Last Day in Siem Reap

Hi everyone,

On the way back from Ban Teay Srey, we stopped at a military compound, as we were told that there was a shooting range there. Neither of us having shot anything more than a slingshot, we decided that it would be an interesting experience. We were not disappointed. This is one of the only places in the world where automatic weapons can be shot for a fee (I assume enough money could buy one the opportunity elsewhere, but I digress). We decided on the AK47, which is the weapon of choice for most developing nations when they choose to wage war. The gun was attached to a stand, the soldiers showed us how to fire, and we aimed at a target down a long tunnel. It was much louder than we had anticipated. Squeezing the trigger, smelling the gunpowder, feeling the recoil and trying to steady the jumping barrel made a profound impact on me. As the sound of the shots reverberated off of the walls, I realized how lucky I have been to have avoided being on either end of this instrument of death. Armed with the knowledge that children as young as 12 have used this heavy weapon in battle, I was able to feel the power and the fear that must be a part of every soldier's emotional repertoire (even though we were in such a structured and safe environment).

On the next day we went to the War Museum. Having just fired a weapon, we then learned about the history of their use in Cambodia. A guide who was born during the war showed us the tanks, guns and mines used during this time. He was volunteering, and had shrapnel still inside from an unfortunate incident with a land mine. He told us about his many losses, including both his family and his home. It was also interesting to hear his political point of view. He suggests giving money directly to victims rather than large organizations. The different types of land mines were astonishing in their lethality. Some of them are engaged by trip wires, others by pressure, and all have the capacity to kill or maim. There are mines which are made of plastic and fertilizer, which must be sniffed out by dogs rather than metal detectors, and others which jump to waist height before exploding. We saw many victims of land mines in town as well. If that amount of damage is still being done by mines from years gone by, I can only imagine what kind of things are being used in wars being waged now!

After leaving the museum, our tuk-tuk driver took us to his apartment so that we could meet and eat with his family. He, his wife and their daughter live in a rented apartment approximately 8’ by 5’, without running water. His was the smallest tuk-tuk that we had seen. That said, he made up for it with his heart. Even at 5am, he was cheerful and happy to see us, and though he was constantly talking about his financial situation, he provided us with a clear view of local life. We ate at a great restaurant, met his adorable daughter, and saw how people from the countryside live. His name is Sophal, and if you are interested he will pick you up from the airport. He can be emailed at sophalangkortour@yahoo.com.

Thanks for reading!