Cambodia – Final thoughts
And so it came to pass that I should leave Cambodia, after a whirlwind month in every corner of the country. It actually doesn’t feel like I’ve spent a month here, despite it being much, much smaller than some of my old haunts like India and China.
So – what to say about a country that has been through what can only be described as hell on earth, and still somehow managed to come out the other side with dignity and smiles? I can’t think of anything that won’t sound patronising, so I’ll simply state my admiration for the lovely, lovely Khmer people. They are delighted to welcome visitors to the country, and proud to show it off – and rightly so; it’s a country rich with treasures.
I’ve had several lows and many highs during my month here. My stupid self-inflicted injury actually scuppered a few plans, and shook my confidence about getting on a bike again for a while. I realise now that this meant I didn’t get the best out of places like Battambang – apparently, the best way to see it is to get out on a motorbike into the countryside. Still, I did what I had to do at the time to keep sane with a gammy leg, miles from the nearest decent medical care. So, no regrets on that front.
Another low – but only because it could never be classed as a high – was visiting the old Khmer Rouge Killing Fields and S-21 Prison in Phnom Penh. The images haunt me to this day, so I can only start to imagine what hellish nightmares the people who survived, and who lost loved ones, are living with even now. It’s made me so very determined to do my bit, to add my name to the list of those who will not sit in silence while such brutality remains in the world. After visiting the Landmine museum in Siem Reap, my determination was further strengthened. Despite the majority of countries signing a declaration to stop the use and production of landmines, several big hitters (to name and shame – the USA, China, Russia – I’m looking at you) still produce these vile, cowardly weapons to this day. Again, I’d urge you to please click the like on the right for the Aki Ra Landmine Museum, read a bit more background, see if there’s anything you can do.
But to dwell on the lows would be to do a major disservice to this fabulous country. In Angkor Wat, they have a stunning, truly mind blowing temple, which deservedly draws people from all over the globe. I’d add it to any list of things you absolutely must see before you shuffle off this mortal coil. And not just Angkor, but other temples nearby – Bayon, Ta Phrom – all beautiful and wonderfully unique. Phnom Penh is a great city to visit, as well. Mainly because it still feels very much a ‘real’ city, where people live and work and play and shop and eat. It’s not geared up for tourists much, but mainly for the inhabitants – which, of course, is exactly as it should be. Other highlights include fun at the seaside, the gorgeous old riverside town of Kampot – including Bokor Hill Station which I would make a mandatory second stop for everyone after Angkor – my trek on the elephant in the faux-Welsh countryside of Mondulkiri, and, my personal highlight, finding true nirvana in a bungalow in Kep.
Cambodia is so very underdeveloped compared to many other places, even in Asia – I think, infrastructrue wise, it’s closest to India (and possibly my continuing love affair with that country explains why I fell for Cambodia so) – but it surely can’t be long before the developers go to town. And it really has a choice – to give into the corruption that is sadly starting to show in the upper echelons of the government and throughout public figures; to become some kind of Costa Del Cambodia; or, to do the people and the places true justice, and to become an ancient yet modern and forward-thinking country that it has the potential to. And God, I hope it’s the last.
Tags: Cambodia, Final Thoughts, Travel
Suzanne
Hiya Suzie,
Just emerging from under the heap of reports, assessment, forms, marking etc that takes over at this time of year and having completed parents’ evening tonight, my life may just about become my own again!
It sounds like you’ve had an amazing and interesting experience in Cambodia. I think of all the places you’ve been it sounds like this one will stick in your mind for being about the people there rather than the visitors. I hope the rest of the expedition can live up to it.
Happy travelling, keep safe.
Lots of love,
Sarah
Very moving final thoughts Suze and it’s fitting that you should remind us that there are still countries which have not yet signed up to the agreement to stop the production and use of landmaines. We should all be asking WHY NOT?
Love and miss you lots.
Enjoy Vietnam.
Mum
Hope your journey to Vietnam is a safe one. I believe it is an amazing place and can’t wait to hear your tales!
Keep safe my gorgeous friend,
xxx
Hi Suze, well, if i did not know much aboout
Geography, i sure do now after reading your blogs.How on earth you can take so much information about places in such short spells
beats me. Than k you so much for all your information, and after reading about Cambodia, we do not realise how luckywe are
here at home. have missed you since you have been away. it seems like such a long time since you started on your trip.Has the time gone fast for you? it must have for you to be able to fill your days with interesting things to do.Where is it next? Vietnam i believe, well you look after yourself, and i will keep you in my prayers that God will keep you safe and happy bye for now love Angela xx