Monkey business

Phnom (Mountain) Chisor, with its stunning views and ancient ruins, is a popular spot for volunteers and Wat Opot kids to visit.  We recently had a visiting Vietnamese Buddhist nun named KD who wanted to take a trip up to the mountain with everybody- all 56 kids, Wayne, volunteers, and staff.  We loaded up 2 trucks full of people, sent some out on motos, and were off.  The idea behind the trip together was to announce and discuss the new construction of a peace garden at Wat Opot.  The garden will be a place for the kids to come and meditate, pray for their parents and loved ones who have passed, or just escape for a quiet minute.  Where better to plan a place for peace and prayer than at a working Buddhist monastery intertwined by ancient temples?  We had a picnic and did some exploring, and made a new friend too.

The infamous Phnom Chisor monkey is known as quite a trouble maker.  She tried to attack one of our teenage boys last Fall, and chased me around a few weeks back.  She's mean, she's stubborn, and she's not open to sharing her home in the slightest.  

The mean monkey, stating her territory.

Once we all made the ascent to the top of the mountain, we gathered around a tree- her tree.  Wayne sat up on the ledge to lead us in a Buddhist chant.  The monkey watched him for a little bit and decided to join.  From what we had all seen of the monkey in past, everyone was scared at first (including me!).  Wayne kept telling everyone to sit and relax, we were in her home and as long as we didn't make any moves toward her she wouldn't bother anyone.  I was nervous especially with the little ones but once she was that close we really had no choice but to sit and trust that we would be okay.

After the prayers were over, it was snack time.  The monkey saw the food come out and got excited, quickly.  She came down to wait her turn in line in hopes of snagging a good treat.

Cora nervously watching the monkey

KD was brave and sat down to offer the monkey a banana.  I would have just tossed the banana and hoped she would follow it!  I'm honestly nervous just looking at this picture.  I can't emphasize how insane this monkey is.

She got her bananas and stole someones coke.  She drank from the can, then poured the rest out and sucked it from the ground, careful to get every last sip.  This was just the beginning, however.  The monkey was hungry and the more she got, the more she wanted.

She waited for soy crisps after her coke and bananas, then went on to eating Srey Leak's sandwich.

A view from the top.  The mountain is gorgeous, especially as the rains turn everything green.

We finished our picnic and then got down to the garden planning.  Wayne again sat on the ledge, and the monkey was very interested in our plans.

Hanging on to every word

Well, talking gets boring and the monkey began looking for something else to do.  It was then she started to groom Wayne.  The kids exploded with laughter and thought it was the funniest thing they had ever seen.  The monkey must have really liked him!

When she finished grooming him, she rejoined the group for the rest of the discussion.  We all slowly stood up after this and left her.  It was a good experience for us to see the monkey in a friendly state, but I hope that none of the kids got too comfortable with her.

Wat Opot's little monkey, Ratana.

We explored the temples, hiked around the top, and climbed rocks before making the descent down and the drive home.  It was a very fun day and the peace garden is already in construction.  I'll be sure to post about it once it's finished.

Me exploring with Doar, one of the sweetest kids in the world.  Grumpy Virak on the left was tired and made sure everyone knew it!