A Backpacker Envied by Backpackers

Thousands of tourists visit SEA every year, but none of them are going to get to see Thailand and Cambodia the way we did! We eased our way into the chaos of Bangkok, mellowed out with monks and "ethical" elephants. We wandered into the countryside of Cambodia long enough to make friends, explore ancient ruins without a tourist in sight and learn about land grabbing or water shortage issues, instead of just getting a great facebook photo of a stilt house by a rice field. We partied with Cambodians in Cambodia (crazy?!?!) and were envied by all the backpackers hanging out with backpacker's when we told the tale. We sang karaoke, took the broken down bus with the locals and fit 13 people into one tuk tuk instead of four! We made unforgettable friendships and memories with the amazing break dancing leaders of Tiny Toones on the beautiful beaches of Shianoukville. When traveling with OG, I was able to experience the local side and the tourist side. We went off the beaten track, but enjoyed all the intricacies of the well-worn path too! Both sides have their perks! This trip, especially Cambodia and the smiling, resilient people, rocked my world and opened my eyes to another world - a world strikingly different at first glance, but with far more similarities than i'd imagined. A life changing trip.