Snaps from Cambodia - Phnom Penh.
Above: The Killing Fields - where many Camodians were killed and buried by the Khmer Rouge Regime. This site includes mass graves and the excavated bones and skulls of many of those who were killed. At this site, during it's operation, there were generators blaring out propaganda chanting music - used to drown out the screaming of those being executed. There is also a tree - Chankiri Tree, marked as "the killing tree" which Khmer Rouge officials used to smash babies skulls into, so that they would not grow up and take revenge for their parents' death.
Above: Two little kids on the other side of the Killing Fields. Quite eerie being in the Killing Fields and learning about the horrific things that were done to children and infants during the Khmer Rouge Rule (1975- 1979) and then seeing two little children playing in the field next door.
Above: Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum. This site is a former High School and was converted to a security prison (S-21) during the Khmer Rouge Rule. This site housed various torture chambers and holding cells for prisoners before they were taken to the mass graves and burial sites of the Killing Fields.
Above: The Killing Fields - where many Camodians were killed and buried by the Khmer Rouge Regime. This site includes mass graves and the excavated bones and skulls of many of those who were killed. At this site, during it's operation, there were generators blaring out propaganda chanting music - used to drown out the screaming of those being executed. There is also a tree - Chankiri Tree, marked as "the killing tree" which Khmer Rouge officials used to smash babies skulls into, so that they would not grow up and take revenge for their parents' death.
Above: Two little kids on the other side of the Killing Fields. Quite eerie being in the Killing Fields and learning about the horrific things that were done to children and infants during the Khmer Rouge Rule (1975- 1979) and then seeing two little children playing in the field next door.
Above: Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum. This site is a former High School and was converted to a security prison (S-21) during the Khmer Rouge Rule. This site housed various torture chambers and holding cells for prisoners before they were taken to the mass graves and burial sites of the Killing Fields.
Sorry for the morbid depressing post, it really was a very brutal and harrowing experience - I'm not sure why I decided to share it...
Cupcakes?
My friend and I also went to the killing fields but we were too depressed to see the prison. I think its important to share because traveling is not also about being on holiday but also learning about the good and the bad.Many know about the Vietnam war but very few people have heard about the atrocities of the Khmer Rouge. - you did the right thing.
ReplyDeleteand yes cupcakes would be yummy right now :)
Creepy (strangely beautiful) pics, you managed to capture the feeling so well! Very important to share, thanks :)
ReplyDeleteHarrowing. It's important to remind ourself of what we are capable of, to make sure these things don't happen again. Good post, not enough people take note of atrocities and even fewer know of Cambodia's history. People died and no one cares.
ReplyDeleteCupcakes?
Went to Tuol Sleng a few weeks ago, haven't visited Killing Fields yet though. What I find really affecting is hearing stories from people who lived through, like my Khmer teacher who told me about how his family was scattered and had to move around the country to survive before miraculously being reunited a few years later. great post and pictures!
ReplyDeletegreat photos :)
ReplyDeleteGlad you shared Che, awesome post and very moving. Great pics.
ReplyDeletethanks for the comments - some of these pics are quite horrific!
ReplyDeletethe whole experience was quite hectic - i hope you get a chance to visit the killing fields - there is so much to learn! If you're still in Cambodia and are heading up to Siem Reap - I would say steer away from the landmine museum - it's not worth the trip out! Hope you've had a good time :)
ReplyDeletefor sure, it was a very emotional part of our trip, but I'm grateful to have learnt about it and seen it for myself.
ReplyDeletecupcakes for sure! :)
The killing fields were awful and I'd say the prison was even worse! It was such a jarring experience, but I am really grateful for the opportunity to have seen it and become aware of all the atrocious things that have happened. CUPCAKES!!!! :)
ReplyDelete