December 28, 2025
Christmas Eve we explored this magical place underwater. It was a little drizzly in the morning, so we only had the Plouard Family from Normandy, France to share our Viator snorkeling excursion. We saw so much wild life - it was a fabulous day! We saw Manta Ray Momma, Blacktip Reef Sharks, Stingray, Spotted Eagle Rays, Long Nose Emperor Fish and so many more!
Below photos from our guide's family Motu (small coral/ volcanic island). It was our lunch spot and one side is ocean other lagoon. Our Guides ( cousins) made it a fun excursion. Would highly recommend them. Their family on the Motucooked a delicious lunch for us and then we toured their hydroponic green house gardens, (they grow & sell to hotels) greens, veggies, herbs and flowers.
WOW!! I can't believe it has been two years of sailing around the World already for me and my fellow shipmates on the Villa Vie Odyssey! We left Belfast, Ireland back on September 30, 2024 and it has been such a great adventure to date! We have been to 201 different ports, some more than once, during those two years, with much more to come!
Before coming to Cambodia , I sadly have to admit I was unaware of the landmine problems they face. On our first night in Siem Reap, where we hiked up the hill to try and see the sunset views, there was a small band of men playing instruments and our tuk tuk driver explained to me they were victims of landmine explosions who had lost limbs or their sight and were trying to make money via donations to support their families.
I rallied for our last temple of the morning, because I heard this one was unique and I think it was my favorite. Ta Prohm was built starting in 1186 by King Jayavarman VII as a Buddhist monastery and university dedicated to the king's mother. It was left mostly un-restored so that huge banyan and silk cotton trees grow directly over and through the walls. In 2001, the Lara Croft: Tomb Raider movie was filmed here.