This is our first trip to Asia, so much is new to us. But a lot isn’t, because – despite what you might suppose or see on TV – people are very similar, all over. Here is a look at some of the similarities and differences. Comparisons of child-raising, sanitation, cooperation and public welfare, off-the-books activities, and driving…
Neighborhood: Otres 1 Beach Also called: N/A Pros: Many nearby restaurant options, so you can go to a different one for every breakfast, lunch, and dinner – if you wanted to. (Otres 2 options are more limited.) Close to Otres Village, which is fun to explore, especially for the Night Market. (This is also true of Otres 2.)…
These are ranked in the order I liked them in, based on food and ambiance. B’s ratings would be different, I’m sure. Moorea Beach [Otres 1]: We got comped drinks here after our island tour, because the outing was supposed to include breakfast, but didn’t. After that, B ordered the mixed salad, which was made of…
Cambodians raise their children in a way that Westerners might call ‘European,’ but I think it’s a parenting style all their own. It’s based on shared responsibility and high expectations. Hilary Clinton may have famously written that, ‘it takes a village to raise a child,’ but Cambodians actually act that way. Anyone and everyone is liable…
And by buddy system, I mean extortion, bribery, and preferential treatment. This is a common way of doing things in Cambodia – though this is also the case in many other countries. (Russians even have a specific word for getting something by knowing someone: по блату. Google Translate translates it as ‘to pull,’ and Wikipedia under-estimates it…
Cambodian cuisine revolves heavily around rice, as in multiple countries in this part of the world. Someone explained to us that the rice is considered the ‘main,’ and then small quantities of vegetables and meats in sauces are added, just to help you eat the rice. Rice noodles are also quite prevalent. Lok lak (pictured):…
We managed to spend a month in Kampot! We really enjoyed this small Cambodian town, though it had little to do with the below activities and more to do with the relaxing atmosphere, delicious food, nice people, and overall vibe. That said, here are some things you can do in this town: Sunset firefly cruise: There’s…
I have not been taking many photos of the town we’re in because I’m seeing it from the seat of a bicycle or a moped, and I’m just not that coordinated. In the absence of eloquent images, here are some less-than-eloquent words. The town of Kampot has been described as sleepy, quiet, and relaxed. Those…
We were in Kep just for the day. We found the entire town to be pretty abandoned, except at the Beach area. Statues (Dolphins, Shiva, Vishnu, Crab, White Horse, White Lady): This town has more statues at roundabouts than any other we’ve been to. It’s actually a weird mix: the White Lady is wearing too…
N and I brought in the New Year at an Integral Yoga retreat called Hariharalaya. For five days and five nights, we ate vegan, avoided caffeine and alcohol, limited our usage of electronic devices, performed Asanas, meditated, lounged around, and met a lot of wonderful new people. N already gave a great summary of the…