Our Cambodian Family

Yesterday turned out to be a blessing in disguise, a true testimony to the saying that everything happens for a reason. Ashley and I had plans to leave Siem Reap and head out to Phnom Penh. Our beloved tuk tuk driver, Khun, drove us to the airport only after taking us to his home to see his wife, Molly, and their adorable puppy Lion. 

Saying good bye to our new friends at the airport brought us to tears. We went to the counter to purchase tickets and shortly found that there were no more flights available. The only seats were first class and would cost us $155. While trying to figure out what to do, a friendly woman working at the airport began to help us. It really is a small world because when she overheard us say that we were staying at the Mad Monkey, she told us that her son works there! It turns out that Khun is her son-in-law and Molly is her daughter! Shortly after sorting out our plans and deciding it was best to stay in Siem Reap one more night, our new friend invited us to her home for dinner. It is truly remarkable how genuine and kind people here are. Even when they come from so little, they offer you so much. These experiences are what remind me of the true meaning of life~ love and friendship. The richest people in the world don't have a lot of money, they have huge hearts and nothing to offer but love and kindness. When our new friend took a photo of Ashley and I with her kids, she called us a family. 

While sharing a delicious meal and bottle of wine, we laughed and sang together. She told us stories of how she struggled growing up; she lived under a tree and walked to school hungry most days. Although her home is off the beaten path~ a dirt road with puddles everywhere from the rain, we know how special it is because she worked hard for it.  She built her home herself and has 4 beautiful children that she works so hard for. I admire her so much for her strength and perservance through times that most of us living in the US could never even imagine. She welcomed us to her home with open arms and we are so grateful for this experience. 

After dinner, Ashley and I went out dancing with Khun and Molly. It has been such a touching experience to become so close with locals here in Cambodia. Their huge hearts have made an impression on me and they will forever have a place in my heart. People often forget that kindness is free. I am so grateful for meeting this wonderful family and being reminded of that. <3 

Siem Reap and all of it's treasures

Yesterday Ashley and I flew from Bangkok to Siem Reap, Cambodia. We arrived at our hostel called Mad Monkey and checked in. We found out that there was a black light party on the roof top sand bar! 

 

We walked to get dinner and stumbled upon an awesome place called Pub Street. 

Ashley asked a local to recommend a place to eat. She recommended a place called Khmer Family Restaurant. 

We loved it! We couldn't get over that draft beers were 50 cents. When the guy sitting next to us heard me say that- he started talking to us. He knew it must be our first day if we were surprised by the beer prices! It turns out that he was from New Zealand. We also met an adorable, sassy, sweet local named Linda who sold us Cambodia bracelets.   

Later that night we headed to the black light party.

  

The roof top sand bar is an awesome spot~ 

After the party, we headed back to Pub Street to drink and dance. We met up with our new friends from New Zealand and stayed out basically until the sunrise. At 5 am, we were picked up by a tuk tuk and driven to see the ancient ruins of Angkor Wat.

Angkor Wat, directly translated as Temple City, is one of the largest religious monuments ever constructed. We spent the day exploring these beautiful, fascinating temples. We even had a volunteer tour guide who taught us so much about the temples. He was the best! 

We finished our day with dinner at the Cambodian BBQ~

Then we had half hour leg massages for $3- much needed after all the hiking that we did today! 

Cambodia has offered us more than we could have ever imagined. From getting a massage for $3 and a meal for $4, to meeting the friendliest locals and exploring fascinating ancient ruins~ we have enjoyed every moment of this place. 

<3 

Bangkok to Siem Reap

We just arrived back at the airport, but this time for a one hour flight to Cambodia. Looking forward to exploring temples in Siem Reap tomorrow and having drinks on a roof top sand bar at Mad Monkey tonight 😁

Arrived in Thailand

After 24 hours of traveling, we arrived at the Rembrandt hotel in Bangkok, Thailand. We took what felt like the best showers of our lives and we are ready to sleep in a bed instead of an airplane seat! We leave tomorrow morning and head to Cambodia around 3. We can't wait to explore Cambodia! 

Arrived in Japan!

After a long 13 hour flight, several movies, and as much sleep as possible, Ashley and I arrived at our connecting location~ Tokyo Japan. We are ready for much needed Sapporo beers and Sake bombs!  Cheers from Japan! 

checked in!

Ashley and I arrived at Newark airport, checked in, and are ready to take off! First stop~ sake bombs in Tokyo :) bye America!! 

Packed!

After traveling abroad alone for the first time last summer with 2 suitcases and a carry-on bag~ I learned my lesson- less is more. Thoreau said it best "simplify, simplify." So I got a High Sierra Explorer backpack and a waterproof day bag to fit everything I'll need for the next 5 weeks. I am so excited to explore the culture and temples of Cambodia, take care of rescued elephants, relax on some beautiful beaches, and go diving off the coast of Thailand. Asia I am ready for you :D