Cambodia:Episode One
by Nik Munirah Nik Mohd Nasir
I left my heart in Cambodia
“You must study hard, sister so that you become a doctor and help the Muslims.”
Dr Sulaiman’s simple but powerful words were still fresh in my mind as flight AK847 made its descent on the runway of Kuala Lumpur’s Low Cost Airport.
I am home. But I left part of my heart in Cambodia…
Sunday 30 July 2006
The arrival
It was a mixture of feelings as I first arrived at the airport. With no doctor nor anyone who is even familiar with the place accompanying us, we were grateful that Dr Sos Mohsein had actually come to get us and help to sort things out. Otherwise it would be rather difficult to explain to the immigration officers who don’t speak much English about the drugs we are carrying for the mobile clinic! Boxes of them!
The bumpy ride to the embassy was actually interesting. We were battling with each other on who could spot the most number of people on a motorbike. A motorbike! (The highest count so far was 4, occasionally 5 if you count a small child)
And it was also amusing to see 10 people cramming into a 5 sweater car. (not to mention 20 people in a 9 sweater minivan, not including those on the rooftops!)
We were greeted by the staff of the Embassy, indeed, it was a welcomed sight, to see and meet fellow Malaysians in this foreign and strange land. And also not to mention grateful, for their kindness and warmth for taking us in as guests for the night and even treated us dinner at a nearby Malaysian restaurant. Encik Megat, on behalf of the Ambassador briefed us about the dos and don’ts in Cambodia which was really useful.
We had the chance to meet and sit with His Excellency, Zakaryya Adam, Secretary of State from the Ministry of Cults and Religions during dinner. He told us many tales of his experience in Cambodia; especially about the people. He told us how keen they are in bringing back Cambodians, especially the Muslims back on their feet after years of deprivation and torture during the Pol Pot regime.
We also asked him of his expectation and advise to us, when we go into the village tomorrow. To this he replied, optimistically. “Share with them your vision and motivate them to work hard in order to change their life. They need motivation.”
We nodded, deep in our hearts praying that we would not disappoint him.
It was getting late, in fact, we were about to be thrown out of the restaurant. Each of us followed our ‘keluarga angkat’ back to their respective houses, all excited about tomorrow.
Monday 31 July 2006
On the Road to Kampong Cham
We spent the morning sorting out things for the mobile clinic which will start its course tomorrow. There were still medications and instruments to purchase, and details to be arranged over.
We had a few minutes to spare before leaving Phnom Penh for good and went to Central Market to look (shop?) for things. The market was busy, with various things on display. Food, clothes, accessories, you name it. And of course, half the fun of shopping is bargaining for ‘best price’. J
A common (heart breaking) sight in Cambodia has got to be the child beggars. They would follow you and plead to you, even after you got into your vehicle. Although we were already warned about the dangers and pitfalls of succumbing to their pitiful cries, it is still heartbreaking to see a child of 5 years old knocking on the minivan’s window, his hands begging for mercy.
It was a 2 hour drive from Phnom Penh to Kampong Cham. And a bumpy one too. We were the lucky one to get a flat tire as our minivan cruised peacefully on the road lined with paddy fields and small huts by the side. (fortunately, it didn’t take long to repair the flat)
I was deeply immersed with scenery that passed us by. It was indeed a peaceful ride, occasionally punctuated with vehicle honks as the night blanket overtook the day. By the time we arrived at our accommodations which were situated by the Mekong River, it was already dark.
That night, we went to have dinner at a villager’s house.
to be continued...
“You must study hard, sister so that you become a doctor and help the Muslims.”
Dr Sulaiman’s simple but powerful words were still fresh in my mind as flight AK847 made its descent on the runway of Kuala Lumpur’s Low Cost Airport.
I am home. But I left part of my heart in Cambodia…
Sunday 30 July 2006
The arrival
It was a mixture of feelings as I first arrived at the airport. With no doctor nor anyone who is even familiar with the place accompanying us, we were grateful that Dr Sos Mohsein had actually come to get us and help to sort things out. Otherwise it would be rather difficult to explain to the immigration officers who don’t speak much English about the drugs we are carrying for the mobile clinic! Boxes of them!
The bumpy ride to the embassy was actually interesting. We were battling with each other on who could spot the most number of people on a motorbike. A motorbike! (The highest count so far was 4, occasionally 5 if you count a small child)
And it was also amusing to see 10 people cramming into a 5 sweater car. (not to mention 20 people in a 9 sweater minivan, not including those on the rooftops!)
We were greeted by the staff of the Embassy, indeed, it was a welcomed sight, to see and meet fellow Malaysians in this foreign and strange land. And also not to mention grateful, for their kindness and warmth for taking us in as guests for the night and even treated us dinner at a nearby Malaysian restaurant. Encik Megat, on behalf of the Ambassador briefed us about the dos and don’ts in Cambodia which was really useful.
We had the chance to meet and sit with His Excellency, Zakaryya Adam, Secretary of State from the Ministry of Cults and Religions during dinner. He told us many tales of his experience in Cambodia; especially about the people. He told us how keen they are in bringing back Cambodians, especially the Muslims back on their feet after years of deprivation and torture during the Pol Pot regime.
We also asked him of his expectation and advise to us, when we go into the village tomorrow. To this he replied, optimistically. “Share with them your vision and motivate them to work hard in order to change their life. They need motivation.”
We nodded, deep in our hearts praying that we would not disappoint him.
It was getting late, in fact, we were about to be thrown out of the restaurant. Each of us followed our ‘keluarga angkat’ back to their respective houses, all excited about tomorrow.
Monday 31 July 2006
On the Road to Kampong Cham
We spent the morning sorting out things for the mobile clinic which will start its course tomorrow. There were still medications and instruments to purchase, and details to be arranged over.
We had a few minutes to spare before leaving Phnom Penh for good and went to Central Market to look (shop?) for things. The market was busy, with various things on display. Food, clothes, accessories, you name it. And of course, half the fun of shopping is bargaining for ‘best price’. J
A common (heart breaking) sight in Cambodia has got to be the child beggars. They would follow you and plead to you, even after you got into your vehicle. Although we were already warned about the dangers and pitfalls of succumbing to their pitiful cries, it is still heartbreaking to see a child of 5 years old knocking on the minivan’s window, his hands begging for mercy.
It was a 2 hour drive from Phnom Penh to Kampong Cham. And a bumpy one too. We were the lucky one to get a flat tire as our minivan cruised peacefully on the road lined with paddy fields and small huts by the side. (fortunately, it didn’t take long to repair the flat)
I was deeply immersed with scenery that passed us by. It was indeed a peaceful ride, occasionally punctuated with vehicle honks as the night blanket overtook the day. By the time we arrived at our accommodations which were situated by the Mekong River, it was already dark.
That night, we went to have dinner at a villager’s house.
to be continued...
posted by atashi @ 2:42 PM
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