Photos of prisoners from Tuol Sleng prison...
The Royal Palace
Ice cream bun!!
Yesterday we arrived in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. Upon crossing the border the change and poverty versus what we saw in Vietnam was immediately present. (Except for the bizarre concentration of large casinos just across the border...not sure who can afford to go there!). Our bus had to take a ferry to cross the Mekong, and there were children banging on the side of the bus asking for money. Taking a tuk-tuk out to the Killing Fields today, children ran beside, holding on to the side...also asking for money. They are also out trying to sell you books, and souvenirs. We've seen this before, but this is the worst. Even though Laos is supposed to be worse off, it was the one country where most of the kids were saying 'Hi' and waving, just because they were being friendly!!
Today was exhausting (emotionally & physically). We took a tuk-tuk out to the Killinf Fields where mass exterminations were performed by the Khmer Rouge - they have many of the skulls from the excavated graves on display in the memorial. It chills your bones. And if that's not enough to make you question humanity - the Tuol Sleng Prison (S-21) which was a former school converted into a prison would do it. Thousands of people were disgusting kept and butchered here...the cells remain in-tact, and just stepping inside them puts goosebumps on your skin. And yet, it was never a story told in History class. I feel very ignorant for not knowing about it until traveling here! The stories of SE Asia certainly don't paint a pretty history.
On a lighter note to end the afternoon, we visited the Royal Palace - large & beautiful (although with a wierd mix of gold and GREY? paint). Saw some friend spiders, crickets, and tiny birds for sale on the street. And ate ice cream on a sweet hot dog bun! ohhh, I love street food!
Here are some pictures..FINALLY!!
xoxo.
3 comments:
The "killing field" is well documented. It also has a movie carrying the same name with the Vitnamiese actor won an Ocsar for supporting actor.
Reading about it can not apprehend the unjustice that were carried out in that horrific time. I agree being there personally is emotionally demanding.
One can only hope we can all learn from it but we never do.
Traveling is the best history class one can have.
Enjoy.
I soooo agree with Dad, what a learning experience!
You will come home with such a different outlook on life here in the Western world, or even compared to anywhere of wealth vs. poverty. Reading or seeing it in film is one perspective, but in person has such a greater impact!!!! Wow, take it all in like a sponge!
Wish we could be there with you.
Love Mom
xoxoxoxo
Hi Chanel, Of course it's time for a comment from #2 MOM. The Killing Fields was an excellent video. I saw it years ago. Reading about what you are seeing is like what Vicki will see next week when she is in Kigali, Rwanda. She will see the Genocide Memorial. Harry is right, we always hope to learn from mistakes made in the past, but never do. Loving your blog girl. It will be neat for you and Vicki to hook up end of August. Laura
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