Well...it's Christmas Day (it's actually almost over because of the significant time difference) and it has definitely been a memorable holiday for us. Very strange, but memorable. We flew into Phnom Phen, Cambodia yesterday and made our way down the crazy streets to our guesthouse in the center of town. It was hot and humid like you wouldn't believe. With only a short amount of time here, we headed out right away for an afternoon of touring the Royal Palace, making our way around the National Museum, trying the local beer, Angkor Beer, and finally, settling in at a mellow restaurant serving local cuisine along the river. Ironically, we ran into a great guy from NY, Jim, who was on our flight and enjoyed dinner with him and a new line of conversation now that it wasn't just the two of us. This city is busy and insane. Crossing the street is an experience in itself and you literally have to just step out in traffic to get it done.
Today, along with our new friend, we decided to visit the Killing Fields of Cambodia and also the museum detailing the torture that took place and inmates that were killed. In the late-70s, the short-lived communist government tortured and killed an estimated 2 million people. Most of the people captured and killed were city intellectuals like engineers, monks, politicians and professors (and their families). Visiting these places was truly unbelievable considering it happened within our lifetime and most of the people in CambodÃa had no idea what was going on. They saved the uneducated and physical laborers for their new communist society and erased the calendar, starting everything back at the year zero. A sobering and memorable way to spend Christmas but something we would not have missed.
And for Christmas Dinner, we had curry, stir-fried beef and rice. At least we hope it was beef! Now it's back to our guesthouse to get ready for our early bus ride to Siem Reap. Last night in our room, I got attacked by some sort of bug or mosquito and I'm hoping that tonight will be different. It's all part of the adventure, I suppose.
Merry Christmas! We miss and love all of you. Nelson Clan in Eugene (Mackenzie, Bailey, Matt and Samantha) - we hope your trip to Florida for Christmas was fabulous! Can't wait to hear all the stories. Perhaps we'll have a chance to meet up while we're home in January.
As soon as we find a faster connection, we'll update the blog with new pictures.
Today, along with our new friend, we decided to visit the Killing Fields of Cambodia and also the museum detailing the torture that took place and inmates that were killed. In the late-70s, the short-lived communist government tortured and killed an estimated 2 million people. Most of the people captured and killed were city intellectuals like engineers, monks, politicians and professors (and their families). Visiting these places was truly unbelievable considering it happened within our lifetime and most of the people in CambodÃa had no idea what was going on. They saved the uneducated and physical laborers for their new communist society and erased the calendar, starting everything back at the year zero. A sobering and memorable way to spend Christmas but something we would not have missed.
And for Christmas Dinner, we had curry, stir-fried beef and rice. At least we hope it was beef! Now it's back to our guesthouse to get ready for our early bus ride to Siem Reap. Last night in our room, I got attacked by some sort of bug or mosquito and I'm hoping that tonight will be different. It's all part of the adventure, I suppose.
Merry Christmas! We miss and love all of you. Nelson Clan in Eugene (Mackenzie, Bailey, Matt and Samantha) - we hope your trip to Florida for Christmas was fabulous! Can't wait to hear all the stories. Perhaps we'll have a chance to meet up while we're home in January.
As soon as we find a faster connection, we'll update the blog with new pictures.
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Alicia and Nate