5 Overrated Sights in Melbourne

It’s almost inevitable. Any time you visit a new place, there will be “tourist traps”. It’s not necessarily that your host country is trying to rip you off, it is just that various sights, places, and landmarks have become where many tourists flock. Melbourne is no different. There are some many amazing places to see and visit, but not all are created equal. Here are five overrated sights in Melbourne you could probably go without seeing:

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Journey Deeper Through Chau Say Tevoda & Thommanon, Angkor Temples // Cambodia

I cannot believe that four months have passed since I've returned from my SE Asia trip. If you've followed some of my previous posts, you'll easily be able to tell that Cambodia is where I left my heart. Something about Cambodia and the Angkor Temples completely fascinated me. I took 3,000 photos in just two days when viewing the temple. That is so many pictures! 

I'm going to quickly apologise. In my travels, I did not snap a picture of the name of the temple before entering. This rather problematic situation has not been a difficult one until trying to decipher Chau Say Tevoda and Thommanon. 

Above a small, detailed bridge welcomes visitors to one of the entrances of the temple. Even the unrestored sections of the bridge showed the exquisite detail of the past. Every entrance to the four small temples that make up Chau Say Tevoda had stairs. This is symbolic of the struggle one must endure reaching enlightenment. 

Related Post: Temples to See When Touring the Small Circut

All the temples were different from one another. In comparison to the rest of Angkor Thom, Chau Say Tevoda and Thommanon were not one large temple but smaller temples. Chau Say Tevoda consisted of four smaller temples dedicated to Shiva. Thommanon is a smaller temple dedicated to Shiva and Vishnu. 

Even though the two temples were not as grand as the previous temples we had seen, they were still mesmerising and full of exquisite details. 

Related Post: A Photo Tour of Ta Prohm

I enjoyed seeing the differences between the restored and unrestored carvings on the two temples. It helped paint a grander picture of what the temples used to look like. 

I still have not gotten over the exquisite detail etched into every single temple. Being able to look at the ruins with the newer, remodelled pieces made me appreciate the detail and time the Khmer people put into each stone. As I look at the facades of significant buildings in Melbourne, I fail to find anything that compares. I wonder if anything ever will?

And until next time...

Stay curious! 

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If I mix the two up in this post, I deeply apologise. I've tried to run both through google searches to be able to identify which temple is which, however, it did not always tell me which temple it was. So if I managed to mix them up, just let me know and I'll get it sorted.

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An Open Letter to My New Family

I sit here on my day of birth contemplating something that is frequently asked by people back home: “Isn’t it hard to live in another country? You’re so far away from your family and friends”. In short, yes sometimes it is hard. I miss my friends. I miss my family. But upon further reflection, it isn’t hard living in another country because I do have family and friends here. I can literally hear my family back home gasping with offense, so please allow me to explain further. I’ve learned throughout my life that family is not necessarily blood and moving overseas has proven that. So today, I’d like to take some time to thank my weird, multicultural, amazing Australian family I’ve been so blessed to adopt. As these people have American counterparts, shout out to my American family as well.

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To My Doppelganger

Who would have thought I’d be fortunate enough to have two of you running around the world? The similarities are eerily similar. But it’s honestly the greatest thing I could ever hope for. You get it. I don’t even need to explain. I’m so happy we crossed paths and confused the world with our awesomeness!

To The Little Sister I Never Had

Oh little sister. What can I say? We have fun doing absolutely nothing or going on amazing adventures. Whether it’s puppy play dates or adventure hikes, we always seem to enjoy ourselves. Yes there may be times I want to punch you in the face because of the decisions you’ve made, I’ll always love and care about you. In case I don’t say it enough, I’m very proud of you.

To My Brother(s)

Oh, boys. We can have polar opposite viewpoints on situations, but at the end of the day, we’ll always have each others back. You’ve seen me cry, you’ve made me cry, but we always end up stronger in the end. Thanks for always looking out for me and making sure I don’t jump on the next plane back to crazy town USA.

To The Friend Who Would Literally Stop the World to Make Sure I Was OK

I’m not sure there are words to thank you for all that you do. You know me better than I know myself. You’ve stuck through the good, the bad, and the ugly. No matter where our lives take us, I know I can always count on you. Thank you for making my life a little better on a daily basis.

To The Crazy Uncle

No family would be complete without a crazy uncle/Barney Stinson wannabe. I’ve been fortunate (or unfortunate enough) to have found two of you. You’ve helped contribute to my very own soap opera. My little multicultural princes have actually taught me a lot about life. While I may give you a ton of shit, y’all mean a lot to me. Now suit up and go try the Lorenzo Von Matterhorn!

To the Friends Who Have Become Family

You definitely cannot be forgotten. You, my friends, have probably made my time in Australia most enjoyable. Each and every one of you has impacted my life in a way I’m forever grateful for. Some of us are no longer friends, but that doesn’t mean you didn’t have an impact. To the people who’ve stuck around or the new friends, thank you for the support you’ve given. It is invaluable and greatly appreciated.

This birthday has been eye opening one. No more will I focus on the little things. Every day I want to focus on the wonderful things in my life and be grateful for those blessings. Today, my friends and family, I am forever grateful and blessed to have you in my life.

To some, my life in Australia seems foreign and strange. It may appear that because I’m working two jobs I’ve taken a step back. Many assume that I would have been more successful and further in my career if I would have stayed in the US. However, I could not be more grateful for my silly little cafe job. I’ve met some of the most amazing people who have helped make me a better person. I’m happy I chose to move to Australia and start from scratch. I'm forever grateful for every person who has helped me with my Australian journey.

To all my fellow expat immigrants, what has been your experience moving to a different country? Has your experience been similar to mine? If not, how has it differed? Share all about your new family below.

And until next time...

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