The Cambodian Coast
The final piece of our Cambodian adventure had to be oceanside, so we decided to visit the towns of Sihanoukville and Kep. From Siem Reap, we took a night bus to Phnom Penh then on to Sihanoukville (after about a 30 minute “layover” in PP – just enough time at 1am for T to tuk-tuk to our PP hostel to pick up our point-and-shoot which we had accidentally left there). The night bus is a new concept in these parts, …
Angkor What?!
Once again, Tyler and I found ourselves in a place that leaves you speechless – that completely exceeds the hype – that demands introspection upon inspection – that inspires architectural awe and fills you with wonder. The serenity, splendor, and spirituality of Angkor Wat and surrounding temples is well-known and documented, but is something to experience firsthand. We were lucky to have an overcast misty day to keep us cool-ish (still 90+) and to add to the mysterious aura surrounding …
Putting the Indo in Indochina
In Central and South America, I was mistaken for all of the following nationalities: Belizean, Nicaraguan, Panamanian, Dominican, Israeli (to be fair, the woman might’ve been high), Colombian, Peruvian, and Brazilian. One week in Cambodia and I am decidedly Indian – even the woman giving me my $5 mani/pedi yesterday pointed out my Indian nose. This is my first time in Indochina, and I’ve always wondered how people in this region feel about both their giant over-populated neighbors. India and …
Hospitals & Weddings & Stereotypes, Oh My!
It wouldn’t really be fair to spend 2 weeks in America and not give any sort of recap of our time there – after all, adventures happen at home too. After spending a few days in Santiago, Chile, which was an extremely modern and easily navigable city, we received bad news on the home front on Thursday, the 13th. We had spent the evening at an over-priced expat sports bar in the nicest neighborhood watching the Bears vs. Packers game as …
To Aunt Dorothy
Tyler’s Great-Aunt Dorothy passed away early in the morning on Monday, September 3rd. She was almost 91 years old and in good health until being diagnosed with inoperable stomach cancer this spring. She chose not to undergo any treatment and unfortunately and most undeservedly faced a great deal of pain in her last days. When we chatted with her though, she was nothing but positive and grateful for having lived the life she had. Her faith in God and her …
Lakes on Lakes
It would’ve been a huge disappointment if we hadn’t made it to at least part of Patagonia on this trip, so after Mendoza, we decided to overnight bus to Bariloche. Now before you get all “oh.em.gee that’s not REAL ridiculously remote/difficult to get to/freezing cold Patagonia next to Antartica” – we are aware – but it is legitimately called northern Patagonia, and I’m not going to argue with the experts. Quite frankly, it was cold enough for my NorthFace fleece …
Is it possible to OD on Malbec?
If the answer was yes, I would’ve found out the hard way. Mendoza MUST mean “Drink Too Much Wine” in Spanish. In all of Argentina’s restaurants, they offer bottles of wine for at least 1/2 the price of water, and the grocery store sells them for what essentially rounds to free. And these are not cheap, crappy wines – these are delicious pairings to restaurant steak or homemade soup & salad in your hostel or no-food late night drinking while …
Don’t cry for me, Argentina
The truth is, I didn’t really want to leave you. That may not be apparent by my lack of posts, but don’t take it personally – I’ve just been lazy (and mildly busy). This is going to be a long one! Part One: Iguazu Falls – Argentina side (August 18) As I previously mentioned, Argentina is considered the “best” side of the Falls because it provides the most panoramic views. After a mediocre breakfast of delicious coffee with plain bread and super …
How to travel like a pseudo-backpacker
*So I wrote this weeks ago and just never posted it. As an FYI, it was written on Friday, August 19th in Iguazu Falls, Argentina. We’ve received a number of inquiries about what we’ve packed and how/why, how we plan our destinations and find what to do/where to eat, and general travel advice. As I wait for my family to arrive in our B&B in Iguazu Falls, Argentina (they have been traveling for forever, and their last flight was delayed, so …
Iguazu Falls & Itaipu Dam, Brazil
After spending the most incredible few days in Bonito, our new favorite “nature-y” destination, I wasn’t sure I was ready to have Mother Nature blow me away again with Iguazu Falls. After taking a bus back to Campo Grande and flying (via 3 stops) to Foz do Iguacu (Brazil side), we finally made it to the Green House Hostel. The hostel was pleasant – clean and decently located near buses and a supermarket – and we made use of the …