I Can’t Believe I’m Here…

An Introduction

I have been here in Phnom Penh, Cambodia now for a little over two weeks.  It has taken me a long time to process the fact that I am actually here.  This is my first international traveling experience as an adult.  Nothing could really prepare me for this, although I tried.  I read books and articles about Cambodia and was surprised and somewhat saddened at the amount of misinformation I received.  The “preparation process” was overwhelming and I found myself focusing on preparing more for a spiritual and emotional adventure more than gathering material necessities to make my stay here more comfortable.  I suppose by the time my plane was ascending from the Albuquerque airport, my final thought was to have an open heart and mind to the adventure I was embarking on.

Goodbye Albuquerque!

The events that lead up to my decision to travel were subconsciously expected, but denied until the abrupt moment they manifested into my reality.  To make a long story short, I suddenly needed a break from my interrupted routine to rediscover my purpose, dreams, and intentions.  I started to understand the meaning of “following your heart.”  I began to look for reasons to get away and began to pray for guidance and a clear path.  That’s when I started to think of Cambodia…

I have to admit, I knew pretty much nothing about Cambodia.  I didn’t even know where it was located in the world.  The little I did know was that it had a violent past, which seems to be common among most people I talked with before leaving for my trip.  As embarrassing as it is to admit, I was (and still am, although I’m making progress) very naive, critical, and uninformed.  I started to read about other people’s experiences with traveling in Cambodia on forums and blogs.  Based on what I read, I imagined many things that turned out to be completely false (thankfully).  I imagined myself being overwhelmed and uncomfortable with the hustle and bustle of the busy streets of Phnom Penh.  I imagined a less developed city.  I imagined unfriendly people.  I imagined modest but more rugged style.  I imagined violence.  I worried about the food.  I worried about getting lost or kidnapped….a lot of crazy things, that I now feel confident calling crazy.  I’ve come to think people are more eager to write about and share negative experiences than positive. 

Hello Phnom Penh!

 I actually felt at home here within the first day I arrived!  As we drove from the airport to the guest house I’m staying in, all I could think was, “I can’t believe I’m actually here!”  This is probably the most common thing I’ve said to myself while I’ve been here…I find myself saying it both silently and out loud several times a day (it feels like maybe one hundred times or so!) 

 

Another thing I thought about right away was how attractive and beautiful the people are here.  It may not so much be their appearance, although their dark skin, hair, and eyes are some of the most striking I’ve ever seen, as much as it is their attitudes and mannerisms.  It is a very relaxed and friendly culture here.  People’s smiles stand out here like your favorite flower in a big bouquet; they are comforting, beautiful, and I can’t help but be grateful for them because they make smile back.  My smiles here come easy and I feel like they could last a whole lifetime.  I’ve always valued the strength of a smile, but have never experienced them like this.  

“Let us always meet each other with smile, for the smile is the beginning of love.” ~ Mother Teresa

I have never blogged before and am a bit nervous about sharing…but also excited to share my experiences so that people can have an honest perspective of Cambodia…something I wish I had before I came;  Although I am very grateful to be pleasantly surprised and have my expectations challenged.  It’s so much more meaningful and memorable!  My love and thoughts are with you all, until next time…