh,and were greeted by the massed ranks of the extended family.Being the only non-Khmer present I was treated with plenty of attention,and despite the sombreness of the occasion,was showered with smiles and thank yous.The first thing I noticed was the amazing garden that had obviously been built up over the years and had a lot of care put into.It is a tropical garden,and was full of cacti,orchids and all sorts of ferns and rainforest type plants.It turned out that it was Dakun's fathers main passion in life,and I told him that it was something my own father is interested in too.It really was incredible,and was like walking into a small piece of paradise,and the fact that he had allowed it to become slightly wild meant that you felt as though you were miles from anywhere not thirty minutes from the city.This together with the chanting monks underneath the house made for a quasi-religous experience!
Having handed over the money I was told to bring,I was then told we would eat soon.We were having porridge!Now,before you start thing of men in kilts,tossing the caber and the like,I should tell you that Khmer porridge bears no relation to the oats that we know and love.The porridge that I scoffed down consists of rice,seafood and other ingredients that I'm not sure of.We were also treated to sweet foods wrapped in banana leaves,and "longen" fruit.There were some gasps of amazement as I tucked in,but I pointed out to those present that I like Khmer food,and have always been keen to try all things edible wherever I am.I'm not one of those Brits who sticks to fried eggs and chips whereever I go.
When the meal was complete I was introduced to the family,and it turned out that Dakun's mother runs a store at Psar Thmei(Central Market)selling flora and fauna,and that I had indeed bought a cactus from her.
It was possibly the happiest funeral I have ever been to,and there was no wailing or knashing of teeth,but only Khmer smiles(which will always cure the deepest depression)and love and happiness.Sorry to sound like an old hippy,but I'd rather that than a cynical old git.
Another day when the Khmer people surprise me again,and fill me with admiration and respect.