Dear Siem Reap,
Thank you for expanding my world view further. Thank you for the memories and experience. It has been a week since I left you, but here I am still cherishing the fun times I had when I was there. I thank you, Cambodia, for the fond memories even if I only have been in one of your popular cities.
Thank you for the friendly faces.
Perhaps there’s an air of comfort and familiarity with the fact that Cambodians look a lot more like us Filipinos. I feel it’s as if I am not in a foreign land. And the best part is, they’re really friendly to tourists — the kind of “friendliness” that you can tell the person doesn’t have hidden agenda. Hey, I received lots of smiles from strangers when I was there — schoolchildren, a tuktuk driver while I was riding another tuktuk (I actually don’t know why he did that), a cute monk and many others.
Thank you for the temples and ruins.
One of the best experiences I can get when travelling is visiting landmarks with significant roles in ancient times. I marvel at what remains with your temples and while I’m in them, they somehow bring me back to the past, imagining how majestic they could have been in the past.
Thank you for your stories.
I may have been sleeping during my Asian history discussions during my high school years. Either that, or our history books do not have details in the text. But actually visiting Siem Reap and its ruins made me realised how many more stories I may have missed during my school days. I marvel at how many of your temples have transitioned from one religion to another and back. I was in awe knowing what wars can do to a country and how locals can cope.
Thank you for your food!
Siem Reap, you spoiled me with your food! Even if it has been a week since I left you, I still long for your cuisine. Although I am really not a foodie, your healthy, unique treats definitely lingered on my taste buds. My stomach misses you!
Thank you for giving me the concept of responsible travel.
Deep inside me, I want to travel to help children in need. But at my age, I guess it’s too late for me to have the skills, money and knowledge to do so. All of these are just a blur to me. There should be a term that describes my real purpose, not necessarily solely for children but also for the youth, environment, animals and even preservation and appreciation of traditional culture. Then you showed me that exact phrase to describe what I had been trying to achieve. Siem Reap, Cambodia, you definitely know how to nail it!
Thank you, Siem Reap…
I will be back. Solo this time. I hope. So that I can get intimate with you… or make love to you, whatever sounds appropriate *chuckle* .
Akun!
Sincerely,
