Arrival in Cambodia

We began our visit to Cambodia with a flight to Phnom Penh from Saigon.  Our introduction to Cambodia was filled with contrasts -- lyrical, tranquil beauty mixed with urban life and busy traffic. Young families with adorable children was juxtaposed with horrific history of torture and death.  The experience was fascinating and disturbing at the same time.

During our time in Phnom Penh we learned about Cambodian history, culture and arts  by visiting the Royal Palace and National Museum.  Our family hired a guide who gave us a fascinating tour of  the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, known commonly as S21, the former high school that was converted to a prison during the reign of the Khmer Rouge.  We also met two of the 7 survivors of the 20,000 prisons detained, tortured and ultimately killed in the prison by the Pol Pot regime.  

 



 

Walking around the city we saw monuments such as the Independence Monument and the historic temple, Wat Penh.  The girls enjoyed seeing tiny kittens that were wandering in the park.  We discovered Khmer cuisine, which resembled Thai foods in some ways but was distinct and delicious.  Mark particularly enjoyed his dinner of Stir Fry Beef with Red Ants.