Sunday, July 3, 2011

Killing Fields

Stupa Memorial at the Killing Fields
The Killing Fields were a confronting experience. There were 129 mass graves, some of which were roped off, and others we literally stepped over, with the remains unexcavated bones and clothing protruding from the ground. It was a disturbing experince for many people. Our tour guide also gave us a recount of his own personal experience during the Khmer Rouge, where he lost his father and two sisters. It was incredible to think that everyone over 35 years in Cambodia experienced the same hardships and trauma.
After our lunch at a restaurant of choice, we visited the Central Markets. The markets were a very diffrent experience to the markets we previously visited. It was alot more professional and had a positive vibe. The shopkeepers were more personal as they delved into fluent conversation. 


Sumet our guide retells his own family's horror of the Khmer Rouge
As our time to shop came to an end we met back at the enterance were we were surrounded by many beggars of an incredibly young age. Some of the children cradled babies in their arms as they reached out towards us. This was very confronting for many people and brought up discussion amongst the group on our moral responsibility and ways to react towards the situation.


One of the 126 mass graves
Before dinner, we met David Bryce, a missionary living in the slums who runs a T-shirt business for the poor. He talked about his life story, and showed us samples of T-shirts for us to order when we visit his factory tomorrow. He also mentioned that we could submit designs that we thought would be appropiate.
Today we ate at a restaraunt called 'Friends'. This establishment was open to give children from the streets the opportunity to learn a trade which teaches them important life skills. The service of the chefs and the quality of the food was prepared and served at a very high standard. They served a wide variety of delicious food.

After dinner we all returned to the hotel where we were briefed on tomorrow's activities which includes a Khmer cooking class, the National Museum and David's t-shirt factory in the slums. This factory raises awareness of social amd economical issues while helping keep young Cambodian men in school and teaching them life skills.


View from the roof og the hotel - food markets


Child beggars outside the markets

Tamika and Georgina outside the Central Markets

David Bryce leads devotion

Food markets near the hotel



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