Home -> Travel Blogs -> Siem Reap/Phnom Penh 16 Aug 06 - 21 Aug 06 Pg 9
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When it was a prison, nobody learned,
When it was a school, nobody died...

- Anonymous, Right staircase of Block C, Tool Slang Genocide Museum

Among the empty cells of Tool Sleng, I attempted to find out the reasons on why Khmer Rouge had to resort to such actions of mass terror. Was it because they wanted to realise their ultimate dream of creating a utopian society? Was it because they wanted to unleash a series of punishment to people who supported to Lon Nol regime? Was it because they had a drop too much? Was it because they simply wanted to amuse themselves? Or was it simply due to fear?

None of these answers (to the questions) can ever justify the atrocities committed from 1975-1979. Gone were the ideas for a glorified Maoist revolution, capitalism is in town now. As the years gone by, the "blood" brothers had slowly faded into the history books (some are dead). My heart goes out with the "blood" brothers. Afterall, no one was born to kill. But note the difference between "live" and "evil". It is a just a matter on how one arranges the alphabets: isn't it really that simple to decide if one wants to be a god or devil?

Sometimes, I wondered if the ghosts of Tuol Sleng could ever be put to rest?

I recalled the fun when I went up to the Olympic Stadium in Phnom Penh and danced along with the locals to the tunes of Khmer pop hits. The sunset was beautiful that day. As we slowly leave the stadium, it's glad to know that sunrise is just a couple of hours away and a new ray of hope will emerge. Yes, the history was dark (just). But then again, can we stop Cambodians from dreaming of a better future?

   
A monk is reading a short write-up of Pol Pot. The potrait was missing. Perhaps it was too badly vandalised.

The picture may be old,
but the grills are real.
The suffering may have ended,
but the pain remains.

Like an ordinary high school, Tuol Sleng has a set of chin-up bars. And unlike any other chin-up bars around the world, this particular set had went through what the other didn't.

The sheer horror of Tuol Sleng stamps from the fact that the compounds looks just like any other ordinary school. But no, it was been stained as a low point in humanity..
This roadside stall appear along the path of my 20mins walk from Tuol Sleng to Psar Tuol Tom Pong (Russian Market). I ordered a bowl of rice noodles for 2000Riels. I thought I would have to stand while eating until the boss actually got me a stool and a small table.
A family-planning signboard stands tall with the national flag at the entrance of Psar Tuol Tom Pong (a.k.a. named Russian Market because the Russians liked to come here and shop).
Lazing around on the streets of Phnom Penh, drinking my soursop fruit smoothie (2000Riels) and watching the wheels.
A "family" of roast pigs. I don't know whether I should laugh or cry - Psar O Russei
Is light really at the end of the tunnel? - Capitol Guesthouse, Phnom Penh

Nothing much down here, it was just my room at Capitol Guesthouse (USD$4/night). The poles at the corners of the bed were for the mosiquito net (I didn't use it in the end).

Reminds me of scenes from the 70s.
I started the trip on a back of a moto. So naturally, I should end it the same way like I came. On way to Phnom Penh International Airport, 30mins, USD$2. The Angkor beer made the dangerous journey all seems so easy.
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