Off the southern coast of Cambodia lives a tiny island without any wifi, electricity, or hot water and that island is called Koh Rong Samloem. We were all stoked to get to the beach, but also to be disconnected for a little bit and to really soak in the island vibes. This island is quite a haul to get to. We had to take a bus from Phnom Penh to Sihanoukville, then a ferry to the island, and then another small boat to our hostel. We arrived and it truly is a hidden gem. We had our own beach, hammocks in the water, swings, snorkeling, kayaking, etc, but what made this island so special was the vibe. Nobody was on their phones, because there's no wifi and people actually talked to each other. We had no itinerary and no rush to go somewhere. This was our chance to just relax and take it all in. Not being able to check in on Facebook or post an Instagram really forces you to think in the moment and not worry about anything else. It was a beach resort for people who don't like beach resorts. All you needed was a bathing suit, good company, and a beer.
At this point of the trip it was now Rachel, David, Stephanie, and Annika and we our own bungalow with mosquito nets and all! We had such a good squad and everyone just really meshed well together, which was perfect for the island vibes. The first night on the island, however, will be something that I never ever forget. We were hanging out on the beach listening to the tiny waves lightly crash on the beach and talking about our trip and each other. I felt untouchable in my happiness and the only thing that I cared about was that moment and that's the only thing that matters. Later that night we all went swimming in the ocean while there was a thunderstorm going on. Thinking about this now, it was probably not the best idea but while you were swimming in the ocean the plankton would glow and I literally felt like a fairy. It was the most interesting phenomenon, and matched with the lightning over the mountains it was a beautiful combination. I just remember thinking that nothing else mattered in the world except right now, and right now was pretty darn amazing.
The next day we decided to go on a snorkeling and fishing trip and it turned out to be the worst possible day to do this. It was pouring down rain, and not just any rain but side rain and the rain would splash back into our faces when we were in the water. We couldn't see anything when we were snorkeling but we all tried to make the best. of what we had. After the snorkeling we went fishing and of course I wasn't able to catch any fish but some other people did and then we set up our grill on the boat and fried up some freshly caught fish. It was really fun, but I was freezing and I felt a cold coming on because being cold, wet, and in a bathing suit in the rain is not a great combination. The trip, however, was fun and I definitely will not forget it!
Koh Rong Samloeum was one of the best places I've visited and even despite the fact that I got sick at the end of my trip it was fantastic. Being able to disconnect and not worry about my phone or anything going on in social media was so refreshing and I think it is so important for everyone to disconnect for a while because then it allows for you to appreciate the moment and the reality that you're in.
I'm just trying to get it all out of my system...