I was hanging out with newfound friends at one of the fish massage areas near the Angkor Night Market in Siem Reap. My friends tried the Doctor Fish Spa and were giggling so hard when the fishes ate the dead skin cells of their feet. I was laughing at their reactions when an old tourist couple dropped by to check what the commotion was all about.
old couple (center)
I dipped my hand in the water to show the couple how the fishes would gather around and attack. The man took out his big camera to take a photo of scenario.
“Very ticklish, you should try it!” I persuaded the lady but she just smiled back saying that they just wanted to look at the fishes.
slow and steady steps
When they left, I found out that the man was holding a cane. The lady was also there to support him as they continued their walk outside the market. Being curious, I followed them. Only then did I realize that they didn’t have a companion to guide them. They were exploring the area by themselves.
Slowly walking outside and stopping at times to take pictures, it was really nice to see them on a date. I couldn’t tell their age but my friend said they’re probably in their 70s. Still, the fact that this old tourist couple went out at night (around 10:30pm) and without any family member nearby amazed me.
late night and still outside
A common notion for old people in my country is that they should stay at home and just rest. They are not supposed to go out just because they’re already past their prime. If they do go out, they need to be accompanied by a family member to help them in case something happens. That’s why it was really refreshing to see this picture as it makes you realize that it’s never too late to travel.
taking pictures of the Angkor Night Market sign
This old couple may have already gone to other places during their younger years. Maybe they’ve walked the streets of China or they’ve lain on the beaches of Australia. Maybe they’ve had their share of experiences during a Full Moon party in Thailand or they’ve braved the waves of Hawaii. Heck they might even have booked flights to new zealand for another travel adventure.
Here’s a video clip while I was following them.
This is one of those scenes that make you smile and say that life is sweet.
It’s also one of the instances that make you realize that… soloflightEd is a stalker. bwahahaha.
Here’s a couple of comprehensive guides about Siem Reap:
- Tips and Things to Know about Siem Reap, Cambodia
- Digital Nomad Life: One Month in Siem Reap, Cambodia
Check out my other adventures here:
- Quick Update from Bousavy Guesthouse in Siem Reap, Cambodia
- Siem Reap and Bangkok Chronicles
- Getting There: Cebu to Manila to Clark to Bangkok to Aranyaprathet to Siem Reap
- No Ordinary Train Ride From Bangkok to Aranyaprathet
- Bangkok to Siem Reap: Avoid Scammers from Aranyaprathet to Poipet Border
- Where to Stay: Bousavy Guesthouse in Siem Reap, Cambodia
- Where to Stay: Victory Guesthouse in Siem Reap, Cambodia
- Cambodia Trip: Angkor Thom Gate, Bayon Temple and Elephant Terrace
- Cambodia Trip: Trees in Ta Prohm Temple, Siem Reap
- Cambodia Trip: Walking Barefoot at Angkor Wat Temple
- Cambodia Trip: Pre Rup, Banteay Srei and East Mebon Temples
- Cambodia Trip: Haggling Prices in Angkor Night Market
- Cambodia Trip: Those Khmer Kids Selling Merchandise
- Cambodia Trip: Chill Out and Relax at Pub Street in Siem Reap
- Cambodia Trip: Insightful Conversations Over a Fish Massage
- Cambodia Trip: Land Mine Victims
- Cambodia Trip: A Guide to Eating Cheap Khmer Food in Siem Reap
- Cambodia Trip: Engrish and Random Sights in Siem Reap
- Cambodia Trip: Shuttle Bus from Siem Reap to Bangkok, Thailand
- Total Budget Expense in Siem Reap, Cambodia
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soloflightEd.com is a travel blog by Edcel Suyo. He enjoys performing headstands and crazy stunts during his trips in the Philippines, Southeast Asia, and the Middle East. Now based in Dubai, United Arab Emirates and working to earn a living, he takes time to enjoy the city and travel during weekends.
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For questions, advertising, and other concerns, shoot an email to ed@soloflighted.com.
It is indeed refreshing Eds. I hope me and Summer can live that long and still enjoy traveling around the world with the cane.
Ey, did you ask permission when you took them photos? What a stalker, lol
stalker talaga? wahahahaha!!! i'm sure pagtanda ko ganyan din ako, i would still roam around and experience different things… 🙂 thanks for sharing this, it's so inpirational! 🙂
@Joey: it will happen when you want it to happen. was already taking their pictures even when not sure if they noticed me though. hmmm. 😀
@mervz: thanks for reading mervz! we might not realize but grandpa may be a blogger too! hehehe 😀
Reminds me of my own grandparents 🙂 meron silang yearly habit na every October, the must travel outside the Philippines or basta makapag-travel. Mag-52 years na silang married =)
Hoping to find a husband, bestfriend and a travel buddy rolled into one <3
Sila ang living testament ko na true love exists 🙂
I wont be surprised if they indeed went to New Zealand next – such a loving old couple, maximizing their life together by traveling. I'm sure their children are happy for them for what they're doing together after all these years.
Right, travelling is not just for younger or matured ones so long as you are still able to travel..very inspiring. Mas maayo unta kung na interview nimo sila.
You should have interviewed them. I'm pretty sure they have lots of stories to tell. 🙂
@micamyx: wow, ayos yan mica, kaya pala you don't mind taking your time. naks, mamemeet mo rin sya soon! 😀
@marky: I wouldn't mind going to New Zealand next. haha. 🙂
@Eric: haha, was too fascinated at stalking them. will do so when I see more sights like this. 😀
@Synz: haha. I believe so too. thanks for dropping by this blog! 😀
Sweet nga sila pero ako ayoko tumanda tsaka lang mag-travel, baka di na kayanin ng katawan ko.LOL Sabay kanta We Are Young by Fun "Tonight We are young So let’s set the world on fire We can burn brighter than the sun".haha
wow! tatanda din kaya ako nang ganyan. ang saya makita ang ganyang mga tao. endless love ika nga.
naalala ko yung kantang ''grow old with you'' .. –sana mangyari din sa min yan :"")
wholesome 🙂
@killerfillers: haha. that's why it's really nice to see them di ba? at least ngayon, ginagawa pa rin kahit kaya pa. haha. ume-MTV talga. hehe.
@dong ho: haha. sana ganun tayo lahat. kakatuwa talaga makakita na nagdedate pa rin 😀
@Rachelle: another song ah. saya talaga! 😀
soloflighted is indeed a stalker nyahahaaa
it's either hindi ka nila napansin or hindi ka lang talaga nila kayang habulin at hampasin ng baston. ahaha!! I never had a chance to see my grandparents together – roaming around, laughing, telling stories. Namulat ako bedridden na si lolo kaya naiinggit ako pag nakakakita ako ng sweet old couple. Sana maging ganyan din ang ending ng love story ko.
*naiimagine mo sarili mo at si girlet no? yeeeekeeeeh! hahaha!
I've seen a lot of older people on the road, in fact, I'm one of them now. I used to rough it up when I was a lot younger but now… travel is more organized. less hectic and always in search of homelike comforts.
@Christian: naman! hahaha bilis mong makablog christian! hehe
@kura: haha, kaya nga, sabi ni Doi, pinipicturan din ako ni lolo nung vinivideo ko sila. haha. oh well, baka lilitaw lang ako bigla sa blog ni lolo, bwahahahaha. re: girlet, bwahahah, natatawa ako sa term, girlet talaga? hahaha. pero tumpak! hahaha
@bertN: hi Bert! nice, you're on the road! even if the way of travelling has changed, the thought that you're still doing it is really inspiring! thanks for sharing a bit of your story!
for sure, they used to be the most outrageous backpackers in their early years. their age didnt stop them from pursuing their passion. astig!
you're right ed:) kahit palaaway si lola kay lolo at di sila sweet tumanda pa rin silang magkasama.. destiny talaga 🙂 saya!
@chyng: ayos na ayos talaga chyng. im wondering if I'll also be like them when I grow old.
@Rachelle: haha, sweet nila 😀
Stalker much 😛 But yeah, this is such a refreshing sight 🙂 Ang cute nila 😀
Great story on the old couple!
Parang nakikita ko yung sarili ko sa kanila pagtanda ko.
Buti na lang while you were stalking them hindi ka nila napagkamalang spy… lol
definitely sweet! sana u approached them so you can get an inkling of their sweet travel/date. that wouldn't make you like a stalker na. haha 😀
@Smarla: stalker na stalker talaga. hehehe
@Dylan: made sure na nag-acting-actingan ako na isang turista din. haha
@WYNNA: haha, maybe during another time, and another couple. 🙂