Arriving in Phnom Penh

first impression, "Orderliness in a chaotic world".
i'm not so sure why were there policemen stationed every 20m apart, but traffic lights are extremely scarce for a capital. However, it's not really necessary to have them around too because they are seldom followed. the countdown counter beside the traffic lights can be "demoralising" for motorists. do not be fooled by zebra crossings at junctions because they are invisible to drivers. there are no public transport in Phnom Penh by the way.


View from SilkAir Mi622


Central Market, the iconic building of Phnom Penh

a Singaporean driver or pedestrain would probably freak out should they drive or cross the road, the locals however function perfectly in this system. surprisingly, there's no jams nor accident of any sort. they journey from phnom penh airport to the city centre was smooth and fast. not forgetting that our driver made a flexible turn in the middle of the street. Flexibility is the key to survival in Cambodia too. most people around are tolerant and patient.


view from the hotel

Tuol Sleng Genocide Musuem features the tragic past of Cambodia in recent history. Pol Pot and the Khmer Rouge should be familiar to most of us, but the visit to the musuem itself allowed us to "kinda visualise" the brutality to the prisoners. Horrifying as usual, unique in the sense that victims were actually fellow countrymen.


Amanda exasperated!


bed for tortures


Bought a pirated version of Lonely Planet Cambodia at a real bargain of 4 USD (soon to be regretted) outside the musueum and almost missed the bus.

Pubbing in the evening kind of pulled the team closer and the overplayed TOD game reveal some secrets of many people.

- Kelvin