// September 27th, 2010 // 10 Comments » // Laos, Photo of the Week
These longtail boats in Muong Ngoi Neua are critical to locals’ livelihoods. With no roads, the Nam Ou River is the only form of transport in and out of Muong Ngoi Neua. Locals rely largely on fishing for both food and sale.
// September 24th, 2010 // 5 Comments » // Cambodia
Battambang is home to two popular cooking schools, and I believe they are the cheapest you will find in Southeast Asia. While the going rate at most seem to be around $25-30, in Battambang it’s just $7-8. We chose Nari’s Kitchen and had a great time. (more…)
// September 23rd, 2010 // 4 Comments » // Cambodia
Phnomh Sampeau
It was our second day in Battambang and our driver K was taking us to two temples on top of mountains: Phnomh Sampeau and Phnomh Banan. (more…)
// September 22nd, 2010 // 12 Comments » // Cambodia
This bamboo train described in the guidebook sounded like a thing of the past. Locals use it to take goods to the market, yet it has become an increasingly popular tourist attraction. I couldn’t quite picture it. There is only one track in Battambang, so when one is met head on with opposing traffic, both parties must hop off, disassemble one of the bamboo trains, slide the other train forward, and reassemble on the other side. The train is essentially made up of two axles, a bamboo platform, and a little motor. I was immediately intrigued and boarded a bus from Siem Reap to go check it out. We got into Battambang around noon, where our tuk-tuk driver K was waiting for us. Our driver in Siem Reap had set us up with his friend so we avoided the hassle of doing it ourselves. K took us to our hotel, we washed up, and he picked us back up an hour later to check out the much anticipated bamboo train. (more…)
// September 21st, 2010 // No Comments » // Philanthropy, Thailand, Volunteer
Get ‘em while they’re hot! Kids from Baan Dada Children’s Home, where I am currently volunteering, have worked very hard on making these cute Christmas cards. The cards are an annual fundraiser for the home and if you send these to your friends and family, you’re guaranteed to be the hot topic at Christmas parties! The cards cost $1 each: the child who made the card will receive $0.15 and the remainder goes to support running the orphanage. There are also Easter cards, Valentine’s cards, and birthday cards available, so if you fancy stocking up on birthday cards to have them on hand you can do so as well.
I will ship them once I’m back in the States, and you will have them on your doorstep by the end of November- just in time to send out for the holidays! If you are interested in purchasing these cards, please email me with your name, address, and how many of each type of card you would like. Check with friends, family, or neighbors who may be interested.
Each card comes with an envelope and a little slip telling you which child made the card and. You can keep the slip for yourself or include it in the card for the recipient to see what a nice person you are!
My email: awanderingsole@gmail.com
The deadline is THIS Thursday, September 23 at 5pm EST. Please let me know if you have any questions!
// September 20th, 2010 // 2 Comments » // Photo of the Week, Thailand
I have a slight obsession with Buddha statues. I think it’s the whirly hair that intrigues me. We recently visited the old capital of Sukhothai in Thailand, and it was amazing! We rented bikes and spent the afternoon exploring the sites.
I love to travel, run, volunteer, and explore this crazy world! If it involves an adventure or a passport, count me in! For more about me, click here.
