Sugarcane drink with a twist of lime in Phnom Penh, Cambodia - Day 2

Woke up bright and early (6.30am local time). The sun was up even before 6am. Had our complimentary breakfast of French toast for me and toast and eggs for Jai and mom. I must say that the bread is good there, thanks to the French influence!

While we were having our breakfast, we were approached by a tuk tuk driver. He asked if we would be interested to engage him for a trip to the Killing Field and around the city. Jai tried to negotiate for a better price but the price was too low for him and he gave up on us after a while – but mind you, he was pleasant throughout the entire negotiation process (in fact we found most Cambodians very friendly and pleasant throughout our entire trip, even when we declined their products or services). Another tuk tuk driver agreed to our price and so the deal was sealed!

First stop – Killing Field located 16km from Phnom Penh. This is one of the many killing fields where the locals were brutally killed and buried by the Khmer Rouge. There mass graves of women and children, men, people who were beheaded…etc. Some of the skeletal remains have been exhumed but many more remain buried. In fact, we could find bone fragments along the path.

Next stop was the Toul Sleng (S21) prison (also known as the torture centre). Once a high school, it became the main prison during the Khmer Rouge period. Apparently only 7 survived from this prison. The others were taken by truckloads to be executed at the killing field. The deserted corridors seemed endless and seeing photos of the victims and illustrations on how they were tortured was mentally and emotionally disturbing. It’s a wonder how the people, despite their brutal past, could still remain so pleasant and positive.

Sima, the tuk tuk driver, brought us to the Russian Market after that. Once a place where firearms were sold, the Russian Market has been transformed into a shopping haven especially for tourists. They sell all kinds of handicrafts, clothes, bags, shoes...etc…there. Had our lunch in the market itself. A simple but delicious food consisting of soup, eggs, pork and rice. Ordered the local orange juice. Gosh! It was simply divine!! We’re not talking about the usual orange juice made with Sunkist oranges, they used the local orange with green skin). Was so tempted to order a second glass!

Then we headed to another popular market – Central Market. Just like the one back home in KL, the building is of Art Deco style. They sell items ranging from meat to jewelleries in the market. Cool huh?