How Soccer Explains the World: An Unlikely Theory of Globalization
Author: Franklin Foer
Who knew you could learn so much about globalization, economics and politics from soccer? Great read.
Artist's Way: A Spiritual Path to Higher Creativity
Author: Julia Cameron
One possible path to re-discovering the creativity you never knew you had.
Guns, Germs, and Steel: The Fates of Human Societies, New Edition
Author: Jared Diamond
An admirable crack at explaining why the world is the way it is by way of an anthropological macro-history. This book probably comes up the most in conversation as we travel.
The Cathedral Within: Transforming Your Life by Giving Something Back
Author: Bill Shore
Inspiring profiles of social entrepreneurs and projects we all can learn from and hopefully replicate to give back to community.
Playing the Enemy: Nelson Mandela and the Game That Made a Nation
Author: John Carlin
Although the storyline is built around the South African rugby team and the 1995 World Cup, this book is more about Nelson Mandela and how he was able to unite a divided country. Inspiring.
Dark Star Safari: Overland from Cairo to Capetown
Author: Paul Theroux
The author re-visits Africa and re-assesses the place he once knew... and judges it once and for all. Well written, poignant observations of the thumbprints left by career politicians, aid workers, and everyday people.
Outliers: The Story of Success
Author: Malcolm Gladwell
A look at the internal and external factors of how extraordinary people got to be, well, extraordinary. One of those books that challenges assumptions and makes you think differently.
Shantaram: A Novel
Author: Gregory David Roberts
Administering first aid in a Bombay slum, selling fake passports and running guns to the Mujahideen in Afghanistan. Technically a novel, but closely linked to the Author's own experiences. Fantastic read.
Having heard about the delicate engravings and charm of Banteay Srei (Khmer for “Citadel of the Women”) temple, we organized a special trip there with our tuk-tuk driver. It is one of the oldest Hindu temples at Angkor and dates back to the 10th century. Continue Reading »
Filed Under: Cambodia, Southeast Asia, Travel, Videos by: Daniel Noll and Audrey Scott
No Comments | 25 February 2007
When we think of the temples of Angkor, some of the images permanently etched in our heads are those of the Angkor children. The kids of Angkor bring life to the temples, accenting the stone ruins with their adorable faces. Young children from the age of two look up pleadingly at tourists with their big dark eyes and ask them to buy postcards. “Sir, 10 postcards for $1. Buy from me.” You hear it over and over again. Continue Reading »
Filed Under: Cambodia, Perspectives, Southeast Asia, Travel, Videos by: Daniel Noll and Audrey Scott
2 Comments | 25 February 2007
Like 99% of the tourists who come to Siem Reap, we came to see the temples of Angkor and became cogs in the Angkor tourist processing machine – arranging transport, buying a 3-day pass, and temple hopping.
We had heard beforehand of the spiritual nature of the temples and the beauty of their engravings. We had no idea of the scale of the complex and did not fully fathom the number of tourists we’d share it with. Continue Reading »
Filed Under: Cambodia, Southeast Asia, Travel, Videos by: Daniel Noll and Audrey Scott
1 Comment | 25 February 2007
After the rich, chocolaty coffee in Vietnam, we were hurting for a good cup of coffee in Cambodia.
One afternoon, we followed the scent of coffee on a dirt road near the market in Siem Reap and found ourselves in the home of a coffee roaster. Bags of freshly roasted beans were piled high, but not a drop of drinkable coffee was to be had.
Disappointed, we slunked back to the main street. Sensing our disappointment, the tuk-tuk drivers hanging out nearby asked what we were looking for. We explained our search for strong coffee. They pointed us in the direction of Saigon Café. Continue Reading »
Filed Under: Cambodia, Humor, Southeast Asia, Travel by: Daniel Noll and Audrey Scott
3 Comments | 25 February 2007
Much of what the visitor to Siem Reap sees are streets filled with restaurants, hotels, spas and other services geared towards foreign tourists. There is another side to life here, however, one that is neither shiny nor prosperous. Continue Reading »
Filed Under: Cambodia, Southeast Asia, Travel by: Daniel Noll and Audrey Scott
No Comments | 25 February 2007
Our bus from Phnom Penh was met by a driver proudly holding a sign saying “Ganiel.” From the moment we got into the car, the driver started his selling pitch as the perfect guide and driver to the Angkor temples. Maps circulated like popcorn inside the car as the excitement level in his voice rose audibly. Continue Reading »
Filed Under: Cambodia, Southeast Asia, Travel, Videos by: Daniel Noll and Audrey Scott
No Comments | 25 February 2007
Having traveled by boat to Cambodia, we took a pass on the popular – and long – boat trip from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap and opted for the cheap bus instead. We figured we could make better use of the extra $4 per person.
When we booked our tickets, the agent from the bus company whipped out tickets and checked us off on a seat manifest that was virtually empty. It appeared like we’d have the bus to ourselves.
Instead, at the moment of departure, Cambodians seemed to descend from the heavens and packed the bus to almost fully booked. Continue Reading »
Filed Under: Cambodia, Southeast Asia, Travel by: Daniel Noll and Audrey Scott
No Comments | 25 February 2007
