Today we went to the Killing Fields as our first adventure. Before we left we felt anxious yet intrigued! It was a sombre experience seeing the many skulls preserved in a special monument, labelled with gender, type of death and approximate age. The display was seventeen tiers high in a temple like structure. We soon walked through mass graves and witnessed bones poking out from the soil whilst walking on a bridge trying to preserve the environment. Despite excavation, identification is still being processed and there were bones and teeth on display also. Displays of clothing were found of victims involved in the mass murder. We were soon shown the poisonous tree which is also known as, 'Sleng Tree' and the magic tree. The killing tree was the most intriguing of all as it signified how inhumane the Khmer Rouge were.
We lightened the mood by going to the Russian Markets. Here we were set a challenge to find and purchase a birthday present for Ashliegh which would be later given to her at dinner. We also had little time to spoil ourselves. For many of us this was our first time bartering, some excelled and some need a little more practise.
For lunch today we were treated to an all you can eat buffet which involved many local delicacies consisting of fried frogs, snails, chicken feet, chicken embryo as well as a variety mixed cultural dishes. Almost half of the tour insisted on trying the fried frogs which were reportedly similar to pork crackle.
After lunch, we went to the S-21 prison (Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum) which consisted of 4 different buildings. Building A was the torture rooms showing the shackles, a black box used as the toilet and a metal bed frame which the prisoners slept on. We then moved onto Building B which was known as the torture information rooms showing before and after photos of people experiencing the brutality of the Khmer Rouge Regime. Building C was the detention centre which still had blood and toenails in the cells. Building D was the museum which contained graphic images of bloody torture. After visiting the buildings we were introduced to two survivors of the S-21 Prison.
We then headed back to our hotel to rest up and get ready to go out for Ashliegh's birthday dinner on the riverfront at a restaurant called the Titanic. After we had our meals we sang happy birthday to Ash as she received her birthday cake. After the cake, each group gave Ashliegh her birthday presents, explaining the meaning behind the gift. She loved them all, even the fake lizard! Not many people knew her favourite colour was green and yet she received many gifts containing the colour.
It was another eventful day! We are all looking forward to heading to the countryside tomorrow.
Paige and Tilara
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