Paradise Bungalows | Koh Rong, Cambodia | 2 of 3

Before we headed down to Koh Rong, an island off the southern coast of Cambodia, I extensively researched the best place to stay. I was really worried about being stranded on an isolated island for five days. The island is quite underdeveloped and is powered by solar generators. There are even designated times for electricity at night. It's probably the closest I will ever get to living on a "deserted island".

While I conducted my research, I wanted to make sure that we found the best of the best on the island. There were a lot of hostel like type places where you could pay $1 for a night in a dorm room packed full of random people. I'm sorry, but I'm not about that life. I'm already in my 30s and I think I've gone past that stage. I don't mind paying a more for a more comfortable place. For only $19 more, Markus and I stayed at Paradise Bungalows.

Paradise Bungalows is by no means five star accommodation, but it's the closest you'll get on Koh Rong. Everything is really rustic, but that adds to the charm. I must say that it took a lot of getting used to. If you stay on an island like Koh Rong, it's going back to the basics. It was definitely something that Markus and I both wanted to experience.

For bungalows, you can choose one on the beach or more inland. We chose an inland bungalow and didn't feel like we missed out. We were only a minute walk to the beach. There really isn't a bad bungalow because you can see the beach from the porch of every single one. All of them have bathrooms that are connected and outside. It was pretty cool taking a shower without a roof. I felt a bit like I was Eve or something. Although, using the toilet was a bit uncomfortable. Many times, you could hear people talking and walking by. Either way, it was a great experience and one that I wouldn't be afraid to repeat!

Elephant Ride | Angkor Wat, Cambodia

Ever since I was a kid, I've always wanted to ride an elephant. I think it all stems back to the first time I saw Aladdin. Seeing Abu turn into an elephant and storm into the palace is a scene I always remember. I never thought I would have the opportunity to be honest, but I put it on the wishlist in the hopes that I would one day. Most of the time, I put things on the wishlist because I want to do them, but never think that I would ever do them. I never would have thought that I would ever travel to Cambodia and ride an elephant in Angkor Wat. Seriously, I can't believe that this is my life. I get to do such awesome things with my best friend, what more could I ask for?

We were lucky enough to be able to ride the elephants through Angkor Wat. I know lots of people that have ridden elephants at Busch Gardens, but nothing can compare to this experience. It was quite surreal seeing ancient temples and being on top of a massive creature. It was pretty cool being able to see everything. Usually, when you're in a car or tuk-tuk, the view is limited, but on top of an elephant. You can see it all and it was absolutely beautiful.

Afterward, we had a chance to get a closer look at the elephants and I was a bit freaked out. One of my old students was attacked by an elephant in Thailand. After I remembered that story, I was too scared to get too close to the elephant. As you can see in my picture, I'm not really touching it, I sort of put my hand out in the hopes that it would be close enough. For some reason, he was really keen on Markus and they became best friends. Although, that's usually what happens with Markus, everyone becomes his best friend. Overall, riding an elephant was an amazing experience and one that I will never forget!

Spamalot and the West End | London, England | 6 of 6

Piccadilly Circus

On our last and final night in England, we went to see Spamalot in the West End. Its always been on my wishlist to see a production on Broadway or the West End. Before we left for London, Ari and I had made a last minute decision to go for James' birthday. Growing up I went a lot of musicals. My mother loves them and because of her that I enjoy these sort of things.
 

Piccadilly Circus

The Harold Pinter Theatre

Before the musical, we walked around a bit and toured the West End. There were so many theaters and so many different productions. There were a few other ones that I wished we were able to see, but I guess I should be thankful we were able to see one at all. Spamalot was showing at The Harold Pinter Theatre, one of the smaller theaters, but that made the experience even better. It felt more personal and intimate. It was a great production and I loved hearing all the familiar songs but also new ones. Spamalot was very similar to the film, but different enough to make it enjoyable. Although, if it was the same as the film, I still would have loved it just the same.

I am a huge fan of Monty Python, especially the Holy Grail. I watched the movie for the first time when I was a freshman in high school. After that first experience, I gobbled up everything Monty Python. I would quote the movie all the time, even when no one had any idea what I was talking about. So, it was only fitting that my last night in London would be watching Spamalot. It was one of the greatest moments of my life and something I will always cherish.

Diagon Alley & Ministry of Magic | Harry Potter Studio Tour 5 of 6

Magic is Might

As I said before, the Harry Potter Studio Tour was massive. We could've spent all day there, since there was so much to see and explore. Two of the most impressive and easily recognizable sets were Diagon Alley and The Ministry of Magic. Besides The Great Hall, these are the other most recognizable locations from Harry Potter.

Seeing the Magic is Might monument from The Ministry was pretty cool. I didn't think it was that massive, but when I finally walked up to it, it was quite big and really detailed. Markus, James and Ari were wandering about the other sets, and I was a bit tired. So, I sat down on a bench below the statue. While I was sitting there, I imagined myself as a Ministry worker on a lunch break. There were heaps of people walking about with wands and cloaks, so it only added to my daydream. It was a bit silly, but it was a moment I enjoyed.

As you can tell from the photos, Diagon Alley wasn't as big as you would think. I think that's the magic of movies. When you see the films, you imagine a larger than life world and seeing it in real life takes a little of the magic away. It doesn't ruin the films, but it's still a bit jarring. I will say that the amount of detail and work that went into these shops were amazing. I wish they let us walk into the shops, but I know they were just for show. It was still a wonderful experience and more than just seeing a set from Harry Potter. It was like stepping into another time period, it was almost Dickensian and it was awesome.

Olivanders Wand Shop

Wands galore!

Great Hall, Hogwarts | Harry Potter Studio Tour 1 of 6

I don't know about you, but I love Harry Potter. I remember when Markus and I were dating, he convinced me to watch The Sorcerer's Stone. I had resisted for a very long time because I thought there was too much hype. I'm glad that he convinced me to watch it in 2001. I would've missed out on 10 years of Harry Potter all because of some stupid reason.

The fantastical world of Harry Potter is everything I wanted as a child. I always dreamed of going to a British school with awesome teachers and cool friends. Who wouldn't want to attend Hogwarts? I know there is a lot of danger involved, but that's the exciting bit. Who doesn't like a little bit of adventure in their lives? 

As we planned our trip to England, Markus and I both agreed that nothing was going to keep us from the Harry Potter Studio Tour. We were unable to go to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter in Orlando, so I was  determined to make it to the Studio Tour. The tour is much different than the theme park. There is a considerable lack of roller coasters, but it's where the actual filming took place. I do enjoy rides, but I think this was much better than its counterpart in Orlando. This was the real Hogwarts. This was where the actors spent 10 years of their lives and visiting was a dream come true. 

The first room of the tour was the Great Hall. Walking through the huge wooden doors and seeing the same room from the movies was absolutely surreal. I couldn't believe that I was in the same place, so much happened in that room. Houses were chosen, hearts were broken, duels were fought and kisses were made. Everything began and ended in that room. When I think of Hogwarts, that's the first thing that comes to mind. It's probably the most iconic room in all of Hogwarts and my favorite part of the Harry Potter Studio Tour.