Sights and sounds of Cambodia (14/11/10 - 17/11/10)

I have always wanted to visit Cambodia because of the alluring mystical beauty of Angkor Wat. But I guess I received more than my fair share of the deal after this trip and I thoroughly enjoyed myself throughout the trip even though it was very tiring.

We had visited about seven places in two days (which I consider an amazing feat with the fact that we are a large group). Our trip first took us on a flight to Phnom Penh where we visited the Stung Meanchey Dumpsite, the Killing Fields of Cheong Ek and the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museuem.

One of the classrooms converted into a torture room

The Tuo Sleng Genocide Museum

The museum stirred a lot of emotions within me as I walked through the empty classrooms that were used as jail cells and torture chambers between 1975-1979. Although the place is very sanitised now, I could imagine the haunting horrors of the victims as they were locked and tortured some 40 years ago at the very spots I walked through. It was a disturbing thought and I couldn't help but feel sorrowful for the victims who died in the most unfortunate circumstances. I went through the same feelings as we stepped foot into the Cheong Ek Killing Fields and paid respects to the skulls of the victims. I am so grateful that I live in Singapore where there is political stability and the younger generation does not have to go through the atrocities that the Cambodians went through.

We then made our way to Siem Reap via a six hour bus ride. I had a glimpse of the lifestyles of the Cambodians as our bus made our way through the muddy narrow roads. Small kampongs made up of attap houses on stilts are common sights that have long disappeared from the urban landscape of Singapore. A huge proportion of the population are engaged in agriculture and education is not compulsory for children. The tour guide highlighted that basic health and sanitary services are still not widely available and many people still die from illnesses at a young age. My heart ached for the children as they run along the sides of the road in their uniforms. I wondered how long they would be able to stay in school before they joined the ranks of their parents to become farmers. These children may never be able to break out of their poverty cycle and see the wonderful world outside...... But then again, who am I to judge whether my life is better than them or not? They may be poor but happy. And this is what it matters right? To feel happy no matter what circumstances one faces in life.

On the third day, we went to visit Angkor Wat, Angkor Thorm and Bayon Temple. Angkor Wat means 'City of Temples' in Cambodian language and there are more than 1,000 temples errected between 11th-13th century! The ruined beauty of the temples were a sight to behold. I could still remember the split second of peace and calmness that flooded through me as I stopped and closed my eyes between two towers. For that moment I was alone as a group of tourists had thronged through the area. For that moment I felt that Angkor Wat was mine and I was transported through time where I was in ancient Angkor Wat again. There is something about Angkor Wat that calmed my nerves and soothed my soul.



The teachers at Angkor Wat :)

Although the trip was short, it was fruitful as I learnt a lot throughout the trip. It was one of the journeys that cause me to reflect on my perspectives towards life. I will remember this trip and I know I will return to Cambodia again.