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Writer's pictureGunilla Jensen

Cambodia

I have been thinking about the darker side of human nature. We are capable of so much beauty and goodness, but we are also capable of despicable gruesome behaviour.


The Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum is the memorial site of the S-21 interrogation and detention center of the Khmer Rouge regime. It preserves a tragic period in Cambodian history where it's estimated about 2 million people died.



At Tuol Sleng they concluded that the uneducated population was easier to be manipulated by the Khmer Rouge. I do believe that education is very important. However, I don't think it is that simple, that being able to read and write will make you a good person.


If you don't think, you could be manipulated into committing murder, you should make yourself familiar with The Push, where a social experiment is engineered to demonstrate how manipulation can lead an ordinary person to commit an appalling act.



Cambodia is the second-poorest country in Southeast Asia. Decades of isolation, war and conflict have resulted in the destruction of much of Cambodia’s physical, social and human capital. It is apparently one of the most heavily landmined countries in the world.


It was hard for me to travel through rural Cambodia. With such a history and so many challenges ahead for these beautiful people, it could seem a bit insurmountable. However, Cambodia is also being innovative, solving their problems including using rats to clear minefields. There is a video here about their hero rats.



Tourism, agriculture, and the garment-making industry are the main contributors to Cambodia's recent economic recovery. I therefore warmly recommend you visit this beautiful country. Visiting Angkor Wat has been one of the highlights on my trip so far, and I recommend renting a bicycle and biking around it.



Finally, my Cambodian cycling statistics:

Total distance cycled: 656km (with Paulina's lovely company)

Number of flat tyres: 0

Number of rainy days: Nearly every day

Longest day: 117km

Highest temperature: 32°c

Lowest temperature: 25°c

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