Navigating Phnom Penh, Cambodia

My time in Phnom Penh consisted of many visits to breathtaking Wats, the first being Wat Phnom, the tallest in the city. This particular Wat seemed to be a favorite for locals as it was surrounded with families and small children. There were also several locals that had come there to worship. The calm atmosphere up on the hill compared to the congested city streets was wonderful.

I also took several trips to the popular Central Market, the perfect place to bargain for low prices on clothes and shoes. I myself managed to get the price lowered on a pair (or two) of cute Cambodian elephant pants that I so badly wanted.

Many hours were spent walking along the Sisowath Quay, a beautiful and extensive river located across from the Royal Palace. This portion of water was used during Water festivals in the past to watch boat races. A stroll along this river is both tranquilizing and scenic, as well as convenient since there are many tuk tuk drivers waiting along the curbs for tourists that are looking to go to their next destination.

Probably one of my favorite sites in Phnom Penh; however, was the National Museum of Cambodia. I arrived in the evening when the sun was just beginning to set. As the sun set, candles and light were lit that reflected beautifully on the gold flecks on the buildings. All around me were tourists from around the world and munks with shaved heads dressed in orange garments.

Also very worth seeing is the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum. I will be honest, after walking through this place and watching the video that was shown, I cried. If you take a visit to this museum, you may have a similar experience. This museum was the actual place in which the Cambodian genocide took place and people were tortured in the Khmer Rouge Prison. It may not be a pleasant experience, but it is an important part of history that should be known about and remembered.

Cambodian Food

My mornings in Phnom Penh consisted of visits to local cafes and smoothies shops since I am obsessed with both coffee and smoothies and my evenings involved sitting in different restaurants trying new dishes or eating Pho to satisfy the Vietnamese part of me. My favorite Cambodian dish that I tried was called Lok Lac beef. It was like heaven on a plate and sadly I found this dish on my very last day in Cambodia. Had I known about it earlier, I would have substituted some of my bowls of Pho for plates of Lok Lac, but still it is better to have tried it once rather than not at all, right?

UNICEF Cambodia

Since I am a huge advocate for social justice, I managed to score a visit with the Child Protection Officer at UNICEF Cambodia During my meeting, I was extremely impressed to learn of the work that this non-profit organization has accomplished in Phnom Penh. UNICEF works to promote awareness of child abuse issues in Cambodia as well as provide educational classes on how to detect these issues as well as prevent it. The non-profit also works to keep children in their homes with their families rather placing them in residential care institutions with strangers.  I am extremely grateful to have stepped inside UNICEF's office and learn of the great work that they do and to have had the opportunity to incorporate this visit into my short time in Phnom Penh.

From my perspective, Phnom Penh is a city where there is more than meets the eye. This is a city filled with culture and religion, love and life. Although I was only there for three days, I felt as though Phnom Penh welcomed me with wide, open arms. A place that welcoming and enchanting is hard to leave, so when I left I didn't say goodbye because I know I will be back one day. Instead, I told myself that I would see Cambodia again soon.