#this movie is one of the clearest memories i have in my whole 21 years in life

[thebarbieghost]

At this point watching mama mia is not enough I need it to play 24/7 through my brain

[qtakesnola]

The Blue Roofs

I realized recently that what I want to write about as a science communicator is mainly weather and natural disasters. The side effect of this (of many, I should say) is that it means devoting myself to a line of work where I'm constantly witnessing the dark side of Mother Nature. If you venture down to Grand Isle or the Houma Nation, you'll get your fix.

The second day of the trip, we drove from downtown to Port Fourchon. This port houses hundreds of inactive oil vessels and is the home to oil rigs as they pass inspection and before they are deployed into the Gulf. It's not the easiest sight to behold.

We met three key players of our trip down here. Leo Lindner survived the Deepwater Horizon explosion (he's not featured in the movie but you still watch it if you can get through it https://thelensnola.org/2020/04/21/grappling-with-meaning-10-years-after-macondo/). Sara Sneath is an environmental journalist based in New Orleans (https://southerlymag.org/author/sara-sneath/). Lastly, we drove down with a new Medill alum, Maggie.

Maggie is my age, having graduated from Medill last year. She's a New Orleans native. My clearest memory of Hurricane Katrina is taking canned goods into my second grade class for victims. For Maggie, her family evacuated and their home was destroyed. She attended a school further north for a year before returning to New Orleans.

Hurricane damage is a combination of every type of storm damage you can imagine. There's wind damage, water damage, ocean debris, plastic debris, shaken foundation, missing lives.

In my head, I knew Grand Isle would be hard to see. Maggie even warned us on our drive down: "brace yourself". In-person, it was more weird than anything. Weird to see houses upside down. Weird to see people living in trailers parked in their drive ways. Weird to see all of this destruction, tourist environment, wedged into one of the most oil rig-populated areas in the world. Grand Isle State Park is currently closed, but if you manage to peak up over the beach entrance, you see water. You see the entire Gulf of Mexico before you. On that Gulf, is dozens of wells within view. And it's only a few miles of view.

Louisianans have an inside joke. "If you see a structure with a blue tarp on its roof, you know the owner is an idiot. They're an idiot because they trusted FEMA".

FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) has its origins back to the era of Jimmy Carter. It didn't become a prominent figure in natural disasters until the 1980s. Their ultimate goal is providing temporary housing and basic necessities to people who have been harmed by a disaster, however they may define the word.

The entire coast of Louisiana (I'm assuming the whole South, as well) is dotted with blue roofs. Maggie tells me that FEMA is quick to place these shiny tarps over structures and slow to provide long-term assistance. Some of the tarps I see are battered. Maggie tells me the oldest ones are 16 years old. Since Hurricane Katrina, FEMA still hasn't fixed them.

I'll write more about hurricanes and Grand Isle, that's a promise. There's so much to this region that is impossible to explain unless you're there with me. My biggest takeaways from this day, which ended up being my favorite day of the trip:

-Mother Nature is increasing her strength.

-She's not going to stop.

-I'm eternally grateful that my dad doesn't work on an oil rig in the Gulf of Mexico.

Photos and donation links below.

https://www.townofgrandisle.com/hurricane-ida-recovery/

https://healthygulf.org/get-involved/take-action/

Leo Lindner taught English before working on the Deepwater Horizon. He survived the explosion, but his best friend didn't.

A long bridge connects Grand Isle to the main land. In the background, you can see the tops of dozens of oil well machinery.

Grand Isle. No words.

[egg-sunyoulk]

up10tion sunyoul’s high notes & best singing: a compilation (2015-2017)

hey! new to up10tion? heard of them before but haven’t gotten the chance to get into them? long-time fan? no matter who you are, you might enjoy listening to our main vocalist’s pretty voice :) if you’re not a fan of up10tion, please do me a favour and listen to at least one of the performances on this list. you won’t regret it, i promise! anyways, happy birthday to our sweet bun sunyoul~

disclaimer: not here to argue about technique, or compare to other singers! i know that sunyoul isn’t the best in terms of technique, but his voice is lovely and unique and honey10s would love to share it :)

1. sunyoul on king of masked singer: so chanwhee’s “tears” highest note hit: G5 (at 1:48) date: january 2016

this is the one that most people know- i mean, tricking an entire audience into thinking that you’re female isn’t exactly the easiest thing to do yknow this performance is what got a lot of people into up10tion (including me) so it’s a pretty important + precious performance. (also those high notes like damn)

2. come back to me - up10tion highest note: F#5 (falsetto) date: october 2017  starting from 2:51. wow. going from that emotional heavy line to that soft pretty falsetto WOW this saved my grades  (i legitimately have 2:51 to 3:05 recorded on loop and i play it daily it’s that beautiful)

3. because - up10tion highest note: D5 when harmonizing with kogyeol date: november 2016

o fuck o fuck his lil melisma thing at 2:14 is so good u gotta listen and it’s LIVE starting at 2:03 sunyoul slays the song have i mentioned that this is like my fave live performance by up10tion ever o fuck help

4. up10tion - just like that highest note: C5 date: may 2017 PLEASE LISTEN TO THIS ONE !! here’s the performance, though it was so damn good i had to make a compilation of his voice in the performance. u gotta listen. u gotta. (if ur looking at the full performance, sunyoul’s best parts start at 1:12 and 2:02.) (he wasn’t even supposed to do the little trill at 2:15 lmao so extra i love it) alsdk

5. up10tion on immortal song: baek zyoung’s “dash” highest note: D5 (falsetto) date: november 2015

i have to admit, i only included this one for the C#5 to D5 starting at 4:24, bc like... the band behind them coming to a full halt... sunyoul’s voice alone ringing through the venue... that’s some good shit 

6. white night - up10tion highest note: E5 date: november 2016 damn, this must have been a hard era for sunyoul considering that the climax of the title track is him just him and his high notes (D#5 at 2:43, and going up to E5 at 3:08). anyways they’re high notes so there you go. rest in peace white night-era sunyoul. rest in peace his vocal cords.

7. once again - up10tion highest note: B4 fave performance: august 10, 2017 in osaka that A4 at 4:04... wow. skin cleared. crops fed. prob the least strained (i think? idk man) and clearest high note i’ve heard from him

8. up10tion for onstyle: hong jinyoung’s love battery (a capella) highest note: C5 date: may 2016 i mean when wei’s making this face you know it’s good:

9. sara bareilles’ “gravity” highest note: A4 date: september 2017 wow his pronounciation is so heckin good !! also his voice is so soothing man a perfect lullaby

10. sunyoul’s a capella cover of orion highest note: D5 date: may 2017 listen to the hush that falls over the fans when he sings that fifth to the D5 at 1:01... o boi my ears are swooning

11. duet with hwanhee: urban zakapa’s painting spring highest note: D#5 date: may 2016 best parts: - the C5s + climb to the D#5 starting at 2:45 - the C5 starting at 3:09 - 3:50 to 3:53 wow - sunyoul’s excessive hand movements ??? they did well considering it was like really late and their voices weren’t in good condition and they were cute nervous baby rookies :) 

12. sunyoul + sul undo on duet song festival: so risae’s “you and i” highest note: D5 date: september 2016 the performance starts at around 1:36:22 if you click the link.  u can listen to his low range in the beginning and then the high-ass harmonies with sul undo... wow the fact that he practiced and performed with such an esteemed senior vocalist in the music industry makes it sound so polished

13. up10tion’s a capella cover of sechskies’ “couple” highest note: A4 date: december 2015

the “hamkke” (around 1:17) is beautiful. i’ve never replayed a part so much (also he cute !! cutest boy)

14. dream you - up10tion highest note: B4ish? SUNYOUL SLAYING THAT CHORUS  the first time i heard that part i was so surprised and i hope u will be surprised too

15. UP’s “Puyo Puyo” highest note: D5 (falsetto) date: august 2016 we don’t talk about this one. (but if you’re willing... sunyoul’s parts are at 0:44 and 0:58.) (you have been warned.)

16. MAMAMOO’s “Decalcomanie” highest note: C#5 date: late 2016 - early 2017 shit i love this one starts around 0:49 and the real high note starts 0:59 what a cute mamamoo fanboy

17. duet with kuhn: akdong musician’s “don’t cross your legs” highest note: D5 date: july 2017

(wow look im great at screencaps) anyways this is cute and sunyoul raps so it’s great the lil thing in sunyoul’s voice when he comes in at 0:34... you can see hongki’s eyebrows rise up to his hairline

18. let it go from frozen highest note: D#5 date: june 2017 not a fan of the high notes but when he sings “the wind is howling like the swirling storm inside” or whatever the whole world stops to listen, angels descend from heaven, elsa herself steps out of the screen to bless him with magical ice powers

19. park hyoshin’s wild flower highest note: C#5  date: may 2016

this high note... powerful as HECK... the whole thing is 13 seconds between breaths... that vibrato throughout the song is honey to my ears he sounds sort of like he’s trying to deepen his voice near the start/middle but then it gets more relaxed and normal at the end 

20. national anthem, a capella, at the nexen vs. hanhwa sports game highest note: C5 at 0:42 date: may 2016 the one i think of every time an mc describes sunyoul’s voice as pretty. i mean. it’s the national anthem. a capella. with lovely-sounding reverb and echo and all that jazz. it sounds real pretty from like 0:44 on. enjoy yourself. rock out to the korean national anthem. idk

21. cheeze’s “mood indigo” (here, or here if u want to skip to timestamps) highest note: C5 date: october 2017 yo 0:25... <3 and the sweet-sounding falsetto... when 0:47 happened i was like “aww that’s pretty” but i was sobbing by the end what a precious bun

22. everything - up10tion highest note: C5 fave performance: comeback showcase, june 2017 just the way he sings his solo part... something abt it is so sweet and soft and cute and gentle

honorable mentions:

twice’s cheer up (oh god he’s so cute)

a thousand years (wow his pronounciation... stunning)

abba’s honey honey, probably recorded in a hotel bathroom (that high note... and the lil thing he does with his voice when he sings “movie star”)

王力宏’s 春雨裡洗過的太陽

naul’s memory of the wind (mmm yess my pretty)

that one time he saw a dog and his voice went from F4 to F5

obligatory high notes:

so dangerous - up10tion (making him scream an E5 in up10tion’s debut song? @ top media + their vocal trainers: wtf are you doing to his voice regardless it’s a high note so here it is, at 3:57. pls stop damaging his voice top media)

reblog/reply with the number of your favourite performance! (only if you want to ofc)

[foundtheworl]

New Post has been published on Found The World

New Post has been published on https://foundtheworld.com/travel-cambodia-week/

How to Travel Cambodia in a Week

Cambodia is a country that has been shrouded in turmoil and unrest for decades. The country and the Cambodian people have suffered immensely, especially during the late 20th century.

During the 1970s especially, the country and population suffered from the deadly and devastating Khmer Rouge and the Cambodian Genocide for which they were responsible. You can still see the ways the country is struggling to recover from this era today.

For all its struggles, Cambodia has prevailed in the wake of conflict and controversy. Blending ancient history with its undeveloped beauty, Cambodia is a remarkable yet inexplicable country to travel through. There is the constant feeling of never knowing what to expect, which makes visiting Cambodia that much more appealing.

The painful past has perhaps made the Cambodian people stronger. Slowly but surely, the country is moving towards a move stable political and economic scene. It’s been a roller coaster ride, but the Cambodian people have risen to the challenge each and every time.

Traveling in Cambodia

All the above (and much more) is important to understand before traveling to Cambodia. But don’t worry, if you go before you know (like I did), you’ll learn along the way. There are plenty of museums and sites dedicated to educating locals and foreigners on the country’s complicated history.

If you’ve only got one week, it’s possible to hit most of the main attractions. However, if you have the time, take it! You can explore all the smaller, lesser known places and discover what Cambodia is really all about.

Travelers walking across the Thailand-Cambodia border.

But for now, let’s start with the number one destination in Cambodia:

Siem Riep

Angkor Wat

Cambodia’s claim to fame and largest tourist attraction is undoubtedly Angkor Wat, located in the city of Siem Reap. The largest religious temple in the world represents the country’s ancient history like nothing else can.

FYI: Most people refer to the whole complex as Angkor Wat. In actuality, Angkor Wat is the name of the main temple that sits outside the gates. Angkor Thom is the proper name for the ancient city, including the site of the royal palace, that lies inside the gates.

Background

Built in the early 12th century by King Suryavarman II, Angkor Wat is a perfect example of classic Khmer-style architecture. Spanning over 400 acres, the temple complex housed roughly 100 temples as well as the royal palace and public buildings from which the Khmer dynasty ruled.

Although Cambodia is a Buddhist majority, the original monuments were built as Hindu temples and dedicated to the Hindu God, Vishnu. After the 12th century they were transformed into Buddhist temples.

Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1992, the Cambodia people are so proud of Angkor Wat that they’ve even used the temple outline for their national flag.

Getting There

Most visitors of Angkor Wat stay in the city of Siem Reap, an awesome city with a lively backpacker culture. Much of the downtown targets this demographic with rows of bars with loud music and cheap drinks. If you’re traveling solo, you’ll meet some friends in this town.

From Siem Reap you can either rent a taxi or bicycle to get to the temples. We chose to rent bicycles the night before and woke up early the next morning to peddle to Angkor for sunrise. Angkor Wat sits facing west, so it’s pretty spectacular to see the sun rising behind the massive temples.

  The Grounds

The temple complex is stunning. You truly feel like you are being propelled back in time. What it took to make such a magnificent compound is incomprehensible. The details and designs are painstakingly intricate and the size is staggering. The way the trees have grown around and on top of the temples creates a genuine, old world feel.

It’s highly recommended to hire a tuk-tuk to cart you around the grounds, or rent a bike from Siem Reap. Walking around will take far too long and there’d be no way to see everything in one day. Regardless of your mode of transportation preference, two days is recommended length of time to spend here.  

 The highlights other than Angkor Wat include: the city of Angkor Thom, Preah Khan, Bayon, and Ta Prohm, AKA the Tomb Raider Temple, the sight where Angelina Jolie filmed scenes from her famous movie.

Phnom Penh

After soaking up a few days of temple ruins, the most common move for travelers is a 6-hour bus ride to the cultural, political, and economic center of the country.

Phnom Penh is a wild place. The atmosphere is electric, the vibe is intense, and there are very few rules. During the day, the dusty streets are buzzing with motorbikes and cars, markets spring up around every turn, and locals, foreigners, and ex-pats stroll the streets.

This is also the city where I experienced my first and last fish foot massage. It is as disturbing as it sounds. Tiny flesh-eating fish swarming my feet in a small pool of water and nibbling at the dry skin around my heels was not really my cup of tea. Thankfully the fish massage purchase included one free beer.

In the evening, the bars start warming up, the younger crowds turn out in hoards, and yes – the red lights turn on.

There are many more worthwhile activities to partake in, however calling the next few items “attractions” doesn’t seem right due to their horrific nature. Despite the disturbing subjects of the following sites, a visit to both is strongly encouraged in order to get a better idea of what Cambodia has endured.

Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum (S-21 Prison)

The abandoned Tuol Sleng High School became the site for the Khmer Rouge’s detention and torture chambers in 1975. For four years, the atrocities that happened here were meticulously documented until 1979, when Vietnam invaded Cambodia and defeated the Khmer Regime.

Pol Pot, leader of the Khmer Rouge, was determined to have a purely communist population. Educated people like teachers, doctors, and the religious were considered enemies of the state, rounded up, and brought to this prison.

The site has since been turned into a museum, including haunting photos of many of the victims, as well as torture devices. If wandering around the grounds doesn’t give you goosebumps, then nothing will.

One of the most depressing and darkest pieces of Cambodian history and not for the faint of heart.

  The Killing Fields of Choueng Ek

The Killing Fields is an outdoor, walkable museum that tells the horror story of the Cambodian Genocide. It’s emotional, disturbing, and 100% deserving of a visit.

The Killing Fields is the site of the execution of over 17,000 men, women, and children who were tortured at the S-21 Prison. This place doesn’t hold back in the information or the displays, some of which are truly grotesque.

There’s a touching memorial outside of the site to which anyone can contribute. Trees and bamboo stocks adorned with woven bracelets pay homage to those who lost their lives here.

Admission includes a very informative audio tour, which tells the entire story from start to finish.

Sihanoukville

After Phnom Penh, it’s time for a complete change of pace and scenery. A 5-hour bus ride southwest will land you in Sihanoukville. This is a somewhat grungy beach town overrun with ex-pats. It’s known for its all-night parties and a chilled-out vibe.

The main beach is called Serendipity. You can find plenty of cheap hostels and accommodation options near here. It’s where the $1 drinks and thumping house music can be heard literally around the clock. If this is your scene, you’ll post up here for days.

Be prepared for seemingly sweet children trying to sell their trinkets on the beach. They can get pushy. There’s also always a few locals patrolling the beach with a big basket of fruit and snacks. Sliced mango at your service!

If serenity is what you’re after, rent a scooter and check out the other beaches of Sihanoukville. Otres and Independence Beaches are good choices and don’t have the same party vibe as Serendipity.

Island Getaway

It would be a big mistake to leave Sihanoukville without escaping to Koh Rong. This island is about 2 ½ hours off shore by slow boat or 45 minutes by speed boat. Boats leave every day from Sihanoukville.

Wow. When you arrive to Monkey Beach you’ll find it hard to believe such a blissful place could exist this close to Sihanoukville. This island is breathtaking; nothing like the grubby mainland. The clearest, light blue water you’ve ever seen lap the shores of the white sand that run straight into the dark green jungle. It’s simply paradise.

Many foreigners must feel the same way, because ex-pats essentially run this whole island. From the hostels to the bars, this place is a smorgasbord of nationalities with a common story: left home to travel the world, discovered Koh Rong, and never looked back.

Several bungalows, small bars, and seafood BBQ restaurants line Monkey Beach. A fish dinner at one of these toes-in-the-sand joints is a must. A plate of grilled barracuda with two sides costs just $5.

There are no roads on Koh Rong. If you want to get from point A to point B, you do it the old-fashioned way. I highly recommended exploring this island. It’s refreshing to see that so much of it is still in its’ natural state.

The jungle is thick, and there is literally no development at all in the middle of the island. For all its beauty, Koh Rong is a very untouched place. Unfortunately, the construction seen on Monkey Beach suggestions a more developed future on the horizon.

If you think Monkey Beach is something special, just wait until you see the other side of the island. The 7km stretch of white sand known as Long Beach is a Utopia. It’s true you need to trek over an hour through the dense jungle on haphazardly mark trails, but it is SO worth it.

**********************************************************

Cambodia is a difficult country to describe. It’s dark and dirty and at the same time it’s beautiful and pristine.  It has a somber and serious history and simultaneously has some of the best nightlife in Southeast Asia.

Visiting Cambodia for a week will only scratch the surface. You’ll likely feel that you’re leaving without discovering all its secrets, and you probably are. Cambodia doesn’t disclose everything in one go. That’s why you’ll need to return, and after a week here, I’m sure you’ll want to!

[foundtheworl]

New Post has been published on Found The World

New Post has been published on http://foundtheworld.com/travel-cambodia-week/

How to Travel Cambodia in a Week

Cambodia is a country that has been shrouded in turmoil and unrest for decades. The country and the Cambodian people have suffered immensely, especially during the late 20th century.

During the 1970s especially, the country and population suffered from the deadly and devastating Khmer Rouge and the Cambodian Genocide for which they were responsible. You can still see the ways the country is struggling to recover from this era today.

For all its struggles, Cambodia has prevailed in the wake of conflict and controversy. Blending ancient history with its undeveloped beauty, Cambodia is a remarkable yet inexplicable country to travel through. There is the constant feeling of never knowing what to expect, which makes visiting Cambodia that much more appealing.

The painful past has perhaps made the Cambodian people stronger. Slowly but surely, the country is moving towards a move stable political and economic scene. It’s been a roller coaster ride, but the Cambodian people have risen to the challenge each and every time.

Traveling in Cambodia

All the above (and much more) is important to understand before traveling to Cambodia. But don’t worry, if you go before you know (like I did), you’ll learn along the way. There are plenty of museums and sites dedicated to educating locals and foreigners on the country’s complicated history.

If you’ve only got one week, it’s possible to hit most of the main attractions. However, if you have the time, take it! You can explore all the smaller, lesser known places and discover what Cambodia is really all about.

Travelers walking across the Thailand-Cambodia border.

But for now, let’s start with the number one destination in Cambodia:

Siem Riep

Angkor Wat

Cambodia’s claim to fame and largest tourist attraction is undoubtedly Angkor Wat, located in the city of Siem Reap. The largest religious temple in the world represents the country’s ancient history like nothing else can.

FYI: Most people refer to the whole complex as Angkor Wat. In actuality, Angkor Wat is the name of the main temple that sits outside the gates. Angkor Thom is the proper name for the ancient city, including the site of the royal palace, that lies inside the gates.

Background

Built in the early 12th century by King Suryavarman II, Angkor Wat is a perfect example of classic Khmer-style architecture. Spanning over 400 acres, the temple complex housed roughly 100 temples as well as the royal palace and public buildings from which the Khmer dynasty ruled.

Although Cambodia is a Buddhist majority, the original monuments were built as Hindu temples and dedicated to the Hindu God, Vishnu. After the 12th century they were transformed into Buddhist temples.

Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1992, the Cambodia people are so proud of Angkor Wat that they’ve even used the temple outline for their national flag.

Getting There

Most visitors of Angkor Wat stay in the city of Siem Reap, an awesome city with a lively backpacker culture. Much of the downtown targets this demographic with rows of bars with loud music and cheap drinks. If you’re traveling solo, you’ll meet some friends in this town.

From Siem Reap you can either rent a taxi or bicycle to get to the temples. We chose to rent bicycles the night before and woke up early the next morning to peddle to Angkor for sunrise. Angkor Wat sits facing west, so it’s pretty spectacular to see the sun rising behind the massive temples.

  The Grounds

The temple complex is stunning. You truly feel like you are being propelled back in time. What it took to make such a magnificent compound is incomprehensible. The details and designs are painstakingly intricate and the size is staggering. The way the trees have grown around and on top of the temples creates a genuine, old world feel.

It’s highly recommended to hire a tuk-tuk to cart you around the grounds, or rent a bike from Siem Reap. Walking around will take far too long and there’d be no way to see everything in one day. Regardless of your mode of transportation preference, two days is recommended length of time to spend here.  

 The highlights other than Angkor Wat include: the city of Angkor Thom, Preah Khan, Bayon, and Ta Prohm, AKA the Tomb Raider Temple, the sight where Angelina Jolie filmed scenes from her famous movie.

Phnom Penh

After soaking up a few days of temple ruins, the most common move for travelers is a 6-hour bus ride to the cultural, political, and economic center of the country.

Phnom Penh is a wild place. The atmosphere is electric, the vibe is intense, and there are very few rules. During the day, the dusty streets are buzzing with motorbikes and cars, markets spring up around every turn, and locals, foreigners, and ex-pats stroll the streets.

This is also the city where I experienced my first and last fish foot massage. It is as disturbing as it sounds. Tiny flesh-eating fish swarming my feet in a small pool of water and nibbling at the dry skin around my heels was not really my cup of tea. Thankfully the fish massage purchase included one free beer.

In the evening, the bars start warming up, the younger crowds turn out in hoards, and yes – the red lights turn on.

There are many more worthwhile activities to partake in, however calling the next few items “attractions” doesn’t seem right due to their horrific nature. Despite the disturbing subjects of the following sites, a visit to both is strongly encouraged in order to get a better idea of what Cambodia has endured.

Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum (S-21 Prison)

The abandoned Tuol Sleng High School became the site for the Khmer Rouge’s detention and torture chambers in 1975. For four years, the atrocities that happened here were meticulously documented until 1979, when Vietnam invaded Cambodia and defeated the Khmer Regime.

Pol Pot, leader of the Khmer Rouge, was determined to have a purely communist population. Educated people like teachers, doctors, and the religious were considered enemies of the state, rounded up, and brought to this prison.

The site has since been turned into a museum, including haunting photos of many of the victims, as well as torture devices. If wandering around the grounds doesn’t give you goosebumps, then nothing will.

This is one of the most depressing and darkest pieces of Cambodian history and not for the faint of heart.

  The Killing Fields of Choueng Ek

The Killing Fields is an outdoor, walkable museum that tells the horror story of the Cambodian Genocide. It’s emotional, disturbing, and 100% deserving of a visit.

The Killing Fields is the site of the execution of over 17,000 men, women, and children who were tortured at the S-21 Prison. This place doesn’t hold back in the information or the displays, some of which are truly grotesque.

There’s a touching memorial outside of the site to which anyone can contribute. Trees and bamboo stocks adorned with woven bracelets pay homage to those who lost their lives here.

Admission includes a very informative audio tour, which tells the entire story from start to finish.

Sihanoukville

After Phnom Penh, it’s time for a complete change of pace and scenery. A 5-hour bus ride southwest will land you in Sihanoukville. This is a somewhat grungy beach town overrun with ex-pats. It’s known for its all-night parties and a chilled-out vibe.

The main beach is called Serendipity. You can find plenty of cheap hostels and accommodation options near here. It’s where the $1 drinks and thumping house music can be heard literally around the clock. If this is your scene, you’ll post up here for days.

Be prepared for seemingly sweet children trying to sell their trinkets on the beach. They can get pushy. There’s also always a few locals patrolling the beach with a big basket of fruit and snacks. Sliced mango at your service!

If serenity is what you’re after, rent a scooter and check out the other beaches of Sihanoukville. Otres and Independence Beaches are good choices and don’t have the same party vibe as Serendipity.

Island Getaway

It would be a big mistake to leave Sihanoukville without escaping to Koh Rong. This island is about 2 ½ hours off shore by slow boat or 45 minutes by speed boat. Boats leave every day from Sihanoukville.

Wow. When you arrive to Monkey Beach you’ll find it hard to believe such a blissful place could exist this close to Sihanoukville. This island is breathtaking; nothing like the grubby mainland. The clearest, light blue water you’ve ever seen lap the shores of the white sand that run straight into the dark green jungle. It’s simply paradise.

Many foreigners must feel the same way, because ex-pats essentially run this whole island. From the hostels to the bars, this place is a smorgasbord of nationalities with a common story: left home to travel the world, discovered Koh Rong, and never looked back.

Several bungalows, small bars, and seafood BBQ restaurants line Monkey Beach. A fish dinner at one of these toes-in-the-sand joints is a must. A plate of grilled barracuda with two sides costs just $5.

There are no roads on Koh Rong. If you want to get from point A to point B, you do it the old-fashioned way. I highly recommended exploring this island. It’s refreshing to see that so much of it is still in its’ natural state.

The jungle is thick, and there is literally no development at all in the middle of the island. For all its beauty, Koh Rong is a very untouched place. Unfortunately, the construction seen on Monkey Beach suggestions a more developed future on the horizon.

If you think Monkey Beach is something special, just wait until you see the other side of the island. The 7km stretch of white sand known as Long Beach is a Utopia. It’s true you need to trek over an hour through the dense jungle on haphazardly mark trails, but it is SO worth it.

**********************************************************

Cambodia is a difficult country to describe. It’s dark and dirty and at the same time it’s beautiful and pristine.  It has a somber and serious history and simultaneously has some of the best nightlife in Southeast Asia.

Visiting Cambodia for a week will only scratch the surface. You’ll likely feel that you’re leaving without discovering all its secrets, and you probably are. Cambodia doesn’t disclose everything in one go. That’s why you’ll need to return, and after a week here, I’m sure you’ll want to!