After passing loads of cows being washed in the river by little kids waving and smiling we soon reached the capital, Phnom Penh. Many impressive looking temples and palaces sprung up on the horizon and before we knew it, the boat moored and we hopped off.
Ran passed the tuk tuk drivers and into a mexican restaurant for lunch. Delicious.
Eventually succumbed to one eager beaver of a tuk tuk driver and got driven to a guesthouse area near the river. Did the usual 'look at four, take the first one you look at' procedure and got showered.
Walked along the river and found some cool bars. Lots of Khmer folk had ink on their index finger and later we found out that it was to do with the elections that had just been held. Also found out that some political unrest was expected. Great. Note: There was a protest outside the palace the day after but nothing worrying.
Had some dinner then, slightly drunk, walked back to our neck of the woods to play some pool before bedtime.
The next day we had a curry for breakfast and then did a walking tour of the city taking in a variety of sights including the central market, US embassy, a Wat up a big hill and some monkeys jumping around the traffic lights.
Day two was a depressing one. Headed to the Killing Fields and spent time paying respects and trying to comprehend the horror that occurred there. The killing tree was particularly harrowing. Babies were swung by their legs, their heads then smashed against the trunk of the tree right infront of their parents who were having their throats cut and/or being clubbed before both being thrown in a pit to rot. Truly horrific was the suffering that went on here not so long ago.
After this we went to S-21, the school which was converted to an interrogation and torture prison. This was in some ways more tear-jerking than the killing fields where most of the innocent prisoners would end up. Rooms had been left pretty much as they had been found, photos of the dead victims were hung on the walls. One of the three story blocks of the school was encased in barbed wire to prevent suicides. The classrooms converted into tiny hell like cells. On exiting the site we met a survivor of the prison. Words failed me really, all I could offer was a heartfelt nod of respect.
After all the sad stuff we decided to go bowling and, after the failure to roll in Saigon, was determined to hit some pins. After much searching around we found the place.
The Phnom Penh Superbowl was perhaps the strangest bowling joint I've ever been to. The place was in an old office block, next door to the dodgems room. The building looked like it was in mid-demolition. The scoring system worked though and a decent few games later we left. Couldn't manage a turkey but got a double so not too bad.
Walked to the Russian market which disappointed so hopped into a tuk tuk home. Driver didn't have a clue where he was going but we found home in the end.
On the final day we started as usual with a curry. This was particularly good as we ordered cheese pakoras which were made from pure cheddar cheese. Mmmmm.
Visited the Royal Palace which although looked impressive, was a tad dull. The silver pagoda was pretty but again, not that exciting. Mooched about and went for dinner at Friends, a good cause tapas restaurant to help street kids get off the streets and into the workforce. Bit pricy but it was for a good cause so didn't mind paying extra. The food was average if I'm honest.
Booked bus to Battambang, went to bed, woke up and had curry then waited and waited....and waited for our transfer to the bus station. Guy arrived and told us that we'd be late. Would have helped if he had been on time rather than an hour late himself. As we were running late, the driver decided to get his tyre pressure checked (?!). Thankfully our big bus had waited for us and we boarded amidst a flurry of tuts and tsks. Not our fault folks.
Bus left and it was so long Phnom Penh.
Phnom Penh is a very cool city. Much more modern than I'd expected and full of sights and activities. The people are great fun and the whole city seems very much alive with excitement and optimism. Really liked it.
Next up, Battambang, Bamboo Trains and Killing Caves
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