🛞 Notes from the road, Dharmashala, India, 23 March 23, 7:23 a.m.

🏔️ What is an adventurous traveler anyway? An adventurous traveler is someone who actively searches for experiences outside of his or her comfort zone. Adventure travelers are risk-takers and boundary-shakers. We crave transformative experiences which will lead to personal growth not achievable any other way and is an amazing byproduct of our quest for fun and thrills. These life-changing experiences leave lasting impressions in our hearts and minds. In other words, adventurous travelers are not content with simply being in the presence of a new culture. We want to gain a deeper understanding of it, which, in turn, provides broadened perspectives and expanded horizons.

🏔️ That’s deep, huh? Well, I’m deep. And not just philosophically but geographically. At the time of this writing, I’m sitting in the shadows of the Himalayan mountains.

🏔️ Within the past 48 hours, I’ve survived a hard landing (21 Mar 23 @ 1:24 p.m.), a 5.5-magnitude earthquake (21 Mar 23 @ 10:19 p.m.) and a freak, rando, monster 30-minute hailstorm, which coated the single road wrapping around the mountain in a thick blanket of ice (22 Mar 23 @ 3:03 p.m.). In fact, the hailstorm was so severe that I was stranded on the side of the mountain for nearly two hours. Ultimately, I had to abandon my car and hike the remaining distance back up to my stunning mountainside resort under the constant surveillance of this cheeky monkey the size of a kindergartner.

🏔️ So, what’s a girl to do after surviving three near-death experiences and a would-be monkey assassin? Curl up by the fire pit in the lounge with a grilled cheese sandwich, a glass of Prosecco and begin planning her travels to Everest Base Camp, of course. Think I’m kidding? Think again. Namaste, Sandy 👊🏻
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#adventure #himalayas #dharamshala #travelblogger #travelgram #traveler #travelawesome #travelblog #traveldiaries #traveldiaries #womenwhoexplore #traveladdict #adventurer #adventuretime #india #travel #travelindia #traveldeeper #travelasia #moments #momentsofmine #wanderlust #wanderfolk #indiadiaries #travelingram #wander #wanderer #travelgirl

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🛞 Notes from the road, Dharmashala, India, 23 March 23, 7:23 a.m.

🏔️ What is an adventurous traveler anyway? An adventurous traveler is someone who actively searches for experiences outside of his or her comfort zone. Adventure travelers are risk-takers and boundary-shakers. We crave transformative experiences which will lead to personal growth not achievable any other way and is an amazing byproduct of our quest for fun and thrills. These life-changing experiences leave lasting impressions in our hearts and minds. In other words, adventurous travelers are not content with simply being in the presence of a new culture. We want to gain a deeper understanding of it, which, in turn, provides broadened perspectives and expanded horizons.

🏔️ That’s deep, huh? Well, I’m deep. And not just philosophically but geographically. At the time of this writing, I’m sitting in the shadows of the Himalayan mountains.

🏔️ Within the past 48 hours, I’ve survived a hard landing (21 Mar 23 @ 1:24 p.m.), a 5.5-magnitude earthquake (21 Mar 23 @ 10:19 p.m.) and a freak, rando, monster 30-minute hailstorm, which coated the single road wrapping around the mountain in a thick blanket of ice (22 Mar 23 @ 3:03 p.m.). In fact, the hailstorm was so severe that I was stranded on the side of the mountain for nearly two hours. Ultimately, I had to abandon my car and hike the remaining distance back up to my stunning mountainside resort under the constant surveillance of this cheeky monkey the size of a kindergartner.

🏔️ So, what’s a girl to do after surviving three near-death experiences and a would-be monkey assassin? Curl up by the fire pit in the lounge with a grilled cheese sandwich, a glass of Prosecco and begin planning her travels to Everest Base Camp, of course. Think I’m kidding? Think again. Namaste, Sandy 👊🏻
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#adventure #himalayas #dharamshala #travelblogger #travelgram #traveler #travelawesome #travelblog #traveldiaries #traveldiaries #womenwhoexplore #traveladdict #adventurer #adventuretime #india #travel #travelindia #traveldeeper #travelasia #moments #momentsofmine #wanderlust #wanderfolk #indiadiaries #travelingram #wander #wanderer #travelgirl

🐉 Your attention please🐉 I am now entering the Kingdom of Bhutan, Land of the Thunder Dragon 🐉

🐉 Instead of flying into Paro, I thought it would be super extra to do a land border crossing at the newly-reopened Jaigon-Phuentsholing gate via private off-road vehicle. I was not wrong 🐉

🐉 If you’re interested in attempting this yourself, I’ll post more on that later on the blog. Suffice it to say there was never a dull moment. From here, I’ll be road-tripping around the country 🐉

🐉 Furthermore, Imma use the hell outta this dragon emoji on all of my Bhutan posts. 🐉 You’re welcome 🐉.
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#bhutan #bhutantravel #bhutandiaries #bhutantourism #travelblogger #travelblog #travelersnotebook #thesandypapers #traveler #travelingram #roadtrip #womenwhoexplore #womenwhotravel #bordercrossing #travelphotography #travelasia #asia #wanderlust #wander #wanderfolk #wanderout #wandermore #wanderer #traveladdict #womenwhowrite #travelpics #travellife #momentsofmine

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🐉 Your attention please🐉 I am now entering the Kingdom of Bhutan, Land of the Thunder Dragon 🐉

🐉 Instead of flying into Paro, I thought it would be super extra to do a land border crossing at the newly-reopened Jaigon-Phuentsholing gate via private off-road vehicle. I was not wrong 🐉

🐉 If you’re interested in attempting this yourself, I’ll post more on that later on the blog. Suffice it to say there was never a dull moment. From here, I’ll be road-tripping around the country 🐉

🐉 Furthermore, Imma use the hell outta this dragon emoji on all of my Bhutan posts. 🐉 You’re welcome 🐉.
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#bhutan #bhutantravel #bhutandiaries #bhutantourism #travelblogger #travelblog #travelersnotebook #thesandypapers #traveler #travelingram #roadtrip #womenwhoexplore #womenwhotravel #bordercrossing #travelphotography #travelasia #asia #wanderlust #wander #wanderfolk #wanderout #wandermore #wanderer #traveladdict #womenwhowrite #travelpics #travellife #momentsofmine

🛞 Notes from the road, West Bengal, India, 10 March 23, 9:01 p.m.

🚂 Straddling a west-facing ridge and surrounded by tea plantations, Darjeeling town spills down jagged cliffs in a complicated series of skinny roads and steep flights of stairs. Like many places in the Himalayas, half the fun is getting there and Darjeeling is no exception.

🚂 Famous for its mini railway, Darjeeling’s Toy Train isn’t the quickest way to get here, but it is a must. Built between 1879 and 1881, the DHR covers 50 miles, including five switchbacks and four complete loops, and takes nine hours to complete. If nine hours sounds extra, try traveling only the last stretch of the journey from Ghoom to Darjeeling. That’s what I did today. Fair warning: The steam locomotives are notoriously unreliable. Mercifully, my train was only delayed a half hour; and, once underway, the entire journey only took 60 minutes.

🚂 When the steam engine did arrive, I was assigned to the first carriage in seat 18, a window seat. Yay! Until we rounded the last bend. The sparks generated by the coal being shoveled into the engine started flying through the windows and burned a tiny hole in my very new, very beautiful pashmina purchased only two days before while in Jaipur for Holi.

🚂 Breaking news: Sometimes, things don’t go as planned. Sometimes, trains are late. Sometimes, clothing gets banged up. Sometimes, the street food lady sold the last samosa to the customer right before you! Still, there’s no need to lose your head. Take a deep breath, acknowledge what’s happened and make a new plan.

🚂 Yes, getting here was half the fun. The other half was finding a tailor to repair my pashmina. Guess what? It turned out splendidly! Of course, it’s not exactly the way it was before, but I believe there is beauty in broken things. Like my scarf. Each time I wear it, it’ll remind me of the memories I‘ve made here. All aboard, y’all! Next stop, Bhutan!
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#darjeeling #toytrain #train #india #travelblogger #travelersnotebook #travelawesome #travelpics #thesandypapers #travelindia #womenwhoexplore #traveldiaries #traveldiary #traveladdict #travelbug #wanderer #traveler #travellife

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🛞 Notes from the road, West Bengal, India, 10 March 23, 9:01 p.m.

🚂 Straddling a west-facing ridge and surrounded by tea plantations, Darjeeling town spills down jagged cliffs in a complicated series of skinny roads and steep flights of stairs. Like many places in the Himalayas, half the fun is getting there and Darjeeling is no exception.

🚂 Famous for its mini railway, Darjeeling’s Toy Train isn’t the quickest way to get here, but it is a must. Built between 1879 and 1881, the DHR covers 50 miles, including five switchbacks and four complete loops, and takes nine hours to complete. If nine hours sounds extra, try traveling only the last stretch of the journey from Ghoom to Darjeeling. That’s what I did today. Fair warning: The steam locomotives are notoriously unreliable. Mercifully, my train was only delayed a half hour; and, once underway, the entire journey only took 60 minutes.

🚂 When the steam engine did arrive, I was assigned to the first carriage in seat 18, a window seat. Yay! Until we rounded the last bend. The sparks generated by the coal being shoveled into the engine started flying through the windows and burned a tiny hole in my very new, very beautiful pashmina purchased only two days before while in Jaipur for Holi.

🚂 Breaking news: Sometimes, things don’t go as planned. Sometimes, trains are late. Sometimes, clothing gets banged up. Sometimes, the street food lady sold the last samosa to the customer right before you! Still, there’s no need to lose your head. Take a deep breath, acknowledge what’s happened and make a new plan.

🚂 Yes, getting here was half the fun. The other half was finding a tailor to repair my pashmina. Guess what? It turned out splendidly! Of course, it’s not exactly the way it was before, but I believe there is beauty in broken things. Like my scarf. Each time I wear it, it’ll remind me of the memories I‘ve made here. All aboard, y’all! Next stop, Bhutan!
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#darjeeling #toytrain #train #india #travelblogger #travelersnotebook #travelawesome #travelpics #thesandypapers #travelindia #womenwhoexplore #traveldiaries #traveldiary #traveladdict #travelbug #wanderer #traveler #travellife

🪬 Spiritual, enlightening and fabulously photogenic, Varanasi is a city full of life — and death. Pilgrims flock here to worship, to take a holy dip in Mother Ganges, to cremate their loved ones and to die themselves. So, take a deep breath and allow yourself to be swept up in its dizzying spiritual whirlwind. Welcome to Varanasi, y’all, the oldest living city on Earth 🪬.
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#varanasi #varanasidiaries #varanasiindia #india #travelblogger #travelblog #travelphotography #travelgram #travelersnotebook #traveler #travelawesome #travelholic #traveladdict #travellife #womenwhoexplore #womenwhotravel #thesandypapers #ghatsofvaranasi #traveldiaries #travelguide #traveltheworld #travelcommunity #explorepage #explore @greaves_tours @imdeevya @forbestravelguide #forbesindia @natgeotravel @natgeoyourshot #travelbloggerlife #travelmore #wanderlust #wander #wanderer

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🪬 Spiritual, enlightening and fabulously photogenic, Varanasi is a city full of life — and death. Pilgrims flock here to worship, to take a holy dip in Mother Ganges, to cremate their loved ones and to die themselves. So, take a deep breath and allow yourself to be swept up in its dizzying spiritual whirlwind. Welcome to Varanasi, y’all, the oldest living city on Earth 🪬.
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#varanasi #varanasidiaries #varanasiindia #india #travelblogger #travelblog #travelphotography #travelgram #travelersnotebook #traveler #travelawesome #travelholic #traveladdict #travellife #womenwhoexplore #womenwhotravel #thesandypapers #ghatsofvaranasi #traveldiaries #travelguide #traveltheworld #travelcommunity #explorepage #explore @greaves_tours @imdeevya @forbestravelguide #forbesindia @natgeotravel @natgeoyourshot #travelbloggerlife #travelmore #wanderlust #wander #wanderer

🧐 Questions, questions, questions. For the most part, I don’t mind people asking me questions, but I do wish some of those people would get a life or, in many cases, a firm grip. Most every day of my life, someone asks me if I’m traveling alone. YES, I AM TRAVELING ALONE.

💪🏻 Friday, 13 January 23, I woke up in Saigon. I grabbed some coffee. I grabbed some books on Book Street. I grabbed some lunch. I grabbed my stuff. At 3:30, I grabbed a cab. By nightfall, I had grabbed Delhi, India by the balls.

💪🏻 I did all of these things — you guessed it — alone. Actually, I have questions of my own. Like… why is this news? Traveling alone is deeply empowering. You gain confidence. You learn patience. You gain physical and mental strength. You become super-adaptive. Traveling solo builds a skill set you can’t possibly get any other way. That’s one of the things I love about it, the constant challenge.

💪🏻 Once you realize you can do it alone, you become a very powerful person. Read that twice. Namaste, y’all. x Sandy.
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#travelphotography #travelgram #travelblogger #travelersnotebook #traveling #traveler #travelawesome #travelblog #momentsofmine #traveldiaries #traveldiary #deepthoughts #solotravel #delhi #delhidiaries #delhigram @greaves_tours #redfort #thesandypapers #traveltheworld #exploreindia #india #womenwhoexplore #womenwhotravel

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🧐 Questions, questions, questions. For the most part, I don’t mind people asking me questions, but I do wish some of those people would get a life or, in many cases, a firm grip. Most every day of my life, someone asks me if I’m traveling alone. YES, I AM TRAVELING ALONE.

💪🏻 Friday, 13 January 23, I woke up in Saigon. I grabbed some coffee. I grabbed some books on Book Street. I grabbed some lunch. I grabbed my stuff. At 3:30, I grabbed a cab. By nightfall, I had grabbed Delhi, India by the balls.

💪🏻 I did all of these things — you guessed it — alone. Actually, I have questions of my own. Like… why is this news? Traveling alone is deeply empowering. You gain confidence. You learn patience. You gain physical and mental strength. You become super-adaptive. Traveling solo builds a skill set you can’t possibly get any other way. That’s one of the things I love about it, the constant challenge.

💪🏻 Once you realize you can do it alone, you become a very powerful person. Read that twice. Namaste, y’all. x Sandy.
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#travelphotography #travelgram #travelblogger #travelersnotebook #traveling #traveler #travelawesome #travelblog #momentsofmine #traveldiaries #traveldiary #deepthoughts #solotravel #delhi #delhidiaries #delhigram @greaves_tours #redfort #thesandypapers #traveltheworld #exploreindia #india #womenwhoexplore #womenwhotravel

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A personal travel blog written by a travel-obsessed girl, featuring tons of tips, stories, guides, videos and photography from around the world. Ninety-nine countries and counting! I’m so happy you’re here! Welcome.

Boat

Drowned, Decapitated and Drop-Dead Crazy: The Island of the Dolls

by Sandy October 29, 2022

written by Sandy

Deep in the heart of the canals of Xochimilco lies an island. An island with a tragic and terrifying history. An island that will send shivers up and down your spine. Over the years, rumors have run rampant about this tiny island being cursed or inhabited by something (or some things?) darker.

If you are easily frightened by the supernatural or the unexplained, you may want to read this post with the lights on because I’m about to share with you the tragic, true story of one of the most haunted places on the planet: The Island of the Dolls.

I first heard about the island a few years ago when researching a trip to Mexico City. While

…

October 29, 2022 0 comment

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💥 The Most Epic New Year’s Ever 💥 More in Stories 💥 x Sandy 💥.
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#hanoi #vietnam #hanoivietnam #newyear #2023 #travelblogger #travelphotography #travel #travelgram #travelersnotebook #traveler #travelinspiration #travelawesome #travelblog #traveladdict #traveladdicted #womenwhoexplore #womenwhotravel #explore #exploreeverything #explorevietnam #exploreasia #traveldiaries #traveldiary #coffeetime #travelgoals #thesandypapers #travelbloggerlife

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💥 The Most Epic New Year’s Ever 💥 More in Stories 💥 x Sandy 💥.
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#hanoi #vietnam #hanoivietnam #newyear #2023 #travelblogger #travelphotography #travel #travelgram #travelersnotebook #traveler #travelinspiration #travelawesome #travelblog #traveladdict #traveladdicted #womenwhoexplore #womenwhotravel #explore #exploreeverything #explorevietnam #exploreasia #traveldiaries #traveldiary #coffeetime #travelgoals #thesandypapers #travelbloggerlife

🧘🏻‍♂️ Buddhism continues to be a deeply influential religion in Asia and its presence here is unmistakable. In fact, most of your photo albums from Southeast Asia will be packed with pictures of monks, especially in Cambodia. Orange robes against ancient ruins backlit with sunrises and sunsets all conspire to provide some seriously jaw-dropping photo opportunities.

🧘🏻‍♂️ Inevitably, you’re bound to see many a monk up close and personal, making it very important to know how to interact with them — or rather how not to interact with them.

🧘🏻‍♂️ But don’t panic! I’ve prepared a short cheat sheet on monk etiquette. While monks are usually friendly with tourists, it’s still necessary to know some basics.

🧘🏻‍♂️ Monk Rules For Dummies:
🔥 Do not point at a monk.
🔥 Do not touch a monk’s head (or anyone else’s, for that matter). It is a sign of disrespect.
🔥 Women especially should never touch a monk. It’s generally forbidden for Buddhist monks to come into physical contact with women. Even touching a monk on accident (for example, brushing up against his robes) requires the monk to perform a lengthy cleansing process.
🔥 Do not ask monks to pose with you or for you.
🔥 Do not take selfies with monks.
🔥 Do not disturb monks while they are in worship.
🔥 Do not photograph monks while they are in worship.

🧘🏻‍♂️ So, there you have it. Being a good traveler means being able to adapt to different cultures and customs, regardless of how unusual they may seem to us. But being a nice human should always be a thing, no matter where you are in the world. Cheers to an adventure-filled 2023, y’all! Namaste, Sandy.
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#monk #monks #buddhism #cambodia #siemreap #angkorwat #asia #travelblogger #travelphotography #travelgram #travelersnotebook #traveladdict #travellife #travelpics #womenwhoexplore #womenwhotravel #orange #unesco @natgeoyourshot #traveler #traveling #traveldiaries #traveldeeper #travelcambodia #travelasia #thesandypapers #travelbug #wanderlust #wander #wanderer #explore

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🧘🏻‍♂️ Buddhism continues to be a deeply influential religion in Asia and its presence here is unmistakable. In fact, most of your photo albums from Southeast Asia will be packed with pictures of monks, especially in Cambodia. Orange robes against ancient ruins backlit with sunrises and sunsets all conspire to provide some seriously jaw-dropping photo opportunities.

🧘🏻‍♂️ Inevitably, you’re bound to see many a monk up close and personal, making it very important to know how to interact with them — or rather how not to interact with them.

🧘🏻‍♂️ But don’t panic! I’ve prepared a short cheat sheet on monk etiquette. While monks are usually friendly with tourists, it’s still necessary to know some basics.

🧘🏻‍♂️ Monk Rules For Dummies:
🔥 Do not point at a monk.
🔥 Do not touch a monk’s head (or anyone else’s, for that matter). It is a sign of disrespect.
🔥 Women especially should never touch a monk. It’s generally forbidden for Buddhist monks to come into physical contact with women. Even touching a monk on accident (for example, brushing up against his robes) requires the monk to perform a lengthy cleansing process.
🔥 Do not ask monks to pose with you or for you.
🔥 Do not take selfies with monks.
🔥 Do not disturb monks while they are in worship.
🔥 Do not photograph monks while they are in worship.

🧘🏻‍♂️ So, there you have it. Being a good traveler means being able to adapt to different cultures and customs, regardless of how unusual they may seem to us. But being a nice human should always be a thing, no matter where you are in the world. Cheers to an adventure-filled 2023, y’all! Namaste, Sandy.
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#monk #monks #buddhism #cambodia #siemreap #angkorwat #asia #travelblogger #travelphotography #travelgram #travelersnotebook #traveladdict #travellife #travelpics #womenwhoexplore #womenwhotravel #orange #unesco @natgeoyourshot #traveler #traveling #traveldiaries #traveldeeper #travelcambodia #travelasia #thesandypapers #travelbug #wanderlust #wander #wanderer #explore

🛞 Notes from the road, Ban Ka Long Train Station, 24 Dec 22, 4:14 p.m.

🚂 Christmas Eve finds me on the outskirts of Bangkok. Broadly speaking, I’m about 50 miles outside Bangkok’s city center. Specifically speaking, I’m standing at the Ban Ka Long train station on my way to the so-called Life-Risking Market. Yes, you read that correctly. Life-Risking Market. Naturally, I have to investigate 🧐

🚂 Considered to be one of the most dangerous markets in the world, the Maeklong Railway Market has been around since 1905. Fishing was and still is a primary means of support for the people who live here and the market is a wonderful way for them to sell their merch. But Thailand officials decided to construct a railway to bring in customers from other provinces around Thailand, including the capital. Miraculously, in spite of the tracks cutting a path smack through the middle of it, the market remained.

🚂 Traveling at a whopping 19 miles an hour, you’ll hear the train long before you actually see it. Vendors and merchants calmly begin moving their wares away from the tracks, along with their umbrellas and awnings, as the train barrels forward. The precision with which this is accomplished is nothing short of shocking. Blasting its horn every now and again to warn people of its approach, the train cuts its way through the chaos. Truly a sight to behold! With barely an inch to spare, it (somehow?!) manages to pass through without damaging property or killing me. Yay for small victories!

🚂 Open from 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., the market is a great place for buying seafood, fruits, vegetables, meats and other miscellaneous goods. From the Ban Ka Long station, it only took about 25 minutes to arrive. Definitely one for the bucket list, a visit to the Maeklong Railway Market is mandatory when visiting Thailand. All aboard — and Merry Christmas, y’all! x Sandy.
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#travelblogger #bangkok #bangkokthailand #maeklong #travelling #travelgram #travelersnotebook #traveler #traveladdict #thesandypapers #travel #travelphotography #travelblog #travelbloggers #womenwhotravel #traveldiaries #traveldiary

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🛞 Notes from the road, Ban Ka Long Train Station, 24 Dec 22, 4:14 p.m.

🚂 Christmas Eve finds me on the outskirts of Bangkok. Broadly speaking, I’m about 50 miles outside Bangkok’s city center. Specifically speaking, I’m standing at the Ban Ka Long train station on my way to the so-called Life-Risking Market. Yes, you read that correctly. Life-Risking Market. Naturally, I have to investigate 🧐

🚂 Considered to be one of the most dangerous markets in the world, the Maeklong Railway Market has been around since 1905. Fishing was and still is a primary means of support for the people who live here and the market is a wonderful way for them to sell their merch. But Thailand officials decided to construct a railway to bring in customers from other provinces around Thailand, including the capital. Miraculously, in spite of the tracks cutting a path smack through the middle of it, the market remained.

🚂 Traveling at a whopping 19 miles an hour, you’ll hear the train long before you actually see it. Vendors and merchants calmly begin moving their wares away from the tracks, along with their umbrellas and awnings, as the train barrels forward. The precision with which this is accomplished is nothing short of shocking. Blasting its horn every now and again to warn people of its approach, the train cuts its way through the chaos. Truly a sight to behold! With barely an inch to spare, it (somehow?!) manages to pass through without damaging property or killing me. Yay for small victories!

🚂 Open from 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., the market is a great place for buying seafood, fruits, vegetables, meats and other miscellaneous goods. From the Ban Ka Long station, it only took about 25 minutes to arrive. Definitely one for the bucket list, a visit to the Maeklong Railway Market is mandatory when visiting Thailand. All aboard — and Merry Christmas, y’all! x Sandy.
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#travelblogger #bangkok #bangkokthailand #maeklong #travelling #travelgram #travelersnotebook #traveler #traveladdict #thesandypapers #travel #travelphotography #travelblog #travelbloggers #womenwhotravel #traveldiaries #traveldiary

🛞 Notes from the road, Phnom Penh, Cambodia, 17 Dec 23, 3:04 p.m.

🐇 Crossing the border from Vietnam into Cambodia isn’t difficult, but it is disorganized. Today, I crossed via private transportation. Moc Bai to Bavet is the main route from Saigon and, mercifully, it’s only a two-hour drive. After reaching the border station, I hopped out of the car and, apparently, into the rabbit hole.

First, border control checkpoint for Vietnam. Heading inside, bags in tow, the first step was to present them for x-ray, which took a minute. Next up, passport check. Easy enough, as long as you’re willing to pay a random bribe. After agreeing to give the agent exactly $1, I found myself smack in the middle of two countries on a very busy road, backpack and all. I had exited Vietnam but hadn’t quite made it to Cambodia. No Man’s Land.

This is some weird shit, y’all. Cars, bikes, trucks, tuk-tuks and pedestrians. Everyone is wandering around willy-nilly, seeking entry into one country and exit from the other. Making quick work of the half-mile walk, I arrived at the second (and final) building, border control for Cambodia. Again, not hard to do, but it was very humid and it kind of sucked.

Once inside, I again presented my bags for x-ray. Immediately after that, an extremely large giant approached me with an immigration slip to complete. So, I did that. Next, visa check. Easy enough, only this time I did not agree to pay the bribe. Stop asking me for money please! Thank you! Finally, the last passport check. Here, my fingerprints were taken and my eyeballs, too, were x-rayed.

All in, it only took about 45 minutes to do all the things. After locating my driver, we hopped back into the van and drove off into our future. A pleasant two-hour drive later, I’ve just arrived in Phnom Penh. Prepare thyself, people. This will be amazing! #travel #travelasia #cambodia #phnompenh #temple #travelling #travelphotography #travelersnotebook #travelawesome #traveladdict #travel #travellife #roadtrip #temple #traveladdict #thesandypapers #travelpics #traveldiaries #travelblog #travelblogger #traveldiaries #traveldiary #traveldeeper #womenwhotravel #destinations

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🛞 Notes from the road, Phnom Penh, Cambodia, 17 Dec 23, 3:04 p.m.

🐇 Crossing the border from Vietnam into Cambodia isn’t difficult, but it is disorganized. Today, I crossed via private transportation. Moc Bai to Bavet is the main route from Saigon and, mercifully, it’s only a two-hour drive. After reaching the border station, I hopped out of the car and, apparently, into the rabbit hole.

First, border control checkpoint for Vietnam. Heading inside, bags in tow, the first step was to present them for x-ray, which took a minute. Next up, passport check. Easy enough, as long as you’re willing to pay a random bribe. After agreeing to give the agent exactly $1, I found myself smack in the middle of two countries on a very busy road, backpack and all. I had exited Vietnam but hadn’t quite made it to Cambodia. No Man’s Land.

This is some weird shit, y’all. Cars, bikes, trucks, tuk-tuks and pedestrians. Everyone is wandering around willy-nilly, seeking entry into one country and exit from the other. Making quick work of the half-mile walk, I arrived at the second (and final) building, border control for Cambodia. Again, not hard to do, but it was very humid and it kind of sucked.

Once inside, I again presented my bags for x-ray. Immediately after that, an extremely large giant approached me with an immigration slip to complete. So, I did that. Next, visa check. Easy enough, only this time I did not agree to pay the bribe. Stop asking me for money please! Thank you! Finally, the last passport check. Here, my fingerprints were taken and my eyeballs, too, were x-rayed.

All in, it only took about 45 minutes to do all the things. After locating my driver, we hopped back into the van and drove off into our future. A pleasant two-hour drive later, I’ve just arrived in Phnom Penh. Prepare thyself, people. This will be amazing! #travel #travelasia #cambodia #phnompenh #temple #travelling #travelphotography #travelersnotebook #travelawesome #traveladdict #travel #travellife #roadtrip #temple #traveladdict #thesandypapers #travelpics #traveldiaries #travelblog #travelblogger #traveldiaries #traveldiary #traveldeeper #womenwhotravel #destinations

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