A trip to Cambodia is not for the faint at heart. While there are beautiful sites to see, there are also harsh realities you can’t ignore. The Cambodian people have suffered through unimaginable horrors. From 1974-1980, more than half of the population of the country died, either at the hands of the Khmer Rouge or by starvation and illness. The people who remain, seem brow beaten and tired. It is not easy being a Cambodian. Life is hard. And although they could just give up, they endure and move forward. There is a sense of optimism if you look closely. The children’s smiles truly capture your soul. You want to hug each one and let them know that everything will be ok. But will it?
In 1992 UNTAC (UN Transitional Authority in Cambodia) arrived to oversee the overall reconstruction of the country and to supervise the democratic election. Although Funcinpec won, Cambodian People’s Party (CCP), Hun Sen, managed to bully and threaten his way into the title of Second Prime Minister. UNTAC agreed, God knows why, and allowed the two parties to form a unique coalition. In 1997, Hun Sen staged a bloody coup, overthrowing the First Prime Minister, Prince Ranariddh, who by the way, manipulated his way into political power many years earlier. The fact that Hun Sen is a former Khmer Rouge guerrilla has not been lost on the people of Cambodia. His strongman tactics more than shadow the ruthless ways of his old comrades and the nation’s citizens are well aware that they are living under a thinly disguised dictatorship. Why must so many people suffer in the name of power? What do these men ultimately get out of it? It is very clear, while traveling through this country that no one is looking out for majority of the people. The few rich are getting richer and the vast majority of poor are becoming utterly destitute. With the out of control increases in the cost of fuel and food how will they survive? It is understandable that the people would feel that they are so much better off than they were 20 years ago, but as an outsider looking in, there is so much room for improvement.
Siem Reap and the surrounding area offer much to see and experience. The temples of Angkor are beautiful and inspiring. A true architectural treasure of historic magnificents. The people in this area are sweet, although there are many looking for handouts, you don’t mind doing so, because your heart goes out to them. At least four days are needed to really take in the sites.
In Phnom Penh, on the other hand, there is not much to see and the overall atmosphere is unfriendly. Warnings came from everyone we met about men who may attempt to steal your belongings. The unsafe feeling was uneasy, and honestly we were anxious to leave after visiting the orphanage and seeing the Genocide Museum and The Killing Fields. The recent violent past excuses the attitude of the people. Who wouldn’t be angry after the way that they have been treated? That being said, one day is enough in Phnom Penh.
Though it may not seem like it, we are glad we came. One must always be reminded that there are unacceptable atrocities in this world. People are people wherever you go. We all want and deserve the same simple things; respect, understanding, security and love. The Cambodian’s have impacted us in a way that we will never forget. And although we were only able to help some of them in our own small way, they have impacted us in a big way. We will eternally be grateful for our blessings and keep the lessons these people have taught us, close at heart.
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