Phnom Penh

A 7 hour bus journey took us to the Cambodia border and on to Phnom Penh. Our tuk tuk driver got us to the hotel and we then went out to see some sights. Saigon driving is crazy but nothing like here where Buffalo Rules apply, in other words there are none and you go where you like, as a buffalo does! Pedestrian crossings mean nothing and everyone expects the unexpected, it is not unusual to be in the middle of traffic going against the flow (as pictured) but there is no road rage, no animosity, it's as if the whole population understands that they are all struggling to survive and they move together, even if it's in opposite directions. Today was a total bombardment of the senses, every minute there is something unique to see. It may be beautiful, it may be ugly as the squalor, dust and filth can be overwhelming, as is the stench. We both agree we have never been anywhere like this. Within a short distance of the majestic Royal Palace complex is Tuol Sleng, the former school turned into a prison and torture chamber by the Khmer Rouge. A few kilometres outside the city is Choeung Ek Genocidal Center and the memorial Stupa which houses 9,000 skulls and various bones and clothes on 17 levels. These were excavated from the surrounding killing fields of which there are approximately 300 different sites in the country. We left there quite sad and drained and realise as we see what the Cambodian people cope with every day we have little cause to complain.