World Tour - Europe, Asia, North and South America - Entries for: Cambodia
35° | sunny | km 125
The gruesome history of Cambodia
on 2016-11-15 in Cambodia
After we had crossed back into Cambodia - this time without the needs of a Carnet de Passage :) - we headed for Phnom Penh. The two Africa Twin chains had slowly given up over the last 1000 kilometers, but after overall 38000 kilometers by now, we knew it was about time. We had managed to find a motorcycle repair shop in the capital that was able to order the right chains and sprockets for us. Thanks to the incredible friendly help of Turner, who even opened his shop "Motos 69" on a holiday and let us use his place and tools, the change was quickly done. And boy, it was necessary!
We had made plans to go and see the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum to learn more about the history of Cambodia. It was an unnerving gruesome tour through the buildings where the Khmer Rouge had systematically tortured and abused anyone they considered a potential enemy. Before 1975 this place had been a school and with the revolution it quickly was turned into a prison and interrogation center. We were quickly reminded of the infamous concentration camps of the second world war. It is hard to believe that this happened less than 40 years ago.
After getting to know some historic background and the magnitude of this tragedy we knew we wanted to learn and see more. Choeung Ek or the so called Killing Fields are the perfect place to find out more about this horrible past. After having met so many people from all over the world it is difficult to believe what mankind is capable of. We are glad to see that the Cambodian people who had to go through such an incredible ordeal have not become resigned or hostile but have managed to overcome this terrible event and are as friendly and kind as ever. We sincerely took this as a reminder how lucky we are to be able to do what we do and to meet so many kind people along the way.
We had made plans to go and see the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum to learn more about the history of Cambodia. It was an unnerving gruesome tour through the buildings where the Khmer Rouge had systematically tortured and abused anyone they considered a potential enemy. Before 1975 this place had been a school and with the revolution it quickly was turned into a prison and interrogation center. We were quickly reminded of the infamous concentration camps of the second world war. It is hard to believe that this happened less than 40 years ago.
After getting to know some historic background and the magnitude of this tragedy we knew we wanted to learn and see more. Choeung Ek or the so called Killing Fields are the perfect place to find out more about this horrible past. After having met so many people from all over the world it is difficult to believe what mankind is capable of. We are glad to see that the Cambodian people who had to go through such an incredible ordeal have not become resigned or hostile but have managed to overcome this terrible event and are as friendly and kind as ever. We sincerely took this as a reminder how lucky we are to be able to do what we do and to meet so many kind people along the way.
31° | sunny | km 431
Relaxed days
on 2016-11-17 in Cambodia
After our short stay in Phnom Penh we decided to spent the rest of our time in Kep. We stayed in the Hotel de la Plage near the main beach and enjoyed our free time with the incredible friendly staff and Lili, the french owner of the hotel. We thanked her by fixing the internet. Also Gail stayed with us for a little more than a week.
Basti couldn't relax for that long and went on a small trip to the Preah Monivong Bokor National Park. A great mountain road went up to over 1000 meters to the Bokor Hill Station. On top there were some abandoned buildings from the french colonial time.
There is also a lake and a waterfall to admire. On his way back he also stopped for a visit at the secret lake. This dam was build with forced labor during the Khmer Rouge time and a lot of workers died during the build.
Also the salt fields near by were worth a visit during sundown bevor we went on to Thailand.
After almost two weeks walking only from the Hotel to the restaurant and the beach we finally set off to Thailand. Just before the border we stopped in the small town Koh Kong and enjoyed a fun afternoon in the cool water of the Tatai waterfall. One day later we left Cambodia as expected without any problems.
Basti couldn't relax for that long and went on a small trip to the Preah Monivong Bokor National Park. A great mountain road went up to over 1000 meters to the Bokor Hill Station. On top there were some abandoned buildings from the french colonial time.
There is also a lake and a waterfall to admire. On his way back he also stopped for a visit at the secret lake. This dam was build with forced labor during the Khmer Rouge time and a lot of workers died during the build.
Also the salt fields near by were worth a visit during sundown bevor we went on to Thailand.
After almost two weeks walking only from the Hotel to the restaurant and the beach we finally set off to Thailand. Just before the border we stopped in the small town Koh Kong and enjoyed a fun afternoon in the cool water of the Tatai waterfall. One day later we left Cambodia as expected without any problems.