Dream Trip 2009

Great Travel Moment

I took this picture while traveling with my husband by boat on the Tonle Sap on our honeymoon. Initially, I was impacted by the poverty that these people live in. However, then I realized that they live a simple life in harmony with nature. They fish, harvest shrimp, and take from the lake what they need, grateful and respectful of what it gives them. The water dictates life. And then I began wonder what will be the growing impact of tourism and western civilization be on this village? Do I wish for them to stay as they are or in the name of progress shall we bring them Western teachings and candy and the desire for tvs? And I ask myself, would that really be progress or a shame when there is the possibility of losing the proximity with nature, compromising the ecosystem balance, and forgoing the simplicity of life?