Visiting Phnom Penh for the first time felt like stepping into a rich tapestry of Cambodia’s culture, spirituality, and resilience. The city radiates survival and pride, and as we wandered through its streets and countryside, the class felt the deep legacy of the Khmer people in every corner. The Mekong River flowed beside us, a lifeline that has sustained Southeast Asia for centuries, linking cultures and livelihoods from Tibet to the South China Sea. Known for its fishing and agricultural resources, the river not only nourishes communities but also symbolizes international bonds that bridge countries in their commitment to preserving this natural treasure.
Phnom Penh’s streets pulse with a unique blend of tradition and modernity. Tuk-tuks whizzed by as we observed iconic landmarks, like the Royal Hotel, which stands as reminders of a time when Cambodia hosted figures like Jackie Onassis, Charlie Chaplin, Colin Powell, and U.S. presidents, intertwining the nation with the world. These sights were humbling, yet they were just the start of what we would discover about Cambodia’s resilience in the face of historical adversity.
We began our day at dawn, embarking on an exploration that would reveal both the beauty of Cambodia’s culture and the scars left by its past. Our first stop was Silk Island, a peaceful place nestled away from the city’s bustle. As we arrived, we saw local women expertly weaving intricate silk fabrics—a tradition passed down for generations. The silkworms spin their cocoons within just 24 hours, and it takes 45 days for these cocoons to transform into fibers ready to be spun into silk. Watching the weavers, who work eight hours daily to produce a few meters of fabric, felt like a metaphor for the patience and resilience that Cambodia itself has shown over the years. This dedication to a craft, to a piece of family identity, felt like an echo of Cambodia’s story of endurance.
After visiting the silk village, we crossed back over the chocolate-milk waters of the Mekong to explore Phnom Penh’s Royal Palace. The palace rises in majestic beauty, with golden rooftops and regal architecture that trace back to the 15th century. Standing there, we felt the weight of Cambodia’s royal heritage and the country’s deep-rooted respect for tradition. The king, chosen by a nine-person committee, holds a largely ceremonial role and serves as a unifying figure for the people, leaving most political power with the nation’s prime minister. Walking through the palace grounds, we witnessed the nation’s reverence for its cultural and historical identity, a balance between honoring the past, navigating the present and optimistically planning for the future.
Our next stop, however, brought us to the darker chapters of Cambodian history. Visiting the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, once known as S-21, was a profoundly moving experience. This former school was converted into a brutal prison during the Khmer Rouge regime, where thousands of Cambodians were imprisoned, tortured, and ultimately killed. As we walked through the stark, small rooms lined with photographs of the victims, each face became a haunting reminder of the atrocities committed here. The museum was not just a place of memory; it was a solemn space of reflection, a place where Cambodia honors those who were lost and ensures that this chapter of history is not forgotten.
Leaving the museum, our journey continued to the Killing Fields. Known locally as Chung Ek- this is a site where so many victims from S-21 met their end. The Killing Fields are now quiet, with trees and open landscapes that almost hide the UNIMAGINEABLE horror that once took place here. In the center stands a stupa, a memorial filled with thousands of human skulls. Though a silent walk through the stupa is soundless, this couldn’t be a louder and more clear expression of what happened here.
Our guide, Hong, shared stories that chilled us to the core, from the gruesome reality of the Killing Tree, where children were brutally slaughtered, to the stories of mass graves that stretch beyond what the eye can see. The Killing Fields and Tuol Sleng together paint a heart-wrenching picture of a society brought to the brink of annihilation. Yet these places also show Cambodia’s dedication to remembrance and resilience, building upon its tragic history to create a stronger, more united future.
That night, our group gathered on a rooftop overlooking Phnom Penh’s skyline, reflecting on the journey we’d taken that day. The view stretched out before us, revealing a city that buzzes with life and energy, marked by both towering new buildings and older ones that tell the story of Phnom Penh’s rebirth. The duality of old and new spoke to the balance we’d seen all day—a nation holding fast to its heritage while daring to grow and transform. Cambodia’s perseverance was evident not only in the resilience of its people but also in the skyline itself, where hope and renewal were rising alongside memory. Love, as it was evident in Cambodia, means carrying on the customs of the past while embracing the future with open arms. It means having faith in something greater, as seen in the nation’s profound Buddhist identity. In a country where so many have suffered, it’s inspiring to see how kindness and compassion continue to prevail over bitterness or anger.
“Be the change you wish to see in the world.” – Ghandi
The Cambodian people’s strength lies in their commitment to remembering and honoring their past, even as they look forward to a brighter future. It was here that we saw a community that has experienced the worst of humanity but refuses to let this define them. Instead, they have chosen to rebuild, to reweave the strands of their history, culture, and identity into something resilient and hopeful.
In many ways, our journey through Cambodia was like watching the weaving of silk—delicate threads that intertwine to create something enduring and beautiful. The class learned that silk weaving requires patience and care, just as building a future after such profound hardship requires resilience and faith. Cambodia’s history, spirituality, and craftsmanship are threads woven into the larger tapestry of the country’s identity, each one contributing to the nation’s strength.
In Phnom Penh, we found inspiration in the Khmer people’s strength—a reminder to carry forward with purpose, kindness, and the conviction to make a positive impact in our own world.
Cambodia’s resilience is a reminder that, even in the face of unimaginable challenges, the human spirit can endure. This journey taught us that resilience is not just about surviving difficult times but about finding the strength to rebuild with love and faith. For Cambodia, and for all of us, this resilience is a testament to the enduring power of the human heart.
It’s true that resilience is a journey, but as Cambodia has shown us, it’s a journey well worth taking.
With thankful hearts,
Deissy, Daniel, Miguel and Class 53.
One Response
Beautiful! I love the Cambodian culture and everything it represents. Some of my closest friends are Cambodian and I can’t wait to share what you learned. Thank you, Class 53!