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Tom:
We're learning more each day about Southeast Asia's past. It's not unusual that any culture/region should have such a bloody history, afterall Europe saw its most recent genocide only 30 or so years ago. Nevertheless, to see it all laid bare in a museum devoted solely to one prison during Cambodia's civil war (1970s - which ended up becoming international anyway with Vietnam's involvement), is quite a moving experience. Tuol Sleng prison, in central Phnom Penh, has been kept pretty much in the same condition it was when the prison itself was finally closed. Tiny prsion rooms complete with chains, torture devices, artist impressions of the suffering and even mugshot-style photos of many of the 20,000 victims/prisoners (of which only 7 survived). What was nice though, was that this was a museum with a real message, rather than a bunch of tenuously-linked artifacts lying around in display cabinets. The entry price was fair and the money goes to Cambodia itself (as opposed to the nearby Killing Fields which are owned by the Japanese). Cambodia seems like its really trying to take steps forward, while learning from its past. The museum was a part of this. Anyway, that's my rambling done. Love to those back home, and over to Nil!
Nilufer:
Hey all, well, I think Tom has pretty much said everything that there is to say about the musem. It was an absolutely necessary part of our trip in Cambodia, and I am in awe at these happy, smiley people who have faced so much hardship, torture and separation in the recent past. I felt quite humble on leaving that place, I realise I take a lot for granted.
On a much lighter note, though, I did want to tell you guys about the jungle that lives in our toilet! I knew that 'roughing it' was going to involve creepy crawlies at some stage, but I had not envisaged literally a jungle witnessing my business!
We're leaving Cambodia tomorrow for Vietnam. We're both a little concerned (or excited) that it'll be the Vietnamese New Year Tet on the 14th February, which means that almost all businesses will be closed for about three days around this date. We've got somewhere to stay, but aparently transport is pretty crowded and very slow around Tet. We've decided to go anyway, because it'll be awesome to celebrate the New Year Vietnamese style! Anyway, lots of love to everyone. Nil xxxx
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