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I am writing from the southern tip of Cambodia - Sihanoukville. The weather is extremely hot and humid - a real August-lilke day in indiana. I have been on quite a tour through Cambodia. I last left you in Siam reap, home of the many ancient temples. My time there was humbling. So much history, much of it tainted. Even today, the temples are not a national park, but ran ny a petrol station (sorry if this has been mentioned already - but is stuns me!)
From Siam Reap we went on to Kampong cham, on the banks of the Mekong River. it was a bit more peaceful there, a town of 50,000 without a stoplight. Fun to watch traffic roam around the city. In the afternoon took out bikes across the bamboo bridge to an island to meet and play with some local children. I continue to be drawn to the children in these countries. They know English so well at such a young age and most seem grown up beyond their actual years. We played with the children for an hour or so before returning for dinner and some relaxation. I felt at peace that evening.
In the morning we left for Phnom Penh for lunch on our way to Takeo for our homestay with a Cambodian family. The restaurant in Phnom Penh was excellent. It is called Friends and it a training spot for local children who are disadvantaged in some way. The food was delicious but the way in which these kids are being supported was moving. On to the homestay.
Upon arrival in Takeo, the family was so warm and welcoming. The family was a large one - 12 siblings! I met the only 2 who can speak english (Paep (19) and Bom (27)). After an incredible dinner made entirely from their farm-grown food (including rice), I had a very enjoyable converstion with Mr. Bom, a 27 year old who now works in Phnom Penh FT and goes to University full time. We talked about a range of things, including what it was liek to be the first in the family to attend college (we shared a common bond there). Amidst such corruption, poverty, and strife, Bom is so positive and optimistic that things in his country will change. He plans to get an MBA and then a phd before returning to rural cambodia to help develop the younger people in his country. A very moving and inspirational conversation for me. This was worth the trip here folks!
In the morning we left for southern cambodia. I was quite touched when Bom said he would be taking his day off (Chinese New Year) to ride down with us so that we could continue our converstion. He had to immediately return with the bus drive to get back home. he took 7 hours out of his free day to talk with me about a diverse range of issues. I was moved beyond words. I now have a new friend in Cambodia. We arrived Sihanoukville and went immediately to the beach for lunch. It is a beautiful beach town with blue waters and cool breezes.
The following day was a free day and I decided to go it alone to explore the town by myself and I am so happy about that decision. At the Starfish cafe, (another local charity to help disadvantaged kids) I met 2 more friends inside the internet portion of the place. There I met Sarann and Kheng, two univesity students who engaged me in conversation for about 90 minutes. The study business here and are each 25 years old. In fact, later today (friday) they will take me to their university to show me around. I could not be more thrilled.
Sihanoukville, along with the rest of Cambodia, has proven to be on the most important times of lmy life. I have learned so much over the last 8 days. I have been moved in many ways, made new friends, and have felt the eternal optimism of good people. Tomorrow wwe leave for Phnom Phen for 2 days where we will see the Killing Fields and the Museum of Genocide. I think this will be a tough place for many of us, but I need to see this site to understand a bit more about what teh people of cambodia have endured all of these years.
Thanks for reading.
jeff
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