If I were to describe Phnom Penh based on my travels so far, it would be that it is a wonder. Of course no reflection on Cambodia as a whole and Phnom Penh in particular can be outside the influence of the genocide. The country itself is still recovering from the trauma of the Khmer Rouge’s brutal terrorizing of this country.

The friendliness of the people and outgoing nature is hard to believe for a country that is only a single generation separated from the horrific crimes against humanity this country endured.

Phnom Penh itself is an analogy for this recovery-in-progress. Given that the entire city was evacuated and left to crumble into ruins from 1975 to 1979, the cityscape is an amazing testament to the rebuilding efforts of the country. There’s a building boom going on and from my hotel window I can see no less than 15 new skyscrapers under construction.

While there are a few pockets or older buildings that have been renovated, in general it seems like the majority of the city is new and modern. The temples and government buildings, the subject of purposeful destruction in the Khmer Rouge era, are rebuilt and usually reflect traditional architectural styles. Everything else seems to be a change from the styles of buildings pre-1979. Maybe, understandably, that’s part of helping the nation move on.

I haven’t had a negative encounter with anyone. Everyone has been friendly, helpful, and while I've had the fortune of interacting with many people who speak English, even when there are language barriers people are patient and helpful.

No words can really convey my emotions as I visit here. My sadness for what the people went through, my happiness as I feel a palpable hope for the future, and my shared optimism as I see families in parks and public spaces.