There's so much I want to say about this amazing country I don't know where to begin! I love love love Cambodia! It's a country with an amazingly rich history, the best food I've ever tasted, and the friendliest people I've ever met!
Our first full day was spent in Phnom Phen, the capital of Cambodia, where we were astonished by the beauty of the Royal Palace and heart broken at the sight of The Killing Fields and Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum. During the Khmer Rouge Regime in the 1970s Tuol Sleng, a local high school at the time, was transformed from a place of education and enlightenment to the notorious Security Prison (S-21) where out of an estimated 17,000 people imprisoned only 7 survived. During the first year of S-21's existence, corpses were buried on site, but with the rapidly growing death tole, burial space ran out quickly. The prisoners and their family were taken to the Killing Fields, Choeung Ek, 15Kilometers outside Phnom Phen. Once at the killing fields, the prisoners were battered with iron bars, axes, machetes, and other weapons, then thrown into a grave which held up to 100 other people. Seeing and learning about the Khmer Rouge for the first time was not only devastating but also eye opening. In American schools, the Khmer Rouge is not taught or even so much as brushed over in history class. For such an important aspect to the history of Cambodia, it's as if we are trying to hide and act like it never happened. Why, one may ask? Because not only was America supporting Pol Pot, the leader of the Khmer Rouge, we were also aiding by giving money, and making secret alliances to assist in the genocide. It's gross and disheartening in ever aspect possible, but as to not go off in too long of a tangent, I will focus my attention back to why and how I fell in love with Cambodia.
What was truly amazing was how Cambodia, as a nation, has risen up and channeled efforts to restore their country. One of the first things I noticed upon arrival in Phnom Phen, was the parks and congregation of people gathering for picnics, dancing, family time, and "good, clean, fun!" It was wonderful to see so many friends and family get together to hang out and relax together. Adults, teens, and children alike were gathered dancing and playing outdoor games such as yo-yo and hacky sack. I loved the atmosphere and feeling I got when walking around!
Now on to the food.... 3 words - BEST. FOOD. EVER!!!!! I still can't get over how everything was just soooooo good! From our daily banana milk shakes, to the delicious curries, noodle dishes, rice dishes, and fresh fruit everything was AMAZING and the best part - it's healthy too!!! I can only dream of one day being able to cook 1/2 as well!
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