Pol's Story by wysiwig
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Description
Our local guide Pol was a quiet, reserved man with a professional demeanor. After a few days he became more comfortable with us and one day he told us his story.
In 1975 he was a teacher living in Siem Reap. He, his wife and two young boys were sent into the fields to work after the Khmer Rouge took power in Cambodia. Over the next two years his wife became progressively weaker until she died. In what can only be described as a miracle, Pol managed to keep himself and his sons alive. By the time we met him one son had become a doctor while the other was living in Japan studying for his advanced degree in engineering. I was greatly impressed by Pol’s resilience, how, after enduring so much, he managed to enjoy life and maintain his sense of humor.
We were on the bus heading for our first visit to Angkor Wat as he began his presentation about what we were about to see. When it had been built. Which king was responsible and so on. He ended his talk by telling us how the French explorer Henri Mouhot had discovered Angkor Wat in the 19th century. He paused, smiled and then said, "Of course, we always knew where it was."
Everyone laughed but we also learned a gentle lesson. Mouhot no more discovered Angkor Wat than I “discovered” Seattle on my first visit there. Every trip I take I become less and less Western-centric.
Comments (10)
Faemike55
impressive and depressive image at the same time Wonderful and powerful story you related. nevery underestimate the human spirit as we can see from Pol's life
netot
I was not ready for this image. It is,as Mike just said so well, impressive and depressing! Here we have a dark history too, maybe you remember the civil war on my country, in which both sides committed barbaric murders.there are not many people of that era who have not lost a loved one. I lost an uncle and my best friend.So, I fully respect and understand to Pol.
whaleman
Yes, I could see that in the shot yesterday. It makes the monument far more meaningful!
durleybeachbum
The image drives home the remarkable courage and strength of those who survived.
auntietk
It's nice to note that the Wiki on Columbus does not say he discovered America, nor that de Gama discovered the Cape of Africa. Slowly, slowly we learn. I do like this memorial. It's easy to de-personalize something so unfathomable, and this keeps it real.
sandra46
AMAZING SHOT AND A TERRIBLE MEMENTO
mariogiannecchini
Impressive image and interesting story !
JuliSonne
Thanks for the information. It hunting me a goose pimples over the body when I hear witnesses who have survived such terrible times. I remember that I saw as a teenager in the TV pictures from this period where you have people exposed to torture. And it has locked up for years in small wooden cages (1mx1mx1m). The many of dead may never be forgotten!
bobrgallegos
A wonderful capture of this very haunting scene!!!! Great narrative!
vaggabondd
very interesting picture my friend, nice capture