Old Man Achieves Lifetime-Long Dream

Grandpa Khem Sokhon has finally fulfilled his dream to visit the capital city of Phnom Penh and the Royal Palace, 70 years after having first wished to do so. Photo: Zul Rorvy

Siem Reap – Grandpa Khem Sokhon has finally fulfilled his dream to visit the capital city of Phnom Penh and the Royal Palace, 70 years after having first wished to do so.



Originally from Siem Reap province, Sokhon, now 76, is a conservationist of the APSARA National Authority. In April, he achieved one of his oldest dreams: visiting Phnom Penh for the first time in his life.



He said he was over the moon to see the high-rise skyscrapers in the city.



Sokhon took a three-day leave from work and money out of his pocket for the trip, which he did with 16 other people from his family and village, near Prasat Bakong, 13 kilometers east of Siem Reap city.



“In the past, I could not afford a trip to Phnom Penh,” the old man said. “Now, I have enough to rent a taxi to the city.”



He recalled that he was distressed at first when he could not enter the Royal Palace as he arrived before the opening time of 2 p.m. He then toured the palace for three hours before he proceeded to find a place to stay overnight.



Sokhon said he and the other travelers could not afford a place to stay in the city, so they went to Kandal province and found a place where to spend the night.



All of them continued their trip for another two days in and around Phnom Penh.



Living close by and working on the conservation of ancient temples, Sokhon said that nowhere on this planet is as great as Angkor Wat, although he admires the beauty of the capital.



After visiting Phnom Penh, the villagers’ team from Prasat Bakong has set a new goal for their next trip: Go to the seashore and walk on the delicate and hot sand of one of the many Cambodian beaches.



Originally written in Khmer for ThmeyThmey, this story was translated by Teng Yalirozy for Cambodianess.


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