Cure for Hangover – Yucatan Highlights Day 4

It was rough going this morning as our group met up. Many people decided to sit today’s excursion out due to mixture of hangover and the Mexican flu. Although I would’ve been happy staying in bed all morning I rallied and made sure to catch the bus to Tulum!

Tulum is a Mayan archaeological that overlooks the sea. It’s cliff top fortress is absolutely breathtaking and the ocean breeze was welcoming under the hot Mexican sun. We even got to see where the sea turtles nest on the beach (we couldn’t go near it, but we could see).

Next stop Playa del Carmen for some much needed rest and sun bathing.

 

Hangover Cure

Chocolate milkshake

 

 

Chichen Itza – Yucatan Highlights Day 3

Tensions were high this morning after learning that my travel companions and others on our tour had been robbed.

After a brief counseling on the importance of keeping your money safe and bags locked we boarded our bus and put on the day song and drove towards on of the 8th wonders of the world Chichen Itza!

These ancient ruins are a must see. We had a guided tour that disproved some of the urban legends surrounding the Mayans and showed us some secrets of the sacred grounds (like the bird clap). Afterwards we had a ton of time to roam around, chase lizards and shop the flea market.

Bursting with new found knowledge of Mayan culture and dripping with sweat from the Mexican sun we were ready to cool off. Luckily around the bend from Chichen Itza is a refreshing cenote where we got to jump off ledges and swim surrounded by lush jungle foliage and towering cave walls. 

 

 

My Son Sanctuary

Today we explored a series of Hindu Temples called My Son. My Son is a UNESCO world Heritage-listed site that was built between the 4th and 14th century. It was like being in Indiana Jones! The temples still see so wild and undiscovered. They’re tucked deep into the jungle and surrounded by vast mountain ranges and overgrowth of trees and vines.

On the ride back our local guide told us his fascinating life story. He was a intel solider and translator for the American Army during the Vietnam war. His story should be made into a movie!

Eye Opening Cambodia

Bones coming up from their graves

Offerings of peace and hope at the killing fields

Water Festival!

Found Bones

I was sad to leave calm, simple and beautiful Laos. But it’s time for a new adventure. This morning I flew into the capital of Phnom Pehn Cambodia. We have come during the start of the Water Festival. Cambodia’s biggest annual festival. During this huge party the city of Phnom Pehn doubles its population.

Where did I stay?

Ohana Hotel Phnom Penh

The streets were packed with backpackers, locals and tons of street children. It was very overwhelming. To add to the chaos of our visit to the capital we were introduced to Cambodia’s dark history.

Cambodia has a sad and secret past. Until only a few years ago the country to locked down. No tourists, no press, nothing. Wild the world turned on, Cambodia was in the midst of a mass genocide. Over two million educated, elderly and “different” Laotian people were brutally murdered by the Khmer Rouge. We visit the ‘Killing Fields’ mass graves and Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum. We even met one of the survivors of imprisonment. It was all very chilling. especially because it only ended a decade ago. While walking through the Killing Fields you could see teeth and bones eroding from their graves up through the top soil. It was very sad and eye-opening. People can truly be evil to each other.

Before dinner Sam and I went out to explore the Water Festival. It was insane. Extremely crowded and loud. We saw fireworks and dancing. Then witnessed the water boat parade. It was a great site, but we both felt on edge the whole time. I was pretty worried about pickpocketing because everyone was packed so close together. There were also many beggars and it was very heartbreaking.

Because of the Water Festival the restaurant that Contiki usually takes tours was closed. So we went to a similar place where former disadvantaged youth are trained in hospitality. It was a strange…strange dinner. Our restaurant was right on the river and we were seated partially outside. The entire meal we were surrounded by poverty, street kids and beggars. It was really rough. I don’t think anyone really enjoyed their meals. It’s hard to eat when there are starving people staring at you.

Afterwards I was walking back to the hotel with some of the boys when one guy gave $10 to a street kid selling bracelets. Suddenly we were surrounded by a horde of street boys all selling bracelets. They all wanted American Dollars. When I said I didn’t have any I was harassed by the kids. Then it became so overwhelming and scary that we all started running back to the hotel. Once inside we thought we were safe…but the kids were sharking around the hotel. Flipping us the bird and tapping on the windows.

Needless to say we were all to traumatized to go out again that night.

Welcome to Cambodia!