Favorite Sights

In the past 18 months I have journeyed through 13 countries. I've seen many sights and had some amazing experiences. Here are a few of my favorite sights over these last few months.

Angkor, Cambodia-These ancient ruins covers a large area and involve several temple complexes. These religious sights have been the backdrop to movies such as Tomb Raider and Indiana Jones. The architecture of these temples is influenced by the southern Hindu style and date back to the 12th century.
***Advice***Stay at Golden Mango Inn when in Siem Reap. It is a little far from Pub Street, but the lovely inn provides complimentary breakfast, wi-fi, tuk-tuk rides to Pub Street, and bikes for guest use.

Phuket, Thailand-This getaway beside the Andaman Seas has recovered from the horrific Boxing Day tsunami and still effuses beauty and simplicity. If one wanders away from the seediness of Patong Beach, one can find clear blue waters to snorkel, sheer limestone cliffs to scale, and shimmering white sand beaches to relax on. Add in sublime cuisine infused with local spices and European flair to make a vacation in Phuket truly amazing.
***Advice***Stay for a night on the island of Phi-Phi and face your fears. Go on a shark finding tour. The tour includes the boat ride to sea and scuba gear. Then the guide will lead the group through the waters in search of sharks. Before you get too scared, the sharks are only 3ft-3.5 ft long.

Puerto Viejo, Costa Rica-One of the most stunning beaches on earth is located in this small Central American country. It is located in the Limon province where the ancestry of half the population is Jamaican, not Spanish. This beach town has embraced the Jamaican way of life of relaxation and tranquility. One feels like life’s problems have simply evaporated into air when he or she walks the dirt roads through the souvenir shops and lies in a hammock along the beach. One of my favorite memories is sitting on the beach looking up at the endless stars and thinking I’d never seen so many in my life.
***Advice***Puerto Viejo is located near Cahuita National Park. Make time in your schedule to take it the palm tree lined beach with it its pristine sand and mischievous monkeys.