Aki Ra's Cambodia Landmine Museum

Described as eccentric in travel guides, the small landmine museum run independently by Aki Ra is anything but extraordinary. The landmines from decades of wars, still lying dormant by the millions in Cambodian soil, only represent part of the exhibition. The center also documents Aki Ra's tireless work as a deminer, and it serves as a former home and therapy center for landmine-affected and orphaned children.

Aki Ra has received many names throughout his life. He claims not to know his exact birth date, stating that he was recruited as a soldier from a young age. But it's best to let him tell his story: The first photo in the post shows the plaque at the entrance of the museum, his biography, which is at least readable on a computer.

The exhibits of the museum consist of landmines of various designs, manufactured in the Western and Eastern countries that supported one or the other side in the conflicts. In an artificial minefield set up behind the museum, an employee demonstrates the arduous task of clearing land, square meter by square meter, under the utmost safety precautions. He explains: 'It doesn't go click-click when you step on a mine. That's Hollywood.' The mine explodes and potentially tears parts of you away. Or in the worst-case scenario: A dead soldier is buried, and a wounded soldier must be cared for; the mutilation is methodical.

Many exhibits consist of drawings made by the children of the home to process their experiences of war. The heads of the dolls were also crafted by the children from coconuts and papier-mâché. Artistically taken photos of former children from the home show how they see themselves today and how they live. Much of it happens intuitively, but I could not wish for a more adequate therapy for many children - and adults - who have come and come to Germany as refugees.

Aki Ra, whom we initially do not recognize, works modestly in a corner of the museum on a computer. We purchase a museum document that he spontaneously fills out for us with the date and name.

However, it does become a little eccentric towards the end. In the museum shop, you can buy soap shaped like a landmine in the scents 'Coconut Rice' and 'Rosemary Mint.'