A 20-year-old girl in Cambodia.

Right now, I have some friends who are travelling through Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam. Seeing their pictures and status updates on facebook is not only making me incredibly jealous but bringing me back to the greatest experience of my life.For me to recap this experience I will have to take you back to 2009.

2009 – Me a 20-year-old girl, with minimal direction in life, a student. (very similar to me now actually, just add 2 and a bit years and change student to unemployed) I had recently gone through a break up, had my wisdom teeth removed and spent weeks in bed from reactions in surgery, had an old friend pass away and get a bit down in the dumps. After the friend passed away I decided life was too short to live like this. I had some money saved as I worked way to much, so it was time for adventure.

After much consideration (about 45 minutes) I deferred Uni, so I couldn’t change my mind. I now had the free time and the urge to experience something different. Being the charitable person I am, I decided volunteering somewhere would be a good way to gain perspective. My first thought was Mexico, however my parents first thought was no.

My next choice was Cambodia and in all honesty I am not sure why it wasn’t my first choice all along. Having studied the Khmer Rouge 3 separate times in high school (once in year 7 for English, in year 9 and 10 for Asian Studies and year 11 and 12 for Modern History) I had always been fascinated by this country and its sombre history. So in the next couple of weeks I organised to volunteer in Phnom Penh teaching kids English for 6 weeks and travel around independently for a few weeks on my own to Vietnam and Thailand.

5th of September 2009 came and I was at  Sydney International Airport with my parents at 5am. Turns out when your flight is at 8am and they tell you to be there 3 hours before, they don’t really mean this, as the airport hadn’t even opened yet. I waited outside the airport for about 30 mins until the doors finally open and I jump in line to check in. (so turns out there probably wasn’t any need to run) After a scary few hours waiting nervously at the airport with my parents, whom constantly let me know that I didn’t have to go through with this, they would take me home, no questions asked. But it was something I had to do. I was scared, but in a good way.

I arrived in Phnom Penh and got to my guest house fine. Turns out 3 of the 6 people on the flight from Singapore (where I had a layover) where volunteering with me too. It was a relief to meet some people straight away.

Volunteering with these kids was one of, if not the most eye-opening experiences of my life. These children had been through terrible hardships, someone from my privileged upbringing could not even begin to comprehend.  However these children were some of the most beautiful and happy people I have ever met. They had such a childlike innocence that I lost well before  the age of 11-17 which they were when I had the pleasure of meeting them. They were smart, great dancers, unbelievably cheeky and had such a sense of community that at times, I found myself envious of. I know that may sound strange to some, but they had a great sense of community you just don’t find in the Western World. Phnom Penh and Cambodia has a completely different way of life to the Western World.

I can honestly say that I learnt a lot more from these kids about life then they ever could possibly learnt from me. They were great kids. It’s been over 2 years since I was there and I still miss them.

My trip to Cambodia also opened me up to other wonderful travel experiences. The other volunteers that were staying at the same guesthouse as me, were the best people that anyone could hope to meet when you travel. Over those 6 weeks, we became a family. A family with lots of sisters and only one brother.

My plans for travelling alone on the weekends when I wasn’t teaching these kids, didn’t really happen, instead a had a wonderful group of people to experience the journey with. Together with these people I explored Phnom Penh, including the Killing Fields, S 21, the king’s palace as well as many bars and restaurants, some cultural, some not so cultural.

I also travelling to Siem Reap with them, visiting all the temples as well as a trip to the Angkor What? bar. Oh it had to be done.

Some of the Family (i’m second from the right)

We also experienced the joys of the beaches of Sihanoukville (known to us as schnookumsville because of how someone pronounced it the first time they tried to read it) and the joys of the Mekong Buckets.

Mekong Buckets – containing one pair lemonade, one part red bull to about 10 parts cheap whiskey. (they really do look like the Mekong too)

I guess for me, this trip really was a once in a lifetime adventure. Going alone, I learnt so much about what I am capable of, so much about Cambodia and the world around me. So much about life and how other people live as well as learnt a lot about a group of people I otherwise would have never had the pleasure of meeting. It really was the greatest all round experience with a great mix of culture, growth, learning, fun and adventure. I recommend Cambodia as a must see destination for anyone that is interested in travel. After being around Europe and the USA since, I think Cambodia will always still hold that special place in my heart.

Top Travelling on the Cheap Destination Choices.

Right now I am currently on the look for a new job. But if that plan fails, I plan on jumping ship and heading on a small me trip to cheer me and my lack of career paths up. However as one doesn’t have said job, money is a little tight. So I have been researching cheap locations and here is a list of my top choices. If anyone is reading this list, keep in mind that I am located in Australia, so these are cheap options for an Aussie to go visit in terms of including cheap flights as well as being a cheap location. Every site I have come across is from an American perspective making Mexico and Eastern European countries high on the list, and high on my list of ‘I wish I could afford you’. And with the Australian economy being as good as it is, there has never been a better time to hit the road.

Vietnam – I have been to Vietnam, but only Ho Chi Minh city and south of there, so a very small part. However Vietnam is cheap to fly to with flights being around $700-$800 return and accommodation being from no more than a $10 a night for a private guesthouse (and I mean maximum) Beautiful food, lovely people,fascinating culture, beautiful scenery. It’s pretty high on the list.

Cambodia – I have been to Cambodia and seen quite a bit. I probably wouldn’t go back because I am  scared to go back and tarnish my perfect view of this country. Although flights are semi expensive to Phnom Penh or Siem Reap because there are no direct flights from Australia. However direct flights from Darwin will be brought in to Phnom Penh by Jetstar as of April, making it an even cheaper option. Once you arrive however, you will be greeted by one of the most amazing cultural wonders around. A main meal at a restaurant will be as little as $2 (US currency so even less for an Aussie right now) and a double room will cost around $6. Cheap Cheap Cheap. Attractions are plentiful and cheap and you will find many cheap bargins at the numerous markets. Tuk Tuks and Moto’s provide cheap transport options, just be sure to barter.

India – I have never been to India, however it looks to be such a lively country. Flights are not as cheap as some other parts of Asia like Vietnam and Thailand, however you can get lucky and find the occasional fair that compares to these other destinations. With food and accomidation being just as cheap if not cheaper then South East Asia, it is definately up there on the exciting yet cheap destinations list. Materials and bangles are very cheap for fashion lovers and markets are meant to be plentiful.

Bolivia – The cheapest area of the South America’s region, however flights make this option a little out of my budget. But only a little, hence why I am still placing this on the list.

Ethopia – Same as above. The direct flights from Australia to Ethopia make this trip seem impossible, however flights from Ethopia to Asia, make this a dream for someone planning to go to Asia anyway. One you get there, you will apparently live without any wallet worries. And judging by the picture to the right, its well worth the trip.

Laos – Whilst I have seen a fair bit of South East Asia, Laos is one I have never really known much about. Less untouched then other South East Asian countries, it apparently offers a more authentic experiences. That sounds very promising. It is also much cheaper (didn’t know that was possible)

So there you have it. My cheap cheap list. Who knows were I will end up.

Reasons why I travelled alone (and why I would do it again)

There is nothing quite like the experience of your first solo trip abroad. The nerves, the adrenaline, the excitiment, the sheer fear, the independance, the feeling of freedom.

Two years ago I embarked on my first solo adventure as I travelled to Cambodia, Vietnam and Thailand. Having been to Thailand before I knew kind of what to expect but I was still so far outside my comfort zone being alone. At this point I was 20 years old and had barely even gone to the shops by myself let alone done anything really alone. Looking back sometimes I still have trouble believing that it is something that I really did. Whilst I was in Cambodia I undertook some volunteer work and met a lot of people, other travellers as well as locals and it was a good way to make the experience that little bit less scary. But these are the reasons I travelled alone.. and why ultimately I would do it again.

• The freedom – When you travel alone you can plan to do exactly what you want to do. You can stay in certain places as long as you want, have days where if you do not feel like doing anything but read or sit in a park, thats exactly what you can do. You can choose the activities in which you undertake and what you don’t have any interest in.
• The rewards  – When something goes wrong by yourself, its scary, but you don’t really freak out, because freaking out is in a weird way kind of a luxury. Have you ever seen those little kids lost in a supermarket, where they look so scared and they are way to scared to cry. It is only when being reunited with mum that they allow themselves to really feel what they felt and cry and get angry at mum. Being on your own is very much like that, you don’t have the luxury to get that scary or break down, you just have to get on with it and figure it out and that is exactly what you do. The feeling after this is amazing, because you get to see how strong you really are.
• No compromises – I’m not saying that travelling with a partner wasn’t nice, it definately has its good points, someone to talk to, someone to share everything with, someone to discuss things with.(thou I can say with a certain positivity that the next time I travel with a partner will be my honeymoon and not a moment sooner……even then might suggest that me and my future partner honeymoon separately) But at the end of the day both me and the person I travelled with had to make a lot of compromises for each other. He missed out on things he wanted and I missed out too. Travelling alone can have lonely parts but ultimately you avoid dissapointments too.
• Meeting people – When you travel alone, you meet a lot more people. I think its a combination of you being more approachable and you wanting to approach more. But ultimately you will meet people if you are alone.

I encourage anyone that is interested in travel to travel solo at some point of your lives. It teaches you your limits, is character building and really allows you to get to know yourself. It may just be the best thing you ever do.

5 Destinations for fellow History Buffs.

Whilst the term ‘history buff’ might be at little strong a name to describe myself, I love history and learning about recent past events of the world. And there is no better way to learn about these events then being exactly where they happened, hearing first hand accounts and seeing these sites for yourself. These are my 5 top destinations based on modern history. Keep in mind, I’m only mentioning places I have been. I’m sure there are many more fasinating destinations for this, in which I intend to find.

1.) Northern Ireland (Belfast and Derry) -  Belfast and Derry both share a sad politcal past. Whilst there is peace in these areas, tensions of past conflicts still remain to be seen. It was an area where a Union Jack made me feel a little uneasy. The murals found at Derry and Belfast show messages of hope, inspiration and strength and these murals were often the only way for the Irish Catholics to get there points of view across due to the censorship of the media. The Bloody Sunday site of Derry, shows the world what really is at stake. The Black Cabs Taxi Tour I did in this area was a highlight of my travels worldwide. The first hand accounts of bullets, bloodshed and brotherhood are vivid, passionate and incredibly moving.

2.) S21 and the Killing Fields (Phnom Penh)- In 2009 I travelled to Phnom Penh. Having studied the Khmer Rouge in high school it was always a period of history that compelled me. Being at S21, the school the Khmer Rouge transformed into a torture chamber and concentration camp was amongst some of the haunting stories I have ever heard. However it is not for everyone, blood stains still clearly visable and teeth and bone fragments can be seen at the killing fields. However it is a dark part of history that I feel everyone should know about. A greater percentage of the Khmer population died then Hilter took of the Jewish population, yet it seems to be missed in the history books.

3.) Berlin Wall – As a child my parents always told me of their travel stories. Amongst my favourite was the story about how they got a visa to go through east germany and out the other side of Checkpoint Charlie. Since then it has always been somewhere I wanted to go, to see for myself. The wall is not what you imagine, its wider and had large monuments stuck in the middle of no man’s land. The stories of separation, escape successes and failures and oppression in such a recent time really rang true how lucky I felt that my ancestors never experienced this, but many people did.

4) Budapest Prague and Other parts of Central Europe. – Firstly these areas faced the horrors of the Nazi’s. These areas were then ‘liberated’ by the Soviet Union, only to be passed onto another regime of horror by the Soviets through a dictatorship of communism. However despite these horrors you still manage to see human kindness in these tragedies. At the ‘House of Terror’ muesum in Budapest I heard a story. A story of a man who was in a prison chamber with his friend. Starving. They both were. His friend dissapears. He wonders if he will ever see him again. His friend reappears but doesn’t say anything, just grabs both hands and kisses him. But he was not really kissing him, but placing sugar cubes into his mouth with his. He committed that this single act of friendship in sharing these sugar cubes was the reason that he was still alive. The reason he had a wife and kids and a happy family and a furfilling life. I haven’t been able to repeat that story to anyone because I can’t bring myself to say it out loud without crying. Deeply moving.

5) Bratislava Slovakia. – Whilst I know this area is in Central Europe. I am going to give it a special mention. It was a very last minute thing to go here in the first place and it was somewhere I’d never really considered. However the history I learnt here was unlike other history. It was almost unknown. Did you know that the famous tank man photo of Prague Spring was actually taken in Bratislava. And that mysterious car crashes of officials are now being investigated by the UN. Need I say more.