Day 7: 21st Feb. By AJ

Drive to Phnom Penh!

Had a 6 hour drive today to Phnom Penh - the scenery was fantastic of the rural villages along the roadside. No-one managed to sleep as it seems you can only dirve on the roads in Asia if you honk your horn non-stop! But it caused much amusement :) - and was probably quite necessary due to all the cows on the road!

Had tea at a waterfront restaurant (which wasn't actually on the waterfront at all!?) - it supported orphaned children, providing them with work and education and a home. The children also performed the traditional dance for us - they were really happy. It was great giving to such a good cause and it was a great evening... but the food really was horrific!!

Day 8: 22nd Feb. By AJ

S21 and Killing fields.

This morning we visited the former office S.21 (1975 - 1979) and the killing fields. It was extremely emotional and hard hitting but an invaluable experience. Our tour leader was 9 when he was sent to the countryside to work, 'a prison without the walls', as he said - and also lost his father due to the Khemer Rough regime. The tour was very detailed and the Tuol Sleng Genocide Musuem was very graphic, I couldn't really stay in the rooms very long due to the torture scenes and graphic images. There were also photos of the victims, including children and babies. Out of the prisoners and victims within S21, only 7 survived. This was due to their worthy skills. Their stories were compelling and one of the survivors was there in person - he had been a mechanic.

The killing fields were very peaceful and moving. We didn't take any photos here and it was very emotional. The peaceful atmosphere was such a contrast to the horrific mass murder that happened here. It is difficult to write about this as words cannot really describe the scene, atmoshpere and our feelings. But we are really pleased that we visited and paid our respects.

That afternoon, we went for lunch at another cafe that supported street children called 'friends'. Lorna, Alan, Chris and I all went for a walk along the waterfront and to Kandal market. This was a proper locals market-we were the only white people there which was great! The Great Palace was very expensive to go inside so instead we got a tuk tuk ride around the city for 4 dollars between the four of us- bargain! We went to Wat Phon (a mini mountain!) with monkeys and good views, and also went to the Russian market out of town. The street food is just amazing so after sampling a few stalls we joined everyone at a local bar! Had a great night with a lot of banter!! :)