Cambodia in a snapshot

Since this is my last day at work, I will write a brief snapshot of Cambodia! Many of you have seen movies like "Johnny Lingo", "South Pacific" or "The Other Side of Heaven" and thought of them as old movies in times that have passed. In reality, any one of them could be filmed right now in modern day Cambodia. I know there are now cars in Cambodia, but that is not the most common form of transportation. Most people ride mottos or bicycles. Some in the countryside ride ox carts. There is also running water, electricity, and plumbing in Cambodia....but only in the cities. Most cooking is done on an open flame made with charcoal, and most electricity is generated by a battery. And it's not unusual not to have a bathroom. Most of Cambodia does not have clean drinking water. The country itself seems to have been caught in a time warp. The development in the cities reminds me of the 60's. But, the countryside is not even that well developed. People live in huts, buy wives, and pump their water from a well. It amazes me that in the world today, people still live this way!

But, they are a happy people! Cambodia was once nicknamed "the smiling country." And, for good reason! The people here are the kindest and happiest people I have ever met. I will be sad to leave them! Everywhere I go, people wave and say "hello" and are eager to talk to me. I traveled around the world to another country by myself, but I don't feel alone. There are always friendly faces and people to talk to. In many ways, I feel more lonely at home than I do here. It's hard to find people to talk to at home. That's never a problem here! Language may be a barrier, but willingness is not!