We are moving on.
The same gravel road that looks like it is sprinkled with red chilli powder. I feel the fire in my eyes.
We keep shaking in the tuk-tuk through successive villages and arable fields where children (all) smile and wave their hands. These smiles are honest. Those of the adults are not always so. If they appear at all. In Cambodia, the myth of smiling Asians falls.
We are coming to Secret Lake (khm. Brateak Krola)
Why secret? It is difficult to get there without a guide. The locals do not speak English and they are not always able to point the direction.
But we have Lim!
What is the secret?
It turns out that Secret Kampot Lake is not really a lake at all. In fact, this lake is a dam. The dam was built by a slave labour force (using hoes) in the times of the Khmer Rouge. Over 1300 people were tortured and killed here.
The size of the lake is impressive. Of course, its role for the surrounding pepper and durian trees plantations is invaluable, especially in the dry season.
