Cambodia

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Phnom Penh

Cambodia is not really a holiday destination but more of an insight into the highs and lows of humanity.

Between 1975- 1979 the khmer Rouge under the leadership of Pol Pot massacred 2 million people in one of the world's worst genocides. The regime targeted educated people, people who wore glasses or spoke a foreign language, in an attempt to form a peasant society.

In Phnom Penh the people were trucked out to the killing fields just outside town to be murdered. The mass graves have been exhumed and 8000 skulls are now on display in the memorial.

It was a chilling experience to spend time in the memorial and the fields knowing what went on there not so long ago. Pieces of clothing and bones lie partially buried all around and one cannot help but step over what was once a human body.

Equally disturbing was the Thong Sleung museum which was once a school but was used by the Khmer Rouge used to house prisoners they needed to interrogate. Pictures of those killed line the walls of the classrooms and you are able to stand in the tiny cells once inhabited by scared, hungry prisoners.

Siem Riep

This is the gateway to the Angkor region and is a small busy town fully equipped for the traveller venturing who can venture to the ruins in the day and relax in the town in the evening.

The Temples of Angkor were built between the 9th & 13th centuries and while London only has 50 000 inhabitants at this time, the city here had over 1 million. The most famous of the temples is Angkor Wat, the biggest religious building in the world.

We spent 2 days exploring the temples our favourites were Angkor Wat, the large carved faces of Bayon and the overgrown ruins of Ta Prohm.

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Photos

Killing Fields - Phnom Penh
A chilling display of 8000 skulls dug up from some of the mass graves

Killing Fields - Phnom Penh
Pieces of bone and clothing stick out of the ground as you walk between the mass graves.

Killing Fields - Phnom Penh
The sounds of children playing in the school next door to the Killing Fields intensifies the reality of the suffering experienced here.

Toul Sleng - Phnom Penh
This school was converted into a prison by the Pol Pot Regime to hold and torture people before transporting them on trucks to the Killing fields.

Toul Sleng - Phnom Penh
Photos were taken of all who were held in the prison, almost all of them were executed.

Grand Palace - Phnom Penh
The impressive Grand Palace & Silver Pagoda.

Angkor Wat
One of mankinds most astonishing and enduring architectural achievements. Could be voted as one of the new 7 wonders of the world see: www.new7wonders.com

Angkor Wat
Trying to comprehend the size of this temple.

Angkor Wat
Offerings to Buddha for good luck.

Angkor Wat
Amazing carvings (Base Reliefs) surround the entire temple.

Ruins by Bike
We explored the 26km of the "Outer Loop" by mountain bike.

Bayon - Angkor Thom
Huge faces of the Bayon Temple.

Bayon - Angkor Thom
Wherever you look you can see at least 12 of these massive faces.

One Dollaaaaar!
Pen negotiating a fair price for a wooden flute and some postcards.

Ta Prohm
Unlike the other Angkor temples, Ta Prom has been left as it was found in the stranglehold of the tropical forest.

Ta Prohm
The classic postcard shot.

Comments

[coll and tim]

missing you!
Hi guys, Looks amazing! You both look so well and sooo relaxed. We love living our lives vicarously through your blogs! Counting the days till we see you in London... we are booking you now ahead of the crowds!!! Travel safely this last bit and enjoy every last minute... Oodles of love xx

[Pam]

Hi
Hi Guys, v. interesting and sobering blog. See you soon, love Pam x

[Julz]

Hello...
Hi you two, thanks for the update - very interesting! Looking forward to seeing you in London soon, love Julz and Sean

[Melissa]

Hi guys, what adventures. Love reading you blogs and seeing all the amazing pics. How are you guys going to manage to return to normal living after such a fun and long holiday? Can't believe you bummed into Camilla on the other side of the world- it's very small after all! Lovely to catch her in a pic too. Enjoy the rest of your time travelling and hope to see you soon