Dreamland closed its doors for
good a few days ago. I didn’t practice any of the attractions, the pirate boat would
made me sick, I was scared by the big wheel and too big to ride the bumping
cars which I enjoyed a lot when I was young. So why am I, somehow, feeling sad?
I do feel sad because this place was a real land of dreams for the kids. I went
there a few times, with students from the center I am in charge of, with some
orphans from Kompong Thom who I love dearly, and even with some little beggars
who live near my house. Each time, it has been a real pleasure to see the eyes
of these children shining with happiness. Four to six hours spent in that place
have always been like a break in their everyday lives, and in mine too. For
these poor kids, with sometimes difficult lives, a visit in that magic place
will be engraved in their minds for the rest of their lives. Going there was just
like doing something exceptional, it was making them feel important. So, even
if it sounds silly, yes, I feel sad.
