This morning was a very emotional time, visiting the Tuol Sleng Prison (S21) and ‘Killing Fields’. We heard of the tragic recent history during the Khmer Rouge time from 1975 to 1979 from our local tour guide, along with the reign of terror that Pol Pot instituted over Cambodia on the way to the prison. We toured the prison which was once a high school prior to 1975 and saw the torture rooms, tiny brick cubicles and read biographies of victims and soldiers. At the end of the tour we met two of remaining survivors from the Tuol Sleng Prison, Chum Mey and Bou Meng. Our local guide helped to translate their stories of courage, loss and survival.
After the tour of the prison our next destination was to one of the dozens of killing fields that exist scattered across the country, Choeung Ek. The fields contained memorials and information on the dreadful crimes that were committed throughout the Khmer Rouge regime. Our tour guide also told his own very tragic story of losing family members and witnessing horrible acts. To reflect on the morning, we sat in small groups with Miss Werba, Mrs Adams and Mr Daniels to discuss our morning. Everyone was a bit shocked by what we had witnessed and the bus ride home was much quieter than usual.
We then headed into town for some lunch and an exploration of the Central Market, which had a combination of tourist clothing, souvenirs and jewellery as well as a section selling Khmer food where many locals were munching on their lunch. After quickly returning to our hotel to freshen up, we set off for a final river cruise along the Tong Le Sap River. Sitting on top of the boat offered amazing views of Cambodia’s capital city on dusk.
After departing the boat we walked through the busy river side streets, were we could watch the locals take part in a group dance/ fitness class. It was funny to see the young guys teaching old ladies how to do hip hop dances! We then enjoyed dinner at a nearby restaurant and dessert at the frozen yogurt stall down stairs. Everyone got to choose their yoghurt flavours and toppings and once again, everyone was quiet, but for a very different reason! We returned to our hotel by tuk tuks – where many of us sang to our hearts content as the tuk tuks blared music from their speakers, amusing the locals as we drove past.
We had a great last night on what has been a great trip!
Edie and Morgan
