As we are on the point of leaving Cambodia, I feel guilty for only posting one blog about Cambodia, one that mainly consists of pictures as well (although they do tell a story). The main thing on my mind during my three week stay here wasn’t the Khmer scarf though, nor the tasty baguettes, pyjama donned ladies or ready -to -laugh people. My main concern was mines.
In theory I know that the chances of me stepping on a landmine are pretty slim. I see other tourists trodding around the sights and surroundings without giving the idea a second thought, often ignoring the areas that have been taped off to signal mine danger. I haven’t heard about throngs of tourists that have stepped on a mine; in fact I was told that most people with mine injuries are either people that work on the land a lot or Cambodians without any fear of mines who have tried to disassemble one.
On the other hand, I read in the “lonely planet” about mines around Angkor Wat, stressing not to go off the path, even when you go to the toilet. I learned about the dangers of mines in the landmine museum, founded by Aki Ra who used to be a Khmer Rouge soldier as a child. As a soldier he hid mines all over the country, but he now spends his time defusing any uxo he can lay his hands on. The strongest reminders of lurking danger, however, are the Cambodians all over the country with missing body parts.
Being blessed with a very imaginative mind, I have more or less constantly feared being one of the few tourists who will be killed or maimed by a mine. Especially in the North West of Cambodia, where most of the mines were laid in an attempt to keep the Thai out, I therefore developed special techniques to minimize the risk. Apart from never straying from the trodden paths, I tried to use branches and stones as much as possible. I picked that up during the before-mentioned visit to the landmine museum. Landmines apparently weren’t placed there, although you can’t be sure where landmines are after a shower. Did I mention it is raining season here?
I now have new scars on my arms because I fell down a couple of times, trying to avoid the landmines. But I feel pretty grateful that is all the harm I suffered during my time here.
Love,
Jonna
