Cambodia is one of the poorest countries in the world. This fact does not escape your thoughts as you take a tuk-tuk drive out into the countryside where the people live along flat, dusty roads in homes without electricity or running water. Wood and charcoal smoke and dust permeate the air as schoolchildren pedal their bikes, in their white and blue uniforms to and from school while their mothers set up stands to sell candy and snacks to the community.
This is a country that lost so many people to the brutal Kumer Rouge in the 70's. Today along with many created educational, health and business programs, in an attempt to break the cycle of poverty, there is also a concerted effort to facilitate and transform the country through arts.
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We saw an exciting evening performance of the Phare Cambodian Circus under the red tent. Disadvantaged orphans tell a story about ghosts with acrobatics, energy and talent while reviving the Cambodian arts scene.
Artisans Angkor, "caring for the past, crafting for the future" was a stop where i watched artisan employees, carving stone and wooden traditional figures. An employment program for over 1300 people. Cambodian craftsmanship that dates back to the days of the Khumer Empire is revived through stone and wood carving, laquerware, silk painting and silver plating. Lions, asparas, nymphs and bas-reliefs of ancient scenes are chiseled out of stone and available for sale. After visiting the Angkor temples and this workshop I gained a new appreciation for artisans working in stone!
The burgeoning town of Siem Reap serves as the gateway to the temples of Angkor.
Cambodia is one of the poorest countries in the world.
It's foremost a tourist centre with a packed Pub Street, some rural ambiance and a renovated Old French Quarter with places along the river for a stroll.
Tuk-tuks are everywhere and a popular way to access the Angkor complex, as was our choice.Thank you "Charlie" his tourist name and "Sovanna" his real name .
(See post on Angkor).
Our very last day we ventured out 30 km into the countryside, bumped along the reddish clay-like roads to Banteay Srey Butterfly centre, the largest in SE Asia. A young Cambodian explained the butterfly life cycle to us and we saw rare free-flying moths and exquisite butterflies.
A nice interlude before our stop at Cambodia Landmine Museum where a sensitive exhibition highlights the continuation of work to eradicate the country's many landmines.
"Art washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life" Picasso
