Backpackers or Bust

4K video of the train out of town Poipet, located in northwestern Cambodia, is a vibrant border town that holds a unique significance in the country's socio-economic landscape. As the primary border crossing between Cambodia and Thailand, Poipet has evolved into a bustling hub of trade, commerce, and cultural exchange. Geographically, Poipet sits at the confluence of two nations, making it a pivotal point for cross-border activities. The town's strategic location has played a crucial role in its development, as it serves as a gateway for the movement of people and goods between Cambodia and Thailand. The border crossing at Poipet is one of the busiest in Southeast Asia, facilitating the exchange of goods and fostering economic ties between the two neighboring countries. Economically, Poipet has witnessed rapid growth and development due to its status as a major trade route. The town's economy is largely driven by cross-border trade, with markets and commercial activities flourishing along the border. The vibrant marketplaces in Poipet showcase a diverse array of products, reflecting the cultural and commercial exchange between Cambodia and Thailand. From local handicrafts to imported goods, the markets in Poipet embody the spirit of cross-border commerce. However, Poipet's economic prosperity has not been without challenges. The town has faced issues related to informal trade, smuggling, and other illicit activities. Efforts to address these challenges have been ongoing, with both Cambodian and Thai authorities working together to enhance border security and regulate trade. Despite these challenges, Poipet remains a crucial economic hub for the region, contributing significantly to the livelihoods of its residents and the overall economic growth of the area. Culturally, Poipet reflects the rich diversity of the border region. The town is home to a mix of Cambodian and Thai communities, creating a unique blend of cultural influences. This diversity is evident in the local cuisine, traditions, and festivals celebrated in Poipet. The town's cultural landscape is a testament to the harmonious coexistence of different communities, fostering an environment of cultural exchange and understanding. Infrastructure development has been a key focus in Poipet, as the town continues to grow in importance. Improved road networks and transportation links have enhanced connectivity, making it easier for people and goods to move across the border. Investments in infrastructure have also contributed to the overall development of the town, providing better living conditions for residents and facilitating the smooth flow of trade. In conclusion, Poipet stands as a dynamic cross-border town that plays a pivotal role in the economic, cultural, and social interactions between Cambodia and Thailand. Its strategic location, economic significance, cultural diversity, and ongoing development efforts make Poipet a fascinating and integral part of the broader Southeast Asian landscape. As the town continues to evolve, Poipet's story remains one of resilience, growth, and the enduring spirit of cross-border collaboration.

Faithfully reproducing original artwork by acclaimed, Colorado-based artist Phil Lewis, the three-coin issues of the Spirit Animal series take inspiration from cultural traditions across the globe that honor animals for their distinctive and motivating qualities, as well as the artist’s own encounters and experiences with these noble beasts. The great Grizzly inspired artist Phil Lewis when he observed firsthand its quickly changing states between unassuming calm and ferocious machine in pursuit of prey or on the defense. Many indigenous cultures revere the Grizzly as a spirit animal for those and other motivating characteristics – quick reflexes, confidence, leadership, and strength against adversity, as well as taking time to rest and heal. Individually serialized with a mintage of only 2,500 coins. Silver 999.9 Weight: 1 Ounce Thickness: 2.50 mm SKU: ZAGFC00883 Size (mm): 36.7 x 46.6

Obverse Purple and multicolor. Ricardo Jimenez Oreamuno (1859-1945), statesmen who held numerous offices to include 3 separate terms as President of Costa Rica. Supreme Court building in background. Script: Latin Lettering: 50 MIL COLONES COSTA RICA Translation: 50 Thousand Colones Costa Rica Engraver: Overthur Fiduciare Reverse Purple. Species with natural colors. Cloud forest, parasol mushroom, Bromelia plant, Morpho butterfly. Tree fern in the background. Script: Latin Lettering: Bosque Nuboso Hongo sombrilla (Leccinum monticola) Mariposa morfo (Morpho helenor marinita) Bromelia (Tillandsia punctulata) BANCO CENTRAL DE COSTA RCA Translation: Bosque Nuboso Parasol mushroom (Leccinum monticola) Morpho butterfly (Morpho helenor marinita) Bromeliad (Tillandsia punctulata) Central Bank of Costa Rica Engraver: Overthure Fiduciare Issued by the Banco Central de Costa Rica (Central Bank of Costa Rica), and was issued into circulation in 2009. This denomination was introduced as part of the introduction of a new series of Costa Rican colones banknotes featuring new designs and incorporating advanced security features. Withdrawn from circulation on June 4, 2020, although this denomination remains legal tender. This was in response to the Central Bank's discontinuation of producing this denomination under several factors including, its high face value made it unsuitable for daily minor transactions, its low level of inflation meant that it was not needed in the near future, larger transactions are settled by credit and debit cards, through banking channels or by paying applications, banks do not require them as they are not suitable for ATM's because of their high value and it is the most counterfeited of all banknotes in circulation in Costa Rica.

Portraying the remarkable story of Australia’s involvement in World War I, the Perth Mint on Monday introduced three products under a new five-year ANZAC Spirit 100th Anniversary Coin Series. The ANZAC Spirit 100th Anniversary Coin Series launches 100 years after Britain declared war on Germany in 1914. The program is scheduled to run until 2018, and will portray different designs emblematic of Australia’s involvement in World War I. Offered on the reverse of the 1 ounce silver proof coin is a group of soldiers as they march beneath a representation of Britannia. Adding to the image is the inscription ‘1914 – When the Empire is at War, so is Australia at War.’

Shelby Township area

ព្រះរាជពិធីបុណ្យចម្រើនព្រះជន្មព្រះមហាក្សត្រី នរោត្ដម មុនីនាថ សីហនុ Celebration the birthday of Queen Mother Norodom Monineath (June 18th) Riverside Phnom Pehn Norodom Monineath Sihanouk (Khmer: នរោត្ដម មុនីនាថ សីហនុ, pronounced [nɔroːtɗɑm mɔniːniət səjhanuʔ]; born Paule Monique Izzi; 18 June 1936) is the Queen Mother of Cambodia. She was Queen of Cambodia from 1993 to 2004, as the wife of King Norodom Sihanouk. She is the widow of King-Father Norodom Sihanouk, whom she married in 1955 as the "secondary consort" (Sihanouk married his official wife, Norodom Thavet Norleak, as the "first lady" also in 1955, before being married to Monineath). After Sihanouk and Norleak divorced in 1968, Monineath became the official spouse of the King. Monineath and King Sihanouk had two children: Norodom Sihamoni and Norodom Narindrapong; both were born before their parents married. Her official, full title is "Samdech Preah Mahaksatrey Norodom Monineath Sihanouk" (Khmer: សម្តេចព្រះមហាក្សត្រី នរោត្តម មុនិនាថ សីហនុ). The Queen is also called "Preah Voreakreach Meada Cheat Khmer" (Khmer: ព្រះវររាជមាតាជាតិខ្មែរ, lit. "mother of the Khmer nation"). Her birthday on 18 June is an official public holiday in Cambodia.

Siem Reap is an area located in the northwest part of Cambodia. Once the seat of power for the great Khmer Empire, this location is home to the most ornate temples and as such is the most popular tourist site for those taking a tour of Cambodia. Angkor Wat temple, located in the northwestern portion of Cambodia, is the largest religious monument in the world. Named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1992, its history dates back to the end of the 12th century when its construction began under the reign of the Khmer Empire King Suryavarman II. Construction appears to have halted when Suryavarman died in 1150, leaving some portions of the complex unfinished. Angkor Wat is a classic example of Khmer Empire architecture, with a harmony of design and precisely planned proportions. Unlike other Khmer Empire temples, this one was constructed facing the west, which has caused some to theorize it was originally intended to be a funerary temple for Suryavarman. Originally dedicated to Vishnu as a Hindu temple, its use was gradually transformed into a Buddhist place of worship moving into the 14th century. Although slightly neglected towards the end of the 16th century, the temple was never overtaken by the jungle, largely due to the natural barrier created by the moat surrounding it. The Thai people were enthralled with it when they invaded to take over in 1431 and the French were also enamored with its splendor in the 19th century when they introduced it to the Western World. Henri Mouhot’s book in published in 1860 ‘Travels in Siam, Cambodia, Laos and Annam” is largely credited with causing the first big tourism boom to Angkor Wat. The French were part of the catalyst to inspire a major restoration project on the temple in the 20th century. The temple has been and still remains a powerful symbol of Cambodian national pride. The reign and death of Suryavarman were quickly followed by an invasion by the Cham who retained control of the area for 4 years until the legendary Jayavarman VII managed to counter-attack and regain control in 1181. Thus began the most prolific period of monument building, and one of the last, for the Khmer Empire. Jayavarman VII started building monuments in Siem Reap with great expediency, that often times the architectural style (Bayon) is considered to be inferior to that of the earlier temple building. Some of his most noted works are the capital city of Angkor Thom including Ta Prohm temple, Bayon, Banteay Kdei, and Preah Khan. Ta Prohm temple was intentionally left in its “natural state” to be an example of how the area looked when first discovered. Restoration work here has only gone so far as to shore it up to prevent further collapse and to clear an entryway. Bayon temple was used as a State temple by Jayavarman VII and is one of the more complex structures in terms of design and meaning. A mass of face-towers create a stone mountain here with countless ‘faces’ on each tower. Many periods of subsequent re-models to this temple also create a complexity of design that other structures do not have.

Just a still photo slideshow of a short trip in 2019 while I was in Canada.