Yeahโผ๏ธ SiennyLovesDrawing ๐ฉ๐ป would like to encourage all to “Let’s be plastic ๐ & instead zero 0๏ธโฃ plastic whenever we are travelling around”, whether you’re the travellers or the tourism players across the globe ๐
She has read ๐ about the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) has recently announced about the launch of a ๐ online resource for increasing โฌ๏ธ the sustainability of the tourism sector. This course named “Targeting Zero 0๏ธโฃ Plastics in Tourism Businesses โ with UNESCO, PATA & Expedia Group” is recently launched in conjunction with PATA Destination Marketing Forum 2022 (PDMF) which held in Songkhla, Thailand ๐น๐ญ from 2 to 4 Aug recently. SiennyLovesDrawing ๐ฉ๐ป has registered it, however due to work commitment, she was unable to attend it personally ๐
In March 2022, PATA actually already started a collaboration ๐ค๐ป with the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) with the goal of advising tourism & hospitality businesses on plastic waste reductionโฌ๏ธ To achieve this, PATA has developed this online course ๐ฉ๐ปโ๐ป๐จ๐ปโ๐ป๐ง๐ปโ๐ป to provide step-wise guidance on minimising the sourcing & consumption of single-use plastics as well as the importance for organisations to sign โ๐ป the UNESCO Sustainable Travel Pledge
The Pledge, which is a collaboration ๐ค๐ป between UNESCO & Expedia Group, is open & applicable to all tourism businesses, regardless of their size or location. By signing โ๐ป the Pledge, they will be joining a network ๐ of leading tourism & hospitality businesses that are helping their destinations in the development of sustainable tourism. “The Sustainable Travel Pledge is particularly timely as we work to build a ๐ kind of tourism in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, by inviting local tourism stakeholders to commit to inclusive & sustainable measures”, said Ernesto Ottone R., UNESCO Assistant Director-General for Culture ๐จ๐ผโ๐ผ
“The pandemic caused hardship in tourism destinations worldwide ๐, but also led to severe setbacks in our fight against plastic waste”, said PATA CEO Liz Ortiguera. “Now is the time to take action & strive for a more sustainable tourism & hospitality industry. Weโre proud to make this contribution to plastic waste reduction โฌ๏ธ efforts.”
The amount of plastics we currently produce, consume and dispose of is unsustainable, and tourism activities and hospitality businesses do contribute largely to this issue. In the Mediterranean, for example, marine litter increases up to 40% during tourist peak season (One Planet, 2021) & this poses a threat to tourism destinations themselves
As put by Ang Choo Pin, Managing Director Asia, Expedia Group, “It is essential for hotels, restaurants, tour operators & all other tourism businesses to reduce โฌ๏ธ the amount of plastics they generate & dispose of the unavoidable plastics responsibly if they wish to protect the very assets they rely on to attract customers”
Reducing โฌ๏ธ single-use plastics in tourism & hospitality businesses provides not only an opportunity to protect the destination’s ecosystems but also to support the local community & economy, as it is advocated throughout the online course ๐ง๐ปโ๐ป๐จ๐ปโ๐ป๐ฉ๐ปโ๐ป This is because sourcing local products & using local resources & services in tourism offerings & activities reduces reliance on international supply chains as well as economic leakages. Moreover, local artisanal products are more likely to be made of natural, renewable materials than mass-produced ones
— UNESCO ๐๏ธ #Education #Sciences #Culture ๐บ๐ณ๐ท (@UNESCO) August 1, 2022
“The course developed by PATA is an incredible resource for businesses to understand the relationships between communities, culture & environmental protection through plastic waste reduction”, says Dr. Hanh Duong Bich, Program Specialist and Chief of Culture Unit at UNESCO Office in Bangkok. “It gives great guidance and examples on how businesses can help fight plastic waste & at the same time promote local heritage & strengthen local supply chains.” ๐๐ป
The course “Targeting Zero Plastics in Tourism Businesses โ with UNESCO, PATA & Expedia Group” is open-sourced & available โ to all
The self-paced course is available open-sourced in 2๏ธโฃ languages, English & Thai. It covers the following topics;
What is the UNESCO Sustainable Travel Pledge โโ๏ธ
What is the necessary process to implement a plastic waste reduction strategy โโ๏ธ
What are the concrete measures needed to reduce single-use plastics in my businessโโ๏ธ
How can local knowledge & products help fight plastic waste โโ๏ธ
How can I continue my journey towards plastic waste reduction โโ๏ธ
Participants can receive an e-certificate ๐ if they achieve the minimum required score ie. 80% in the final quiz. Yeahโผ๏ธ SiennyLovesDrawing ๐ฉ๐ป has just completed & received her e-certificate ๐, then sharing here for all to also attending this useful informative online course ๐ช๐ป๐๐ป๐๐ป
Hi โผ๏ธHiโผ๏ธ SiennyLovesDrawing ๐ฉ๐ป was recently purchased online a TAHAN CONQUER Multipurpose Sling Bagfor her casual use & future travelling trips ๐ซ by PTT Outdoorโบ๏ธ
She is loving it as it’s a lightweight & take-everywhere sling bagthat suits her personal preference of light traveller. She can now style this new sling bag as her comfy travel companion whenever she is on the go
— SiennyLovesDrawing (@SiennyLovesDraw) July 10, 2021
Yeah โผ๏ธ She can now safekeeping all her personal ๐๐๐ถ๐belongings while being enjoying with any outdoor activities, camping, hiking, travelling journeys etc.
This sling bag is with simple design & can be the style & matching any OOTDs for many occasions
This multipurpose sling bag is with a roomy interior & generous exterior front pockets within it, it’s amazingly perfect to organize all your thingswith ease inside this bag
Personally, she is highly recommending ๐๐ป this as an absolute must have to pack all the necessary items for work (Especially if you’re cycling to work), casual hangouts, a local cafe hoppings, travel trips etc.
Sling bag is essentials to provide easy & quick access to your important items
Actually she loves sling bag as to safe keeping all her in-flight essentials, especially while in airport for boarding gates passing, during flight journey or any flight โ๏ธ in transit & some of the items are,
Your smart devices (Phone๐ฑ, tablet etc.)
USB cables/ Chargers/ Power bank
Ear buds
Mask ๐ท
Notebook ๐ & pen ๐๏ธ
Wet tissues
Your preferred e-reader or downloaded e-book or hardcopy book ๐ฒ
It’s with sturdy edge lining adds additional protection around the edges. Also available with fixed buckles that can be tighten to provide more comfort while wearing it
Ohh ya…No need to worry if rains as this sling bag is weatherresistance & water resistance as made of oxford & polyester fabrics (It’s another standard synthetic fabric & generally heavier). Yes โ , able to keep all your things inside the bag remained dry. It’s made of heavy-duty & water-resistant fabric, also coupled with durable metal zipper closures
So, how to style your OOTD with this sling bagโโ๏ธ
Yeahโผ๏ธ Asa travel light lover, SiennyLovesDrawing ๐ฉ๐ป would like to sharing ๐ฉ๐ปโ๐ป๐ about her travel essentials/ must have in a Gaston Luga backpack โซ๏ธ๐ & will continue adding on this list, so do come back to revisit again from time to time ya
Yes โ , she ๐ฉ๐ป loves ๐ black โซ๏ธcolour when come to travel items so that all remained neat & clean from her journeys ๐ถ๐ปโโ๏ธ
~ SiennyLovesDrawing ๐ฉ๐ป is a typical travel light travel lover ~
Also she ๐ฉ๐ป loves ๐ to travel with backpack๐ no matter how long her trip, always max with 2๏ธโฃ backpacks ๐๐ on her shoulders, back & front to walk around๐ถ๐ปโโ๏ธ
Guess whatโโ๏ธ
Often she ๐ฉ๐ป tries to limit her luggage weight to hand carry luggage while packing her lugagge. Yes โ , she rarely checked in her luggages whenever on flight journeys ๐ซ๐ฌ
She ๐ฉ๐ป has chosen โ Praper Blackmodel โซ๏ธ๐because it’s with the biggest capacity ie. 18L & with a laptop ๐ป compartmentwhen she shopped online ๐๐๐ Yes โ , she will carry her laptop ๐ป along for her trips sometimes ๐ฌ๐ซ๐๐
Also a more durable canvas materials, she loves ๐ to squeeue her backpack ๐ to fit in more & more items from her trips, lol…๐๐คฃ๐
Yes โ , #anywherewithGL #walkswithGL with GastonLuga backpack โซ๏ธ๐ or accessories, a 15% off code with “SIENNY” โฌ๏ธ till 21 Jan 2021. Not to miss the free shipping & extended free returns until 31 Jan 2021
The spacious elegant limited edition Gaston Luga PU leather GL Toiletry bag (Black) to fit in her doodle booklet, health supplements, personal care, beauty items etc.
The durable PU leather Bรถrs (Brown) to fit in 4 cards, coins, cash & keys with the robust zipper to keeping the valuables secure & safe. The detachable strap can attach it to the backpack or slip over the wrist during travel journey
Yes โ , #anywherewithGL #walkswithGL with GastonLuga backpack โซ๏ธ๐ or accessories, a 15% off code with “SIENNY” โฌ๏ธ till 21 Jan 2021. Not to miss the free shipping & extended free returns until 31 Jan 2021
Sling Bag
She ๐ฉ๐ป loves ๐ to use a simple design & light sling bag to keep her travel documents, personal ID ๐ณ, face mask ๐ท , handphone๐ฑ etc. during her trips
It’s with an easy adjustable & removable strap attached to 2๏ธโฃ carabina hooks that allow to use it as a stand alone sling bag or to attach it as a pouch ๐ bag to a backpack ๐ as an external compartment space
Highly recommended this Sterilization Cleaner for Electrolytic Water Glasses โEco Freshwaterโ (50ml x 6 units) to keeping glasses/ sunglasses hygience clean during trips
Highly recommended its new overnite sanitary panties & award winning wellness bra. Online shopping via ๐๐๐ https://shp.ee/jcaxuai (Refer Shapeemy official shop)
She ๐ฉ๐ป prefers to travel with a light weight waist watch โ๏ธ& must set with the local time zone of her destinated country ๐บ
Whyโโ๏ธ
A backup plan to avoid herself miss out any travel timing due to the local time zone change, handphone no โ auto time zone change & out of battery ๐ etc. upon arrival
SiennyLovesDrawing ๐ฉ๐ป will bring along her own jacket ๐งฅ whenever on a long trips to keep her warm especially the cold air condition bus ๐ , train ๐ etc.
Quick dry, cool fit & comfy Gaya Travel T-Shirt. Online shopping via ๐๐๐ https://shp.ee/jcaxuai (Refer Gaya Travel official shop)
Digital devices ๐ฑ๐ธ๐คณ
Each of us have different digital needs & preferences for travel journeys. A light weight smart phone ๐ฑ , sport camera ๐ธ , tripod, selfie stick etc. must pack in her backpack ๐
Online shopping through the brand official store via ๐๐๐ https://shp.ee/jcaxuai
Collapsible Cup
Let’s bring your own cupwhenever you go & stop single use plastic ~ A simple step that all can start to contribute & being environmental friendly
It’s with actual size of 90*128 (mm) & . collapsible size of 90*68 (mm). Weight of 160g for 350ml volume. Specially made with BPA free silicone & food grade PP for temperature range from -50ยฐC to 200ยฐC
Online shopping via ๐๐๐ https://shp.ee/jcaxuai (Refer AikCheong official shop). Do check out how to use tutorial TikTok clip captured,
It means for glamorous camping ๐๐คฉ๐โบ๏ธ, aka camping โบ๏ธ๐in glamorous style ๐๐๐คฉ
SiennyLovesDrawing ๐ฉ๐ป has participated for the Jungloo project at The Kabiki hotel ๐ข during her holidays at Phnom Penh, Cambodia ๐ฐ๐ญ earlier. It was her 1๏ธโฃst glamping ๐โบ๏ธ๐๐คฉ, awesome stay๐๐ปโ๐ปโผ๏ธ๐๐
A nice ๐๐ป experience being welcome by its friendly staff named Mr. Pisey ๐๐ปโโ๏ธ & he was very politely & patiently explain the tourist destinations๐๐, what to do/ explore around The Kabiki (Where she has opted for her glamping stay) with a map ๐บ
Do reading ๐ till the end as she ๐ฉ๐ป also sharing about her stay with The Kabiki ๐ข in a Superior Double room with private terrace. She ๐ฉ๐ป also will share her enjoyable complimentary ๐ sunset ๐ cruise โด with Le Tonle wooden boat from her stay with beautiful ๐ sunset ๐ of the day ๐
Also the 1๏ธโฃst Jungloo which currently located ๐in the gardens ๐ฟ๐ฑ๐ณ of The Kabiki ๐ข, the next one will be soon available at Templation๐
Not just that, it will be also available at Mekong Bungalows – Floatation๐
If you wish to enjoy a Jungle Igloo stay, more choices soon available within Cambodia ๐ฐ๐ญ with MAADs Asia ya ๐๐ป๐
What’s the Junglooโโ๏ธ
It means the Jungle Igloos which are being designed specially for the tropical environments of South East Asia (SEA) ๐ Jungloo with their shape & structure aims as an advanced natural climate control solution for very hot ๐๐ & humid weather settings. The Jungloos are quick to deploy & eco-friendly ๐ i.e. in line with the glamping travel style which currently trending & high โฌ๏ธ demanding across the SEA region ๐
It’s an option being created for semi temporary & at remote sites, the Jungloos are with low โฌ๏ธ investment, low โฌ๏ธ impact, easy to install & mobile around. This definitely a secure & sustainable ๐ approach to hospitality development for areas๐๐previously considered unthinkable / inaccessible ๐ค
It’s built with natural materials i.e. bamboo๐๐, wood ๐ช& rope as well as with natural colour scheme. Brown, orange ๐งก & green ๐ colours are used to complement the nature & then to add to the jungle ๐ณ๐ณ nature feel for this modern & glamping-style accommodation ๐
Do check out the below clip ๐น๐ฅ to learn more about the Jungloo structure concept ๐๐คฉ
SiennyLovesDrawing ๐ฉ๐ป really loves ๐ & had an amazing stay ๐๐ป๐๐ฟ๐ฝ๐ด๐ค with The Jungloo, an eco-glamping ๐๐โบ๏ธ๐๐คฉ Really cooling to sleep ๐๐ด๐ค in this pioneering, bio-climatic tent with air-conditioning as well as air-flow control ๐ฌ๐จ, ceiling fan & bathroom ๐ฝ๐ฟ
Do click in for her IG photos album to enjoy more beautiful photos ya ๐
A post shared by Sien H Yong (@siennylovesdrawing) on
She ๐ฉ๐ป also have a private pool ๐๐ปโโ๏ธ by herself & right in front of her Jungloo โบ๏ธ๐๐๐คฉ, she has enjoyed her morning ๐ ๐ & evening ๐ swims ๐๐ปโโ๏ธ as well as quiet ๐คซ reading ๐ by the pool side ๐๐ปโโ๏ธ๐ฆ๐ง
Just so so relaxing ๐ , definitely a money ๐ฐ can’t buy me time moments ๐๐ปโ๐ป
Guess whatโโ๏ธ
She ๐ฉ๐ป rarely left the Jungloo once checked-in ๐ except for lunch & dinner ๐ฝ๐ด
She ๐ฉ๐ป spent her time enjoyed the nature surrounding ๐๐ณ๐ณ as well as comfy interior of the Jungloo โบ๏ธ๐๐๐คฉ
Do enjoy her vlog ๐น๐ฅ๐ captured from SiennyLovesDrawing ๐ฉ๐ป’s 1๏ธโฃst glamping stay ๐๐ฟ๐๐โบ๏ธ๐๐คฉ at The Jungloo with a short testimonial shared as below,
Highly recommended ๐๐ป๐๐ป& you have to experience glamping ๐โบ๏ธ๐๐คฉonce too, do exploring for your discovery stay ya ๐๐ฟ๐ฝ๐ด๐ค
SiennyLovesDrawing ๐ฉ๐ป also had a great ๐๐ป nature ๐๐ณ๐ฟ๐ฑ๐๐ณ๐ quiet ๐คซ stay ๐ก๐กย in a Deluxe Double room with The Kabiki ๐ข, Phnom Penh, Cambodia ๐ฐ๐ญ
The Kabiki ๐ข is a family-friendly garden ๐ณ๐ณhotel ๐ข located ๐ in a quiet corner of Phnom Penhโs historical district. It’s within walking ๐ถ๐ปโโ๏ธ๐ถ๐ปโโ๏ธ distance to the Royal ๐ Palace, Wat Botum โฉ, the Riverside ๐ฆ๐งetc.
.
It’s in aย historic colonial houseย ๐ก on Oknha Peich Street & with 3.5k sqm of a landscape grounds & with approximately 500ย treesย ๐ณ๐ณbeing planted around this hotel๐ข Many of the trees ๐ณ๐ณare being labelled with descriptive tags to help all its guests ๐ซ๐ญ๐ฌ to identify & learnt more about the greens ๐
.
Do click in for her IG photos album to enjoy more beautiful photos ya ๐
A post shared by Sien H Yong (@siennylovesdrawing) on
Once in a while, she ๐ฉ๐ป loves ๐ to opt for a quiet ๐คซ comfy ๐ stay during her travels to re-energise, having good rest ๐๐ป๐ด๐ค & great me time ๐๐
Do enjoy her vblog ๐น๐ฅ๐ captured from SiennyLovesDrawing ๐ฉ๐ป’s comfy relaxing ๐ stay ๐๐ด๐ค as shared below,
Wow ๐ฒโผ๏ธ During her stay, she got to know about the Aquagym @ The Kabiki ๐ข, it happens every Monday & Thursday to rejuvenate in the pool ๐๐ปโโ๏ธ๐๐ป with the trained instructors ๐๐ป
Ohh ya…From 1๏ธโฃ Jan 2018, The Kabiki guests ๐ฌ๐ซ๐ญ are entitled for a complimentary ๐ sunset ๐ cruise โด (With a voucher ๐ upon your hotel ๐ข check-in ๐). The guests ๐ฌ๐ญ๐ซ will board to Le Tonle, a wooden traditional rice boat to cross over to Floatation Lounge & to enjoythe nice breezesss ๐ฌ๐จ, the beautiful sunset ๐ view, an experience of enjoying drink ๐ฅ๐ป๐ท & snacks ๐ฅ๐ฐ (With fee ๐ณ๐ฐ) while cruising โด / having a dinner ๐ฝ๐ด right where the Tonle Sap & Mekong Rivers join their majestic flows ๐ฆ๐งduring the beautiful sunset ๐ moment ๐๐
This boat โด departs twice a day i.e. 5๏ธโฃpm & 7๏ธโฃpm from the Phnom Penh main passenger port โ๏ธ However, guests ๐ญ๐ฌ๐ซ are required to be at the Jetty โ๏ธ for it on own expense, โ no pick up or shuttle ๐๐ from The Kabiki ya ๐ข
Do enjoy her vblog ๐ฅ๐น๐ captured from her beautiful ๐ sunset ๐ cruise โด with Le Tonle as shared below,
Hmm…If you’re planning to travel to Cambodia ๐ฐ๐ญ , do planning to have your comfy stay ๐๐ป๐๐ด๐ค experience with MAADs Asia via ๐ https://maads.asia/
Also welcomeย ๐คย to check out SiennyLovesDrawingย ๐ฉ๐ปย โs top contributorย ๐๐ปย account viaย ๐ย https://www.tripadvisor.com.my/members/siennylovesdrawingย forย her recent reviews about the Cambodia ๐ฐ๐ญย โs tourist attractions, food & accommodation stay yaย ๐ฉ๐ปโ๐ป๐
Yeahโผ๏ธ SiennyLovesDrawingย ๐ฉ๐ปย is gonna sharing ๐ฉ๐ปโ๐ป๐ here about her impressive ๐คฉ & unforgettable experience gained from the annualย Cambodianย ๐ฐ๐ญ Water ๐ฆ๐ง Festival ๐๐, Phnom Penh, Cambodia ๐ฐ๐ญ
So, it was all started withย a short queue to get her ๐ฉ๐ป cheap โฌ๏ธ flight ticket โ๏ธ during the AirAsia BIG Xchange & BIG Fest event โค๏ธ in Sept (as shown in the short clip ๐น๐ฅbelow). It was with only a limited choice of destinations๐๐available
She ๐ฉ๐ป has chosen โ for Phnom Penhย ๐ฐ๐ญ under Lane B with a very 1๏ธโฃst intention to meet & visit 1๏ธโฃ of her girlfriend ๐๐ปโโ๏ธ who is working there as an expatriate currently. However, sadly ๐ that her friend ๐๐ปโโ๏ธ wasn’t around โ Phnom Penh ๐ฐ๐ญ during her travel dates ๐ Sigh…From a friend visit๐ญ, then she had it as 1๏ธโฃ of her annual solo travelsss ๐๐งข๐ถ๐
๐ ~ Everything Happens For A Reason ~ ๐
Also initially she ๐ฉ๐ป did plan to let go this solo trip because of a clash to a tourism event ~ MITA Sarawak, Malaysia ๐ฒ๐พ that she ๐ฉ๐ป has always supporting ๐ช๐ปโ๐ปthe tourism authority ๐ in Malaysia ๐ฒ๐พ๏ธ
Guess whatโโ๏ธ
Her trip is gonna be during the annualย Cambodian ๐ฐ๐ญ Water ๐ฆ๐ง Festival ๐๐ย named Bon Om Toukย in local Khmer language ๐ฐ๐ญ from 21 Nov to 23 Nov 2018 ๐๐ It also known as The Pirogue ๐ฃ๐ปโโ๏ธ๐ฃ๐ปโโ๏ธ Racing Festival ๐๐ย or Water ๐ฆ๐ง & Moon ๐ Festival ๐๐ & Boat Racing ๐ฃ๐ปโโ๏ธ๐ฃ๐ปโโ๏ธ
It was really a coincidentโผ๏ธ Once she ๐ฉ๐ปย has decided โ to stay with this solo travel ๐๐ถ๐งข๐ due to the complicated & difficult flight change ๐โ๏ธย Also this gonna be her 1๏ธโฃst visit to Phnom Penh, Cambodiaย ๐ฐ๐ญ
This biggest celebrationย marks a 12th century naval victory with boat ๐ฃ๐ปโโ๏ธ๐ฃ๐ปโโ๏ธ racing along the Sisowath Quay ๐ฆ๐ง with the boat ๐ฃ๐ปโโ๏ธ๐ฃ๐ปโโ๏ธ racing on the Tonle Sap River, in particular the area stretching from street 104 to street 178 of Phnom Penh city centre ๐ฐ๐ญ
Many hostels ๐ก๐, hotels ๐ข, restaurants ๐ฝ๐ด & bars ๐ฅ๐ป๐ธaround this area ~ Very convenience for all visitors ๐ซ๐ญ๐ฌ
In the morning ๐ ๐ & before the race ๐ฃ๐ปโโ๏ธ๐ฃ๐ปโโ๏ธ starts during this 3๏ธโฃ-day festival ๐๐, the riverside & streets were much more peaceful ๐
Once the race starts around ๐am, the huge crowd ๐ญ๐ฌ๐ซ at the riverside will be observed ๐๐๐ป๐๐ป
However, in 2015 this celebration ๐๐ was cancelled โ due to the low โฌ๏ธ water level ๐ฆ๐ง
Hurrayโผ๏ธย She ๐ฉ๐ป always wanna appreciating & experiencing a country’s tradition culture during her travels โ๏ธ๐๐ถ๐งข๐ย This is just so a lovely ๐ coincidenceย ๐
So, what’s this water ๐ฆ๐ง festival ๐๐ all aboutโโ๏ธ
It’s a 3๏ธโฃ days non-religious celebration ๐๐ & symbolised as an ancient appreciation ๐๐ป for centuries to the river ๐ฆ๐งfor providing a source of livelihood to the farmers ๐จ๐ปโ๐พ๐ฉ๐ปโ๐พ & fishermen ๐๐ฃ
Hmm…It’s a kind of local Khmers ๐ฐ๐ญ๐ซ๐ญ๐ฌ thanksgiving ๐ celebration ๐๐
The Cambodian boat crews ๐ฐ๐ญ๐ฃ๐ปโโ๏ธ๐ฃ๐ปโโ๏ธ were face forward. Many of the boat crews ๐ฃ๐ปโโ๏ธ๐ฃ๐ปโโ๏ธ were complemented with a colorfully-costumed lady ๐๐ปโโ๏ธat the prow dancing to the beat of the drums ๐ฅ๐ฅ
However, from her observation, majority of the boats now don’t really practising this tradition though. Hmm…From her 2๏ธโฃ days visits to the festival, she only noticed for 2๏ธโฃย boats with a colorfully-costumed lady ๐๐ปโโ๏ธ at the front of the boat ๐ฃ๐ปโโ๏ธ๐ฃ๐ปโโ๏ธ
For the 1๏ธโฃst 2๏ธโฃ days, races ๐ฃ๐ปโโ๏ธ๐ฃ๐ปโโ๏ธ are run with 2๏ธโฃ boats ๐ถ๐ถ each, with the big race ๐ฃ๐ปโโ๏ธ๐ฃ๐ปโโ๏ธ happening on the last day, when all the boats ๐ถ๐ถ take to the river ๐ฆ๐ง to compete ๐
There were carnival, rides, traditional music ๐ผ๐ถ๐ต performances, dances ๐๐ป๐บ๐ผ๐ฏโโ๏ธ๐ฏโโ๏ธ๐ด๐ปetc. in the evening ๐๐๐
There were many stall vendors, definitely food ๐๐ฒ๐ฅ๐ฝ๐ด& drink ๐ฅค๐ป๐ท๐ฅ๐ธ๐นoverflow on the streets, Khmer pop bands ๐ผ๐น๐ง๐ถ๐ตentertaining the crowds ๐ญ๐ฌ๐ซ etc.
Personally, she ๐ฉ๐ป was impressed how the local vendors actually earn their living ๐ฐby selling drinks ๐ฅค& snacks ๐ฅก๐ฐ๐ฅง๐ฅช to the huge crowds ๐ญ๐ฌ๐ซ at the riverside during the boat racing ๐ฃ๐ปโโ๏ธ๐ฃ๐ปโโ๏ธ
There were approximately 300 boats ๐ถ๐ถ with 19k pax of boat rowers ๐ฃ๐ปโโ๏ธ๐ฃ๐ปโโ๏ธ Wow!!
Hmm…๐ค How about the huge crowd ๐ญ๐ซ๐ฌattended for this 3๏ธโฃ-day festival celebration ๐๐ in Phnom Penhโโ๏ธ
It was about 4.5million people ๐ญ๐ฌ๐ซ including expatriates, foreign visitors, local Khmers from all provinces etc. as shared at the closing ceremony ๐
Ohh yeahโผ๏ธ This year, 2018 i.e. The 3rd great successfull year with Cambodia ๐ฐ๐ญ has handbuilt the world ๐๐บ ‘s longest rowing boat ๐ฃ๐ปโโ๏ธ at 87.3m long & 1.99m wide with cost of $60k. It was completed successfully ๐๐ป๐๐ป๐๐ป in Sept by more than 14k local Khmers ๐ฐ๐ญ๐ญ๐ฌ๐ซ in 192 days ๐ฒ๐
Guess whatโโ๏ธ
Another Guinness World ๐๐บ Record ๐ won (It’s the 5๏ธโฃth one) by Cambodia ๐ฐ๐ญ as this long dragon boat ๐ฃ๐ปโโ๏ธ is capable of carrying 179 boat rowers ๐ฃ๐ปโโ๏ธ๐ฃ๐ปโโ๏ธ on itโผ๏ธ Wowโผ๏ธ๐ฒ This great ๐๐ป news was anounced on 12 Nov at Prey Veng province of Phnom Penh ๐ฐ๐ญ
From her own experience, a few points ๐๐ to note if you’re interested to be at Phnom Penh or Siem Reap for this great ๐๐ป annual celebration ๐๐
In this connection, the only option would be just getting around by your own foot ๐ฃ
Yeahโผ๏ธ SiennyLovesDrawing ๐ฉ๐ป got her sun โ๏ธ๐ protection from theย ๐ย Petal Velvet Sunawayย SPF50 ordered & purchased ๐ฉ๐ปโ๐ป๐ fromย Althea Koreaย ๐ฐ๐ท You must remember to put up your sunscreen to avoid sunburn
Next, do bring an umbrella ๐โ (You may loan it from your hotel, it can be a weapon if needed)/ wear a cap ๐งข
Do dress up in a light modest clothing ๐ to enjoy the boat ๐ฃ๐ปโโ๏ธ๐ฃ๐ปโโ๏ธ race cheerings with the local Khmers ๐ฐ๐ญ๐ญ๐ฌ๐ซ at the riverside under the hot sunny ๐โ๏ธ day
Ohh ya…Do remember your refillable water ๐ฆ๐ง bottle to avoid dehydration ya ๐
She ๐ฉ๐ป was with the local Khmers ๐ฐ๐ญ๐ซ๐ญ๐ฌ on her 1๏ธโฃst visit & then 2๏ธโฃnd visit the next day at the designated area by Tourism Cambodia ๐ฐ๐ญ for the foreign tourists ๐ฌ๐ซ๐ญย (Served with free ๐ flow of drinks๐ฅค๐ฅคavailable)
The riversides ๐ฆ๐ง were extremely packed & crowded ๐ฌ๐ซ๐ญ with both the local Khmers ๐ฐ๐ญ๐ซ๐ญ๐ฌ & foreign tourists to cheering for their favorite โค๏ธ boats๐ฃ๐ปโโ๏ธ๐ฃ๐ปโโ๏ธduring the races, so suggest you to bring only the bare necessities & hold on tight to what you have. Also being alert with your surroundings too while in the huge crowd ๐ญ๐ฌ๐ซ
Whyโโ๏ธ
Hmm…You never know whether you will be being targetted by any pick-pockets/ bag-snatchers ๐๐ฟ whom may just roaming around the crowded festival ๐๐ riversides ๐ฆ๐ง& streets. So, even thoughย this festival ๐๐ is a free ๐ celebration ๐๐ , however it can get really expensive if you make a mistake by carrying valuables into the crowds ๐ญ๐ฌ๐ซ
Always better be safe then sorry ya โบ๏ธ๐
There were several types of rowing ๐ฃ๐ปโโ๏ธ๐ฃ๐ปโโ๏ธ styles observed from her visits, i.e. sitting down & manual rowing, standing up & manual rowing, standing up & auto rowing etc. She ๐ฉ๐ป is curious ๐ค how the marks will be allocate within each different styles as well as the determining factors of winning ๐๐ tooโโ๏ธ
Perhaps logically the shortest time ๐ of completion from the start till end time of each boat at the finishing line (The 2๏ธโฃ red โค๏ธ boats ๐ฃ๐ปโโ๏ธ๐ฃ๐ปโโ๏ธ as captured in the photo ๐ธ & vBlog ๐น๐ฅbelow)
There were live announcement during the boat racing ๐ฃ๐ปโโ๏ธ๐ฃ๐ปโโ๏ธ, however in local Khmer ๐ฐ๐ญ language & โ no English translation. It would be good to have a live English announcement in the next year festival onwards ya ๐
The King Norodom Sihamoni ๐คด๐ป, Prime Minister Hun Sen ๐จ๐ปโ๐ผ& some senior officials ๐๐ปโโ๏ธ๐๐ปโโ๏ธ have all attended the closing ceremony on the last day of this festival ๐๐ She ๐ฉ๐ป has observed from the TV screen ๐บ at the foreign visitors designated booth
Ohh ya…She ๐ฉ๐ป has enjoyed the longest & the pretty ๐๐คฉ fireworks ๐๐ so far from the closing ceremony of this water festival ๐๐
Really amazing beautiful ๐๐คฉ & with the boats ๐ถ๐ถ decorated with LED lighting๐ก๐กscreens represented by each relevant authorities of organising & managing this water ๐ฆ๐ง festival ๐๐ e.g. Tourism, Justice, Ministry of Art & Handicrafts etc. to name a few noted ๐
SiennyLovesDrawing ๐ฉ๐ป has captured a vBlog ๐น๐ฅ for sharing here, do click in to enjoy it ya ๐ค
Ohh ya…Some of the eateries ๐ฝ๐ด & shops ๐๐may close โ๏ธ during this water ๐ฆ๐ง festival ๐๐ (All 3๏ธโฃ days) & resume their operation then ๐ค
This festival ๐๐ also ended with lots of clean up & tidy up at the riverside by the local Khmers ๐ฐ๐ญ๐ฌ๐ฌ๐ฌ
SiennyLovesDrawing ๐ฉ๐ป was blessed ๐ that she ๐ฉ๐ป stay with her decision to continue with this solo travel & really enjoyed this water ๐ฆ๐ง festival celebration ๐ ๐ & highly recommended ๐๐ป๐๐ปto all travellers that would like to appreciating & participating local heritage & cultures celebration. Definitely worth your time to learn the unique local Khmers๐ฐ๐ญ๐ฌ๐ซ๐ญ’ lifestyle better
Also welcomeย ๐คย to check out SiennyLovesDrawingย ๐ฉ๐ปย โs top contributorย ๐๐ปย account viaย ๐ย https://www.tripadvisor.com.my/members/siennylovesdrawingย forย her recent reviews about the Cambodia ๐ฐ๐ญย โs tourist attractions, food & accommodation stay yaย ๐ฉ๐ปโ๐ป๐
Continued ๐ from SiennyLovesDrawing ๐ฉ๐ป ‘s earlier blogging ๐ฉ๐ปโ๐ป๐, from her recent attendance โ to Mekong Tourism Forum 2018 (MTF2018),ย an awesome go green ๐, paperless & plastic free conference
Bravo ๐๐ป๐๐ป for the great effortโผ๏ธShe has learnt much more about being plastic free ๐, not just during travels, but daily lifestyle too
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There are plenty of unfavourable ๐ cum shocking ๐ฑ bad news being shared relating to the plastic damages to the environmental which contributed by mostly human being ๐ซ๐ญ๐ฌ, yesโ , being you & herself, SiennyLovesDrawing ๐ฉ๐ป Do check out this video clip via https://www.facebook.com/worldeconomicforum/videos/10154815712271479/
She always a go green ๐ supporter, so she is really blessed ๐ that she has attended โ this go green ๐ conference & learnt a lot more about being plastic free, in fact zero 0๏ธโฃ plastic
— SiennyLovesDrawing (@SiennyLovesDraw) June 28, 2018
Some of the practical tips are being shared during the conference e.g. how to being plastic free ๐ in daily lifestyle as well as a frequent traveller too
Then, she has googled ๐ & read ๐ more about being plastic free ๐ to be a more go green ๐ & tourism responsible traveller
Guess whatโโ๏ธ
There is a campaign happening now ~ Plastic Free ๐ July ๐, let’s participateโ She has been practising less โฌ๏ธ plastic usage in her travels, now she has learnt more about zero 0๏ธโฃ plastic…yesโ , not just being plastic free ๐
From her research ๐ & reading ๐, lots of stuff actually all of us, yesโ , you & herself ~ SiennyLovesDrawing ๐ฉ๐ป can do to contribute go green ๐ effort together gather by reducing โฌ๏ธ the plastic usage respectively
Yesโ , she is believing in starting something small as each individual, then greater impact will achieve collectively then
Let’s refuse by saying NO โ to single use plastic & work together ๐ญ๐ฌ๐ซ to try something small today by refusing straws & plastic bagsโผ๏ธ
So, some of the go green ๐ travel tips she wishes to suggest here to reduce โฌ๏ธ single use plastic/ paper during trips or on the go,
1๏ธโฃ. Reuse/ Refuse: Bring along a reusable bagย whenever on the go especially weekend shopping & say no โ to plastic bag packaging from your purchases. Suggest to opt for aย foldable, then it can keep in clothes pocket/ bag on the go.ย This definitely reduce lots of single use plastic bags especially during shoppings
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2๏ธโฃ. Reuse/ Refuse: Love ๐ coffee โ๏ธ / tea๐ต/ juices ๐ฅค/ smoothies๐น? Bring your own reusable cup. This definitely reduce โฌ๏ธ lots of single use paper cups & plastic cover lids (hot โจ๏ธ drinks) / plastic cups (cold๐ฅคdrinks)
3๏ธโฃ. Reuse/ Rethink: To avoid dehydration during on the go/ travels? Do bring a reusable bottle/ flask whenever travelling, this definitely reduce โฌ๏ธ your chance to buy bottle mineral water, can beverage, packet beverage etc.
4๏ธโฃ. Refuse/ Rethink/ Respect: Suggesting to conference/ forum not to use cover plastic badges
Just a cardboard name tag is good ๐๐ป ~ SiennyLovesDrawing ๐ฉ๐ป ‘s media tag from Mekong Tourism Forum 2018 attendance recently
5๏ธโฃ. Refuse/ Rethink/ Respect: Request for water ๐ฆ๐ง to be served in glass bottle & cups from hotel ๐ข/ hostel๐/ guest house๐ก By requesting, you actually have sharing an alternative ways to them to reduce โฌ๏ธ single use plastics. Or why not boil your own drinking water with the kettle provided in the hotel room?
6๏ธโฃ. Refuse: Say NO โ to straw when being serving with beverages in any stalls, shops, restaurants etc. You can still enjoy any beverage without straw or opted to buy a reusable straw made with bamboo / metal / pasta
7๏ธโฃ. Reuse/ Rethink: If possible, choose to dine in ๐ฝ๐ดany stalls, shops, restaurants etc. instead of packing ๐ฅกyour meals. This will sure reduce โฌ๏ธ single use of plastic containers, plastic folks, plastic spoons etc.
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8๏ธโฃ. Reuse/ Rethink: If really in the rush & require to pack ๐ฅก your meal, do bring along your reusable container, folk & spoon while packing your meals from stalls, shops, restaurants etc.
So, let’s start small as a go green ๐ & responsible individual cum traveller today to avoid landfill, reduce our eco-footprint & to protect our ocean ๐ from anymore plastic pollution
siennylovesdrawing 