Phnom Penh and Sihanoukville

PHNOM PENH - PICKING UP THE PIECES
The inspiration for this title came from our visit to the Killing Fields outside of Phnom Penh.The visit renders one speechless as you hear the stories and read the stories relating how the Khmer Rouge detained, tortured and murdered between 3 and 4 million Of their own people. This slaughter occurred in a short period of 3 years, 8 months and 20 days between 1975 and 1979. It is difficult to travel in Cambodia and not meet people who have had family members killed or were themselves victims of this murderous regime. We would like to think that such atrocities were abberations but clearly this is not the case. All we have to do is pick up the newspaper or go online to find current examples of "Man's inhumanity to Man".

Cambodia is a sad country drenched in poverty but the Cambodian People seem to have a way about them. They are resilient, hardworking and a joy to be around. We especially enjoy the Tuk Tuk drivers who have a great sense of humor and a strong entrepreneurial spirit. Cambodia has been a highlight of our SE Asia tour. in spite of the things mentioned above - the lack of respect for human rights by governments, local elites, and international nations and corporations, Cambodia is still a beautiful country for the traveller. The landscapes are spectacular and the cultural attractions are many.

Sihanoukville
We knew a little about this "sin"city before we came. It gets it's reputation from the millions of visitors who come here every year for sun, sand and regrettably easy access to the services of prostitutes. We should not have been surprised that upon our arrival we witnessed a tattooed older man with a young Cambodian Lady at the restaurant where we had dinner or a nasty altercation that took place as we left the breakfast table to go to our room the following morning. it was then that we decided we were not staying there any longer. We checked out 2 local beaches(one was Ostres Beach, supposedly the nicest public beach). We were not impressed by either one so we took Doug's sister's recommendation and headed to Kep. This is where we are as we write and The Beach House Hotel is spectacular! More on Kep in our next blog...

Trip at a glance

Weather - 25-30 degrees during the day and sunny

Meals - $10-$30 (more expensive than other places)

Accommodation - Blue Lime Hotel - Phnom Penh - $40/night and The Beach House - Kep - $40/night

Transportation - Bus - 5 to 7 hour trips -$7/person