S-21

We have been enjoying our stay here in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. We have spent quite a few hours exploring the bustling city and lounging by the pool. There are not too many tourist activities, which is a good thing as we needed a little R&R after a few weeks of non-stop activity. The local food is delicious and inexpensive but the European food has claimed our focus (CHEESE!!). We are trying to eat just one meal out to conserve money and time, but the kids must be growing because they have had insatiable appetites! We end up snacking a bit too much. Maybe we are sabotaging our efforts by choosing hotel properties with swimming pools? We all enjoy the cooling pool after a morning of exploring, however.


 Yesterday's explore was of a very different and somber nature. We toured the Genocide Museum of Tuol Sleng. Mike and I were young children when the Khmer Rouge was in power here in Cambodia, but we both recall hearing about the dictator Pol Pot and the horrible crimes he and his group committed to their own countrymen. Tuol Sleng was a secondary school turned into a prison and torture facility right here in the heart of Phnom Penh. Its moniker was S-21 and from 1975-1979 the Khmer Rouge arrested, interrogated and tortured over 17,000 women, children and men at this location. After this detention, the prisoners were sent to the killing fields ( just outside of town, which we did not visit) where they were disposed of in mass graves. Less than 20 people are known to have survived S-21. Morbidly enough, the Khmer Rouge took very thorough records and photographs so some of the exhibits consist of thousands of faces staring hopelessly (they were not allowed to cry out in pain even during interrogations). Although our visit was relatively short, it was extremely powerful. It led to some good discussions about man's inhumanity to man, current examples of similar atrocities, and what we might do ourselves if caught in similar situations. We all had different points to add to the discussion. 


The Cambodian people are very friendly and gracious and hardworking. But it seems as though they are still recovering from the reign of the Khmer Rouge (who went into the hills and continued to plague the country for twenty years!). I applaud their determination to not forget and to work hard for a better future.


 Tomorrow we leave Cambodia and head back to Thailand to then turn around and head to Laos (all of the flights originate in Bangkok). Hopefully we will get to do a little trekking in Laos and maybe some river floating. TTFN Joanie