Phnom Penh - Khmer Rouge
Trip Start
Feb 17, 2007
1
41
53
Trip End
Sep 06, 2008
Phnom Penh,
Cambodia
Sunday, May 18, 2008
My first 7 tours through Phnom Penh were relatively routine. A slower pace, polite people, hot weather and mostly baked food. Their recent history is commonly called confronting or disturbing by passengers. And rightfully so. Visiting Tuol Sleng, one of the detention and torture centers used by the Khmer Rouge, is not a pleasant way to spend a vacation. It only takes a few stories to understand their methodology: inflict as much pain as possible. I've seen several moist eyes coming out of that site. My plan in Phnom Penh each time was the same, skip in and out of town as per the itinerary.
My last tour, however, was profoundly different. The reason - I read the book, "First They Killed My Father" by Loung Ung. She was 5 years old and living in Phnom Penh when the Khmer Rouge took control. She details how her family had to change their name, clothing, speech, home, etc. just to survive. Her determination is amazing. With some luck and guidance by her siblings, she was able to immigrate to the US at age 10. How big an accomplishent was it? When she settled into her new lifestyle, the memories of Cambodia were so painful she had to put it all behind her. In time, she became a national spokesperson to raise awareness of the issues she saw in Cambodia.
Anyway, I returned to Phnom Penh this last time with a whole different perspective. I wanted to learn more about the city and meet the people. I went out four times with staff from our offices there. I just added my first PP friend to my mobile. Not one, but five in fact. It's now one of my favorite cities in Asia. I requested future tours there so I can spend more time exploring the city.
This tour to Cambodia had three changes. I recommended her book to my passengers. I visited a restaurant/silk shop that employs people disabled by landmines/polio and keeps girls out of prostitution. I took a few pax to visit an orphanage and donate school supplies/food. This tour just ended a few days ago. But the immediate feedback has been the best of the 8 tours so far.
The book is not a pleasant read, but quite honest and inspiring. On this last trip, I asked a few Cambodians some personal questions. Most of them my age (or thereabouts) are missing their father. They grew up in the country and then moved to Phnom Penh. The older ones were originally born in Phnom Pehn. They certainly fit the profile of Khmer Rouge victims. But I wouldn't have known until I asked.
Eric
