Phnom Penh, Cambodia

Kate looking Cool.

Mira

Hi all,

Royal Palace

Lily, Mira and Kate

We have had interesting couple of days here in Phnom Penh. We toured the Royal Palace yesterday. It was spectacular. We toured the grounds with Lily. The Silver Pagoda is the most beautiful. It is named the Silver Pagoda after its 5000 silver floor tiles. Inside, there a life sized Buddha that weighs 90 kgs and is covered in over 2000 diamonds. The funniest part was the security. On a case holding solid gold headgear, the case was 'locked' with a twist tie and on the golden Buddha they used a luggage lock. I figured that the nation is so religious that no one, no matter how poor would think of robbing the joint. There was traditional music and costumes. During the palace heyday, everyone wore a different colour for each day of the week. It was great. The grounds were peaceful and full of flowers. Kids enjoyed the turtles in the pool.

Today, Paul and I went to the Killing Field. Mira and Kate went swimming with Krista and Lily. The Killing Field is one of 300 in this country. During the height of the Khmer Rouge rule, 1975-1979, hundreds of people were killed daily. It was a very moving experience. The guide on numerous occasions suggested taking pictures but it felt all wrong. The actual field if a pock-filled field covered in greenery and butterflies. The temple has 17 levels full of skulls, bones, personal effects. The museum explained how the Khmer Rouge functioned and gave staggering numbers... it was overwhelming. I was glad we decided not to take the kids.

WE are off to Siem Reap tomorrow. ttfn sharon