|
|
|
(click on the images to get a
larger view)
The capitol city of Cambodia, Phnom Penh,
became a virtual ghost town during the rule of
Pol Pot. All citizens were forced to evacuate
this former "jewel of Southeast Asia" to work on
the farming collectives in the countryside.
During this four year period, buildings were
left to crumble, and services were suspended.
Even after the fall of Pol Pot, there was much
political instability as the current government
was in its formative stages. With little money,
restoration of Phnom Penh has proceeded slowly.
Pictures below, which reveal Phnom Penh today,
suggest a hint of former glory.
|
|
|
|
Aerial view of Phnom Penh at the
junction of the Mekong and Tonle Sap
Rivers.
|
The cheapest, and slowest, way to
get around the city is the cyclo, a
three wheeled bicycle rickshaw. Motos,
or motorcycles, abound. Cars are
becoming more plentiful, especially
1990 Toyota Camrys.
|
|
|
|
Night view of Japanese Bridge
(reconstruction funded by the
Japanese) in Phnom Penh.
|
The Royal Palace is the home of King
Sihanouk and his family, although he
spends a great deal of time away at his
other residence in Beijing, China.
|
|
|
|
National Museum, which is a treasure
house of some of Cambodia's rescued
history. French archeologists are
training Cambodians in restoration
techniques.
|
The Hotel Royale is an example of
restored French Colonial architecture.
This hotel played an important part in
the movie, The Killing
Fields.
|
|
)
){kind=spacer}
)
)
)
)