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: volunteer abroad
Motorbike Misadventures at Bokor National Park
“Have you ridden a motorbike before?” “No, I haven’t, but I can do it.” “If you do not know how to ride one I am unable to rent it to you.” “Oh no, actually I have ridden one before. It has just been a while.” I could feel the blood drain from my face as … Continue reading Motorbike Misadventures at Bokor National Park
A Day in the Life of a NGO Volunteer
When I first imagined working for a Cambodian NGO, I could not help but wonder if it would compare to when I worked at the Scottish Parliament. As a parliamentary intern, I managed emails, wrote motions, conducted research for reports, and a slew of other tasks. Sometimes my days consisted of sifting through emails and … Continue reading A Day in the Life of a NGO Volunteer
Cambodia Weekly Rewind 7 & 8
Two months, eight weeks, 62 days... When I first arrived, I wondered how I would make it through the first two days, and now after two months, I find it hard to comprehend leaving Cambodia. While at times I long for the comforts of home, and more than anything a hug from my mom, the … Continue reading Cambodia Weekly Rewind 7 & 8
Cambodia Weekly Rewind 5 & 6
The past two weeks came and went so quickly that, despite all my good intentions, I failed to post about their events in a timely manner. I would apologize, but as I continually mention when moments such as these happen; I would rather live and experience everything going on around me, than pause to write … Continue reading Cambodia Weekly Rewind 5 & 6
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
Volunteering with IVHQ
For the past two months, I have happily updated my blog with information on Cambodia, my preparations, and personal thoughts on the trip and my life. I have poured my heart out on issues like my struggles with depression, finding myself, and deciding to volunteer abroad. Yet, I have utterly failed to mention anything about the … Continue reading Volunteering with IVHQ
Cambodia will be Different
I leave for Cambodia in a matter of days, and my heart cannot stop racing. I am excited, nervous, confident, and terrified all at the same time. There is no doubt in my mind that this journey I am about to embark on will be challenging, liberating, and life-changing. But despite all of these, more or less, positive … Continue reading Cambodia will be Different
The Traveling Smith 