Cambodia - History and Healing

In the tourist capital of Cambodia, Siem Reap, the brilliant ancient history of Cambodia shines. The Temples of Angkor are truly spectacular. There crumbling remnants represent a brilliant ancient culture. Angkor culture was greatly influenced by Indian religion and the fusion with Siam (Thai) art and design wonderful. Wandering the re-built and overgrown temples was a wonderful experience.

After all the temple climbing, I had legitimate (not "traditional") Khmer massage where elbows and incredibly strong fingers are used to crush your muscles into submission. In the end, the old saying "pain cures pain" seemed to hold true.

The Killing Fields memorial near Phnom Phen was a sobering reflection on the recent past. Cambodia is still facing the horrors of the Khmer Rouge and impacts of decades of political meddling of western powers. As a traveler, the resulting begging, touting and hassling is tough but it is worth it to support the Cambodian people.