The many Khmer people we met in Siem Reap and Phnom Penh were among the nicest and most open to sharing their stories with us than any people we've met during our travels. The divide between our histories, economies, languages, homes, and careers faded as we were welcomed into their communities and faced the stark horrors of their recent genocide. In the S-21 Prison, the forlorn, confused and sad faces of their imprisoned, and surely murdered, countrymen and women became my own people. I may not completely understand the complex politics and doctrine of the Khmer Rouge, but the emotion on the faces of their victims was very real and very touching. How much of this senseless killing still goes on today in areas of the world not covered by CNN or Al Jazeera?
In the small towns outside Phnom Penh, we connected with villagers who bear the weight of the Khmer Rouge legacy with grace.We shared excitement and wonder at their beautiful country as seen from our excellent quad bike tour.
Without hesitation (except for a few shy little tykes), we were welcomed under the roof of a little bar and shop, which was the social meeting place for one village we drove through. Over generous sharing of a warm beer and laughter, we tried to satisfy their curiosity about us and our culture from so far away as America.
We also tried to explain why we were so wet and covered in mud. Our guide on the trip Aka, who had fled Cambodia in the late 1970s as a kid with this family, was the bridge between us.
The wonders of Cambodia -- not just her temples, landscape and food, but also her people rebuilding their society and community -- were unforgettable.
Comments
Post a Comment