Two very different sides of Cambodia, having visited the mass graves of the Killing Fields this morning, the afternoon was the Royal Palace. Here opulence is in abundance. Gold is everywhere, with highlights of diamonds, marble, jade and emerald. On that note, it met the requirements to be a Palace, having its very own Temple of the Emerald Buddha (aka Silver Pagoda). It also contains a gold Buddha that was Andrew's weight in gold, much shinier than Andrew.
It is difficult to reconcile with the extreme poverty just outside the gates. Much of the population live in hovels, young children are sent out at night to support their families by selling wares on the street.
The king does reside in this palace and was there during our visit. We don't get to view his residence, just the many pagodas, dancing halls, temples, elephant mounting building (yep, need one of those). The platform to the right of the building below is where you would get onto your gold adorned howdah atop your elephant.
Having been 39oC with 80% humidity, a late afternoon of cocktails in/by the pool was in order. Tomorrow we fly to Siem Reap.
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