a life in words: snapshots: phnom penh

20th - 23rd February 2012

Phnom Penh, Cambodia

Phnom Penh is the capital and the largest city in Cambodia with around two million people living there. The city is a hive of activity and a great place to stroll around. The people are friendly and after the horrors I saw at S-21 and the killing fields it was inspiring to see that the country is moving on from its terrible past.

Location of Phnom Penh.

The city itself is located at the confluence of the Mekong and Tonle Sap rivers. Although a fairly uninspiring promenade during the day, at night Sisowath Quay bursts into action when all the bars and restaurants open. After the draining day at the killing fields we all went for some food and a couple of Angkor beers at a Khmer restaurant situated right on the water front.

Phnom Penh's Royal Palace. The complex of lavish buildings (including this one the Throne Hall) serves as the royal residence for the King of Cambodia. A blue flag was flying which according to my guide indicated the King was present. In the mid-19th century the current king - King Norodom - relocated the royal capital of Cambodia from Oudong to Phnom Penh and so this palace was constructed to formally establish the move.

The compound houses some exquisite examples of traditional Khmer architecture.

The Silver Pagoda houses a wealth of national treasures including gold and jeweled Buddha statues. The highlights inside include a small 17th century baccarat crystal Buddha and a near -life-size, Maitreya Buddha that is encrusted with nearly 10,000 diamonds.

On the way to the killing fields got an action shot from the tuk tuk of the truck behind us. 'There's no room in here, get on top son!' The guy on the right is having a whale of a time.

At the killing fields there was a barbed wire fence on the perimeter which secured the area. Small local children who lived in nearby villages would call tourists over to the fence to have a play and a chat which allowed me to get this nice shot. The past and the future separated by rusty fence eh.

This was our tuk tuk driver on the killing fields trip. His name was 'Black' and bizarrely when he spoke in English he had a thick Australian accent because he had learnt to speak the language from tourists.

The Cambodian tuk tuk. The tuk tuk is slightly different in every country. The bike here, for example, can be removed from the shell behind it.

Some local tuk tuk drivers taking a break.

And this guy is having a little Cambodian siesta!

Spot of fishing on the banks of the Tonle Sap river.

"BUY 2 $1!"

Life on Sisowath Quay.

Cyclo repairs.

On the promenade just outside the Royal Palace there was a small religious ceremony taking place. A lot of chanting and incense stick burning was going on. At the back of the crowd, small drum and Xylophone musicians were playing a gentle accompaniment.