As our bus crossed the border we touched down in Cambodia. The landscape looks the same with broken roads and lush green fields as far as the eye could see. However as our journey continued we began to see that Cambodia was considerably poorer than its neighbour Vietnam. Dirt roads and abandoned half built buildings cut across the farming landscape.
As we approched the capital Phon Phem things started to look better. Tarmac on the roads and multi storey buildings became the norm. Our journey had begun as we checked into our hostel Mad Monkeys.
For those unaware of Cambodias past, it is an unforgiving mixture of mass genocide, deadily and unrealistic societical views wrapped up in a war torn region with wide spread poverty and political instability.
To find out about Cambodias tragic past we visited a number of chilling museums. Our first stop was the killing fields. As we drove a tuk tuk out of the capital the roads became bumpy and the dust cloud grew stronger. As we emerged we could see the gates and entrance to the mass genocide ground. This was the final resting spot to thousands of Cambodia people. The leader at the time was killing off anyone who imposed his regime, had western influences, or simply lived in a city.
As we walked around the killing fields we were presented with mass graves where the rags, teeth and bones of men, women and children were left after their execution at the hands of the Khmer Rouge.
The audio guide told of the terrible ways in which innocent people were killed using farming instruments or even just battered against trees. In total 3 million died at the hands of the Khmer Rouge. That's 1 in 4 of the population at the time...
As we left left the fields in silence we headed over to the notorious S21 prison. This used to be a school but had been turned into a prison and torture chamber. As we walked through the school gates the prison is how it was left 30 or so years ago. Barb wire and blood on the walls and floor. The prison showcased very graphic photos of the torture that went on within these walls. In the individual cells you could see the blood stains on the walls and floor. You could sense the torture and pain that went on in these rooms. Only 7 people survived the torment that went on inside S21.
An emotional day to say the least. And to know this only happened a few decades ago makes it all the more real. With anyone over 30 in Cambodia having some direct involvement in the tragic yars under the Khmer Rouge rule.
Despite the tragic past Cambodia has grown stronger and built itself up from its knees. With this we visited the Kings Palace, pogoda and markets to see how life was being rebuilt. The streets are busy and there is a definate city buzz as tuk tuks and scooters zig zag you across the city. The city is dirty and polluted, however the people and culture make this place an interesting and great place to stay. Down on the river by the night markets we ate with Cambodia families sampling some of their home cooked cuisine.
Safe to say it's been an eye opener, but has only enthralled my desire to learn more about the past and explore this great country. Our next stop is by bus to the coastal town of Sihanoukville.
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