Cambodia, A Secret World

Cambodia is a different world. It is a place of poverty and sorrow as well as magnificent ancient wonder and mystery. A place of past suffering, but of much hope.

We flew into Siem Reap anxious to see Angkor Wat (top photo), but finding much more. Tuk Tuk drivers will transport you anywhere for a modest amount of money. We stayed at the Shinta Mani hotel because a portion of the money goes to charity and they also accept donations of money and items to give to the Cambodian people. However, there are nicer (La Meridien) and less expensive hotels there that are worth looking into as well. Check here for recommendations.

Upon arrival in Cambodia the first thing to notice is the smiling people. Even though there is a lot of poverty there is also an underlining sense of pride. The people keep their modest dwellings clean and organized. They are friendly and the children will wave and might even bring you flowers. They will also try to sell you (push on you) their wares, but the goods are cheap and make nice souvenirs.

There is suffering there as well. We gave out an inordinate amount of baby formula for mothers holding young hungry babies. Giving money away is discouraged as they say it promotes begging, but how can you say no to a mother who is watching her baby starve because she can’t produce enough milk due to her own lack of nutrition?  The mothers were not greedy or demanding, but shed tears of gratitude.

Most people’s site seeing agenda in Cambodia includes  Angkor Thom (the structure with the faces) and Ta Prom (the place where Angelina Jolie’s Tomb Raider was filmed) and of course Angkor Wat (which should be seen at sunrise- that’s 5AM). The amazing opportunity here is that you can walk about inside them- touch them and experience them. In America these places would probably be roped off with no flash photos allowed, but in Cambodia- anything goes.

A few restaurants (with great food) to check out are The Red Piano (which is dedicated to Angela Jolie), the FCC Angkor (we actually ate our real Thanksgiving dinner here), Amok and Kmer Kitchen (Cambodian food), the Blue Pumpkin (casual) and The Dead Fish Tower. This restaurant has an actual crocodile near the bathrooms with nothing but a flimsy fence to keep you from falling in. Very interesting.

Besides the obvious site seeing above, some of our favorite activities in Siem Reap included the Night Market where one can find inexpensive items and excellent pedicures, manicures and massages for as little as $2. Also don’t miss the inexpensive movie there about Pol Pot and the Cambodians rocky history. This movie will prepare you for a visit to the Cambodia Land Mine Museum. Be prepared to be shocked and saddened as well as amazed by the brave individuals who are making a difference.

Next, Quad Adventure, a tour on four-wheelers will guide you through the back neighborhoods of Siem Reap. This was the highlight of our tour. A dinner and Aspara show at Angkor Village is also memorable. A significant cultural experience is a boat ride through the floating village on Tonle Sap River. The inhabitants and their families actually live and work on the river in small, dilapited boat huts. You will see small naked children tottering on the edge and rowing their own small boats- there is also an orphanage on the water which you can donate to.  Finally, a visit to the Cambodian Culture Village is a fun way to end your visit. It has many shows and interesting displays. It is light and uplifting.

Visiting Cambodia is like finding a secret world. It is a hidden-treasure. If nothing else, it will help you to appreciate the abundance you live with everyday and realize that happiness does not come from things, but from who you are inside.

article and photos by World Barrios Contributor: Jennefer Walden

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