Top 10 Tips for a worry-free backpacking

A Vietnamese lady selling religious products at the main entrance of the Notre Dame of Saigon

Many backpackers are exploring the world and sometimes, for the lack of needed guides and tips, get stumbling blocks along the way which can be annoying if only earlier detected and skipped. Like many who love to travel, backpackers are those who are free of any encumbrances of a left-out career or a worrisome spouse or partner. They sometimes stay longer than most travelers do and sometimes too, they embark on a solo backpacking or in a group of friends. In what form and nature, backpackers are dotting the globe as speak and as you read this, may be some of these tips have not been given serious thought or some may have been taken by heart.

Photo Sunday: The monks say cheese

The Khmer monks at the Royal Palace in Phnom Penh

In a trip to the Royal Palace in Phnom Penh, I encountered my best Christmas Eve experience seeing monks in their orange robe and what a delight to see them at the Royal Palace, just like me, gawking at its rich history and what else to do, take photos of themselves at the palace. This photo just bring joy to me as I see them clicking on their digital camera and appreciating life in their monk’s duty and being proud of their culture. This photo tells me how they live just as I live my life and appreciating where I came from and how life can be rewarding with the best smile.

Photo Sunday: Wat Phnom

Wat Phnom of Cambodia

It is believed that in the past century, there was a massive destructive flood which wiped out people in greater Phnom Penh and the only Wat which stood until today to attest to its mighty power and which serves to deter challenges in ordinary Khmer lives is the famous Wat Phnom. I had the rare opportunity to see this for myself and what captured me is its powerful symbol both in the context of the past of Cambodia and how it reaches for the future.