I just realised that the first time I came to Siem Reap was in 2007, and possibly around the same time. It was a birthday present for Soeren. He would have turned 52 last year. I didn't think much about the trip I was about to make this time, even though its for work, that it would be somewhat of an anniversary. Four years since we were here together, to see the Angkor temples.
These days I think I have a better grip of my thoughts but traveling unpacks all of it again. And particularly to places where we've been together. Which is what we deliberately chose to do to commemorate a year since he died. Lone and had a nice late brunch (Soeren loved this, breakfast in bed even better), we went to Annexe Gallery to see an exhibition by a Malaysian artist who passed on a couple of years ago and we heard an early evening performance at the Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra. Ended the day with dinner at Out of Africa with good company (he celebrated his birthday here a few years ago with some friends). No need to ask how many thoughts and memories came flashing past - there were many.
It has been difficult to pen down what I felt or thought after a year, and it took me a while to write anything. I think the one thought to take away is that you have to live while you're alive. Apparently, easier said than done...
Sad that you're not here, that I can't celebrate your birthday with you, that I can't tell you what I'm doing here in SR.
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