←→Must See: The Children of Angkor, Cambodia

Posted Thursday, February 22nd, 2007 · Permalink

What do most people do when they travel through Cambodia? They visit the Angkor ruins. One thing visitors are often shocked or intrigued by are the child beggars that they encounter virtually everywhere around the sites. What many do not realize is that these children can be some of the most interesting and intelligent people you’ll talk to when in Cambodia.

Your initial feeling might be that these children are solely out to get money or other gifts. That is indeed their primary intention. But start talking about things not money related. They’ll instantly forget everything they were doing and they’ll talk to you with large smiles on their faces.

The amount general knowledge these kids have is astounding. Most of the children go to school throughout the week and have learned all the capitals of the world, can sing many national anthems, and can even tell you funny jokes in your native language (something they probably learned from previous visitors). You can also learn about their family and history, about their education, and about the temples. They know a lot about the temples.

After all, the temples are their playground.

Filed under Asia, Must See, Cambodia.