Back from the ruins

I needed to get away for a while...although not my ideal break, it was still a good distraction.

Streets of Phnom Penh
Buzz....buzz...buzz...
and almost everything's in USD...

Food-wise, it was average for me. Its local cuisine doesn't have a distinct flavour like Vietnamese (with lots of herbs, spice) or Thai (clear distinct tastes such as sour, spicy). Tried its porridge, soups, veg...hmm, it's like a combination of Chinese, Viet (less herbs, spice used), Thai style.


At the Royal Palace, Toul Sleng Genocide Musuem...












Angkor Wat, Siem Reap

Sunset at Angkor Wat...unfortunately the sun was feeling shy that day and insisted on hiding behind the clouds. Then again, it's still beautiful in its unique way.

Angkor Wat, and other temples during the day

Lost civilization, fallen city, remnants left behind by the 'tomb-raiders'...

It's actually quite a nice sanctuary, away from the street noise (not from the tourists though).



Sunrise at Angkor Wat
Nice...










What further makes this trip more memorable...

Our lodgings...especially at The Villa Siem Reap, and Villa Langka (:

Shoo!

I like this doormat...really like it. I should have bought it home!!!
[selling at the Kitchen Kettle Village, Lancaster, PA]

Once lost in... (part II)

Washington DC
Did the typical sightseeing...visited the Capitol, Washington Monument, the reflecting pool, a couple of Smithsonian museums (strongly recommend the Holocaust Memorial Museum)...




Georgetown - an industrial town reborn as a fashionable hangout place for yuppies. However, I much prefer the Chesapeake & Ohio Canal and the Potomac River, away from the bustling streets which offers a more serene experience.






Old Town Alexandria, VA

A quaint historic town...and I particularly like the Torpedo Factory Art Center which houses galleries, workshops, studios where the artists, sculptors, photographers, jewelry designers, etc work and display their pieces.




New York City, NY

Indeed, the place is buzzing. Like what 叶子 says, it is truly a melting pot and a cosmopolitan city. I found myself loving the city more and more as the days passed. I enjoy its liveliness , though am not sure if I can live there over a long period of time.


I suppose the way to love this place is to explore the place by foot. I stumbled upon Strand Bookstore when I walked past the NYU. A must-visit for book-lovers. Customers can even bring their pets into the bookstore. How cool is that!

I went to catch a Broadway show (Avenue Q ) which is damn hilarious. Visited Harlem too....hmm yes, my skin colour definitely stands out but I still feel kinda safe when I was exploring the streets on my own during the daytime. The building landscape (low-lying historic buildings) is certainly different from the skyscrapers you see in downtown. I signed up for a walking tour whereby a Harlem-born-and-bred guide brought me and a few other tourists around the place and shared with us the history. The history may not be new to know, but it's interesting to hear it from someone who grew up in the neighbourhood, and to see/hear/feel his pride and passion he has for Harlem and of his identity.

Once lost in...

Skaneateles, NY


The bench (alone)
Surrounded by serenity and tranquility










Niagara Falls


What can I say...I couldn't witness the full falls despite going over to Ontario even. But I am contented with the winter sight of it, the wetness of the mist, the appearing and disappearing of rainbows...and brr...







Finger Lakes, NYThis is certainly hibernation...little or no activities are happening (it's a place for summer activities). Even some motels or inns are closed. Left untouched by human activities...you can judge from the snow pile-up on the picnic benches, wooden stairs...it's simply beautiful.

Lancaster County, PA

Experiencing the Amish culture and its heritage...by the way, Auntie Anne's Pretzels originated from here. And here's also where one sees Amish buggies as part of transportation, and not some touristy rides you see in Philly or NYC.




Philadelphia, PA
I was there on Christmas Eve. Almost everything and everywhere was closed. Disappointed? Absolutely not. I had my Philly's cheese steak. Ooo...you've got to try it! It's different from other states...taste much much better.

I had mine at one of those cheese steak stores where one will be warmly greeted by the grease and grilled smell in the air once stepped into the store, and can almost feel the grease on the seats, tables, everywhere...and 'admire' the art vandalism in the restroom (:



Shenandoah Valley, VA
Did I say I was lost in the mountains?














Mormon temple, VA
Experienced the nature, culture, food...so religion has to be one aspect of the journey too (coincidentally!). Visited a Swedish cathedral on Christmas Eve in Philly (because all places were closed), and then a Mormon temple in VA (because the architecture looks quite modern that it doesn't look 'religious' at all). Oh yes, I nearly stepped into the Scientology Church in NYC as well (but it was closed).

Infatuated with...

Oh yeah, I still miss the mountains. Took this video clip (pardon my amateur filming) in Shenandoah when we were driving along the scenic path. The shadow of the car cast upon the cliff of the mountains...and a soundtrack of the Shenandoah Valley being played in the background.

And all of these were unplanned. Perfect unison :)

On wheels & on foot

I am back.

Did I come back rejuvenated? Did I ‘find’ myself there? Did I come back still the same old me? I shall let you judge. Here’s some bits and pieces of my traveling experience…

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During the first leg of my journey, I was literally traveling on wheels (many thanks to my aunt who took time off to travel together). The luxury of stopping by at places when we feel like resting, having desserts, or feel like capturing and savoring the sunset in winter (you have no idea how sunset-crazy we are!). Winter is beautiful in its unique ways, despite nature in its hibernation mode.

In the later part of my journey, I was on my own. Hence it was either on foot or taking public transport. Me being me, I walked most time. I walked like there’s no horizon. I took detours, I meandered through small streets, I stopped and rested in parks when the sun’s out and the wind less chilly. And yeah, I walked too much that my feet grew blisters. But what the hell, I carried on walking. It was therapeutic :)

Lost in the mountains

Shenandoah National Park, Virginia USA

Welcoming the winter

Am setting off to the east coast of the US next month. Spending my Christmas and New Year over there...will be exploring NYC, Washington DC, and some other yet-to-be-confirmed places. Feeling excited about it because it's one continent I haven't stepped foot on yet.

Most deeply, I somewhat feel a sign of relief as the trip symbolises the end of 2007. The word that sums up this year for me is OVERWHELMED so this trip is like a 'timeout'. Am not sure what next year would be like, but I do hope when I return, I would be clearer-minded, rejuvenated, and re-energised.

...and traveling during the winter months seems so apt...since almost every living thing (except human beings) goes into hibernation. Well, it's time for my 'hibernation' too...

South Vietnam (Part II)

Finally, the pictures have been uploaded! (pls click here)

As you will notice, I have also changed my multiply template but...argh, I still haven't figured out how to customise it.

Anyways, hope you have a pleasant time viewing the pix :)

South Vietnam (Part I)

Am back from my Viet trip and am already missing the following…

Ooo…yummy
French bread, banh mi thit (Vietnamese sandwich), pho…I had them for almost everyday. No kidding. So that explains the extra pounds I put on from this trip. Haa…

Between north and south Viet food, I think I prefer the south. More varieties to satisfy me, the food lover. Probably also because the south Vietnam cuisine is more Chinese-influenced. North Viet food tends to be salty while South Viet food tends toward the sweeter end.

Traffic madness
The ever-challenging traffic, with its rule-bending motorists as well as pedestrians and constant horning…it’s crazier than in Hanoi despite its wider roads and slightly more developed infrastructure. Then again, I would say it’s organized chaos. There’s this unwritten rule of pedestrian and motorists having equal rights on the road. Cool – I like!

Mind-reading
Am impressed with most service staff (not referring to those vendors who try to fleece tourists)…they are really attentive and observant. Before I ask for anything, they know I need help and are by my side in an instant.

Not surprisingly, South Viet people tend to be more street-smart than North Viet people.

Bonding with the locals
Very much enjoyed my stay at the hostel or mini-motel (Redsun Hotel). Made friends with the owner and her staff…they also gave me a chance to experience the chaotic traffic. Of cos, me being the pillion rider sans helmet…not my first time but still, it’s fun :)

It’s sauna everyday
Without fail, I always come back to my hostel perspiring and feeling sticky. But not complaining cos it made me realise how much I appreciate showering at the end of the day.

It’s fleecing time!!
Forget about the fruits – although Viet grow dragon fruits, longan, jack fruit, mangosteen, durian…as long as you are a tourist, you can’t run away from being ripped off by the vendors.

Met 2 Singaporean gals and they told us they paid 10-odd sing dollars for 6 seeds of durian + some jackfruit. Poponta and I checked with the local – they only have to pay S$1.50 for a whole durian. I know it’s common for tourists to be ripped off by locals, but for that vast difference??! If one die die must get the fruits, befriend the locals and speak their language.

On the whole, HCMH reminds me of Singapore in its 60/70’s era...the streets, roadside stalls, the market. Many things I enjoyed and appreciated when I was there… shall upload the pictures soon and share them with you.

Going north

Can't wait for next month...finally bought my tix and I will be setting off to Vietnam in July! Yes, back to Vietnam again...and this time to Ho Chi Minh.

Wondering how different and how alike the north Viet and south Viet are...am already hearing about HCMH being the backward version of Bangkok, the "吃草吃纸" (try saying this in Hokkien for the oomph feel - "chiat cao chiat zhwa") eating habits. Hmm, looks like it's going to be a shopping and going-on-a-meat-free-diet trip. Haa...ok, am exaggerating a little here.

Anyway, as always, I shall keep an open mind when I'm there (:

Anyone interested in touring Tibet?

Am helping out a fren based in China. He was actually my tour guide for my Xiamen trip, who has now become a friend. He has plans venturing into Tibet so am helping him spread the news.

I have the itineraries with me – 6D/7D/8D for 2 or 4 to travel. Places to visit include 拉萨 (capital of TAR), 羊八井 (geothermal belt of Tibet), 日喀则, 林芝...plus one can choose to arrive Tibet by plane or train. Not only one can customize the traveling route but we will also be skipping the middleman (which translates to cost-saving!) Good rite?

As for the best-time-to-visit-period, seems that people are suggesting different times – my fren here says Mar-Apr is good (one can get to see snow), the previous guide from my Tibet trip suggested May or Sept, another fren suggested July…*scratch head* anyways, I think one just needs to avoid Oct-Feb period.

So come lah, come visit the place and u will know why I am so smitten by it (click here to view pixs). Contact me directly or drop me an email if interested and I can help u link up :) help me pass the word around to your friends too – thanks thanks!