Tuol Sleng Museam and Killing Fields Phnom Penh

I17 June, 2013

Every city has a charm: from Bangkok to Bali and from Paris to Peru. But for some cities, it takes time to see and appreciate its uniqueness. That's how it usually is for places like Phnom Pehn where I visited recently. At first, there seems to be nothing special about this city. But then, I visited the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museam and the Killing Fields: BOOM, just like that, I felt a connection with the place. I know I'm quite a history buff, but even for those of you who arent, it is worth going to. Trust me. You will see the world in a new light.

So, lets get going on the details. You don't have to know much about the history of Cambodia, but I'm going to run through the main points.

After Cambodia got independence from France, there was a civil war between the governement and the Khmer Rouge whom were communist. The Khmer Rouge won and they had some very controversial ideas about how the country should be run. They believed that Cambodia should go back to becoming an agrarian society and tried to elimate anybody they felt were a threat. Teachers, Lawyers, Proffessors - all killed. The leader of the Khmer Rouge was Pol Pot who was ruthless. As time went by, the Khmer Rouge became paranoid and ended up killing 25% of thier population.

To know more about the genocide from a personal perspective, I highly recommend reading 'First they killed my father' by Luong Ung.

The Tuol Sleng Museam used to be a prison where they Khmer Rouge detained prisioners and tortured them. At the Museam, you are given a leaflet and are free to walk around the two buildings. In each room, you can find pictures of the actual prisoners being tortured, the beds they slept on, the weapons/tools used for torture, and even their actual clothes and mug shots. It is extremely depressing and heart breaking as the pictures are extremely graphic.

The cost of the museam is just 2$ and is located in central Phnom Pehn. On some days, there is a lecture about the history of the Cambodian Genocide at the museam. The day I went there wasnt one so I missed it.

I recomend going here first and then going to the Killing Fields.

The Killing Fields is the equivalent of Aushwitz in the Cambodian genocide. It is located 15 km away from Phnom Pehn. On the roads there though, it takes an hour. It is recommended that you arrange for a ride on the way back as well as its almost impossible to find one on the spot.

Once you pay for your ticket, you'll receive a device and headphones in which you can listen to the recording . There are many languages to choose from. The whole thing takes about an hour. You have to listen to the recording while you walk across the killing fields.

It includes the history of the Cambodian Genocide both from a technical and personal viewpoint. It is very well organized and will bound to make you emotional. Afterwards, you can see the stupa where the skulls of the victims are preserved as well as a small museum. 

Overall, these two places shouldn't be missed if you're coming to Phnom Pehn. It really makes you see the world in a different light.

Have fun!

S.

Tiffany Show Pattaya

10 June, 2013

I recently had a trip to Pattaya with all my cousins. The highlight of the trip was no doubt the Tiffany Show. Now about the show, I know many of you (including myself initially) have doubts on whether it's worth it or not. So, I will clarify on this topic.

Alot of people have the misconception that the show is for "adults" and may be "innappropriate". The truth however is that this is simply a cabaret show. Admitedly they are all ladyboys and they all dress sexily, but other than that, there is nothing that should scare away families or kids. In fact, there were tons of kids I saw at the venue. 

The show, as of June 2013, was catagorized into many themes. There was Thailand, India, Korea, China, Vietnam, Russia, Italy, etc. With each theme, the costumes, music, set, and choreography was different. It is extremely extravagant and well performed- definetly worth a see.

I don't know about the other themes, but for India, I totally recognized the song they used. It's called "Do La Re" from a very famous movie "Devdas". If you recognize the songs they use you will find   the experience more enjoyable. 

Now coming to the hall. It's not a flat hall. Its the kind that's elevated. The seats I got were the last row yet I could still see perfectly well. If you have a choice though go for the front rows as the performers do step down from the stage at various points during the show. 

Let me just say something about my experience. The dudes who were sitting in the row in front of me were extremely annoying. But you can't really control the kind of audience you have. 

The price is around 400 - 500 baht for Thai people. For foreigners it's higher than this. I don't know the exact price.

Go get the tickets ASAP because you would want the best possible seats toucan for the price you're paying. 

That's about it. Oh, at the end of the show, you'll be able to take pictures with the ladyboys- who are drop dead gorgeous! I saw some people grope them for a picture as well, but hey, you are expected to pay so I guess that's alright. 

They are shows daily. I think there are 3 shows per day. If you're in Pattaya, go check it out! If not the Tiffany Show, there is the Alcaza Show as well. It's something similar although I don't know the details. 

Have Fun!

S.