Preparing for Water Festival

We are at Sarkakeo village. This village won a division of the long boat rowing contest that is the main attraction during the Khmer Water Festival. This festival marks the end of the rainy season and thousands come to Phnom Penh to join in on the festivities. We have been watching the village men practice each morning because the festival is next week. There are 46 men in the boat along with the man in the front calling the counts. Not sure if you can see in the picture, but they have a plant and incense in the very front to show respect and for good luck. It was different having so many people come to the river for another reason besides our ship! gail