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S-21
Prisoner's room So after being stamped into Cambodia we drove for around 2 hours to Phnom Penh and settled on Okay guesthouse near the river which is actually rather nice. We got settled in and took a walk up the river inn search of some good food and found the lasagne to satisfy our cravings. We were a little shocked to see just how many kids were passing by and coming into the restaurant trying to sell books, bracelets and scarves to customers.
In the morning we found ourselves a tuk-tuk to take us to Tuol Sleng museum and then the Killing Fields. The museum is the old Khmer Rouge S-21 detention centre where they tortured ‘traitors’. Inside we watched a documentary and walked the celled rooms where prisoners were kept. On display are pictures of all the prisoners who were kept there along with skulls of some of the deceased. This really was a harrowing place to visit but we are glad we went. After we went to the Choeung Ek killing fields where prisoners, once tortured and no longer of any use to the Khmer Rouge, would be taken to be executed. The memorial contains skulls and bones as well
S-21
photo of prisoners body found in abandoned S-21 prison as clothing excavated from the mass graves here. Some graves still remain unexcavated. Prisoners’ families, particularly their children were also murdered to prevent them growing up and seeking revenge. What lovely people they were.
We went back to the hotel for some lunch and waited for it to stop raining before walking over to the nearby Royal Palace. It’s pretty expensive to get in compared to other attractions but there are a number of building and temples to walk around and some you can go inside. Though the buildings were beautiful we found ourselves a little disappointed with the palace and made our way back to the guesthouse via a coffee shop.
A little later we went out in search of dinner. We chose an Indian on the riverfront and each had a thali for old times sake. It did make us miss India a little. We also took a walk along the river, stopping to join the crowds watching groups of young people breakdancing and body popping.
We had a late start the next day, and decided we were not going to do much. We took a tuk-tuk over to the Russian Market and spent a little
S-21
just some of the prisoners at S-21 more than planned – we do however have some more nice stuff for our non-existent house so it’s all good! We also got a fish pedicure for only $1.50 each! When we decided that we really couldn’t afford to spend any more we went and had a look at the central market where we spent just a few more dollars .
We were up the next morning at 5.30am and having breakfast by 6.30am. We were picked up and taken to the bus station where we boarded a big comfortable bus which was to take us to our next destination: Kampot.
Deb & Ang
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