phnom penh

Arrived in Phnom Penh in our usual way - under the cover of darkness, via bus from Vietnam. Straight to Fancy Guest House and the energetic and enthusiastic hospitality of owner Mr Phannark. Full of helpful info and insight on what life is like in Cambodia, (didn't mention the extra curricular activities of the local ladies that the night porters let into the hotel with foreign gentlemen or quite how as a 36yr old he managed to secure an 18yr old wife.)

Had a sobering first day visiting the Killing Fields and S-21 (Khmer Rouge prison in Phnom Penh) which prompted lots of discussion and philosophical debate. Saw an old man leading a group of locals around who informed us he was one of the seven survivors of the prison. The rows and rows of pictures of faces from the very young to quite old, some with eyes of bewilderment and others with eyes of resignation will stay with us both for a long time.

Found Phnom Penh to be an interesting mix of east and west - lots of western style shops, restaurants and cafes that were very funky and stylish but also your real typical Asian plastic chair roadside restaurants/markets. Never realised that Cambodia had become the 52nd state of America which you would be lead to believe seeing as all the prices were in American dollars, talk about falsely inflating the market.

Day 2 was a sweaty tour of the main sights in the city. Royal Palace, Silver Pagoda (silver floor not entirely made of silver - slight false advertising) and National Museum - all amazing buildings. Also managed to brave the markets for souvenirs - a tough task when it is one giant tinned roof maze (not great in 37 degree heat). Had several planned escape routes for re hydration and regrouping. A foot massage was a necessary reward and was for a good cause - Cambodia is full of great projects to help all aspects of society (street children/ impoverished women and children/ mine victims) through restaurants that do training and donate proceeds, shops that sell handmade products or providing training for students in massage (that's were we came in to help out!)

Coach ride day three Cambodia to Siem Reap - wat for? Angkor Wat that's wat!!!!!!