Homan and I went to the Killing Fields of Chueong Ek–10 miles outside of Phnom Penh. In the late 70′s, thousands of Cambodian people were executed. Most were bludgeoned to death, in order to save costs on bullets. It was part of a “cleansing” campaign (genocide) by the Pol Pot regime. It started in April 1975, as the USA pulled out of Vietnam.
It was a solemn experience. There were huge holes (excavated burial sites) in the ground everywhere. There were bones sticking out of the dirt path trail–where normally you would see stones.
It took a few hours for me to regain my appetite. Then Homan and I ate at a cheap Indonesian place. We had a pineapple/orange/coconut shake. It was amazing! Best fruit shake I’ve ever had. I ordered two. So did Homan. That would make a great alcoholic drink–like a pina coloda, but better. I will definitely order that in three weeks when I’m in Indonesia.
By the way, I bought my girlfriend a ticket to Indonesia. She and I will travel there together for 30 days. It will be a great bonding experience. I’m counting down the days! (17.5 days as I write this). After seeing Angkor Wat, I’ll make my way south through Thailand and Malaysia into Indonesia.
Homan and I split up after lunch. I went to the king’s palace, and he walked around outside the palace (for free). A girl approached me when I neared the entrance of the king’s palace. She tried to sell me a bottle of water–in perfect American English. I declined, saying that I already had a bottle of water. But “maybe later,” I said.
To that she replied, “Ok! See you later alligator!”
I grinned large.
She smiled, too, and exclaimed “See you in a while crocodile!”
I couldn’t believe it! She even knew the idioms! I’m surprised at how well Cambodians know English. It’s the biggest surprise of my trip so far.
Homan and I met with Clarisse that evening. I originally met her on the trek in Chiang Mai, Thailand about six weeks ago. She works in Phnom Penh for an American NGO. We caught up and shared thoughts on Cambodia.
It’s fun to see travelers again on a long trip.
