Phnom Penh Day 2
Today was slightly sad and depressing. We spent the morning at the Toul Sleng Genocide Museum, which is a former school that served as a Khmer Rouge torture center. This was pretty heavy. The rooms had a metal bed in the middle and pictures of the victims torture on the wall. It is unbelievable that this went on not that long ago-the 1970s. After we left the museum, we headed to the Choueng Ek Memorial, which is known as the “Killing Fields”. Skulls and bones still come to the surface of the fields when there are heavy rains. It was quite a sad experience. Our guide, Mr. Roun, has family that were killed by the Khmer Rouge, so that made it all the more incredible.
Then, we had lunch at the Friends Restaurant. This restaurant is run by a NGO (Non governmental organization) that trains street kids to work in the restaurant industry. Again, FABULOUS food and very uplifting after the morning. A salad, baked potato, and pork fried rice, and a Coke for $5.00USD. Crazy.
A few of us then hired a tuk-tuk (very interesting concept, by the way) and he took us to the Palace, the Market, and to Wat Phrom. At Wat Phrom (A temple), we were charged a $1USD and then the guard tried to charge us again. We were told that corruption is rampant in Cambodia eventhough things seem to be headed in the right direction. After touring, we went to the Kiwi Cafe for afternoon tea (loving this). Mr. Roun had invited the group for dinner at his house. Apparently, he does this every now and then. It was the highlight of the trip so far. On the way to his house, the power went out. When we arrived, there were candles lit. We met his wife and 2 daughters and they brought out food for an army. All traditional Khmer food. It was delicious. He does charge $5 for the dinner but after hearing his life story, I would have paid more than that. He supports 23 people and 44 live in his house. It was just an amazing experience.
Monk walking by Palace
Elephant on Street
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kris