FollowNew Continent. New Country. Cambodia!
4 weeks until the biggest adventure of my life yet! i gotta say i am more than a little excited and overwhelmed at the same time. i have been getting ready slowly, over time. BUT, now it’s really starting to sink in.
plane tickets √
accommodations (mostly √)
transfers (mostly √)
shots √
prescriptions √
fundraising (mostly √)
visa √
BUT i still have a lot of preparing to do. i need to read up on what all i should be bringing with me. like, first and foremost, mosquito repellant and sunscreen. AND other items i’ll need specifically for the Habitat for Humanity build like work gloves, dust masks & safety goggles. i have to think about what i’ll wear too because there are so many rules around modest clothing. then there are sanitation concerns as well so purell & kleenex packets are on the list for sure.
outside of physical preparations, i have also begun to think about emotional preparations. i really don’t know what to expect.
1. it’s a third world country. i’ve never visited one.
2. roads may be bad. i’ve heard stories of flooding and wading through water.
3. internet access and phone use will probably be limited. this is something i’ve not had too much trouble with up to now. albeit, this may be a welcomed break!
4. this country’s people have suffered terribly. something i’ve never really seen with my own eyes. yet, i hear the people are so gentle, kind and lovely. i look forward to their smiles.
there will be SO MUCH MORE to do to prepare. lists will be made and crossed off – at least for the physical needs. emotionally, i think there’s little i can do to prepare. i’m so excited about this journey of putting myself into an unknown world. i look forward to sharing what i learn and hope that it inspires us all to go out on a limb a little more often.
XO – lola
Ahh Lola what an adventure!!! You’ll be just fine I think. Sure there are bound to be some shocks as it’ll be your first time in a 3rd world country, but it’ll open your eyes to things you’ve never experienced before. Looking forward to following your adventures in Cambodia!
Waegook Tom recently posted…Boryeong MudFest, Or Where I Get Shirtless
thanks Tom for the words of wisdom. i know i will be fine. i’m tougher than i look 😉 i can’t wait to share my adventures with you!!! xx
SO EXCITED FOR YOU!!! xx
thanks miss scarlett! i want to meet up with you soon!!! xx
I am so proud of you, Lola! It will be the best time of your life, seriously! It will change you in ways you cannot fathom, maybe even after… not need to over-prepare… just know things will not go “as planned,” and that is okay! In fact, usually it’s for the best! Also, I’m sure Habitat for Humanity will take pretty good care of you! Have you learned how to say some of the niceties? This can make all the difference. I love you and cannot wait to read all about it!
XOXOXOXO- Joey
thanks so much Joey! i think i am in good hands all around. i’m not really that nervous but more excited. i need to read up on some common phrases for sure. i have loads i gotta tackle in this next month 😉
xoxoxo – lola
Hahaha !!!!! I think you are in my head that all sounds so familiar …… I so can’t wait to get Cambodia and meet you and the rest of our Habitat team.
EEEEE me tooooo! i’m beyond thrilled that we have already connected and have plans to play together during and post-build. it’s gonna be a great adventure.
PS – i have my hand sanitizer, tissues & wet wipes now – CHECK! haha
I have been to Phnom Penh and Siem Reap and really enjoyed it. The Cambodians bend over backward to do things for you. At first I thought it was because they were desperate and this may be part of it, but it is not the only explanation. I think they genuinely like to please.
Traveling Ted recently posted…Puebla, Mexico Talavera Workshop Tour and the Stairway to Heaven
i’m so excited Ted and i only hear wonderful things about the people. i know i’m going to love this experience and that it will open doors to new things for me. i feel like the luckiest gal around for this opportunity!! 🙂
Sounds like quite an adventure! Cambodia looks so interesting, can’t wait to get there myself and go to Angkor Wat… Enjoy your travels and stay safe!!
Hugs from NYC!
–Lorena
TravelDesignery.com
LORENA @ TRAVEL DESIGNERY recently posted…Top 5 Things to See in Istanbul
thank you Lorena. i’ve heard from so many well traveled people that Angkor Wat is something all should see with their own eyes in ones lifetime. i’m so happy i will have the chance. i hope you get there soon too!
xo – lola
Exciting times ahead for you in Cambodia! Enjoy every moment and new experience. Look forward to following your adventure Lola. 🙂
Aaron recently posted…Florida: Sarasota Bayfront Park Part II.
thanks Aaron. it isn’t often that you get this excited “i’m entering the unknown” feeling. i am thrilled to be feeling it yet again and i am definitely going to try to take it all in & hold onto every precious moment of it. 🙂
Mosquito repellent and sunscreen along with any meds you think you’ll need are really cheap in Cambodia. Stuff like Cipro and even birth control are available at the local Pharmacy so you’ll definitely be covered there. 🙂 You are right with the roads, they are terrible. As for modest clothes, if you are visiting the sites like Angkor, some are considered active Temples as run down as they seem so no tanks or short shorts, stuff like that. I generally wore comfy pants and a t-shirt and was fine. Looking forward to reading about your adventures in Cambodia. You’re going to love it. The people are great!
Kieu ~ GQ trippin recently posted…Shirakawa-go & Japan’s 2nd Longest Toenail
thanks for tips, Kieu. of course, i just bought up the store with bug spray. AND got all my scrips filled including Cipro – haha. but super good to know in case i need more. might just have to stock up to bring it back to the US. 😉
It’s going to be one awesome adventure. I’ve only been to Asia once, and I’ve wanted to return since the day I got home…
D.J. – The World of Deej recently posted…Check Out Time – The Week in Travel
i’m sooo excited DJ! i didn’t even have Asia on my short list and when this opportunity got presented to me – i thought, why not? just the idea of going somewhere i’ve never even considered going to makes it thrilling. you don’t get the chance too many times in life to be excited by the unknown. i have a feeling after this trip i will be wanting to return ASAP too.
Unfortunately, I have never been in Cambodia, but I have heard a lot of good things about this country and about its people. It is a wonderful country with reach history, interesting traditions and friendly people.
London4Travelers recently posted…Cheap London Hotels Close to Hyde Park
i agree with all you’ve said. it does have a rich history & interesting traditions and all that i’ve heard about the people is wonderful. i cannot wait to experience it first hand and write all about what i learn. 🙂
You’re setting off for such a worth-while adventure. I’m so proud of you, and I hope that we can put together a team to do a build in 2013. I know you will do great and make a profound impact on the people you meet (and probably all of Asia…I think they need a warning before you arrive).
Leah Travels recently posted…Highs and Lows in Rio
dear traveling BFF,
thank you for your support and pride in me. means the world! i reaaaaally want to do a girl-power build in 2013. think people will be into it BIG TIME 🙂
You’ll be awesome, Lola! I truly enjoy travel in third world countries, mostly because of the people who live there. I’ve had wonderful experiences in some of the poorest places in the world. You will, too! xoxo
Francesca recently posted…Capturing the colour of my travels
thanks, Francesca. i think it’s going to be great. really eye-opening & meaningful to me. xo
Lola, just think #2 will make for a great adventure… but i bet its number four, the smile of the people that becomes your best souvenir. have fun.
stay adventurous, Craig
Craig Zabransky recently posted…Tips on the Four Ways to Tour Amsterdam
thanks, Craig! i have heard amazing stories about the smiles of the people and i think you are right that this will be the thing that stays with me the longest. i’m hoping that the roads aren’t as bad as i’ve heard 🙂