Mar 22 2006
Francophone Week
It’s Francophone Week in Phnom Penh with Monday, 20 March, being celebrated as International Day of the Francophonie by 63 countries and communities who share a French legacy. Cambodia became a Protectorate of France for 90 years through a treaty signed by King Norodom in 1863.
Most people go to Cambodia to see the temples of Angkor, especially the famous Angkor Wat, which is 360 km. away from Phnom Penh. But Phnom Penh, which is situated at the confluence of three great rivers has an endearing exotic charm of its own. So today, I’m publishing pictures of Phnom Penh displaying its French colonial heritage in its full glory. Bobby Viceral, the President of the Samahan ng mga Pilipino sa Cambodia or SAMAPI, has graciously allowed me to publish his pictures.
The Sisowath Quay by the riverside at night. This is like our Roxas Blvd.
Cyclo (pronounced sik-lo) drivers resting by the riverside. The cylo, one of the forms of public transportation in Camboda, is a tricycle with the passenger in front facing the trafic (really scary!). It was invented by a French man.
This is the golden pavilion of the Royal Palace where the King would address his subjects. The Royal Palace was built in 1866. The next picture is also the Golden Pavilion, but from a view inside the Palace Grounds. Notice the beautiful centuries-old tree.
The Independence Monument was inaugurated in 1953 to celebrate Cambodia’s independence from France. Notice how it is shaped like a lotus bud like the spires of the Angkor Wat.
The last two pictures are ones I actually took. You can see my mother-in-law and Msgr. Oca (the priest who married us) in front of Sumbo, the elephant, who is nonchalantly strolling on the streets of Phnom Penh.
The other picture is of my Mom and Dad in front of the Independence Monument. I don’t have a front view picture of myself in this blog yet. But people say I look like my Mom… so there’s me… when I’m 71!
So now, I will end this entry with a quote from Charles-Jean-François HÉNAULT.. “La vie passe à user une passion et à en reprendre un autre” or “Life is spent using up one passion and recapturing another.”
Technorati tags: Francophone
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And mommy is computer literate at 71? Wow, that’s something!!!
When did u learn French, toe?
The only French phrase I remember is not exactly wholesome,it’s: “J’ai marche dans le merde.” haha
I love the french language but never got to use the French I learned in school. Comes in handy though at French restaurants.
Yes Ting-aling… that’s how she keeps in touch with all her 6 kids and 10 grandchildren.
Just so you know I fulfilled my promise of writing comments on your blog…the comment above is from me
Mabelle
Mabelle, je parle un petit peu francais mais mon blog est dans le merde. Haha! I just learned a little French because Cambodia is a francophone country but that’s all. Thanks for letting me coerce you into visiting and commenting on my blog.
Merci.
nice pictures! you can travel. I envy you.
French is one of the official languages here in Canada but I have never learned how to speak it. My kids are learning it in school but they don’t have the patience to teach me. I have a hard time pronouncing the words. Sometimes, so different from how they’re spelled. I know a few words but can’t really string sentences together. Good for you, though.
Hi Ade, actually we’re a bit stuck here in Phnom Penh because of our job.:(
Melai, I think I may have misled you. I think what I said in my previous comment was “I know very little French and I’m in deep shit.” Ha-ha!
i’ve always wanted to visit cambodia. to visit it’s history and also because i’ve reported about the country when i was in 2nd yr highschool. hehe.
ey! can i link you in my blog?