This video was captured in the beautiful historic village of Carrbridge, in the Highlands of Scotland. This is the view of the 18th century packhorse bridge, in which the area is famous for.
If you ever get a chance to visit the Highlands, I would recommend a visit to that popular tourist spot and also the surrounding areas of Boat of Garten and Aviemore – all part of the Cairngorms National Park.
The Highlands of Scotland is one of the most magical places I’ve been to. Its natural beauty is just breathtaking and the local residents are so welcoming and friendly.
Honestly, if you are thinking of going, please do contact me, I can offer you some worthwhile guidance on where to stay, what to do and where to go.
It holds a very special place in my heart, and I genuinely believe it healed me during some tough times in life. The funny thing is, I wasn’t aware of its healing powers whilst living there, but when I Iook back, I know it did exactly that.
I will share with you more videos and photographs of my life up there – so please watch this space!
Clarabelle Walking in Snowy Highlands
The world is filled with magical places to visit, and to travel and explore these, is such a wonderful gift.
If there is a destination that you have always wanted to visit, then you must do your best to make that happen.
Constantly being in the one spot can become dull and stagnant. Your curious soul thrives to feel alive in new environments.
Write a list of the places you’ve always wanted to go to and do what you can to get there.
Clarabelle’s Highland Cabin, Year 2017
I’ll be back in the Highlands soon for a visit. I love the snow and there’s plenty of it coming there soon.
Be all you can be and take your beautiful energy to places you align with.
We visited the spectacular Santorini in Greece ten months ago and what a sensational holiday we had.
Never did I expect the views from Fira Town and Oia Village to be so breathtakingly stunning – this place is truly a ‘Gift from the Gods’ and that’s an understatement!
I remember many years ago gasping at the most perfect Santorini photographs in those ‘posh’ travel magazines – dreaming myself there one day….now the dream is a magical memory.
The whole holiday from start to finish was just super WOW and the local people were my five star favourites.
This holiday was a tad on the expensive side, but we were well prepared for that, and in my opinion, the luxury we experienced was worth every penny.
Stunning views from Fira
We stayed in Cavo Bianco, a lovely romantic five star boutique hotel and spa near Kamari Beach and I must say, the staff (⭐ Maria ⭐) and service there was impeccable. On arrival, we were extremely lucky to be upgraded to their best suite and we certainly made the most of it. I would definitely recommend this hotel if you are looking for a more tranquil and relaxed vibe – it really was so peaceful and was just what we needed – a delightful getaway from our busy London City lives.
Restaurant View, Kamari Beach
Kamari has a pebble beach – now I do prefer golden sandy beaches but it proved to be special in so many other ways. We did catch the early morning sunrise here and were truly mesmerised by it.
Our holiday adventures took us to the best restaurants, bars, beaches, captivating views…with the highlight of our holiday being a beautiful Catamaran Sunset Cruise, sailing on the ‘Serenity’……a truly unforgetable and sensational experience.
Sunset Cruise on the ‘Serenity’
We made good friends on our holiday and that was down to the whole vibe of the island – cool, carefree and charming.
Would I go back? This one is a no brainer for me….one thousand percent YES!
If you are looking to visit an extra special place with breathtaking views, then Santorini is an absolute must. I look forward to going back.
Take your heart on holiday – you deserve the magic it brings!
I was brought up in a quiet little village in bonny Scotland called Carfin and I had the most AMAZING childhood – really I did!
Obviously, this was before the days of home computers and mobile phones, when most local children where outside on the streets playing together and using their imaginations to make up fun games that were played for hours upon end.
Everyone knew your name in Carfin and as you walked by every local resident, you were always greeted by your first name and a warm hearty smile.
Those were the days when no one needed to lock their doors at night and children played together safely outside till 10pm during the summer school holidays.
Carfin Village
I believe my childhood back then was beyond magical and a wondrous gift that will live in my heart forever.
In my experience, there are no better friends than your childhood friends and I can still see us back then playing “kick-the-can”, “football rounders” and the best game ever “lee-voy”… still no idea how you spell that one!
As much as I loved my upbringing in Carfin, I never really wanted to live there all my life (well my first 26 years I did) – I have a fond memory as a child in the local swingpark, being mesmerized by the faraway distant night city lights – imagining it was America and I’d get excited about the dream of being there one day! I really was that “big dreamer” type of kid and thankfully, still am to this day, and I truly love that about me!
Being an ambitious dreamer has gotten me everywhere in life and I wear this badge of honour well, with unshakeable self-belief – “if they can do it…well I can do it too”.
I also have this belief in others and always encourage others to adopt this strong positive mindset – it’s my nature, like an inbuilt software computer programme deleting any doubts and negativity like a virus.
At the young age of 81 years, my mum still lives in our childhood family home in Carfin and when I visit, I often stay in my old bedroom – it feels like a haven of safety and love and when I look out the bedroom window, I can still see all the beautiful memories of my childhood flash before me – it forever makes me smile.
View of the Glass Chapel, Carfin Grotto
Not only was my childhood in Carfin special, this small quaint village is also famous for its beautiful Grotto. Carfin Grotto, opened in 1922, is worldly known and is visited by tens of thousands year on year. As a child, I used to attend their late night candlelit processions, joining hundreds of parisheners and visitors in an open prayer ceremony for world peace, healing, health, unity and love.
The Grotto is situated just across the road from the primary school I attended, and often, me and my school pals would pop over to the Grotto during lunchtime and dare each other to enter the holy caves – unfortunately the huge fear in my imagination never got me down past the first step!
Inside of Cave
To this day, Carfin Grotto stands as beautiful and magical as it ever did and a recent visit with my mum and boyfriend most definitely proved that. I feel so priveleged to have experienced daily, such an extra special place in Carfin.
Holy Statue Carfin Grotto
I live in Central London these days and my next visit to Carfin will be for my mum’s 82nd birthday. If you ever get the opportunity to visit Carfin Village, please make sure you visit Carfin Grotto with its beautiful glass chapel, mystical caves and miraculous holy statues and shrines.
Carfin Grotto
No matter where I roam, I am proud to say I am a born and bred Carfin lass – I think it was written in the stars!
Remember….you hold your dream for a reason, don’t let it go….use it to empower you to reach great heights and ALWAYS help others along the way!
The cold winters in the Highlands of Scotland may not be for everyone, but when it comes to its majestic natural beauty – well that is just beyond magical!
I lived and worked in the Cairngorms National Park area a few times over the years and that famous “Highland Welcome”, truly is extra special.
The Highlands of Scotland have been truly blessed with the most breathtaking scenary, wondrous wildlife, picturesque lakes… but for me, and more importantly, the BEST locals you will EVER meet. The people, for me, win a 5 star accolade everytime.
Beautiful Boat of Garten
The super friendliness, warm community spirit, caring attitude and helpful ways of the Highland residents, will be tattooed in my heart forever.
There are many beautiful forest walks and nature trails in and around Boat of Garten to Aviemore – I used to walk and run these daily.
The Cairngorm Mountains are simply spectacular and in my former marathon training days, I failed miserably trying to run up them….what was I thinking!
The River Ness runs through Inverness City Centre and it makes for a beautiful early morning walk.
We did an organised tour from Inverness to Skye and the 12 hour coach tour was such a memorable experience that I would totally recommend.
Forest Walk Boat of Garten
Also, if you get the opportunity, a boat trip on the waters of the Loch Ness is just dreamy…we didn’t see the Loch Ness Monster but did see a Fighter Jet in training…..SUPER WOW!
There is just something about Loch Morlich Beach that captivates my soul. I would visit here almost daily soaking in the freshest air, standing on golden sand, looking out onto the calmest lake with the snow-capped Cairngorm mountains in the backdrop – this is THEE place – MY place.
Where to stay? Well for me, there’s a few places I would totally recommend…
The Boat House Guesthouse in the beautiful village of Boat of Garten…ask for Harry Hancock the owner, tell him Clarabelle sent you and he might just give you a discount! Harry is famous in the area for his BIG BREAKFASTS…..10 out 10 ratings everytime and he truly deserves it! Ask Harry about anything in the Highlands and he’ll tell you everything you need to know and more.
Highland Lochs and Nature Trails
The Cairngorm Hotel, Aviemore…if you’re looking for the complete “Highland Tourist” package this Hotel has it all. It does great homemade Scottish food and puts on live local entertainment….you’ll be jigging the Highland fling in no time.
We’ll be heading back to the Highlands again soon and we’re so excited about it….I think in a few years time the holiday home will be purchased and I know exactly which one I want to buy!
Highland Lochs and Lakes
As a born and bred Scottish lass myself, please get in touch if you want to know more – I’ve got you covered.
With a title like this, I am in no way minimizing the sheer amazement that is Angkor Wat. Truly, I have never been so blown away by such mastery and grandeur. I usually max out on museums and historic sites after a few hours each day. Something was different at Angkor Wat. Each temple held a unique frequency, and I became more energized as I temple-hopped. If it were allowed, I would have happily slept out there. LOL. There is a wealth of information about visiting Angkor Wat online, so I wanted this article to help you differently. Here, I’ll share my favorite things I did in Siem Reap beyond the temples.
First, I’ll offer a few tips I wish I had known before visiting. Then, we’ll head north of Angkor Wat and explore beyond, where I’ll share some of the adventurous and off-the-beaten-path activities I enjoyed outside the temple grounds. To clarify, the ancient city of Angkor Wat is inside the modern city of Siem Reap. I’ll keep these concise and to the point. Here are my top 11 pointers not to miss beyond the temples!
Angkor Wat
1. Logistics
Passes
When I visited Angkor Wat in June 2024, there were three types of passes available: a one-day, three-day and seven-day pass. If you have the time, I highly recommend the seven-day pass. It allows you to explore the grounds at a more relaxed pace and visit remote temples that many rushed travelers don’t have the opportunity to see.
There are two main viewing routes in Angkor Wat – the Big Circuit and the Small Circuit, most definitely traversed on separate days. My friends and I hired a TukTuk driver for the Big Circuit, which was the best use of our time and incredibly fun! The next day, I tackled the Small Circuit on my bicycle, which provided both a workout and enjoyment.
There was something about biking alone through the jungle that made me feel like a real adventurer, especially when I got stuck in a torrential downpour for 1.5 hours 🙆🏽♀️. I recommend these transportation methods and they are a bit rugged and keep you close to the earth. You can rent or hire an air-conditioned car, to me this felt too modern for the landscape.
Pro tip ~ there are two temples 20-30 minutes outside the Big Circuit called Phnom Bok and Banteay Samre. We had our driver take us to these for an additional small fee. Now I wouldn’t suggest more temples unless they were worth it, and these REALLY REALLY ARE!
Put on your athlete cap, as Phnom Bok requires 630 steps up to this 9th-10th century temple. This is no joke in triple-digit weather, my friends. Apart from the crumbling Phnom Bok there is also a gorgeous Buddhist temple atop. You will feel alone on top of the world up here.
Banteay Samre is down the street as you head back into town. This temple blew me away because the carvings are well-preserved. I think this is because of its tucked-away location and the fact that it attracts far fewer visitors than the temples on the circuits.
Food & Drink
There are cafes and restaurants scattered throughout the grounds of Angkor Wat which offer a variety of food, drinks and souvenirs. You won’t go hungry out there!If you have specific preferences for snacks and hydration, I recommend bringing them in a backpack. Additionally, it’s wise to research the weather for your visit. Depending on the season, you may want to pack a rain jacket and umbrella, just in case.
2. The Angkor Wat App
This app proved invaluable as it maps out both routes within its interface, conveniently numbered in viewing order – a stroke of genius! Clicking on each temple provides a brief history, which was informative. While the basic version sufficed, in hindsight, I wish I had opted for the upgraded version for additional features and information. The app was particularly helpful when I explored alone on my bike, keeping me on course through the behemoth jungle.
3. The Secret Angkor Thom Trail
Anything secret intrigues me, especially when lost cities are involved. So when a local tipped me off to the 12km trail around Angkor Thom, my ears perked up. As you enter through any archway entrances surrounding the perimeter, you’ll find small dirt trails leading up to the wall (I entered at the South Gate). On top of the wall is a perfect trail for walking, running, or biking. You’ll encounter wildlife, a jungle to your right, a moat to your left and hidden temples along the shaded path. I saw no other trekkers, only a few bicycle groups during my walk.
Walking is one of my favorite activities, and this trail in this setting made it extra special – it was one of my favorite walks ever. I suggest bringing a hat, plenty of water, a fully charged phone and a few downloaded podcast episodes. Walking casually, I completed the full loop in 3 hours and 22 minutes. Talk about experiencing Angkor Wat without the crowds!
I think you will be pleasantly surprised and enamored with the town of Siem Reap. It is walkable, safe and has the modern conveniences you want. Now, this is not a food guide, but there are a few places I MUST point out. These are places I will always revisit when I return.
4. Restaurants
It is hard to have a bad meal in Siem Reap. That said, I especially fell in love with these restaurants. The first two are quick, delicious and mission-driven establishments. The third was such a comforting, cozy experience tasting Geeta’s food; it reminded me of my Nana’s cooking!
• Wild Creative Bar & Spring Rolls Restaurant – anyone who has designed a restaurant concept around spring rolls has my heart. To me, spring rolls are close to tacos regarding a near-perfect meal. Light, easy, crunchy, flavorful, creative and requires sauce ~ bliss! Wild has come up with some unique rolls and dipping sauces. I packed a few of their rolls for a picnic one day inside the temples and that was the move.
• Muffin Man – these guys served me one of the best muffins I have ever had. Along with sweet treats, they nail healthy salads and sandwiches. With two convenient locations in town and delicious coffee, Muffin Man is a must-try.Don’t miss reading the story of how they came to be, as it absolutely moving, grab the tissues.
• Serendib Srilankan Cuisine – go meet Geeta and eat her incredible food! She is a nurse by day and chef extraordinaire by night. The sweetest soul and her food will transport you to Sri Lanka and beyond.
5. Bars
There are plenty of bars in SR, but these watering holes were unique and unforgettable.
• Asana Old Wooden House – a cozy, perfectly lit gem inside Pub Street’s bustle. This cocktail-forward bar is a beautiful example of traditional Khmer architecture. These houses are known for their intricate wooden carvings and elevated stilts to protect against flooding during the monsoon season. You could see lighting up a cigar with the most interesting man in the world at Asana!
• Laundry – I first walked by Laundry and thought it was a laundromat. Nope! It is a groovy, low-key bar with a melting pot of travelers, expats and locals. The pool table, along with the hot peanuts and local draft beer, are the main attractions. The perfect place to decompress after a day of temples!
• Elephant Bar – because who doesn’t love a little pinky-up moment? Located inside Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor, Elephant Bar boasts a well-appointed setting. They host a welcoming happy hour from 4-6p, open to outside guests. Beyond the delightful drinks, I was charmed by the friendly staff, world-class art and snacks (of course!).
Honorable Mention – although not a restaurant or bar, I highly recommend visiting Tribe Art Gallery. They house incredible art created by locals and other artists throughout Asia. The meaning and intention behind each artist’s work really drew me in. Check their hours; they were open Friday through Sunday evenings when I visited.
North of Angkor Wat
For the adventures below, I rented a scooter. There is nothing like riding a scooter through Cambodia’s countryside, as this is a wonderfully rural part of the world. It did a lot for the little kid in me. Don’t miss this type of transportation during your exploration beyond the temples!
6. Banteay Srey Temple
Banteay Srey Temple is known for its distinctive red sandstone construction, unique among the Angkorian temples. This beauty dates back to the late 10th century, making it older than Angkor Wat, built in the early 12th century. It is celebrated for its decorative intricacy, showcasing some of the finest examples of classical Khmer craftsmanship from the Angkorian era. The artistry here was astounding. You will need your temple pass to enter.
7. Cambodia Landine Museum
Landmines in Cambodia are a tragic legacy from decades of conflict, including the Vietnam War and the Khmer Rouge regime, which left the country heavily contaminated with unexploded ordnance. This museum tells the brave and heroic story of Aki Ra ~ a soldier, humanitarian, hero, de-miner, husband and father.These accounts of the past are heavy and hard to process. Understanding these gut-wrenching pieces of history allows us to honor and acknowledge those who endured unfathomable hardships. For me, it’s a way to pay my respects.
I mapped myself here to break up my drive to Tonle Sap Lake and was sure glad I did! During the brief tour of the farm I saw and learned about all the sustainable ways they use the lotus flower. These include making thread for clothing, food, vegan leather, candles, perfume, tea and much more. Don’t miss the gift shop downstairs + lotus tea & biscuits upstairs!
9. Tonle Sap Lake
Tonle Sap Lake is the largest freshwater lake in Southeast Asia 😲. It has sustained Cambodian communities for centuries, providing fertile fishing and agricultural grounds. The lake is home to floating villages, where houses and structures are built on stilts or platforms. This allows inhabitants to adapt to the lake’s changing water levels and move their homes + communities as needed depending on water levels during wet and dry seasons. Visiting the floating villages is a hands-on way to understand the importance of this lake. Can you imagine moving your home because you know a monsoon is coming? All I can say is respect.
Phnom Kraom is home to a Buddhist monastery where monks live and practice daily rituals, contributing to the serene atmosphere atop the hill. You can explore this Buddhist temple, which provides panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. Cruise to Phnom Kraom after Tonle Sap for sunset, as this is one of the highest points in Siem Reap. Viewing the floating village from this hillside provides a colorful vision. You will need to show your temple pass to enter.
East of Siem Reap
11. Kulen Elephant Forest Camp
My last suggestion beyond the temples is Kulen Elephant Forest Camp. I booked this experience directly online. They offer roundtrip transportation in an air-conditioned car, which is amazing. Our guide picked us up downtown, and we drove one hour east to Kulen Elephant Forest to meet these majestic giants.
These elephants were rescued from working in tourism at Angkor Wat in 2017. By 2019, elephant rides at the temples had stopped. It is wonderful to see how well taken care of they are, these caretakers are doing a top notch job. The time spent at the camp includes making elephant food, feeding, walking, and hanging with the elephants in the forest. If you are an elephant lover, this experience will be a dream come true! The money spent on visits helps with their feed, care and conservation efforts. I paid $90 USD.
Good Bye, Mysterious Angkor Wat
When I think about Angkor Wat, it evokes mystery and intrigue. There are many theories about how the Khmer built the largest and most prosperous urban city of the 12th century. How did they cut and lay each stone so precisely? How did they carve the stones without cracking them? As curious as I am, some things are better left enigmatic. I believe ancient civilizations had access to higher consciousness ~ visioning, dreaming and creating as they were not so focused on climbing the corporate ladder, paying bills, social media and running carpools ~ if you know what I mean?
I hope you enjoy the temples with your body, mind and soul. May they touch you on a deep cellular level, activating a sense of mystery and wonder. And I hope these ways of experiencing Siem Reap beyond the temples round out your visit in a fulfilling way.May we all have the privilege of dreaming up something magical in this lifetime!
With all my love,
Bekah
PS ~ if you are doing the darn thing in Southeast Asia and plan to visit Vietnam, check out our unique Vietnamese food guide here!
Please follow The Rife Guide for more inspired travel and food articles for the modern nomad.
In 2013 I looked out my back garden and I was awesomely astounded by the beautiful brightness of the full moon in the midnight sky, I quickly grabbed my iPad and took the photo below.
It’s only now when I properly look at this photo, I see another beam of shooting light, it could well be an aeroplane in the sky, but I like to believe, I actually love to believe that I captured on camera a shooting star…….WOW, how magical is that. Please make a wish on my shooting star, I know it will come true for you.
I was out walking the other day and took the photo below, I just thought the scenery around me was stunning. Beautiful Bonny Scotland, on a winter’s day.
Icy Puddles
Icy puddles,
Reflecting on me.
Frosty edges,
Pure beauty.
Landscape wonders,
Spellbound eyes,
A magical mirror,
Full of surprise.
A friend allowed me to share with you a stunning photo (below) he took of Loch Lomond, Scotland recently and it inspired me to write the poem about it below, I hope you like it. Thank you to Gerry Mitchell for allowing me to use his beautiful photo of Loch Lomond for this blog post. Lots of love to you all today Clarabelle
Loch Lomond, Photo by Gerry Mitchell
Loch Lomond Sky
A bird flies high,
Beneath the Loch Lomond Sky.
With freedom in its wings,
The whispers of its soul sings.
A beautiful tranquil day,
Where shadows guide the way.
And reflections of white light,
Keep my heart bright.
As I stand here all alone,
Loch Lomond feels like home.
It takes my breath away.
Forever this moment will stay.
I was visiting my mum yesterday and I just had to take this stunning photograph for you of the sun setting in the sky in my hometown village of Carfin.
This is the sky view I used to look up at as a child in the summer time and dream of exciting adventures way far in the distance. The beauty of the sky can really take my breath away at times, just like this very moment yesterday. May you find much beauty in the magical moments of your day today. Love Clarabelle
Clarabelle Online Magazine 