I decided to rearrange my schedule to go Mount Rinjani trekking after hearing several people say it was their favorite part of visiting Indonesia. When everyone agrees that one thing was his or her favorite, it’s a no brainer. I’d been told that the trek was extremely difficult and not everyone would summit. This idea […]
Snorkeling in Nusa Lembongan: What it’s like
The boat hits a wave, and suddenly, we’re airborne. Everyone gasps in unison, grasping for whatever they can hold onto. The boat tips to the right, and finally, lands back on the water evening itself out. We all brace ourselves for the next wave, and when it comes, it’s even bigger than the last. This […]
Sustainable Tourism in Phnom Penh, Cambodia
I ended up staying at my hostel in Phnom Penh to catch up on work by the pool for 11 days. At first, it’s easy to see why no one wants to spend time in this city. Scams are at large and bag snatchers are a serious problem. If you walk down the streets at night, […]
Cambodia Travel Tips for First Time Visitors
Here’s my list of Cambodia travel tips that I learned while doing research on Cambodia plus my experiences while there for a month. Cambodia is an interesting country with ancient temples, thriving cities, and a dark past. This is everything you should know before arriving. Cambodia Travel Tips Before You Go… Travel Document Requirements * […]
Trying Weird & Exotic Foods in Siem Reap
Cambodia is like a mecca of weird foods. It’s the only place I’ve ever been where crickets and tarantula make it onto the menu. I’ve had a lot of people ask me “why?” Why try these very weird delicacies? For starters, I have a when in Rome policy. I like to experience the world the […]
Biking to Tonle Sap Lake in Siem Reap, Cambodia
Before arriving in Siem Reap, I’d heard mixed reviews about Tonle Sap Lake. Some said it was beautiful, while others described it as a tourist trap. After talking to a few people, I felt deterred in going. At the same time, I had planned a few extra days in the area and was a little […]
Inside the Phnom Penh Killing Fields Tour
Please note that this post may contain disturbing images and stories. I’d like to mention that I felt very conflicted about taking these photos. Often times I took a photo while tears welled up in my eyes. The people of Cambodia have chosen to display these images and remains so that people can learn their […]
Angkor Wat Photography
There are some places in the world that I could write about for days, and there are others that are best seen in photos. Angkor Wat is the latter. Constructed in the 12th century, this once Hindu temple was later converted to a Buddhist temple. It’s now a major tourist attraction and the largest religious […]
Relatable Words of Wisdom from a Thai Monk
I think the western world has a weird fascination with monks. From afar they seem to be these superior beings full of knowledge and wisdom. You half expect them to sound like Yoda when they talk. So when a monk talks to you about taking a dump in the toilet it takes you a little […]
Silent Meditation Retreats: What’s the Hardest Part?
Immediately after leaving my silent meditation retreat, I was bombarded with one simple question. “How was it?” Three teeny tiny words, yet it was an impossible question to answer. Honestly it was the hardest thing I’ve ever done mentally, but saying that sounds like such an exaggeration. The ironic thing is that being silent wasn’t […]