#CambodiaOnCrutches

In the New Year you’re not inclined to look back but forward into the New Year. As you’ve learned from reading this blog neither of us tend to abide by the norm. Therefore we’re taking it back…way back to November 2014.

You have read that we had a house full of visitors in November. Two of our wonderful visitors from the States were our family members Fluffy Oswego* and Earl Cimarron.* It was the first time for both of them to Singapore and Asia. They were both surprised how clean, safe, organized and hot Singapore was. They were also both on a quest for passport stamps so they went to Indonesia for lunch, which is just a short ferry ride away, while Raegen and I were at work and then they got a really cool passport stamp when we all went to Siem Reap,Cambodia.

When we were discussing with Earl and Fluffy where else in the region we should travel to, Fluffy suggested Siem Reap.  Raegen had been to Siem Reap in 2009 and talked about what a great trip it was.  It was a growing tourist destination and he encouraged us to go as soon as possible to really be able to dive into the culture, temples and take advantage of the cheap prices. Both Fluffy and Earl were excited for the adventure so off we went.

There is such a sad but long history surrounding Cambodia so we’ll attempt to keep it brief but educational. (That is the name of the game after all!) Siem Reap is home to Angkor which is as UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) puts it, one of the most important archaeological sites in Southeast Asia. It contains the famous temple of Angkor Wat, Angkor Thom, Bayon Temple just to name a few. All are remains of the different capitals of the Khmer Empire, from the 9^th to 15^th century. UNESCO’s goal is to and they do this by building intercultural understanding through protection of heritage and support for cultural diversity. They created the idea of World Heritage to project sites of outstanding universal value. In the Angkor site (Siem Reap) UNESCO has done this by setting up a wide-range of programming to safeguard this site and its surrounding. 

After reading a plethora of reviews on the Singapore Expat Wives Facebook page and TripAdvisor, we settled on staying at the Navutu Dreams Resort and Spa (highly recommend) and we found a great tour guide in Hong from Sophana Private Tours. 

Our trip was two nights and three days which provided us with plenty of time to enjoy the great Khmer food, see the magical temples and enjoy our travel buddies. While we visited many of the temples, we took a trip to a floating village. I think I can speak for all of us when I say this part of the visit made a huge impact on us. 

There are a few villages such as the one we visited…local villages literally built on the water for fisherman and their families. The families then migrate twice a year as the water table in the lake changes to be closer to the fish. This village is amazing in the sense that they have a floating church, school, pig farm, grocery store…you name it! All structures are built on top of bamboo, water bottles and plastic drums so they'll float. The level of poverty and lack of facilities (clean water, waste disposal, modern amenities) are the first thing a Westerner might see. But to the members of this village it was their way of life and they weren’t lacking anything. You can tell by the photos that these kids weren’t too bothered by the simple life.

There were plenty of rides in the four person tuk tuk (i.e. cart with a little scooter attached to it), great laughs and memories made.  

Our trip by the numbers:

2.5- hour direct flight from Singapore on Silk Air

4- adults that fit in a tuk tuk

1- tuk tuk that malfunctioned as result of our group

2- visit to the night market

2- number of times Amy listened to Shake it Off by Taylor Swift before it was vetoed for the rest of the trip (although Earl insists this is an understatement.)

1- Selfie stick purchased by Earl

$75,000- IDR, amount for lunch in Indonesia

1- Tech savvy senior Buddhist monk with a smart phone

4- Beers shared on the top of a temple at sunset

Too many to count- stray dogs, cows, tuk tuks and temples

I think all of us would agree that Siem Reap was more than just a place with cool temples and great food. The people of Siem Reap were very friendly and inquisitive. Keep in mind that most adults had gone through the Khmer Rouge in the 70s or had a loved one who was impacted or killed during that time. It was a great reminder that you don’t need luxury to have a fulfilled life and a grateful heart. Raegen and I feel very fortunate that we were able to experience what Siem Reap had to offer with Fluffy and Earl and hope that on your next visit we can share that experience with you as well.  

Happy Trails,

Amy and Raegen

 * seriously....haven't you figured out these aren't anyone's real names yet? 

Okie Duckie

I’ve always been a late bloomer. It seems like everyone was always leaps and bounds ahead of me in all things growing up. You know for kids (emphasis on kids) there’s the first day of school, first kiss and in parts of the United States, their first duck hunt. Raegen experienced his first duck hunt at the ripe old age of eight. Me? Well as usual I’m a bit behind on the times and mine was at the vibrant and remarkably peppy age of 33.

As the fairy tale of firsts goes, I was sitting around the fire having a glass of wine with three handsome and experienced duck hunters when the wisest suggested I go with them the next morning on a duck hunt. Seeing that I don’t really like birds and after some rational and logical convincing I agreed to go bright and early the following morning out into the swamp.

I should have prefaced the last paragraph with the fact that I have maintained my stance with Raegen throughout our relationship that I will always try an adventure once. So far in our relationship I’ve been able to determine a few things:

•          Deep sea fishing is fun if there are no waves.
•          Deer hunting is okay if I’m in the enclosed deer stand for warmth and that no one actually shoots a deer.  
•          Scuba diving lessons in a pool weren’t my cup of tea so I’m not holding my breath for the open water. 
•          There are not many people I trust more than Raegen so I’m always willing to go for it. Once.

So the morning comes and we started gearing up for the hunt. This days' hunt required waders (picture camouflage overalls with built in boots that are waterproof) for trudging through the swamp as well as winter gear such as a beanie, gloves, long sleeves and a coat. Since I still needed to go shopping on Arden Hunters Guild for my ladies camo wear, Raegen outfitted me with the spares in the closet. Let’s just say the outfit made me look more Chris Christie than Outdoor Barbie. Nevertheless, were off. First in a boat and then on foot as we walked through the swamp back to the spot.

I was traipsing along thinking “these waders are pretty smart. I am waist deep in water and I’m dry. Brilliant!”  

I guess I jinxed myself because as we strolled through the swamp my right foot started getting cold and a little damp. Yes, there was a hole in the boot of my wader. Being stubborn and determined I decided to keep going.

We made it to the spot and the guys set up the decoys and their blind. I propped my foot up on a swamp chair to drain out the water (and proceeded to stand like that for 2.5 hours) and life was good. There was no wind which isn’t good for duck hunting but besides that it was a gorgeous day to be out in nature minus one essential thing for duck hunting. Ducks.

After lots of duck calling, waiting, a conference call, and some more waiting we finally saw some ducks. The guys managed to get two ducks. Simba (our furry hunting companion) dutifully retrieved the downed ducks and the day was looking up. Until it wasn’t. That was all the retrieving Simba had to do that day. On the plus side, at least we didn’t get skunked (i.e. zero) and Dr. Wally* was able to take some duck home for dinner.

All in all I’d say duck hunting wasn’t too bad and I’m sure I could be convinced to go again under the right weather circumstances. Although this time I’m bringing my own waders.  

Until Then,

Amy and Raegen

*If you haven’t figured it out by now, all names have been changed for the sake of protecting the innocent.