National Museum and a Movie (Dec. 14, 2014)

This morning I had a great chat with Julia, who liked my hair. She thought that Sopheap did a totally decent job on it, which is great. I think so too, but it’s nice to hear that from the top dog. Woof. I also had a great chat with Jan so I was doubly lucky today to talk to my loved ones. Thanks guys. You both made my day.

Then I got myself together and walked down to the National Museum of Cambodia. It isn’t far from here, and was really interesting. I saw many artifacts of Khmer dynasty and many many statues found in the temples and lands. The museum is open air and really lovely. It has a nice garden with lots of open space and seating that you can use to just sit and take in the artifacts. 

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Exhibition of paintings at the museum

One of the paintings in metal

another painting for the exhibition

Statues in museum

Room full of buddist statues

View through several rooms at museum

A monk's throne

Sculpture in garden at museum

After I spent a couple of hours there, I walked to the Sorya Shopping Mall that Laure-Elie and I went to before. Now I needed some toiletries and thought that I should get them now, before going down to Sihanoukville, in the south, where they might not be as readily available. Dental floss seems to be an odd item that is very expensive, and/or you can’t find it. So I got some at a decent price, along with some more sunscreen. That too is very difficult to find in a high SPF and if you can find it, again, it’s a lot of money. I found that too, along with some toothpaste, munchies and water. It was a good venture and I’m glad I got the stuff now, as when I’m at the beach area, I am sure it will be super touristy and a high price. 

Cart of wares, rounding the corner

Christmas window

I came back to the hostel, downloaded my photos, and cooled off for a while. Then I started thinking of what I’d like to do in the evening, and looked up the Flicks Movie Theater in Phnom Penh. It is a community theatre, just up the street that shows all kinds of films for a cheap price, sitting on cushions, in an air conditioned theatre. I decided to see what they had playing and found that they are screening an award winning Killing Fields Movie, which I would very much like to see. So, I emailed in my reservation and have that to do later tonight. I’m sure it’s going to be super graphic, but will also help to educate me about the Khmer Rouge Regime. I’m sure when I do visit the Killing Fields, it will be that much more clear about what really happened.

The movie was great. The theatre isn't that small, but it is intimate and seats about 20 people or so. I was there early and got to stretch out on a long pillow with my feet up and cushions behind my head. It was really comfy and the movie sure gave a good story line about what was happening in Cambodia and Vietnam during the late 70's. Tomorrow I will go with four Australians that I found, and we will share the cost to visit the Killing Fields. 

More tomorrow.