Path of the Gods, Amalfi Coast #Positano #amalfiCoast

Positano 

I had never heard of The Path of the Gods, or ‘Il Sentiero degli Dei’ which in hindsight is strange as I love to hike.   It turned out to be one of the most spectacular hikes I have even done taking me along the infamous Amalfi Coast, Italy. 

It only takes a few hours to hike from the small hill top village along the coast to Positano, I wish it was longer as I couldn’t get enough of the fabulous views along the coast that it gives.  Ideally, walkers should walk from Agerola to Nocelle, and not vice-versa; the route runs gently downhill from this direction, with magnificent views of the Amalfi Coast and the island of Capri. 

  

I went at the end of October, on a gorgeous sunny day with a perfect temperature.  I don’t think it would have been nearly as enjoyable in the peak of the summer with crowds of  people and the heat of the summer sun beating down on you.  If you are there in the summer, I would definitely start as early as you can.

It must be said that this is more of a hike than a casual stroll along a coastal path.   I would advise hiking shoes/boots as there are some very uneven rocky areas, and large rocks to navigate around.  There is no fence of any sort on the edge so those with vertigo may need to think about that.  One of the group I was with decided not to do it for that reason.   The scenery changes from hills dotted with a few shrubs, heather and rosemary, past towering limestones mountains, colourful wildflowers, abandoned stone houses and through shaded forests. Farmers grow vines on terraces carved into the hillside, still using donkeys for transport along the narrow pathways.

If you are lucky enough to be in this wonderful area, do consider taking this hike. 

Rome - I'd forgotten how wonderful it is.

Piazza Navona

 

If you find yourself in Rome, try to avoid the major tourist attractions which are packed with people, and instead take a walk through the ancient streets.   It's amazing what treasures you can find along the way. 

I've been fortunate to visit Rome several times, but it's been a while and I had forgotten what an amazing city it is.   People complain that it's dirty and crowded, and maybe it is, but it still has so much charm and beauty, that for me it became irrelevant.  

I did want to see the Trevi Fountain again, so I walked from my hotel near Termini train station in that general direction.    I had all the time in the world, so as I walked and saw something of interest, I followed it making many turns and diversion.    I think this is the best way to discover a city.   There are so many great churches, lovely gardens, quaint restaurants and ancient ruins that you could spend a week just wandering.  

I especially enjoyed the Trastevere area just south of Vatican City.  It's a fun, bohemian area with centuries old buildings, artisan shops and restaurants. At the centre of this area is the Piazza di Santa Maria, with the Basilica dating back in parts to the 3rd century.   In the centre of the Piazza is a wonderful fountain, one of so many in the city where people gather to sit and watch the world go by.    

Another piazza that I really love is Piazza Navona, built on the site of a stadium dating back to the 1st century AD. On my last night there I chose the restaurant in front of the fountain and sat watching the people as I enjoyed a wonderful meal.  Of course, it's going to be a little more expensive to sit in a prime location, but it was so beautiful.  Sometimes when you travel you just have to say what the hell!  It's worth it.  

On the way back, I finally went to the Trevi Fountain hoping that on a rainy October night at 8pm it may be less busy - but it wasn't.  Maybe going at Midnight would be better?

Completely by accident on one of my diversions, I stumbled upon the home of Michelangelo’s statue of Moses housed in the San Pietro in Vincoli church.  What a masterpiece that is definitely going to see. 

The neighbourhood of Monti is another fun place to visit and enjoy the atmosphere, with both bohemian and classical elements, trattorias, win bars and vintage boutiques are hidden in the areas pizzas and streets drawing a mix of expats, students and locals.  

Even if you have a long layover in Rome it's worth going into the city.   I took the train from the airport in 30 minutes, which takes you to the centre of Rome.  

Trevi fountain

Micahelangelo's Moses

Trastevere

Machu Picchu - The Inca Trail

My first solo trip and adventure was to hike the Inca Trail in Peru.   I had never been anywhere a little different on my own, nor had I hiked anything that involved altitude and the potential for altitude sickness.   So it was definitely an adventure for me, but it opened the door to the world of solo travel and adventure and I haven’t looked back.

Arriving in Lima at night with no domestic flight to Cusco leaving until the morning, I ended up sleeping on the floor of the airport with the other backpackers. There were no seats, or benches anywhere to be found, so there was no option at all.  I could have taken a cab to a hotel, but I had read to many scary things about women in cabs in South America that I decided the floor was a better option.   Quite a start to my adventure!

Landing in Cuzco with an altitude of 3,400 metres (11,200ft), it was higher than I had ever been before and as I waited at the baggage carousel my heart was racing.  I was seriously worried about the altitude and was very happy that I had arrived a week before I was starting the Inca Trail to give me more time to acclimatise.   

As soon as I arrived at the hotel I was given a cup of Coca tea, also called mate de coca, which is an herbal tea (infusion) made using the raw or dried leaves of the coca plant, which is native to South America.   Apparently, this was what you had to drink to combat the altitude sickness and over the next few days I found it did help quite a lot.    My room was on the 3^rd floor and every time I returned to the hotel I made myself walk up the 3 floors to try and acclimatise, by the 3^rd floor I was completely exhausted and trying to catch my breath.   If you’ve never experienced altitude, it’s really quite amazing how it affects you.   It also interrupts your ability to sleep well and I had a few really bad nights of sleep before getting used to it.  

Cusco is a lovely city which I enjoyed exploring, although I was surprised at the size of it and the amount of pollution, staying off the main streets was better.   My favourite area and one I would recommend is San Blas, tucked away to the north of Plaza de Armas.  You can see the architectural influences of the Spanish after the conquest.   It seems like a quieter, more interesting area of the city to wander around.   There is no end of history and Inca sites to visit throughout the city.

The Inca Trail itself was much more than I thought it would be.  Initially I had thought only about the finale, the big arrival through the sun gate to see Machu Picchu below, but the hike turned out to be if not more enjoyable, at least as enjoyable as that magical moment.    Along the way you see many other old Inca buildings and settlements and although the trail is something that many people hike, it was less crowded than I thought it would be.  We didn’t see any other groups until we reached the campsite the night before the Sun Gates.     The number of permits issued is tightly restricted to keep the numbers down so it’s something that you need to book quite a long time in advance to avoid disappointment, although there are other trails that lead to Machu Picchu, just not the ‘Inca Trail’.   Plus, you need to carry your passport with you to get stamped at the check points or they will deny you access.    It was quite hard going, and very slow at times as that was the only speed you were capable of doing with the altitude affecting you.  At night in the tent it got very cold, so definitely make sure you have lots of warm clothes as it was deceivingly hot in the day. 

Walking through the Sun Gate and seeing Machu Picchu sprawling below you is a very special moment.    It was a little disappointing to have to share it with so many clean, sweet smelling tourists who had just got off the train instead of hiking for 4 days and I have to admit I did resent them a little, but it was still wonderful.      We were able to go back in the afternoon to enjoy it after we’d cleaned up and there were far fewer tourist there then, so it was much better.

It really was a wonderful experience and planted the seed for future adventure trips.

Tahiti... more afordable than you think! #lovetahiti

Moorea

As a Travel Professional I am invited to various supplier and tourist board events throughout the year.    This week I went to a couple, one of which was a presentation by the Tahiti Tourist Board.   These sessions are always very informative, and you learn so much about the destination, accommodation options, how to get there and what you can do once there. 

I think that I thought of Tahiti as just one island, or maybe I hadn’t really given it that much thought as it seemed to be one of those mythical destinations, bringing to mind visions of an idyllic island paradise that only the very fortunate are lucky enough to visit, so it was never really on my ‘bucket list’  

It turns out that Tahiti is more affordable than you think and belongs to a group of islands collectively know as French Polynesia and comprises of 118 islands in total stretching more that 2000 km, divided into 5 groups of islands; The Society, Austral, Marquesas, Tuamotu and Gambier, located in the Pacific ocean, south of the equator and is in the same time zone as Hawaii, about an 8 hour flight from Los Angeles.   These islands receive the same number of visitors in a year that Hawaii receives in a week, so they remain more unspoilt, are very safe and friendly.

 

The most well-known islands are Tahiti, Moorea and Bora Bora known for their coral fringed lagoons and of course the famous over-the-water bungalows.  The islands feature mountains, waterfalls, rugged backcountry and beautiful unspoilt beaches, both black and white.

The average temperature is 27°C (80°F), summer is from November to April with a warmer, more humid climate and winter is from May through October, when it’s slightly cooler and drier.   

There are many ways to explore the islands on foot, by bike, horse, 4x4’s, or fun activities to enjoy such as go ziplining or paddle boarding.  Go swimming in the pristine waters, marvel at the under water life with amazing snorkeling and scuba opportunities or just lay back and enjoy this beautiful paradise.  

French Polynesia takes advantage of the fantastic year-round weather to grow a wide variety of fruits, vegetables and spices.   Fish from the lagoon or from the ocean, ranging from perch, mahi mahi and parrot fish eaten raw or sometimes marinated in lime juice and coconut milk.  There are even specialized tours that let you discover the flavors of the islands on picnics organized on beaches.  You can also sample the local foods in restaurants, food trucks and bars.

The most interesting fact about this area is that it’s not as expensive as you would imagine.   7 nights accommodation starts at CDN $2000 per person, (US$1600, €1300), plus the flight to Papeete the capital.    But still, I think this a very affordable alternative to the Caribbean especially for special life events, birthdays, celebrations and anniversaries.  

https://tahititourisme.ca/en-ca/

Bora Bora

Vienna - The city of Music

Mozart

Vienna, Austria’s capital, the city of Music, lies in the east of the country on the banks of the Danube River.  It was a lovely surprise as I had no real expectations about the city other than I wanted to see my favourite artists work, Gustav Klimt, so the rest was all a bonus.  

The cities grandeur is the result of the powerful Habsburg monarchy over the course of six centuries.  There is so much to see in this small city full of so much art and culture, from the obvious art galleries, to the Lipizzaner stallion’s performance at the Spanish riding school, to simply sitting sampling the famous Viennese coffee cake in one of cities many opulent coffee shops.   

The cities artistic legacy was shaped by other famous residents including Mozart, Strauss, Beethoven and Sigmund Freud.    There are many museums, art galleries and Palaces and at every turn the streetscape is full of Baroque buildings. 

There are numerous concerts to attend showcasing some of the famous resident’s music to going to Sunday mass and hearing the famous Vienna Boys choir. 

If you take one of the many river cruises that journey along the Danube, make sure that you take some time to research what you want to see in Vienna as it has an overwhelming amount of options.

Belvedere Museum

(18th century palace and gardens)

Gustav Klimt - The Kiss

Strauss Monumnent

A short stay in Berlin

Part of the Wall

I visited Berlin for a few days in July and was lucky to be able to stay with a friend who lives there.  It’s always better to get a tour from someone local.

Berlin, Germany’s capital dates back to the 13^th century.  Very few cities have experienced such frequent, radical changes transforming the face of the city.  

Reminders of the turbulent 20^th century history are visible at every turn, the difference in architecture from the ornate, untouched by bombs Victorian town houses, sitting next to plain soviet built apartments.  Remains of the Berlin wall, some standing in their original place reminding everyone of what happened here dividing the city from 1961, until the wall came down in 1989.  

The Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe (Holocaust Memorial) is a somber reminder, a very moving, emotional acknowledgement of what can happen.    The memorial to the Sinti and Roma victims, a monument dedicated to the memory of 220,000-500,000 murdered in the Nazi genocide, another very moving place to visit. 

Nowadays Berlin seems to embrace everyone and it is a city full of diversity.  Berlins street- art scene has exploded in recent years, transforming grey into colour.   From the wonderful art painted along the Wall, to various other areas of the city, if art is your thing you should take an Alternative tour of Berlin. 

There is a large amount of things to see and do in Berlin, something for everyone, a fascinating city.    

The Memorial to the murdererd Jews 

More of the Wall

'I run to the hills for the The Sound of Music' - Salzburg, Austria

View from the terrace at lunch

While enjoying the River cruise along the Danube, one of the day excursions offered was a ‘Sound of Music’ inspired visit to Salzburg.    Being a fan of the wonderful movie, I had to visit some of the landmarks. 

  

But Salzburg was much more that just a series of filming locations, it was a wonderful, pretty Austrian town surrounded by amazing countryside. 

Salzburg’s most famous son is Mozart and enjoys being known for his birthplace in 1756 at No. 9 Getreidegasse in the town centre. Today, Mozart’s Birthplace is one of the most visited museums in Austria and is an absolute highlight for fans, he also lends his name to any number of souvenirs from chocolates, ice creams to rubber ducks and you will bump into his likeness at every turn.

Hohensalzburg Fortress is enthroned on the Festungsberg, high above the rooftops of the Baroque historical district.  In the year 1077, archbishop Gebhard had the fortress built and changed the Salzburg skyline forever.  The largest fully preserved castle in Central Europe, this emble mof Salzburg draws millions of tourists every year.   I had lunch at the top over looking the town below and the mountains in the distance.  One of the most beautiful locations I’ve had the pleasure of eating lunch and I savoured every moment. 

 

St. Peter's Monastery & Cemetery & Catacombs just below the fortress are another lovely place to visit.  Since St. Peter’s was founded in the 7th century, the church and abbey have been the spiritual heart of the city of Salzburg.  Aside from its striking architecture and the wonderful feeling of peace and calm, the cemetery and catacombs are also a must-see for fans of “The Sound of Music”.

Also, fans of the The Sound of Music will recogise Residenzplatz square as another highlight: During their carriage ride through the city, Maria and the children sing as they pass the Residenz Fountain.

When I visited Salzburg there was a market that extended about 1 km along the river with a varied assortment of things to buy, from local honey, hand made jewellery and clothes,  to local beers. A lovely way to round off the day. 

I could have definitely spent longer here and would recommend a visit if you are in Austria.      

Budapest - Visit a spa. #szechenyibaths #gellertbaths

Budapest is a popular destination for many reasons, spas and thermal baths being one of them.     When I was there recently I took the opportunity to check out two of them to see what it was all about.

The Romans first settled in this area so that they could take advantage of the 120 hot springs created by a fault line.   In the 1920’s Budapest gained the reputation as a ‘city of spas’ and now hosts an impressive selection of thermal baths and spas, some dating back to the 16^th century.

The most ‘instagrammed’ one is the Szechenyi Baths which is one of the largest bathing complexes in Europe built in 1913 housed in a neo-baroque palace near the city park on the Pest side of the city.   There are 15 indoor pools and 3 large outdoor pools with various temperatures.   Inside there are saunas, steam rooms, whirlpools and jets.   The thermal water is considered medicinal as it is high in calcium, magnesium and hydrogen carbonate which is said to ease joint pain and improve blood circulation. There is a very grand entrance hall and maps to navigate the maze of rooms and pools within the complex.  

I spent a whole afternoon at Gellért Baths on the Buda side of the Danube.  I had only planned to visit for 30 minutes but enjoyed it so much that I ended up staying for about 3 hours and could have stayed for longer.  With its mosaic walls and floors, stained glass windows and Roman style columns it is one of the most beautiful spas in the city.    It was opened in 1918 in the art nouveaux style and has indoor and outdoor baths fed by the thermal springs.  It was a challenge finding your way around inside the building, and as I wondered around in a confused daze I found saunas, small thermal pools, and a wonderful steam room where I completely lost all sense of time.    There are also treatment rooms for medicinal massages.   Outside there is a wave pool, another thermal pool and large sauna.   There is also a lovely café on the terrace overlooking the outdoor pool where I enjoyed a cappuccino and pastry. 

If you find yourself in Budapest I would definitely recommend making time to relax and enjoy one of the spas.   

Travel Agent Myth

Myth - Travel agents will charge you a huge fee just for talking to them.

If you’re worried that working with a travel agent will result in expensive fees, you may be surprised to find that many charge nothing, unlike numerous high profile travel websites that charge extra fees you don’t see until checkout. 

Even when booking an All Inclusive there is NO additional fee. The commission comes from the travel provider (the company that packages the vacations) so whether you book online or through a Travel Agent the total paid is identical. But when you book with a Travel Agent you have peace of mind that if a problem arises they will be able to assist you.

If a fee is charged to work on a complicated itinerary it is often put towards the final total when you decide to book. This pays for the hours they’ll spend making sure every detail of your vacation is perfectly planned and should you decide not to book then the fee covers the time worked on the project.

Email me for more info on how I can help you kate@littletravel.co  

Danube River cruise

Mondsee, Austria

You always here people talking about river cruses and how wonderful they are, so I decided to take one to experience it for myself – well it’s easier to sell a product that you have tried, as with anything.

I took an Avalon cruise on the Danube from Budapest to Nuremburg.   Avalon promotes their one-of-a kind stateroom layout with Open Air balcony, wall to wall windows, for spectacular views of the passing countryside and for me the best part is that the bed faces the window.   Sitting there in the morning with a cappuccino was one of my favourite parts of the day.       

River cruises allow you to travel in comfort in an intimate setting of just over 100 passengers, with a 2:1 staff ratio.   Your room is a chic hotel room with wonderfully comfy beds, quality bedding and pillows, a marble-lined bathroom, fluffy towels and luxury bath goodies. The beauty for me is that you only have to unpack once and yet you get to see many different places and also there is no lining up to get on and off the boat, its very convenient way to travel.   

One of the great joys of river cruising is being able to dock in the centre of some of the most beautiful cities in Europe, on a floating hotel that moves you from one beautiful location to the next.   You could opt to stay on the ship and relax or take a guided tour and learn a little of the history.  There were tours for slow walkers or faster walkers, also bikes to take from the ship if you preferred.    Something for everyone.  

Meal time on a river cruise is an experience in itself.  From the lavish breakfast including freshly baked pastries, fruit, smoked salmon, cheese, hot dishes and eggs made to order.    Lunch and dinner were also lavish affairs, with beautifully prepared meals to suit all pallets.    There was also afternoon tea served in the lounge and a coffee/pastry station that was open all hours.    We were also treated to a wine tasting one night in Austria and another night when we were in Germany we learned about the local beers.

There are many different types of themed river cruises now, from wine tasting, to wellness to Christmas market cruises. 

The river cruise was definitely as wonderful as I had heard and I would definitely recommend them, I hope to do another one on a different river.   If you want any more info just email me at kate@littletravel.co. 

                                                                    www.littletravel.co

Paris - le diner Blanc

My daughter Emma (https://www.instagram.com/emscourtney/?hl=en) asked if I would like to go to Paris with her to attend the 30^th Anniversary of le Dîner en Blanc. 

Dîner en Blanc is a worldwide event, spanning six continents and has grown to over 70 cities.  The concept began in Paris in 1988.  People gather to dine in a public location which is kept a secret until the last moment. Diners are requested to dress only in white for this chic occasion, and bring their own food, tables, chairs, a proper table cloth and cutlery etc.  Everything must be white and classy. 

Our visit to Paris culminated on the Sunday evening with the diner.   We dressed in our best white finery and set off down the road to the metro with table, chairs, food and champagne in tow, while trying to maintain an air of Chic which was quite hard as it was hot.   We had to take 2 metros trains to get to our designated meeting point which in itself was quite an adventure.   

It was funny to see other people dressed in white all appearing from different directions and as the numbers grew so did the anticipation of where we would be heading to. 

Eventually we all set off with our dining necessities in line, it must have looked like quite a strange procession to passers by who didn’t know what was going on as thousands of people starting heading to the secret location.   

As we arrived at the Esplanade des Invalides there were already thousands of people setting up their tables and meals in rows.  It was quite a rush to get set up our table and some people had very ornate decorations for their table and lavish meals.   There were 30,000 diners present for this anniversary Dîner en Blanc.

It was an amazing spectacle to see.  As the evening progressed and the sun set over the beautiful Paris skyline we enjoyed a wonderful dinner in a once in a lifetime setting while getting to know our neighbours and where they had travelled from, all over the world.    We were handed sparklers to light and at 10pm as the Eifel tower sparkled so did 30,000 diners.      (The Eifel tower sparkles on the hour every evening from 10p to 1am.) 

It was truly a wonderful evening, full of fabulous people and lasting memories.     If you get the chance to attend in any city, take it!

kate@littletravel.co     www.littletravel.co 

Claude Monet's gardens at Giverny, France

On my recent trip to France I promised myself that I would finally visit Monet’s garden.   I have been to France numerous times and never made it there, which is very silly as it's so close to Paris. 

Monet lived in Giverny, a village in the region of Normandy in northern France only 74km from Paris.    If you are in Paris, there are half and full day tours that you can take which I would highly recommend. 

It wasn't a disappointment at all.  It was just like walking into the artists painting.  Full of colour and beautiful flowers everywhere. It was absolutely stunning and quite moving to be there having seen his paintings all my life.    

There are three parts to the visit, the colourful gardens full of flowers, the water garden with the famous lily pads and bridge and a tour around his house with many of his paintings adorning the walls.    There is also a nice restaurant where you can get a light refreshment or a full meal.

I am so glad that I finally made the time to go this time as it has become one of the most favourite places I have ever visited. 

Smoked salmon and caviar for breakfast - yes please!

I was very fortunate to visit Russia in March,  St Petersburg and Moscow, as part of a group of Travel Professionals invited to 'experience' the country and what it has to offer to the foreign tourist. 

It was such a wonderful opportunity and a huge contrast from Thailand where I had been 2 weeks earlier.  

In St Petersburg we stayed at the Four Seasons,  a 19th century Palace which still retains the feeling of something very special.   The quality of the rooms, service, fabulous food and overall atmosphere was that of elegance.    

I had always wanted to go to Russia and for me it needed to be snowy,  I can't explain,  it's just what I think of when I think of Russia.    The night we arrived there was a blizzard with huge fluffy flakes of snow.   Late in the evening we walked to the Winter Palace and The Hermitage museum, the second largest museum in the world.  The snow made it so magical.  It was very quiet as the snow fell and the whole area in front of the Palace was untouched, it was so beautiful.  

It's a particular moment when you travel that will stay with you forever and make you grateful that you have the opportunity to experience something so wonderful.    


https://www.fourseasons.com/stpetersburg/ 

Thailand elephant volunteering

I adore elephants, so when I saw the opportunity to volunteer for 2 weeks in Thailand and live in a rural village I jumped at the chance.

It was one of the most amazing experiences I have ever had and I will never forget the fabulous group of volunteers and helpers that I was with for that time.

We stayed in a home stay an hour outside the city of Surin, 450 kms east of Bangkok.   These communities have kept and cared for elephants for generations, and are like a member of their family.

Twice a week we were able to walk with the elephants and their handler, their Mahout, down to the river to bath them.   They loved to cool off in the water and we were able to go in with them.  

We also helped out in the community, helping to build a toilet in one of the local schools, making ‘elephant poo paper’ to help with the expenses of the elephant upkeep,  and also painted many elephant graves at the local elephant temple.    We were then invited by the monks to attend a special ceremony that most outsiders don’t get the chance to do.  A very very special memory.

If you want to find out more about this project check out this link.   This is an organisation that cares and protects the elephants and doesn’t exploit them for tourist gains. 

https://www.wearebamboo.com/volunteer/thailand/elephants.php?register=register

The ceremony at the elephant temple

Bangkok floating markets

Visiting one of Bangkok's floating markets is definitely a must while touring the city.    There are several to choose from, some right in the city, just off the main river and often include in a city tour.   

I went to the Bang Nam Pheung floating market in Bangkok.  It's in a loop of the Chao Phraya river nickname 'the green lung of Bangkok', a small untouched area still covered with vegetation. It's not really a 'typical' floating market as many of the stalls are actually on land and you can get out and walk around.  It's still worth a visit if it's all you have time for and there are some very interesting foods to sample.  

The one I enjoyed more was the Damnoen Saduak Floating Market about an hour’s car ride outside the city.  I arranged this with the concierge at the hotel I was staying at as it's a very popular floating market for tourists after it was featured in a James Bond chase scene.   

As we waiting for the boat to come and pick us up, just as you would at a bus stop I was fascinated by the shape and style of these boats, quite different to anything I'd seen before.  

Once on the boat we took off so fast, flying down the canals heading towards the congested market.  To be honest I think I enjoyed the speed of this boat more than the actual market.  Passing temples and houses on stilts, waving to the little children.   

The market itself is a lively tangle multiple canals selling many things from rattan balls to fresh fruit, to a restaurant selling all types of food.  An assault on the senses, the colours of the stalls and products, the smells of the various food being cooked.   Vendors passing on their boats frying pork, or selling beer and coconut water.   It's quite a fascinating place to go and I had never been anywhere like it before.  

I stopped by a lady making fresh pad Thai in her boat.  The best part was watching her cook it fresh for me, right there on a boat, while I sat in mine.  She ran out of eggs so another lady threw one over for her - what a different way of life they have.   Of course, it was the best Pad Thai I have ever tasted.   

Another truly amazing experience that I would recommend if you are in Bangkok. 

Angkor Wat - Siem Reap, what a contrast!

Angkor, in the north of Cambodia is one of the most important archaeological sites in South-East Asia   It stretches over 400 km2 and contains amazing remains from the Khmer Empire from 9^th – 15^th century and is a UNESCO site. 

For several centuries Angkor was the centre of the Khmer Kingdom, it is filled with impressive monuments and ruins.  There are over 50 Buddhist and Hindu temples in this area and which attract millions of visitors each year. 

It is worth getting up early to watch the sun rise over the largest and most famous, Angkor Wat, but you won’t be alone.   

In complete contrast, is the city of Siem Reap, the nearest place to stay to visit these temples.  It was not at all what I had expected.  as it hosts millions of tourists a year it has become quite the nightlife centre also.    Pub street, as it says is full of just that and pretty crazy every night.   The nightlife scene comprises of lively bars, cocktail lounges, pubs, international restaurants and nightclubs that stay open until 4 am daily. 

If that isn’t for you there are countless massage spas and you can even have fish clean your feet while having a beer.   It’s quite the entertainment area and very inexpensive to stay.    I had dinner with an appetizer, main and beer for US$4 and an hour massage for US$10.   Definitely worth a visit.