The #1 reason why I can't live in a hot country

Mosquitoes. They are the bane of my existence. I have always had a hard time with these little flying demons and without fail cause an allergic reaction that results in (TMI alert) welts that swell, blister and ooze which have me scratching the skin right off. I must have been extra tasty this week because I stopped counting of the number of bites on my feet and ankles. So for the sake of science (and me not losing my mind) I am trying as many tricks as I can get my hands on to help relieve this mini hell I’m in. At the moment I can’t help but look forward to next winter where these little #$%&*# can’t get me! I LOVE WINTER!

If anything, this list will be a good reference for future insect attacks. 

Temporary relief

Hot salt water

Ice cubes (plus frozen water bottles to take to bed)

The gel from a Motrin pill

Apple cider vinegar

Deodorant

Doesn’t do much

Tiger Balm (only helps early on)

Benadryl (pill and cream)

Polysporin

After Bite

Oatmeal paste

Tums paste

Alcohol swaps
Hot tea bag
Fresh lime (this actually made it itch more)
Toothpaste

Khmer wedding fun

I never would have guessed before coming here that I would get to experience not one, but two Khmer weddings. 

Cambodian weddings traditionally consist of ceremonies and celebrations lasting three days. (I stand corrected. I just learned that a long time ago it used to be 6 days, then 3, and now most people only do 1). There is also a small window for the wedding season as most people will not marry in the rainy season and some delay it to wait for lucky dates or because of fortune telling. Everyone I spoke to had slightly different experiences but for the most part had either attended either or both the morning Khmer offering ceremony or the evening reception.

Gavin and I were invited to the receptions where we were greeted by both bride, groom and their families. We greet each other with respect by placing our hands together at our chin. The height of your hands depends on whom you are greeting. If you were greeting your friends of the same age, you place your hands at chest level however if you are greeting monks or the king, you place your hands at eyebrow level. We were then given a party favour (a pen at the first wedding and a small cloth at the second). Instead of wedding gifts, guests give money that you put inside the envelope that is provided in the wedding invitation.

Once inside, we were seated at one of the round tables. Since guests arrive at various times throughout the night, food is served as each table fills up. Throughout the evening, the newly weds and family walk around the room to chat with everyone (in between the multiple outfit changes). I was dragged up to the front to dance on multiple occasions where I was shown how to dance by taking a few steps forward then back while turning my wrists and moving my hands in circles. By the end of the evening the karaoke was in full swing, drinks were flowing and I was being dragged away by a Khmer guy to dance who kept tapping Gavin, putting his hands at his chest as to ask permission, then pointing at me. I had no idea what was going on but later joked that Gavin may have gave permission for me to be married off. We honestly have no clue!

Gavin and I were about to get a picture with the groom when a family member jumped in last minute. We learned that some people believe that if you take a picture with 3 people, one of those people will die because it is an unlucky number. 

The first wedding was much more subdued as the family were converted Mormons. We didn't stay long but had a chance to meet the family and have a pop inside. 

Gearing up for wedding #2 which would be a more traditional Khmer reception.

My lovely invitation.

Bride and groom. The reception was held in a large hall which is less common as it's more expensive. I believe the morning ceremony was set up in a tent outside.

Food served family style on a rotating board. Luckily I can use chop sticks fairly well but I would feel bad for a foreign guest who haven''t had any practice. 

After being in 3 other traditional dresses, it was time for the first of 2 white gowns. 

After the bride and groom walked 3 times around the table of fruit, they fed each other a lychee. It reminded me of the way a couple feed each other cake at western weddings. I am bit shady on the details but as I understood guests take the fruit and offer it to the bride and groom. However, I was also told that if someone offers me a piece of fruit that I must dance with them. With everything happening in Khmer, the best thing seems to be to smile and follow along!

The dance floor.

Gavin being taught some dance moves.

Koh Krobey

It has been a quiet week since nye. With work still on hold for various reasons and feeling slightly homesick, I’ve been feeling a bit off to put it mildly. Although some things have not turned out as planned, I am doing my best to stay positive and count my blessings. For me, coming here was a big leap and I don’t regret it for a second. So for now we’ll just chalk it up to this thing we call “life experience”.

Lucky for me, the hike group planned a peaceful walk in community of Koh Krobey just 30 minutes outside the city. It was a perfect pick-me-up to be with good company and while admiring the beautiful pagodas along the way. A couple of us also got embarrassingly excited when we came across a black and white cow, which reminded us of the dairy cows back home. It’s the little things.

How would you like THIS as your driveway entrance.

Monks keeping the grounds tidy.

Pagoda entrance. Unfortunately we couldn't go in but they were still lovely to look at.

My little slice of home. 

Ringing in 2015

A week before NYE, a last minute decision was made with 2 girls I met a few weeks ago to dive head first into the craziness that is Serendipity Beach in Sihanoukville. I was apprehensive about this trip since I had heard this beach is completely nuts on a regular basis let alone a big holiday.

While lounging on the beach the day of, we were invited to a pool party at a nearby hotel. Keeping with my newly found “why the hell not” attitude, we decided to check it out. I was immediately transported back to my Mexico spring break trip when I was 18. While floating around in the pool, I was fully entertained watching the drinking games and topless belly-flop competitions from a safe distance.

Later that night, the 3 of us ventured down to the beach where hundreds of people were milling about in and around the strip of bars. With each bar blasting their music, rowdy backpackers and constant fireworks going off (mostly) in one direction, it was a buzzing atmosphere. We had a blast walking along the beach and after a couple hours of dodging stray fireworks and ducking drunk Europeans, I was ready to retreat back to the hostel.

After 3 nights in a dorm with 6 bunk beds and live music sharing the building, we were more than ready to find quieter accommodations. After inquiring about a poster we saw on the wall, we found ourselves on a boat on our way to the secluded island of Koh Ta Kiev to stay at The Last Point. With no electricity or wifi this island is as peaceful as it gets. Although BK was along the same lines, we still had the comforts of toilet paper and running water courtesy of solar power. The huts were breezy and comfortable and you could hear the waves from your bed. To top it off, this place was extremely affordable starting from $4/night for a bed to $20/night for a bungalow.

The company was great and we enjoyed our evenings sitting around the bar with good food and conversation. It would have been nice to stick around for a couple more nights but I'm once again happy to return to the comforts of home.

People were walking around selling fireworks. You could basically do whatever you want with them. 

The beach was like this for over 4 hours.

Making our escape.

Our very own island! Ok, well not really, but it felt like it. 

Home sweet home for the next 2 nights. 

The bar.

Dorm style beds.

Showers and toilets.

Happy campers.

Our failed yet hilarious attempt at a jumping photo.

Christmas in paradise

Little did we know, BK practices silent meditation days every Thursday. And this Thursday happened to be Christmas. Did I mention that you are expected to remain completely silent? As in no reading, writing, music, technology or even eye contact. They encourage you to just sit and reflect. In addition to this, it is also a day of consuming only coconuts. After a quick pow-wow, we made an easy decision to break out of the retreat and go island hopping instead.

That morning we woke up, whispered Merry Christmas to each other and proceeded to sneak forbidden dessert from the night before to our room for breakfast. Our second mission was to quietly send messages and Skype family back home to say Merry Christmas. Our trike picked us up bright and early to take us to Honda Bay where we chartered a private boat to 3 beautiful islands. Now this is what I envisioned when I thought of the Philippines. Joyce and I were beaming and laughing all day long while fully enjoying talking with our outdoor voice for the first time in days.

Christmas breakfast! The hard part was sneaking the dishes back downstairs.

Cowrie Island 

This was our first stop and it was completely picturesque. Being the closest island, we shared the the beach with some Khmer families and their young kids playing in the water. The shallow warm water and palm trees to lounge under made it a perfect spot to simply relax.

We couldn't get enough of the view. 

Pandan Island 

The busiest of the islands, Pandon was buzzing with tourists plus had a couple food stalls and water activities. We also enjoyed our first cooked meal since arriving and savored each bite.

Our Christmas day meal.

Enjoying fresh coconut flesh. 

Luli Island 

Our last stop was quite special since at one point we were the only ones there (besides some staff). With the entire swimming area to ourselves, we played music and I took full advantage of the diving board. It was a perfect end to a perfect day.

Our sweet ride. 

Cannonball!