Posted by Adam (Britzilla) Volerich
The landmine museum was one of the most amazing places i have ever been to. Landmines were evrywhere. The walls were lined with defused bombs and landmines spelling out various words. Shelves were lined with different types of landmines and uxo and wired sections were brimming with anti-personnel and anti-tank mines.
I was happy to examine various mines and explain their anatomy and use. Talking about landmines is when I am at my best. The man who ran the museum had cleared all of the mines there and continued to clear and defuse mines every weekend. There were M-14s, Claymores, Box mines, Toepoppers and other mines scattered across the museum. I even spotted some remnants of bounding fragmentation mines.
The decor was questionable. A woodden table was surrounded by stools made of anti-tank mines for seats and UXO (Unexploded Ordinance). A flower vase in the center of the table was a hollowed out rocket and paperwieghts holding down various different papers concerning mine activities were nothing more than broken pieces of landmines.
There was a small souvenier shop selling T-shirts with the danger landmines sign on the back for only $3, another example of the poverty in tis country. The money supposedly goes to landmine victims but you never really know. Anyway so long for now I shall be home soon.
-Adam
Adam, it is great that you made a connection between your understanding and work about land mines back in NJ and the reality of their effects in Cambodia. I will always remember when we went (a couple of years ago) to the United Nations here in NYC and you spoke authoratively about landmines when we got to that part of the guided tour. It really impressed me at the time. By the way, you didn't mention in your blog about your chance to detonate some ordinance. That must have been a unique experience.
ReplyDeleteSee you on Saturday night and enjoy your last couple of days in Phnom Penh (with your mum and the rest of the group).... Love....Dad
Adam,
ReplyDeleteIt sounds like you are having an amazing trip...for a variety of reasons. The sights, sounds and smells you have experienced will be etched in your memory forever and there should be no reason to complain about anything about your life when you get back home!
What will you remember most once you get home?
What will you be campaigning for people to do about the situation you saw in Cambodia?
Hope your tummy troubles haven't interrupted the trip too much.
Last question...will Grandma Gillian approve of your choice of wife.
Take care. Hope you and your Mum enjoy the rest of your trip. Have a safe flight home.
The Gershons