3rd Perspective

I have spent almost two weeks enjoying and exploring the tragically beautiful land of Cambodia.
Travelling to these parts of the world renews yout sense of gratitude for the many ways you have been blessed. It invigorates your priorities, and "sets things right" so to speak.  Defining the true meaning of "need" which is rarely used properly in the US ( or any western civilization) enables a traveler like myself to reflect on my choices and to make more grounded decisions in the future.

This trip turned out nothing like it was originally planned- and as things like that go- I think it turned out even better!

First few days we spent in Phnom Penh--- we walked the city, got conned by a fake orphange, went to the National Musem, the Royal Palace and Silver Pagado. I will write more in detail on these in a later post but wanted to give whoever reads this a quick update. We then went to the Killing Fields- a somber but necessary stop to undertand the genocide and resulting effects on the Cambodian people.
We took a boat cruise on the Mekong and had dinner on a private island.

Then it was off to Siem Reap for three days of temple hopping! Starting first with Angkor Wat was the way to go, it's beauty and craftsmanship are unparalleded. Bayon in Angkor Thom was another favorite.

3rd Perspective Take 2

So I already wrote this blog but it got lost in transit. :(  I shall attempt to create.

I have spent the better part of two weeks in Cambodia. It has been an amazing, heart wrenching, soul checking kind of trip. I am constantly reminded of how lucky I am to be born in the time and place that I was. Cambodia's history is truly tragic and it makes the warmness of its people that much more heartfelt and beautiful. Due to the Khmer Rouge, Cambodia was literally blown back to the Bronze Age less than 30 years ago. They have made progress but so much more needs to be done.

I know many people don't understand why I take trips like this. But for me they are truly a way to ground myself into the world most of the world lives in. To truly understand what the word "need" means and to re-evaluate one's priorities.  My trip to India had a profound effect on my 11 years ago. A year ago Costa Rica was eye opening but not quite as impactful in the same ways. Now reflecting as our time here comes to an end- I am re-energized about helping my local and global community even more.

Our trip didn't turn out as planned- and that has been a blessing. Instead of 3 countries in 14 days, we really dug into Cambodia. First days in Phnom Penh we walked around to get a feel for the city, got scammed by a fake orphanage, toured the National Museum and the Killing Fields. Really hearing the voices of the few survivors and seeing the remains was a chilling, somber but necessary experience to turly appreciate the plight of  Cambodia.

Then it was off to the Royal Palace, Silver Pagoda and then a dinner cruise down the Mekong River with dinner on a private island.

Siem Ream with all of its temples and glory was our focus for the next three and a half days. The craftsmanship of Angor Wat, Bayon and others are beautiful and amazing.

We were to spend one more day in Phnom Penh before heading to the South Coast in Sihanoukville, however both we and our hosts became very sick so we cancelled that part. In our last day we will do some shopping, head to Toul Seng Museum (the genocide museum) and enjoy the company of our hosts.

Will write more on the other side of the world....