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Arriving in Phnom Penh we ride a cab in from the airport. It's not quite what I expected but that's always the way isn't it?
Firstly, there's not many bikes - all motos and lots of Corolla's - and the roads are relatively orderly. Also, PP has a suburban feel to it; all wide boulevards and tree lined streets.
Arriving at our hotel we find an old colonial era place surrounded by greenery. After waiting for the room to be prepared we're stoked to find it's a cosy joint with a great little shared balcony.
After a quick snooze we head out to look at the Tuol Sleng museum. This is the place were the Pol Pot regime imprisoned, tortured and murdered twenty thousand people. Ironically, it was originally a school. This is possibly a more horrific place than the Nazi death camps. There is distinct blood spatters across the ceilings of more than one room in which torture took place.
Viewing the hundreds of mug shots of prisoners has a strange cumulative effect. Some seem stoic and even unrepentant while others look resigned and scared. What the exhibit does do though, is bring home the pointlessness of the slaughter. And the brutal capability of humans ruled by ideology.
After this uplifting piece of historical knowledge is stowed for later contemplation we focus on finding a good feed and testing the local brew. Angkor turns out to be an ok beer but what is really great is the fish dish we have at a restaurant later.
We start with a kind of fried, dried small freshwater fish - very strong and eaten with a green mango dipping salad/sauce thing. Also served with rice - very nice. We then sample the local soup with fish and veges. Overall a good intro to Cambodian food. Still, lots more to try.
One last thing to note: the tuk tuk - or remork moto - drivers are pretty laid back here. Already had a few laughs with one when I totally f***ed up my attempt at bargaining. He. could have ripped me off but instead had a good chuckle at my monetary incompetence. Whether I can get my head around the complex maths of dollars/riel/US dollars remains to be seen.
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iain How annoying - it's censored my f-word!