It was my great good fortune recently to spend some time with two gorgeous young ladies of barely more than twenty summers. For a person of my vintage that is an occurrence that borders on the miraculous. There are reasons that this came to pass but they need not be explained here.
The venue was Siem Reap, Cambodia. Siem Reap is the gateway to the wondrous temples of Angkor, the architectural and religious extravaganza of the ancient Khmer empire of Cambodia. Tourists in their thousands flock to the temples each year.
Let me introduce the young ladies - Kai and Salom. They have been best friends since early childhood in the village of Sra Srang, right by the ancient Buddhist monastery of Banteay Kdei and not far from Siem Reap. Kai still lives in the village and sells guide books to tourists. Salom works in a travel shop in Siem Reap and sleeps in town during the week. For my few days in the region they became my ‘guides’ to the temples.
Salom has the sweetest, gentlest nature that it is possible to imagine. Softly spoken with a slow, shy smile. But there is a quick impish sense of humour that brings a crinkle to her eyes and an accompanying easy grin. When she recalls some humorous incident she will laugh quietly and joyously at some treasured moment. But there is strength behind the sweetness. Beware!, any young man who would try to take advantage of her good nature.
Kai has a smile that lights up the sky. She smiles often, she laughs often. Kai is outgoing, she has presence, she has style, and she knows it. She is prominent in her community of friends, always with some humorous banter that brings forth her easy laugh. But it is not always so. Kai is perhaps most beautiful when she is quiet, when her lovely dark eyes are restful and she is pondering the problems of her present and her future.
For problems there are, for both these young ladies. Cambodia is poor. Only half a lifetime ago a period of madness brought about the total impoverishment of the country with the death of probably two million, including all of the educated and skilled people. Most Cambodians now must eke out a living somehow. Both Kai and Salom work long hours for little pay. As well they attend English language classes and computer classes. They do not find it easy to find time for study. Because of lack of family money, neither was able to fully complete their school education. As they struggle to better their lives and contribute to their family welfare they come up against the barrier of lack of opportunity. There are simply not enough jobs available for intelligent young people like Kai and Salom trying to better their situation in life.
For myself, I found it very confronting to meet and appreciate two lovely intelligent people who face problems that I have never had to face. A solution is far beyond my capacity and so is the ability to assist much in any meaningful way.
For some little comfort I carry away and treasure the experience of sharing one day with them when they drew such joy from each others company.
They declare themselves to be ‘BFF’ - Best Friends Forever. I sincerely hope that comes to pass.
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