"Sure, Why Not?"

remnants of war in the capital city.
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Phnom Penh.  The capital city of Cambodia.  I'm not quite sure why yet, but I am in love with this city.  I'm pretty sure that it has a lot to do with the people and friendships that we made here, but there is something very intriguing about Phnom Penh that I just can't seem to let it go.

We spent over a week in the city, which would normally be far too long in any major city, but it was difficult to leave.  Chris and Bateman left for the states early on in the week.  Very sad to say good bye to our travel buddies.  Apparently, they need to get back to the real world.  Much of the week was spent going to markets to purchase christmas gifts, walking tours, the Tuol Sleng Museum, reading, relaxing, eating, meeting Kaseka, attending a khmer wedding, trying new foods, and hanging out with our friends Le Sohn and Rhattana.

I especially enjoyed the night that Le Sohn shared snake with us.

bon keuk lake.
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The Kids. The first night in Phnom Penh, Justine and I were approached by a little boy that was demanding "100 riel."  We both told the boy "no" and tried to go about our way.  He wouldn't leave.  He tapped me on the arm and when I looked at him, he had a strap around his neck and he began to pull it ighter and tighter.  He was choking himself.  "Chop.  Odey auk khun".  Stop.  No thank you.  He stopped and he looked at me, put his hand out again and repeated, "100 riel".  Justine and I were amazed at what we were seeing.  We couldn't believe our eyes.  Here was this little boy that was choking himself and the only way he would stop is if we were to pay him.

cyclo driver.
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We refused to believe that other children performed this act, as well, until we saw three boys walk by us with straps hanging from their necks.  Apparently, they will huff so that they don't feel the pain and then they committ hurtful acts to get people to pay them to stuff.  A rough sight.  One of many that we were going to soon see over the next week.

Tuol Sleng Museum.  You have to see it for yourself.  It looks like an ordinary high school, but once you enter it's barbed wire fences and begin to look a little deeper, you are haunted.  The thought of people being murdered and tortured in the very cells that we stood in was a bit too much to swallow.  It seems as though they never even cleaned up the museum after the reign of the Khmer Rouge.  There are blood stains on the walls and floors.  Gun shots.  Torture devices.  You name it, you will see it.  A dose of reality that is well worth a little research before hand.

bates, waiting patiently for her new glasses.
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The Wedding.  When Le Sohn invited Laureen and I to attend a wedding with her, we couldn't refuse.  We walk up to the wedding to see the bride, groom and their respective parties sitting outside in chairs.  Forming an alley way that we had to walk through.  The spotlights (literally, there was this giant light) quickly shot on as we bowed to the newlyweds and gave them a boquet.  The next thing I know we are being rushed around, having our professional photos taken with these people that we have just met for the first time.  The band.  The cake.  The reception.  It was all so different.

cheers to annie and ben. newly engaged. as promised, ben, this picture was taken along the mekong. annie, please take note of the flag in the background. a lot of planning went into this picture and if you must know the flag was not cooperating on this windy day.
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Similar to our last wedding experience, the beer was flowing.  However, this time, we had the luxury of sitting with our peers and loosening up a little bit.  Le Sohn was sure to take care of us every second and make sure that our plates were never empty. Especially when it came to trying every new food imagineable.  I can't tell you how much seafood I have tried on this trip and I still don't like it.  I choke it down, literally, and smile. (The first words I'm learning for Vietnam, "I'm allergic to seafood").

the wedding reception.
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The guys at our table are very excited that Le Sohn and I have chosen to drink, as well.  They are raising their glasses every two minutes.  "Chin Chin... luchao!"  One guy at the table tells me that I am offending his culture bc I am just sipping my beer after a toast has been made.  I am directed that I am supposed to down the whole beer.  (Now we're talking).  I agree and about two seconds later we are toasting again.  I don't finish my beer as fast as the rest of the crowd, but I quickly tell them it's bc I have no ice and their glasses are full of ice.  The guy to my left then whispers to me that it's inappropriate for a woman to down their beer so fast.  We all laugh at my expense for offending their culture when they have made me do so.

our outrageous dancing partners that got us in trouble with the elders. the elders insisted you keep both feet on the floow at all times... the new generation likes to add a little kick every now and then.
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Le Sohn and Rhattana.  These two are employees of the hotel that we are staying at for the week.  Rhattana speaks great english with the added bonus of a sense of humor and a semi-lisp.  Le Sohn speaks very little english, but she tries very hard and is very proud to tell everyone she knows that Laureen and I are her friends.  We spend many nights chatting with them at the front desk, drinking pop and eating ice cream.  I especially enjoyed the night that Le Sohn shared snake with us.  I couldn't say no and I'm glad that I didn't.  Snake is some good stuff!  Eat it if you get the chance.

pictures of some of the twenty thousand people that lost their lives at tuol sleng.
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The memories of Phnom Penh make it very hard to leave for Vietnam.