Angkor Wat is not only a symbol to the people of Cambodia but should be a stark reminder to the rest of us how easily a civilized society can slip into unspeakable brutality and death. The ease with which a determined minority, using slogans that initially appeal, and then guns and violence can intimidate an entire society is one that should not be lost on us. The Khmer Rouge, in pursuit of an ideological purity destroyed an entire culture and wiped out the very people who help to preserve the best of society. They eliminated virtually all the doctors, teachers, merchants, traders, monks and those with an education leaving a lifeless shell of a country. The people of Cambodia have rallied bravely and are trying to build a decent life and a decent society but the country is still very poor and the corruption, while not deadly, saps the spirit of those trying to achieve by merit. It has been a sobering experience to be here.
Although tourism is obviously not the whole answer in building up an economy, it definitely helps. We have had a great time visiting with Jennifer and Alex and their two beautiful children and they are also making a contribution here. Alex’s restaurants are charming and add to the ambiance in the old city, making it a great place for visitors. That is when the floods haven’t made things impassable. But that it a temporary thing and they expect a good season starting next month when the rains subside.
There are also some lovely hotels here. We had a great dinner at the Hotel de la Paix, currently the top trendy hotel here. We also spent part of an afternoon having coffee in the lobby and using the wireless internet there.
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