The Most Foreign Feeling Place: Reflections from My Travels

Introduction

As a frequent traveler, I’ve had the privilege of experiencing various places around the world. But some places stand out more than others, leaving a lasting impact on my mind and soul. In this article, I will share some of the most foreign feeling places I’ve visited and the unique travel experiences that come with them.

The Near Killing Fields of Cambodia

One of the most foreign feeling places I’ve visited is near the Killing Fields of Cambodia. This area is notorious for its dark history and somber atmosphere. The Killing Fields serve as a stark reminder of the atrocities committed during the Khmer Rouge regime. Despite the sobering history, being in the vicinity still feels like an otherworldly experience. The environment is both haunting and tangible, making it a site that lingers in my memory.

A Small Sink Hole in Caledonia, Minnesota

As a child, I had the opportunity to explore a peculiar and unique location – a sink hole. Located in the general area of Caledonia, Minnesota, this sink hole is a small but significant geographic feature. It measures around 100 feet across and 50 feet deep. Trees surround the rim, and the sink hole itself is littered with crooked trees. Although it looked stable, a few ill-intentioned individuals had tossed old appliances into its depths, believing they would vanish into the Earth's bowels. The sheer oddity of the place is what makes it stand out. The presence of a sink hole in such a typical Midwestern setting adds an element of surrealism to the landscape.

An Empty Hog Barn: A Strange Workplace Adventure

Another place that feels particularly strange and foreign is an empty hog barn. This barn, which could house a thousand or more animals, was in the process of being cleaned and sterilized after a disease outbreak. We, a group of locals in our late teens and early twenties, were hired to clean up the facility with the hope of future reoccupation by new livestock. This experience was far from conventional. Upon arrival, another worker decided to ingest psychedelic mushrooms. After consuming the shrooms, he began to experience strange effects and left for the day. This moment of unconventional behavior amidst an otherwise mundane task adds an uncanny layer to the overall experience.

Conclusion

Traveling to these places has provided me with unique and memorable experiences. Whether it’s the haunting history around the Killing Fields of Cambodia, the eerie sink hole in Caledonia, Minnesota, or the surreal setting of an empty hog barn, these places stand out for their foreignness and the unconventional stories they hold. These experiences have broadened my understanding of the world and the diverse environments it encompasses.

Keywords

Keywords: frequent traveler, unique travel experiences, odd travel locations