--Ben G.--
The last days of our tour of Cambodia are upon us, and I think it is fitting to discuss our accomplishments and the effects our experiences have had on us thus far. Yesterday, after a long bus ride from Battambang (though no malfunctions were involved this time), we returned to Phnom Penh, the location at which our excursion began. Though we had just arrived in this foreign land slightly more than one week before, it seemed like ages. We have seen, learned, and observed so much that our stay has been an eternity. Our perspectives have changed drastically since our first day: I remember that our major concerns then were the heat and the state of our hotel rooms. While these are still prevalent issues, we have grown to become accustomed to them, and the importance of our work here overshadows them.
Yet, as much as this delegation has changed, there are certain things that remain the same. Two days ago, our bus had a tire blow out, and we were left stranded by the side of the road. We were informed that the hotel was only 20 minutes away, and assured that our abandonment would be merely temporary. Still, this incident was cause for great concern and panic among members of the group. Sure enough, we were able to hail two pick-up trucks that drove us to Battambang for a small fee. Even though we have seen so much poverty and despair and have seen that life wins out despite the hardships, we could not shrug off our unfortunate circumstance. In context, the reaction to the bus fiasco was rather unsettling, and showed me that to a certain extent, we continue to be "spoiled Americans." What does this mean? That I cannot tell you with any degree of certainty, but perhaps we should worry about changing, having been on this trip, our outlook and worldview as well as our humanitarian facets. .
Hi Ben: This has been such an unbelievable experience for you. These blogs (from everyone on your trip) have been both interesting and very educational for those of us at home. Safe journey home & I'm looking forward to seeing you next weekend.
ReplyDeleteGrandma & Grandpa are so proud of you & send their love to you, Emily & your dad.
Ben,
ReplyDeleteYou once again articulated well the nature of our experiences and their effect on us. Though I did not panic when the bus broke down--I truly believe there is a solution to every such problem--I think that experience was a good one. It was certainly not in the itinerary; but, it contributed much to our understanding that people are people everywhere--we get flats, we need help, there are always people there to help us. As you and I have said,"We are citizens of the world." There is much to learn from the mundane in life.
Dr. Greenwald