So...another 6 hour bus ride and we're finally in Phnom Penh. The bus was actually really nice so the ride wasn't bad at all.

And much to our surprise Phnom Penh is a much bigger and cooler city then we were expecting! But in true local style, the tuk tuk (small bike driven carriage things) vendors and taxi drivers are on us the second we step out of the bus. Shawn particularly hates being harassed by them, but with some gentle prodding by yours truly finally accepts a ride from a tuk tuk driver named Alex. It turned out to be a great idea. After Alex found us a good hotel and talked to us about some of the sights in the city, we decided to hire him for the next day too! But first things first, we got our room, had some dinner and went to bed.

One free breakfast later, and some much needed computer/Internet time, we met Alex outside our hotel for a leisurely ride through the city to our chosen tourist hot spots. We decided to see the "killing fields" and the "s-21 prison". Both, being very true to their names, provided us with a solemn but highly interesting and educational afternoon. After reading about some of the prison routines and seeing actual remains of the victims of Pol Pot's Khmer Rouge regime I can say without a shadow of doubt that I felt like a complete to tool for ever having complained about anything in my life. As corny as this may sound, it really made me stop to think about how lucky we Canadians really are, or more accurately, how lucky I really am!

But we tried not to let that sobering experience dampen our moods too much, so we went to the souvenir shop and got some Cambodian t-shirts and a necklace for me. We also started giving a bit more to some of the less fortunate that asked! I know that it isn't much but they are always so grateful and charming.

Anyway, Alex took us to a restaurant that he liked near the water and we had a late lunch. We shared an Amok curry with steamed rice and a spicy cucumber salad. It was delicious! Alex bid us goodbye and we went to a nearby pub for a pitcher.

A small nap session in the room and we were ready for supper. We found this place right next to our hotel called "Oh My Buddha" and had some of the best pizza I've ever had (not to mention a pretty tasty mojito as well). The owner was hilarious. His nickname was the Laughing Cambodian, and he was true to his name.

We wake up tomorrow and get on an 8:30 bus to Siem Reap. I am particularly excited for this portion of the trip. We are spending two nights at a resort and I fully plan on partaking in all of the wondrous amenities! This is going to be great!