By Hannah Stirnaman, Nurse Practitioner Student

Today was our second full day in Phnom Penh and the last day for us to soak in the atmosphere before traveling to Battambang.

Our first stop of the day was to The Choeung Ek Genocidal Center to tour the killing fields. After reading books and watching films dedicated to this topic, it was overwhelming to see the fields in person. Although this was a somber topic, understanding more of the Cambodian history shed light on the resilience of these amazing people.

After touring the fields, the group spent time getting shoes made from a local shop here in Phnom Penh. Each shoe is made specifically for that person and everyone enjoyed picking out their shoe styles and colors.

After picking out our shoes to be made, the group made our way through Phneom Penh and into the market to shop. The market is crowded with booths displaying all types of clothing, jewelry, electronics, and knick knacks. It was a great opportunity to purchase souvenirs to take back to friends and family.

For dinner, we all set out to eat at a place called Friends Creative Cuisine which is a unique training restaurant for marginalized youth. The food was incredible and the restaurant displays artwork from the students on the walls. It was an excellent way to end our last leisure day before we begin work in the clinics and hospitals around Cambodia.