Phnom Penh, Cambodia

Last night, after a lovely bus ride through the Cambodian countryside, we arrived in Phnom Penh. We're staying in a floating guesthouse on the river.  From the roof of our guesthouse, we enjoy watching the sunset over the river and reflecting on our days. We've seen more poverty than in Laos, we're hassled more, it's not as laid-back, and it's much more chaotic...but we love Phnom Penh.

Today, was an emotional day for Randi and I as we visited the Killing Fields of Choeung Ek. We saw the Memorial Charnel, a religious monument displaying thousands of bones belonging to the 17,000 men, women, and children killed there, between 1975 and 1978, by the Khmer Rouge. Then, it was even more emotionally draining when we visited the Tuol Sleng museum, a former high school, where Cambodians were tortured and held before being sent to the Killing Fields. Rooms/cells containing rusty beds, torture devices, and disturbing black-and-white photos of tortured prisoners help to showcase the horrors that took place here. We left with a better understanding of Cambodia's past and all that they have endured.

Later, we de-stressed (as Randi says) by enjoying some Ankor beer, American pizza, and a happy milkshake. We, also, visited the Russian market, where we got lost amidst all the stalls. In Cambodia they use the American dollar, so it's easier for us to barter. Today, a friendly Cambodian said to us, "You're very lucky you're from the States, I wish I could go. You're very lucky." We know we are, but we're also lucky to be visiting Cambodia, a land of contradictions.  Cambodians have endured so much and literally been to hell and back, but they're working towards rebuilding their lives with smiles on their faces.  Maybe because of how far they have come and how much they've endured, combined with their friendly and welcoming spirit, Cambodia will always hold a special place in our hearts.

 ~ Stacy