My Cambodia 100 (1st of 5 parts, the list is just too looong)

Early on, before moving here to Cambodia, I've made a list of the things I wanted to do and experience here in Cambodia (I like doing lists). I got most in several websites, I forget what, so I'm sorry I can't jot down my references.

After almost three months, here's my take on it now.

My 100 (first top 20 list)

1. Take a river cruise along the Tonle Sap from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap. It's a great way to laze through Cambodia's wetlands. Uhmmm, I just found out that this takes almost a day- vs. taking the bus (6 hours) or a plane (1 hour) to Siem Reap. I know what I am, and I don't think I'd want to be "enjoyong" (stuck) along Tonle Sap for more than 3 hours.
2. Go for an elephant ride in Raettanakiri and Mondulkiri; remember to grab a tour guide. Yes, I'll do this, first, let me find out where those places are.
3. Be a part of the extravagant Water Festival. Taking place in October/November, it is around this time that the Tonle Sap changes direction, leaving behind an abundance of fish. Crowds mingle on the river banks in Phnom Penh to watch hundreds of brightly coloured boats and their paddlers battle it out for top honours. I plan to. I know traffic is the worst during this time around the city and around Mo Tonle. The crowd size rivals EDSA 1 and 2 (comnbined), but the crowd can smell like EDSA 3 (sorry, but true).
   
4. Watch a traditional Cambodian Apsara dance. Siem Reap is probably the best place to watch a dance display, although travellers can occasionally catch a spontaneous one in the villages. We've (Pao and I) saw one briefly in Siem Reap at Temple Bar. We said we'll come back the following night to watch while having dinner. We didn't get to. I think we did something that's more fun instead, so it's still on my list.
   
5. Go dolphin-spotting near Kratie. Viewing Cambodia's fresh water dolphins is immensely rewarding. The best time to go is early morning or late afternoon. I better get me a travel buddy. Asan na ba tong si Paolo..psst, lezgo!
6. Swim in volcanic Yak Lom lake near Banlung town in Rattanakiri province. The water is clear and cool and the surrounding forest is ideal for a picnic. Ok, I'll hit number 2 and 6 in one go.
7. Fire a rocket launcher or M-16 in Phnom Penh. There aren't many other places in the world that would let you near such lethal weaponry. A serious reminder of the troubles Cambodia's been through. I fired an AK 47 in Vietnam. The rocket launcher seems like a sweet, sweet idea. Iz nice (said like our good friend, Borat).
8. Cambodia Cooking Class . The Cambodia Cooking Class will be one of the highlights of your trip. Even the kids will love it, too! Lots of mortar and pestle action to make the curries, then you get to eat your delicious... oh yes, you're on my list baybee!
9. The Killing Fields (Choeung Ek). These were the execution grounds for the Khmer Rouge. Can't believe I've ever been here. I'll do this + #7 in one go.
10. Wat Phnom. Bring plenty of small change because beggars are pretty thick on the ground here, even early in the morning. Take it one at a time visiting inside the temple, as there are plenty of small children...I've seen it, haven't been to it. It gets pretty scary at night because of the young gangs (word úp).
11. Heart of Darkness. This dark bar is known as one of the more popular nightlife attractions. haha, ok, better see what thie Emba of Phnom penh is about soon.Get it off my list.
12. Independence Monument. This obelisk commemorates Cambodia's freedom from France in 1953. Yes, see this every single day, but haven't had a photo taken next to it.
13. Martini Pub. This popular pub is centrally located, affordable and features a movie screen. aba's nasan ka ba, Martini Pub? You'll be 12.5- not very important. Sharky's. This bar, a rock music venue, is a favorite of American travelers. ok. you'll be 13. I know where you are, just don't know what the fuss is about.
14. Naga World Hotel Casino ok, a NFF (new found friend) works here. Let's see what it has to offer. Maybe I'd hit 12.5, 13 and this in one go.
15. Schools for Children of Cambodia; School Tours Reviews. Organizations like Schools for Children of Cambodia (SCC) offer free tours of local schools for tourists. The tour guide is a long-term volunteer at the organization and gives a great description on the education system in Cambodia including teaching conditions and cultural issues. alright, as a future educator (yes, still want to teach) I have to know how education is like here in Cambodia.
    
16. Hot Air Balloon Ride. I didn't get to do this in Siem Reap when Paolo was here :(
    
17. Travel through time and learn more about the various periods of architecture with Khmer Architecture Tours on the city's most relaxing from the transport- cyclo tingnan natin kung kailan ko maisipang gawin to.
18. If you can't fit in a guided architecture tours with Khmer Architecture Tours, then download their free walking tour map for Phnom Penh and walk around some of the city's architecture highlights. alrighty then. Maybe?
19. Pay a visit to NYEMO's boutique in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap for charming silk handicrafts and that make for perfect souvenir for both adult and children alikdo the, and tour a production work shop if you have time. Do I really want to do this?
20. Relax after a visit to Killing Fields by dinning at Lotus Blanc, vocational training restaurant, or getting a massage at spa, two of initiative from Pour un Surire d'Enfants , set up to look after children who live and work around the Steung Mean Chey dumpsite. I'll do this together with 7 and 9.
21. Treat yourself with beautiful silk handbags and accessories produced by the disable artisans from Rehab Craft Cambodia in both Phnom Penh and Siem Reap. sure, I would!

There are a couple of things I've done that's on my list. Will blog about them if I get the time. Soon!!