When all this was just a history learned at school or just a vague story told again and again by someone who hasn’t even been there yet, well, not anymore. This time it was for real. Not to mention the countless wow and endless admiration. So, a million thanks to the thoughtfulness of friends who were kind enough to share their resources, who were willing enough to spend their time, and who were patient enough to practice their gift of parenthood during the four days getaway to Siemreap. We had a blast, really.
But sorry to say, I’m not going to elaborate any historical angles of the trip for I am not in the position to do so. Rather simply share the impression of saying that every journey counts-big or small. And this is the journey all about.
We started the journey as the dawn approaches the village where we hailed from. It was a two-hour-bus-ride to Phnom Penh where we should meet up our hosts before heading to the renowned wonder of the world. I predicted what was to come except for these kids (at least some accurate expectations) for I’ve been to the place, myself, few times. Then our hosts welcomed us with a delicious lunch at boat noodles restaurant basically to give us energy for another long ride. When we were all full to the brim, we immediately drove through the busy streets of the city obviously to get away from this old, crowded place. So we can count another meaningful journey that soon to happen.
As I said the next ride was long, and too long enough to bear by one of the teachers who always have a carsick traveling farther. And it worried me a lot. Surprisingly to know, she endured her agony for the first time. We then applauded her. I think she deserved an applause for that important milestone of her life.
We arrived at our final destination safe and sound before dusk. I could see big eyes (talking about the kids) staring through the window beholding the beauty of the city itself. I was once in loved with this place too.
We were hosted in a very conducive, very safe, and very comfortable guesthouse called the Seven Candles just right at the heart of the city. Fortunately ten to fifteen minutes drive to the amazing place of wonders. After an hour rest and a little instruction, we had our first night stroll walking around the center looking curiously at those typical and unusual things that these kids might consider strange or surprising. When tired and hungry enough, our host took us to a restaurant called Khmer Kitchen to culminate the long day with a delightful dinner. Then we headed back to the guesthouse bidding goodnight to everyone.
And as the night went by, surely we took advantage of the comfortable bed and embracing tightly those soft pillows as well. But before I could hear my own snore, I pondered for a while thinking how meaningful this trip for the kids. Early today, I noticed that a lot of first times for them. My feeling and thinking is not the best perspective on what they considered first time, but gratefully I counted this one as an amazing journey to cherish for the rest of my life. I hope they do. That was the first long day.
The second day was welcomed with unusual yet special breakfast (an English breakfast) except for the three individuals. I would say it was another set of first time for the kids. But it didn’t matter for they were willing to learn and try the non-typical routine. It was also a beautiful day having no rain disturbing the trip. Thanks to the cool weather!
Again, the second day was a history. By saying this, the kids have lived here longer enough than I do yet have never visited their own pride-the ancient ruins and temples, one of the renowned wonders of the world. Of course, no one’s to blame because the trip itself is unaffordable for the kids to venture. From temple to temple, from ancient ruin to another, the day was filled with awes and wonders. As we visited those breathtaking places one by one, amazed, undeniably the first time for the kids, and then talked about its every significance, I could see how they were astonished. I hope they absorbed everything. Thanks to Raoul for his patience touring everyone, and for his enthusiasm telling everyone the significance of those ancient wonders before our eyes. Although I have been here few times, and have read books myself, still I learned a lot from him.
As far as journey matters, this day was a big significance I think to count. Reflecting back to what has been said a while ago, that this day was just a history learned at school now a reality. There they are standing before these creations that their forefathers had left behind to remember their ventures and struggles, to appreciate their own identities, and to take pride to.
Now no more uncertain stories to be heard from people who have never even been there. From this day on, there will be no more wondering about how those ancient ruins really look like. There will be no more daydreaming about going to Siemreap for they have been there already. All they have to do is count this journey as a wonderful experience of a lifetime.
The second day was also tiring yet meaningful. By five we were already back at the guesthouse preparing for the big surprise that was soon to come. At six thirty we headed to Kulen Restaurant for the biggest dinner during the trip. It was a buffet that also made a lasting, first time experience in their lives to enjoy. All we knew was to eat a lot. So we did. But eating was not the only that counts, we were also rendered with an hour show of cultural dancing portraying Khmer lifestyles in the countryside. Most importantly seeing live Apsara dancing that this country is truly good at. The show finished at nine so we dropped by the mall first before going back to our comfortable rooms. Heavy rain helped close the night as its raindrops sounded a lullaby causing every tired creature slept tight. That was the second historical day. I mean another journey to count.
The third day was another historical venture yet longer drive and longer walks than a day before. As usual we started a day’s trip with a meal. So we went to this local restaurant for a change enjoying the meal that both gave everyone delight and strength to go on with our long journey. The first unforgettable was to visit an amazing place on top of the world. Long walk and climbing was a must. But it was worth it seeing another site that had captured everybody’s heart. The climax was to see a waterfall on top of the mountain. It was very beautiful. We also took advantage of the water which caused the rest of us soaked. Satisfied enough, we went down back to the car and drove through another site for lunch.
Basically, the next tourist attraction we went visiting was just a few minutes walk from the restaurant. It is called Banteay Srey. Then we went to visit another significant historical temple. It was another astounding moment seeing ancient ruin like that. Then we went driving to another place all the way to the airport to see one more important site. We arrived at the guesthouse at six thirty. We took an hour and a half rest. And then went to a pho restaurant for our final dinner during the trip. After dinner, our guardian angels were kind enough driving us to the night market to shop presents for our family who has left in the village. Exhausted! So we had to sleep early and wake up early for the last quick tour the following day before heading home to Takeo, our village.
This was the third long day yet very memorable. Honestly, it was my first time to these places today. Startled! It has been said then, every journey counts, so this one, and so to the kids.
Sad to say it was the end of the trip, the fourth day. Right after breakfast, we drove to the place immediately- the Preah Khan. The doors were built exactly with the same dimensions so uniquely. Going through was a long way. As I went in passing every door, no time for turning back because every thing ahead of me was very fascinating in its own kind. Suddenly, it reminded me of a journey sometime before. I was guilty of forgetting those people behind my success. It was not about selfishness but I was just preoccupied of the many things I’ve seen on the process. Going back to this journey early today, sitting outside the gate waiting for everyone to come out, again this is another journey to thank about. I am sure the kids felt the same way.
After the last visit, we headed back home as endless rains traveled with us too joined us in rejoicing about the dream-come-true-trip…
…with generous friends to be thankful for,
…With so many lessons learned,
…Filled with so many first times,
…With so much memory to treasure,
…And where every journey counts.
In behalf of the kids, this is an endless expression of gratitude, gratefulness and joy for the four day journey big or small. Again, where every journey counts.
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