Be the change you wish to see in the world

The Kingdom of Cambodia

Nothing could have prepared us for The Kingdom of Cambodia.  Learning about the dark abyss of Cambodia’s recent past brought to the surface the striking contrast; Joyful sounds of angelic children playing amongst the trees,  awe inspiring temples basking in the immense heat,  human bones and clothing darting out of the dirt, many areas of which still remains covered in land mines – so don’t dare stray the beaten path.  CAMBODGE ~ THE MOST AMAZINGLY POWERFUL, EXHILIRATING NATION I HAVE EVER KNOWN! 

The enchanting essence of the ancient temples of Angkor will leave you awe struck, shattered to the core, as the sheer magnitude and eerie aura that fills every corner, also energizes and fills your soul.  This place will simply capture you, sending chills down your spine, rearranging your perspective forever.  We smiled through tears at the beauty, strength and positivity of the Khmer people, most of which are children.  Teaching us without words that the best things in life are truly free.

Language  - Khmer                   Currency - Riel                   Religion

Thank You – Therima Kisih        $10 CAD = 38,900 KHR              Hinduism

Hello – Suo Sdei                                                                    Buddhism

Siem Reap 

A beautiful and spiritual awakening will occur when you enter Siem Ream and gear up to explore a dominate wonder of this world – Angkor Wat.   No other place on Earth has really gripped us the way the ancient temples of Angkor did and still do.  A spine tingling, amusement park for the soul sure to take anyone's breath away as the vastness of the hallow temples chill you to the core.  8,000KHR bike hires took us through parts of a 50Km radius of wonder - a daily workout for the mind, body and soul.  The perfect fusion of creative ambition and spiritual devotion led the way.   Days 2 and 3 visiting the epic grounds may be best crusin’ via Tuk Tuk, for 40,000KHR/day.  Definitely spend at least 3 days here.

A MUST DO = CAMBODIA and ANGKOR WAT!!!

Phnom Phen – Capital City

Within the walls of a tainted capital city, a former high school, now called Tuol Sleng S-21 Genocide Museum was used to torture innocent people from 1975-78 - on average claimed a terrifying 100 men, women and children per day.  For all its natural beauty and rich heritage, Cambodia has suffered a tragic recent past at the hands of the fanatical Khmer Rouge.  A devastating energy camouflaged behind beautiful walls and hopeful smiles of the Khmer people that was still in full effect up until 1998.

MAKE LOVE NOT WAR - During the Pol Pot Regime from 1975-1978 any intelligent person in The Kingdom of Cambodia <20% of the population> was killed. Leaving only volunteers to teach and care for the children. Many of them now orphans, some of which we visited at the Pagoda School for orphaned children on the temple grounds.

Sihanoukville and Bamboo Island

For a slice of paradise head south and soak up the rays beaming off the gulf of Thailand, and explore the fringing reef submerged in warm turquoise waters.  Laid back and lined with bars, BBQ style restaurants, fire dancers and little ladies selling you hand crafted bracelets. This is the place to unwind and begin soaking it all in. Regroup and reflect beachside, dance till dawn or simply watch the sun slip away from the shore – though remember to remain cautious here as many thefts and even the occasional rapes do occur.  Desperate times; despite measures – so be aware and don’t walk alone at night, ever!

Bamboo Island is a small island only 10k from Sihanoukville, with 2 sets of basic bungalow style resorts on either side - about 15 beachfront bungalows each (accommodating a small handful of people, so book ahead on the mainland)  Cambodia is known for its fantastic cuisine, and Bamboo Island offers some of the finest eats in the country.  Minimal electricity lights the way, only between the hours of 6pm-midnight.  The cost of living is a tad more expensive as you’re on a remote island, though we’re talking $10CAD/day to live lux.  Not much to do here other than read, write, practice yoga and meditation or perhaps take on the local goat in a head butting match – he almost always wins.  Ahhhh  realax, you’ve found paradise!

 

 

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