Thursday, May 22, 2008

Like a Phoenix

Cambodia. A small country who’s only claim to fame (at least till recently) has been killing fields, landmines, mass genocide and Pol Pot.
Faced with such destruction and loss, it would be easy to forget that it is also home to one of worlds most magnificent and beautiful temple complexes.
Angkor Wat.
A breathtaking witness to time and history, peace and war.
A piece of heritage believed to be the saviour of a country on the brink of collapse.
But this is not about Angkor Wat.
This is about the people I came across while visiting Angkor Wat.
Agreed that the people in one city cannot be equated with people all over the country, but the people in the city of Siem Reap are nothing short of amazing.
They aren’t high level intellectuals, or rock stars, or page 3 socialites.
What they are, are hard working optimists who believe in the future and have learnt from their past and the horrors they have all been part of. They are smiling and welcoming. They love talking and discussing how you and they are alike and different. They are proud and protect their heritage fiercely. They have learnt English with an American accent to work their way around tourists.
They are a lesson for everyone. Instead of depending on the UN for their future, they are making their own. They are making full use of their resources – even if it is the Angkor Wat – to turn their fortunes around.
They are rising from the ashes to turn into a beautiful people full of life, history and a rich culture. Just like a phoenix.

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