A few weeks ago I watch a documentary about the events that followed the assignation of Abraham Lincoln. After his death his body was placed on a train and taken back to his home. Along the way many people view his remains. I hope, I have the Lincoln story correct. With this as little background of a revered western president, we from the west may see customs in Cambodia in a different light. A few days ago a friend of mine took me to a wat-pagoda in Cambodia to view the remains his grandfather. My friend is a medical student. In order to save money he purchased the embalming fluid and preserved the body himself. His grandfather, who was the leader of the wat, now lies in a room at the wat for passer bys to see. His body is encased in Plexiglas clouded with moisture which obscures some of the view. When I viewed the body two months had passed since his death. He will remain in the wat for 100 days.
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