On to day 2...I had been anticipating how the first morning in Phnom Penh would feel and it didn't disappoint. We woke up quite early and I was feeling very refreshed after a full nights sleep in a bed as appose to the sleep we had on the airplanes seats en route. I sat on the balcony for a few while enjoying the cool morning weather and listened to the city speak to me for a while.
The plan for the day was to tour the killing fields, the genocide museum, and then the Russian market. After a quick bite to eat we boarded our tuk tuk and we were en route to the killing fields. It was quite a long ride via the tuk tuk and dusty also. Luckily I had my buff headband and could over my nose and mouth during the ride. We were constantly being passed my motos (motorcycles), cars, trucks, and the occasional garbage truck. Yes it was foul. Again I was amazed by the organized chaos of driving in Phnom Penh, but our driver Sam seemed to navigate the streets with ease. We were shocked when we reach an intersection with a stop light...but Sam decided he didn't want to stop and just cut through the gas station on the corner. During our ride to we past rice paddy fields, many small stores, and many people along the road selling goods trying to make a living. This would hit me harder during our ride back from the killing fields.
Once we reached our destination Sam dropped us off out front and he would wait for us until we were ready to leave. As we approached the gate we were greeted by older men missing limbs asking for money. This was the beginning of the sadness that I would feel for the next few hours. We entered the gates and paid our $5 admission fee. I couldn't help but feel a sense of something in the air. Its very hard to describe, but everyone was very quiet as they walked around touring the fields listening to the virtual tour guides. We made our way from point to point as instructed by our virtual guides and learned of the terrible genocide of 3 million Khmer people (Cambodians). About 17,000 were killed at this location during a 4 year period by the Khmer Rouge regime and I will not go into detail as to how the deaths were described to me. All I will say is that I was very nauseous after our tour. The sadness that came over me while I learned how almost a third of the population was killed is indescribable and the fact that this occurred somewhat recently saddened me more. I guess it affected me more because of knowing that some of the people whom committed these acts are still alive and that the families that were affected by this are alive also. Its not as if the story has been told from 2 or 3 generations before. The generation whom this affected is still alive today. Its crazy to see so few older people around the city due to this genocide. I can count on both of my hands how many people over 60 or 70 I've seen in our short stay here so far and I can't help but wonder the things they may have experience during this tragedy. Maybe the pictures I shot during this tour can provide a better look into the atmosphere of the killing fields...I will post them once we return.
Once we were done with the tour both of us were hungry so we asked Sam to take us somewhere to eat on the way to our next destination. I have to admit it was hard to think about eating due to the nausea from the tour. During our ride back into the heart on Phnom Penh I couldn't help but have a greater respect for the Khmer people as we past their shops and stores on the tuk tuk. These people had endured so much and now are moving on in an attempt to improve their country. Its hard for me to imagine the feeling I would have if my entire family was killed. I'm not sure I would be able to function let alone move on with my life. The trip to lunch was quiet as I am sure we both were absorbing the magnitude of the event that we had learned about. But after a short ride we reached our lunch destination and it was time for some good food.
We were not disappointed by lunch and so far every meal we have had has been a good one. Its still amazing to me that these places can serve such inexpensive food yet be so tasty. I am learning that in Cambodia cheap does not necessarily mean not good...matter of fact one of our best meals was probably one of the cheapest we have had. After our meal we were off to the Russian markets which was conveniently a few blocks up the road. Sam offered to drop us off closer since we had hired him for the day.
The Russian market is essentially a flea market where people sell goods and food. The setup reminds me of a maze and after making are way through the walls of clothes, shoes, carvings, jewelry, etc. we found that we didn't know which way we had entered. Again, the people were kind as they asked you to buy something from their shop. I didn't feel hounded in any way as I have in other places I have visited. This felt good. We approached the food area and I could a see the arrangements of dried fish hanging, which smelled quite bad, meats hanging, fruits , veggies, and vendors cooking food fresh as people ordered it. We both have been tempted to try food in the market or some of the street food but I am nervous about the potential of having any stomach problems. Some of the food looks and smells fantastic and I'm sure I will try some street food before our trip is over. We found our way back to the road then called Sam and gave him our location so he could pick us up. We both were worn down from the tour and walking around the market so we decided not to visit the genocide museum and we headed back to our hotel to relax by the pool and unwind. We paid Sam his fee of $20 and thanked him for his services for the day.
It was nice to relax, write, and balance myself after that mornings activities. We had plans later to have dinner with the Cody's again then after we were going to walk around the riverfront area then maybe hit up the casino.
After relaxing for a while it was dinner time and we boarded another tuk tuk and were en route to meet the Cody's for dinner. Tonight dinner was at the Chinese Noodle Restaurant and it was another great meal. The noodles, which are made fresh and pulled by hand, were some of the best that I have had and the dumpling were tasty also. The meal again was very inexpensive. Grand total for all 6 of us was $21 and I was stuffed. I can already imagine how hard it may be going out to eat once we get back home and seeing the prices...I'm getting spoiled here.
After dinner we were picked up by another tuk tuk and headed to the river front area of Phnom Penh. There was happy hours, children playing in the park along the river, a night market with goods and food, and a many other things going on along the river. We walked around to get a feel for the night scene then we decided to head to the casino and see how the poker tables looked.
Nagaworld casino was nice. Not too busy and a few poker tables going that evening. We didn't end up playing but decided that we would come back the next day and see if we could put in a good session at the tables. The players didn't seem that good and we both feel like we could do well if we sat down and played. So we'll see how it goes tomorrow...
It was a long day and I was feeling emotionally and physically tired so it was time to head back and rest for tomorrows activities. Another great day in Phnom Penh...
Fred
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