#ScenesFromCambodia: Kampot & Phnom Penh

Hey World,

Can you believe it's already the end of the week? November is almost coming to a close and Christmas is in ONE MONTH (!!!). I'm plugging along away at work, and preparing my team for close oversight of farmers as they begin to plant their maize for this season. I'm also counting down the days until I head home for Christmas break!

Anyways, it's also time to wrap up my #ScenesFromCambodia posts. 

(PS: If you missed the first two Cambodia photo posts, check them out here & here!).

I had heard great things about Kampot, but at this point in my trip, was less inclined to do anything adventurous as I really only wanted to eat, write and sleep. My day in Phnom Penh was devoid of writing until the late afternoon, and though I heard a lot about how not-friendly the city is, I had an incredible experience there! It was definitely worth shelling out money for a centrally-located hotel which allowed me to walk around quite a bit, or hop on a motorcycle taxi.   

Guys, this was my sunset view every night while in Kampot. I'd often be writing from 12-12pm, taking one long break for dinner, so it was refreshing to stop by and watch the sun go down for a few minutes before getting back to work!

This guy creeped on me writing my thesis one day. Too funny!

My digs in Kampot!

Thesis Fuel: hot tea!

No matter where I go, my job seems to follow me! 

When there is no hope to finish your paper, look for Cheetos. 

A bag -- filled mostly with books! They were both super heavy, but I managed to carry them around for two weeks with limited back issues :)

Welcome to the capital!

Raspberry smoothie break. 

I got a manicure at this awesome place, just in case someone asked a specific question in coming weeks....(my hunch was right!!!)

Well guys, thanks again for tagging along through my Cambodia trip! Upcoming throwbacks will focus on East Africa (Rwanda & DRC), and in the new year, we'll go back to Europe (Slovenia, Slovakia, Venice & Austria!). 

xoxo,

M

#ScenesFromCambodia: Siam Reap

Hey World,

While I started off strong with my photos from Angkor Wat in the last post (Marisa's Disco Tuk-Tuk Temple Tour!), there's a lot to do around Siam Reap, and is definitely worth a couple of days outside of your temple time, should your schedule allow!

While I didn't have much time aside from exploring some downtown temples and doing a bit of shopping, I did take off a half day to visit the Tongle Sap, which was awesome! Check it out below. 

I loved all of the details around Siam Reap!

Reading in the sunshine!

When in doubt, always order a blue cheese burger :)

One of my hour breaks!

Reading by the pool for HOURS meant this sun hat was a necessary purchase.

One of the best parts about this tour is that Brady did it about a year earlier, also while traveling solo! 

I love this: Making Grandma do all of the work :)

While passing through Sihanoukville on my way to Kampot, I took basically NO pictures! Most who head there stay right alongside the beach (which is gorgeous & is known for its party scene), but I opted for a night in a downtown hostel & then a hotel up on the hills to just break up my trip a bit. Honestly, if I had known the distances between the town & the beach, and more about how to get around, I would have opted for some beach time, or stopped in Battanbang instead. Live and you learn!

There's a final post coming on Friday from Kampot, and you can check out the previous post from my Disco Tuk-Tuk tour here. Hope you're enjoying the (delayed) trip to Cambodia!

xoxo,

M 

#ScenesFromCambodia: Marisa's Disco Tuk Tuk Temple Tour

Hey World,

I know today's title is a bit of a mouthful, but I was so grateful for my tuk-tuk driver, who took me all from Siam Reap around Angkor Wat for two days, that I had to give him a special mention (he's also the last picture!).

Traveling alone was really difficult for me (remember Malawi?), and combined with the stress of writing my thesis, there were more than a few tears shed on most days. However, my time in the actual Angkor Wat complex was so breathtaking, and my driver so kind, that I closely held onto these cherished hours for the entire trip. 

Full disclosure: This photo is my favorite from the entire trip

Tomb Raider fans; this is for you.  

I wasn't lying when I said DISCO tuk tuk!

Mid-day hydration / energy break!

By the second day, I was asking all sorts of people to take my picture for me -- but this one is by far my favorite!

If you were looking for your next computer background, 'd be happy to email you the photo!

THIS GUY! After the first day, he bought an American flag for me. Too much!

After many years out of Southeast Asia, it was so amazing to be back to somewhere that feels familiar (even though I was experiencing it alone). While there are many more corners of the world I haven't explored, going back and tackling another SE Asian country like Vietnam or Malaysia is HIGH on the bucket list!

Want to see more from Cambodia? You can check out the intro here, or check back in again on Wednesday & Friday for more! 

xoxo,

M