So I landed here just after the Philippine army had just recaptured Marawi city. Which had been under the control of ISIS for many months.
I was told not to go, even though I was over 128km from there.
Natural scenery and beautiful food
I have to say it was probably the safest place I have been to in the whole of the Philippines. The people are lovely and really are friendly and welcoming.
I met a local girl there who guided me around the city, showing me so much of what I would have missed had I been alone.
She helped me understand the culture and explained so much about the history of the island.
I went to a nature reserve and visited a local church where she goes with her family. Along with the local museum, which is situated in a remarkable building.
I hope to go back this year and uncover more about a lovely peaceful island in the Philippines, which is far removed from Manila.
Believed to be the oldest Stupa in the world, according to some legends. However, history has it built much later, around the 6th Century.
It gives off a special feeling when you are inside the grounds. It is very calming and one of the few places I have been that whilst, full of people it is very quiet and reflective.
It presents a very significant part of the Skyline of Yangon. It is worth seeing it from many locations from rooftops around the city to give you a better perception of its grandeur and significance.
Sacred Relics
It is by far the most sacred pagoda in Myanmar. Due to it holding relics of 4 buddhas of the present Kalpa. ( which I guess translates to something like era )
One important thing that stands out in Burmese culture. The majority of Burmese are Theravada Buddhists and they believe it is important to know what day of the week you were born.
Buddhists here mark the days with animals representing the day —garuda for Sunday, tiger for Monday. A lion for Tuesday, tusked elephant for Wednesday morning, tuskless elephant for Wednesday afternoon. A Mouse for Thursday, a guinea pig for Friday and nāga for Saturday.
Then, a golden mystery upheaved itself on the horizon, a beautiful winking wonder that blazed in the sun, of a shape that was neither Muslim dome nor Hindu temple-spire. It stood upon a green knoll, and below it were lines of warehouses, sheds, and mills. Under what new god, thought I, are we irrepressible English sitting now?
There’s the old Shway Dagon’ (pronounced Dagone), said my companion. ‘Confound it!’ But it was not a thing to be sworn at. It explained in the first place why we took Rangoon, and in the second why we pushed on to see what more of rich or rare the land held. Up till that sight my uninstructed eyes could not see that the land differed much in appearance from the Sunderbuns, but the golden dome said: ‘This is Burma, and it will be quite unlike any land you know about.’ ‘It’s a famous old shrine o’ sorts,’ said my companion, ‘and now the Tounghoo-Mandalay line is open, pilgrims are flocking down by the thousand to see it. It lost its big gold top—’thing that they call a ‘htee—in an earthquake: that’s why it’s all hidden by bamboo-work for a third of its height. You should see it when it’s all uncovered. They’re regilding it now
It is impressive at any time but I do recommend visiting late afternoon as the sun is about to set. That way you see it in daylight and as the sunsets and darkness descend. It really is breathtaking to capture this amazingly beautiful temple at this time.
So, being the most obvious place to stay when you go on holiday or travel anywhere in the world will be a Hotel.
After all, it is why there are over 200,000 of the damn things globally. According to Booking.com
But do we really want to stay in the same 4 walls, showing the same style of painting with a regular smart TV hung on the wall?
Not really, but I understand the need for them.
If you are travelling away on business and do not have the time to source a restaurant, you need an early wake-up call. Late-night room service or maybe access to facilities like a gym.
I have done this many times in the past.
Maybe as a family, you need comfort and somewhere to entertain the kids during the day. A pool, a play area Hotels have it all. Plus if you are on a budget then all-inclusive for a large family can really benefit.
Many of my friends have needed this option.
Distance from reality
But for the world traveller, backpacker or nomad, not only is hotels a bit high on the budget but it keeps you at arm’s length from nature, culture, and reality.
Well for me at least.
Yes, sure you can get a cheap room now and again, I will always look at a bargain as you can spoil yourself and be a prince for a night. ( or a princess)
However to feel the real vibe of a city, look for a local place, guesthouse, etc and enjoy it.
Guesthouse in Thailand for around $20 per night
Hotel room in Singapore at about $65 per night
I have done a few and will continue to look for a good one. There are a time and place for staying in one and I will be the first to admit that.
But use them sparingly and plan your trip well.
Obviously, if you are on your honeymoon then don’t scrimp on the money, else you may find yourself divorced rather quickly.
Did you know?
The first Hotel as they are known now was established in 1768 in Exeter, England. whilst prior to this being built, there was something called Coaching Inns, which in essence was the first place where you paid for accommodation on a short-term basis.
So living in Cambodia for over a year has had its ups and downs. Mainly ups but as we start the new year, one thing has reared its head.
Over in Asia travelling has its consequences. From earthquakes in Indonesia and Japan to Typhoons in the Philippines. And now another outbreak of a virus such as this one. They tend to originate more in the east than the west.
At the date of writing this, there is confirmed over 7000 number of patients and over 170 dead.
The first patient identified in Cambodia in a place called Silankouville which has had the reputation of becoming a mini Chinatown for the last few years.
What was once a beautiful beachside town with great resorts as become a construction site with more cranes littering the skyline than bigger cities in the west.
Here in Kampot, the paper surgical mask is making a comeback as many people take the threat posed seriously. Wearing the mask will only limit the passing from infected to non-infected I hear, but I guess being safe is better than not.
It started off as a slow start to the year. Having lots to prepare ready for the next few months meant I was focused on other things and therefore I didn’t realise we were progressing quickly.
The Chinese New Year brought an end to the month and a new threat in the form of Coronavirus which crippled China in the blink of an eye made me focus more clearly. Things like this is more apparent when, as a Westerner in Asia, you are closer to what is happening and therefore you see how quickly things develop.
Every Volunteer brings something different
During this month I have found myself comparing life to what it was like the year before. I guess it is why you should never stay too long in the same place. Last year was an awesome experience made more so by the volunteers that arrived.
And whilst this year’s volunteers are just as important and dedicated to helping on the farm my mind brings up memories.
Memories
I guess that first shared experience with the likes of Paul and Natalia back in December and early January. As well as the unforgettable Olie and Caroline who we shared our first Cambodian Wedding together are always going to bring back good memories.
Then came the turn of our first French volunteer and arguably one of the best ever in Lucie( certainly in the top 5 volunteers ever)
She really epitomised the role of volunteering and workaway cultural immersion like no other.
Along with the comical Teddy from New Mexico.
Who left an action-packed two weeks etched in my memory of the fun we had. We shared many nights playing cards and discussing the world in general. Not to mention the many beers and rice wine parties we had with the family and workers.
A 20 something French girl, a 30 plus guy from New Mexico and Brit in his 40s living on a farm in the middle of South East Asia is a definite recipe for a sketch show in my opinion.
A younger group followed then in the form of Chloe from France. David from Switzerland who I have kept in touch with since he left and although he is back in his country studying hard, I am sure we will meet again on our travels.
This year’s journey will be a different chapter in my life and that of the farm. A lot as changed this year and when I do leave the farm, it will be hard to let go but I am sure that I will always leave a part of me here.
Called Pchum Benh. A Cambodian festival that lasts for 15 days, although the people only celebrate for 3 of them.
Description
Pchum Ben (Khmer: បុណ្យភ្ជុំបិណ្ឌ; “Ancestors’ Day”) is a 15-day Cambodian religious festival, culminating in celebrations on the 15th day of the tenth month in the Khmer calendar, at the end of the Buddhist lent, Vassa.
It is said that is the most auspicious festival in Cambodia as families come together to celebrate their ancestors.
Going back up to 7 generations they pray and bless their family heritage.
Now Cambodian’s being predominately Buddhists, about 95% of the population follows Buddhism believes strongly in the next life.
They see people in this life with big cars, nice houses and large amounts of money and believe they must have done something good in their previous life. This I guess gives them a reason for accepting bad things in the here and now and trying to do good.
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Did you know?
Cambodian’s celebrate life. When a person dies, they hold a service that lasts about 7 days. Where food is put on and monks will come and chant over the body. People, family, friends, and acquaintances can also come from all over to pay respects.
They then do it again 100 days after and then again 3 years later.
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