Thank goodness I got the playful monk. Throwing water on me while giggling and smiling was obviously adorable, but an unexpected bonus because it was 100 degrees outside…and the only sweater I had to cover my shoulders with was black and heavy (Iwasthisclosetopassingout).

Angkor Wat is obviously the must-do when you go to Cambodia…and if you go to Angkor Wat, you can’t miss the sunrise (because look at that cotton candy sky)…but you also can’t miss a blessing by a Buddhist monk.

There are monks throughout the temple so find the one who calls to you, take off your shoes, sit on his mat, and donate what you find appropriate (don’t be stingy, y’all). He will sprinkle water on you while chanting and then tie a bracelet on your wrist. Don’t take it off – it has to fall off. Mine still looks brand new three months in. And honestly, I hope it never falls off. It is such a lovely memory that brings a smile every time I see it (kind of like what the Cambodian tattoos from Buddhist monks do for my friends…but I don’t have to commit that seriously).

“In the end, only three things matter: how much you loved, how gently you lived, and how gracefully you let go of things not meant for you.” – Buddha