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.