I’ve posted this photo before, but it never fails to send chills down my spine.
Phnom Penh, 1965.
My mom took this photo that summer, a decade before the country would descend into its darkest era. But even in 1965, things weren’t all rosy. The Vietnam War was escalating next door and soon the US would secretly and illegally bomb Cambodia, which was just trying to mind its own business.
Twenty-six years after my mom traveled here, I saw the same Royal Palace in Phnom Penh. I was fortunate to arrive in Cambodia just as the dust was settling from a decades-long nightmare.
The photos I took show few people milling around the Royal Palace, unlike in this one where folks are going about a normal day. This one is far more interesting and far more vibrant.
Great photo – looks like it should be on the cover of Tom Vater’s next book!
It should! I wouldn’t even charge much. But maybe my mom would have other thoughts?! Thanks so much for the comment!
Very interesting, Susan. Thx for posting.
Thank you so much, Van! I just love my mom’s old photos!