Phnom Penh > Siem Reap > Angkor
21 November 2004

"Hello from Phnom Penh, Cambodia, today as we were on the motorbike to the killing fields, we went pass a large truck which was stopped by large groups of people, it ran down a lady on a motorbike and the young 15-16 year old driver tried to escape.  Worst still is that the driver of my motorbike drove up to where the accident had happened and there I witnessed a young lifeless woman lying partially covered on the floor.  I am very shocked and sad, I saw alot of blood, people, children were gathering around her, people crying.  I can't believe I seen this.  My thoughts go to her family.  We continued our journey making my motorbike experience less fun and safe.  The motorbike is the fastest and most popular way to travel here.  The roads, however, are very dangerous, needing lots of repair.  We visited the killing fields where over 8000 people were buried from the genocide by the Khmere Rhouge between 1975-79.  Later we visited the school which was turned into a prison that time.  Alot of people were locked up here and tortured severely.  These two places have not changed at all, what you see is what actually was there at that time.  It leaves you feeling very humble at the end of the day.  Certainly been a tough day to withstand."  Cambodia is a hard hit country, but they are signs of recovery.  Roads are made of rubble.  We travelled around by motorcycled taxis, it feels very unsafe.  I myself had experienced several crashes in each journey.  There is alot to discover, from the glory of Angkor Wat, to the dark past of the notorious killing fields.  You can't help but feel sympathy for Cambodia.  People work hard for a living.  Cambodia has fields of gold.  I can remember from our long motorbike ride to the killing fields the sense of calm.  Perhaps I was shocked from my experience.  But there is alot of natural wildlife, as it is in Siem Reap and Angkor.  Siem Reap was a lovely small town, we ate in Smile Pizza as recommended and had a pizza to smile about, including the talent on the table beside us, yikes!  We were very quite relaxed now, perhaps we got used to Asia, we walked everywhere and did things only people dream of ever trying.  Our final trip to Angkor and there it was in front of us... one of the eight/nine wonders of the world, the Angkor Wat.  Made a new friend, with a Buddhist (see photos).  We're getting ever so humble.  Cambodia is touching and rewarding.  A wonderful magic kingdom.