---To be edited again when I have a better internet connection---3days:

Thursday. Woke up early and went with Don to the killing fields outside Phnom Phenh. A disturbing thing to see first thing in the morning. A big pile of skulls with some of the clothing left behind as well. They were all buried in mass graves, for reasons as plain as being the cousin of an enemy of the state. Men, women, children, the eldery - none were excused, many were tortured and millions died.
Then, being decadent irreverent Westerners, we stopped by a shooting range. I released the anger from an AK-47 into a wall, and took pictures. By far the most exhilirating thing that I have done, but tinitus resulted. The Boss was jealous, as his tour did not let him stop by for similar fun.
After shooting, we headed of to a detention centre in Phnom Penh called S21, were enemies of the state were kept for interrogation during the Khmer Rouge's rule. It is a converted school, and the images inside are too harrowing for me to write about.
Then, onto King Sihanouk's opulent palace. A collection of breathtaking pagodas stuffed with gold buddhas. A country with such a low GDP/capita should be ashamed such vulgarity. One of the Buddhas was 80kg solid gold, studded with diamonds. I always thought that Buddism had 2 types of followers - monks who did not believe in worldly goods, and tried to rid their lives of the materialism, and annoying westerners who figured it was trendy. I don't know which category the king falls into.
The evening began in the Foreign Correspondents Bar. From there, we crawled around a few more bars, but the real highlight of the evening was going to a out of town club which was patronised by locals only. It was modern karaoke style joint which was stuffed full of noveau riche kids. Daddy must know someone in the government to be this wealthy.

On Friday, I took the 6hour bus to Siem Reap. It was a scabby journey, as all bus journeys are, but this will stick in my mind more, for the reason that I had a bad dream. The driver had fallen asleep, and was driving away from the road. The guy sitting behind me said in sarcastic English "at least our driver has managed to keep awake". I then realised it was a dream, but could not wake up. The terror continued for a good few minutes, and I eventually snapped out of it. The people in the next 3 seats behind me were cambodian. wierd. Got a decent hotel for the night, at the bargain rate of $4. which was a big bonus from the flea pit I stayed at in Phnom Penh.
Bought a ticket to see the Angkor complex, and went and saw the sunset on some hill by the temples. Met Raw and his people. Went out drinking with them in the evening.

Saturday.
Saw lots of temples, and I appear to be the only person who is still eager to see more. Words are a poor medium here, pictures will come soon (i've taken 400ish already).
- posted by Daniel @ Saturday, May 15, 2004