Why I Fell in 💗 with the TROPICS 🌴 and moved to Cambodia, SE-Asia
As a small girl, I dreamed of becoming a world explorer. Just like Columbus but minus the killing and conquering! I dreamed of wild adventures involving massive ships, lush jungles, and wild animals. Growing up I always told everybody that I wasn't going to stay in Belgium!
I was born to see the world.
Going on a yearly holiday wasn't enough to settle the burning need to explore the world and live closer to nature.
Though Belgium is a beautiful place with all its medieval castles and ancient history. But to be honest, if you have seen one you have seen them all... * Dodging incoming objects from historicists and culture lovers... *
While that might be a little overexaggerated, the thing is you get used to seeing medieval things when you grow up in Europe. Not that I'm not interested or don't see the beauty in them... nature and people touch me more than cobblestone car-free streets and castles.
Also, Belgium is so small and characterized by gray buildings, gray streets, and gray weather. No colors, wildlife or an abundance of wild edibles growing everywhere. And most people have turned into egocentric individuals where only their job, life, house, car, kids, and thoughts matter... how far has it come when you show hatred toward other Belgians that happen to speak another language? Yes, tiny Belgium has 3 languages, French, Dutch, and German.
I didn't even know my own neighbors for god's sake. And that was not because I didn't try... believe me!
No, I wasn't (and still am not) ready for that type of lifestyle. Where did all the LOVE and FUN go?
I love the outdoors, I love animals, I love interacting with people, I love sharing and helping other people... and I just love making the world a better place. Even if that only means showing warm feelings toward my neighbors and feeding stray cats...
After a long struggle, many 1-month adventures to the corners of the world, and finding financial freedom, we finally packed our lives in 2 suitcases and set sail to SE-Asia in 2014.
The story about how we became location independent and are able to work from anywhere in the world isn't what I wanna talk about today! Let's leave that for another post, shall we?
Why did we pick Cambodia? Well, visas are incredibly easy to get, you just have to pay $280 a year and the issue is settled, no question asked! Furthermore, It lies smack in the middle of Asia, the perfect place to settle for some time while exploring Asia, Australia, and New Zealand.
Also, the Cambodian people are the warmest and most friendly people I have ever met... and maybe one of the biggest advantages... you can still LIVE A FREE, SIMPLIFIED LIFE HERE.
NO RULES, NO GOVERNEMT CONTROL!
Does it need any further explanation? I think you get the gist why we fell in love with SE-Asia, Cambodia in particular.
While it all may sound like a dream, which it is, not all that glitters is gold. Living here has some disadvantages too... but again let's keep that for another post.
Because "a picture is worth a thousand words" I'll continue my saga visually.
Afer seeing them I'm sure you'll understand why I could no longer stay in Belgium.
I fell in 💗 with:
The Cambodian people and my neighbor and his cow (which are both usually found roaming around our garden)
The wild edibles that grow everywhere
The animals
Nature
Sunsets and sunrises (and the full moons)
Different culture
While I have a million more pictures, I think this explains it all!!
If the pictures didn't tell you enough feel free to ask me any question that springs to mind!
Thanks for reading! Until next time!
ALL CONTENT IS MINE AND ORIGINAL!
PICTURE(s) TAKEN WITH FUJI X-M1
wow that butterfly one, nice catch
Thanks @doitvoluntarily! A lucky shot. Normally I'm not that good at sneaking up butterflies or birds!
Nice one! Love all the photos
Thanks @thearcanebear!
@amy-goodrich, beautiful photos and words that are new, true, vivid and moving.. like this post very much!
Aww thank you so much for your kind words!!!
You really are living the dream!! clap clap
Everybody can do it! It is all about finding your happiness which is very different for everybody!
Everybody CAN, but only a few are welling to leave all and actually do it, I really recognize you for that!
Mean while the rest of us read about it and dream with you! :) Congrats!
I slightly disagree with your statement there @maximiliano711... if you really dream about it and want it you will do it. People who say they want to but don't usually do not want to leave and rather stay in their comfort zone! I can't stress enough that if this is your dream too, just do it! Or you will regret it when you die. If it doesn't work out you can always go back where you came from... there is nothing to lose by trying!
Very interesting photos and an authentic blog - keep up the good work and I shall drop by and see your next one :)
Thank you @arbutus for stopping by and taking the time to comment!
Stay safe. Do it while you're young. Good for you. Thanks for sharing. Wonderful photo log..
Thank you so much! No matter how old you are you should always do the things that make you happy!
Interesting post with a lot of beautiful photos! I especially like sunset, sunrise and full moon! I enjoyed reading your story and look forward to your next stories with much interest!
Thanks my friend ;-)
You're welcome! ;)
Thank you for sharing about your Life journey, I totally get it. I have spent years in Asia escaping dreary and wet winters of the Pacific NW.
The photos are lovely. All the best!
Thank you so much! It sure is a great part of the world I'm not done exploring! Nepal is very high on the to-visit list!
My favorite is Thailand and India and I have fond memories of Malaysia and Indonesia especially Bali. Cambodia and Vietnam are high on my list of places to explore.
Def let me know when you are close and I'll happily show you around and invite you for a smoothie and a meal ;-)
Thank You! I will keep that in mind!!!!
Greaaaat photos :) Thanks
Thanks ;)
Beautiful shots all, I had to take a second look to pick a favorite, however I failed. All are fantastic.
Can't wait to read part 2 - "The story about how we became location independent and are able to work from anywhere in the world isn't what I wanna talk about today! Let's leave that for another post, shall we?"
And part 3 - "While it all may sound like a dream, which it is, not all that glitters is gold. Living here has some disadvantages too... but again let's keep that for another post."
Thank you @gringalicious for taking the time to comment! It is nice to write/post a non-food post ionce n a while! More to come! ;)