In the almost 6 weeks that I have been in Cambodia I have learned a lot. Lessons about not only culture, but also the meaning and importance of family, listening to your intuition, the strength of love and friendship, true compassion and humility. As I reflect on my time here I am grateful for this experience. Although I will not be staying as long as planned, I feel I have grown leaps and bounds, made new friends and memories that will last forever.
I started making a list of things I have learned in an effort to not forget. Some are cultural tips, other about life in general and could be applied to many situations and different parts of the world, and maybe some that are uniquely Cambodian. So here it is.... lessons learned!
1) Just when you think you cannot sweat anymore than is humanly possible, you sweat more! Sweating to the point of soaking wet is something I got used to in my time here.
2) "same same, but different." I swear this should be Cambodia's national motto. Many words are the same, but have different meanings.
3) Everyone thinks I from Europe. Not many Americans travel here as it is so far from the States.
4) Everyone thinks I have blonde hair which my hair stylist back home would be impressed with as he has told me the same thing. I am the darkest shade of blonde there is. I'm sure Matt would agree sometimes ;)
5) My family is the most amazing group of people in the world (at least my world). They have been so supportive, loving, and compassionate throughout this trip and really there for me during some extremely rough times. I am truly blessed and so very appreciative!
6) No matter how much you think you have prepared, you are never fully "prepared." This is true no matter where you are I guess. I guess the one thing you can prepare for is to have to wing it!
7) Sometimes things are shown to you in ways you never expected nor imagined. Not all will be what you want, but all will be what you need whether it is "good," "bad," or indifferent.
8) White skin is highly regarded here in Cambodia. There are skin whitening creams and treatments everywhere! White skin is a symbol of higher class in that you don't have to work outdoors (in the fields) therefore you have lighter skin. The darker your skin, the more you have to work outdoors in the sweltering sun and thus the very dark skin. So funny that Americans put great emphasis on being tan as it symbolizes youth, beauty, and wealth.
9) Cold showers feel amazing after a day in the 90*+ weather with 100% humidity.
10) All market vendors have "special price, special discount" for me.... and every other tourist!
11) Infants, toddlers, and dogs can balance amazingly well on the front of a moto bike.
12) Cambodians can seriously pack a van (and moto and tuk tuk and every other mode of transportation)! Never seen anything like it in my life!
13) People (well mostly men) urinate anywhere and everywhere right out in front of everyone; on sides of buildings, side of the road, whenever, wherever. Hey you gotta go, you gotta go!
14) I am thankful for being born in the great USA, especially as a woman!
15) I often take my rights and privileges for granted without thinking twice. This trip has really opened my eyes and made me realize I am very fortunate.
16) This experience has been the most enlightening and humbling time of my life.
17) Family is #1!
18) Many religions have things in common. Belief beyond oneself that you should do good, be good to others,and good things will return to you whether it be in this life or another. Honor your ancestors. Show appreciation and gratitude. Respect and honor your elders; care for them as they age; appreciate and learn from their life experiences.
19) Listen to the tuk tuk and moto drivers yelling at you that there is a hellacious rain storm coming. I just thought they were trying to get me to pay them for a ride. They were actually pointing at the sky and telling me to get cover, not wanting to take me anywhere. Caught in a trenchall downpour 5 minutes later- lesson learned!
20) People wear surgical masks here b/c it is so dirty, lots of exhaust and bad smells. Every time I see a surgical mask I think of H1N1!
21) Cambodian rain storms have nothing on Arizona monsoons- way worse!
22) You never truly appreciate Air Con until it goes out in the middle of the night and you can't get it fixed for days!
23) Lady Gaga has been translated in Khmer: Poker Face
24) Some people really do have your back and want the best for you. Others are a complete fraud!
25) I gotten used to eating alone, doing things by myself and I am actually enjoying it. Gives you a certain Confidence!
26) There's nothing like receiving a care package, letter, or card from home! Best feeling! Even emails from home are really exciting to see in your "Inbox."
27) Khmer music videos... where do I start. Karaoke gone very bad!
28) Your ears perk up when you hear someone speaking English without a British accent. There's hope they might too be an American
29) Khmer people as a whole are very friendly, helpful, and gracious.
30) TV shows without commercials are awesome!
31) I didn't know Top Model was in so many countries: America, Britain, Canada. Now why is there no Top Male Model???
32) Honking is very annoying.
33) Saltines and soft pillows are the best!
34) In the words of my tuk tuk driver, I will "never forget Cambodia"
35) I have never prayed so much in my life. It's amazing where you will "find" God. For me it was on the bathroom floor during a horrible bout of food poisoning and many times thereafter.
36) When you really love people and they love you, you can feel their presence with you every moment-especially during the really challenging times, where you are weak and so scared. Those people are with you every second, surrounding you with their love and prayers.
37) Avocado green salad Cambodian style=emergency room and hospital stay. Not good.
38) Everything truly does happen for a reason.
39) Trust your intuition. God gave it to you for a very important reason! Don't try to reason with yourself. Just listen!
40) Life is Beautiful! Life is useful!
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