On every step one can see that the war in Cambodia ended quite recently. Only 20 years ago Khmer Rouge ended.
Till today Cambodia is country with the highest number of land mines laying around predominately in jungle. I was shocked that the area around one of the temples was clear out from mines only two years ago.
Land mine are very cruel. They are designed to seriously injured the soldier and not to kill him, since injured soldier is more expensive for the enemy army than the killed one. Land mines are also not retracing and surrounding like the soldiers. They can stay in jungle and fields for years waiting for its victim.
On the way to one of the remote temples I come across the Land Mines Museum. This museum is set up by Aki Ra. When he was a child, he was kidnapped by Khmer Rouge Army and was taught how to set up land mines. He laid many land mines for Khmer Rouge. In 1983 (when he was probably 13) he was captured by Vietnamese army which was fighting against Khmer Rouge. He laid many mines for Vietnamese army. When the Vietnamese army retreated, he joined the Cambodian army, and again he laid many mines. After the end of the war he got involved in removing the land mines from his country. There were apparently days that he removed 200-300 mines on his own. He set up foundation to coordinate demining process in Cambodia as well he established a school for children that are land mines victims. He also established small Land Mine Museum.
I promise, I will not wander away from the beaten paths in Cambodia and I will not go out from the marked road.
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