For the love of Cambodia...

Well thanks Cambodia. 

Thanks for the precious memories that I will never be able to replace, the friends that changed my whole outlook on life and how I will make my decisions in the years to come. What I learned in Cambodia:

1.     That drinking water, electricity and hot showers are a NOT something to be taken for granted. EVER.

2.     No matter where you are in the world, kids will know how to play angry birds.

3.     That staying hydrated and keeping your feet safe are the most important rules to surviving on a deserted backpackers island.

5.     Tiger balm heals all wounds (maybe not the heart, but I’ll try it out and let you all know…and maybe not a gunshot wound, tiger balm isn’t that magical but defiantly use it for everything else).

6.     That you can survive without instagraming your awesome life to the world the moment it is happening and you don’t need to check your facebook every day to feel connected to the world (I’d actually prefer to never have 4G on my phone ever again if that’s possible).

7.     That you don’t have to go to the bathroom ever again in Cambodia because you will just sweat out everything you consume in places you didn’t know you could.

8.     That 5k’s don’t involve exercise but stacks on stacks of beer and MORE beer.

9.     That not having music (or good music) easily accessible is ok cause you have a playlist in your head that you can sing whenever and wherever you please.

10. Coffee can consist of pure cocaine and will even knock a starbucks addict on their ass (Cambodia style: pure coffee beans soaked in pork fat, condensed milk with a pound of sugar to top it off, how do you like them apples, *GOODMORNING*).

11. That ultimate is the best way to meet life long friends that teach you how to feel the rhythm and the rhyme (Cyprus for life, that is all).

12.  That my dad is the best travel companion you could have in Cambodia.

13. That there is a place where everyone calls you teacher even if they taught you more then you did them.

14. That traveling is not measured in miles but the friends and experiences you gain from just going.

15. I have to learn to love what I have in the moment and not dwell on not being able to keep that moment/experience/person/thing in my life tomorrow.

16.  What I really learned is that I can leave my heart in different parts of the world and take my experiences with me (I tend to like to have my cake and eat it to). That doesn’t mean my heart is broken and scattered for all to abuse and use. I mean isn’t the saying, “home is where the heart is.” I’ve come to terms that my heart will have many homes and even more to come. And that’s OK. I’m done searching for a home because really I’ll always be coming home, no matter where that is.

So, here’s to my next home. I’m excited to see what’s next and do as the great Miley Cyrus says, "Can't stop, won't stop." 

Thanks dad, for the most memorable trip I've ever had. Grandma would have approved. 

For the love of Koh Rong...

For those eagerly waiting for my home arrival this is why I stayed...Need I say more? 

This is Leta, one of the Koh Rong's many children that came to our "Drop-in" class that allowed tourists to come in and tutor, play games and visit with the children of the island. To give them a better understanding behind Friends of Koh Rong's mission, to help educate the islands children and community.

Our community school that was restored and refurbished by Friends of Koh Rong. 

The beautiful staff members that stay long term on the island to make everything happen! 

Another awesome Koh Rong resident, Pinyah. 

Part of the broken down playground that I was working to try and be restored or rebuilt.

I will never forget the memories, love and once of a lifetime experiences I had on this island. I want to thank all those I met, the Friends of Koh Rong for having me, and the community of Koh Rong for welcoming me with open arms! I will never forget you...

This video is brought to you by the lovely Niko Makarow. Thanks for all your efforts for the FoKR.

For the love of Angkor Wat.

My journey to Angkor Wat was quite an emotional one. If you have met me even for a minute you know I love animals. When the gods presented me with one of the kindest ones I’ve ever met, it broke my heart. She first met me at the steps of the 2^nd temple into these ancient grounds and decided I would be her companion for the day. She was the first dog to let me approach them in Cambodia without barking in fear. She followed me up every step, through every walkway so I decided not to climb to the top of the temple knowing she would struggle or even fall and hurt herself. Once I knew it was time to leave I bought her some meat in hopes that eating would distract her and not notice us leave. After our failed attempt here she came running after us not wanting to leave my side. Once we found our “tuk-tuk”, and her struggle to jump in, I said my goodbyes knowing I could not rescue her from the struggling life that laid ahead for her. It was like a scene from a movie, her aching body ran as hard as she could after us, as we drove away not wanting to leave my side. I could not hold the tears back as they started to run down my face. I was embarrassed to show this new connection I had made in just a short amount of time with a simple dog. Being in one of the most spiritual places in the world I thought nothing but positive thoughts for her the rest of the day.

 

The second day I came to Angkor Wat brought a beautiful sunrise, patience and meeting my old friend but letting go the of the opportunity to meet her again. As we waited for the sunrise my heart ached knowing she would be wondering around at any moment and that she might find my familiar face or smell and not leave my side again. In one moment I saw her walking through the crowd of eager foreigners as if looking for something. I knew I could not handle the heartache again and turned my head towards the sun praying she would find love through another and that she would be taken care of. I still hope today that she is.

Day three brought the sunset over a distant mountain on top of the temple. To celebrate our first weeks in Siem Reap, Dad bought us a beer to drink at the top of the temple to cheers all that we have done thus far. I know this is not the last time I will see these beautiful temples and am glad they have been restored for the whole world to enjoy. I will see you again, until then, Chum Reap Leah…

For the love of the fields...

When dad and I were invited to see the fields and a rural village a hour and a half outside of siem reap we did not know what we were getting ourselves into...

It started with meeting this little guy at breakfast with a traditional meal of rice and pork. Thats right we eat rice and pork for breakfast next to this guy.

We were then told that we will take the truck to the village (let me remind you a hour and a half away from siem reap). Oh no we weren't riding in the front seat, all 30 some of us are pilling in the back of the truck like were a herd of cattle. The ride there was a scenic splendor but the ride home was another story.

An hour and a half later we ended up at a local school to donate clothes, soap, and cookies to the children that lived in the village. These children are no ordinary children. They live in the fields, therefore they go to school 7am-11am. Then they go home to work with there families in the fields until sun down...every day. This is there life.

Every child was ecstatic to receive the gifts and gratefully bowed their heads in respect for the gift they were receiving.

After a blessing from a local monk we head to the fields where our NGO has a conservation project currently making headway in a forest that's trees were dying from invasive species. No one mentioned to us that it was many many many kilometers away. After the torturous hike, and lunch. We come to find out our day is still not over.

Although my camera died after meeting my new friend (so many here in cambodia) we watched the rest of the group make kites to fly with a local family and learn how to build roofing for straw huts that can sustain the rain. 

Until we meet again fields, I think one visit will suffice for this cambodia trip.