As most of you already know, I was born in a beautiful Island, Sardinia and if there is something that my homeland taught me to love are boat trips.
For years, to be able to get to the mainland without spending a fortune I had to take the overnight ferry and to be honest, I was so glad that because of my poor finances at the time, I was almost forced to choose this option.
On the boat at sunset. Picture owned by Clelia Mattana. All rights reserved.
Nothing feels more liberating and freeing that sitting on the deck of a ship, feeling the wind in your hair and admiring the sea over a beautiful sunset.
Recently I released an interview where they asked me which mode of transport was my favorite. Needless to say, I chose the boat!
WHAT ABOUT THE CRUISES?
The other day a company invited me for a fantastic cruise in Indonesia, which I hope it will become reality by next year! For now I think I’ll have to still dream a little bit, but I know it will be worth the wait!
This invitation had a pleasant side effect, reminding me of a project that has been left on hold for way too long!
MY RIVER CRUISE IN CAMBODIA DREAM!
Oh Cambodia! this country brings me back to me memories buried inside my head for 3 years! I remember when, still living in London, I was planning my Asian trip and I was obsessed by taking a River cruise on the Mekong river.
My travel mate and I were researching online and found an interesting company called riuscruises that provided river cruises that crossed the Mekong river. Perfect! A there was a boat that would bring us from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap, where we had already booked a 2 weeks stay to visit the Angkor Wat temples.
It was perfect really, but being our first month of travels we didn’t plan it ahead and we had to take the bus instead. Eight infinite hours without air con, super bumpy roads and only one stop for the toilet. A nightmare!
It’s been three years and I still remember 3 things of that experience:
1 | How uncomfortable the bus journey was! I know, I know…it’s all part of the experience and being a traveler also means compromise, so in a way it was still a precious memory (now that’s on my back of course!) 🙂
2 | My amazing days in Siem reap and how I fell in love with that place (and not only for the spectacular Angkor Wat temples). The people and the atmosphere were incredible.
3 |My burning desire to still take that bloody cruise on the Mekong! I had it already and I felt bad that I hadn’t been able to plan it.
THREE REASONS WHY I WANT TO TRY THE RIVER CRUISE ON THE MEKONG
Slow Travel
What it’s best? Eight hours packed on a bus or taking it easy, slowly moving across the river with zero stress? Well, a rhetoric question of course.
I always recommend slow travel, most of the times it’s more enjoyable and you get to really see something interesting on the way. If you are into Photography, the boat is one of the best settings to take amazing pictures!
Meeting the Locals
During the cruises they stop in small villages on the way and you’ll be able to really interact with the locals, one of the most interesting things to do.
If there is one reason why I travel is to meet the local people, understand their culture and see how they live is an experience like no other. Don’t just stop at the sights, dig deeper and communicate with people.
Enjoying the Boat trip!
As Already said a million times, I love boats so even if it were a boat trip to the canal nearby my house, I’d still enjoy it!
The boats fascinate me, and I feel I’m in contact with the elements, with nature. Slow cruises allow me to stare at the horizon and admire the landscapes for days. My Idea of paradise!
WHEN AM I GOING TO FULFILL MY DREAM?
I’ll probably be heading back to Asia, as I usually do during winter time in Europe, and this time, I really want to plan a little bit ahead and book a 4-day river cruise.
My idea is to go from Phnom Pen to Siem Reap or even cross the Cambodian border to get to Vietnam by boat! If you read my blog regularly, you know that when I’m obsessed over something I won’t stop until I get what I want!
Either way, next time nothing is going to stand in between me and my dreams, 100% guaranteed 🙂