Angels without wings

 

My idea of adventure is not really to be traveling alone. However, time and circumstances caught me in this situation where I did not have a choice but to go on my own to a place I’ve never been. In this however, I found out that the world can always offer a friend whenever you need one and you’ll never be alone.

 

Having had to exit Thailand in order to renew my stay there for another month, I had an unplanned trip to Cambodia and visit the famous Angkor Wat as well. After all, I’m an enthusiast of historic relics.

 

Early Saturday morning, I readied myself for a long trip to Siem Reap, home of the famous Angkor Wat. Before leaving, I prayed like a child that God would send me angels to help me and guide me on my trip.

 

The first four hours from Bangkok to Thailand-Cambodia border was pleasant, good road and an air conditioned bus which is not actually full so each passenger gets the chance to sleep on the two-seater seats of the bus.

 

Near the border, the inconvenience of the travel started to take its toll on me. With me in the bus are different groups of backpackers, mostly Europeans. As we are traveling in one bus and headed for the same destination, we had to wait for one another should there be procedures or other things other passengers need to do such as visa processing, passport stamping for exit and arrival etc. The waiting was quite annoying but it was in this waiting that I met a couple who became my instant friends all throughout the trip.

 

Olga and Mauri are from Colombia who have been traveling from the West to East for the past couple of months. Olga flashed a sweet smile as she invited me to join their table, perhaps after noticing me alone and quite “lost in the world” when the bus stopped by for lunch break. After introducing myself, we had a good conversation about history, politics, economy and the society of my country and hers as well. The Spanish roots of both our countries somehow connected us and suddenly, everything began.

 

All throughout the travel, we were together and stayed at the same hotel. I was surprised that they asked me to join them in the tour the following morning, which I gladly accepted.

The tour suddenly got life in me as I get to express my amazement to them of the things and not just keep it to myself had I been alone in the tour. The grandeur, the awesome display of the artistic minds of these Khmer ancestors would truly mesmerize viewers’ even if they’re not artistic. These, I am able to share and talk about with my newfound friends. We eat together, we take pictures of each other, walk a lot along the ruins of the temples, run under the drizzles of the Angkors’ forest, and be captivated by the enduring legacy of the ancient Khmers together. I’m glad that I’ve got someone to take my pictures J. Otherwise I would have gone home without any evidence of me stepping into that place.

 

They were indeed a blessing to me. Their kindness, friendliness and warm presence lit my spirit up and made me get through the day with a happy heart. Indeed, they are God-sent angels without wings to cheer me up and allowed me to enjoy the trip better.

 

In this travel, I’ve realized one thing. That getting to new places also means getting to know “new” people who can be friends for a lifetime. It’s a wonder in human relationships that though we are bounded by time, distance, culture, values and beliefs, we are able to touch each others’ life in numerous ways possible. Being alone sometimes can draw the line to the best friendships one can ever have. So when you feel alone and lonely in your travel, just look around and you might find the perfect person who can make you glad in ways you may never know. Angels do come in human form J.

 

Looking through the window of the ancient ruins of Angkor Wat wiht Olga. Unfortunately, Mauri couldn't join as he is the photographer.