Before I came to Cambodia, I read countless blogs from other travelers to learn as much as I could about the country, what to pack, and how to do things once I arrived. The same things seemed to come up every time: save as much money as possible before coming, haggle on prices, pack light; I … Continue reading Five “Weird” Things I do in Cambodia
Tag: backpacking
The Elephant in the Room
My heart pounded so hard I thought it would burst out of my chest. I could feel my palms growing cold with sweat, and my feet suddenly refused to move and remained anchored to the jungle floor. A wave of shock and disbelief washed over me, and I tried desperately to grasp hold of some remnant of … Continue reading The Elephant in the Room
A Letter to my Students
Dear Students, Though our time together came to close, the four weeks you gave me will always be unforgettable. From the moment I first met you, all eighty of you, running towards me on that fateful February day, I knew that this would be an incredible experience. Excited but intimidated, I waved and smiled and said … Continue reading A Letter to my Students
Cambodia Weekly Rewind 4
How quickly time flies! I can hardly believe that four weeks, one whole month, have past since I first stepped foot in the Kingdom of Wonder. When I first arrived, I wanted to run home unapologetically. Now, the idea of leaving in five months seems nearly impossible. After being in Cambodia for one month, I … Continue reading Cambodia Weekly Rewind 4
Temple Hopping in Siem Reap
If I did not see anything else in Cambodia, one thing I knew I needed to check off my list was Angkor Wat and visiting the other temples of Siem Reap. As I mentioned in my previous weekly rewind, this past weekend I went on a temple hopping adventure. I explored not only the world’s … Continue reading Temple Hopping in Siem Reap
Cambodia Weekly Rewind 3
Another week, another blog post. I can hardly believe that I have been in the Kingdom of Wonder for three weeks now. Considering how rocky this adventure began, I am proud, in a slightly arrogant way, of my transformed perspective. Not only do I now have the emotional strength to handle Phnom Penh's bustling lifestyle, but I am also starting … Continue reading Cambodia Weekly Rewind 3
Chased by a Monkey at Wat Phnom
Last week after attempting to visit the Royal Palace in the afternoon only to discover it was closed for lunch, my fellow volunteer friend Laura and I decided to seize the day and see some of the other sites in Phnom Penh. We went on a three hour trek around the city taking in the various … Continue reading Chased by a Monkey at Wat Phnom
Cambodia Weekly Rewind 2
With another week of my Cambodian adventure complete, I can report that I am beginning to feel more comfortable and confident in my adoptive home. While my first week in Cambodia was a self proclaimed emotional roller coaster, the second week proved to be a little more stable. There were still surprises, break downs, and … Continue reading Cambodia Weekly Rewind 2
Stalking Monks at the Royal Palace
In the months before I left for Phnom Penh, I eagerly read other travel blogs to learn what sites I should see while there. While I had plans to explore all of Cambodia, from the temples of Siem Reap to the Elephant Conservation project in Mondulkiri. I wanted to ensure that I saw everything that … Continue reading Stalking Monks at the Royal Palace
Cambodia Weekly Rewind 1
It has been a week since I first stepped foot in the Kingdom of Wonder, and I often find myself in a state of disbelief that I am really here. From the very first moment Cambodia terrified and challenged me. Even though I had a seventeen hour flight to Singapore, a thirteen hour overnight layover, … Continue reading Cambodia Weekly Rewind 1
The Traveling Smith 