Here and There Blog

Like the bracelets left at the Killing Fields, visitors have the opportunity to write reflections on their visit to the prison. These are along the bars of the room that tells the stories of some of the women who came here.        The Memorial in the middle of the prison grounds.

When going to visit the Killing Fields, the best sequence is S-21 Prison first, then the Choeung Ek actual Killing Fields. This way you get the stories of the prisoners first, then follow the path to how they died. I did this the other way around which worked logistically but back tracked any emotional impact. What got me the most was that this prison was a high school and the classrooms became the torture chambers. The regime photographed each prisoner and these pictures are on display. You are not allowed to take pictures of the photos but can be seen at the killing fields website . All the windows were closed. The shackles  on the bed frame were left. What you don't see is the photograph of the bodies that were found when the liberators arrived.  The rules outside the interrogation rooms.  About this building. The barbed wire was in place to keep prisoners from jumping out the top floors to commit suicide. I can't imagine what it is like to be one of the people

Lots of lions. This temple grounds has seen better days. I didn't go inside since people were praying there.  Ground tile as you enter the temple complex  Looking up to the monk's living quarters  On the steps of the temple looking back at the entrance and the river beyond  And cows. Lots of animal statues around too..

More temples around the corner  And elephants  Near the Royal Palace  At a grassy area that seemed to be for events that was roped off but I wanted the picture.  And yet another temple.

Walking around the city (hot, pre-thunderstorm) is the usual mix of everything Asia. What sets this city apart is the number of temples that stand out and make for a pleasant photo op. All the temples I saw had monks either tending the temple or walking about. Nothing was crowded, some people were praying and almost all were empty of tourists. Empty except for us.  Budda statues abound as in this part of Cambodia most of the temples are Thai style.  All lined up in a row.  Strolling along the Mekong River.

This was taken after a downpour of rain. It cleared up for a bit and now is dark and cloudy again. Hot, humid, wet. Yup. That's Southeast Asia for you. This picture doesn't reflect the drive in from the airport which was through streets lined with trash, chaos of scooters, and the poverty that you never seen in travel articles about Cambodia since those only focus on the temples not the people. This looks to be a different 2 weeks. Better than India, not as good as Vietnam, and I'm sure I'm going to miss the ease of Japan.

First up, blogger keeps crashing when I use the mobile upload.  A gourmet market opened up by work with lots of ready to eat foods.  I've seen dessert pizza before but never one with marshmallows, green stuff, and white chocolate.   Then skewers of meat. These smelled great and are cooked right by the display but people kept handling them so I wasn't about to buy one.  Lots of fish if you're in the seafood sort of mood.  Tempura of all sorts. And side dishes. I tried the non-adventure (not pictured) shrimp, broccoli, and egg sandwich with mayo.  Different but bland.