April 17

Yesterday we arrived back in Phnom Penh after our Battambang visit (more on that to come...)

I went for a walk late afternoon to stretch my legs after the journey. Our local market square, which is usually alive with activity, was really quiet. Most of the shops were closed. Most of the 1960's style houses and apartments were deserted. Most households were still away celebrating the biggest holiday of the year with family and friends in their hometown.

As I walked I reflected that on this day, thirty years ago, these same streets would have also been strangely still. On April 17, 1975, the Khmer Rouge began the task of evacuating the entire city. April 17 marks the beginning of what is now an infamous period in Cambodia's history.

While I enjoyed a reflective stroll yesterday I know that over these next few days Phnom Penh will return to her usual self. Full of people. Full of life. Full of brilliant craziness.