Juliet Ong (Malaysia)

Halo, Ju

2010-12-05T14:52:00.001-08:00

It has been 12 years I have not been called Ju since I left SMBTR. Someone text me recently by addressing me `Ju'... This recall my sweet memory during school life in SMBTR...

Luwi, a stranger that came into my life and bring happiness to me. From a mystery customer that I thought was an abang or pakcik when he placed a purchase order; turn out to be a young gentlemen that I can make friend with.

"Wish you meet your jodoh soon ya!" I am going to miss you for some time...

I cannot predict what will happen in the future but I should appreciate what I have at this moment. Dear Princess Alicia and sxxxy daddy, I love you.

Souvenir from Vietnam

2010-04-24T01:30:00.001-07:00

Normally, I forget to buy souvenir for myself when I go travel. This time, I got a bookmark, one purple coloured raincoat and a double layered jacket.

Quan An Ngon Restaurant

2010-04-24T01:08:00.001-07:00

This is a small scaled hawker center. We walked around the stalls and order our dishes. I like the prawn cracker here. Very crispy!

This is the first time for Jenda (a Hanoi Kids member) to have a meal in Quan An Ngon as well. She is a beautiful girl with cheerful smile.

Temple of Literature

2010-04-24T00:52:00.000-07:00

Temple of Literature is also known as Van Mieu. The courtyards was built based on the concept of `Ying Yang'. There are three doors to enter each courtyard. The middle door is catered for the teachers. One side door is for those students who have brilliant mind (`wen') while another side door is for those who are good in martial art (`wu').

This is a favourite spot for outdoor wedding photo shooting among the local couples in Hanoi.

Cat Cat Village

2010-04-24T00:34:00.000-07:00

We are honoured to be the guests in Dung's new house @ Cat Cat Village. We had a simple yet awesome meal here.

We were invited to try the local rice wine. During a black Hmong wedding, those who could not finish the rice wine offered to them will be punished to eat the fat part of a pork. Else, they need to leave the venue where the function is held.

Ham Rong Mountain

2010-04-23T23:48:00.001-07:00

Ham Rong mountain is my favourite place in this trip. Easy trek and enjoy a great view of Sapa town. It has a very colourful garden.

We went for a cultural performance here. Later, we put on the minority ethnic traditional costume for photo shooting. Pity me, I have to wear the shirt for men (i am too fat) and match it with a skirt that can only cover the front part... We laugh a lot at this moment...

What 20,000 Dong can buy?

2010-04-23T23:33:00.000-07:00

We get 700g of plum mix with cherry for 7,000 Dong and one whole big sized pineapple for 10,000 Dong. All these for less than Rm 3 ??? This is a good deal.

On our way back to Hanoi, we bought 1/2 kilo of peach @ 20,000 dong. The baguette sold by the stall vendor was hot and taste good. It was priced @ 10,000 Dong each

Bacha Market

2010-04-23T23:16:00.000-07:00

I would say this market is quite touristic. When we first entered the market, it was lined up with two rows of souvenir stalls. Further up we saw the wet market for the locals.

This is a good place for shopping if you have good bargaining skill. It is very competitive here because their products are quite similar. If the vendor don't agree with your price, just walk away and try your luck elsewhere.

Food in Sapa

2010-04-23T22:57:00.000-07:00

Taking BBQ food at the roadside in a windy night is fun! I like the sweet potato and glutinuos rice in bamboo (more delicious to add in mint leaves and gravy with peanuts). There are lots of BBQ stalls along the road near Sapa church on Saturday night.

On our way back from Bacha Sunday market, we went to Sapa lake while doing research for dinner. Finally, we have chosen a restaurant with many locals taking hotpot at the first floor. We were using an electric pot to savour the steamboat. The soup base consists of dates, tomato, pineapple, yam, ginger, mushroom.

The BBQ salmon fish with lemongrass is to my liking as well. Vege fried rice ordered by CY was very delicious with good `wok hei'!

Trekking in Sapa

2010-04-23T22:35:00.000-07:00

We started the 7-8km trek @ 9.00am from Fansipan View Hotel. We were heading to Lao Chai-Tavan-Giang Ta Chai Village. The Hmong lady escorted us all the way until we stopped at a homestay for lunch.

A pig hunting for food went near to Dung's backpack (our lunch was i that bag) when we were resting at a riverside. Dung quickly went to rescue our food.

My followers are two black hmong girls. They are aged 9 and 12 years old. I am ashamed to say that I don't even know their name while their were assisting me and hold my hands like a queen. Reason: I am an adult from a city with a cold heart & they are kids from a village with warm hands...

Ha Long Bay

2010-04-23T22:09:00.000-07:00

We were with a 2D1N group tour on board of Pinta Cruiser to Ha Long Bay. The food served are pretty much westernised but it is delicious. The chef are creative enough to present the spring roll on a craved pineapple lantern during dinner. A cup of pure passion fruit juice during meal is my favourite!

We were invited to join the 15th anniversary party for Steven & Vicky from Melbourne. It was really a surprise to both of them. Thumbs up for Columbus Travel for such a sweet arrangement for the couple.

Kayaking is another exciting activity in this trip. Hong was so nervous and kept yelling at me. He blamed me for forcing him to try kayaking... Complaining that I do not own a sense of direction etc. I was speechless...

Moral of the story: when you are in the same boat with others, compromise is a must to make both party happy. In real life, he is my partner for the rest of my life so no choice but to compromise...

Dining @ Madame Hien's

2010-04-23T21:59:00.000-07:00

We went to this restaurant which is just a few steps down from our hotel @ Chan Cam Street on the first night in Hanoi. Price are above average but I am willing to pay that surplus due to its ambience.

Staff here are very courteous and help us to get a taxi beforehand as we are rushing for the water puppet show.

The dish that I like most is the prawn grilled with sugarcane and I had a teapot of lemongrass with honey to myself!

Mixed Fruit Shake @ To Tich Street

2010-04-23T21:48:00.000-07:00

I fall in love with this drink! There are lots of fruits in a cup. They will pour in condensed milk in a cup filled with various fruit cubes and offer you a bowl of ice to add in on your own.

It costs only 15,000 Dong per cup & the corner shop near Hang Gai or Hang Bong taste better. Let me recall what fruit we get in a cup:

strawberry, longan, papaya, avocado, banana, jackfruit, mango, pineapple, kiwi, etc. Yummy!

Vietnam Museum of Ethnology

2010-04-23T21:38:00.000-07:00

In my opinion, the outdoor museum is very attractive. According to Guang, a member of Hanoi kids; all the houses in the museum are built by the minority ethnic themselves. I prefered traditional houses here compared with the homestay we visited in Sapa. Houses here are more real and give a better insight.

7D6N in Northern Vietnam

2010-04-20T23:09:00.000-07:00

This trip finally comes to an end. Thanks to my travel mates and all Vietnamese and Black Hmong friends who have been with me throughout my holidays. I really enjoyed myself for the whole week.

Our itinery:

D1- Hanoi (Museum of Ethnology, Hoan Kiem Lake, Old Quarter)
D2- Halong Bay (Sung Sot Cave)
D3- Halong Bay (Kayaking)
D4- Sapa (Lao Cai village-Tavan village-Giang Ta Chai)
D5- Sapa ( Bacha Sunday Market- Banpho Village)
D6- Sapa (Ham Rong Mountain- Cat Cat Village @ Dung's home)
D7- Hanoi (HCM complex- Temple of Literature- Quan An Ngon Restaurant)

Dear Sy, Guang, Hoan, Thuyen, Dung & Jenda,
I would like to thank you whole heartedly for making my trip a wonderful one. I am so lucky to have you as my host in Vietnam. Your friendliness and warm welcome will be in my memory forever.

The First Step

2009-07-30T02:09:00.001-07:00

Hooray! Alicia can walk on herself!

Looking at her steps, it reminds me on how we move from one phase to another in our life. Before we depart on a new journey, we always feeling nervous... we are used to the way we live, the lifestyle we have. It requires a lot of courage to move on to another phase which comes with uncertainties...

However, Alicia is a brave girl... She try to get support by holding hands of elderly at home or try to put one hand on the wall or furniture while she start to walk initially... Sometimes she falls,
yet she never give up... She try again & again! And now she is successful... She can walk to the place she desire; she deserve this reward as she is willing to go through the challenges and obstacles while she is walking.

As her mum, I am not as brave as her... BUT I tell myself:" If Alicia is determined to start walking on herself, so why not me TRYING MY VERY BEST to achieve my goal?" It is hard, but I am sure I CAN DO IT if I am WILLING TO DO IT!

Moral of the story: Let's start a brand new day with an opened-heart...

Gathering @Kim Gary 1/5/09

2009-06-22T03:17:00.000-07:00

Alicia is the VIP today ( honourable guest always the last person to arrive ... haha...) 4 x jie jie + 1 ko ko+ daddy & mummy

Alicia:''why these aunties want me to call them jie jie ler??''

Single Ikat

2009-06-22T01:57:00.000-07:00

We went to Sideman to see the traditional weaving process.

Ubud Market

2009-06-22T01:20:00.000-07:00

This is a special drink that we found at the back lane of Ubud market. Many local people bought from her... After looking at the boss hands when she was packing the drinks, we were discussing whether to try it or not... Luckily we tried despite the poor sanitary level, it was delicious!

Lesson learnt: Pay the amount the locals pay (observe while you are drinking), or you will be charged 2x here.

Cafe Wayan

2009-06-21T08:58:00.000-07:00

This cafe is famous for its chocolate cake. The chocolate topping with rum is a fantastic match with the cake. Nicer if you eat it with the mint provided... It is named as something sound like'Death for chocolate'???

Sipping a mouthful of avocado juice or strawberry juice, fresh & fruitty...yummy!

I loved the ambience of Cafe Wayan... traditional sitting in a garden...

If you happen to visit this place, check out its washroom... I like the style & its deco...

Mount Batur

2009-06-21T08:53:00.000-07:00

One thing I disliked about this place is the vendors.... their noise spoil the ambience

Balinese Buffet

2009-06-21T08:05:00.000-07:00

We had this 10- course traditional balinese buffet at the roof top garden of Ketut' Place. My favourite was the rice wine, tuna satay, betutu(smoked duck) and the pork in soy sauce.

Tanah Lot

2009-06-21T07:57:00.000-07:00

SUNSET... it was so relaxed to view the sunset at Tanah Lot...

Angseri Hot Spring

2009-06-21T07:50:00.000-07:00

This is the 2nd we soak in the hot spring. We got a private hut in Bali. During the time in Taiwan, it was a public pool.

We really enjoy ourselves this round. Having strawberries while soaking in the hot spring water. Feel like a rich man lifestyle...我变富有了。。。心中富有啦！

Lake Bratan

2009-06-21T07:41:00.000-07:00

This is my favourite place in Bali. Two of us walking at the serene temple... Pose in the rain...

童子鸡

2009-06-21T07:32:00.000-07:00

Crispy chicken... not much flesh to eat but a unique taste... The kangkung here is very delicious.

Gigit Waterfall

2009-06-21T07:23:00.000-07:00

This is the hardest part for us. Trekking! Steep stairway... Sweats... Scenic trip... bamboo...rainbow...waterfall... We are exhausted on the way back!

Kusamba Fishing Village

2009-06-21T07:15:00.000-07:00

The villagers here are very friendly. I tried the salt scrub and my skin turned smooth in minutes. We also met Mr. Pig here.

On our way to Putu's car, there was a FREE show from a lovely couple from Malaysia... Ha ha ha!

Blue Lagoon

2009-06-21T07:12:00.000-07:00

Crystal clear water, sandy beach, breezing air & SEXY westerners...

Kertagosa in Klungkung

2009-06-21T06:55:00.000-07:00

Kertagosa was once the old court of justice in Klungkung. The court setting @ the courtyard was for exhibition purpose. The masterpiece of the justice court setting was displayed inside the museum.

Stories behind the ceiling paintings are related to Balinese daily life, its kingdom and some moral studies.

Seafood Dinner @ Jimbaran

2009-06-21T06:41:00.000-07:00

We stopped at Menega Cafe for our dinner. It was so crowded at this restaurant. Irene put in lots of effort to get us a seat. (International Debate: Malaysian vs Indonesian) Ha ha ha!!! Thanks, leng lui...

The `victims' on our table named king prawns, unknown fish, squid, calamary, kangkung... The lemon juice @ Menega Cafe suit my taste. I had two glasses of that. Taste like limau nipis in Malaysia but smell better...

The seafood here was BBQ with the tempurung kelapa. Fresh and cheap... Credit card is acceptable here.

Kecak Dance @ Uluwatu

2009-06-21T06:28:00.000-07:00

There are lots of monkey @ Uluwatu. While we are walking, Irene keeps on asking Hock and I to hold our spectacles tight. Luckily we have take her advise seriously... When we were on the top, there was a naughty monkey playing with an japanese lady and thrown her glasses away. Pity Japanese lady and her tour guide look up and down and searching in the bushes to look for the spectacles.

The beautiful sunset in Bali act as the background for the Kecak Dance show @ Uluwatu.

GWK Park

2009-06-21T06:21:00.000-07:00

After having the nasi campur with sayur pecal @ Denpasar, we were heading to GWK Park. There we found to statue of Vishnu & Garuda.

Bali Trip 20-24 Mar 2009

2009-06-21T06:17:00.000-07:00

Flight: Air Asia
Accommodation: Ketut's Place, Ubud
Tour Guide: Mr. Putu Arnawa
Organizer: Juliet Ong
Members: Ah Hong, Irene Yee, Ah Hock
Photographer: Irene & Hock
Videographer: Hong & Juliet

Flower Girl

2009-06-18T09:00:00.000-07:00

06-06-2009 Wen Qi dressed up to attend Lan's wedding dinner.

My little angel, mummy love you!

Boddhi Tree Umma

2009-06-16T14:57:00.000-07:00

Boddhi Tree Umma is a restaurant was situated opposite to the S21 Prison.

You have a choice to savour their dishes at the garden setting downstairs, or at the patio of their guesthouse upstairs.

I would like to recommmend their Char Kreung Fish and Pamelo lemon juice.

We also tried the Fish Amok and Beef with Orange Juice at Frizz Cafe. Delicious!!! If I happen to visit PP again, will participate in their cambodian cooking class and try their hot pot.

If you want to try cambodian steamboat, try to look for 满意牛肉锅 @Monivong. Be prepared to use sign language here!

Royal Palace & Silver Pagoda

2009-06-16T14:18:00.001-07:00

The entrance fee costs $6.25 but worth the money to me. Proper attire is required to visit.

I learnt that Khmer people have a colour code for dressing according to the day in a week. Traditionally, you will see everyone wearing the same colour on the same day.

Apart from the unique structure of the buildings, you can also witness the live museum displaying the traditional khmer music instruments and sewing of their traditional costumes.

Killing Field

2009-06-16T14:03:00.000-07:00

Early in the morning, we went to Mama's @ St. 111 for our breakfast. While waiting for the food to be served, I chat with Wan. He speaks good English. He told me he attended English class for 5 months. I promised him to create a Yahoo account for him. Having said that, I guided him step-by-step to login and check mail. I also sms him the ID & password after coming back to Malaysia. But he did not response to me...

On the way to Killing Field, we passed by the Independent Monument.

Wan was stopped by a police on our way. He gave bribes to the police as he was not wearing helmet.

Killing Field is a mass graveyard for S21 prisoners.

Tuk Tuk Driver in Phnom Penh

2009-06-16T13:54:00.000-07:00

After a hard bargain, I managed to engaged a tuk tuk driver @ $15. He is Mr. Wan, 29 years old. His service includes sending to Nice GH @ St. 107 from the bus station at riverside, one way to S21 Prison in that afternoon; half day from 8am-3pm to Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda,Killing Field, Russian market, Central Market PLUS airport transfer the next day.

Phnom Pehn City View

2009-06-16T12:48:00.000-07:00

Today, we are heading to Phnom Pehn.

After having a cup of tea at GH lobby, I still feel hungry. The mini van that provide FREE transfer to the bus station was late. I told the GH staff to call the bus company. "Coming soon" is the answer I got. I am going to pack some food for breakfast and let them informed the mini van driver to wait for a while if they arrived.

I ordered a bowl of chicken porridge and take away a roasted chicken rice, a cup of iced green bean juice and two 'Yar Char Kuey'. Suddenly, I saw a bus passing by heading to our GH. I asked Hong to go back to the GH immediately to collect our luggage and ask the driver to fetch me from the food stall.

A mini van driver stop beside the stall and yelling at me,"lady, your friend is inside". I quickly pay the lady and ran into the minivan. Hong have to squeezed with 6 people PLUS luggages at the back... I am lucky to get the co-driver seat in front.

When we were on board of the bus, I realised that the food vendor forget to pack the chicken rice for me. What to do? Hong just take 2 little 'yar char kuey' for his breakfast.

I felt cheated as we have been told it was a double decker bus and having toilet at the lower level. The lower level is actually mean for luggages and motorbikes. There was no toilet inside. I have to control the call of nature for 4 hours before the bus stop at a roadside hawker centre for lunch.

The toilet was flooded and very dirty. No choice but have to accomodate to its condition.

When walking around, there was nothing that make me feel like eating. We bought a pack of palm fruits. BUT my stomach was making noise!!! I convinced myself to try the mixed rice there. They cannot speak in English, so i managed take away a pack an braised egg and mixed vege (4000 riels) using some simple Khmer and sign language.

After trying, it taste quite good. I told Hong to finish it and I go to order another plate. This time I order the braised egg and steamed meat. They offered me with a complimentary cup of cambodia tea (5000 riels).

Upon arrival at St. 107, Nice GH claimed that they don't have a room today. They have my name on the reservation list. How dare they do it to me! I have reconfirm with them the day before I was leaving for Siem Reap. They offered me to stayed at Capitol GH. 'Same boss!" they said. I thought this will only happen in Hanoi...

Fine, I insisted to have a look at the room first before check in. Both of us were okay with the room. Actually, I don't want to waste my time looking at other GH as I have very little time in Phnom Penh. So I asked the tuk tuk driver to sent us to visit S21 Prison.

I Got the PUK Code!

2009-06-16T12:38:00.000-07:00

I tried online again at the GH to check my email. Finally, handsome Edvan reply my email and provide me with the PUK code. My phone is activated again!

My sim card was locked because the iron bar on the motorbike in front of my waist bag keep on 'guessing' my PIN number. Invalid entries and I have to live 2 days without handphone connection... At that time, I feel like 'lack of something' having a handphone which cannot be turned on.

When I am back in Malaysia, Edvan told me that he asked Windy to act as me when making report to Maxis. Luckily he managed to find an potential actress to verify my details. I must be careful next time from them... Haha!

Angkor Wat

2009-06-16T11:50:00.000-07:00

I like to keep the best thing till the last. So Ankor Wat is the last temple that we visit in Angkor. I will rate this has the most organised construction structure. It is fairly easy to walk and read the bas reliefs.

However, we don't opportunity to climb up to the upper level due to restoration in progress. We could only view the towers from the courtyard of the 2nd level. So, we have ample of time within 3 hours to witness the artworks at Angkor Wat.

I LOVE THIS PLACE!

Dance Performers in Angkor Wat

2009-06-16T11:44:00.001-07:00

Sokha Hotel Co. Ltd. has introduced a new package - Angkor Wat at Night. I have forgotten about the price... But I remember the brochure mentioned about buffet dinner and the dance performance is included in that package.

I can read from their face that they don't like their job...

Or is it just due the hot weather?

Cambodian Wedding Costume

2009-06-16T11:39:00.001-07:00

The wedding costume of this cambodian couple looks like the suits of Malaysian royal family to me. This pic was taken in Angkor Wat.

Angkor Thom - Bayon

2009-06-16T10:51:00.000-07:00

There are two rows of statues lined up along the moat, crossing towards the gate. According to the book `Ancient Angkor', the figures on the right are demons; while those on the let are gods. Bayon is situated at the centre of Angkor Thom.

1st Ray at Banteay Kdei

2009-06-16T10:40:00.000-07:00

We were overslept... Not in time for the sunrise at Srah Srang... I was so frustrated with myself. Not in mood already.

When we reached srah Srang, the crowd waiting to for the sunrise view is still there. Our driver said they were unable to see the sunrise this morning due to the cloudy weather. After spending about 20 minutes there, we walked to banteay Kdei which is opposite of the landing stage of Srah Srang.

We were lucky enough to witness the first ray shined on Banteay Kdei from its top. I am in good mood again! As the chinese proverb said:" having prawns is better than nothing when you cannot get fish"

Inscriptions at Lolei

2009-06-16T10:23:00.000-07:00

The only thing I like Lolei is the inscriptions. When I walked further in, there was a guy at the housing areas behing Lolei temple looking at us. He followed us to the new temple beside Lolei.

The ceiling paintings inside the new temple encouraged me to have a look inside. But the guy looked unfriendly. I wanted to asked for his permission but he just kept quiet. When I looked at him, he looked away.

So Hong waited for me outside the temple. The colours used in their paintings was so sharp. I asked Hong to join in. After finished looking inside the temple, I said thank you to that guy but he did not respose.

I thought he might be either asking me for $$ or scold me. But he was just looking at us with no facial expression. When I walked down the staircase and looked backwards, he was still looking at us. May be that is a private temple like in Bali they have their own house temple. If that is the thing, this house temple is a grand one!

Grilled Banana in Sticky Rice

2009-06-16T09:48:00.000-07:00

Lesson of the day,"NEVER judge a food from its OUTLOOK!"

The outer layer of the sticky rice is crunchy, you can taste the aroma of the banana leaves when you chew it inside your mouth... And you will be pampered with the sour sweet taste of the banana melted in your mouth... can't believe the SIMPLE ingredients make a wonderful taste!

However, it takes a lot of time to prepare this dessert. Firstly, you have to fried the sticky rice with coconut milk. Then you have to spread a layer of fried sticky rice on the banana leaf. Followed by putting in a banana freshly peeled onto the rice and roll it tightly. Pin it at both edge of the banana leaf. Grilled it and ready to be served.

Ta Prohm

2009-06-16T08:54:00.001-07:00

This is my favourite wat in Angkor; due to its natural state.

There are many things to be explored here. Such as the old silk-cotton tree in silver... tower with sound echo...face hidden in the root of the giant tree...old man with his bamboo cravings...

I had lots of fun here!

3rd Day in Siem Reap

2009-06-16T07:15:00.000-07:00

Today, we will continue our trip to Ta Phrom and wat in small circuit including Angkor Wat.

My driver fetch us from the guesthouse at 6am. We went to a local shop to tried the beef noodle soup. I saw many locals dipped the 'Yau Char Kueh' in the beef soup. I took one from the plate in front of me and did the same thing. They match so well with each other... Yummy!

Beef noodle soup 5000 riels /bowl

Yau Char Kueh 500 riels each

In the afternoon, we went to a chinese restaurant to try the elephant fish. Unfortunately, it is not available. According to the waiter, it is very hard to get elephant fish during this time as the wet season just started. =(

Then we went to Lucky Mall. After trying the mango given by Mr. Jiang, we decided to get some fruits from the super market. Their local fruits are very cheap. We bought 2 packs of mango, a pack of passion fruit, a bottle of cambodian black tea (we brought it to Phnom Pehn and back to Malaysia-taste really good but cost us $1.60).

I told Hong Chai Yee said Angkor beer is very cheap. Finally we bought 1 can @ $0.60 but ended just trying the taste and leave it at the GH. Not that it is not nice, it is our own problems because both of us DONT drink beer...

After an hour resting at the GH, we departed to ACODO Orphanage. We brought some kaleidoscope and biscuits for the kids there. Here we met a volunteer from London. She invited us to visit them at night as they are having the Khmer Traditional Dancing @ 6.30pm - 9pm. I told her I could not make it this time because I have planned for the Beatocello Concert @ Jayavarman VII Hospital. Then I took a photo with the kids and time to say good bye...

That night, the story of Dr. Beat get donation from his concert and setting up the children hospital, etc touched my heart. Being a mother, I understand how the Cambodian mothers feel when their kids are sick and they dont have the money to bring them for doctor consultation. I tried to stop my tears from flowing out but I just can't help with it. It was so sad to know the life of most cambodians in reality.

As to my understanding through the video clips, the staff in the government take bribes. In order to go into the hospital for treatment, you must have $$ in your pocket to 'feed' them first. Sad to know about it. I really dont understand how do these people weigh the values of a life???

It rained heavily on our way back. Mr. Jiang mentioned about the Hazelnut shake at Moloppor Cafe on Day 1. I thought of going there to try their well known pizza as well because we have only eaten a loaf of french baguette @ the Savon Restaurant before going for the concert. I woulddefinitely recommend the pizza! The best pizza I ever tried.

We were chatting with Mr. Jiang about his life. He used to stayed in Phnom Penh and came to Siem Reap after divorced with his wife. He told us he might be starting a small noodle soup restaurant in the future. He also recommend us to try some food in Phnom Penh.

Bicycle Ride at Wat Bo Area

2009-06-16T06:39:00.000-07:00

After a rest, I tried to online at Motherhome GH lobby. I was lucky enough to see Phooi Leng online. I asked her to sms my brother as I have sent him an email yesterday asking him to locate my PUK code for my mobile phone.

I cannot turn on my phone after the trip to Kampong Phluk. The keypad on my phone was cracked (I put my phone in front of my waist bag), due to the iron bar in front of my seat on the motorbike.

Phooi Leng also helped me to call my dad and informed him that i am ok in Siem Reap. She also reminded me to take care as the first case of H1N1 happened in Malaysia today.

I thanked her! Then we decided to asked for bicycle from the GH staff and have a ride at Wat Bo area. There has been so many years I didn't ride on an bicycle since I left my hometown. That 'feel' is so great! I am so relaxed to ride together with Hong. Quite romantic to me lor...

Our honeymoon trip to Taiwan was with family... 1st anniversary trip was with my friends... This time only two of us. Everything can be more flexible...

We went to Arun Restaurant for supper. When we want to locked our bicycle, the waiters came to us and told us we can park our bicycle inside the restaurant. Vietnamese Spring Roll, coconut ice cream... We did not try their famous amok here beacuse we are too full. Their service was good.We are the last customer that night.

On our way back, we stopped at the Apsara convenient store. I grab a coconut yogurt @ $0.50.

Land Mine Museum

2009-06-16T06:16:00.000-07:00

I really respect Mr. Akira who is the founder of the Land Mine Museum. I was speechless after watching the DVD in the museum. The volunteers and their love towards their country and the people amazed me.

From the DVD, I see how these volunteers risk their life in the jungle to protects the people who are living at the land mine areas. The kids are so 'real' with their smiling face. Some of them are handicapped due to the landmines.

Before the visit to land mine museum, I wander why are the Cambodians so relax to play music at the wat. Now I realised that they are doing it to earn a living. Most of the music players are victims suffer from the land mine. They lost their ability to work heavily, yet they still put in effort to perform the traditional Khmer music (not begging) to earn money. I salute them!

Kbal Spean

2009-06-16T06:03:00.000-07:00

This time, we only get a bottle of water and camera with us. Mr. jiang told us it will take us at least 1 hour to reach the top. The 1.5km trekking is quite okay after experiencing the trekking to Gigit Waterfall in Bali.

We have met a group of Malaysian here... We followed them all the way simply because they engaged a tour guide along. The lingas and stone carvings are just so-so to me, anyhow it is quite unique ... It will be more outstanding during rainy season when it blends well with the water.

We were chatting with a couple under a tree before following the trail downwards to the waterfall. There my husband saw a `creature' and insisted to take a photo of it to show my daughter. Can't read his mind... What is so speacial about this worm here???

Then we have lunch at the hut named The Flying Coconut as our driver was resting at their place. Their Lemongrass Fried Chicken and Fish Sour Soup had brighten up my day! "It worth the price ($9 with 2 coconuts)", I would say. The waitress there has fair skin complexion, I hardly see this in other Khmer lady. FREE banana as dessert after our lunch. The size of the banana is very small but sweet enough!

Banteay Srei

2009-06-16T05:35:00.001-07:00

There were less than 10 tourists when we were in Banteay Srei. I felt so lucky to observe the craving without any distraction from the crowd. I like those with the sun reflection. It seems to me like the stone craving become alive!

Our driver was sleeping under a shady tree when we finished with the beautiful Banteay Srei. He must be very tired as we went back about 11pm last night. And he came to meet us at 4.50am this morning. So, I suggest to Hong to take a look at the souvenirs stalls outside Banteay Srei. Nothing else attracts my attention except the painting. The colours, scenery and its texture are fabulous! However, I didn't buy anything... I know myself, if i spend on this it will ended being kept under my bed or inside a box in the store room at last...

So, we went back to the driver and continue our journey to Kbal Spean.

2nd Day in Siem Reap

2009-06-16T04:34:00.000-07:00

14th May 2009

Our itinery today is Sras Srang- Banteay Srei-Kbal Spean- Land Mine Museum-Wats in Big Circuit- Artisan D'Angkor-Old Market-Seeing Hands 4 Message by Blind (near Angkor Green GH)- Khmer Kitchen Restaurant-Pub Street

I have bought a book - Ancient Angkor @ $5 at Sras Srang. And on our way from Banteay Srei, we stopped at the palm sugar stall to see how they extract the juice from the palm fruit and boiled it. The vendors than packed the palm sugar cubes in palm leaves. Looks very nice! Hong love how it taste! To me, it is too sweet.

Mr. Jiang bargained with the lady boss in Khmer but I can understand a bit. They start with $1 for 3 packs to $1 for 5packs. I was not surprised because we can actually get it for $1 for 6 packs. Mr. Jiang asked me whether I am okay with it or we can go to other stalls. To make it easy, I say ok and the lady packed it. At that moment, I recall my customers like to ask for something FREE after they buy from me. So I want to try my luck today...

"Buy 5 FREE 1 huh... okay?", I said. The lady boss was quiet with a blur look... Silent mean YES to me...Ha ha! I take another pack and put it in the bag that she is holding, telling her "you are so nice, okay huh... I put in huh..." She was smiling at me and talked to my driver in Khmer again. I am afraid she will blame Mr. Jiang, so I told her "You are so kind, wish you have good business". She said thank you to me.

Once we stepped into the tuk tuk, Hong unwrapped a pack of palm sugar and start eating like kids.

First Day in Siem Reap

2009-06-16T02:44:00.000-07:00

13th May 2009

The first USD we spent in SR was on the 3 Day Pass. Then we start our journey to Ruluos Group-Beng Melea-Kampong Phluk.

Ruluos Group

The miniature Angkor Wat in Rulous area is what I like most. May be because I met a handsome tour guide there ;p Or may be I love to mingle with the locals when they invited me to eat some local fruits that look like rasberry... I think the later one has captured my heart!

Beng Melea

Despite the `undiscovered wat' feel, I like the facial expression of the kids here. When we were climbing over the rocks and tunnels, the little boy gave me a hand like a gentleman... Many people claimed that they do it simply because they want to ask for food. They didn't asked from me, but I felt like giving them something... I felt so guilty leaving my bag in the tuk tuk, or else I will give them some food...

Kampong Phluk

I will never forget this place. Initially, this trip is planned to end within 3 hours... However, we get a BONUS hardcore motorbike experience on our way back and it ended up in 5 hours time.

At that moment, It is like a nightmare to me... Walking in the jungle, it is totally dark beside the dim light source from the fireflies... and the road is so slippery... ( You will say the motorbike has light right? But the problem here is: the driver have to leave me behind because his motor bike lose control and we fall down twice together with the motorbike!) It is very hard to imagine unless you experince it yourself. I screamed for HELP and my tears nearly drops...

Hong was so lucky to be a rider on the villager's motorbike and that guy controlled his motorbike much much better in this terrible road condition... They were far ahead of me and the tuk tuk driver. I felt so warmed when my lovely hubby offered me to let the villager fetch me and he will ride with our tuk tuk driver, when we met each other. At this point of time, we quickly seaching for our head lamps in the backpack...

When we reached, the staff and guests in front the GH were looking at us with lots of ??? in their eye... Guess what? Our body, clothing and footwear are patched with mud... We quickly apologised to the staff and walked upstairs to our room to take bath. A really quick one to clean up, then rush down to our tuk tuk driver who was waiting to take us for dinner.

Fried rice, fried yellow mee and mixed fruit shake with durian at Savon Restaurant (beside Jasmine Lodge) neraby Caltex tasted so great!!! Bottomless FREE cambodian tea was served at the table. It costs us only $5.25 for three persons. CHEAP and DELICIOUS!!!

A tired adventurous day...

Tuk Tuk Driver in Siem Reap

2009-06-16T02:31:00.000-07:00

Mr. Jiang Wen Yi, the tuk tuk driver that we engaged through email; was waiting at our GH already. But I am not as lucky as NCY to get a handsome Cambodian tour guide, this driver is at his age of 50++. But I thought he is 40++ only. He is a 2nd generation Cambodia chinese and he speaks good mandarin. When he overheard me talking to my husband in mandarin, he asked me whether we are from Malaysia. So smart! This reminded me that I can also differentiate people from HK, S'pore, Taiwan and China when they started to conversed in Mandarin when doing business.

Motherhome Guesthouse

2009-06-16T02:16:00.000-07:00

Upon arrival, we have met the tuk tuk driver from Motherhome Guesthouse. They offered us a FREE airport transfer like most of the guesthouses in SR normally practised . This is a new GH start its operation on 08/01/2009. The front desk girl was sweet looking! Then, we were greeted with a friendly smile from Maui and he gave a a welcome drink PLUS a cold towel. Thank God! The trip from airport to the GH was so dusty... However, I do enjoy it when I put on my face mask... cool breezy air welcome me along the way we travelled. If you wish to know how does the GH make me fall in love with it, kindly read the review at http://www.motherhomeguesthouse.com/testimonial/ posted my my hubby, Mr. Nyo See Hong on 12 /6/2009.

5D4N Cambodia Trip 2009

2009-06-16T01:58:00.000-07:00

After hearing good comments from a friend who visited Cambodia in late March, there was a sound in my heart that urge me to travel again after pampering myself in Bali one month plus ago.

After booking the air ticket, I was regret at one point of time. As I know myself dont like to visit 'temple', so why do I bother to visit 'wat' in Angkor?

Finally, I allocate 3 days in SR and 2 days in Phnom Pehn.

However, I really want to thanks this friend of mine because my trip turned out extraordinary! There are lots of fun and surprise I discovered in Cambodia.