What a privilege...
As we departed by van from Phnom Penh, I witnessed the horrifying reality for those individuals living in poverty. In the rural communities we passed shack after shack, each of which provided less protection than our tents for camping. Amidst the literal shambles for housing, little tiny tan butts ran around playing in the dirt, water buffalo comprised of nothing more than skin and bones, worked without complaint, and near-collisive situations between motos and monstrous transport vehicles presented themselves every 1-2 minutes.
As we passed immense school structures, hundreds of uniform-clad Cambodians play happily in the yards while the mothers worked purposefully selling vegetables and fish on the roadside, fathers in the fields up to their collarbones in water. No midmorning massages, yoga classes or pedicures, yet hard, sweaty, dedicated labor. As the saying goes, "There's no rest for the weary." This is truly an understatement...they are not only weary, they are severely fatigued, malnourished, and poverty stricken. My heart breaks for them. I wanted to stop at every vegetable stand, get out and hug each one, telling them how much I respect them.
Chong Kneas, a floating village, gave me a gutwrenching feeling in my stomach upon arrival. A village in existence for over 100 years, Chong Kneas is home to many individuals, both Cambodian and Vietnamese. Homes on stilts or floating barrels, floating schools, a floating pharmacy, and a floating church...it was all there in the middle of Tonle Sap Lake. My description here doesn't do the village justice, so my photos will provide the reality. (to be uploaded to FB when I get home)
Our final destination this weekend was a beautiful privilege granted to us, so thank YOU, Lisamarie. Angkor Wat, meaning City Temple, was built for King Suryavarman II during the late 12th century. Just north of Siem Reap, I had the privilege of exploring many temples filled with beautiful architecture and breathtaking decor. I learned that Buddha holds 8 positions with his hands, each holding a meaning: meditation, forgiveness, and Earth as a witness. We also visited Ta Prohm, the famous jungle temple from Lara Croft: Tomb Raider. :) Our tour guide, Vi-Sna, built our background knowledge extensively in just 6 short hours.
A beautiful ending to a beautiful opportunity...
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