A darker field of awareness.

Cambodia is known for wonders which draw tourists to the kingdom ever year. Including the countries most notable wonder, it’s people. The kindhearted and inspiring Khmer people have had a history marked with darkness, pushing through years of violence and volatile political regimes.

This enigmatic country is still marred by reminders, which are as raw and confronting as it’s past. Reminders of a dark history lay dormant around the streets. The positive energy in this kingdom sometimes almost blankets what was once a much gloomier force.
April 17, 1975 was the beginning of one of the darkest chapters in history. It was the first day of the power of the Khmer Rouge. Their leader, Pol Pot led the nation into one of the most violent regimes of the twentieth century. The rule saw foreign influences abolished , forced labour and brutalexecutions enforced. A huge part of the Cambodian population was wiped out with approximately 2.5 million deaths recorded.
The policy of the Khmer Rouge was very radical and extreme. any foreign influence Was banned, to the point that it was not allowed to possess any occidental manufacture, or pain of death was applied. Local museums show a nearly uncensored look into the ferocity of this regime. Toul Sleng (S-21) a former prison and place of nightmarish human treatment now serves as a museum. Visiting the museum met with Chum Mey, one of known survivors in the grounds of the former prison. His gaze alone displayed a glimpse a window into chilling world.
Despite it’s dark past, visitors to Cambodia are warmed by the heart-warming smiles and welcoming hospitality of the Khmer people. Their truly optimistic nature lays as testament to the resilience of this culture.