Phnom Penh Tag 5

A reflective 5th day in Phnom Penh. The history of the country occupies us, our journey is not a hop on-hop off, we do not stand above things and begin to see 'better'. We see many young, few older people. We notice friendly, smiling faces, and we experience a very respectful politeness. We witness restraint, kindness, uncertainty in looks and gestures, followed by an open smile.

Yet, I miss home, I feel homesick, what am I doing here? Do I want this? Something new, something unknown? Is the openness of travel more frightening than liberating?

I have withdrawn on the 5th day, started reading a book that I bought at the exit of the genocide museum: 'The Long Road of Hope'.

The story of the girl Luong Ung, who is 5 years old at the time of the takeover. She describes in the complex simplicity of a 5-year-old how she witnesses and survives events.

Questions arise: How could this happen? How can this, anywhere, happen? How does this happen? Right?

From: We look at this and that, from the 'what am I doing here?' grows the willingness to be patient, to try to comprehend and understand. To recognize connections, to set aside arrogance and pride.

Humility accompanies me on day 5. I begin a relationship. With our journey, with the stories we see and hear, with the girl Luong Ung - and with all the people who gather in the evening in front of the Royal Palace to chase pigeons with joy, to pose in perfect beauty, to sell balloons for a meal, ....