My birth place and family

I was born in Cambodia to a family of 7 siblings. I am the third male
child and I have four other siblings below me, the last one being a
sister. We were a peasant people living off the land. I had some
education and learned how to read and write before I had to leave my
country. Since it was not my priority to be educated, I dodged school
by hiding and playing in the rice paddy. I think I might have gotten
the whipping for such behavior.

My family lived right next door to a monastery complex. Matter of
fact, we were the East gate keepers, if you will. Since Cambodia is
predominately Buddhists, every festivity that took place at the
complex seldom missed my entry and enjoyment.