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Published: November 10th 2007
Stark Reality
Over 8000 skulls stacked highA visit to Phnom Penh cannot be called complete unless you visit Choeung Ek and Tuol Sleng, no matter how grim or depressing it turns out to be. We hired a Tuk Tuk driver for an afternoon. weren't sure what was the better order to see, ended up heading for Choeung Ek, better known as one of the KILLING FIELDS. They are situated some 15 kilometres from the city centre. The trip along mostly dusty roads was interesting in itself, a gave us an insight into ordinary Cambodian lifestyles with such a mix of local people going about their business.
Not much prepares you for the stark reality of what went on here, just 30 years ago. The first thing you see when you enter is a large Memorial Stupa containing more than 8000 skulls of poor victims exterminated here.
43 of the 129 mass graves have been left untouched in this peaceful little longan orchard, which became a brutal murder site. Visitors are allowed to walk freely amongst the graves, in doing so, they naturally have eroded some ground creating paths. This has the effect of unearthing fragments of bone, and clothing of the victims. So many people were
torture
place of torture with Photo of dead victim killed here, including children, that we were still able to identify bones lying about. Our driver informed us, that up to about 5 years ago, there was always a terrible stench when he visited this site.
Next, we drove to the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum in the south district of Phnom Penh. Originally this was a typical secondary school building, which was taken over by Pol Pot's, Khmer Rouge security forces. They named it S-21. From 1976 until their collapse in 79, they interrogated, and tortured so called " anti-Angkar " elements, before sending them for extermination.
Before the prisoners were sent to their cells they were photographed, these chilling reminders still exist, and are on display throughout the building, as are instruments of torture.
A depessing afternoon, although we are glad we've seen it. You would expect that people would learn from the past, unfortunately recent events suggest otherwise.
When foreign goverments interfere with other sovereign countries, the outcome becomes unpredictable, and usually for the worse.
Booked bus tickets to, and accommodation in Siem Reap for tomorrow. (8th Nov)
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Julie
non-member comment
Happy Birthday John
Hi u 2,first time i've been on here, ur pics r all great, just wanted 2 wish u a happy birthday John xx take care luv Julie xx