Wat & War Museum

Today has been a rainy day - so we set out with umbrella's to explore the area near our hotel.  There is a Wat (temple) just around the corner - and while checking it out, we met a tuk-tuk driver who said he hadn't worked in 5 days.  (he had ants in his tuk-tuk, so maybe that's why?)  Anyway - he talked us into going to see the killing fields and the war museum, except after we agreed to go he explained that the killing fields were actually not available today - maybe because there was a funeral?  That part was a little fuzzy in the translation.

So - off we went - and the light rain turned to a downpour.  After a brief stop to buy the driver a disposable rain poncho and to put the "flaps" down on the tuk-tuk, we ventured down some muddy roads to the war museum.  As we pulled up, I said, "I hope it's not an outside museum."  Turns out, it was.  But, we engaged in a nice conversation with one of the museum workers, we managed to avoid the downpour.  This particular fellow was missing most of the fingers on his left hand - which he lost when trying to disengage a land mine.  He also had multiple scars from schrapnel, which we think happened when his good friend tripped a land mine. We don't think the friend survived.  He also showed us where he still had a piece of schrapnel under his skin.  When asked when we thought the war had ended, Deedra guessed 1979.  Imagine our shock when he said 1999!  Hearing his stories definitely aroused my curiosity to learn more about the history of Cambodia.

Being the daughter of a helicopter pilot, I HAD to get pictures with the chopper on display.  It was at this point that a man from Phnom Penh proclaimed Deedra his photographer, and then promptly requested to have his picture taken with me.  Uhhh, o-kay.  So, if you see my photo posted somewhere with a Cambodian man - let me know!  I have nothing to announce.

On the way back, we made a stop at the supermarket, which our tuk-tuk driver tried to discourage, due to the prices.  Deedra didn't try to explain that there are some things a westerner just likes to buy packaged and refrigerated.  Think chicken. 

Upon return, we ventured across the street for an iced coffee and then on to the market.  What an experience.  One cannot describe the smell that emmanates from the meat market in the center.  After haggling with a few vendors, and a few prizes purchased, we've headed back for a brief rest before our next adventure.  Enjoy a few photos from today.