Last week visited Siem Reap. Angkor Wat was our destination in fact. 1st day when arrived at Siem Reap, we visited the Tonle Sap Lake which I believed is the largest lake in Asia. There are houses built on the lake, and boats are the houses for the Cambodians. They are poor, I can say. Most of the small kids are forced to sell fruits and drinks under the sun. It was really hot when I was sitting in the boat with shaded. And I can't imagine how hot they are and how can they all withstand with the high temperature under the sun??? The water of the lake is brownish and they consume the water, shower there, shit there and throw the rubbish there. They are living with the unhealthy environment, but they have to!
2nd day visited the Angkor Wat. It was really amazing and unbelievable. The design, the carving, and the structure of the building made me feel powerless. The Cambodians have contributed so much for the heritage, but what is my contribution so far??? Nothing! The children were running around to promote their handicraft and drinks. They were trained to be a professional sales person. At this age, they should be at the school to gain more knowledge, and not at the road side busy with the earnings. This should be their parents' work. We met a 10 year old boy selling coconut drink alone. He was very lucky because we were there and a big group of Taiwanese tourist were buying from him. Because he is just a small boy and running the business alone, so everybody was pity about him and willing to wait for a long queue. In fact, there was another stall selling coconut juice just next to him, but nobody was buying from there.
Most of the product was sold at USD1 or the kids were just asking for USD1. But with just USD1, can we change their fate? I think it should be enough for them to buy food and other basic needs. But going to school, or I should say a guaranteed future, I think it's really beyond my capability.
We are very lucky including my children. We have computer, mp3, camera, TV, DVD, motorbike, mountain bike, car, beautiful house, handphone, and so many luxury stuffs. And the most important thing is we have opportunity to go to school and even university which can guarantee our future. So, we should appreciate on what we are having now! When you are eating at the food stall or kedai mamak, think about them who are chasing tourist just to get a USD. OK?
2nd day visited the Angkor Wat. It was really amazing and unbelievable. The design, the carving, and the structure of the building made me feel powerless. The Cambodians have contributed so much for the heritage, but what is my contribution so far??? Nothing! The children were running around to promote their handicraft and drinks. They were trained to be a professional sales person. At this age, they should be at the school to gain more knowledge, and not at the road side busy with the earnings. This should be their parents' work. We met a 10 year old boy selling coconut drink alone. He was very lucky because we were there and a big group of Taiwanese tourist were buying from him. Because he is just a small boy and running the business alone, so everybody was pity about him and willing to wait for a long queue. In fact, there was another stall selling coconut juice just next to him, but nobody was buying from there.
Most of the product was sold at USD1 or the kids were just asking for USD1. But with just USD1, can we change their fate? I think it should be enough for them to buy food and other basic needs. But going to school, or I should say a guaranteed future, I think it's really beyond my capability.
We are very lucky including my children. We have computer, mp3, camera, TV, DVD, motorbike, mountain bike, car, beautiful house, handphone, and so many luxury stuffs. And the most important thing is we have opportunity to go to school and even university which can guarantee our future. So, we should appreciate on what we are having now! When you are eating at the food stall or kedai mamak, think about them who are chasing tourist just to get a USD. OK?
