Connect Beach - One visit. Connect Beach is located a short half-hour drive from Bitola at Slivnica Beach. Lake Prespa is located on the tripoint of North Macedonia, Albania, and Greece; the Great Prespa Lake is divided between the three countries. We enjoyed a bottle of wine at Connect Beach Restaurant with friends, which was lovely. Connect Beach is a summer beach club bar where locals and travellers relax by the lake. Lounge chairs and beds could be significantly populated during the summer. We were disappointed with the wine selection at Connect Beach. Only one winery was available, and the pricing was high for Macedonian standards. Connect Beach has the potential, but t he pier was in a state of disrepair, therefore you needed to be cautious walking across it to ensure you didn't end up in the lake. After spending five weeks on Lake Ohrid , it is undoubtedly the most magical lake between the two lakes. We felt Lake Prespa was missing the beauty, heartbeat, and soul that Lake Ohrid has.

Strasbourg is the capital of the Grand Est region, formerly Alsace, in northeastern France. It's also the formal seat of the European Parliament and is near the German border. Culture and architecture blend German and French influences. Its Gothic Cathédrale Notre-Dame features daily shows from its astronomical clock and sweeping views of the Rhine River from partway up its 142m spire.

ms Noordam - Ten Nights Cabin Verandah

Floating Village, on Tonle Sap Lake . Picture this: water as far as the eye can see, houses on stilts, boats for cars, and a community thriving in the heart of a lake. This isn’t something out of a fantasy novel, my friends. This is the reality of the Floating Village at Tonle Sap Lake in Siem Reap, and let me tell you, it’s a world you’ve got to see and believe. I’ll be honest: I was expecting a tourist trap, but we found a vibrant, living community that floats (literally) in the face of convention. Weaving through narrow waterways, surrounded by lush mangroves, you get that Indiana Jones vibe – minus the rolling boulders. And then, out of nowhere, it opens up, and you’re there, in the midst of it all. The Floating Village isn’t just one place; it’s a collection of different communities living on the lake, each with its vibe. The houses, schools, and even churches are all buoyed up by barrels, making them bob gently on the water’s surface. And the people, oh, the people! They’re the heart and soul of this place, going about their daily lives with smiles that are as welcoming as a warm hug.

Miss Wong Cocktail Bar Tucked away in the bustling alleys of Siem Reap, Miss Wong Cocktail Bar offers a step back in time to the glamour of 1930s Shanghai. With its intimate lantern-lit setting, the bar envelops visitors in an opulent red and black decor that is both serene and sultry. This hidden gem in the heart of Cambodia presents a perfect escape from the often chaotic nightlife of Siem Reap. Upon entering Miss Wong, you're immediately drawn into a different world. The Chinese lanterns glow softly, contributing to the mystique and old-world charm. The atmosphere is cozy and inviting, allowing for intimate conversations. It's an ideal spot for couples seeking a quiet evening and small groups looking for a sophisticated night out. Miss Wong pays homage to classic cocktails with a twist of Asian flavour. The drink menu is a crafted collection with libations like the 'Indochine Martion' – a blend of gin, lemongrass, and lime—and the 'Shanghai Express', which features whiskey and star anise. Each cocktail is not only a treat to the taste but also a spectacle of presentation, enveloped in the artistry of the skilled bartenders.

Sala Bai Restaurant School Sala Bai is a restaurant and hospitality school that supports disadvantaged Cambodian children and provides them with opportunities to learn the skills to work in the hospitality industry. The food and service were impeccable. We enjoyed our dining experience and learning how the school is making a difference in the students' lives. It's nice to give back to the community and help the students. Definitely recommend dining at Sala Bai Restaurant, and if you are looking to stay in excellent accommodation they have lovely rooms available for very affordable rates, all profits go directly back to the school to help even more children live their dream and obtain gainful employment in excellent hotels and restaurants after they have completed the program. One lunch at US$12 = one training day cost per student, and the wine was highly affordable.

Phare Circus - Two Visits Phare Circus was spectacular and unforgettable! The performance was intense, emotional, and personable all at once! The performers showed their true selves and had a blast performing together. They were a united team, very passionate, and highly talented! It is worth seeing and supporting these young and talented stars; it is a great organisation that allows young, creative Cambodians to follow their passions and travel the world. I recommend getting front-row tickets. You'll feel like part of the performance and the performers; as a thank you, you'll also receive a sustainable souvenir water bottle and a fan to keep you fresh! This is my second time attending the circus, and I was equally impressed on both occasions. There is also a bar and restaurant on site that was very impressive, especially the cocktail. A great gift shop features the students' creative work. All proceeds go back into the performing arts school and help even more disadvantaged children in Cambodia follow their dreams.

Angkor Wat—Siem Reap is not only a testament to the architectural ingenuity of the Khmer Empire but also a symbol that intertwines spirituality and the splendour of nature. The temple complex, covering a staggering 1,626 hectares, is officially recognized by Guinness World Records as our planet's most significant religious structure. This title only skims the surface of its grandiosity. As you step onto the ancient grounds of Angkor Wat, the first rays of dawn caressing the stone spires, you're not simply visiting a UNESCO World Heritage site—you're embarking on a profound journey back in time. Whether silhouetted by the morning light or glowing with the golden hues of sunset, each visit promises an ethereal encounter with history and artistry. Angkor Wat's allure extends beyond its main temple. The entire complex is dotted with ruins, each narrating a distinct chapter of a once-mighty civilization. From the labyrinthine corridors of Bayon, adorned with enigmatic faces, to the tree-root-entwined walls of Ta Prohm, there is an enduring battle between man-made structures and nature's relentless grip that is mesmerizing.

Quad Adventure Must do. One of the most amazing experiences is quad biking on and off-road and watching the sunset in a field! Do not miss in Siem Reap. Pov and Nak were our guides, and they were fabulous. They captured all the special moments on our cameras, and riding the bikes was a thrill! You felt free and alive at the end of the trip. Riding through local traffic and off-road, waving to all the locals as you go! I loved it, and a special thank you to the team.

The process of making rice noodles in Cambodia. In rural Cambodia, Num banh chok or rice vermicelli noodles are still not automated, and most processes are done by hand with a stone mill. They are then sold at the local market. Vendors come early in the morning to purchase the noodles, which are then sold to the local residents. The rice noodle-making process is long and arduous, although appreciated by every household in rural Cambodia. Rice is boiled until soft and ground into a wet dough with a heavy stone mill. Once all the rice is ground, the wet dough is placed into a large cloth bag. Heavy mill parts are placed on top to squeeze out excess water. This is the beginning of the fermentation process. It is now ready to be placed in a deep rock mortar and pounded with a pestle, worked with leg power. The dough is beaten on all sides, giving off a solid sour and yeasty scent. After approximately fifteen minutes, the dough transforms from a rock-hard, floury ball to a smooth, elastic ball. This final dough form is then beaten until stiff peaks can be formed and placed into a metal noodle mould or cylindrical dispenser made with holes at one end. The dough is squeezed through the holes, falling in strips into boiling water. To ensure that the noodles do not clump together, an assistant stirs and lifts them from the boiling water into a pail of cold water, where they become less starchy. The noodles are then placed on a tray, folded neatly, and portioned for serving. The whole family joins in when making noodles.