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A Family Affair

Posted by Andrea on (Updated: )  |  Leave a comment

We love getting guest feedback, particularly when it is so kind. Our team is genuinely proud to share one adventurous family’s review of their time travelling with Journeys Within.

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Hi Andrea,

Once again we would all like to thank you for the great trip. It was really the vacation of a lifetime, and we will always remember it.

There are so many highlights that it’s hard to go into details.

My son is putting together a video of the trip – I’ll send you the link once he’s finished. In the meantime, I’m attaching one picture from Sapa so that you can see what we look like!!

We wanted to tell you that your organization and staff are simply wonderful. We always felt that we were in good hands, and that all of our needs were looked after.

The simple touches were the most appreciated, i.e. having cold water and cold towels every time we got back to the van; not having to really wait for anything – when you’re on such a tight time schedule this is so important! And, it was all done with a smile!

Your hotel in Siem Reap was also fantastic – you should think of opening more! Again, it was the “small” touches that made all the difference to us – i.e. free soft drinks; free laundry; ability to stay in the rooms on the last day late since our flight was at night. All these things give the traveler a great feeling!

Also, the activities that you planned were perfect for my family – exactly what we were looking for. Many times Alisa and I asked one another what we would do if we didn’t have the trip planned as such? We would get to a place and waste time deciding what to do, and then would probably not pick the places as well as you did.

The quick organization when our flight to Dalat was canceled was also impressive. My kids were so disappointed that we weren’t going there, as they were so looking forward to the canyoning there, but in the end we had a great time in Saigon, and the motorbike tour with Khoa and his staff is definitely one of the highlights for all of us!!

I would like to give a special thanks to Tim, Tien, Khoa & Michelle, Seyha and Sina – they were all great. Also a big thanks to all the drivers!!

If we ever go to Southeast Asia again (and I sure hope we do soon), we will definitely book the trip with you (and do it right this time – not at the last minute).

Again – thanks for everything, and thanks for your patience with the payment. Not all companies would be so trusting, and we really, really appreciate it!!!!

Best regards,

Lorne and Family, 2014

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Ta Prohm to lose iconic trees

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Nicknamed the Tomb Raider temple, the Ankorian temple Ta Prohm is set to lose four of its iconic trees. Despite being famous for the trees that overrun this ruin, the government has found that it is no longer safe to let nature take its course…

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The Authority for the Protection and Management of Angkor and the Region of Siem Reap (APSARA) has found that three of the  cotton-silk trees that intertwine with the temple’s ruins are already dead and rotting from the inside out. In addition, one of the larger trees that blankets on of the temple’s walls is no longer able to be propped up by its roots or the supportive ropes and wooden scaffolding.

“We’ve tried for many years to prop it up … but when the wind is strong, it is very dangerous,” APSARA spokesperson Kerya Chau Sun said to the Phnom Penh Post.

“We have to be very careful because if we cut the tree out, the wall will collapse; but if we rebuild the wall, the tree will die. It’s a difficult balance,” Chau Sun said.

The forestry department will be charged with removing the trees from the 12th century ruin. The temple will remain open to visitor as the trees are removed in pieces.

Earlier this week,a Buddhist ceremony was held for the trees. Many temples in Angkor are popular because of how the trees grow to become part of the temples. Chau Sun told the Post that these trees “are considered part of the cultural landscape and are only removed if they are damaged or diseased, potentially hazardous, spoil the landscape or threaten the monument’s structural integrity.”

“In this case, we have to cut before it becomes too dangerous and someone gets hurt,” she told the Post.

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In their own words — Southeast Asian poetry

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Over the last few months the Southeast Asia Globe has run a series focusing on poetry, both contemporary and historic. For those looking to expand their understanding of Southeast Asia through artistic and enchanting local perspectives, this poetry series is for you…

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For those of us raised in the West, during a time of relative peace, it can be difficult to access many of Southeast Asia’s complexities — as a whole the region has a history that can be difficult to digest. Colonization, war, genocide, dictators and military rule have shaped current day Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam, Thailand and Myanmar in ways most of us can’t imagine. Add to this rich cultural histories, strong beliefs anchored in the spirit life, rebirth and Buddhism and there is an ocean of understanding to cross.

Our guests often look for suggestions of reading materials to help them prepare to make sense of the wonder that these stunning countries illicit. We previously shared Beneath the Lantern’s Glow, an illustrated book that gets to heart of region with its watercolor paintings and whimsical descriptions.

Today we feature a series published by the Southeast Asia Globe that examines each country through the lens of a selection of its poets. Poetry has always been used a way of expressing the inexpressible. Whether an instrument to conceal true meanings from the a tyrannical government or to express untold joy or sorrow, the Globe’s features, selected by UK poet Nathan Thompson offer a unique glimpse at Southeast Asia’s unique way of life. So go on, click the links below to explore poets from each country’s literary scene.

From Laos, the magazine features a pair of writers from the Hmong ethnic group. Recruited by U.S forces during the during The Secret War. Their poetry is a powerful glimpse at a what the Hmong minority group have faced since the end of the conflict.

From Cambodia two modern poets are featured. While one touches on the haunting of the country’s past with the Khmer Rouge, the other focuses on the darkness and hope of current politics. Speaking for the post-war generation, this duo presents contemporary examples of the written word.

From Vietnam realism meets the spiritual experience with the artists chosen. A broad view of Vietnam is given from the political to the banal.

From Myanmar Thompson looks at the long history of poetry in Myanmar, as well as the challenges that come with translating verses written in an unknown language.

Bonus: Love in the Region — A glimpse at some Valentines Day poetry from Thailand and Myanmar.… Read more »