We knew it was the rainy season in Cambodia. Still we are awestruck when we see rain soaked fields for miles as we approach Siem Reap. We are accustomed to rain cooling things off. Not so in the tropical climate of Southeast Asia. It is wickedly hot and humid.
The skies did clear for our visit to a school and a welcoming ceremony there.
The story of Cambodia is compelling. For four years In the mid 70's, the
Khmer Rouge tried to restructure the entire society by eliminating the educated and business classes. Two million people were killed.* The genocide ended when Vietnam invaded the country in '78. The Vietnamese stayed for ten years. When they left, the UN helped establish an interim government. Political upheavals continued in the 90's.
This is Angkor Wat. 12th century. It is the world's largest religious building and Cambodia's most cherished national symbol. (More on Angkor Wat to come.)
It is commonly felt that despite the destruction of Buddhist records, libraries, temples, shrines, and killing the monks, Buddhist teachings hidden deep inside the people helped them endure the years of war and poverty. Peace has encouraged their hopes for a better life. They clear landmines and have worked to build schools and revive traditions.
The people were warm and friendly. We left Cambodia with regret that our visit was short and with the desire to return.
*Recommended reading: First they Killed my Father by Loung Ung.
You write so eloquently, Elsa, and the moments that you describe in all the countries you have visited are very moving. We were in Cambodia a while ago-- a tour guide told us that he was fined many times when he was caught learning English. The fine was his body weight in rice, at a time when food was very scarce. He laughed as he told us that the government did not get much rice from him in the end, as each time he was caught, he was thinner and thinner.
ReplyDeleteI was reminded of the stories that moved me as I was reading your posts.
Shizuka
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