Following the intense emotional outing yesterday, it was very nice to conclude the day with two relaxing experiences: novelty shopping in the Russian Market and a romantic boat cruise as the sun set.
The next morning, Sunday, we visited the Presidential Palace – the crown jewel of Phnom Penh surrounded by the capital’s residents going about their daily life.
Contrasting this a kilometer or two away, the next site on our agenda was the slums of Phnom Pehn, home to three times the many impoverished families it was designed to hold. We then took a 4 hour bus ride to Kampot where we checked into the hotel, and took a sensational tuk-tuk ride to our scrumptious dinner.
Whilst visiting the slums we were exposed to the outrageous wealth gap between those who control power and those who are subject to it. In attempt to cover up the ugly poverty of the city, the government has erected a large, exquisite hotel to block the view and smell of the run down slums. The presidential palace, a mere 7 minute bus drive away juxtaposed the wealth of Cambodia compared to the majority of the country who can only afford at least basic living standards This is a result of the poor care by the country of its citizens due to corruption. Another example of this was when we took the boat cruise and watched families living in their boats on the Mekong River, with the newest 5 star hotel in the backdrop. These events today have given us an entirely new outlook on our privileged life and how we live it. Our quality of life is so high compared to everywhere we have been (maybe with the exception of the palace) and we are so lucky to have been born into such an affluent life and should take time to be grateful and appreciative of this.
Declan Fode & Adele Evans