Children of Angkor Wat a gift of travel

Angkor in Cambodia is attractive not just because of its famous namesake, wat - or temple - but also because of the children in the scenic area.

Though looking like some little beggars in China, they did not give me a feeling of begging. They have their own ways to communicate with tourists and have impressed many.

For example, some will walk straight up to the tourists and say "candy, candy" in clear Chinese. They do not follow tourists and keep pleading. Instead, they just stand still as if patiently waiting for some gifts. Their innocent eyes give me a feeling of sympathy, or even adoration.

From appearances, even the eldest kids are aged just 6. The youngest must be 1 or 2 years old. Most children at that age are still in the warm arms of their parents, but these kids have begun to earn a living.

Forests that separate the scenic spots are dotted with homes set up about a meter or two meters above the ground as protection in the rainy climate. Even such a design cannot prevent floods spreading into houses sometimes, but locals enjoy a casual life.

Perhaps it is just that life that builds a tough character to the children born there, giving them the courage to fight adversity.

Many years ago, our life in China was much the same. In the initial phase of our development, we must have been dreaming of a beautiful life like now. Traveling enables us to experience more cultures and lifestyles and at the same time helps us find our pure inner self.

The author is a sales manager at Planet Travel in Beijing.