As I will be departing in just four short months, I have begun to study all-things Cambodia. In addition to attempting to learn their language, I have learned about the history, religion, economy, government, culture, etc.. What I have learned is astounding. Fortunately, at the beginning of January, my mother and I traveled to Mexico. This was my first real “third-world” experience, and it was eye opening. I had no idea about how the majority of others are living, and it proved to be something that you truly cannot comprehend while just reading about it. On average, a Cambodian will make around $1.25 per day, which is just under $457 per year. Each US dollar exchanges to around 4037 Cambodian Riels. In Cambodia, the main sources of income are tourism, and agriculture. Cambodia mainly produces rice, silk, corn, rubber, and tobacco. They have large exports of these items, as well as fish and clothing to the country’s trading partners, which are the the U.S., Western Europe, and other East Asian countries.
Through my research, I have learned a great deal about the differences in culture that I will need to know during my trip. Some include: bowing to your elders, sitting lower than elders, never pointing your feet at people, not crossing your legs or feet, never leaving chopsticks pointing outside of your bowl, never touching a Buddha statue, and bowing 3 times to the Buddha. Buddhism is the most common religion in Cambodia, with over 95% of Cambodians practicing the religion. Previously I have learned a lot about Buddhism in school, and the practice greatly interests me. I love the mindset and the peacefulness that Buddhists strive for. Their practices are something that I hope to learn more about while I am there.
The history of Cambodia is really astounding, and I am looking forward to learning more about it during my travels. Khmer Rouge was the name given to the followers of the Communist Party of Kampuchea in Cambodia. It was formed in 1968 as an offshoot of the Vietnam People's Army from North Vietnam. It was the ruling party in Cambodia from 1975 to 1979. Khmer Rouge allied with North Vietnam, the Viet Cong, and Pathet Lao during the Vietnam War against the anti-Communist forces. The organization is remembered especially for the Cambodian genocide. In 2014 two Khmer Rouge leaders Nuon Chea and Kheiu Samphan were jailed for life, after they were found them guilty of crimes against humanity and responsible for the deaths of up to 2,000,000 Cambodians, nearly a quarter of the country's population, during the "killing field" era between 1975-1979. I cannot believe the history that is so recent to Cambodia, its shocking, and makes me feel horrible for the citizens who have lived through these tough times. It's hard to picture an event of that sort happening in the United States, and what the outcomes would look like.
With each thing I learn, I grow more and more excited to depart on this adventure. I am looking forward to embracing a new language, culture, and religion.
