Blog 3 - Cambodia to Laos
24.6.10 Phonm Penh
Today we take a tuk tuk ride to “The School” (Section 21). Peter our tuk tuk driver lost his father, 2 sisters, and a brother, plus of course, their home and everything. He was only 7, but was tortured & forced to eat scalding hot porridge, and showed us the scars! This primary school was converted by Pol Pot & the Democratic Kampuchea (Khymer Rouge) to an interrogation and torture prison. A very sad place to visit. Approx 4 million disappeared. Sadly, those country dwellers who had the initiative to try to improve their lot, were sent back to the country as lower beings than the families they left. Phonm Penh was completely emptied, with everyone considered too wealthy, and sent to farmlands. Dispossessed, broken, separated, and friends set upon friends. And only 30 years ago!
The following day we visit THE KILLING FIELDS. Again, very sad. Over 400 graves were found here, and almost 9000 bodies. We saw the Killing Tree – where the babies and youngsters were killed; where the DDT was stored to cover the stench & hasten degrading; The Magic Tree, where they hung loudspeakers, to cover the screams of the tortured. Many, many photos of deceased. Sadly, at these places you also run the gauntlet of beggars and those maimed by the war.
Pol Pots new rules
The Killing Fields
Our farm stay
Knock off time
Our truck CB radios are wonderful, and we keep each other informed of photo opportunities, info, idiots on the road, and just have a chat. We walk a Bamboo Bridge, which is rebuilt each year!
Traffic on the Bamboo Bridge
Village Temple
Our next night on the Mekong, we are moved from our spot by “policemen”, and the locals are not so friendly. Seems odd, but we move just a few feet, and are allowed to park. We are quite near the border to Lao. When I wake, I see a guard leaving, armed with an AK47 sub machine gun!!! Michael heard the bolt action early in the morning, and nearly wet the bed!! We had about 6 guards that night! The following night, camped discreetly in a gravel pit (again – great hiding spots!), sitting quietly, no lights, and along come more police, and politely offer/insist/ escort us to their border post – “to protect us from snakes”. Yeah, right! Armed guard again! Cant get much safer than that!
No photos – didn’t seem the right thing to do!!
We often don’t get much to eat, and are all losing weight. Great Weight Watchers plan! We always have breakfast, but after that it is hit or miss for another meal! Could be toast and vegemite again!
We check out the local markets frequently, but options could be:
Today we take a tuk tuk ride to “The School” (Section 21). Peter our tuk tuk driver lost his father, 2 sisters, and a brother, plus of course, their home and everything. He was only 7, but was tortured & forced to eat scalding hot porridge, and showed us the scars! This primary school was converted by Pol Pot & the Democratic Kampuchea (Khymer Rouge) to an interrogation and torture prison. A very sad place to visit. Approx 4 million disappeared. Sadly, those country dwellers who had the initiative to try to improve their lot, were sent back to the country as lower beings than the families they left. Phonm Penh was completely emptied, with everyone considered too wealthy, and sent to farmlands. Dispossessed, broken, separated, and friends set upon friends. And only 30 years ago!
The following day we visit THE KILLING FIELDS. Again, very sad. Over 400 graves were found here, and almost 9000 bodies. We saw the Killing Tree – where the babies and youngsters were killed; where the DDT was stored to cover the stench & hasten degrading; The Magic Tree, where they hung loudspeakers, to cover the screams of the tortured. Many, many photos of deceased. Sadly, at these places you also run the gauntlet of beggars and those maimed by the war.
Pol Pots new rules
The Killing Fields25.6.10
Out of the dump! I reckon it will take 3 days to clear the stink from our noses! Why did we stay there? Lord only knows! Too hard to find anywhere else, and, of course we then meet a French family of 5, travelling for 3 years, in a massive Man truck, who told us of a much better spot!
The Carpark
We camp on a farmers property – the people are so friendly, even though we must be intimidating, and cannot speak a word of their language! A clean, beautiful night, watching kids ride the buffalo home! I love these gentle giants of the paddy fields.
Our farm stay
Knock off timeOur truck CB radios are wonderful, and we keep each other informed of photo opportunities, info, idiots on the road, and just have a chat. We walk a Bamboo Bridge, which is rebuilt each year!
Traffic on the Bamboo BridgeAfter another night of sunset on the Mekong, a young teacher invites us to visit his Pagoda, which is stunningly decorated inside, with incredible acoustics. Young monks live here – all males are expected to spend some time as a monk – from a week, to many years.
Village TempleOur next night on the Mekong, we are moved from our spot by “policemen”, and the locals are not so friendly. Seems odd, but we move just a few feet, and are allowed to park. We are quite near the border to Lao. When I wake, I see a guard leaving, armed with an AK47 sub machine gun!!! Michael heard the bolt action early in the morning, and nearly wet the bed!! We had about 6 guards that night! The following night, camped discreetly in a gravel pit (again – great hiding spots!), sitting quietly, no lights, and along come more police, and politely offer/insist/ escort us to their border post – “to protect us from snakes”. Yeah, right! Armed guard again! Cant get much safer than that!
No photos – didn’t seem the right thing to do!!
We often don’t get much to eat, and are all losing weight. Great Weight Watchers plan! We always have breakfast, but after that it is hit or miss for another meal! Could be toast and vegemite again!
We check out the local markets frequently, but options could be:
- Portion of goanna;
- hind quarter of young goat (complete with hoof & hair);
- live chickens;
- live insects, frogs & toads
.... so you can understand our predicament!
Comments
Post a Comment