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Eat at the Most Bizarre, (delish) and Colorful Food Circus in the World!

Leave a Comment / Asia, Food and Wine, Shopping, Travel / Pamelahawthorne

Bubbling cauldrons of soups, meats wrapped in palm leaves, a rainbow of desserts – honestly…when it comes to street food, Southeast Asia is the Big Top of variety, flavor and (let’s say) innovation. Each country I visited, (Thailand, Cambodia and Laos on this trip,) has their street food cultural fingerprint. But there are many similarities.

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Giving Alms: Silent and Beautiful Sunrise in Luang Prabang

1 Comment / Africa, Sights to See, Solo Travel, Travel / Pamelahawthorne

Each morning before sunrise, the faithful line the sidewalks of the city of Luang Prabang in north central Laos. The custom dates back to the origins of Buddhism, and now hundreds do as Buddha did during his time, roaming the streets barefoot each morning seeking alms. Everyone speaks in hushed, reverential tones as shoes are

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Expression of the Highest Genius; The Majesty of Angkor Thom

Leave a Comment / Asia, Natural Wonders, Sights to See, Solo Travel, Travel / Pamelahawthorne

The Royal Palace situated within the city of Angkor Thom, close to Siem Reap Cambodia, belonged to kings of the tenth and first half of of the eleventh centuries. King Jayavarman VII built the city, whose name translates to “Great Kingdom” and includes Angkor Wat, over a 30 year period with the assistance of 6,000 elephants.

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Visit Wat Rong Khun, the Famous White Temple of Chiang Rai

Leave a Comment / Asia, Sights to See, Solo Travel, Travel / Pamelahawthorne

In the Land of a Thousand Temples, this glittering swirl of meringue generously sprinkled with tiny diamonds is a visual feast. More like a Disney fantasy than a place of Buddhist worship. Made more unusual because it’s new. Known as the White Temple, Wat Rong Khun, located in Chiang Rai is the project of well-known

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My Visit with the Long-Necked Women of Thailand’s Hill Tribes

Leave a Comment / Asia, Sights to See, Solo Travel, Travel / Pamelahawthorne

In mountainous northern Thailand, at the end of a long dirt road, private except for occasional but welcomed visitors, live the “long necked women” of the Kayan Hill Tribe. With our Thai-speaking guide, I visited this small village called Ban Nai Soi, where four different ethnic groups; Kayan, Akha, Hmong and Lahu live together, refugees

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My Once in a Lifetime Experience: Chiang Mai Elephant Jungle Sanctuary

Leave a Comment / Asia, Natural Wonders, Sights to See, Travel / Pamelahawthorne

Elephants are a national symbol in Southeast Asia. Woven into the cultural fabric of Asia, the animal was elevated to a special status upon Lord Buddha’s birth when, scriptures say, his mother dreamed a white elephant came to her with a lotus flower. Practically though, the massive temples in Southeast Asia, staggering in size and

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How to Have an Amazing Time in Mystical, Magical Bangkok

Leave a Comment / Asia, Blogging, Sights to See, Solo Travel, Travel / Pamelahawthorne

Thailand is known as “land of a thousand temples”, each stunningly unique and overwhelmingly beautifully Buddhist. It’s also known as the “land of a thousand smiles”. I think there’s a connection… First, it’s hot. Plan your adventures for mornings, late afternoons and evenings. Not during the heat of midday. The city comes alive at night.

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Today’s Vibrant Soweto: The Healing Legacy of President Mandela and Mama Antoinette

Leave a Comment / Africa, Sights to See, Travel / Pamelahawthorne

“How do you tell this story, over and over, Mama Antoinette?” I asked the tiny woman standing before me, ” and with no trace of bitterness or hatred for the people who murdered your brother?” “Forgiveness,” she said reaching out to hug me, “it’s the only path from grief.” On June 16, 1976 a twelve

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Visit Franschoek, The World’s Most Beautiful Wine Valley

1 Comment / Africa, Food and Wine, Sights to See, Travel / Pamelahawthorne

With its expansive mountains cut by wandering rivers and rolling hills heavy with verdant vines, there’s no arguing that South Africa is home to some of the world’s most beautiful wine regions. Picture 250,000 acres of vines across the Western Cape region alone—it’s easy to get lost in the vast array of the country’s wine choices. At the top

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Twelve Fascinating Facts You Didn’t Know About Victoria Falls

2 Comments / Africa, Natural Wonders, Sights to See, Solo Travel, Travel, Uncategorized / Pamelahawthorne

My Zimbabwe adventure included a morning hike in the Victoria Falls Rainforest and an afternoon helicopter ride over the falls. Both were incredible! It is the largest waterfall in the world. Not the widest or the highest but the world’s largest sheet of falling water. Twice the height of Niagara and only rivalled by Iguazu

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