Solo friendly

by Chansreypich Neum (Cambodia)

I didn't expect to find Cambodia

My wanderlust started when I was 18 years old. And yes I’m an asian (Cambodian) you would probably know how strictly Asian parents are. But I don’t care because I love traveling I love spending time for myself I love giving myself for what I wanted. And that how I made my way to go out of town—solo— with only good old phone for travel buddy. I didn’t set out wanting to travel by myself. It’s something that young women are discouraged from doing: My own mother was desperate to talk to me out of the idea. “ It’s dangerous for girls travel by themselves, “ she’d warn me every time we spoke. I insisted that I knew women my age who’d done it, and i’d be fine. But after I convincing them that just because I’m a woman does not mean I have to be constantly surrounded by a crew, I had to make myself believe it. Plus during that age I really have a tough time with my family, friends or people surrounded by me, I could barely talk to anyone I lost so many friends, hobbies or any other entertainment. Luckily I love watching the vlog. Some sort of travel vlogs which I watch on You tube. Then my mindset suddenly change, I was thinking I love traveling, do I ? So why shouldn’t I get out of this zone and make my life more happier than staying in this messy place which only make my life getting worse. So I was force to remind myself of my somewhat cheesy screensaver quote: “Life begins at the end of your comfort zone.” I sucked it up. I wanted this badly enough to outweigh both the safety risk and the potential of FOMO. The journey was, in a word, liberating. While I was nervous that my first meal alone would be pretty awkward, I wasn’t tempted by the idea of eating takeout in my hostel bunk bed, either. Since I’ve always been a person who recharges with alone time. So I faced the fear, I bring myself out of the hostel channeled my inner cool Asian girl, and walk myself to the restaurant nearby which was 15 minutes away from my place. I was going to dinner. It ended up being one of the most indulgent aspects of my trip and for once, that didn’t mean feeling guilty. I spent like an hour walking around that arena which call Night market. I feel so delighted I enjoy my ice-cream roll that I bought on the street when I was out of dinner I walked the entire block without fear of judgment. No one knows me, I didn’t know anyone. After an hour of hanging around, I decided to bring myself into clubbing. It is an extra adventure. Yes, I feel more comfortable being with my solo skin. I ordered a few drink which recommended by a bartender, chilling by the music, also having a small chit-chat with other by adore my own company, having a good time by myself, then that because I have my own insecurities to deal with , So try it. I spent final hours of my trip wandering around the gorgeous lined street of Siem Reap just to buying some souvenirs. 30 minutes prior to leaving, I pulled out my phone and listened to a few piano trials, just to calm myself down and relax. I began to cry partially from exhaustion, perhaps, but mostly because the moment felt intensely profound. Here I was, in a city I’d always escaped to in my mind through my memories and pictures, closing out the most incredible experience of my life. A little crazy, a little ambitious. All me P.S This isn’t enough to call a Story. But this is one my best experience of mine and also this is the first start, too.