A serious, but educational day in Phnom Penh

NO SMILING!!!

First thing to do today, head to the airport and fly into Phnom Penh, capital city of Cambodia.  First thing we notice, this is a real city, but a VERY poor city.

We jumped into a local restaurant for a quick lunch, and rushed back onto the bus to begin a tour.  We met our new guide, whose name translates to Lucky.  He pointed out some sights in the city, and the fact that everyone there drives high end Lexus or nicer (corruption money and drug money).

He then began explaining the recent history of Cambodia, in relation to Pol Pot and the communistic takeover.  It was interesting to note that the country has basically only been open to tourism for 15 years officially, but tourism didn’t really start until 2002.

We went over to the Khmer Rouge S-21 prison that was used for people who were considered political dissidents or anti-regime.  We learned about the spy networks, torture, and murder that took place in the prison, and contributed to the over 3 million lives that were lost in genocide between 1976 and 1979. 

Monuments all over Cambodia

We then headed over to the killing fields that were used to commit this genocide, and bury the dead.  We were able to see the excavated pits, and there are still human bones that come up every time there is a rain storm. 

On the way back into the city, we passed some incredibly poor areas of the outer city.  Things were very destitute, and despite having more money then Laos, it seemed dirtier and poorer because of how many people are in the city.

As we neared the city center, we passed the casino, the Royal Palace, and the government buildings.  These buildings were ornate and gorgeous.  You can tell where the rebuilding and government money has been focused.  The whole area along the water front (also the Mekong, and made for tourists) is incredibly well built up and beautiful.  You just wouldn’t want to go more then a block out of that area. 

Jourdan and I strolled to the local food market.  Besides being disgusting, unhygienic, and smelling horrible (chicken, meat, and fish just laying out in the heat), we were almost run down by the two way tuk-tuk traffic, motor bikes, and pedestrian hustle on the 5 foot walkway between stalls. 

Dinner was at a rooftop bar called FCC (Foreign Correspondents Club).  Food was really good, and we had a fun night of chillin and drinking games, while overlooking the Mekong.

Dinosaur at the bar



Hoover Fucking with me while I sleep on the bus