Phnom Penh

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We got a 6 hour bus from Siem Reap to Phnom Penh. Our tuk-tuk driver had called his friend to give him our business so he was there when we got off our bus with a big sign 'Welcome Chris Smith and Laura Sully'. We were happy to have him there to save us from the scrum of other tuk-tuk and moto drivers trying to get our business (and bags!!).

The following day we were picked up by Mr Ya for our city tour! First stop was the Royal Palace which was not as ornate as the Grand Palace in Bangkok. The present King lives there so for security you can only walk around some areas. Then off to Phnom Wat which is a temple on the highest hill in Phnom Penh. We were then meant to go to the Killing Fields but it was closed to the public as they were escorting someone around there who was giving evidence at a War Crimes Tribunal. Instead we went to the National Museum which houses lots of artifacts and statues from around Cambodia.

We then went to the Toul Sleng Genocide Museum - also called S21. This was the former high school which was converted into a prison to hold, interogate and torture people who supposedly opposed the Kymer Rouge Regime. It was a sad place that showed in grahic detail the conditions and torture methods used. The cells are still as they were and there are blood stains on the walls. There are photos of all the people (men, women and children) that were held here and later killed. Was a very depressing place!

We went to a restaurant called 'friends' in the evening which was run by former street kids. They are now receiving culinary and service training. It was the best food we have had in ages!!

The next day we went to the Killing Fields. This is about 10km outside of Phnom Penh and was where the prisoners of S-21 and other people who opposed the regime were taken to be killed. Rather than waste bullets, they would beat the people to death or slash their throats. There were clothes still half buried in the ground and bones sticking out of the mass graves. It was horrific but the guides encouraged people to photograph the site as they want the world to know what happened here. Chris and I didn't take many photos as it seemed inappropriate. The memorial that stands at the entrance holds some of the skulls that were dug up from the graves. Another depressing day in Phnom Penh!!

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Comments

[sarah]

friends resturant
i am so glad you went to the friends restaurant - i loved that place want a chicken amok now....