Khmer Rouge Experience Cafe

This cafe is located near the once Khmer Rouge interrogation and torture chamber (better known as the Killing Fields) in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. The Khmer Rouge Cafe is meant to remind the public of the genocide in 1975-1979 during Pol Pot's era. The waitresses are dressed in the local guerrillas black uniforms. Most visitors may not be able to even stomach the food as the "Khmer Rouge detainees set menu" includes rice water, corn mixed with water and leaves, dove eggs and tea, which costs $6 per set.

My friend Savonny is a survivor of this era and genocide. Her parents starved to death so that Savonny and her sister and two brothers could eat. After the genocide the children became refugees through different Christian networks. Her sister was sent to Australia and her and her brothers came to Atlanta. She remembers the killings in the field, running and hiding, and the pure terror as a child that still haunts her dreams. If I was from Cambodia I would not want anyone to forget what happened in the 70's especially those who are visiting the country. However, if I was part of the era, I would find it hard to relive.

May the ghosts of genocide from Khmer Rouge find peace in the light of the universe and may those ancestors be honored in the heavens for their sacrifices. -Namaste