I have been in Cambodia now for over a month and a half. I want to share a few things that I really truly love about this country and why people should visit.
THE FOOD
Okay if you know me, you know that I love food. I am a fanatic when it comes to trying new things. Some of my favorite Khmer (Cambodian) dishes include vegetable spring rolls in peanut sauce, yellow noodles, and the fried rice. Rice is a staple of the diet that everyone in Cambodia has. They will eat it breakfast, lunch and dinner. I have discovered that rice is also shaped and molded to look many different ways. Noodles, chewy balls, wraps, casings of fillings and ice cream and so many more.
KHMER NEW YEAR
So this has got to be one of the biggest holidays celebrated here. The New Year stems from traditional Khmer religions, but in modern day looks like a gigantic water fight that an entire nation is holding. This event happens in April… perfect timing because my team was able to experience it in all it’s glory. This is a nearly week-long celebration. Anywhere outside is fair game. So suit up and choose your weapon, whether that is a bucket, water gun or water balloon.
THE HIDDEN TREASURES
It is easy to go to a country and visit all of the most popular places to see. Many people come to Cambodia to see Angkor Wat or the many sites in Phnom Penh. Although these places are beautiful and historic, I suggest taking a break from the places that are bustling with tourists. My group and I took a chance on adventuring to places that weren’t as popular. One of the places we visited was a Lotus farm that was also a textile company. It was not only a dreamy place to hop through lotus fields, but getting to see the vision behind the farm was worthwhile in itself. The vision behind the company is to give jobs to impoverished women in the small community. So my advice is visiting places where you can see locals in their daily lives. That is a great way to empower yourself too, because some of the jobs that people have are crazy cool.
I hope that one day you guys can visit some of the beautiful places I have created a short life within!! Thanks for reading. God bless 🙂
