When arriving in Cambodia, before we can really focus enough to bring sustainable change, we will first have to adapt: to the food, culture, language, societal conventions and the overall way of life. But that’s not enough. There is a difference between adapting to a new country and accepting or tolerating its ways. We won’t be doing any good if we don’t accept Cambodian customs because we will not be able to do anything that can really aid their society. We have to be able to overcome the culture shock to the extent where we will allow for them to teach us, and that will only come through tolerance. This might take a day, a couple days… or for some, without realizing it, will never come- they will stop at only adaptation.
I imagine that it would probably be easier for Tas and I to take that step beyond adaptation than it might be for some others on the trip since we are constantly exposed to cultural differences. We have both been to Thailand, have learned first hand about Asian culture, are more used to the conservative ways of the country and hopefully, we will be able to reach tolerance in very little time. Acceptance with it will bring knowledge and that is very important for this trip.
LM
I imagine that it would probably be easier for Tas and I to take that step beyond adaptation than it might be for some others on the trip since we are constantly exposed to cultural differences. We have both been to Thailand, have learned first hand about Asian culture, are more used to the conservative ways of the country and hopefully, we will be able to reach tolerance in very little time. Acceptance with it will bring knowledge and that is very important for this trip.
LM
