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It was time to leave Vietnam and head to Cambodia to see the 4th country of the 13 on our list. We crossed the border with no issues and arrived in Phnom Penh. The Cambodian countryside is very flat with sandy soils and lots of rice fields. The city of Phnom Penh is surprisingly modern. There are full sized supermarkets, malls, large parks and boulevards and gas stations similar to the ones in North America. After being away from this type of commercialism and modern styles for 2 months it was a bit of a shock.
Despite the modern feel the people of Cambodia have a very sad past.
In Phnom Penh we had the opportunity to go to the genocide museum and killing fields. These historical areas were the prison and killing areas Pol Pot and the Khmer Rouge used to torture, interrogate, and kill people. The Khmer Rouge domination occurred from 1975 to 1979 and over 2 million Cambodians were killed. This included the educated and those that had any negative thoughts to the Khmer Rouge' s agrarian ideologies. (this is a very brief history that is very complicated.) During this time all the architects were killed, 60 percent of the engineers and 3960 of the 4000 doctors. The history of that time is very unfortunate and sad and the effects are still seen today.
The Cambodians (Khmer as they like to be referred as) have gone through years and years of invasions, political chaos and civil war. It is hard to imagine that this country has been able to continue despite all the chaos and death.
After a very somber morning we took in the Phnom Penh Russian market. The market was full of all types of clothes, food, hardware etc. The market had more selection than a Walmart.
We also checked out Phnom Wat (buddhist temple) and wandered into a monastery. At the monastery we met a monk who took a part of his day to chat with us and show us his home. It is funny that western culture depicts monks as very mystical spiritual beings but they are just human and crave human interaction and education like anyone else.
Phnom Penh is a great city that is rebuilding from destruction and heartache. There are many street children and land-mine victims selling bracelets and books. It is very heartbreaking to see this, but Cambodian people are happy and welcoming.
Siem Reap is our next destination in Cambodia.
- comments
Lorrene What an eye-opening experience - how lucky we really are to have been born in a free and safe country.
Elaine As I read your introduction to Cambodia I had tears because I am watching my amazing grandchildren playing here with us today. I remain eternally grateful for Phaniths parents who sacraficed all to see their children get here. Loving you and missing you.