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By
: Jon McKoy Photos by : Sem Vannjohn.
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Some trawl for fishes
and frogs using the traditional "Angrut",
while others search the bottom for snails
with their bare hands.
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Cambodia may be one of
the most economically poor countries in the world,
but it is rich with natural resources and clever
people ready to turn even the most meager meal into
a feast fit for a king.
While some Khmers prefer to while away their time
swinging in a hammock, most Cambodians are resourceful,
ambitious people. Following the saying, "Mien
Teuk; Mien Trei"- "Have Water; Have Fish"-
Khmers can be seen trawling for fish anywhere there's
water. Even in shallow drains by the side of the
road, recesses next to buildings, and puddles in
the paddy fields, people are known to fish the waters
with "Angrut" and nets.
What drives them with such vigor is the many varieties
of fish, frogs and snails lying in wait to be caught
and prepared for dinner.
What drives them with such vigor is the many varieties
of fish, frogs and snails lying in wait to be caught
and prepared for dinner.
"Just don't be lazy, go to where there is water,
you will be rewarded,' said Sitha, who works full
time as a security guard in a local school.
Samean, his wife and their only daughter know well
the rewards of ambition. The family looks after
a rice field and two buffaloes situated far |
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from their provincial home.
Because it is too far a distance to head home for every
meal, the family often prepares their food in the field.
"The pots and pans are there, and we cook rice and
eat there in the field. We catch fish and snails from
the field and we have a fresh supply daily," Samean
said. |
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The Angrut, a simple
yet effective way to fish for leisure.
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"Sometimes
we get frog meat and sometimes we get snakes,"
he said.
Since water may be found even in the most
remote parts of the country, Samean's wife
Kom says she and her family are never at a
loss for food.
"In Cambodia, we are never out of supplies.
There is water everywhere. That means we will
always have food to eat," she said. "This
is a gift from our forefathers."
Kom brings only a handful of rice when she
leaves her home, knowing faithfully that she
can depend on the water in the field to provide
for her meals.
On weekends, Sitha said he gathers a group
of friends to embark on great unknown adventures.
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A Khmer fisherman uses
a net to catch fish and frogs.
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Armed only with nets
and Angruts, the group often heads to wherever there's
water to be rewarded with good company and fine
food.
"We don't need a fishing rod to get fish in
Cambodia. On a good day, we can get enough to also
sell for cash. This is the best past time,"
the security guard decided for all. |
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Suite
B8, Regency Square, InterContinental Hotel, 294 Mao Tse Toung
Boulevard,
Phnom Penh, Kingdom of Cambodia.
Tel: (855) 23 213 133 Fax: (855) 23 213 033
E-mail:
editor@leisurecambodia.com |
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