15 researchers who were in effect directing its management and operation, and it was Dr. Groslier who was in charge of overseeing the practical aspects of conservation and restoration. I am sure Dr. Groslier was also inconvenienced by this. Nevertheless he gave in to the persuasive power of Professor Rietsch’s explanations, and saw to it that my residence in Cambodia as a temporary researcher was guaranteed. Thanks to him, I was able to obtain a residential visa. Even concerning my living quarters Professor Rietsch spoke to a Vietnamese priest in the Catholic church of Siem Reap, and rented an inexpensive room for me within the lodgings meant for priests. By dint of such efforts I was able to remain alone in Cambodia. Being able to remain in Cambodia was fine. Yet, the fact remained that I was no more than a mere youngster from a foreign country, having almost no knowledge of Cambodian history and knowing absolutely nothing about the Angkor monuments. When I reflect over it now, my ignorance of the fact that Dr. Groslier, a conservation officer whom I met almost every day, was a leading expert on Angkor research and a world renowned luminary, was truly unfortunate. Accordingly, my provisional duties were to assemble the local employees for the works of restoration, communicate to them the instructions of Dr. Groslier, and toil all day in the vast archaeological site as a site director. I was yet to acquire any knowledge concerning the research linked to this field of specialization, but working among the monuments was indeed gratifying, and I experienced an indescribable sense of fulfillment. Also, there were eight young researchers comprising both men and women, and after work at the site had ended and a little before dinner, they would have a big discussion related to the ruins, their restoration, and research. All this was done while they were drinking beer and literally foaming at the mouth. I too often joined them, and from the sight of them interacting mutually and so freely, I picked up the idea
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