It all started after Philippines. Judy asked, and I said yes. Judy, I and two colleagues took a trip together two years ago to learn about Cambodia. And we did. Judy is the Margaret Mead of Cambodia. She started in grad school, entered Cambodia doing valuable research following the Khmer Rouge as soon as scholars were able to enter in 1990's. Judy opened Cambodia to university students. And now it is time to open Cambodia to the community college student. And that is why I was sought to go to Cambodia with Judy. I teach sociology at a community college that happens to be a minority serving college - so global awareness and opportunity tends to be under served! So off I went for four weeks in Cambodia. We returned with ideas on creating class room lessons with Cambodia focus for the students. After all, the community college student is entitled to global education. With my travels and new expertise, I can do much more in the classroom.
Angkor Wat, Phnom Penh, tuk tuks, Mekong River, Buddhist monks, heat, humidity, Lime soda, Khmer and krama scarves from the Russian Market - I immediately fell in love! They say Cambodia - first you fall in love and then it breaks your heart. And that's kinda where I am at. The national election was completed last Sunday - all it took was one vote, Hun Sen's. Now Hun Sen is the longest term prime minister turned dictator in the world - 33 years. And he vows to remain another 10! With a growing economy and lots of outside China money coming into the country, many believe it is a good thing for Cambodia. However, the majority I am learning, want more than the rich in Cambodia to get richer. They want good paying jobs, opportunity for a healthy and strong life, more education and a way to be Cambodians as they see on their cell phones - a modern life Cambodia style.
So I have been to Cambodia for three summers, for almost total of six months. I come home each year with so many cool and not so cool stories. I share them with my friends. I share them tonight on KDub in Southeast Asia Blog.
What are the top three things to know about traveling to Cambodia?
Time! It takes two days of travel to get to Cambodia. Best way is to stop in San Francisco then take the very 18+/-hours of flight to Seoul, South Korea. South Korea is a great airport and a spot to get good food and walk a bit to prepare for the last plane. Another 7 hours at night flies you over Cambodia in the dark.
Surprises! I am always surprised flying over Cambodia late at night seeing land with no lights. Occasionally you may see a twinkling of something weak and tiny, but overall, the majority of Cambodia has no electricity in the jungle or countryside. Maybe someone has a single light in their piered open house. Maybe that is what I imagine I see. Knowing this you can understand the connection Cambodians have to land and to the past generations whose living is similar to past great days of Angkor as seen on the gallery walls of Angkor Thom.
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| Young Buddhist Monk |
Off the plane in Phnom Penh and you are whisked to immigration and border control. Bring your $30 USD and two photos with your passport for your full page, one month visa. Go as tourist, not educator, not researcher, go as tourist. Easier. And be smart about FB. Cambodia checks and controls postings of disrespect to the Angkor Wat monuments, to the King, to Buddhism and to the Prime Minister. Cambodia is a conservative country and holds conservative views of how to be a good person and how women should dress.
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| Royal Palace in Phnom Penh |
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| Kathy at Kulen Mountain |
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| Buddha at Kulen Mountain |
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| Ta Prohm Temple |
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| Blessings at baby tree at Choeung Ek |
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| Ankgor Wat |
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| Angkor Thom |
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| Kathy at Angkor Thom |
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| Angkor Wat Gallery Carvings |
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| Rice Paddies |
History! Cambodia has a two thousand year story of greatness that has been over shadowed by Khmer Rouge holocaust and a current set of social institutions that have not kept up to the modern social world. History is past and same of past is still today. It makes visiting Cambodia fabulously fun, interesting and making connections so easy. Cambodians are overall friendly people and enjoy visitors. Polite, not angry, and great are the descriptors of Cambodians. The history is alive today with ancient phrases, places, practices and beliefs. History is today's identity. And for many visiting it is an awakening and a first ever heard, seen and understood, as was for me.
My past three years, of May and June in Cambodia has left me with many stories to tell. Explore the photos, get drawn in and I will share so much good, not so good, funny and not so funny and the absolute greatness of being in Cambodia. Next time.
