Starting over in Siem Reap
moto driving on a bridge over the siem reap river

My life has completely changed, so why not switch up the blog, too?

// Reading Roundup posts were my solution to keeping the blog active during those years where my free time was limited.

// I also felt burnt out in Thailand, so I wasn’t inspired to post often.

// But now that we’ve moved back to Cambodia, I want to reopen those windows, so to speak.

// In some ways, it seems too early to commit. We’ve only been back a couple of weeks. There’s still so much to do.

// Yet, everything about my life has changed. My husband has gone from night owl to early bird, from retiring to ready-set-go, to just feeling inspired and enthusiastic about our new life. And I’ve had to adjust from full-time contact lenses to eyeglasses, employed to not, Ubuntu to Windows, and everything else it seems.

// Yeah, it’s been a ten course meal.

women on motos in siem reap

// Speaking of, I’m over-the-moon thrilled about all the vegan options here in Siem Reap that I want to post about it. I love eating, dining out (and cooking in) – so why not?

// Of course, I still love reading, so I’ll tuck in those quick reviews in my non-food posts. Although, reading and eating are wonderfully good together. Hmmm. I think I just came up with my idea! First post will be: “Reading and Eating Vegan in Siem Reap: Poké Me Siem Reap Review”.

// Although, you know what was kind of crazy unexpected, and I realized I should share this when I was chatting with Bespoke Traveler, is that when you move and change PHONE NUMBERS, oh MY god, what a verification nightmare. Every app, site, sneeze, it seems, needs to be verified by a code sent to your phone. Frightening.

// Overall though, I can’t complain. The move went well. (I wrote about in more detail at my newsletter No Girl is an Island.) And we’re pleased with our new digs. It’s quite the change, actually, from a window-less “cave” (hey, caves are cooler than the blistering heat!) in downtown Lampang to a big, bright home next to a Khmer family along the Siem Reap River.

// And this just in! It looks like I’ll be volunteering next week for a lovely organization. I’ll tell you about it after the event has passed.

Signing off until next time.

Be good, do good, feel good.

Lani


When’s the last time you’ve made a significant change in your life?

19 responses to “Starting over in Siem Reap”

  1. Tony Bryant Avatar
    Tony Bryant

    Great to hear that you have much to look forward to every day. Our significant change has been the addition of our daughter Jamie and the obstacles, battles, and issues of making it happen and getting us all 3 into the US in the future. We’ve been together as a family 3 years+ now. We finally are seeing light at the end of the tunnel as far as the adoption goes. It was complicated due to Jamie being stateless and also an obscure Thai law regarding who a child belongs to. We went through the Thai court system and overcame the latter. Getting to the US, even after the adoption is finalized in March is another issue. When that is solved, be it in 6 months or 2 years, we will have another huge change coming in that we will move to the US. Julie and I have been gone for 10 years and Jamie will be a teenager moving to a new country, culture, and language. Somehow, I think she will handle that move better than we will. 🙂

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Lani Avatar

      Wow, Tony. It’s good to hear from you. I thought you two were Thailand lifers!

      Heading back to the US will be a big change, but once a citizen, always a citizen? 😛

      Yes, I’ve heard about those adoption laws My goodness, sorry it’s been such an ordeal. I’m sure it’s worth it though.

      Why did you all decide to head back? Do you know where you want to go? Feel free to PM me on FB. I’d love to know more.

      Thanks for reading along, Tony!

      Like

  2. 2summers Avatar

    Love the new blog design. I think I need to follow your lead — mine is feeling a bit stale. Congrats on all the changes!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Lani Avatar

      Thanks, Heather! xo

      Like

  3. Jolandi Steven Avatar

    I hope Siem Reap will be everything you wish for this new phase of your life. It certainly sounds like Eric has found new inspiration, and hope you will too. Looking forward to reading about what you are up to there. Not to mention all the delicious vegan you will be eating.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Lani Avatar

      Thanks, Jolandi. So far so good. Fingers crossed. Hope all is well in your part of the woods, look forward to your updates, too. xo

      Liked by 1 person

  4. Reflections of an Untidy Mind Avatar

    Hey Lani, I can hear the relief in your words. Sounds so much fun. All the best. As for me, too much work makes Tracy a dull gal.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Lani Avatar

      Tee, hee. Yes! Work life balance is so important. Thanks, Tracy. xo

      Liked by 1 person

  5. Rebecca Moon Ruark Avatar

    Good for you two. Actually it sounds great for you two! I’m so glad you’re in a place that inspires. And I’m looking forward to food posts–probably the only thing better than books, in my book (ha)–and learning more about your new volunteer opportunity.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Lani Avatar

      Thanks, Rebecca. Appreciate the well-wishes and support. We’ll see how it all goes! xo

      Liked by 1 person

  6. Jean Avatar

    I curious to learn of new organization. Meanwhile it snowed a few days ago…yes, already. Most recent life change has been I’ve retired from my paid full-time job a month ago. It was planned on my terms. Of course you knew about passing of beloved a few yrs. ago.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Lani Avatar

      Yes, how are you enjoying retired life?

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Jean Avatar

        Just returned from short trip to New Mexico, then visiting family and friends in Ontario. Seems my first priority for recent trip plans is ensuring I see people I haven’t met up for a few yrs.

        Liked by 1 person

      2. Lani Avatar

        Wonderful! ❤

        Like

  7. Jean Avatar

    So are regular glasses just easier for you now vs. contacts? I don’t plan to wear contact and I didn’tstart wearing any glasses until I was 50 yrs.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Lani Avatar

      Regular glasses are easier right now because I had problems with contacts, which is strange because I wore them for decades without any problems. But there you have it, things change.

      Liked by 1 person

  8. Content Catnip Avatar

    Hi Lani this new phase of your life in Siem Reap sounds very exciting and I can hear the excitement in your words. I hope the move brings everything you ever wanted and more. I loved hearing about your friend who owns the restaurant in Siem Reap, that vegan restaurant sounds really yummy and enjoyed hearing about how he overcame his early struggles in life to establish his restaurant. Big hugs to you Lani and good luck with all you are doing

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Lani Avatar

      Thanks so much! It means a lot, xxoo

      Liked by 1 person

Comments create conversations. Let’s talk.

I’m Lani

Welcome to Life, the Universe, and Lani. I’ve been blogging about my experiences living abroad since 2009.

At this point, this site serves as an archive as I’m mostly active at No Girl is an Island 👉https://lanivcox.substack.com/ 🏝️where I have been both newslettering and continuing to craft personal essays on finding freedom in the fringes.

Thanks for stopping by, have a look around, and hope to see you over at No Girl is an Island.