"Traveling - In This I Believe" ellsasha's Profile

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Welcoming Folks from Kompong Khleang, Cambodia

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My travels have taught me to value the life that I am privileged to live here in the developed world. I have seen the welcoming light in so many eyes as I have journeyed through this world. I have seen the sadness and suffering that living in abject poverty brings. I have spoken to many living on after living through dark periods of genocide. I have been invited into the homes of those with little material wealth but with such greatness of spirit and dignity that I have been humbled. I have celebrated the joy of peoples' weddings in exotic places and stood by quietly as people were carried to their graves. The world is a truly remarkable place - in this I still believe.

Ms. Piggy in One of the Pagodas on Tonle Sap

Ms. Piggy

My animals re-energize my life. TiaMaria is my black lab, so named as she drinks gin and tonic (on the odd occasion she steals a sip, that is), so I wanted to name her after a drink! My kitties are Moses and Sasha total opposites but coexisting peacefully. The photo is of Ms. Piggy, one of my favourites; I met her at a Buddhist pagoda on Tonle Sap, where the young monks had cared for her since she was a tiny piglet. The monks for the most part are very young as many were killed during the days of the Khmer Rouge.

Landmines in Cambodia

Brave Music Makers

Journeying to the overgrown temple of Beng Mealea my driver skirted areas of landmines one of which we saw explode (from a comfortable distance of about a quarter of a mile). The devastation caused by these devices defies description. I met people who had lost one or more limbs yet were valiantly trying to make a living by selling whatever they could find to sell. The people in the photo had either lost limbs or had been blinded by landmines; they played music all day to try to make enough money to live on. Their resolve was amazing and they maintained their self-esteem by avoiding having to beg. I believe in the strength of the human spirit.

Intro Updated Mar 18, 2006
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Comments (31)

MM212 Dec 23, 2011 at 4:03 AM Report Abuse

Thanks for your comments. I haven't read that book because I mostly find TF rather arrogant and biased, but I'm sure it's a good read. Either way, I hope his book (and my page?) will persuade you to visit Beirut. It really is unique and amazing. Cheers from Los Angeles!
RAJASTHANBYCAR Jul 26, 2010 at 8:23 AM Report Abuse

Dear Marjorie, I wish you very happy birth day in advance cheers. Mahavir Yadav
jorgejuansanchez Jan 4, 2009 at 3:10 PM Report Abuse

Thanks for your words, Ellsasha! Greetings from Spain. Jorge
umashanker Jan 2, 2009 at 2:04 AM Report Abuse

Hell Marjorie, Best wishes for 2009 and pray that new year brings peace and prosperity. Yes,I too remember your obersation West Asia and USA and mostly coming true.Best.
Kuznetsov_Sergey Nov 29, 2008 at 9:55 AM Report Abuse

Thank you for visiting and kind comment on my Egypt page! All the best from Moscow!
iaint Oct 31, 2008 at 10:35 AM Report Abuse

Nice pages; my son is half Khmer. Thanks for the birthday wish.
spanishguy Oct 7, 2008 at 11:04 AM Report Abuse

Thank you very much for your visit to my Frigiliana page!!
PALS Sep 24, 2008 at 1:55 PM Report Abuse

Hi Ellsasha, sending you a Hello! Fred
VeronicaG Sep 3, 2008 at 8:17 AM Report Abuse

Hi! You should join us at the 1st Texas vt meet beginning Sept. 27th in Ft. Worth!! Check out the vt meetings forum....
ATXtraveler Aug 20, 2008 at 7:20 AM Report Abuse

It sure is, but I have not received an email from you. Please resend!