For years, I’ve longed to go to Cambodia. Most specifically, I wanted to see Angkor Wat. And to this girl who has never seen Tomb Raider (Filmed in Cambodia) I went in with minimal expectation, other than to be wowed at the glory that is Angkor Wat. Certainly no surprise here, this place is rich in history. It took 37 years to build with the assistance of Elephants and 16,000 people. The Lava stone (interior) and sand stone featured throughout is absolutely stunning.

Angkor Wat Opens at Sunrise. With an average of 10-12,000 people making their way inside to witness the sunrise above this magnificent temple. What started as a Hindu temple, then converted to Buddhist and back and forth through the years. Monks live in a monastery adjacent to the temple. In 1920 The French discovered the lost temple. As it was covered over by overgrowth of the rough terrain of the jungle. It apparently took 2 years to clear trees around the temple.

Unfortunatey, after this beautiful discovery, Cambodia was taken over by the Communist Khmer Rouge from 1975-1979. During this time the temple was utilized as an army based. This significant time in Cambodia’s history has left a permanent scar on the country as the Khmer Rouge were responsible for the lives of 3 million people during this time. In 1992, they opened Angkor Wat for visits and became a UNESCO world heritage site.

Despite the heart-breaking history of Cambodia, its people are some of the most resilient, kindest, most hospitable people in the world. Their economy In constant struggle, yet you can feel the hope for a better tomorrow with everyone you meet. From The energy at Angkor Wat and the Buddist who offered me a blessing to the serenity and peace felt just being at this magnificent temple, Siem Reap is a must.

I highly suggest making it a full…and I do mean FULL Day. Starting at the crack of dawn to head out to Angkor Was before the sunrise is truly magnificent and holy within itself. From there, our small group of three trekked through the jungle and rice paddy fields to find our way through the local villages, monuments and other sites along the way. Being treated to local “cuisine” which sometimes included a fair amount of (and often overly crunchy) insects. Though “When in Cambodia!”

A special shout out to my driver, Souli- a soul who truly touched my heart forever in his generosity in sharing his personal story, that further brought to life the actualization of Cambodia’s devastation in the late 70’s. Upon arriving into Siem Reao. I quickly was engaged in conversation with my driver who told me that his entire family was killed during the Khmer Rouge. And how he has been unable to get a proper education or other job following the loss of them. Truly an endless devastation for his life. And yet, I’ve never seen a soul so bright as I did with this human.

I connected so much with him having just lost a part of my soul with my brother’s passing away just the year prior. I instantly felt a kismet connection to him. A connection to this complete stranger having experienced what it’s like to endure such loss. 

From him I learned that we all feel alone. No matter what we are going through in life. Or how many people are within or surround us in life, it’s sinply part of this journey as they say you’re born alone and you die alone. Though if you’re doing it right, it’s all ok. 

Thank you to Cambodia for enriching my life in endless ways and for touching my soul, SOULI.