Barbara Wright will take members and friends of The Seal Beach International Friendship Association to the Kingdom of Cambodia through a video presentation and discussion at 6:30 p.m., Thursday, Jan. 19, at the Mary Wilson Library Senior Center, 202 Electric Avenue in Seal Beach. It is the group’s first meeting of 2012.
Attendees will learn about the genocide instigated by the Khmer Rouge from 1975 to 1979 and how the Cambodian people are now recovering. They will also discover the beauty of the temples of Angkor Wat, Bayon and Angkor Thom. They will travel by bus, tuk tuk, boat and bamboo train to visit cities and villages in this Kingdom that have experienced a history of beauty, then sadness, but now are starting to smile again.
Barbara Wright is a longtime Seal Beach resident, retired McGaugh teacher and an avid traveler. Active in several Seal Beach non-profit organizations and a community leader, she has served as SBIFA president, Lion’s Club Director and Woman’s Club President.
She has traveled to all of the continents but has a special love for visiting countries in Asia. Of particular interest to her when traveling to a country is the culture and history of that country. She spends many hours before each trip “Googling” and reading about the places she will next be visiting. She also has found that by videotaping her trips, she creates a living journal.
SBIFA’s meeting is open to the public. An Asian dinner will be served, followed by the program. Donation for members is $12 each or $22 for couples; non-members $15 or $27 for couples; $10 for students. Pay by check at the door. Annual membership fees will also be collected at the same time. Reservations are required and accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. Seating is limited. RSVP by Jan. 15 with Claire at (562)-431-5414.
