Last week I added a new stamp to my passport. I visited Phnom Penh, Cambodia. I did not know what to expect when I arrived but I had a great time while I was there. I usually don't plan an itinerary when I travel, I just show up at the hostel and they usually have activities to choose from. This hostel was no different, I was able to plan my excursions once I got there. I met some really nice people upon my arrival and agreed to go with them the next day on a tour. This day was one that I will NEVER forget.
On Thursday, we went to the fields of Choeung Ek, commonly known as the killing fields. This is a short, brief version of my day. This area was a place of massacre during the Khmer Rouge Regime from 1975-1979. Pol Pot, the ruler at this time, ordered many villagers to leave their towns and cities. They were then taken to Tuol Slang, a former high school that was turned into a prison. Once there, they were interrogated and forced to admit to things that they did not do. Some were held there for months at a time. They were then taken to the "killing fields" and executed. There was an audio tour that described events that happened at the fields and it was horrendous. For example, at night they would play music over the loud speakers to drown out the screams of the people being killed. There were many mass graves on site and some one of them had mothers and children with the heads of the children laying next to their mothers. There are still bones that come to the surface during heavy rains and there is a display case showcasing tattered clothing that is still found there as well. This was a very somber experience and one day that I will never forget. Mind you, this happened from 1975-1979 so just 39 years ago!!! At the end of the audio presentation the guy said "This can happen again in the future." I encourage everyone to read more about this HORRIFIC genocide.
I have pictures from the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum AND also from the Killing Fields. Oh, the ONLY highlight of my day was that I met a Cambodian-American young lady that was filming House Hunters International.
Always learning,
Charmel
2 comments:
Thank you for sharing. Yes we must never forget any of the horrible things man has done against man, because it continues to happen. Very humble and send up prayers that they are suffering no more.
Hey !
I enjoyed your view on this subject. I can recall hearing the news reports on this back when I was in Highschool and first year of college.
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