I’m a Canadian. You’re interviewing Sonja at the Peace Café right by the river in Siem Reap. I went there a number of times when I was living in Siem Reap. Nice place. They had “Monk Chat” once a week in the room upstairs. I don’t know if they still have that. I recognized Peace Café right after I started watching the video. I’m 73 now, and can’t wait to come back and live my last years there, and have a Buddhist funeral when I die. Tired of living in Canada. Thank you for the videos, and thank you Sonja . Best wishes. Namo Buddhaya, 🙏🏼 ☸️ 🌴 🌴 🌴 ✈️ 🇰🇭 😃
@jame77david62 Thank you for the welcome. I love Cambodia and miss it very much. I studied Buddhism and went for Refuge in the Triple Gem and accepted the Five Precepts after spending two months in Cambodia and some months in Thailand. Lots of time at temples and talking with monks. I hope to be back in Cambodia soon. Namo Buddhaya, 🙏🏼 ☸️ 🌴 🌴 🌴 ✈️ 🇰🇭 🙂😊
One thing I want to share is a personal experience. About a year ago, I was traveling by bus from Siem Reap to Battambang. The bus was full of foreigners, and I found it quite strange because no one talked to each other or even smiled. They just sat there as if nothing was happening, and it made me feel very uncomfortable. In my hometown, it's different. Whenever you travel, people at least smile at you, and if you're on a bus, they'll talk to you and might even offer you something to eat. That day, I realized how friendly Khmer people truly are.😁
@erbxvdfb They are. My family isn’t rich. Whenever they cook, they call my uncle to bring something to eat. We share food even we don’t have much. And I appreciate it ❤️
Hey Sonja. Congratulations on finding your home. The word 'bong' is used when addressing or referring to someone the same age as you or slightly older, regardless of gender. Bong broh means older brother, while bong srei means older sister. Gru-bong-rean is Khmer for teacher. Some of your acquaintances might refer to you as Bong Sonja as a token of respect. I've been living in Siem Reap for about 4 months, trying to learn Khmer for about half that time. Like you, I get a little happy feeling and my ears perk up when I recognize a word here or there in an overheard conversation.
Khmer has 3600 words and English 170 000. I've been living in Cambodia and I would say that learning the language of a country who is welcoming me is the least I must do. Nothing is complicated, it's only a matter of wanting, of feeling involved in the local life.
I came to Cambodia two years ago. It was a nightmare. People were crying, officials were asking For bribes, everyone was frustrated and I was seriously going to turn around in the airport and leave. Two years later, with the new electronic entry process it was fast, efficient and super easy.
My goodness I was a subscriber to Sonja channel. When she went to England I thought that’s it. But nice to see her she is back in SA.. she is very fascinating kind lady.
@@anna_m59 my travels will hopefully continue. I will head home again this year to see my grandchildren for big cuddles. As well as a family wedding. After that hopefully more countries are on the list. 🥰
Meet Sonja from the UK! The last time I had her on the channel, she was exploring Cambodia as a tourist. However, Sonja has now decided to make Cambodia her second home. So today, we discussed what inspired her to transition from her travel adventures to settling down in Cambodia, her living expenses there, and her experiences so far in Cambodia. Check out Sonja's TH-cam Channel youtube.com/@nanwithabackpack?sub_confirmation=1
Sonja said that Cambodians smile all the time. Here's what she doesn't know. In the west, individualism is something that we all cherish which we call " our own rights". In Cambodian community, privacy is not really a thing. It's not a bad question when you ask how much people make. Actually, they ask because they want to praise you. It's a good thing. Here's another that it's hard to find in the west. When you travel a long distance and you ran out of food. It's raining and you have to find a place. If you go and ask someone along the road, you will find people allow you to stay at their place. They even give you foods to eat. You can't find that in the west at all because their home is like a sacred place.
Indonesian people are smiling and seem a lot happier than people in the UK. I used to notice that when I came back to the UK. I think the weather also has a lot to do with it and the UK is a pretty stressful due to our expensive way of life and the work we have to do to keep our heads above water.
Bong is a title and a sign of respect when you call someone who is older than you, bong pros is older brother and bong srey is older sister. In our culture, elders get more respect because they’re more experienced and wiser.
In Siem Reap there are always tourists around so you don't really miss home. If you are a long term retirees you also can have access to Angkor Archaeological Park for free. You can visit the are many temples there with your bicycle and enjoy the giant trees.
Now that you have a retirement visa, what happens when you decide to visit another country: do you have to start the whole visa process from scratch, or are you allowed multiple entrances back into Cambodia?
Listening to your arriving experience with the immigration, let me presume that you arrive per plan. And i would, in that case absolutely agree with you. But, unfortunately arriving via landway, specially Poipet is a substantially different experience !! Even if it doesn't sound logic, the immigration there is trying hard to deny you a E Visa (Ordinary) !!! And this in a very arrogant and unfriendly way. Only after i was threatening the "superviser" by declaring him to a high gouverment officer he changed his behaviour and finally issued that Visa ! This practice had been confirmed by many other people i know.
I’m a Canadian. You’re interviewing Sonja at the Peace Café right by the river in Siem Reap. I went there a number of times when I was living in Siem Reap. Nice place. They had “Monk Chat” once a week in the room upstairs. I don’t know if they still have that.
I recognized Peace Café right after I started watching the video. I’m 73 now, and can’t wait to come back and live my last years there, and have a Buddhist funeral when I die.
Tired of living in Canada. Thank you for the videos, and thank you Sonja . Best wishes.
Namo Buddhaya, 🙏🏼 ☸️ 🌴 🌴 🌴 ✈️ 🇰🇭 😃
Warmly welcome back to my country 😊
@jame77david62 Thank you for the welcome. I love Cambodia and miss it very much. I studied Buddhism and went for Refuge in the Triple Gem and accepted the Five Precepts after spending two months in Cambodia and some months in Thailand. Lots of time at temples and talking with monks. I hope to be back in Cambodia soon.
Namo Buddhaya, 🙏🏼 ☸️ 🌴 🌴 🌴 ✈️ 🇰🇭 🙂😊
well appreciated that she took effort in learning khmer language
I’m finding it difficult but so glad I have a few words. I do mess up but local people smile and always help me. 😊
I lived in Thailand for 2 years, moved to Siem Reap about 4 months ago. Love it here!
I'm about through with living in Bangkok with all of the fakery here.
Thanks for that tip.
I have to check out Siem Reap.
@@masterprophet8378 Be prepared for the fake dollars in Scambodia LOL!
What a joyful woman, Cambodia & Cambodian always welcome you, thank you for choosing Cambodia 🇰🇭🙏
One thing I want to share is a personal experience. About a year ago, I was traveling by bus from Siem Reap to Battambang. The bus was full of foreigners, and I found it quite strange because no one talked to each other or even smiled. They just sat there as if nothing was happening, and it made me feel very uncomfortable.
In my hometown, it's different. Whenever you travel, people at least smile at you, and if you're on a bus, they'll talk to you and might even offer you something to eat. That day, I realized how friendly Khmer people truly are.😁
Maybe they are European. I travelled through Europe and no one smiled or talked to me. 😅 But that's just they respect my privacy.
@erbxvdfb They are. My family isn’t rich. Whenever they cook, they call my uncle to bring something to eat. We share food even we don’t have much. And I appreciate it ❤️
Hey Sonja. Congratulations on finding your home.
The word 'bong' is used when addressing or referring to someone the same age as you or slightly older, regardless of gender. Bong broh means older brother, while bong srei means older sister. Gru-bong-rean is Khmer for teacher.
Some of your acquaintances might refer to you as Bong Sonja as a token of respect.
I've been living in Siem Reap for about 4 months, trying to learn Khmer for about half that time. Like you, I get a little happy feeling and my ears perk up when I recognize a word here or there in an overheard conversation.
@@bushputz oh wow thank you so very much for that
Khmer has 3600 words and English 170 000. I've been living in Cambodia and I would say that learning the language of a country who is welcoming me is the least I must do. Nothing is complicated, it's only a matter of wanting, of feeling involved in the local life.
Thank you Austin for what you do to share experiences in Cambodia. Love and appreciate your work
My wife and I love Cambodia so much I went there in December of 2024 and now I am going again in February 2025.
It was wonderful to catch up with you again. Hopefully we can grab a coffee next time I’m in Phnom Penh.
Thanks for sharing with me again 🙏🏾
Whenever you're in pp, please let me know. Stay safe 🍀❤️
You should have your own TH-cam channel about Siem Reap:D ..just love your personality
Oh sorry I found ya:D
You are so sweet Sonja. And Warm Welcome to Cambodia. Hope that one day I could see you when I will be in Siem Reap 😀. With love from Canada.
I came to Cambodia two years ago. It was a nightmare. People were crying, officials were asking For bribes, everyone was frustrated and I was seriously going to turn around in the airport and leave. Two years later, with the new electronic entry process it was fast, efficient and super easy.
200$ apartment is a good deal and very affordable price!
Wow another impressive experience for living in Cambodia 🇰🇭 ❤
My goodness I was a subscriber to Sonja channel. When she went to England I thought that’s it. But nice to see her she is back in SA.. she is very fascinating kind lady.
@@anna_m59 my travels will hopefully continue. I will head home again this year to see my grandchildren for big cuddles. As well as a family wedding. After that hopefully more countries are on the list. 🥰
Meet Sonja from the UK! The last time I had her on the channel, she was exploring Cambodia as a tourist. However, Sonja has now decided to make Cambodia her second home. So today, we discussed what inspired her to transition from her travel adventures to settling down in Cambodia, her living expenses there, and her experiences so far in Cambodia.
Check out Sonja's TH-cam Channel
youtube.com/@nanwithabackpack?sub_confirmation=1
Thank you Austin! I have learned a lot from you vdo. I can improve my English❤
Sonja said that Cambodians smile all the time. Here's what she doesn't know. In the west, individualism is something that we all cherish which we call " our own rights". In Cambodian community, privacy is not really a thing. It's not a bad question when you ask how much people make. Actually, they ask because they want to praise you. It's a good thing. Here's another that it's hard to find in the west. When you travel a long distance and you ran out of food. It's raining and you have to find a place. If you go and ask someone along the road, you will find people allow you to stay at their place. They even give you foods to eat. You can't find that in the west at all because their home is like a sacred place.
Indonesian people are smiling and seem a lot happier than people in the UK. I used to notice that when I came back to the UK. I think the weather also has a lot to do with it and the UK is a pretty stressful due to our expensive way of life and the work we have to do to keep our heads above water.
You have such great content but such little followers. You deserve a larger subscriber base.
Love your videos….I’m going to Cambodia for sure❤️👍🙏💪🏼🏆
Great interview 🎉
What a lovely lady. She’s someone I’d love to meet and be friends with.
Walking to the river front is a good exercise.
Bong is a title and a sign of respect when you call someone who is older than you, bong pros is older brother and bong srey is older sister. In our culture, elders get more respect because they’re more experienced and wiser.
it’s also more respectful to call a stranger bong even if your not sure, unless they current you.
In Siem Reap there are always tourists around so you don't really miss home. If you are a long term retirees you also can have access to Angkor Archaeological Park for free. You can visit the are many temples there with your bicycle and enjoy the giant trees.
I do enjoy your awesome vlog, keep going on mate.
personally, i would choose siam reap over the capital as well. it just has this particular atmosphere that’s very attractive.
Everywhere is good and bad, so just to be positive where you are. It’s not too hard for us to live.
"Bong" is usually used to address elders or someone higher up than you, or maybe someone you really really respect!!
You call them bong
Love how you let her talk
@@ElectricPaoloIAM lol yes I can definitely talk!!!! 🤪
Sonja, what a lovely woman you are. I wish you all the best and all the happiness in the world.
Sonja has a nice house in SR and that will make you so jealous about it 😆, Sonja is one of the Khmer now
Austin's u ought to have some of the Nigerians on your show who is currently living in Cambodia's what do they think about Cambodia's.
Can I ask you a question? Where are you from Austin?
Bong is almost like Sir or Madam in respect of communication.
Who are these people with all the warnings about Cambodia ?? I never heard any warnings and also I had no problems entering at any time
The Thais
Yes I know everyone at the border was so helpful and friendly. I did not have any issues at all.
I saw a few videos about difficulty going into Cambodia. I think it depends on which check point it is.
The rumors mostly from Thai people , they like to scare tourists after visited Thailand.
@@CuriosityCanvas-un5vdthai is famous for not being honest. It ranked number 1 for most cheated among married couples
It is a life just for her, and maybe she has never seen the other side yet...but it's still good for her... enjoy your time there
Just love her
Welcome to Cambodia 😊
Lovely
Now that you have a retirement visa, what happens when you decide to visit another country: do you have to start the whole visa process from scratch, or are you allowed multiple entrances back into Cambodia?
A nice apartment for $200. I may consider that :)
What is her channel name? I was born in Battambang so i miss my home land
Her Channel is ''Nan with a backpack''
@ thank you
@ Welcome . I will be moving to Siem Reap in September
@ nice i wish i could do the same
Listening to your arriving experience with the immigration, let me presume that you arrive per plan. And i would, in that case absolutely agree with you. But, unfortunately arriving via landway, specially Poipet is a substantially different experience !!
Even if it doesn't sound logic, the immigration there is trying hard to deny you a E Visa (Ordinary) !!!
And this in a very arrogant and unfriendly way. Only after i was threatening the "superviser" by declaring him to a high gouverment officer he changed his behaviour and finally issued that Visa !
This practice had been confirmed by many other people i know.
Hi! You can learn one word a day.
is Cambodia good for you?
❤❤❤
Does beautiful Sonja have her own Channel ? And what is it ?
Hey, it's Nan!
I lived in Thailand for two years. So happy to be in Siem Reap!
❤
Cambodia is easy to enter, been that way for quite a while. Weird. Pining for attention?
Definitely the Thais
Cambodians address each other as if they are family member: brother, sister, aunt, uncle, grandma, grandpa, or even daughter/son, niece/nephew.
What about international students .. make some videos about international students lifestyle 😂
It is cold right now at NE state US. Orkun (thank U)
Check out first interview with Sonja th-cam.com/video/y_CPAQGWcx4/w-d-xo.htmlsi=vWwKpec2hetw33jL