tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24708257995016761132024-03-06T04:03:38.640+08:00My Adventures Underwater and On LandLeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05923827937717561860noreply@blogger.comBlogger206125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2470825799501676113.post-20191336097632672152010-11-19T03:44:00.000+08:002010-11-19T03:44:35.717+08:00Moved onto a new platform. http://l33ming.tumblr.com.<br />
Hoping i'll blog more often.Leehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05923827937717561860noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2470825799501676113.post-8063345164516644922010-03-04T18:03:00.002+08:002010-03-04T18:17:21.374+08:00Perhaps this is what you call love...<object width="560" height="340"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/yeLgjGEBWcY&hl=en_US&fs=1&"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/yeLgjGEBWcY&hl=en_US&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="560" height="340"></embed></object><br /><br />I believe most of us, young or old, married or not, sparkle and tear at a tale of a great love story. I believe that we too would want a love story of our own. No matter how your story begins, no matter how many times you've tore off those pages, i hope and wish you find a character who fills the gaps in your life and to journey through an adventure larger than you've ever dreamed of. You can paint your own happy ending. :)<br /><br /><object width="560" height="340"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/nakxNigThzk&hl=en_US&fs=1&"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/nakxNigThzk&hl=en_US&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="560" height="340"></embed></object>Leehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05923827937717561860noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2470825799501676113.post-91271797486584496702010-01-21T16:36:00.041+08:002010-04-28T19:34:08.584+08:00The Lesser Town<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPxXxlwz8W2Lzy3Kt2NWotxe4MEuzHDAmwCwdKigNaIWDm0zTo7wIHSDRWffi10mBifiXU9Qyn3uflqLiQhrSl8yWGk4ST3Ksew6rANQv4WLGLIKay_Sx12b-l3LueDFTacZVFh5VM1OpV/s1600/prague_map_details.gif"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 263px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPxXxlwz8W2Lzy3Kt2NWotxe4MEuzHDAmwCwdKigNaIWDm0zTo7wIHSDRWffi10mBifiXU9Qyn3uflqLiQhrSl8yWGk4ST3Ksew6rANQv4WLGLIKay_Sx12b-l3LueDFTacZVFh5VM1OpV/s400/prague_map_details.gif" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5405275972700390994" border="0" /></a>On our 2nd day, we awoke to heavy snowfall. It was cold and damp when we started our walk. We were kissed by snowflakes. And again, i felt that smile forming, that smile when i first saw snow. Just for a while, i'm truly happy.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo15A7Nb8l-jewGStfEJ1s3OXdZsd50reEnBUvcyJNy1IDK8KwZqG8WZM691ut9txHtg1hO2yPxsfFbLD1qYQeSMB1kZQp5xSAAXlBD5jmZeufukULtb_1GVBJiPIAQIrXDH8DvdPbX5rw/s1600-h/63.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 225px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo15A7Nb8l-jewGStfEJ1s3OXdZsd50reEnBUvcyJNy1IDK8KwZqG8WZM691ut9txHtg1hO2yPxsfFbLD1qYQeSMB1kZQp5xSAAXlBD5jmZeufukULtb_1GVBJiPIAQIrXDH8DvdPbX5rw/s400/63.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5429112947204470850" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaUhfV5Uv_ad-inq5hC33HLNKZca6ptkoT3j0Bd5mXRFR-M3cEg5jW16D8aibAdC_cT24HnD2lClf24EOZbHBFsoC0khXdSBOeGRoBICLn_qTEu1u74l5lHdVCLuUadglqnGxpV6wdyoac/s1600-h/65.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaUhfV5Uv_ad-inq5hC33HLNKZca6ptkoT3j0Bd5mXRFR-M3cEg5jW16D8aibAdC_cT24HnD2lClf24EOZbHBFsoC0khXdSBOeGRoBICLn_qTEu1u74l5lHdVCLuUadglqnGxpV6wdyoac/s400/65.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5429112955129876818" border="0" /></a><br /></div>Today, our mission is to cover the other side of town, the Lesser Town. To get there, we had to cross the Vltava River over Charles Bridge (Karluv Most).<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjch79X4HkXGI6tWBwxhc2DEkQb3m4BL3FbOa2fxtXWGOd4lathn7bLgrpIa47Zb9AuiW-cxjqrqXKNDKzaJ-y_sZL50-ubaL4_PxpuZyHHW4xLrs-psQYqk5HhAUdsQ42xFjcakRtISPsI/s1600-h/75.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjch79X4HkXGI6tWBwxhc2DEkQb3m4BL3FbOa2fxtXWGOd4lathn7bLgrpIa47Zb9AuiW-cxjqrqXKNDKzaJ-y_sZL50-ubaL4_PxpuZyHHW4xLrs-psQYqk5HhAUdsQ42xFjcakRtISPsI/s400/75.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5438695855334686642" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXvqwZZGhkpt134-cp-NWEWGtYun-A8rddx-wE_UMJ7KN2GujPVDCGB5_L_VIHK8Xe9hxUN8VFka2Gk8A1LBm8-QMmaCyWQ4qFL-Yukf55c6p1acEyfalknuQiatEZSCsg3tLNOYcvy5Z3/s1600-h/IMG_0032.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXvqwZZGhkpt134-cp-NWEWGtYun-A8rddx-wE_UMJ7KN2GujPVDCGB5_L_VIHK8Xe9hxUN8VFka2Gk8A1LBm8-QMmaCyWQ4qFL-Yukf55c6p1acEyfalknuQiatEZSCsg3tLNOYcvy5Z3/s400/IMG_0032.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5439113250482134370" border="0" /></a></div><div>On the day we were here, we saw artists displaying and selling their creations and aspiring musicians who gave life to the bridge with music befitting the weather. It would have been more of an atmospheric walk had we not been busy dodging other tourists.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib3b8vNtWsSojV456aV6AjUWFSr2mYD_2uxUK-Qx-filtvQ7Ti7SunB0cmC6O5Ru_dfYRC09BgHc2YJ7PqnPYnwfeAqUZPS5A4Yw-3MQNKPMd__DuuBSh1j-WnhVkU2wW-zB1qAM3EBm68/s1600-h/86.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib3b8vNtWsSojV456aV6AjUWFSr2mYD_2uxUK-Qx-filtvQ7Ti7SunB0cmC6O5Ru_dfYRC09BgHc2YJ7PqnPYnwfeAqUZPS5A4Yw-3MQNKPMd__DuuBSh1j-WnhVkU2wW-zB1qAM3EBm68/s400/86.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5438701281758791410" border="0" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: separate; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;font-family:'Times New Roman';font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); text-align: left;font-family:Verdana,Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;font-size:11;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8s1yZIucM9asM21zYLi0XiN6Oj44ZW424AzCv0MSwzu6M2PT88ARueGN_P-mOzQZov66ykC4PkwN8OahQWcjbvg-X7XiuV2NMDtHYOuSgeMoFhO4OdUH9HwVZoX17kMzY-gMSstZzCv0I/s1600-h/85.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8s1yZIucM9asM21zYLi0XiN6Oj44ZW424AzCv0MSwzu6M2PT88ARueGN_P-mOzQZov66ykC4PkwN8OahQWcjbvg-X7XiuV2NMDtHYOuSgeMoFhO4OdUH9HwVZoX17kMzY-gMSstZzCv0I/s400/85.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5438703611011118626" border="0" /></a></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: separate; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;font-family:'Times New Roman';font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); text-align: left;font-family:Verdana,Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;font-size:11;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7jPd8bqT8OKUbJfax4oBZrXsd-qvif8oqhNcu40zOcSSE5XOLyG0d0-qqjc4SO3gl-d2R_r2MkxqrAWuE4-uFQYlEmtfyolyK5Lulm8BXmxH5_FeWoT5XcvHcIlTCiTiRbNjDudrJVXXO/s1600-h/81.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 306px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7jPd8bqT8OKUbJfax4oBZrXsd-qvif8oqhNcu40zOcSSE5XOLyG0d0-qqjc4SO3gl-d2R_r2MkxqrAWuE4-uFQYlEmtfyolyK5Lulm8BXmxH5_FeWoT5XcvHcIlTCiTiRbNjDudrJVXXO/s400/81.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5438703602106110674" border="0" /></a></span></span></span><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;">The key attraction on this bridge has to be the 30 statues from the 18th century and the view of the castle on the hill above. There was one particular statue that had the attention of many. Amidst whispers, people started reaching for the golden shine at the bottom of this statue. There has to be a reason why everyone is doing this, even the Japanese, though i half-suspect some of them have no idea what is the mystery behind it. So, being predictable tourists, we touched it for good measure.<br /><br />When i finally googled it when we returned, word has it that touching that particular statue will bring you good luck, ensure your return to Prague and grant you a wish. It is the Statue of St.John of Nepomuk, the 8th statue on your right (heading from Old Town Square). John of Nepomuk was a priest in Prague under King Wenceslas IV. The priest received the confessions of the Queen and unfortunately for the priest, the King was a very suspicious man. He wanted to know the Queen's confessions which Nepomuk would not reveal, not even to the King, because it would be against his commitment of confidentiality. Nepomuk was therefore exectued by being thrown into the Vltava River from the bridge and drowned.<br /><br />Some metres before the actual statue is a small golden cross marking the spot where the saint's body was thrown. Touch the cross and make a wish, it is said to come true within a year and one day! <span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: separate; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;font-family:'Times New Roman';font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px; text-align: left;font-family:Verdana,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:small;"><br /></span></span><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ5yE-gj_UxKWvJXLk6jJKtZ4ZDMiw2m_lgH_vB25Kpy2WD5N5TXU5Yea1042fXifusRSReJvIieA6pZfVyCQPnvup2AoYJ53Im2Dz9CBGLoWznUaZQKcuLhsJiVeMpzUXnnqtuSsTbSzf/s1600-h/84.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ5yE-gj_UxKWvJXLk6jJKtZ4ZDMiw2m_lgH_vB25Kpy2WD5N5TXU5Yea1042fXifusRSReJvIieA6pZfVyCQPnvup2AoYJ53Im2Dz9CBGLoWznUaZQKcuLhsJiVeMpzUXnnqtuSsTbSzf/s400/84.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5438707620548870450" border="0" /></a><br />At the end of Charles Bridge, is the ancient gate to the Lesser Town. This is such a lovely quarter at the base of the Prague castle, crowded with charming buildings, boutique shops, Czech bars and restaurants, churches and quaint side streets that i cant get enough of. At the centre of the square, you will find the primary landmark of Lesser Town - St. Nicholas Church, probably a meeting place for many.<br /></div><br /></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy-Hu81reDRJvmxyOxo78nbsRhiKWFy089DI3VjZemJVFubMFgtRS7XLkSAS2b2ds_ZzlH8r1k3vknNpV1GBJhRhRX11OX_dxcD4i_NDIOB2tv2T0lQvFYrHy14ov0Cnupys9MM9dOM0LS/s1600-h/90.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy-Hu81reDRJvmxyOxo78nbsRhiKWFy089DI3VjZemJVFubMFgtRS7XLkSAS2b2ds_ZzlH8r1k3vknNpV1GBJhRhRX11OX_dxcD4i_NDIOB2tv2T0lQvFYrHy14ov0Cnupys9MM9dOM0LS/s400/90.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5438717175571063458" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieGhOsT0UtPVvgo-niXSnIHf8Fupfqr_MEzC91Ax5pORWZ5p09oaaRUpCjFGbBMXFQ3T1VRr92UnbmhrPQU3i2xL6CG1AVrnlankqFUVtz0Ig1cCcClmQNd4jZi9YMs5QwtCmTFtB1IrmK/s1600-h/92.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieGhOsT0UtPVvgo-niXSnIHf8Fupfqr_MEzC91Ax5pORWZ5p09oaaRUpCjFGbBMXFQ3T1VRr92UnbmhrPQU3i2xL6CG1AVrnlankqFUVtz0Ig1cCcClmQNd4jZi9YMs5QwtCmTFtB1IrmK/s400/92.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5439051634674250482" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlBeVPvosB9FoYUG6NL9FMGRTAeYRFHyhbmpgUSK7SAYL_z-A0comBSt5jEuAOc5P-VrTD900zpgwJ6x5FBrAzkwnSrZDpXXOxir0j6yDy0cPW-kLKHDMZhN1vx8SKwfZYqBLnDJANk92J/s1600-h/91.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 371px; height: 278px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlBeVPvosB9FoYUG6NL9FMGRTAeYRFHyhbmpgUSK7SAYL_z-A0comBSt5jEuAOc5P-VrTD900zpgwJ6x5FBrAzkwnSrZDpXXOxir0j6yDy0cPW-kLKHDMZhN1vx8SKwfZYqBLnDJANk92J/s400/91.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5438719241728665522" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: center;">We stopped for a cuppa hot chocolate at a cafe that so happened belongs to one of the owners of Ferrari. And obviously, the waitresses are - hot.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2TmwAbuAJz5BwazEw1RxYbNJySz_6JomPKuvd1Z7hrV-MIQqO25lBoch0pWh0mKrjTf2i47jMA8WOTV1KutYftUVgCRJQ4fEKGTpoEs-4ducKPsag_jh2DEkPGRJzoR0_MEGxUago_r7S/s1600-h/93.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 364px; height: 274px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2TmwAbuAJz5BwazEw1RxYbNJySz_6JomPKuvd1Z7hrV-MIQqO25lBoch0pWh0mKrjTf2i47jMA8WOTV1KutYftUVgCRJQ4fEKGTpoEs-4ducKPsag_jh2DEkPGRJzoR0_MEGxUago_r7S/s400/93.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5439051643053331378" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB3VnNzZcbAXj_uKDzhn9fStQrfHioDBob-YKmKCSksVR5e7nVe2SaVKfY20wvvAQYB7O61_jopX3yS_gNExGpfdAt57epL8e96ruGV5V1vHVXiBQ5aOE9j2XDWOuhPkqVC2QPYMN8jIjO/s1600-h/IMG_0158.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB3VnNzZcbAXj_uKDzhn9fStQrfHioDBob-YKmKCSksVR5e7nVe2SaVKfY20wvvAQYB7O61_jopX3yS_gNExGpfdAt57epL8e96ruGV5V1vHVXiBQ5aOE9j2XDWOuhPkqVC2QPYMN8jIjO/s400/IMG_0158.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5439101542517969042" border="0" /></a><div style="text-align: left;">As you head towards Prague Castle, <span style="font-weight: bold;">be warned</span>, you will have to climb Nerudova Street, something similar to one of the hill in Tasek - I was totally not prepared for the bloody exhaustive hike. This street was named after a poet and journalist, Jan Neruda, who lived in the House of Suns (No.47). Here, you will find houses that are identified by 'house signs' above their main door instead of house numbers. This street has more painted house signs that any other street in Prague. This one below is the House of Three Little Fiddles, home to a family of violin makers in the 1700s.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrBzNyDfQSZ69htpI0gQzqnsFNV2kq7qfSs1B1KDeX3fd-JNBxKbsuYaW2iTIAd63jTiQB2UNZpPfsQAIDbVgQ5DPiSCK8sHgrhfNksqRrSMrv811R73fqJk7O2nf-KI0JOLwOc9YnIr-5/s1600-h/96.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 310px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrBzNyDfQSZ69htpI0gQzqnsFNV2kq7qfSs1B1KDeX3fd-JNBxKbsuYaW2iTIAd63jTiQB2UNZpPfsQAIDbVgQ5DPiSCK8sHgrhfNksqRrSMrv811R73fqJk7O2nf-KI0JOLwOc9YnIr-5/s400/96.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5439058324277114738" border="0" /></a><br />The Prague Castle is reputedly the largest medieval castle in Europe, and one of the biggest castles in the world according to the Guinness Book of Records. There were just too many students queuing for the castle tour so we spent time instead admiring the splendid view of the city, in and out of St.Vitus Cathedral, wandering about Golden Lane and then getting abit lost.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR-hS86w32CFMF61rc4YTvH6rYXD7Vs8sj3POSK3gdciz3MSXIy_cwPJOp-3ge_-GEgW2O6o0nXQty5LGrpKdq0bI1AL7L5SZr-pteaRZU5lpzPK21CEu_FAXK7zavthV8UC82-Xv6u3B-/s1600-h/101.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 125px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR-hS86w32CFMF61rc4YTvH6rYXD7Vs8sj3POSK3gdciz3MSXIy_cwPJOp-3ge_-GEgW2O6o0nXQty5LGrpKdq0bI1AL7L5SZr-pteaRZU5lpzPK21CEu_FAXK7zavthV8UC82-Xv6u3B-/s400/101.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5439105056528561282" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWhYB2Tn_07rtGiFbwJ1X9nUAiWFzUaPWGc10PCqF1BNw0gIovyFC_QG44uJcUSAgBnv7EqAS2EE9rY3OnTeERs0-Qu6H75IqsQ1w-Yt036vZy3NVNgCrRyXn_m29Wtmwk4ZBwlRmjXnur/s1600-h/IMG_0012.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWhYB2Tn_07rtGiFbwJ1X9nUAiWFzUaPWGc10PCqF1BNw0gIovyFC_QG44uJcUSAgBnv7EqAS2EE9rY3OnTeERs0-Qu6H75IqsQ1w-Yt036vZy3NVNgCrRyXn_m29Wtmwk4ZBwlRmjXnur/s400/IMG_0012.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5439113529170767122" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;"><br />.Night view of Prague Castle.</span><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4AIuhuKnIDjYj0VHGvtXATgi9MJT292eSfhs7megfeOqiOyCZww3DRGdOj9TuxnEfiptryCpHYcz9b2xnjUyZaaXpFg8xfRh6zWJ47r7JKNgmVK1JZ5zItWcQEfcG1NT0RBCElZzRRo98/s1600-h/105.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4AIuhuKnIDjYj0VHGvtXATgi9MJT292eSfhs7megfeOqiOyCZww3DRGdOj9TuxnEfiptryCpHYcz9b2xnjUyZaaXpFg8xfRh6zWJ47r7JKNgmVK1JZ5zItWcQEfcG1NT0RBCElZzRRo98/s400/105.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5439105318792854690" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPLBaN9RNzZUigMvRcqaQ9AccVhDPMnTS_kuhav8JrRonJRharzPl86xKTB8hKar-kyR6NQ8VSbjZ7HvRN76cBfgZmgndRFhTVn27TYZpHPnrQlgLfV3kHn-ZNgu92f-VUgOQ1U0H8b4EI/s1600-h/104.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPLBaN9RNzZUigMvRcqaQ9AccVhDPMnTS_kuhav8JrRonJRharzPl86xKTB8hKar-kyR6NQ8VSbjZ7HvRN76cBfgZmgndRFhTVn27TYZpHPnrQlgLfV3kHn-ZNgu92f-VUgOQ1U0H8b4EI/s400/104.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5439105313876656450" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtzr9BC4R360rhvi9m3cwqdhZUzb_vpRaegpR73yL2tVknYo-q9oBgMvSBmd6SgiClmid1r9yBgeeuZW2z0UkdpAFmGDJrVtSvjeG6d5Btef_yWBYaPYDKhHzhyphenhyphenuoteefAzUBkE6rIF5Ia/s1600-h/IMG_0169.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 269px; height: 358px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtzr9BC4R360rhvi9m3cwqdhZUzb_vpRaegpR73yL2tVknYo-q9oBgMvSBmd6SgiClmid1r9yBgeeuZW2z0UkdpAFmGDJrVtSvjeG6d5Btef_yWBYaPYDKhHzhyphenhyphenuoteefAzUBkE6rIF5Ia/s400/IMG_0169.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5439105691416342354" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmghyphenhyphenNBzZQJzAsEtmJtuS0hRqJn8SpOCPiKn7SvXBciyi4lxJEJQoyw8MfGaYeGngQ1ycgC2wJzz9d-iakUBcGcxYQ0JXn0-z5mx89zZDKCJ9p1-FMLvEO1hYkhhHCVwH7C624_Gd35Md7/s1600-h/IMG_0203.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmghyphenhyphenNBzZQJzAsEtmJtuS0hRqJn8SpOCPiKn7SvXBciyi4lxJEJQoyw8MfGaYeGngQ1ycgC2wJzz9d-iakUBcGcxYQ0JXn0-z5mx89zZDKCJ9p1-FMLvEO1hYkhhHCVwH7C624_Gd35Md7/s400/IMG_0203.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5439114873671130418" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdV37_x5Fzo_5MECENG5P-j2TiAxNkYqWMac3IEzPQ5GkHnISP88hVpqHTEJsuXWM7C0A1a2DKhwbJLNxvPW63_ChKGOevGAqWhmskoIwdlVYGlAIgZ7kkkEOm84rT2XjHtG_hu1Er_EmY/s1600-h/111.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdV37_x5Fzo_5MECENG5P-j2TiAxNkYqWMac3IEzPQ5GkHnISP88hVpqHTEJsuXWM7C0A1a2DKhwbJLNxvPW63_ChKGOevGAqWhmskoIwdlVYGlAIgZ7kkkEOm84rT2XjHtG_hu1Er_EmY/s400/111.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5439109857797426354" border="0" /></a><br />St.George's Basilica - the oldest church building within the Prague Castle complex. It now serves as a concert hall.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq8BqqwXhEyiw6G7blbjLMWIUxMYBDUQMAl1-L6yrpC5fH6s7_f4hTALgltVZH42Aeood3hzbrb1hSHASmelWigtUqG2NgzuYGzP-cCDT9yvQdJ5ca-cq5ILPE-b4nPoW0cWtQ1OC0Ls1p/s1600-h/112.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq8BqqwXhEyiw6G7blbjLMWIUxMYBDUQMAl1-L6yrpC5fH6s7_f4hTALgltVZH42Aeood3hzbrb1hSHASmelWigtUqG2NgzuYGzP-cCDT9yvQdJ5ca-cq5ILPE-b4nPoW0cWtQ1OC0Ls1p/s400/112.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5439114209435284866" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_WbfiVXTUaTmewMWEdfHGFZcyGOlA_wSlpPLctsEpOo7jrJ72mvSsmAzWM2yeYNJo4-GMUZxSJdjWdVu38YGF65ef3tmk_F_mzvpO2X-JyJDpmP246_Qw6Pez50gvcF6iApNg07xYlWsl/s1600-h/114.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_WbfiVXTUaTmewMWEdfHGFZcyGOlA_wSlpPLctsEpOo7jrJ72mvSsmAzWM2yeYNJo4-GMUZxSJdjWdVu38YGF65ef3tmk_F_mzvpO2X-JyJDpmP246_Qw6Pez50gvcF6iApNg07xYlWsl/s400/114.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5439114218278355522" border="0" /></a></div></div></div></div></div></div>After a long and tiring day, we treated ourselves to Czech cuisine at Mustek restaurant in Wenceslas Square. Boon got adventurous and went for one of their specialty - the Sword of Charles IV.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEmqM8RUhb7mQMkvUx8aIg2fp3NsW7UYQCSnxJjLAVVPi9JsVuVBjPNkhthPdD64YEYvOuYfrk4kicUiZ_BTeWpJJkov_EJew5M3pMyBrTzDY1e-IBAVX-ypR8Qgsj5dFFjGYx88VwpxVF/s1600-h/122.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 332px; height: 250px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEmqM8RUhb7mQMkvUx8aIg2fp3NsW7UYQCSnxJjLAVVPi9JsVuVBjPNkhthPdD64YEYvOuYfrk4kicUiZ_BTeWpJJkov_EJew5M3pMyBrTzDY1e-IBAVX-ypR8Qgsj5dFFjGYx88VwpxVF/s400/122.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5439120362855656594" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBpwdou55Ff1JcNRu2z0Vc6DWHLIkk7W8nooYguDX_sahQ3Hl2a7OaDDi7hDQ3PYGa25FQxBJ7OsKZ-n_PVTGxpPIATfXIzsvz7wVkQ0-NWSOFyCgXfOs-fH7eSeObcFOi9MiSbF13bPKU/s1600-h/123.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 335px; height: 250px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBpwdou55Ff1JcNRu2z0Vc6DWHLIkk7W8nooYguDX_sahQ3Hl2a7OaDDi7hDQ3PYGa25FQxBJ7OsKZ-n_PVTGxpPIATfXIzsvz7wVkQ0-NWSOFyCgXfOs-fH7eSeObcFOi9MiSbF13bPKU/s400/123.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5439120372754667682" border="0" /></a><br />If you're a meat person and up for a challenge, I absolutely recommend you to go for the <span style="font-weight: bold;">Beefsteak for free Competition</span>. You stand to win a 2.2 pound beef steak for FREE provided you eat according to their rules! If you're gung-ho enough, give the waiter your name, pay a deposit of CZK 3,200 roughly BND$200 (that is the cost of the beef!), beef is cooked to your liking, and you have 30 mins to clean it up. Dont even attempt to cheat because you will be under the watchful eyes of the waiters. By the 40th minute, if you have nothing left in your mouth, you WIN! Free meal but pay for your own drinks.<br /><br />Here's a list of items that would disqualify you:<span style="font-size:85%;"><strong><br /><br />You`ll break the rules if</strong></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: separate; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;font-family:'Times New Roman';font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);font-family:Verdana,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:11;"><p style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);font-family:Verdana,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:11px;">1. you don`t manage to eat your beef steak within 30 minutes<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><br />2. you leave your table during the competition<br />3. your beef steak or any part of it is eaten by a third person<br />4. you die</p></span></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSg4If3cqwApWanaGBkHiRofRJ_01ssTcv6WHDABVSMMSMO0_wUOVUXHVOUiQEQeeCmPNUap8PgExc_DyxjGeBkcyCWX9cQiVX9sSdWff_8G8-R0X3aulxDLspWuxg_Qim6LNi3Ie6zVWf/s1600-h/121.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSg4If3cqwApWanaGBkHiRofRJ_01ssTcv6WHDABVSMMSMO0_wUOVUXHVOUiQEQeeCmPNUap8PgExc_DyxjGeBkcyCWX9cQiVX9sSdWff_8G8-R0X3aulxDLspWuxg_Qim6LNi3Ie6zVWf/s400/121.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5439123258642126562" border="0" /></a>This brave American dude took the challenge. We were all cheering him on, but by the time he got to the 3rd piece, he surrendered.<br /><br />Prague... ahhhh...<br /></div>Leehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05923827937717561860noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2470825799501676113.post-17451397372865605552010-01-13T00:36:00.001+08:002010-01-13T00:40:11.948+08:00A New Year, A New StartI'm home!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWgb3KsQQHCa9tLA8GzyM9QZE5G-gginXE3zx2mg2al0PsuYOioHJldfv24a1drjYorc9WQwjH56FlJ6J96SGnjjmssus4ZPu_TnDeHcAm0_qXKLxjdbfJpdMTjLAQGeu-6C5UMOoHxTfA/s1600-h/IMG_2661.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWgb3KsQQHCa9tLA8GzyM9QZE5G-gginXE3zx2mg2al0PsuYOioHJldfv24a1drjYorc9WQwjH56FlJ6J96SGnjjmssus4ZPu_TnDeHcAm0_qXKLxjdbfJpdMTjLAQGeu-6C5UMOoHxTfA/s320/IMG_2661.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5425893917456830002" border="0" /></a>Leehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05923827937717561860noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2470825799501676113.post-23413083328094072842009-12-26T16:36:00.002+08:002009-12-26T16:41:20.782+08:00Merry Xmas and a Happy New Year<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZWcR6SO4yjN7t27FNX7yGyuQF2gKtZSrvp7TIfBthwNVPqYMU8XwbgGar11MCy7S8uUGBwgt0B2iA6mO14MigQuZ5PW1VoJez5tIzQwADRtjlDOB5sLTJmSdAW9DNQd47kX_-hNZPpvH4/s1600-h/Bobo.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 305px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZWcR6SO4yjN7t27FNX7yGyuQF2gKtZSrvp7TIfBthwNVPqYMU8XwbgGar11MCy7S8uUGBwgt0B2iA6mO14MigQuZ5PW1VoJez5tIzQwADRtjlDOB5sLTJmSdAW9DNQd47kX_-hNZPpvH4/s400/Bobo.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5419461385736219234" border="0" /></a><br />Dear Readers,<br /><br />I'm off to Phuket and Phi Phi Islands today. I have been slacking alot this year, but when i return, i will fill up the rest of my European excapade - Venice and Paris, Macau, HongKong and most definitely the sights of beautiful beaches and people of Thailand.<br /><br />Here's wishing all of you a blessed New Year!<br />Happy Holidays!Leehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05923827937717561860noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2470825799501676113.post-17807533634222586862009-09-04T12:54:00.038+08:002009-11-17T00:23:45.805+08:00The 14-hour ride to PragueWhen writing these travelogues, i get another chance to reflect on the times and places i've traveled to. Whilst it is a huge challenge to accurately describe the adventures that we've had, I attempt at my very best to put my thoughts into words, so it remains something we can always look back and smile at.<br /><br />Our journey to Prague, the capital of Czech Republic, was breathtaking! A 14-hour ride from Amsterdam saw us passing through the gorgeous snow-covered peaks and sleepy towns in Germany. I can literally sit and gaze out the window for hours.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizZhBLJOVAZ3VRDafmtCo_j1_OnKYLc36IhKaZ8V3rNOmRRmjS_jq8wQb8DX-pH0MMApd-U6NcQAbu7yPNzVLitREHDppiTAknJd9p6KiULg3ZlM996D2yS7RsYo6cVcqjNCYplco2hNEK/s1600-h/5.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizZhBLJOVAZ3VRDafmtCo_j1_OnKYLc36IhKaZ8V3rNOmRRmjS_jq8wQb8DX-pH0MMApd-U6NcQAbu7yPNzVLitREHDppiTAknJd9p6KiULg3ZlM996D2yS7RsYo6cVcqjNCYplco2hNEK/s400/5.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5377471968245469698" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqZXNnkWHJMoqqnRa8reY_MCHjtpnBqdXjNkNCUU_-TKsAh6VWjRgrWznvNqThM4AgmRxMa5NAdQsyKlwmcIaub0T7q8saLWNqs7_0HwC5_KuYN7j3Dw1nByTV6qoO6LV-p5jNcQqOoamk/s1600-h/6.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqZXNnkWHJMoqqnRa8reY_MCHjtpnBqdXjNkNCUU_-TKsAh6VWjRgrWznvNqThM4AgmRxMa5NAdQsyKlwmcIaub0T7q8saLWNqs7_0HwC5_KuYN7j3Dw1nByTV6qoO6LV-p5jNcQqOoamk/s400/6.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5377472116223855074" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqRxG_Lkqgn-LAFu2PntzFVHjB1Sdr1FhxCjRCTLgbks5qWNSKAE45eSEbel1Hk2dXh1ddwx9bkjzjCJxx06FjuAXlGb6Iit8ZMiD8xpVUVoenDvmExWWQGnWjghUmnMFRnbUeDCSb9OcW/s1600-h/1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqRxG_Lkqgn-LAFu2PntzFVHjB1Sdr1FhxCjRCTLgbks5qWNSKAE45eSEbel1Hk2dXh1ddwx9bkjzjCJxx06FjuAXlGb6Iit8ZMiD8xpVUVoenDvmExWWQGnWjghUmnMFRnbUeDCSb9OcW/s320/1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5378984201651080386" border="0" /></a>We were bunk mates with a Korean, whose name i am unable to recall. He is the epitome of a traveller. His travel buddy pulled out from the trip at the very last minute but he chose to continue his european excapade, covering a new place as and when he's soaked up enough from one. No time restriction, no money constraints, just plain free-and-easy. One day, i say =)<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA03_QTWNpysBn37RXcrrcsmnnw4JoNF_2EPsvnuONEZ-j2v3PdsKW5krpGD5dMR2SGHpONP8XZimHIqZjcIOjPW5KyTddrmkYNutaLk4D1JGxL_Hg6YgLfukW11drpiLkEy1xJmRn_M47/s1600-h/11.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA03_QTWNpysBn37RXcrrcsmnnw4JoNF_2EPsvnuONEZ-j2v3PdsKW5krpGD5dMR2SGHpONP8XZimHIqZjcIOjPW5KyTddrmkYNutaLk4D1JGxL_Hg6YgLfukW11drpiLkEy1xJmRn_M47/s320/11.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5378989510051668690" border="0" /></a>We found this perfect little apartment called Hotel Apartments Wenceslas Square on Vodickova Road. For 50 euro per night, we had a homely unit which will most definitely remind you of colleage days, a fully-equipped kitchen and only walking distance away from the main attractions.<br /><br />And our intensive walkaton begins.<br /><br />.Food first.<br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG_vzIrA92pokhZfuSBM2_qDSDbjnrDqKIsHubZd_oiIW0gpEGKnmLOz2xG877OGz60Orwae9WxFuIUz71iaaqsvE8d0cYF2j_2pplF2rPn47aP0cAJ7cQ05WN1-632KsMMzswRM3oouL1/s1600/000.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 226px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG_vzIrA92pokhZfuSBM2_qDSDbjnrDqKIsHubZd_oiIW0gpEGKnmLOz2xG877OGz60Orwae9WxFuIUz71iaaqsvE8d0cYF2j_2pplF2rPn47aP0cAJ7cQ05WN1-632KsMMzswRM3oouL1/s400/000.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5404677217766079762" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi24OwtWMSdSVlLP36BT6CM3Jm0lq6kpUiBE8Cea3LpuvkFUp6po32cp2srotkBx7oxO13llZZbV0bHDG22_jEF3g9m0i2hVR_H78bviyNF58AWB04me9Jae9fTZvozzX6497vRrsL57Yq4/s1600/00.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 303px; height: 226px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi24OwtWMSdSVlLP36BT6CM3Jm0lq6kpUiBE8Cea3LpuvkFUp6po32cp2srotkBx7oxO13llZZbV0bHDG22_jEF3g9m0i2hVR_H78bviyNF58AWB04me9Jae9fTZvozzX6497vRrsL57Yq4/s400/00.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5404677220813305042" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: left;">This restaurant is directly opposite our apartment and serves the BOMB of a pancake, blue cheese + gorgonzola cheese topped with bacon. The other mouth-watering dish we ordered is chicken fillet with basmati rice + more of the blue and gorgonzola goodness. I cannot emphasize how much i enjoyed my creamy rice. mmMMmm.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">And now, off to the Old Town Square...<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfbpI3ucDxnwzFwoRAvDgceotxKQ9KxGaUI6P-jlfAgng_Qlof1kiVlsZiDI0je3pyjRKciLUWOU_pezTmYg1w_6u9CpWCTrqIy9m4DCj6grTVNmUxTu2vO_4K0Puh9rCC7KzLKTiHwRPr/s1600/prague1.gif"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 210px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfbpI3ucDxnwzFwoRAvDgceotxKQ9KxGaUI6P-jlfAgng_Qlof1kiVlsZiDI0je3pyjRKciLUWOU_pezTmYg1w_6u9CpWCTrqIy9m4DCj6grTVNmUxTu2vO_4K0Puh9rCC7KzLKTiHwRPr/s320/prague1.gif" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5404691451481111426" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRsQ5FV0zVimH9LOYDqFAywXfmY21XN1c2ZQJbi2xWNVipX0-ci5JQ9ym__Agred81W2dCVvxb4J-xtU29ywDmLdgHQ3RZm03omW3lqrQbpzdcWqN48qksqxzFBEiepe3QjyS2RNK_RT12/s1600/13.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRsQ5FV0zVimH9LOYDqFAywXfmY21XN1c2ZQJbi2xWNVipX0-ci5JQ9ym__Agred81W2dCVvxb4J-xtU29ywDmLdgHQ3RZm03omW3lqrQbpzdcWqN48qksqxzFBEiepe3QjyS2RNK_RT12/s400/13.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5404687493564464770" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIrMEn2hH0HcAl1-C4PyJb1h1OYzA6kHl1rk2UIHCReXG76XMVIK-0qo8pnHtvGPgbB7kDXgfrwVpcLkKtnVa3fW7HW5HBsauwFaLgNaAiXpjJ8fS8H-L3kN2Z3o8WxYG7yMG-CR1VPmqm/s1600/14.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIrMEn2hH0HcAl1-C4PyJb1h1OYzA6kHl1rk2UIHCReXG76XMVIK-0qo8pnHtvGPgbB7kDXgfrwVpcLkKtnVa3fW7HW5HBsauwFaLgNaAiXpjJ8fS8H-L3kN2Z3o8WxYG7yMG-CR1VPmqm/s320/14.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5404695202640746754" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGDkGNGfiy4cUwX6kHmpf709BwpOtMnYRihTEVF55rlVzDQjnSdDS-ZkpR-0qoPI5mSvBq0J-cCpyJdsUS0S1stFfga7NFM0CTb9ULM62nABjJkhFGlGkqr0NwUjuBlwrVk63xjFhPm02g/s1600/16.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGDkGNGfiy4cUwX6kHmpf709BwpOtMnYRihTEVF55rlVzDQjnSdDS-ZkpR-0qoPI5mSvBq0J-cCpyJdsUS0S1stFfga7NFM0CTb9ULM62nABjJkhFGlGkqr0NwUjuBlwrVk63xjFhPm02g/s320/16.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5404696107354207378" border="0" /></a><br />The Powder Tower was built in 1475 and said to be one of the original 13 city entrances to the Old Town. It is said to have gotten its name because it used to house gunpowders.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQxjWr1kWxufM2Yv7uqUc7eWm00p_hu7Cunb7NoHvAVqLZ6xL1mliHV8ACpKzeDsD-8M_tbePydVodVZJ8LmJPhfxNBWQRy2zcjvxKNhxqJuo2UETlEcnlzjtHPou169lxWf9zWXaPkFPA/s1600/23.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQxjWr1kWxufM2Yv7uqUc7eWm00p_hu7Cunb7NoHvAVqLZ6xL1mliHV8ACpKzeDsD-8M_tbePydVodVZJ8LmJPhfxNBWQRy2zcjvxKNhxqJuo2UETlEcnlzjtHPou169lxWf9zWXaPkFPA/s400/23.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5404701533864216082" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu49Yh6iQ7rnWyvBH8IdWpqU6QQBaipFMwQtHULJRIfFeSZX9XqRRlNk_BIDrycRxWiR701eGtiMoxC8eYmytbhzm6QsK0ITodXDyqZr9OEumpeXN4O5qRhMpuHUZPgsB4cBtQ5tGo-swL/s1600/34.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu49Yh6iQ7rnWyvBH8IdWpqU6QQBaipFMwQtHULJRIfFeSZX9XqRRlNk_BIDrycRxWiR701eGtiMoxC8eYmytbhzm6QsK0ITodXDyqZr9OEumpeXN4O5qRhMpuHUZPgsB4cBtQ5tGo-swL/s400/34.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5404700467215699058" border="0" /></a><br />The Old Town is probably one of my favourite area in Prague. This is the core of Prague's historical centre and is the place where many cultural and political events took place.<br />The main attraction for most people here is definitely medieval Astronomical Clock, which also has a chronometer and zodiac below it.<br /><br />As it nears the hour, literally hundreds of people would shuffle and gather infront of the clock waiting for the procession of the 12 apostles. At the strike of the hour, the clock starts to chime bringing even more ambience to the already lively town. Then you will notice two doors above the astronomical dial open. First one out is St.Paul who holds a sword in one hand and a book in another, followed by the rest of the apostles who make their appearance one at a time. There's a legend that the town council gouged out the eyes of the clock-maker after the completion to prevent him from ever producing anything as grand for another city. And he, the only one who understood the mechanics of the clock damaged it before he died. But ofcourse, the real history of this clock is not half as exciting.<br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: separate; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 14px; orphans: 2; text-align: center; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:11;" ><span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-align: left;"></span></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqt-M5Xv72-qS34BzFxKR0Qc_PSJBeDPI45yCwBICtVvaOhDtr9V2mazx3TdxzTapJlechV7cKFbMdV1tK-3TB4FwmXnk9QZ4wG1iPy19MVu4jCc5PRnkX-PpydoEcYafw9m3C4NK278ic/s1600/24.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqt-M5Xv72-qS34BzFxKR0Qc_PSJBeDPI45yCwBICtVvaOhDtr9V2mazx3TdxzTapJlechV7cKFbMdV1tK-3TB4FwmXnk9QZ4wG1iPy19MVu4jCc5PRnkX-PpydoEcYafw9m3C4NK278ic/s320/24.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5404699672526658274" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsO8l1JgTNG1_qpIlVYg6a0r1I7PHo70ikbnVXikPolR5Jarrf0vynV1pslANlLkPAJ1mi6OvMzCNXGEtS_ghurLjWlMQrdnzn8J-u5N2zDMCLV26zeJckRQcx9RHY-G7vpi8OGPTr3Noa/s1600/25.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsO8l1JgTNG1_qpIlVYg6a0r1I7PHo70ikbnVXikPolR5Jarrf0vynV1pslANlLkPAJ1mi6OvMzCNXGEtS_ghurLjWlMQrdnzn8J-u5N2zDMCLV26zeJckRQcx9RHY-G7vpi8OGPTr3Noa/s320/25.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5404699681237772018" border="0" /></a><br />Dont be expecting a magical display but instead be ready to be marveled by the square's amazing architecture every step you take.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjybKR72eRceBzKEyh04w1dB-f7E3UwI0Tjza5uOP13TNBp_Bm9a65t-bcRmUZw-BfrFM3W8G1UfmWc7SoYqk04HTfE0zXaM1W-jsflFIVykJHLB0_lxr93I-M3H6beJVkWheQMgiaJ7C8F/s1600/26.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjybKR72eRceBzKEyh04w1dB-f7E3UwI0Tjza5uOP13TNBp_Bm9a65t-bcRmUZw-BfrFM3W8G1UfmWc7SoYqk04HTfE0zXaM1W-jsflFIVykJHLB0_lxr93I-M3H6beJVkWheQMgiaJ7C8F/s400/26.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5404704003359356946" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPtHDgXVhGDYh016MeG5jYcVZ7SOi0wOr7k6xyAmJQdmQZdJ8ku07pTViIvxTj_hPxsZCbJ4ArdMcDHCRUuP8jRuktKWMtVZ4esrCRTkPOqyi61m7KHKx3HuWdg8YSwkkp79WNcSuuN6aZ/s1600/36.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 251px; height: 335px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPtHDgXVhGDYh016MeG5jYcVZ7SOi0wOr7k6xyAmJQdmQZdJ8ku07pTViIvxTj_hPxsZCbJ4ArdMcDHCRUuP8jRuktKWMtVZ4esrCRTkPOqyi61m7KHKx3HuWdg8YSwkkp79WNcSuuN6aZ/s400/36.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5404700476584872466" border="0" /></a><br />As we look around us, we realized that the square is circled by cafes, restaurants and shops. And what i really enjoyed here is the many lanes that surrounds it. With Boon's 'amazing' sense of direction, we had quite an adventure weaving our way through the maze.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcJwkjVB1PKmUcDkCp1lP7SVHLrlwNeXwbEqEUOkk9G8GoVMmOCOiG_E54gjCmMyv5hEB90CLIjaU09w7laGY33l1vScq2iiUiVjUvoOLFH9F6jkKkl9e0h0rX-ouT7o6AewXYBpZJDgJy/s1600/a.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcJwkjVB1PKmUcDkCp1lP7SVHLrlwNeXwbEqEUOkk9G8GoVMmOCOiG_E54gjCmMyv5hEB90CLIjaU09w7laGY33l1vScq2iiUiVjUvoOLFH9F6jkKkl9e0h0rX-ouT7o6AewXYBpZJDgJy/s320/a.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5404718509063932242" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJunPeDNRNwASXkWRDAA6ljH6uoCk6JxyntUNy0kZekfjz_heJHeTd2tbpi737jXEdf2S423RIi21xcOLTCf5cEbbb14vPOTJksg9LLLdkbwHE3HIUTnVArZ6NLOPmLAjnxiBD0EXAA6RN/s1600/44.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJunPeDNRNwASXkWRDAA6ljH6uoCk6JxyntUNy0kZekfjz_heJHeTd2tbpi737jXEdf2S423RIi21xcOLTCf5cEbbb14vPOTJksg9LLLdkbwHE3HIUTnVArZ6NLOPmLAjnxiBD0EXAA6RN/s320/44.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5404718239760325282" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfb3NFHbogS3N2KtRsbsBa3XdjxcQvEXnkuZ-0bfdeebH6UTJvg0SV8NZ3r79wDPDyljU97xgYcBsnlx2oIaJ9lunUgaWSU-6E0XbrIIFTdapo60-lWJbGIrIIFU5o7EL6rRimv79tKp-A/s1600/42.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfb3NFHbogS3N2KtRsbsBa3XdjxcQvEXnkuZ-0bfdeebH6UTJvg0SV8NZ3r79wDPDyljU97xgYcBsnlx2oIaJ9lunUgaWSU-6E0XbrIIFTdapo60-lWJbGIrIIFU5o7EL6rRimv79tKp-A/s320/42.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5404718229806574658" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVhY9tOm2lrqN9pJ2_lvTISJzpwHwM-4umYBGziOQxiBK4Ewr6q4kmE755BcUNg93kZK35VcTtaGX-A0PTVcaj8VMTQKsFdFWHZsuSnaW32Gii-jT0vDVi5dQA6u5aCfSYXOxiuv5eBFzp/s1600/43.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVhY9tOm2lrqN9pJ2_lvTISJzpwHwM-4umYBGziOQxiBK4Ewr6q4kmE755BcUNg93kZK35VcTtaGX-A0PTVcaj8VMTQKsFdFWHZsuSnaW32Gii-jT0vDVi5dQA6u5aCfSYXOxiuv5eBFzp/s320/43.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5404718235413350914" border="0" /></a><br />The Havel Market is one of the oldest markets in the city, dating back to 1232. If you're looking for souvenirs, this is the place to be. You will be able to find anything you could possibly want to buy for anyone back home, under one roof... horrid looking witch puppets, paintings, Czech crystals, wooden toys, Czech honey... and dont ask me why, but we ended up buying these Russian dolls on Karlova street.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL8k-lAkj8vC97I-7xKKImZeTfWAp412zCA7v_0lsGL28qfaCIadXJs34yP_8aqR-BbhccBrd8iV4wjiIuriUS_JXu_4MEH4-LnvnVU_SbWYbu_s3L_sbTtwXtnBUmYxCd73vPp-Csv1kB/s1600/21.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL8k-lAkj8vC97I-7xKKImZeTfWAp412zCA7v_0lsGL28qfaCIadXJs34yP_8aqR-BbhccBrd8iV4wjiIuriUS_JXu_4MEH4-LnvnVU_SbWYbu_s3L_sbTtwXtnBUmYxCd73vPp-Csv1kB/s320/21.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5404725424742970242" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLmqXCa6vB_Yadwibw0mJPBdybUZaIM6jhLN_PzmBXd_k1iqGuLprKdMSJn02Q1v2vJkqZIPbwL7MElrRgm4n2kQbMirN5e0LiYvB74JJM1Ly85xOyNAzvDt9HVLhf2yuVL7fmsbawwUMi/s1600/72.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLmqXCa6vB_Yadwibw0mJPBdybUZaIM6jhLN_PzmBXd_k1iqGuLprKdMSJn02Q1v2vJkqZIPbwL7MElrRgm4n2kQbMirN5e0LiYvB74JJM1Ly85xOyNAzvDt9HVLhf2yuVL7fmsbawwUMi/s400/72.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5404729551667247714" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi84RVP4fp3cWSwIJo9ueyS_3fDrxyXtMP8iUhWQMs03Quw4tURmIWt64WLALJSMSxHoTmZFjP3D4h0YNmiv-3ja37kiJGwvce-FCqpJ3241QoqHaC77FHXMiuouRtLk-HqkMa6dTSIMUQZ/s1600/57.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi84RVP4fp3cWSwIJo9ueyS_3fDrxyXtMP8iUhWQMs03Quw4tURmIWt64WLALJSMSxHoTmZFjP3D4h0YNmiv-3ja37kiJGwvce-FCqpJ3241QoqHaC77FHXMiuouRtLk-HqkMa6dTSIMUQZ/s400/57.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5404727903338051810" border="0" /></a><br />The black light theatre is probably something you will want to check out although unfortunately we didnt have time to fit it in. It is unique and said to be invented in Prague. It features a mixture of mime, ballet, modern dance, puppets and light effects that <a href="http://pandachu.blogspot.com/">Jess</a> raves about.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_c6ER1bKuQs3i3iRWMok3uN75_rXY0fBlAtOvvY2h9hok2fgzkhJ_2O1G4TWlYLR0CofchzHRUaeumCzXdOsG7cDSlcmS9LK8UFa_cNN1eNNMRyzo5xFzNA024vzfwqecksQVuXAdNy77/s1600/19.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_c6ER1bKuQs3i3iRWMok3uN75_rXY0fBlAtOvvY2h9hok2fgzkhJ_2O1G4TWlYLR0CofchzHRUaeumCzXdOsG7cDSlcmS9LK8UFa_cNN1eNNMRyzo5xFzNA024vzfwqecksQVuXAdNy77/s400/19.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5404729540531513378" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU5Cu_BVD48mMgepP6uHMOBF2yuuecI9EUn7XqiNfEdxPK99MRKXqPo8K2GxKPcdcZYB_xqM13-5CWWItCuxPxcPDu1m86dISb_IGw1kSz8Ep4fc8OCfQk3xqn_FKT6ZD01cSGeh39CaRS/s1600/b.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 246px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU5Cu_BVD48mMgepP6uHMOBF2yuuecI9EUn7XqiNfEdxPK99MRKXqPo8K2GxKPcdcZYB_xqM13-5CWWItCuxPxcPDu1m86dISb_IGw1kSz8Ep4fc8OCfQk3xqn_FKT6ZD01cSGeh39CaRS/s400/b.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5404729554328629074" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHSMIwmx7fqal-qrpdag7RQq8uYW0TqYLHhF4s3KsI3vzQZiKloG7SP3YP19-z1C8SVQz80jVZhenpFctopqGRpiVTozMtOJq9Lm9Gk6ETff3Uf2ShmAUMGXolFbdSAcmAvhZGww1H1VKY/s1600/c.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 184px; height: 246px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHSMIwmx7fqal-qrpdag7RQq8uYW0TqYLHhF4s3KsI3vzQZiKloG7SP3YP19-z1C8SVQz80jVZhenpFctopqGRpiVTozMtOJq9Lm9Gk6ETff3Uf2ShmAUMGXolFbdSAcmAvhZGww1H1VKY/s400/c.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5404730972975157858" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid5cYFLPDkMQrVYiS2AlGfeL55lwxybC6z76bYHE2N7jn28NG-Tm-fh6H-FMU1xl6CipXAZUvpN5EXjImyJ4F8IE78lD2TAtT99hauBfiQYwPHlR_9-HJunW5f3v1COETJIJ3rMN5FKXUw/s1600/47.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid5cYFLPDkMQrVYiS2AlGfeL55lwxybC6z76bYHE2N7jn28NG-Tm-fh6H-FMU1xl6CipXAZUvpN5EXjImyJ4F8IE78lD2TAtT99hauBfiQYwPHlR_9-HJunW5f3v1COETJIJ3rMN5FKXUw/s400/47.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5404729546045857746" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQFj572YiujWmsHNmjsATgX2pUnu8XrDBw4ouBlAGdeXdwc2-M0xGPHZtaVsdCY879CPepduhtWteBYADS94h4ClZmOxZdzIsNFTy57VWm7PfuVfLAPLXZhYIAtIRoLFr5IzrubqU23p5S/s1600/50.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQFj572YiujWmsHNmjsATgX2pUnu8XrDBw4ouBlAGdeXdwc2-M0xGPHZtaVsdCY879CPepduhtWteBYADS94h4ClZmOxZdzIsNFTy57VWm7PfuVfLAPLXZhYIAtIRoLFr5IzrubqU23p5S/s400/50.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5404730979475017026" border="0" /></a><br />This is Wenceslas Square, where we stayed. It actually resembles a shorter version of Champs Elysees in Paris. Around this area, you will find sausage fests on almost every corner.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw7qFBU6QhVr4eK9KZuviwP2mU4kLNl43UCKxUWFG-7w7C85cvzs-jTsjdUULK3X3iLbXYB37v41pIqj4Zt05Fa-6nyEVVbmEbMJwstYM6918NPXv70psuujpgWEdWKuy-8Vm85g0bIkvi/s1600/46.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw7qFBU6QhVr4eK9KZuviwP2mU4kLNl43UCKxUWFG-7w7C85cvzs-jTsjdUULK3X3iLbXYB37v41pIqj4Zt05Fa-6nyEVVbmEbMJwstYM6918NPXv70psuujpgWEdWKuy-8Vm85g0bIkvi/s400/46.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5404727438736853634" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZrNp8LS8NgEDVQcVp9gWIo20xF8AOZwUQ_BwKMmjrsB-jn3eQOO8b7Idx95AgCimzF3vjZ4_Ml_SC7YnTKivJTel3xtIax29iIoCLa1c9-TDZh8qQhciEYTOTOM9Q2h7cwW8w0Mxxsz7i/s1600/0a.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZrNp8LS8NgEDVQcVp9gWIo20xF8AOZwUQ_BwKMmjrsB-jn3eQOO8b7Idx95AgCimzF3vjZ4_Ml_SC7YnTKivJTel3xtIax29iIoCLa1c9-TDZh8qQhciEYTOTOM9Q2h7cwW8w0Mxxsz7i/s400/0a.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5404730989995787250" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU6BDTLmz77basyI-htiBEU4qXPrNxGp_xkmKwQkyO_IAXqI_lSyx0_XyKeOMZdHtEIudQBeXb-OpplKvLNeBhFm3Xl1AyfO_uVK64HQSb_IrRnSLs6B-qMRcd9WOyaAn3zMyNxva3GJSt/s1600/61.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU6BDTLmz77basyI-htiBEU4qXPrNxGp_xkmKwQkyO_IAXqI_lSyx0_XyKeOMZdHtEIudQBeXb-OpplKvLNeBhFm3Xl1AyfO_uVK64HQSb_IrRnSLs6B-qMRcd9WOyaAn3zMyNxva3GJSt/s400/61.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5404730986662238578" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg90zqEDVAALB3Z7pwqU6de4cL1TJf1ZzPWJtltKZfYb-WVF6o4fx0o7OTJhiCp9t24Rbyw5ixODUpu1fmjfPDYuoFwse2et8crL6LS198ZWIvwZTHurNw5LiazSTUYvZkebvx-Oo-7P5AT/s1600/60.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 82px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg90zqEDVAALB3Z7pwqU6de4cL1TJf1ZzPWJtltKZfYb-WVF6o4fx0o7OTJhiCp9t24Rbyw5ixODUpu1fmjfPDYuoFwse2et8crL6LS198ZWIvwZTHurNw5LiazSTUYvZkebvx-Oo-7P5AT/s400/60.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5404732080804774066" border="0" /></a>A 180 view of Old Town Square. I absolutely love the look and feel of this place at night.<br /><br /></div></div></div>Leehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05923827937717561860noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2470825799501676113.post-24723675858457602742009-08-25T16:16:00.013+08:002009-08-25T23:23:48.999+08:00Cesky Krumlov's State Castle<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi97dUxbPPru_dJN0d-yLjminEoS8Mws5PtgrNoTTKCzT3hssLRY0C3s5s_EncxYOQwpPtzNPq1SCpLcoY7nGP16DiV6zO0jWvuT2DMM7oAlB8jdU2Yz9Hzjbp8328qwyKjnJAxy55XlrW-/s1600-h/blog2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 229px; height: 302px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi97dUxbPPru_dJN0d-yLjminEoS8Mws5PtgrNoTTKCzT3hssLRY0C3s5s_EncxYOQwpPtzNPq1SCpLcoY7nGP16DiV6zO0jWvuT2DMM7oAlB8jdU2Yz9Hzjbp8328qwyKjnJAxy55XlrW-/s400/blog2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5373905520408331234" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQewKJ2WA8TdGF2fwR_RG_0NDqw8v_lPEofdn64JFfElyWamFgRFGYCc5L2sWkFb6YOcmG57tnG9AETeXW22KhQivEVqqX2b33Jp0kWMWV535gMgS1epKt9L2BsxvMJbSiNa-ON8158mMN/s1600-h/blog4.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 302px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQewKJ2WA8TdGF2fwR_RG_0NDqw8v_lPEofdn64JFfElyWamFgRFGYCc5L2sWkFb6YOcmG57tnG9AETeXW22KhQivEVqqX2b33Jp0kWMWV535gMgS1epKt9L2BsxvMJbSiNa-ON8158mMN/s400/blog4.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5373905973292048482" border="0" /></a><br />The state castle of Cesky Krumlov is about 15minutes walk away from the town hall centre. This castle is by far the most picturesque and colourful castle i've seen. It is grounded on top of a 'peninsula' which has been sculpted by the Vltava river. Once you walked towards the Castle Park, you will come across a splendid view of a part of the town.<br /><br />There are hair-raising tales and legends of the castle grounds that i'm glad i do not know of, and come to think of it, i really wouldnt have the guts to walk that side of town at night.<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/womaninawetsuit/3855382851/" title="blog6 by L33 :), on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2517/3855382851_c3731467ca_b.jpg" alt="blog6" width="700" height="209" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">Breathtaking view from the castle grounds</span><br /><br />In 1992, the entire castle complex was included in the list of UNESCO World Cultural Heritage monuments.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjz89q0xNVyot3W4zy_eK0RNR-FJS2IX5CGaFtjd-Idtfb12nAmKpdHfkCjWnbdZtM0BOl1gjaoR2EBhSeL3o2n4QDiiVVR4lS42IgsS0w6q8HWG6h1Ve61lAx5yl1NvsnQPXTx6FDuADu/s1600-h/blog1"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 302px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjz89q0xNVyot3W4zy_eK0RNR-FJS2IX5CGaFtjd-Idtfb12nAmKpdHfkCjWnbdZtM0BOl1gjaoR2EBhSeL3o2n4QDiiVVR4lS42IgsS0w6q8HWG6h1Ve61lAx5yl1NvsnQPXTx6FDuADu/s400/blog1" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5373907389968287938" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO9QPmXML6lJD-d8Y2dywrn4n22lmS-DRA0Z1f_0C53DcbNu84IW5d8wdafjGisypzNJnAw0yXoaqQY6HVi54p2_lRfmLZryTr3JB9xCS5A4zPVyws9sZf4GqYGVY11veHk2vUo8aSs-cS/s1600-h/blog9.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 302px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO9QPmXML6lJD-d8Y2dywrn4n22lmS-DRA0Z1f_0C53DcbNu84IW5d8wdafjGisypzNJnAw0yXoaqQY6HVi54p2_lRfmLZryTr3JB9xCS5A4zPVyws9sZf4GqYGVY11veHk2vUo8aSs-cS/s400/blog9.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5373907411361890882" border="0" /></a><br />.<span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Resident bears</span>.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJo04gdszSeg9dOvzgc0G_6h1Thn1T5FpMWrRuY-sdQnbheLl0nH0f1ezyc0p6iqkQ8UhvsB2cBXa37GUEbN4e3aTpNqLGXJc2jjSGA-4pp6W3gKpC3WIjDh4yPQUkUOv8YbRPjZ_ZUiPb/s1600-h/blog8.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 317px; height: 239px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJo04gdszSeg9dOvzgc0G_6h1Thn1T5FpMWrRuY-sdQnbheLl0nH0f1ezyc0p6iqkQ8UhvsB2cBXa37GUEbN4e3aTpNqLGXJc2jjSGA-4pp6W3gKpC3WIjDh4yPQUkUOv8YbRPjZ_ZUiPb/s400/blog8.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5373907400987710530" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2_gtersMZmodSw31kV3XxcnoXZrK8W3VF46AS0-DS_l7_-t3O6F9hZje7HprJhJaoKHuyIn_3k85_t-V9shXZaFFqZagq1d-rUWo9sxrGhiRDmDkqso0ar9bNQxu9_HUxOlvlbu-R7QZ_/s1600-h/blog7.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 316px; height: 238px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2_gtersMZmodSw31kV3XxcnoXZrK8W3VF46AS0-DS_l7_-t3O6F9hZje7HprJhJaoKHuyIn_3k85_t-V9shXZaFFqZagq1d-rUWo9sxrGhiRDmDkqso0ar9bNQxu9_HUxOlvlbu-R7QZ_/s400/blog7.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5373907396280665826" border="0" /></a><br />Once we've entered the castle complex, i went berserk. I was deliriously happy from the pure sight of SNOW! even after a few snowball attacks.<br /><br />Coming into my late late twenties, i've finally had the chance to build a snowman. It's a he, and he's a hunk.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/womaninawetsuit/3856169076/" title="blog5 by L33 :), on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2467/3856169076_d96fcececa_o.jpg" alt="blog5" width="680" height="180" /></a></div>Leehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05923827937717561860noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2470825799501676113.post-35364773903054351762009-08-23T13:09:00.009+08:002009-08-24T15:23:42.548+08:00Food in Cesky KrumlovAll things quiet except for the clopping of our shoes on the cobbled streets, we stumbled upon this quaint restaurant called <span style="font-weight: bold;">Svejk</span>, at Latran.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivUhVfS7Tj3FtuugaUif0v4F13KjapmDguG_it-Z5FMurYku_ftewAS7T3I2FTT78vTc8ga-727T0euz8BIKgppidgSHjoUtkXI1g-BG5GSwkcoSNKuhwjtaoEdzyIRS8FSh5-QM0LbEYj/s1600-h/blog18.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 302px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivUhVfS7Tj3FtuugaUif0v4F13KjapmDguG_it-Z5FMurYku_ftewAS7T3I2FTT78vTc8ga-727T0euz8BIKgppidgSHjoUtkXI1g-BG5GSwkcoSNKuhwjtaoEdzyIRS8FSh5-QM0LbEYj/s400/blog18.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5373039596267247058" border="0" /></a><br />Josef Svejk is a character of a novel, The Good Soldier Svejk, by Jaroslav Hasek. It is a novel inspired by the author's participation in the 91st Infantry Regiment of the Austro-Hungarian Army during World War I. It is said that this novel depicts comical episodes of anti-war messages; illustrating the pointlessness and futility of conflict in which fifteen million people died.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxHevi6bAkFWsq_qu6xfOrMTI25yhC9QVW7vytVslP0UaNVMZtowY80tGOVGl1cLFgBo-oFbfpbFtWM22wUMyeKzRDT0iJrfOkxfwoxBKtQZuaAC7t1H69M8yqgJEUyMHZtEuprKlqEQLU/s1600-h/blog19.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 424px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxHevi6bAkFWsq_qu6xfOrMTI25yhC9QVW7vytVslP0UaNVMZtowY80tGOVGl1cLFgBo-oFbfpbFtWM22wUMyeKzRDT0iJrfOkxfwoxBKtQZuaAC7t1H69M8yqgJEUyMHZtEuprKlqEQLU/s400/blog19.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5373039604739007266" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaQlObVJReHLPoFngfZtQI_rFWfg8M_f5uJXw_u86M7eZkAB49Pd-nJYGyRKXdd0IWyErqrirZ8zDrgfinat-txT0U_v8ciN9unB0VhPqsGc5eGLS3OigQoX06QuZsgVAAzyGtUoHuvb8y/s1600-h/blog20.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 203px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaQlObVJReHLPoFngfZtQI_rFWfg8M_f5uJXw_u86M7eZkAB49Pd-nJYGyRKXdd0IWyErqrirZ8zDrgfinat-txT0U_v8ciN9unB0VhPqsGc5eGLS3OigQoX06QuZsgVAAzyGtUoHuvb8y/s320/blog20.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5373042699903743154" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br />Fully ignorant of what history rested on this restaurant then, we were more interested with the menu. We loved the potato with mushrooms and bacon so much, we actually attempted our own version when we returned home.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYCI6AKK9_AzqeB-M6jejr1CDr40viIxovP54f0wAhSZ2lFLSvX2lucMCR2Ibua_wGpwpvwTIPAsHQyuSebRD71nANRoz3khw82hLDdbx8Y5rjCR7Sx9SEiyZqOuNoJ_LA-LK04SO7Bmka/s1600-h/blog1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 242px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYCI6AKK9_AzqeB-M6jejr1CDr40viIxovP54f0wAhSZ2lFLSvX2lucMCR2Ibua_wGpwpvwTIPAsHQyuSebRD71nANRoz3khw82hLDdbx8Y5rjCR7Sx9SEiyZqOuNoJ_LA-LK04SO7Bmka/s320/blog1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5373414111488534274" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6Z_TjJy6W2_lkhvfyvQk0QvETZTtbQQayx5plO62oo2GypehWDmSz79ZxOWHw8y1G-zc2yBosWT1D2J-nFi4RHaHgvsjtFs1yzym5utDuuMvgxkOnfGvDSB1OMAjb4VTBnMWIHtiAxbUH/s1600-h/blog4.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 242px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6Z_TjJy6W2_lkhvfyvQk0QvETZTtbQQayx5plO62oo2GypehWDmSz79ZxOWHw8y1G-zc2yBosWT1D2J-nFi4RHaHgvsjtFs1yzym5utDuuMvgxkOnfGvDSB1OMAjb4VTBnMWIHtiAxbUH/s320/blog4.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5373427059634751010" border="0" /></a><br /></div><br />Another interesting and popular dessert in Czech is Trdelnik, which we didnt have room left in our tummy to try. It's a sweet pastry made from rolled dough, wrapped around a wooden stick, baked over open fire and topped with sugar and walnut mix.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0qROErjLfTwGLd5wW_9mXRdx7q_hFzI7Ww96LsIoV308SU6sAyHF0ZYaz-0uESiq9NOVt8E_DIwY9slAeFJXk8rbG-i4R7owQjaHhP6IBIzwnXZF0v-7s89sSkBb_X89z0_ClDaCKoqvH/s1600-h/blog2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 242px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0qROErjLfTwGLd5wW_9mXRdx7q_hFzI7Ww96LsIoV308SU6sAyHF0ZYaz-0uESiq9NOVt8E_DIwY9slAeFJXk8rbG-i4R7owQjaHhP6IBIzwnXZF0v-7s89sSkBb_X89z0_ClDaCKoqvH/s320/blog2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5373416404402519282" border="0" /></a><br /></div></div>Leehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05923827937717561860noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2470825799501676113.post-18897565782590464392009-08-10T15:31:00.016+08:002009-08-25T22:41:09.297+08:00Cesky KrumlovHere's a whimsical town we covered in our Europe stint: Cesky Krumlov in Czech Republic.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYzT5NurY_0Z8-aw3AMpmbGTTmN__gkW4tX2su1pJ3F5BHpwZMrkEBcXBApS0_GegCYg31M4oNCqhbizbWhoREvVBk51NyHPUNKJhKZ2Plim77pEvsDo_mLfsETjBgWtxuP66XUlkW8Am1/s1600-h/blog1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 302px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYzT5NurY_0Z8-aw3AMpmbGTTmN__gkW4tX2su1pJ3F5BHpwZMrkEBcXBApS0_GegCYg31M4oNCqhbizbWhoREvVBk51NyHPUNKJhKZ2Plim77pEvsDo_mLfsETjBgWtxuP66XUlkW8Am1/s400/blog1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5366443553048992034" border="0" /></a><br />We had a boo-boo moment traveling to this town. On arrival in Amsterdam at the beginning of our trip, we purchased what we thought were bus tickets to Cesky. And much to our horror when we arrived at the bus station, we were told the tickets we have on hand are train tickets. The stress is utterly damning esp. when you're luggin' a giant suitcase in the snow. Alas, we bought tickets from a blind guy ... just in time.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">As we got closer to the town, it got whiter and whiter..<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRa5_YFBERrnKdSubPS-12YFaEpwy-ORutjk3XLj4cEmrDQP7kRsw0JD-iTzYy30MI-hbf6WvcGrwDf870ce_unsT7-CHA5FzdMqrdVwGL1eHROd0pfo-1e7gM11dblsUHSDdR7UYxwC8i/s1600-h/blog2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 302px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRa5_YFBERrnKdSubPS-12YFaEpwy-ORutjk3XLj4cEmrDQP7kRsw0JD-iTzYy30MI-hbf6WvcGrwDf870ce_unsT7-CHA5FzdMqrdVwGL1eHROd0pfo-1e7gM11dblsUHSDdR7UYxwC8i/s400/blog2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5366460456777076786" border="0" /></a>Cesky Krumlov is a small city in the South Bohemian Region of the Czech Republic. When we were choosing among the many places in Europe, Boonboon set his mind on Cesky when i told him it's a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Amazingly, it was also ranked 16th of the top 100 historic destination around the world in 2008.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0XzS8jJP6cc5gIybB7gEYRKe0qXDVsNelLfKS4nIvukDCSIT_7l-YrSez3MCIcU6vITmvq7r95wQ7GThi9h84d1z0pD-XOwyA3FxMFKWomRGE9V4QxzvKkQeSXZh0OnQfdQsdeXhdfVLO/s1600-h/8-10-2009+3-43-19+PM.png"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 299px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0XzS8jJP6cc5gIybB7gEYRKe0qXDVsNelLfKS4nIvukDCSIT_7l-YrSez3MCIcU6vITmvq7r95wQ7GThi9h84d1z0pD-XOwyA3FxMFKWomRGE9V4QxzvKkQeSXZh0OnQfdQsdeXhdfVLO/s400/8-10-2009+3-43-19+PM.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5368237724306561762" border="0" /></a>Also, "UNESCO rated it so highly that it featured second in importance on their World Heritage list behind Venice, and with good reason. Cesky Krumlov was badly damaged by the floods a few years ago, but it is now largely back to its best. This sleepy town curls around the Vltava river in a swish of churches, old town houses and a picture-postcard-perfect castle, which hangs high above the scene."<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghluo9KWzrBqMBFA09AHmne6lm8hu3nDiZAm3mOLicNhVx9rjuAvUdhGEsHV9xCupWwxr95VGCtGEK9o6mlhhWbombjgREIG__x2-SOK0d02ETI9FSQc5h4tTFQH0Do0BHKmXkTBCa8lO9/s1600-h/blog10.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 242px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghluo9KWzrBqMBFA09AHmne6lm8hu3nDiZAm3mOLicNhVx9rjuAvUdhGEsHV9xCupWwxr95VGCtGEK9o6mlhhWbombjgREIG__x2-SOK0d02ETI9FSQc5h4tTFQH0Do0BHKmXkTBCa8lO9/s320/blog10.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5368245045923186050" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLtr7kjBxtgiAql1oyBrDBVnSNVClVmy4HNLxlCoLrraFNO39jhKT7QtT70vma8mLnOCl0iTP1kCIyh1mEvrJHAkEBAACx6UsNH35YYvHJYZwrK7wV7yb9wCfzYt4QftM4Lxy334APoI4J/s1600-h/blog12.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 242px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLtr7kjBxtgiAql1oyBrDBVnSNVClVmy4HNLxlCoLrraFNO39jhKT7QtT70vma8mLnOCl0iTP1kCIyh1mEvrJHAkEBAACx6UsNH35YYvHJYZwrK7wV7yb9wCfzYt4QftM4Lxy334APoI4J/s320/blog12.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5368245057944170770" border="0" /></a></div></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRp4y_4nVYcuv9J3f69hQIJGbDD2VNvtBgMM0U9H5cdRYOqLu7G8b7CiTeJSYNTLHE0gpQnMtw8J0qnQq7eHpvJ7U6dSkaXeY4FDaVxlRRZO6zd7OT7QQgAsBwminQQFA_4BAAzSvdZh-w/s1600-h/blog13.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 242px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRp4y_4nVYcuv9J3f69hQIJGbDD2VNvtBgMM0U9H5cdRYOqLu7G8b7CiTeJSYNTLHE0gpQnMtw8J0qnQq7eHpvJ7U6dSkaXeY4FDaVxlRRZO6zd7OT7QQgAsBwminQQFA_4BAAzSvdZh-w/s320/blog13.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5368245887028751922" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsV3yRJvH43unyj_Eh585uyirUml5hGedosV3IO_Ted0R53uHIZffvIHW_xvqvjF1EajH64eDKn8qXRd33be8qWhocgJMU3BQR5F9VR66WLT9hARsg8MIpO6rij5vRig1M6JK8-KrTM0O0/s1600-h/blog14.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 184px; height: 242px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsV3yRJvH43unyj_Eh585uyirUml5hGedosV3IO_Ted0R53uHIZffvIHW_xvqvjF1EajH64eDKn8qXRd33be8qWhocgJMU3BQR5F9VR66WLT9hARsg8MIpO6rij5vRig1M6JK8-KrTM0O0/s320/blog14.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5368245893602675730" border="0" /></a><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk0LZNjj0i0MY8sFOTnpl3XeGQoI_HeAvyT8UlQutVkPf_hWvzhy_3Nj9FHmwmuchVnAjihXpCxFgKJwHVyhlHCz6qGPBfSod_4uwBF7ioKfQCU62IKFFo81a_OjN-oAeMyQtPL-r7FhAh/s1600-h/blog17.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 302px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk0LZNjj0i0MY8sFOTnpl3XeGQoI_HeAvyT8UlQutVkPf_hWvzhy_3Nj9FHmwmuchVnAjihXpCxFgKJwHVyhlHCz6qGPBfSod_4uwBF7ioKfQCU62IKFFo81a_OjN-oAeMyQtPL-r7FhAh/s400/blog17.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5368247414946187698" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxnkQRewdQpp-6PUr3Jia7lFGHuVh51KRDStXNwRMQJesXQ2XIyPag2f-MW4zYIfXtjMEZez9imCDejnRGTRubeG9Xt-xYuVqVrHng59-oyD2RLOPGBimB2neZLaV8nq3HC5WpWO_jPeIH/s1600-h/blog15.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 229px; height: 302px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxnkQRewdQpp-6PUr3Jia7lFGHuVh51KRDStXNwRMQJesXQ2XIyPag2f-MW4zYIfXtjMEZez9imCDejnRGTRubeG9Xt-xYuVqVrHng59-oyD2RLOPGBimB2neZLaV8nq3HC5WpWO_jPeIH/s400/blog15.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5368246932611595554" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiC4iCxzxvYclgHigffemuuvj6OgeHQy2C1X_19pN62V2dXZYyPxfCdloQo3__WTsOfU3rk0x7r_fNqeIK5Xs0gnNENBIaVBIJqIW5elO3b0Qo42Ga8N1CD7z34303VEK0SIU_f14RDq-e/s1600-h/blog6.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 242px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiC4iCxzxvYclgHigffemuuvj6OgeHQy2C1X_19pN62V2dXZYyPxfCdloQo3__WTsOfU3rk0x7r_fNqeIK5Xs0gnNENBIaVBIJqIW5elO3b0Qo42Ga8N1CD7z34303VEK0SIU_f14RDq-e/s320/blog6.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5373815837393763090" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh79FK8eThDIjV6pBz6be-JpvnINZ8GIAtDdT9ZqNQZ7EY-w7VqXCennc-Iz8MBGA-5G25Ob9wJ74oTsudZwJX8OwW6NhEFIc4jS9yv6S7XL0ilx_mqEnZDgsRXoxmIDrsIvXO4HGAY0CqU/s1600-h/blog7.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 242px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh79FK8eThDIjV6pBz6be-JpvnINZ8GIAtDdT9ZqNQZ7EY-w7VqXCennc-Iz8MBGA-5G25Ob9wJ74oTsudZwJX8OwW6NhEFIc4jS9yv6S7XL0ilx_mqEnZDgsRXoxmIDrsIvXO4HGAY0CqU/s320/blog7.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5373815846185401650" border="0" /></a><br /><br /></div>This place is one of the highlights of our trip. The architecture of the old town and castle dates from the 14th through 17th centuries, mostly in Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque styles. It is so so beautiful, and unbelievably magical. It looks like a town out of a cartoony fairytale. You just have to see for yourself =)<br /></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfLYNl8wuYBGiKNUzQvmcqU5NPzBjaQ9JUV5vEWKjeHST7CkbbI4lksrTzk43TaXEBEI5sCJP-7lfTmdDNMmyyytA_5IjjFQAyMT1tNpAge5cCA36KBjwA0zZX8KAswUe8eMfdXA4Fumix/s1600-h/blog9.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 210px; height: 277px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfLYNl8wuYBGiKNUzQvmcqU5NPzBjaQ9JUV5vEWKjeHST7CkbbI4lksrTzk43TaXEBEI5sCJP-7lfTmdDNMmyyytA_5IjjFQAyMT1tNpAge5cCA36KBjwA0zZX8KAswUe8eMfdXA4Fumix/s320/blog9.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5368243263002812674" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBl-3tbBGeMqboCfMb-Pbf6sJfBOqILcXD1cUbYJ5TTrZHHzi3pdYjqdJWod08BK6DL0iIaLb9OnSsvBUfQ89OX1T5wtTNLlrv_cX6ajLfKP5t87ns8joWrbZbkUU20cA4fKi8pmC3Vws1/s1600-h/blog7.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 210px; height: 278px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBl-3tbBGeMqboCfMb-Pbf6sJfBOqILcXD1cUbYJ5TTrZHHzi3pdYjqdJWod08BK6DL0iIaLb9OnSsvBUfQ89OX1T5wtTNLlrv_cX6ajLfKP5t87ns8joWrbZbkUU20cA4fKi8pmC3Vws1/s320/blog7.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5368243048613936914" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2p8Owj3RudaAsBbaRDfsnpNDykBhzSKopZWF1aFj7AH8Mvpgl2vGaQE57ka21LisTgzsW_IJrYvyF0FnuQJBdopxYapkZSM7ubPdZ7vpOEFkL37KU4zBzwlpdPMueBCfYHoI8v4iF7WvK/s1600-h/blog6.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 210px; height: 278px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2p8Owj3RudaAsBbaRDfsnpNDykBhzSKopZWF1aFj7AH8Mvpgl2vGaQE57ka21LisTgzsW_IJrYvyF0FnuQJBdopxYapkZSM7ubPdZ7vpOEFkL37KU4zBzwlpdPMueBCfYHoI8v4iF7WvK/s320/blog6.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5368243042236337730" border="0" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0tnMHq4Xx72Cq1AhUHXMN7a_6mbP6IFGIMiK8NU8eg84sSxqbIcUM9n0A_cZcf77ADzWZcg1m2XhDMawQe9uxZiN0yJo_TDMZw0u4aLwkuECtf7GWgaU41GRJSIbSxSgKtyHcuDGtevDf/s1600-h/blog8.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 250px; height: 190px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0tnMHq4Xx72Cq1AhUHXMN7a_6mbP6IFGIMiK8NU8eg84sSxqbIcUM9n0A_cZcf77ADzWZcg1m2XhDMawQe9uxZiN0yJo_TDMZw0u4aLwkuECtf7GWgaU41GRJSIbSxSgKtyHcuDGtevDf/s320/blog8.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5368243054137685714" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcahfOyuasRVahtKwt9eRwLGgsVuqe8ipuaKKJqwSvHU5Gg4i9fyS5c532EPPEizsg6lh-1yZ0w8fGdJKG9gSQZVfQbE-Z01LjB79jivmLg-EXDoH2crrR0kvOE3oygR31I8pEZDQxPEBn/s1600-h/blog5.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 250px; height: 189px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcahfOyuasRVahtKwt9eRwLGgsVuqe8ipuaKKJqwSvHU5Gg4i9fyS5c532EPPEizsg6lh-1yZ0w8fGdJKG9gSQZVfQbE-Z01LjB79jivmLg-EXDoH2crrR0kvOE3oygR31I8pEZDQxPEBn/s320/blog5.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5368243034486750802" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZDisc-bDvnJPPAXwrUxBNM2MP0gDgrJhG_-1kyGjJjFKCeyRIo0ljqkTC6e-mS9KuZq8e6yuXZhzgz8kmfTjtfTpg9BIXPLrwMCVUZ9Jsmtm_Ut14MMAoxSz9Edrmr_RAwVJ7kn1Y8rtD/s1600-h/blog4.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 143px; height: 190px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZDisc-bDvnJPPAXwrUxBNM2MP0gDgrJhG_-1kyGjJjFKCeyRIo0ljqkTC6e-mS9KuZq8e6yuXZhzgz8kmfTjtfTpg9BIXPLrwMCVUZ9Jsmtm_Ut14MMAoxSz9Edrmr_RAwVJ7kn1Y8rtD/s320/blog4.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5368243030646211586" border="0" /></a><br /></div>The town was very deserted except for a handful of tourists, probably due to the fact that it's winter or simply because it happened to be a Sunday! Most shops were closed, but it's quite an experience browsing their shop fronts. Their door flaps and window sills are all decorated to wow the young at heart.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz3FjCD_FrYnPxFEXKGpf2IltNryZF7vFDZ8nmbcpld6FxuIillpjNXYRUexS7mKQM5hd__tINOPj7ofQu57YpAn9gGKGIQ5rDsvU3nbx0pTioic8J-Eda1Pk-Fhb0U32IkXxvjxbG8UAn/s1600-h/blog1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 302px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz3FjCD_FrYnPxFEXKGpf2IltNryZF7vFDZ8nmbcpld6FxuIillpjNXYRUexS7mKQM5hd__tINOPj7ofQu57YpAn9gGKGIQ5rDsvU3nbx0pTioic8J-Eda1Pk-Fhb0U32IkXxvjxbG8UAn/s400/blog1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5373909234293451970" border="0" /></a><br />By night, the town is extremely spooky and almost pitch black, barely lit up by old-fashioned street lamps every few metres.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJUfHh7kRmDlIiveoKhj0D-1Kmy-_AA5i9L3as85piALSlxZHPfSQs98PSBgnpznoFTOG5QIvgeLsXZV8KFIVi74pl-8ETqTsvUQmhyerfKqjpDyjvSpfleKK_5-w1GjR0KWmBo91H2yIZ/s1600-h/blog2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 302px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJUfHh7kRmDlIiveoKhj0D-1Kmy-_AA5i9L3as85piALSlxZHPfSQs98PSBgnpznoFTOG5QIvgeLsXZV8KFIVi74pl-8ETqTsvUQmhyerfKqjpDyjvSpfleKK_5-w1GjR0KWmBo91H2yIZ/s400/blog2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5373909236686920146" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0A7kqEbXipX6exj0gdJptffLxpBMbl90Ww5vt5RxsHrsHie__OBJDRdQlIxWXTAbQWdhtdD1PjuDiHvLYjVm73B5Bwdh73MKSOaDHR_iSZe9UbKHYcKxQ4T0YKi3_PVWviW8hyphenhyphenQP-HbSW/s1600-h/blog3.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 302px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0A7kqEbXipX6exj0gdJptffLxpBMbl90Ww5vt5RxsHrsHie__OBJDRdQlIxWXTAbQWdhtdD1PjuDiHvLYjVm73B5Bwdh73MKSOaDHR_iSZe9UbKHYcKxQ4T0YKi3_PVWviW8hyphenhyphenQP-HbSW/s400/blog3.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5373909243440719650" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">.The brave ones on a ghost trail tour.</span><br /></div><br />I would definitely recommend making a stop at Cesky Krumlov for a day, if it is in the path of your destinations. And especially during winter. =)Leehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05923827937717561860noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2470825799501676113.post-80124394794053409472009-07-24T01:29:00.012+08:002009-07-24T03:02:40.315+08:00Madurodam, Hague<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFPrZPjPESscSWuOnDWAfIvIvMQHt_Z-wYWJQVW1nzQ2GZLsxunDZxVIfwOgtYdpch-W2kw-oQdUMJXLWuX9Jps85furGZPrglA9o_T18jdrHnZcsDmn3S2DRaj-Ok_Mj2OwsF3jJnpU4m/s1600-h/blog10.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFPrZPjPESscSWuOnDWAfIvIvMQHt_Z-wYWJQVW1nzQ2GZLsxunDZxVIfwOgtYdpch-W2kw-oQdUMJXLWuX9Jps85furGZPrglA9o_T18jdrHnZcsDmn3S2DRaj-Ok_Mj2OwsF3jJnpU4m/s400/blog10.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5361709173594205602" border="0" /></a>This is where you will find all the famous sites in The Netherlands! Hang on! In miniatures sizes, all scaled to 1:25 =). I have for a very looooooong time been dreaming of the day i'll be here myself.<br />.2 decades ago.<br />I was flippin' through my aunt's photo album. They've just returned from the UK for my cousin's graduation and had then took a trip to this miniature city. Those pictures 20 years ago took me on a fantasy ride, just like any other child's disney dream. I thought to myself, "I want to go there someday."<br /><br />Here's my someday, with a very special person ;)<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF7CIgG-Ceinhd8ESyPqYZRlIY1JhSK63bEaTAlrFlqT2MOacIGouq_xcwB3-9wcH5mh1GbzaSQHj-x6oiEvNKvdbcoIJmE7F-uA5xfLVoOnHitaAmwiAO7tg7iVKmvMjmDFnV__Fp-EXo/s1600-h/blog11.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 360px; height: 270px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF7CIgG-Ceinhd8ESyPqYZRlIY1JhSK63bEaTAlrFlqT2MOacIGouq_xcwB3-9wcH5mh1GbzaSQHj-x6oiEvNKvdbcoIJmE7F-uA5xfLVoOnHitaAmwiAO7tg7iVKmvMjmDFnV__Fp-EXo/s400/blog11.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5361723813505901074" border="0" /></a><br /></div>For roughly 12euro, you get to see models of Netherland's windmills, ferries, drawbridges, trains, dam square, dom tower, gouda cheese market, cathedrals, castles dutch quarters, street scenes. The windmills are turning, trains are running to and from stations, boats are sailing the canals, I bet this place is quite a wonder at night.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFrvuAZ9nPtId_NKErj8b5ygPIj6PlJD1CrmQiRaRCu-71tdYUJuSzckMxLvadQjEDZ3AqfvRXLRLWO_1wgrY16tnUArBerbpCIpq6_H-gwc9HY_t-PNg-0BxS-tNAStYMVxXdIObhBPao/s1600-h/blog19.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFrvuAZ9nPtId_NKErj8b5ygPIj6PlJD1CrmQiRaRCu-71tdYUJuSzckMxLvadQjEDZ3AqfvRXLRLWO_1wgrY16tnUArBerbpCIpq6_H-gwc9HY_t-PNg-0BxS-tNAStYMVxXdIObhBPao/s400/blog19.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5361729688353761650" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC7t-RRj2XbUeBctqUuIYWx6EZefqHBkCX7br0q_7FOPmGXDDoSTbO2Ho7fdnijJ45_CZlGSHPTssIk2yCGfvZ2cIPEn8fJb_AsPcSIU2mJlXSrDLyBf5t5pDgIzBghoOZU72GJ30TQkbV/s1600-h/blog14.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 133px; height: 178px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC7t-RRj2XbUeBctqUuIYWx6EZefqHBkCX7br0q_7FOPmGXDDoSTbO2Ho7fdnijJ45_CZlGSHPTssIk2yCGfvZ2cIPEn8fJb_AsPcSIU2mJlXSrDLyBf5t5pDgIzBghoOZU72GJ30TQkbV/s200/blog14.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5361725847540822706" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxDiMRgprUvW56Vm4AA5e7gijEmOyO8uiRErH6Jixr4IGKULOrE6cbQXy8SP-bEo-qMr1CSSZEiO3ZKM-jO8vMEZGxAYZ4R_vtiYCaEiVFys4rCxrMOubz0Cmz78Um5xg9dL76rOLopDCY/s1600-h/blog12.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxDiMRgprUvW56Vm4AA5e7gijEmOyO8uiRErH6Jixr4IGKULOrE6cbQXy8SP-bEo-qMr1CSSZEiO3ZKM-jO8vMEZGxAYZ4R_vtiYCaEiVFys4rCxrMOubz0Cmz78Um5xg9dL76rOLopDCY/s200/blog12.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5361725538095216274" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2XZkXh6m_-e1Ysp6VIq6HY2M4n4B1JO0tTXgzWs6u6vImQy2fsDox-80s1GkpnTLdrcy2EKMEkTNazoo__tEbnNPhoLr0RRWdqG8iwELi_bWpJYE1hZtNwR2QkEceoLBhWXfj5yHHpYAy/s1600-h/blog15.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2XZkXh6m_-e1Ysp6VIq6HY2M4n4B1JO0tTXgzWs6u6vImQy2fsDox-80s1GkpnTLdrcy2EKMEkTNazoo__tEbnNPhoLr0RRWdqG8iwELi_bWpJYE1hZtNwR2QkEceoLBhWXfj5yHHpYAy/s200/blog15.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5361725853090695074" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBVNZJ9dp82mOBgUQ6GfWR89AcAc0W8_JyMSf7ekZKBM3VZwNkzEFdbri02OZrB8_BQ3c3BpBHjjlEB2AYuV196rsFTj6lY_-6u3fDB8dvMb26i0igkzgypx9RnTq3UsopUmu5h3a9ci_A/s1600-h/blog13.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 132px; height: 178px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBVNZJ9dp82mOBgUQ6GfWR89AcAc0W8_JyMSf7ekZKBM3VZwNkzEFdbri02OZrB8_BQ3c3BpBHjjlEB2AYuV196rsFTj6lY_-6u3fDB8dvMb26i0igkzgypx9RnTq3UsopUmu5h3a9ci_A/s200/blog13.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5361725544600801826" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNqG9ESyprtX3cUrHx8ZTofJmYwqMM6vzSeBqidWRVvJ4t7SZE_19ORhhXd9hQCM9XsjMLgACuUsqgUhloT7jCmZM_K7wgaqqM-Wya_C7io4eTXYfKjOZdeB5J8gLkZzC1elnogWurPXlk/s1600-h/blog16.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNqG9ESyprtX3cUrHx8ZTofJmYwqMM6vzSeBqidWRVvJ4t7SZE_19ORhhXd9hQCM9XsjMLgACuUsqgUhloT7jCmZM_K7wgaqqM-Wya_C7io4eTXYfKjOZdeB5J8gLkZzC1elnogWurPXlk/s320/blog16.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5361731138982200690" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVWzyH6ifnXMsZHZzqAIkazclHqW44nt8jlBCdz4E9PG05dzqBi8oVnP2Pm1stgm-tY0rMRMe76NqrikqzXKjZLA84a6cA3UMv4g6h3AZ5aZnw_c-0xXnGj31g1t3kF1NAbjqVCRTyY245/s1600-h/blog17.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVWzyH6ifnXMsZHZzqAIkazclHqW44nt8jlBCdz4E9PG05dzqBi8oVnP2Pm1stgm-tY0rMRMe76NqrikqzXKjZLA84a6cA3UMv4g6h3AZ5aZnw_c-0xXnGj31g1t3kF1NAbjqVCRTyY245/s320/blog17.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5361731142792316210" border="0" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgySNhZ-jbYSofNH05XJNQlf2mZ2IzhyphenhyphenluQaIVIN8Jdm_hS2jxWYW3_ZsO7EkxbnSrj2bFn33laJhFqlknI99KblpYuznT5V3hv7nqQUtV7k9eQzOGeIg-53QDc4DPTpFTI3MLE89qWgWAy/s1600-h/blog22.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgySNhZ-jbYSofNH05XJNQlf2mZ2IzhyphenhyphenluQaIVIN8Jdm_hS2jxWYW3_ZsO7EkxbnSrj2bFn33laJhFqlknI99KblpYuznT5V3hv7nqQUtV7k9eQzOGeIg-53QDc4DPTpFTI3MLE89qWgWAy/s320/blog22.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5361732122553550818" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHbhJkyzfd7FQqpfnBtwNDdK7D2yzXIL5zggiL5leT_AA9HnqGLp7foEDOtSZFr5OlnNmMF3ChzoAPi7koPGrUjl9fH-0BufxL6tLyKHyzkZmmZAeN8KhXQkn4CX8ZrVTK_RZCsbUs4yMN/s1600-h/blog20.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHbhJkyzfd7FQqpfnBtwNDdK7D2yzXIL5zggiL5leT_AA9HnqGLp7foEDOtSZFr5OlnNmMF3ChzoAPi7koPGrUjl9fH-0BufxL6tLyKHyzkZmmZAeN8KhXQkn4CX8ZrVTK_RZCsbUs4yMN/s320/blog20.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5361732119710930226" border="0" /></a><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWTNVFZLe54ePMUQteh7gV119Mv0zZfFxHKF4OnINEZeC8H1pchmDJjvZ24rLa6RwtG7uLwdxIMW_0Pmn_cTBlSa6KOFB9N9wTfzzS3UkOnDqV5ICGIC48zxS1VTgiPF9NSA5hYhq1P0Cc/s1600-h/blog18.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWTNVFZLe54ePMUQteh7gV119Mv0zZfFxHKF4OnINEZeC8H1pchmDJjvZ24rLa6RwtG7uLwdxIMW_0Pmn_cTBlSa6KOFB9N9wTfzzS3UkOnDqV5ICGIC48zxS1VTgiPF9NSA5hYhq1P0Cc/s320/blog18.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5361732773483260386" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfxOFJ7fAT76OJb6oepmFG3XimIbWV3g-tgyXtHW4wWkwfb2tUcrgTC5QRnMdo4NTTEk7Fg-fLxieix2y2SNjrdbaKYqnIHybLIFOVpaL7uXQBvSnVB5Fmf2C1B5OKjizrnn8bye5jKKLU/s1600-h/blog23.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfxOFJ7fAT76OJb6oepmFG3XimIbWV3g-tgyXtHW4wWkwfb2tUcrgTC5QRnMdo4NTTEk7Fg-fLxieix2y2SNjrdbaKYqnIHybLIFOVpaL7uXQBvSnVB5Fmf2C1B5OKjizrnn8bye5jKKLU/s320/blog23.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5361732768515989954" border="0" /></a><br /></div>Leehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05923827937717561860noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2470825799501676113.post-43557682967267251282009-07-22T19:39:00.011+08:002009-07-24T01:28:31.440+08:00Den HaagIt's nearly 3 months since i last blogged. It's insane how time slips by me. In the last 3 months, I've been caught up in work, and taking care of some naggin' health problems. Now that i can breathe and feel like a 'normal' human being again, i'm errrr.. looking forward to another fantastical holiday?<br /><br />Catching up on our Europe stint, here's a lil' something from Den Haag.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitrkgtfblUN1v0HWETAzae_NmbIIbBKH0HVwkegOAHvDvQmONeykb6mC5eDf9PFU0-0Ty2Ooc-FC7TNrKLr9hKJIHUKeyaZgXZwnLeH7Pu2P8eLG2nKP7mkhU6LKQu8d6OCZgRU5rNCczd/s1600-h/blog1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitrkgtfblUN1v0HWETAzae_NmbIIbBKH0HVwkegOAHvDvQmONeykb6mC5eDf9PFU0-0Ty2Ooc-FC7TNrKLr9hKJIHUKeyaZgXZwnLeH7Pu2P8eLG2nKP7mkhU6LKQu8d6OCZgRU5rNCczd/s320/blog1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5361548406724472242" border="0" /></a>I can still remember the night we arrived in Den Haag Centraal Station. We were rather confused by the tram ticketing system, and my soles were crushed and bruised from all the walking in Amsterdam. 20mins later, we were dropped off at a bus stop next to the Shell headquarters, in Rijswijk. We dragged our luggages up and down the street in the harsh wind and icy rain... we couldnt find our hotel. I was in the verge of tears because every single step hurts like hell.. I wanted to punch Boon in the stomach. Then a kind soul offered to drive us to our hotel.<br /><br />While Boon was attending his 3-day course at the headquarters, I was booking flights, trains, and hotels. In the midst of it, i managed to tip-toe and limped my way around Den Haag for food and sights.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9zFayifQnyH4EPfyg20NRHKVI8zfa4L0bscS_ESlZ0cOitqjkndMlits7VES26505M9-Wo0TPtp4dwyIlhOP5MzP0sinzDqMSGPYsy0yLN12o0LJm3Mbd7DKEiTXmDBhkuE7SThpGFa0W/s1600-h/blog2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9zFayifQnyH4EPfyg20NRHKVI8zfa4L0bscS_ESlZ0cOitqjkndMlits7VES26505M9-Wo0TPtp4dwyIlhOP5MzP0sinzDqMSGPYsy0yLN12o0LJm3Mbd7DKEiTXmDBhkuE7SThpGFa0W/s320/blog2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5361553403144969730" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcByfkpnEccCvy5MFZCkizyZvdQaXGgCwaqhDe2KQMVM6QOR-GmIQPB2M5ROEqbLC5VEw-CNnra2g7QW3qJAvx12XorXpJxLzD1Zv6I_JhVe28BM25br_YugC-OgrZNsQM4FQCsuSI3PVz/s1600-h/blog9a.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcByfkpnEccCvy5MFZCkizyZvdQaXGgCwaqhDe2KQMVM6QOR-GmIQPB2M5ROEqbLC5VEw-CNnra2g7QW3qJAvx12XorXpJxLzD1Zv6I_JhVe28BM25br_YugC-OgrZNsQM4FQCsuSI3PVz/s320/blog9a.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5361708419389192738" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikD0Od0d1SZ6HsZdXFbKZD0bdrX0D7iO5EonBrAm1h-AXKtvUJ5gSqARg4te6zFpNuuvEGf6pTm5HCHX4ZyfCNgmsv2tQFQwngWjPW-tZn960-ib_eQSFLIooZJ8CvB8RRnzbc_KFh-Xl5/s1600-h/blog4.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikD0Od0d1SZ6HsZdXFbKZD0bdrX0D7iO5EonBrAm1h-AXKtvUJ5gSqARg4te6zFpNuuvEGf6pTm5HCHX4ZyfCNgmsv2tQFQwngWjPW-tZn960-ib_eQSFLIooZJ8CvB8RRnzbc_KFh-Xl5/s320/blog4.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5361555559352052178" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8k9NXfAvaj4Ivb0TqF1zmQ_Lgd67_7B8FRsELl4-bpr0qTpTMc4681ErvfSGgv0prfKlfqEvu-hqqAkUOdWs1Ez26Owf6xS2idb2aW-JtckaUG9U-NtRhzylqQ7OgYUhGe51e1udzHG11/s1600-h/blog5.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8k9NXfAvaj4Ivb0TqF1zmQ_Lgd67_7B8FRsELl4-bpr0qTpTMc4681ErvfSGgv0prfKlfqEvu-hqqAkUOdWs1Ez26Owf6xS2idb2aW-JtckaUG9U-NtRhzylqQ7OgYUhGe51e1udzHG11/s320/blog5.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5361555560438639746" border="0" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXGZhUBnRlTKsGAfLYOqjqaFBI9oDxJG3wZrHjJv59Y8Vr41Tpivc_xO9l333HavZ41U1GTvY2eDLew4vcjNYTD-cLV-iSXwZPi6ejXHc1__RG503BVtiIrtYiquK7LVSxQqxZnDgjND6j/s1600-h/blog7.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 236px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXGZhUBnRlTKsGAfLYOqjqaFBI9oDxJG3wZrHjJv59Y8Vr41Tpivc_xO9l333HavZ41U1GTvY2eDLew4vcjNYTD-cLV-iSXwZPi6ejXHc1__RG503BVtiIrtYiquK7LVSxQqxZnDgjND6j/s320/blog7.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5361556853431498642" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioWejJJW5gEBzvZf_pE2huIjMRuirrk4wAV5-LH9a09FMgdgsYG-LfumqMkF0JTPja7DIUwPDosv93jcQzHH24qurWZ1pEv6BbL5A7sXNQXGxeDBNGhJLPx-j3QlvuqCmGsmTygWPVAvp9/s1600-h/blog6.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioWejJJW5gEBzvZf_pE2huIjMRuirrk4wAV5-LH9a09FMgdgsYG-LfumqMkF0JTPja7DIUwPDosv93jcQzHH24qurWZ1pEv6BbL5A7sXNQXGxeDBNGhJLPx-j3QlvuqCmGsmTygWPVAvp9/s320/blog6.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5361556849291615090" border="0" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh45Fk-3ollcf7MUC1um6CnbZ4n7os3QKdUmVePh2jC6uixt5X04t4E_Yk6FFlC14EuxUVL56VHu9qDBrNeK3Suw194CEZTqRNyVwOvJWDgMit1xmejZnhd1iwoOIg2KRCa-bBHiFfBsTAZ/s1600-h/blog9.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh45Fk-3ollcf7MUC1um6CnbZ4n7os3QKdUmVePh2jC6uixt5X04t4E_Yk6FFlC14EuxUVL56VHu9qDBrNeK3Suw194CEZTqRNyVwOvJWDgMit1xmejZnhd1iwoOIg2KRCa-bBHiFfBsTAZ/s320/blog9.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5361666030111625378" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgza1BOgRhVeXgJMeK9HlLycR8HpYeS0LLszZROu55XX93qrWpNJ9zwCVTe65Ows4ajmc6EzzRtrbjpmrOvIxuHN1MCwH6IQ1nmI_GPJojaXQBwhB8mVxtY_6-fQzl_AS2tjdAuAkxUBHJ/s1600-h/blog3.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgza1BOgRhVeXgJMeK9HlLycR8HpYeS0LLszZROu55XX93qrWpNJ9zwCVTe65Ows4ajmc6EzzRtrbjpmrOvIxuHN1MCwH6IQ1nmI_GPJojaXQBwhB8mVxtY_6-fQzl_AS2tjdAuAkxUBHJ/s320/blog3.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5361553405575167826" border="0" /></a></div>Although Den Haag is not the capital of The Netherlands, it is home to all foreign embassies and government ministries. And quite the contrary to the sex and pot hub that Amsterdam is known for, the Hague is known as the world's epicentre for international law. It is home to the International Court of Justice, the United Nation's official judicial arm, the International Criminal Court and Europol - the EU's international police force. It does sound like a boring place, doesnt it. People seemed more reserved and laid-back. The city centre is quiet. I particularly hate the cobblestones, it didnt make things better for me. Infact when walking alone, i found myself feeling the seokness only when i saw i) Mcdees, ii) found a supermarket hidden in the basement, and iii) having a stick in the freezing cold while waiting for my tram back to Rijswijk.Leehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05923827937717561860noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2470825799501676113.post-56978008322272132192009-04-28T22:18:00.027+08:002009-04-29T22:15:07.404+08:00Flourescent Lights and Coffee Shops<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3387/3482625805_e21fcae67a_o.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 700px; height: 460px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3387/3482625805_e21fcae67a_o.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>You cant miss the Red Light District in Amsterdam. It is one of the biggest tourist attraction and sits proudly in the centre of the city, 10 minutes walk from the Amsterdam Centraal Station. As we traipsed along the district, the sun was starting to set, and the darker it got, the street started to glow... in red. You will find a looooong street lined with sex shops, brothels, weed museum, erotic musuem, cinemas showing live-sex shows, and windows and windows of women dressed close to nothing, of all ages and sizes!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3615/3485906828_2961829809.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 500px; height: 378px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3615/3485906828_2961829809.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>Despite the sleazy nature of this area, the buildings are actually gorgeous. I just cant get enough of the buildings in Amsterdam that are like unique dollhouses. The entire Red Light District surrounds Amsterdam's oldest church, and is spread along Amsterdam's first canal. It's almost impossible to believe that some of the buildings are 300 years old, expensive, and houses doctors, lawyers and families who have, for centuries, co-existed with the world of prostitutes and drug addicts.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3570/3483570266_99a4785ebe.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 378px; height: 500px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3570/3483570266_99a4785ebe.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>On our 1st night in Amsterdam, we didnt see much action, i.e. we hardly saw any women displays on the main street. So we thought maybe the prostitution scene had died down. Only when we took another tour on our last night did we find the secret passageway. What Boon2 had initially brushed off as an aisle to toilets is actually an alley leading to a sensational window shopping experience. There were rows after rows of glass-fronted cubicles so small it fits one single bed with just enough room for a basin. In these tiny rooms, the prostitutes lounged, primped, danced and gestured after customers. However intriguing the experience is, it's not an easy walk for a woman to see other women patronizing themselves. Or are we even in a position to judge?<br /><br />It is said that very rarely will you find an Amsterdam woman working as a prostitute in the Red Light District. Most of them come from abroad and even a good percentage of them are illegal immigrants.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3347/3485040567_046c9cd693_o.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 900px; height: 317px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3347/3485040567_046c9cd693_o.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>Caryn told me that we're not allowed to take pictures in the Red Light District, but i couldnt resist. We resorted to so many silly behaviors to take a few shots. When we saw this empty room, our thoughts instantly clicked, Boon went "bah quick..!" and i fumbled for the camera, and prayed we were fast enough. JUST when i attempted another shot in case the first one didnt turn out right, a monstrous voice towered over us. "YOU ARE NOT ALLOWED TO TAKE PICTURES OF THE BROTHEL! YOU 'blablabalbala' ". At this point, i screamed 'sorry sorry' and we took off as fast as our feet can take us gracefully without sprinting. I was soooo afraid some hulk hogan lookalike would come and smash our camera. But there were no one around us.<br />So ya, they have cameras everywhere.. if you try something funny like taking pictures of their girls, or even their empty rooms, they will press a button and send their message across hidden speakers SO LOUD that people around you will stare like you're some kind of sick pervert.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3343/3485110043_38c2b0ea53.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 380px; height: 500px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3343/3485110043_38c2b0ea53.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>The girls here are mostly dressed in bikinis, some uniforms and killer heels. We even spotted some who are obviously "he-she". Boon2 overheard a bargaining conversation; 50euro for a session. Men who were successful in their bargains, walked in, and the curtains are drawn.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3568/3485080313_54aed30d1e.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 500px; height: 378px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3568/3485080313_54aed30d1e.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3537/3485896216_0c702fd986.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 378px; height: 500px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3537/3485896216_0c702fd986.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3407/3485094813_48d2107131.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 500px; height: 378px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3407/3485094813_48d2107131.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>I, once saw on America's or Australian's next top model a "Go-See" in the Red Light District. And indeed, there is Red Light Fashion in this district. Sex on ground floor, fashion on 1st floor. Amazing. It is one of the council's clean-up program to eradicate brothels or drug stores that are suspected to be fronts for money laundering. Licenses are revoked if they are suspected to have criminal ties, and some of the brothel-owners have been bought out by the city council and their cubicles are in turn handed over to fashion designers. Some of their clothes on display will make you drool.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3375/3485893026_a10bb9876c.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 500px; height: 378px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3375/3485893026_a10bb9876c.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3615/3486225732_1f02247338.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 500px; height: 378px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3615/3486225732_1f02247338.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>So apart from prostitution, drugs are also legal. Boon2 told me that in Amsterdam, there is a difference between "cafes" and "coffeeshops". Cafe is where you sit down to have a real cuppa coffee or tea. Coffeeshop is a place where marijuana is sold over the counter and smoked openly. They even have a menu to choose your "weed" and "hash".<br /><br />Late at night, on the streets, you will see people who are spaced-out, in their own psychedelic world which can in fact be quite dangerous.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3595/3485118477_45253c4b4f.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 500px; height: 307px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3595/3485118477_45253c4b4f.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3365/3486219814_d851c2bb00.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 500px; height: 378px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3365/3486219814_d851c2bb00.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3562/3485409379_5f84872f7a.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 500px; height: 378px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3562/3485409379_5f84872f7a.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>Amsterdam is really a sin-city. You will not find or come across so many "Sex" and "Cannabis" signs anywhere else in the world.Leehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05923827937717561860noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2470825799501676113.post-75418050886133279232009-04-24T16:14:00.010+08:002009-04-28T22:30:06.574+08:00Amsterdam's China Town<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3609/3479454193_cbd3d504f8.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 500px; height: 234px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3609/3479454193_cbd3d504f8.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>I was very much alone on our journey to Amsterdam. I was struggling with my impatient body and fighting for legroom, whilst Boon is 'aaah-ing' over the delicacies he is served in Business Class. Hmp.<br /><br />So, I heard Amsterdam is the Sin-City of Europe and probably the only 'living' museum of sex and drugs. I've also heard about severe memory loss cases due to excessive 'magic mushroom' intake and a good serving of 'space cakes'. Yea well, we stuck to the mundane tourist alternatives.<br /><br />We arrived at 7am in the morning, spent a fair bit of time figuring out how to use 'em damn lockers in the train station, and the walking mission begins.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">Zeedijk - Chinatown</span><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3312/3480316782_013b0ebb0d.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 500px; height: 333px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3312/3480316782_013b0ebb0d.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>I'm usually more coordinated; i would look at the map and mark my every step from start to end (I think its an obsession or fear of missing something out). Boon2's more free-spirited than I am; by the 10th time i unfold the map to check our bearings, he'd fold it back up and say "Lets just walk okay?, we'll find our way =)".<br />Sometimes, i tend forget the meaning of '<span style="font-style: italic;">surprise yourself!'</span>.<br /><br />We stumbled on to Zeedijk Street, the mainstreet of Amsterdam's Chinatown. The street was totally deserted except for the occassional *tzings-tzings* from incoming cyclists.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3607/3480349206_cff3ea57d7.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 460px; height: 700px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3607/3480349206_cff3ea57d7.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3337/3480347526_f929a6685a.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 500px; height: 378px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3337/3480347526_f929a6685a.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>As i was cursing the un-even cobblestones, i was equally aah-ing over the quaint buildings that instantly transports you back to an old world. You'll find a mixture of Japanese, Malaysian, CHINEES (this is how it's actually spelt), Indonesian, Vietnamese and even THAISE restaurants nestled in between massage parlours, oriental stores, chinese acupuncture, and beauty salons with faded portraits of pale-faced, red-lipped women donning cheongsams. It feels like we're in those old Shanghai-tang movie, except once in a while, i'd remember to hold my handbag closer to my chest. That's because I overheard a couple of guys saying "the robbers here are so good, they can literally take your shoes off your feet without you realising." Well, exaggeration or not, my bag's not going anywhere!<br /><br />We wandered, peeped into windows, and I even attempted sniffing out <span style="font-style: italic;">noodle soups </span>but it was just too early. No luck with Chineeeeees food.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmh1ffvpw590jsFzGY8SXSA8H6dM593fzGh4pKOo-oGyfGSjMQ54ItkN1QbufnbDyLE9d-zWVMzgfjpettuiWIQfqTrprjYRrOYWR7WPpMRHVH98d_VcSNGIfx5F6wKEycTpjU5QQkYE6x/s1600-h/997a1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 302px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmh1ffvpw590jsFzGY8SXSA8H6dM593fzGh4pKOo-oGyfGSjMQ54ItkN1QbufnbDyLE9d-zWVMzgfjpettuiWIQfqTrprjYRrOYWR7WPpMRHVH98d_VcSNGIfx5F6wKEycTpjU5QQkYE6x/s400/997a1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5329749121054318706" border="0" /></a><a onblur=""><img style="" 0px="" auto="" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3617/3480346006_879b7f6bca.jpg" alt="" left="" border="0" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><div style="text-align: left;">On the same street, we saw the Fo Guang Shan He Hua temple. It's roof tiles and ornaments were flown in from China, and it's said to be the largest traditional palace-styled temple build in Europe.<br /><br />Word also has it that the actual Chinatown where most of the Chinese lived is southeast of Nieuwmarkt (which is really just a street away).<br /></div></div>Leehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05923827937717561860noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2470825799501676113.post-5577657050449351572009-04-16T20:37:00.001+08:002009-04-16T20:39:10.235+08:00Ok, i will not order more than i can eat ever again...<img style="visibility: hidden; width: 0px; height: 0px;" src="http://counters.gigya.com/wildfire/IMP/CXNID=2000002.0NXC/bT*xJmx*PTEyMzk4ODU*NDU*NTMmcHQ9MTIzOTg4NTQ4Mzc1MCZwPTI2ODg5MSZkPSZnPTEmdD*mbz*wZmRiYjE1ODIyYzE*NWQ*OGQzYjEyZDM*NGY*NTBkMSZvZj*w.gif" width="0" border="0" height="0" /><div style="width: 400px;"><embed src="http://www.cultureunplugged.com/swf/embedplayer.swf" flashvars="video=http://cdn.cultureunplugged.com/lg/CHICKEN_ALA_CARTE.flv&m=1081&u=0&thumb=http://cdn.cultureunplugged.com/thumbnails/lg/1081.jpg&sURL=http://www.cultureunplugged.com&title=Chicken a la Carte&from=Ferdinand Dimadura" quality="high" salign="b" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" name="cultureUnpluggedPlayer" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer" width="400" align="middle" height="300"></embed><div style="margin-top: 5px; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.cultureunplugged.com/play/1081/Chicken-a%20la%20Carte" target="_blank">View this movie at cultureunplugged.com</a></div></div>Leehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05923827937717561860noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2470825799501676113.post-67948677341336161512009-03-11T01:03:00.002+08:002009-03-11T01:30:16.825+08:00The Europe-France stint<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXW3XfAcXIxPVASQPHgfQoVyxsw_fADh9HfqIappQzK1aB2GHWR5vb3453G_yNpLJ52DFgfWeftt9Mgm_QNoSXE01GatTJ4o7ntUrfw4d_Xw1ukGi3smcsmxh11K089lf2pXfbECYkA3sC/s1600-h/Map1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXW3XfAcXIxPVASQPHgfQoVyxsw_fADh9HfqIappQzK1aB2GHWR5vb3453G_yNpLJ52DFgfWeftt9Mgm_QNoSXE01GatTJ4o7ntUrfw4d_Xw1ukGi3smcsmxh11K089lf2pXfbECYkA3sC/s400/Map1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5311606764858914754" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-size:85%;">15 Feb-1 Mar 2009</span><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">...took a heavy toll on my feet.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">This is one trip where we were not in total control, nor did we come to an agreement or conclusion of where we intend to cover in Europe prior to our trip. Boon's course in Amsterdam came as a surprise, and was not wholly confirmed until 2 days before departure. We were pretty much in a frenzied, 'i wanna go here, i wanna go there' state.<br /><br />After a loooooong discussion, we settled on being practical, practical being taking $ + time into consideration, and not do the impossible, i.e. cover 2 countries in a day? =P.<br /></div></div><br />At the end of this 2 weeks of good fun and scares, we've covered Rijswijk, Den Haag, Amsterdam, Prague, Cesky Krumlov, Vienna, and Paris. We also had a good glimpse of Germany, passing through Hannover, Berlin and Dresden on our 14-hour train ride from Amsterdam to Prague. All in all, we're happy with our choice.<br /><br />For those we've not been to these places, I've got a couple of pictures to share and stories to tell =)Leehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05923827937717561860noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2470825799501676113.post-69545317949690908092009-02-03T23:20:00.007+08:002009-11-17T00:59:30.754+08:00A Quick Escapefrom the routines of everyday life can be priceless. At times, I'm thankful that the laziness in me gets the better of me, before i'm left with no weekends to spare. Lost times are almost impossible to redeem.<br /><br />So, i managed to steal more than a couple of days off work; no laptop, no outlook, no thoughts whatsoever of what's outstanding... just simply eat, visit, gamble and sleep. What an absolute bliss! I could do with a few more weeks of this, whilst the payroll continue rolling in. I'm a dreamer =)<br /><br />This Chinese New Year is indeed different. I was home, instead of somewhere else <a href="http://womaninawetsuit.blogspot.com/2008/02/southern-leyte-anilao-philippines-dive.html">under the sea</a>. I have not visited so many houses since ... I cant even remember when. There definitely is an essence of CNY that i thought i've long lost to feel. It felt good, even just for a moment.<br /><br />Here are some gorgeous shots of fireworks by Jo-Lim. The 12am synchronisation of firecrackers and fireworks around the kampong was downright amazing and exciting! We were a lucky bunch to be entertained with 50 minutes worth of fireworks in Kebangsaan Lama.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-gIOpMj0f0Ro3P8ATmeMdxLjorinNjHmWMFvTHHjRVaDxIYlYj_RiI1RdATNPK2axWPreO3Qsw5lJ_CYbVymgQQ1GrlQE12roei0iWcmQqKt6N5ENme6u4dfN6tNoHG6at74fqzU1SACc/s1600-h/fireworks.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 212px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-gIOpMj0f0Ro3P8ATmeMdxLjorinNjHmWMFvTHHjRVaDxIYlYj_RiI1RdATNPK2axWPreO3Qsw5lJ_CYbVymgQQ1GrlQE12roei0iWcmQqKt6N5ENme6u4dfN6tNoHG6at74fqzU1SACc/s400/fireworks.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5298598790623392466" border="0" /></a>When all this ends, I'm dreaming of a holiday far far away. =)<br /><br />*Gong Xi Fa Cai!*<br /></div>Leehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05923827937717561860noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2470825799501676113.post-832326366119976112009-01-11T17:51:00.002+08:002009-01-11T18:00:38.389+08:00Life CrunchWow, it has been a month since i last signed in to my blog or read any blogs. I guess there comes a time when we all have to choose, and prioritize our time. My time has come where it is physically impossible for me to juggle between work, life, holidays and blogging. Work has engulfed a big portion of my time for the past month and will continue to do so this month. I must have easily lost a size or two and aged years and more in the past few months. I hope all these sacrifices are worthwhile.<br /><br />So until i get to have more than 5 hours of decent sleep a day, HAPPY NEW YEAR to everyone.Leehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05923827937717561860noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2470825799501676113.post-23905956173675576892008-12-12T08:33:00.006+08:002008-12-12T09:03:23.938+08:00London bells a'ringingCambodia aside, I am now in London! The last time i stepped foot in this place was 8 years ago. Eventhough i stayed here for a couple of months then, i cant say i remember much. What has not changed though...is I still love this place, even in this unforgiving bone chilling weather.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUunKYpL48ezlR6s0ojaAZNNzLe1GKxvn0C3d_Un6w1JHp0Jd3gSqT5s3lh8qLsZ65VDb3OMPyQB80eezKB5e4r-_bT74eO50BqrH190Fa6FBiACx5FKo9G_rSeuPlLVsITZy8a-K_Oe7c/s1600-h/scan0001.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 228px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUunKYpL48ezlR6s0ojaAZNNzLe1GKxvn0C3d_Un6w1JHp0Jd3gSqT5s3lh8qLsZ65VDb3OMPyQB80eezKB5e4r-_bT74eO50BqrH190Fa6FBiACx5FKo9G_rSeuPlLVsITZy8a-K_Oe7c/s320/scan0001.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5278698305194283922" border="0" /></a>.<span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-size:85%;">Lis and I at Capital FM. 2000</span>.</span><br /><br />Back at paddington, Rozana and I after 17 hours of excruciating flight.<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCQ3MmtdOkn1w2_RXtZOCEAz7iHMHzZgZDXNwlRHVWWd6AbwxgWaZuyc9UA_C8uzoug-alLY8V2JiK-HAsDSJglqv2Vf3nnm3l7dBZjBxfIezpnhBisKm3x6LKrjYnSOOoB7S6Jw_MN17j/s1600-h/IMG_8955.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCQ3MmtdOkn1w2_RXtZOCEAz7iHMHzZgZDXNwlRHVWWd6AbwxgWaZuyc9UA_C8uzoug-alLY8V2JiK-HAsDSJglqv2Vf3nnm3l7dBZjBxfIezpnhBisKm3x6LKrjYnSOOoB7S6Jw_MN17j/s320/IMG_8955.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5278698916059907058" border="0" /></a>While there is much to do, we're trying to get our shopping done chup chup... It is pure madness, the fitting room and counter queue has made me forsake my to-be purchases. I'll beat the crowd tomorrow! Even Santa! Hmppp!<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivDCZAPPAqrNrWykb-caSa7ORCmAmvUZ7hCNE_vUaBw12d04kjiCg7ec4cYJANgdmOtFRgfAAP6xtSLtaIVf_t8_TW1Cy-x0q_HfdeZlZTs-tT9MEFbIazNFb4j4rF7J-ehjjPRKhH1_sO/s1600-h/IMG_8991.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivDCZAPPAqrNrWykb-caSa7ORCmAmvUZ7hCNE_vUaBw12d04kjiCg7ec4cYJANgdmOtFRgfAAP6xtSLtaIVf_t8_TW1Cy-x0q_HfdeZlZTs-tT9MEFbIazNFb4j4rF7J-ehjjPRKhH1_sO/s320/IMG_8991.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5278698922778737778" border="0" /></a></div>Leehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05923827937717561860noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2470825799501676113.post-47072373179587267672008-12-05T18:04:00.012+08:002008-12-13T15:47:40.664+08:00Tonle Sap<div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: center;">.<span style="font-style: italic;">The largest freshwater lake in Southeast Asia, and declared a Unesco Biosphere. </span><br /></div><br />I had initially thought of Tonle Sap as a version similar to Kampong Ayer back home. A floating village with the full works; floating schools, mosques, churches, hospitals, convenient stores, restaurants, etc. However, there are several unique differences between the two. One obvious distinction is the term "floating", while some houses are mounted on stilts, most are assembled on floats or flatboats allowing them to change location according to the seasons. Where they live in October may be kilometers away from where they live in March. Imagine a wooden house powered by motor cruising down the river!<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;">Boat tickets cost USD6 per person. When we arrived, i was surprised to see a little girl dodging among crowds snapping pictures of us with her digital camera. Talk about technological advancement in the rural zones. I thought nothing about it until after we returned from our tour, she ran towards us and surprised us with an individual/couple shots on us stuck on a marble plate marked Cambodia. What brains! You cant exactly say "No", isnt it, falling for the souvenir gimmick, we gave her USD5 for 3 of those plates.<br /></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmiQlkT0BZ1fNPip95A3RRxR8UwyC-kuP3QizkqfSHBlC6APGTd8wVjHzF48AW18h_pRkCSt_-xlul6jSRDKuAudEp7SpEXGb37ku-YlQax5xz3qzOI1t9TOZT0coEYAJc2mHYM0LKXwJh/s1600-h/IMG_8038.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 242px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmiQlkT0BZ1fNPip95A3RRxR8UwyC-kuP3QizkqfSHBlC6APGTd8wVjHzF48AW18h_pRkCSt_-xlul6jSRDKuAudEp7SpEXGb37ku-YlQax5xz3qzOI1t9TOZT0coEYAJc2mHYM0LKXwJh/s320/IMG_8038.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5276174444237578338" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5lnAFmqjfb4HcSxX9_IpODM3evxUmkuq2xBKqNGovV-dlNgOvI8Yh9vvnzhoHr8uZ9nwXtPSJf6jsyyrGTXyT_nCTccEo-9Td2JGWylu6jw1ikmjFfBie3Z4jmhWqvljt8byzG4KHl4LZ/s1600-h/IMG_8040.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 242px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5lnAFmqjfb4HcSxX9_IpODM3evxUmkuq2xBKqNGovV-dlNgOvI8Yh9vvnzhoHr8uZ9nwXtPSJf6jsyyrGTXyT_nCTccEo-9Td2JGWylu6jw1ikmjFfBie3Z4jmhWqvljt8byzG4KHl4LZ/s320/IMG_8040.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5276172921959642882" border="0" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4YZUZaNtD5T_dCvnalLyxllCzfzDMlbrSFaGQBQAPwdW0urpFLW2KXuTFtEwViUxPEZOKkxIxU5qTNBi3cS4tbyKE24lWlJsDoldXT04kKdcuQpLNYCl-1ZI_bw2ioX0a4TrIM9m1Ggja/s1600-h/IMG_8043.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 242px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4YZUZaNtD5T_dCvnalLyxllCzfzDMlbrSFaGQBQAPwdW0urpFLW2KXuTFtEwViUxPEZOKkxIxU5qTNBi3cS4tbyKE24lWlJsDoldXT04kKdcuQpLNYCl-1ZI_bw2ioX0a4TrIM9m1Ggja/s320/IMG_8043.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5276172925551999266" border="0" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;">During the boat ride, you will notice it appears that fields and mangroves are blossoming amidst the river. In actual fact, these fields and mangroves thrived on dry land. It being the rainy season allowed us to witness the phenomenal reversal flow of the Mekong River, another trait that sets it apart. The Mekong River starts its seaward journey in the Himalayas, through China, Laos and Cambodia before discharging into the sea in South Vietnam. Unable to contain all the runoff from monsoon rain during the wet season, it reverses its normal flow back up the Tonle Sap river. It then stretches the Tonle Sap lake from 2500km2 to an amazing 12,000km2.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">These colour on B&W seems befitting for those moments.<br /></div></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 242px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr0qVUPMoyoOZ8SGNH8Dwz_00j3l0vH_JEgWkrBLrPVfhlFLnXnU57VKE2fzm7LxSh7hn36PtJ4MoqW9cSC9w4T8IWdUkiShQ2TMujb3OwZ0Ox4IdARL9DT6GFwau1eDk9qrMygnKUZCAS/s320/IMG_8102.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5276237846790492754" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 242px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpYqExGKKOBsU5u1lqxELCEqmwfAI1cCbAvu1SmZAI-vJ0eqqz3vxMe0VseSbjXVviXaMiUCWuESm4WBoN4SBx82XX1kdk2dfCIE6iCADeNaDYb2SiyONGoxC67Rcm8rTKEJinfT02jpAB/s320/IMG_8066.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5276237831445532786" border="0" /><br /></a><div style="text-align: left;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}">I was really hoping to see kids paddling in plastic buckets, congregating in the middle of the river in their buckets for chatters but it seems most of them have boats now.<br /><br /></a></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 242px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv1J05J2wpiF93HHz18TBdINPEFYdHBTuzRBVttERkmmdtGAr5vdRj9wOPnL58YBqY1IE0id_EHBwpsoSoiNstM2rXmuaHZoN542jqMGHMtIeR0BV6Tfwbb6jRevTloiODDwASrQL_oRCy/s320/IMG_8067+copy.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5276237836978490098" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 242px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieLIQYbBMcs6rF7BHzCfiMb2NvVemrlSEQS24_GuHKiEmaRI3FnwMYBvA8lgkRKsEZ4EhnJMf5d_E8Wd19_gixYYsa0EY96UCOmIy3Ps-8EwFOXiinlwuuiSXzYMEzKZzwU54hqANPxK_y/s320/IMG_8072.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5276237835808703250" border="0" /><br />Most of the residents here are emmigrant Vietnamese, illegal i heard.<br /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 242px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWiJDhou971uZyO9WhY3ZoZ9YOx94lOmhj7c63LMKgOxZhB4o9H6ursbVYpe6GinpFIST-U2JtXAo7KSoEKyGls1UqF5XvEuEkvwGRQdpnLmdUxQ2EPdGmCOlrSrqEM0WDUDr58bfedOkh/s320/DSC00311.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5276250255612969570" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 242px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik3SQ5nqgJAT-cAkPTG-iIWziKAw7jRWXEaCg5zKb0VKeB-L4xzv7c3dxtTw9gIG_8Q8mqh2dv28WaN7ZhkY50Lic2j3he4AjgvXPRaW3uChSi5faDuGYBDWH9c_ImGZbKxvtqa8blGqCn/s320/DSC00328.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5276251380412982354" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}">Now listen to this, our boatman was very friendly in the beginning until after he tried to <span style="font-style: italic;">con</span> us into buying a stack of 20 thin exercise books for 20USD for a school in the village. Alot of other tourists were already leaving the floating store with bags of books, and i refused to make the purchase. I just dont like the idea of being taken for a ride, eventhough it's not much. And the fact that he spent more than 5 mins engaging in a private talk with the vendor before we could enter, persumably cooking up some sort of profit division deal, did not help. I was adamant with my decision, and when we got back on the boat, he pulled a long face and ignored us for very much of the ride! Even after i tapped him on the shoulder! </a><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><br /></a><div style="text-align: left;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"> He drove out to the open river, and stopped the engine. I freaked out. We whispered amongst ourselves "why are we stopping here, what does he wanna do?" He casually moved to the front of the boat, leaned back and stared at us. With a lousy grin, he said "Just wait here."</a> "<span style="font-style: italic;">Why??</span>"<br />"You relax, enjoy." @_@! It felt abit weird, we were too worried he's gonna flip the boat to enjoy whatever tranquility one is supposed to feel. Thank god another boat came hawking drinks, and we bought his favour back with a can of coke.<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 242px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio37zg65A7H3Nvucd3QtmA5fkGFuwSoVbqQ8YjkPQLXIBe7eZNQeXlAKCRlt2vKd6RFnCbjYItIbTjC5xnGcVAXbrVoyrriWGfPhe2YZ4UpgorLYp7HJvpapFyIdH4ktWqwEuFVuvMV6c0/s320/IMG_8091.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5276689703696410290" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 242px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizZ-dfyk3stGe61Ij8abY6P9-ln4ZJlfXw6g4N5yoxfm82XKWIpTAA6Pwo74heZ9Zpv6nSRPLDO6XDduwlN92-ie9k5voKEnjCsjmpsUvwl-64LJtk9oPV5u-Xl7WDpNFiqCIPoM94sIu-/s320/IMG_8101.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5276689711870574082" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 243px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_TwU2kaACKY4HtEkMtrBUKagsGYByXffea9zA4OiGdALau3JSxGJ5zMAccxxTkQNB5vnZz6wJ1gQiKv9TdC9tsLijDajkUGd98r0PNvxzp0awlwB88AvWzrf7gbiaYBtH9Y6H0sYq_yNv/s320/IMG_8070.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5278687273028289938" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 242px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8j17LYrrb7kpLA-Ma1HkIOamr6UiXewfw7c1tI2JWfOh7sJ75wMi4PP436jEjbIxTQ3ObtjhUS6sT74r5R2HX8GO0cZPoDzDuyx_Mc3lLC4UW4LMuOGYAmwH7gW9sUySnRwXWfHXC74M4/s320/IMG_8119.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5278687274079285234" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 242px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQWW6qrMdddq2NJfaW_J-KQ19AjbtxwpoD4ZD1DiILCEoDB5JjP5VZ2TDcw52J7bb3c2xjyAETzb2tRy10tA5X6iIPgwNTPRzX56VNhvotyNa8YmsojciPCl0T08rS1ajXgVH1cWRVSH1q/s320/DSC00361.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5278689263917678738" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 244px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoJtas2Zk5Y5MQY-ae7z1pQxNdkyrzz1Ln_MZFWHiVDKYWNkuqQ8hJVWNSlSDwVaS4MQ2cpSnQyzb_cnQ2pdiC1_gY9mnS0f_vlOa4A1sXYeoHLmyBa-J4DJeAiclcHGwV-vfxL9iH0wFG/s320/DSC00351.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5278689698472306098" border="0" /></a><br />.<span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-size:85%;">Crocodiles caught from the Mekong river</span>.</span><br /><br /></div> <div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 242px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5PKroNllOnK6ltxTE6MTUluYVRgYl71wpx6Baa5YyYwCQmyXSNwz5bRvvlGyFv9oWrLCagxi4Gd6RBCLq5R0JWh_q6hbbhrpl_0RMjcrWLWILJrL6i8fPC85xf_SW3E9p7abqtuLObQHW/s320/DSC00358.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5278687261872281298" border="0" /></a><br />.<span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-size:85%;">A bee scare with Boon2 got us worried for a while, but all is good</span>.<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;"></span></span>At the end of our boat ride, our tour guide asked for Boon's cap and 20USD. We gave him the cap and 5USD. That should have made his day, i think. My rating: Do consider Tonle Sap as part of your itenary.<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;"></span>Almost every turn you make, there is someone trying to make money, or begging for money, little kids signifying 1 dolla with their index finger.. begging merely for their family. It is hard to escape that sight. Here's a beautiful poem i found on the web titled:<br /></div><br />A Cambodian Child<br />by <a href="http://dutchcorner.blogspot.com/">Marja </a><br /><br /><em>He smiles but a riverbed<br />of silenced tears end on his face<br />where hope has died<br />where trust has depart<br />The hand of the begging child is empty</em><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">as is his heart</span><br /><br /><em>A child living in the shadow of live<br />where demons of poverty and exploitation<br />try to get him in his grip so tight<br />till he stops fighting and loses control<br />The hand of the begging child is empty<br />as is his soul</em><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">The beautiful mind of a Cambodian child<br /></span> <span style="font-style: italic;">won’t be nourished by food and education</span> <span style="font-style: italic;"><br />no pathways grow towards a fruitful future</span> <span style="font-style: italic;"><br />his cleverness declined</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">The hand of the begging child is empty<br /></span> <span style="font-style: italic;">as is his mind</span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">A boy, a landmine victim</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">like a tree cut from live</span> <span style="font-style: italic;">lost his limb<br />and a living</span> <span style="font-style: italic;">he sits down,<br />the one called outcast</span> <span style="font-style: italic;"><br />His troubled eyes looked at me however</span> <span style="font-style: italic;"><br />The hand of the begging child is empty</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Is it Forever?</span><br /><br /></div>Leehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05923827937717561860noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2470825799501676113.post-58882997529653575032008-12-05T14:16:00.004+08:002009-11-17T01:00:00.472+08:00The Videos<div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">The boys distributing notes</span><br /></div><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/Mycp20k50MM&hl=en&fs=1"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/Mycp20k50MM&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Chee Ting's students for an hour =)</span><br /></div><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/VVUjoc_zSjo&hl=en&fs=1"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/VVUjoc_zSjo&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>Leehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05923827937717561860noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2470825799501676113.post-18544058018160744312008-11-17T23:09:00.013+08:002009-11-17T01:00:54.674+08:00A day in Savong's SchoolI couldnt help being wary and extremely conscious in scrutinising Savong and his counterparts' demeanour when they came to our hotel the day we arrived in Siem Reap. I wondered "why did he not come alone?" "who are these 3 other guys with him?". Savong, was nothing like i had initially imagined; tall, distinctive, and charismatic. He was none of those. Instead, almost immediately, i decided i cannot hand over a thousand US dollars for his keepsake this instant. Perhaps, it's my instinct or perhaps i dont feel i could trust him with this much money. My excitement took a plunge, and i wondered what i got myself into.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">________________<br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">Over dinner, Savong shared some stories about his school with us. I felt i belittled this man and his friends, who were part-time teachers. i was quick to judge the book by its covers. Savong's command of English was good for decent conversations and at times bowled us over with hints of American accent. He was well-spoken and extremely polite. And so, we set a date to do some shopping and a visit to his school.<br /></div></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvdC3Oap9xpF-mMmrgczCkb8DzYnO_AUMY_RAiPM4kgNGeB-dBPBxmiTpZQi3VfoqigNhUy2tU440wZGYHorhEm_UPrDfRDCb9IrtA8QiW1GK-FdXG3mmnq-DKLIsQMRRjj8R24yylQ61o/s1600-h/IMG_7804.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 242px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvdC3Oap9xpF-mMmrgczCkb8DzYnO_AUMY_RAiPM4kgNGeB-dBPBxmiTpZQi3VfoqigNhUy2tU440wZGYHorhEm_UPrDfRDCb9IrtA8QiW1GK-FdXG3mmnq-DKLIsQMRRjj8R24yylQ61o/s320/IMG_7804.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5269652679356046370" border="0" /></a>This is probably the best book store in Siem Reap, adjacent to the end of Pub Street. We stacked as many books at the counter as we thought relevant for the students.<br /></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXW6vpWU9MCIYMU5u6wpS7pIjxVReWttE1wtjd7u4XYeQJ8fhxoZaCHdLGdEexN3jsY531BUTxiIlqWUtfW2x1bosgHYMTJvayJ0zmIhyphenhyphenMiklt4p6yq4gvluGOuC9KNd-3wVRHQbRT1B0W/s1600-h/IMG_7797.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 242px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXW6vpWU9MCIYMU5u6wpS7pIjxVReWttE1wtjd7u4XYeQJ8fhxoZaCHdLGdEexN3jsY531BUTxiIlqWUtfW2x1bosgHYMTJvayJ0zmIhyphenhyphenMiklt4p6yq4gvluGOuC9KNd-3wVRHQbRT1B0W/s320/IMG_7797.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5269645519227668274" border="0" /></a><br />Computer hunting was quite an adventure. Savong led our driver to a make-shift PC store that supposedly has a good deal on a 2nd hand laptop. It was more like a gaming-cum-repair centre. Bits and pieces of what makes up a computer were scattered everywhere leaving very little room for us to move, which i wasnt very keen on anyways because the place was friggin' dusty! After exchanging some words with Savong, in a language we couldnt understand, a half-naked man showed us a 2nd-hand NEC laptop that is going for 400USD. Eric's inspection unfolded crap specifications, and unwilling to reduce the price any lower than 380USD, we decided the money is better spent buying a brand new desktop.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSHfUwRqxLt20NAc4F8t6fP6f92ZC05ayhwlwqSOd14sqhZrMcq-c183egOUu4a5B87q5ltMS8dyoqU2t6j6FKbYrNmVg_5tYjqAE9EsAOCO34gQI0RWwTT9bwGafuSOoeJU55_w3-xEOT/s1600-h/IMG_7789.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 242px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSHfUwRqxLt20NAc4F8t6fP6f92ZC05ayhwlwqSOd14sqhZrMcq-c183egOUu4a5B87q5ltMS8dyoqU2t6j6FKbYrNmVg_5tYjqAE9EsAOCO34gQI0RWwTT9bwGafuSOoeJU55_w3-xEOT/s320/IMG_7789.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5269645513176410818" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpQ1_ylpjuC6HXudPs66mWNcUSFfyW9nnhQGpMVb81mrXL1W74BP4Fgs8DuEMq8Jiuf3pWk9g8EszLcIyqrxX8mYQkhpIEdZg-94tOdJbIdLMonu9wf1QvdiwuibvuaZns7HHFKJfmYvPT/s1600-h/IMG_7791.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 242px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpQ1_ylpjuC6HXudPs66mWNcUSFfyW9nnhQGpMVb81mrXL1W74BP4Fgs8DuEMq8Jiuf3pWk9g8EszLcIyqrxX8mYQkhpIEdZg-94tOdJbIdLMonu9wf1QvdiwuibvuaZns7HHFKJfmYvPT/s320/IMG_7791.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5269645511782535378" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRoWir-Md3fZBDrSdRPxDrLrWqAV4oF9PStGntH-cPRMPUsS12pH08qez3j7lrsCHj1oYOeZfxMqdpWJyLLb-HWtM9rNknmWVCIcCotTZXryJQxe_Srh__MRMOzuxw1hpyZ6iDDMT9UasA/s1600-h/IMG_7785.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 244px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRoWir-Md3fZBDrSdRPxDrLrWqAV4oF9PStGntH-cPRMPUsS12pH08qez3j7lrsCHj1oYOeZfxMqdpWJyLLb-HWtM9rNknmWVCIcCotTZXryJQxe_Srh__MRMOzuxw1hpyZ6iDDMT9UasA/s320/IMG_7785.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5273215238579217554" border="0" /></a>This is where we finally secured two desktop PCs for 700 USD, bargained to the last drop of sweat from Eric's forehead. Even after scoring a good price by Cambodia's standards, he wanted to make sure Savong was covered for after-sales service, "<span style="font-weight: bold;">Sekali</span>, the PC breaks down . . ."<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">SEKALI</span>! Short of being white with an english last name, Eric is the most British-Chinese i've known. <span style="font-weight: bold;">SEKALI</span> is the last thing i expect out of him. I nearly broke down in tears, from laughing.<br /></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgVkHtq_p1vNb_Kgde2vrePIPbAa7r0k0zCKFQHLdJWq-E5_ndtycZPJJ0xazxWZcbcomYzP-MjL1WDW3D5jtyEGEbq7RxcibKAa0o_knCTw3N06ex4_8FnOmdXvqYH63P0Y5H5hERzE9s/s1600-h/IMG_7966.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 245px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgVkHtq_p1vNb_Kgde2vrePIPbAa7r0k0zCKFQHLdJWq-E5_ndtycZPJJ0xazxWZcbcomYzP-MjL1WDW3D5jtyEGEbq7RxcibKAa0o_knCTw3N06ex4_8FnOmdXvqYH63P0Y5H5hERzE9s/s320/IMG_7966.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5273222681773890818" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7j6IAV2WbZkCaJfGhguNWZgmtUtgN-zPHeG1F1SZdha5txotg4K2gMtBhm1nJOwACezkcf74YQth_iOOI4BhSZD_MRUewZnykEgOitl_10iNl9yQgEe_s_1_ULSL8Oa-9m5UTx-6Rlbgm/s1600-h/IMG_7786.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 245px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7j6IAV2WbZkCaJfGhguNWZgmtUtgN-zPHeG1F1SZdha5txotg4K2gMtBhm1nJOwACezkcf74YQth_iOOI4BhSZD_MRUewZnykEgOitl_10iNl9yQgEe_s_1_ULSL8Oa-9m5UTx-6Rlbgm/s320/IMG_7786.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5273222689727624866" border="0" /></a><br />And 30mins away from town...<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmkVMantW0mVqKc1SSrgdOjVvGKAI2kqAgT-KpdZJe9K9NfjgT4UY_qluV-yJrNRNuI01dT1R_F6tOohtbbM_ZFMofVOgW5QUZ_9BwXZPcckXHZ80JtFSVd4enu1MmdCrpt3cDNtsuzwF5/s1600-h/Untitled-1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 249px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmkVMantW0mVqKc1SSrgdOjVvGKAI2kqAgT-KpdZJe9K9NfjgT4UY_qluV-yJrNRNuI01dT1R_F6tOohtbbM_ZFMofVOgW5QUZ_9BwXZPcckXHZ80JtFSVd4enu1MmdCrpt3cDNtsuzwF5/s400/Untitled-1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5269646862978340530" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk_eOC_kiGoHARNICvOKgBYoU7gIrss6whIIzLyWJo4oQm4C7mfgObrAkCldaGD8MltzFLjlTj8l8FJWQ9Cs8E3-lmW2C-t9nXeLefW9kSx4tBOPKkDPDgCSxpoVIdgNhxt7mDT8YVUELZ/s1600-h/IMG_7853.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 243px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk_eOC_kiGoHARNICvOKgBYoU7gIrss6whIIzLyWJo4oQm4C7mfgObrAkCldaGD8MltzFLjlTj8l8FJWQ9Cs8E3-lmW2C-t9nXeLefW9kSx4tBOPKkDPDgCSxpoVIdgNhxt7mDT8YVUELZ/s320/IMG_7853.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5269650108112063826" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2tsnuwyieJHKszNvfjjgalN1LN4bK9zZC2fcZ-hNOriUiMmICyyy58CiyGffCULIzSyEEXJY_lC5YSpZRXPR2o-iT_oLRyA53j1tpQbuPChpgQvXbz1hgX0S_s2QFXpIK5DmHH1pVDoJ3/s1600-h/IMG_7866.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 243px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2tsnuwyieJHKszNvfjjgalN1LN4bK9zZC2fcZ-hNOriUiMmICyyy58CiyGffCULIzSyEEXJY_lC5YSpZRXPR2o-iT_oLRyA53j1tpQbuPChpgQvXbz1hgX0S_s2QFXpIK5DmHH1pVDoJ3/s320/IMG_7866.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5272977125083407042" border="0" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The size of the school is pretty much what i expected. There were 3 classrooms, each can sit up to 30-40 students depending how they squeeze themselves onto the benches. Two languages are taught in Savong's school, which is by default the must-know language to keep up with the tourism industry; English and Japanese. We were pretty impressed with the methods used to teach English . We saw evidence of grammar based syllabus in use, vocabulary building, dialogues, and usage of pictures and illustrations. What was far more impressive was the student's ability to comprehend, and their level of spoken English. Dare i say, some of them speak better English than some of our poorer kids back home.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL5Spb55RrBYManGHYPvoWGpOLac2CwO2vtTRLQ5wm_tWiYudipbs4fYQ9fPIUuHkzv77L5v6NOl5V-bBrcH9RlOU3mfGt3X_uzjsHBnPcDz1CFsTdiJ1911D8A2ka84QbrtgwupCt5GS6/s1600-h/1085791102.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 243px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL5Spb55RrBYManGHYPvoWGpOLac2CwO2vtTRLQ5wm_tWiYudipbs4fYQ9fPIUuHkzv77L5v6NOl5V-bBrcH9RlOU3mfGt3X_uzjsHBnPcDz1CFsTdiJ1911D8A2ka84QbrtgwupCt5GS6/s320/1085791102.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5269645525253300786" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhd7GXJF_LZd90Y_ExqfOds4jnaNL7lOeuwG-ur1SiuPnGLKPZiXKKJPN86n_zySyo4dbzZR_-s2s-0nHSv4zhCK9XW_2JSJSvNFbVx-fLYkWLZOQ2mgbfJWREMlELoHmJjy__UUI4PSm8/s1600-h/Untitled-1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 151px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhd7GXJF_LZd90Y_ExqfOds4jnaNL7lOeuwG-ur1SiuPnGLKPZiXKKJPN86n_zySyo4dbzZR_-s2s-0nHSv4zhCK9XW_2JSJSvNFbVx-fLYkWLZOQ2mgbfJWREMlELoHmJjy__UUI4PSm8/s320/Untitled-1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5269647020389341106" border="0" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">.<span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-size:85%;">(L): Some of the older students, one we asked was 22 years old, attending the advanced level of English classes. (R): Pointing out where we're from in the world map</span>.</span><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHkXnd-eyfgFyPElU6yh-1pPkOZHBmTMZQGqHYGKmcNjN18g0RnxP8HFf8KSHKzfKiuM2nF47_RU72o4zxGmkeWlnJaC27oPq609G_wOmn90XdYV3KU8nY39E_XDXRKltQRMD5VtC9NzBc/s1600-h/IMG_7910.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 243px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHkXnd-eyfgFyPElU6yh-1pPkOZHBmTMZQGqHYGKmcNjN18g0RnxP8HFf8KSHKzfKiuM2nF47_RU72o4zxGmkeWlnJaC27oPq609G_wOmn90XdYV3KU8nY39E_XDXRKltQRMD5VtC9NzBc/s320/IMG_7910.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5272977134561139666" border="0" /></a><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2XWhbcReEQ7SVEOIXSfBpK42DzNcgDRiJrXPYNfixiSe0UBXSmsN-ngXjF7hep3A5bXlwLwXGxcCNSrFzKn3AKr_DYHLgQ51bNzOgcpkAgwxsqnVv7ybJANlxLgNbLPim4rwtQvr-s-jv/s1600-h/IMG_7889.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 245px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2XWhbcReEQ7SVEOIXSfBpK42DzNcgDRiJrXPYNfixiSe0UBXSmsN-ngXjF7hep3A5bXlwLwXGxcCNSrFzKn3AKr_DYHLgQ51bNzOgcpkAgwxsqnVv7ybJANlxLgNbLPim4rwtQvr-s-jv/s320/IMG_7889.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5273253185756163474" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBt63yzyZHlXAv6bua03vIOERY39LS9V5aXRC4nnVSt2YQL-lUzfgGd6u-GBbBnmcXT_KDltTnJWfQ4TdiXBjzSVOANEQGXN7mDGZ9PNIgT9yAKNZAZC87eETHQ3y8_PjJs8v_a7qrneOJ/s1600-h/IMG_7896.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 245px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBt63yzyZHlXAv6bua03vIOERY39LS9V5aXRC4nnVSt2YQL-lUzfgGd6u-GBbBnmcXT_KDltTnJWfQ4TdiXBjzSVOANEQGXN7mDGZ9PNIgT9yAKNZAZC87eETHQ3y8_PjJs8v_a7qrneOJ/s320/IMG_7896.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5273253192033851794" border="0" /></a><br />.<span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-size:85%;">Their favourite past time sports are Hula-Hooping and Volleyball. (L):I shrilled when i had a closer look at the girl's t-shirt - fancy finding an F4 (Meteor Garden's cast) t-shirt in Cambodia!. (R): Savong.</span></span><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfnCxsjQo3PvbR_SUK9f2knB3KUAkxbQam1CkM8gMIzGzRtGjP1K7aX_3xXUs2iGKPW_QNkQ3pPp1RNwrIotrPy6CLwinojmmDdDOC9RFJuBccrmiinA5zkJz7TG_uay-BaZ_Urf9B7cFV/s1600-h/IMG_7884.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 245px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfnCxsjQo3PvbR_SUK9f2knB3KUAkxbQam1CkM8gMIzGzRtGjP1K7aX_3xXUs2iGKPW_QNkQ3pPp1RNwrIotrPy6CLwinojmmDdDOC9RFJuBccrmiinA5zkJz7TG_uay-BaZ_Urf9B7cFV/s320/IMG_7884.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5273394609010994274" border="0" /></a><br />.<span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-size:85%;">Their resident pup</span>.</span><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghPes_zQXQnmSHbuKWUG6pXonRNRSwxGoptdMOvT5lsIP5HBej-01JZetidPJony-Hh_dEAahI_qHKD480BV2zrzeOfcF-1KYN4U77LIdhOC0E4rcYkLeogt8tZMg7aT0-Y_i9ngoyRelh/s1600-h/IMG_7875.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 245px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghPes_zQXQnmSHbuKWUG6pXonRNRSwxGoptdMOvT5lsIP5HBej-01JZetidPJony-Hh_dEAahI_qHKD480BV2zrzeOfcF-1KYN4U77LIdhOC0E4rcYkLeogt8tZMg7aT0-Y_i9ngoyRelh/s320/IMG_7875.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5273394600572631954" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTsjI6rC0pMgKcdMBkGv_2MU0BfwTEMQN1_-agwojq3_szCfQVhzGFbzfIveYJLZ0f3xoAtywE_F8P2qa09s3rgPzzcNAcdY7i6dBij0Uav0Dr-HTRjoaNEOiiPbs9V27Xw-1eLY9dpcHp/s1600-h/DSC00292.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 246px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTsjI6rC0pMgKcdMBkGv_2MU0BfwTEMQN1_-agwojq3_szCfQVhzGFbzfIveYJLZ0f3xoAtywE_F8P2qa09s3rgPzzcNAcdY7i6dBij0Uav0Dr-HTRjoaNEOiiPbs9V27Xw-1eLY9dpcHp/s320/DSC00292.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5273394599629826562" border="0" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">During the 1 hour break, Savong showed us to the newly raised library. He explained his dream to us, attempting to cast away any doubts we had in us. He also prompted us to ask him questions, which he was quick to answer. But i realised his school does not follow a strict curriculum. Students were free to attend classes whenever they want. He does not want to force the children and make learning a language a chore. "<span style="font-style: italic;">It's supposed to be fun, i want them to enjoy themselves</span>". Eric gave him some good pointers on raising awareness for the school.<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCvniOCWwTagBl8CYrxMzSQpHxv-9PJEYPVFd8KRMkyUhjoD-rIhzD-FlGPih1J5uDhQ2W0ppfEQGt5WgkYGPGEoBrGx3fr-3q78r_dyo58jF6r1xMRMWLDCbeUJwMwosl8w2Z8gMOlwNp/s1600-h/IMG_7903.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 243px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCvniOCWwTagBl8CYrxMzSQpHxv-9PJEYPVFd8KRMkyUhjoD-rIhzD-FlGPih1J5uDhQ2W0ppfEQGt5WgkYGPGEoBrGx3fr-3q78r_dyo58jF6r1xMRMWLDCbeUJwMwosl8w2Z8gMOlwNp/s320/IMG_7903.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5272977130293703138" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDPDUt0LNuhGbgamEG24M5goZPWVgKKOtTVYRLE_OKH48aaRvtWrl4REy-tHpdCD5KtzzSElEgSSg9TOrOVKP3w-fh52TydySJ_lseM8eHTDLy0hdMcUHSJeXFB8zQK1a8buhIQkPlwPU6/s1600-h/IMG_7923.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 243px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDPDUt0LNuhGbgamEG24M5goZPWVgKKOtTVYRLE_OKH48aaRvtWrl4REy-tHpdCD5KtzzSElEgSSg9TOrOVKP3w-fh52TydySJ_lseM8eHTDLy0hdMcUHSJeXFB8zQK1a8buhIQkPlwPU6/s320/IMG_7923.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5272977142281393154" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: left;">By 4pm, more students appeared through the gates in their bicycles. As soon as it was announced our presence today is to conduct a Chinese class, everyone started flocking to our classroom. Some of them even lulled benches from the next room. I am amazed at those sheer determination, the enthusiasm on their faces makes it all worthwhile. This is probably their zest for life - an escape route from poverty.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMYlqrxJ6nbQlFCq0AUfapK9e4hysT7N3F0aACQK0hDjgUR92_EHhnOtNgIjReAWxuov0wt2YZhpYd403EA9arHUcDbTMC80kgiod3Gspofk1X5KVdNYsv6OjVI4H42L4jVlCUwr-1ouBt/s1600-h/IMG_7927.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 245px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMYlqrxJ6nbQlFCq0AUfapK9e4hysT7N3F0aACQK0hDjgUR92_EHhnOtNgIjReAWxuov0wt2YZhpYd403EA9arHUcDbTMC80kgiod3Gspofk1X5KVdNYsv6OjVI4H42L4jVlCUwr-1ouBt/s320/IMG_7927.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5273369466558472514" border="0" /></a><br />.<span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-size:85%;">I'm so proud of our Chee Ting!.</span></span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">Chee Ting was our appointed teacher of Mandarin 101, given she is a qualified teacher =P. The men were in charged of handing out notes courtesy of Eric's Mandarin lessons in <a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.ubd.edu.bn">UBD</a>. CT taught basic conversational mandarin, e.g. My name is; hello, how are you; i am fine; thank you; goodbye; gdmorning teacher; etc. 2 teachers were present to provide translation assistance, and not long into the class we could pinpoint who the teacher's pets are. =)<br /><br />The class was fun, we called upon the 2 teacher's pet and got them to demonstrate a conversation infront of everyone. Although shy, they pulled it off...<br /></div></div></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYkYmGiW91vhnpipkY1LCunOf_9JMJx2LD4OVCnoRvB_cvyHOmNJSif1eMkSAzgkxWAKcqdMIg2s4YY6kJoXuQJu8jbCyCDshQHI_TXPUGc1Nl5IPRgH1y12ni2OZ2T9wmPvt3LZd8heq1/s1600-h/IMG_7938.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 243px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYkYmGiW91vhnpipkY1LCunOf_9JMJx2LD4OVCnoRvB_cvyHOmNJSif1eMkSAzgkxWAKcqdMIg2s4YY6kJoXuQJu8jbCyCDshQHI_TXPUGc1Nl5IPRgH1y12ni2OZ2T9wmPvt3LZd8heq1/s320/IMG_7938.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5272977142821910178" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinT9dw1oyRfLKqtlBDRRVjAZ7AKqH9-85sFYdOQBAMsiRMFZZ_koQkKL4t5ca0_GEhKuRPQPYtzWMPolTDy93D_k23p1xoAUVfFQCIj6piQTxF6OeTm9brNGny9YzOx4dHG8itXElFv1Ys/s1600-h/IMG_7946.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 243px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinT9dw1oyRfLKqtlBDRRVjAZ7AKqH9-85sFYdOQBAMsiRMFZZ_koQkKL4t5ca0_GEhKuRPQPYtzWMPolTDy93D_k23p1xoAUVfFQCIj6piQTxF6OeTm9brNGny9YzOx4dHG8itXElFv1Ys/s320/IMG_7946.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5273151948232122978" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXnvWF9c5BhokPTiv85UgSA9T_sbHZ19fMfu_13vGc-KxOwHK7NR5des3uBmFHgRNwhVnJarXHW0fPiQJN_J1oYPUBOuRH1sHwoqrfSI4rAmVOn8pnjet1gNJCkw0yJPhVi2XT-aFkspnC/s1600-h/IMG_7947.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 243px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXnvWF9c5BhokPTiv85UgSA9T_sbHZ19fMfu_13vGc-KxOwHK7NR5des3uBmFHgRNwhVnJarXHW0fPiQJN_J1oYPUBOuRH1sHwoqrfSI4rAmVOn8pnjet1gNJCkw0yJPhVi2XT-aFkspnC/s320/IMG_7947.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5273151953028140242" border="0" /></a><br />.<span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">This boy's keen interest put a big smile on my face. As we progress, he diligently pen down translations in Khmer.<br /><br /></span></span></div>With this many students packed in a classroom, the heat and thickness of the air is almost unbearable. The fans were not working. And the mercy of sunset lit up their notes. The lights were not working either. I began to wonder if this place is even powered up at all. Nevertheless, these children hold tight to the opportunity given to them. Perhaps being poor has its advantage, it instills the drive and determination in you, it makes you take charge of your destiny, it gives you the power to strive to change your life. These individuals' initiative to walk & cycle miles to learn a new language is in itself worthy of praise.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmaNEgt4TxFnk3ZR0EfXNNuWC32_NoeEwXusjep7NjWAtgvtVqPCufP7kMovyOve85lyil2juxBg7Tj92KrJ92PBGLQ47lAt__XwMyfZEjsPYfUrccEC8cu-V6-GIYQ5BkImuq5wplK5DZ/s1600-h/IMG_7951.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 243px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmaNEgt4TxFnk3ZR0EfXNNuWC32_NoeEwXusjep7NjWAtgvtVqPCufP7kMovyOve85lyil2juxBg7Tj92KrJ92PBGLQ47lAt__XwMyfZEjsPYfUrccEC8cu-V6-GIYQ5BkImuq5wplK5DZ/s320/IMG_7951.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5273151961695710194" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCmKRW15-FSfiB__OEBhiwcdHEVLZ5Q9vQEkp0FTqwqRF0RnNoDe1RyYfmh3nTURryCAFDT53EpuckHshHoBvWCbx1wqKOGitMcrEmeol_OqcILzQ9_sEcXny6AAdyLl_xQNppZ0mRqJPg/s1600-h/IMG_7953.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 243px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCmKRW15-FSfiB__OEBhiwcdHEVLZ5Q9vQEkp0FTqwqRF0RnNoDe1RyYfmh3nTURryCAFDT53EpuckHshHoBvWCbx1wqKOGitMcrEmeol_OqcILzQ9_sEcXny6AAdyLl_xQNppZ0mRqJPg/s320/IMG_7953.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5273151963044740482" border="0" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGYE_74bh-DPRIMOVcC1FJGt4EZG27K1ABkQzPWb1g46JjF8kVKk3E3hzi1xtS3bBFhOpjf4VVn_upChS841aETCN5MK-e-TdPkaoVWuwlafm58B-shjKNLliieCbncafUOWysjnyuE1fE/s1600-h/IMG_7915.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 245px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGYE_74bh-DPRIMOVcC1FJGt4EZG27K1ABkQzPWb1g46JjF8kVKk3E3hzi1xtS3bBFhOpjf4VVn_upChS841aETCN5MK-e-TdPkaoVWuwlafm58B-shjKNLliieCbncafUOWysjnyuE1fE/s320/IMG_7915.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5273369470047077682" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdUFFXdIswCukdRp_dAXbqIJPvQ6Nwk1VQIOw5BffLXgUYZmTzE_Jdo73iH3rM3WVe9C5SYmtWhJnbiACvDMC5iGY_XH2Sc5yKbYcHOK6VhELvRZckJYOHXSo8B5kiz76uKUIabAOTAJjC/s1600-h/IMG_7922.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 245px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdUFFXdIswCukdRp_dAXbqIJPvQ6Nwk1VQIOw5BffLXgUYZmTzE_Jdo73iH3rM3WVe9C5SYmtWhJnbiACvDMC5iGY_XH2Sc5yKbYcHOK6VhELvRZckJYOHXSo8B5kiz76uKUIabAOTAJjC/s320/IMG_7922.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5273369470252812194" border="0" /></a><br />.<span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-size:85%;">We 'stole' the kids' bikes and fulfilled our cycling wish. Hee hee</span>.</span><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-eCmBRXjGEeEKZ7ogH5RR191PZQqckakdNIae4gWXtRanWuwXJxiFGGkuAbndQmNyPd0Q393GK2GTd6gQAnwQ78jGHpZHcHFAY_vpJsUCtKf3Z6cr419yYq5PaG8-yOKZaYz-bmscBowW/s1600-h/IMG_7957.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 243px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-eCmBRXjGEeEKZ7ogH5RR191PZQqckakdNIae4gWXtRanWuwXJxiFGGkuAbndQmNyPd0Q393GK2GTd6gQAnwQ78jGHpZHcHFAY_vpJsUCtKf3Z6cr419yYq5PaG8-yOKZaYz-bmscBowW/s320/IMG_7957.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5273151964618222962" border="0" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">.<span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-size:85%;">The unfinished 2nd storey</span>. </span><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />Before we called it a day, Savong insisted we visit his new endeavour - an orphanage. He wants to give the orphans he's met hope and a new life. One story he related was orphaned girls fall in love, and when deserted they become devastated. With no explanation, no one to guide them, they start selling their bodies for sex in exchange for money. His arguments were they will cheat and they will steal; and he hopes education will make a difference.<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUuLixFpHNs47x20X5P-tvRH_gCg2sQHW679dVPYiGwXuWqPym8934rwGg2VOTFA62u6v6c0ZGAQ_ckpjBheMI_r-kUPv2zWrv91cakqpmEFQjfweogn74bmdpgStNnkrwDSSQ_KSWdmC7/s1600-h/IMG_7965.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 245px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUuLixFpHNs47x20X5P-tvRH_gCg2sQHW679dVPYiGwXuWqPym8934rwGg2VOTFA62u6v6c0ZGAQ_ckpjBheMI_r-kUPv2zWrv91cakqpmEFQjfweogn74bmdpgStNnkrwDSSQ_KSWdmC7/s320/IMG_7965.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5273401271980377330" border="0" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg63YaSeAcYFMvrZOqWfr3SJgbLjo7LiIGGrrOL-n4ZJHwZ-RDvFuHuRHD_26Osexb1gqhGhpmsBxKdyzeUssPT8-H5d_j9ZZ-HWvUsOnHzbUYb8iO8tkXuGPKPM5liSRzbhf0EqdoiwJ7x/s1600-h/DSC00297.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 246px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg63YaSeAcYFMvrZOqWfr3SJgbLjo7LiIGGrrOL-n4ZJHwZ-RDvFuHuRHD_26Osexb1gqhGhpmsBxKdyzeUssPT8-H5d_j9ZZ-HWvUsOnHzbUYb8iO8tkXuGPKPM5liSRzbhf0EqdoiwJ7x/s320/DSC00297.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5273401246849937794" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGaP-IrakJzaEo8_-QPRWRxDfl8bAA3rKwTxucrDebb7flyik6h7nQFk5UJcvUMRKadT9nOtkCCNyMsS7-C6T0k7oMuBYIyUlh4tWk2UrOZMy2M-5ME65qHiEI36H2hdNYZocuvuZYxcZy/s1600-h/IMG_7962.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 245px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGaP-IrakJzaEo8_-QPRWRxDfl8bAA3rKwTxucrDebb7flyik6h7nQFk5UJcvUMRKadT9nOtkCCNyMsS7-C6T0k7oMuBYIyUlh4tWk2UrOZMy2M-5ME65qHiEI36H2hdNYZocuvuZYxcZy/s320/IMG_7962.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5273401259201169090" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz7RbvJVu2rntWn7887MLvmrrTIgoIr_gE0hyphenhyphenUHt9yj4qzf7bb3lMhvu3QaPsDIRNsY6kFV3_T9kTzXL7sZ0S8Ch2aJq3PInSPrJj9Oe6jzpRwZa9Xvs9wFOV9v5BCKcgZ1TQS4x4kXwaJ/s1600-h/IMG_7960.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 245px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz7RbvJVu2rntWn7887MLvmrrTIgoIr_gE0hyphenhyphenUHt9yj4qzf7bb3lMhvu3QaPsDIRNsY6kFV3_T9kTzXL7sZ0S8Ch2aJq3PInSPrJj9Oe6jzpRwZa9Xvs9wFOV9v5BCKcgZ1TQS4x4kXwaJ/s320/IMG_7960.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5273401255181749426" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwwbaYXwdbdkdj6hLl0TnVKXTKLNdMlm8TpGm8aJFM8OGb_1DSV2mlh2zTFaGLRMUrb2H6zPtWniYBv10xi_bBlSVH8zJ65jDZNGvC4YixNmXKlPBXkPCbEPgjw4IyXrzqKZY-Y-qKAVFB/s1600-h/IMG_7959.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 245px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwwbaYXwdbdkdj6hLl0TnVKXTKLNdMlm8TpGm8aJFM8OGb_1DSV2mlh2zTFaGLRMUrb2H6zPtWniYBv10xi_bBlSVH8zJ65jDZNGvC4YixNmXKlPBXkPCbEPgjw4IyXrzqKZY-Y-qKAVFB/s320/IMG_7959.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5273401251019907730" border="0" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">.<span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">(L): 4-bedroom bungalow, each big enough for 3-4 person.<br /><br /></span></span><div style="text-align: left;">Mel D gave me something to think about when she asked about the Savong-experience. She said "So is he authentic?? I was getting worried about what you're getting yourself into". True enough, we might be in for a big disappointment. I guess the difference between Savong's school and other International NGOs are that NGOs runs on a proper governing and financial system, and are transparent in their actions and the resources they use. Savong, on the other hand is the sole operator, money-raiser, treasurer, etc... so you can never really know if the money you've donated is indeed pumped into the betterment of the school or to the new handphone he bought himself. That we have to give him the benefit of the doubt.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn4C1IDHQ2BZyfbnfUfWZKVMebC3kE8oTsWncCOaFzdqcraxsoU8WYQo6VHZ2bnEpigzTKYypE04szvrn5b7Wa45031450liYgQkm0FxtE5NHWeCnYrGOS5di6G9zfm0BdrCrXd7vozV5g/s1600-h/IMG_8811.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 245px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn4C1IDHQ2BZyfbnfUfWZKVMebC3kE8oTsWncCOaFzdqcraxsoU8WYQo6VHZ2bnEpigzTKYypE04szvrn5b7Wa45031450liYgQkm0FxtE5NHWeCnYrGOS5di6G9zfm0BdrCrXd7vozV5g/s320/IMG_8811.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5273412282811676450" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;">.<span style="font-style: italic;">Thank you guys.<br /><br /></span></span></div>For those that supported Savong, you know who you are, all in all we gave him 2 new desktops, books, and money for internet access. If you decide to visit Siem Reap one day, you should drop by Savong's school =).<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:85%;">.<span style="font-style: italic;">Next up - Tonle Sap Cruise.</span></span><br /></div></div></div>Leehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05923827937717561860noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2470825799501676113.post-62881477555305417132008-11-06T10:12:00.011+08:002008-11-06T11:41:55.968+08:00And the nomad takes off again...A break from my Cambodia t-logs to bid my cousin, Zing, a safe and meaningful journey to South Africa. Amazing as it is, we share the same birth date and ironic as it is, we celebrated our birthday together for the 1st time only when we were in college, away from home. Ask any of our family members, and the common derivative is we're One Heaven, One Hell. One well-behaved-one mischievous, One studious-one playful, you get my drift.. we're not exactly two peas in a pod.<br /><br />Although i'd like to believe we're similar in subtle and funny ways, our nature of independence will never match. 3 years ago, she left Singapore with a backpack for South America. On her own, for 3 whole months. She spent her time whisking from:<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">(.<span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-size:85%;">All</span> <span style="font-size:85%;">Photos by <a href="http://zing-zing.blogspot.com/">Zing</a></span>.</span>)<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Rio de Janeiro </span>to<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-ANYf4-_gTkxBR9RFYx-nQSJoZGF_pFhNu_oQEBtLf4i5yhThdHmYoRJLmofP57XGEgmJ-tuwyxdzLf1kRTa_xfqpLlT2t8GHsEOqUhSlTB0E9Bvj4d8sd6i2Rtc9wnausnr3KruTGU5b/s1600-h/Rio+2.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5047746573891019138" style="" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-ANYf4-_gTkxBR9RFYx-nQSJoZGF_pFhNu_oQEBtLf4i5yhThdHmYoRJLmofP57XGEgmJ-tuwyxdzLf1kRTa_xfqpLlT2t8GHsEOqUhSlTB0E9Bvj4d8sd6i2Rtc9wnausnr3KruTGU5b/s320/Rio+2.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Natal, Brazil</span> to<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAFubyZEgMLMK3Vo3WMB8riFoagbikiX84J3PXSI_3sIa2SkRRWy0-9BxJfktGWsJpEYuAIBS7X5xDLYaYuyR4DkxqaRDc4kYnUDcUA29eKgNxF7WgYM2-L725m2OOE-EfAgVKtTNf3sUc/s1600-h/1+Natal+1.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5041777568275383730" style="" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAFubyZEgMLMK3Vo3WMB8riFoagbikiX84J3PXSI_3sIa2SkRRWy0-9BxJfktGWsJpEYuAIBS7X5xDLYaYuyR4DkxqaRDc4kYnUDcUA29eKgNxF7WgYM2-L725m2OOE-EfAgVKtTNf3sUc/s320/1+Natal+1.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Fernando de Norohona, Brazil </span>to<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmVg5y0NoLHmhiZmY461Q7wQ4oUZMwGjSxYe0VS2GthY0PjoTzF1Rd0EyWy_2sP3YtyI9U-RdQqAU7fRBhntgdQkbU-e1i9l5Nfp3mWJiRmxSCX1m-aNmEdh0KIiNXxk8bkubmY0TpADB8/s1600-h/2+Fernando+de+Noronha+9.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5041782378638755442" style="" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmVg5y0NoLHmhiZmY461Q7wQ4oUZMwGjSxYe0VS2GthY0PjoTzF1Rd0EyWy_2sP3YtyI9U-RdQqAU7fRBhntgdQkbU-e1i9l5Nfp3mWJiRmxSCX1m-aNmEdh0KIiNXxk8bkubmY0TpADB8/s320/2+Fernando+de+Noronha+9.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Iguazu Falls, Brazil & Igussu Falls, Argentina</span> to<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJM7VybwkqsvuD8U7vRdbok8UO2NN4cQyps_GstnhJ9T20xwLRmNHC8sik5iEDGejuVrYBDFNH7WVY52l7VsseyLu-B08HjVqw3xm8iB5Fmv_GrB3MKiQvRl_tGzjcpyKk9wL46Q1CD3-9/s1600-h/1a+Iguazu+3.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5042800122679150706" style="" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJM7VybwkqsvuD8U7vRdbok8UO2NN4cQyps_GstnhJ9T20xwLRmNHC8sik5iEDGejuVrYBDFNH7WVY52l7VsseyLu-B08HjVqw3xm8iB5Fmv_GrB3MKiQvRl_tGzjcpyKk9wL46Q1CD3-9/s320/1a+Iguazu+3.JPG" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKB1KidRp8xnzpLZBc6hoBFXYF4siWLjUPNcOc23NT3tz5osDzlIaFO2PvIY8OfVnpsgB2Kc9Q2HpjEKdycojtY_6ABLyfiJ9MQ9B5QcAe_oiUEDAdfZrN4cCCMLTSz5GcHwxCQVrIuu7N/s1600-h/1a+Iguazu+10.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5041788662175909714" style="" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKB1KidRp8xnzpLZBc6hoBFXYF4siWLjUPNcOc23NT3tz5osDzlIaFO2PvIY8OfVnpsgB2Kc9Q2HpjEKdycojtY_6ABLyfiJ9MQ9B5QcAe_oiUEDAdfZrN4cCCMLTSz5GcHwxCQVrIuu7N/s320/1a+Iguazu+10.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Bueno Aires, Argentina </span>to<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjX6gyd1k49R76Vtn3OEjRqxm5z5oweS-gpwid8K7z4K5Sa2PWt3jWPi54lGPDwTRf1S96xp1zJxIKcgICnFbNCbohY_s7t-AC2FfwXCUtgAKbQ-mgH0qYUc80OAZBGC97UWDUYUoqgVTv/s1600-h/3+Buenos+Aires+8.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5041791874811447186" style="" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjX6gyd1k49R76Vtn3OEjRqxm5z5oweS-gpwid8K7z4K5Sa2PWt3jWPi54lGPDwTRf1S96xp1zJxIKcgICnFbNCbohY_s7t-AC2FfwXCUtgAKbQ-mgH0qYUc80OAZBGC97UWDUYUoqgVTv/s320/3+Buenos+Aires+8.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Bariloche, Argentina </span>to<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc7nHoY1KMmc8FGRT4MAw_am6Il6WRS-t9iaM0OOjSbi0G9RMiqKZXzL2QmXLlni10mFVTyTXtghj1GWr3rorltVCG5S39A2CL8ZmJ3D1tDqDr2Mz44iO70poTRoVQFiCes-kt981QgEJO/s1600-h/3a+Bariloche+8.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5041797402434357346" style="" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc7nHoY1KMmc8FGRT4MAw_am6Il6WRS-t9iaM0OOjSbi0G9RMiqKZXzL2QmXLlni10mFVTyTXtghj1GWr3rorltVCG5S39A2CL8ZmJ3D1tDqDr2Mz44iO70poTRoVQFiCes-kt981QgEJO/s320/3a+Bariloche+8.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Torres del Paine, Patagonia, Chile </span>to<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRGanHolwYENgF1IoL_K9gPL4rhNH_EMySOtTIWPj-_qMUiaVTukGGpr5lfInt0uUnf2hniG0D7NCKlNaBhT0LoRkBWTcOlPkjQvtRp9T8SZcbZ_YDo9bghDXed6aOpPceBxFN2UZCV_XA/s1600-h/4+Torres+Del+Paine+3.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5042802764084037906" style="" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRGanHolwYENgF1IoL_K9gPL4rhNH_EMySOtTIWPj-_qMUiaVTukGGpr5lfInt0uUnf2hniG0D7NCKlNaBhT0LoRkBWTcOlPkjQvtRp9T8SZcbZ_YDo9bghDXed6aOpPceBxFN2UZCV_XA/s320/4+Torres+Del+Paine+3.JPG" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg698Qt5tzSkL2ry7EqTfFv69mr-CO5VMnNPy0vVIaKLf_rT8thjJ8yQkPTK3t4Q2LJh-b0XEUfQgniGCvplFfLPkAWgWWSfR1XJul4UOyWBtR4TVwRoYDzX_WF0LKqbUX_bqpv2GfDISAS/s1600-h/4+Torres+Del+Paine+29.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5042801531428423890" style="" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg698Qt5tzSkL2ry7EqTfFv69mr-CO5VMnNPy0vVIaKLf_rT8thjJ8yQkPTK3t4Q2LJh-b0XEUfQgniGCvplFfLPkAWgWWSfR1XJul4UOyWBtR4TVwRoYDzX_WF0LKqbUX_bqpv2GfDISAS/s320/4+Torres+Del+Paine+29.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Fitz Roy, Argentina </span>to<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC-WS9rwD1LK9aCPSE8wpZL4-PxFlKmwFZLjsOgW8G6IYSpLOSAZUdIRBSOitmd_OhaBed29TirEY8Oxx4P7EODZb5DNOtoT2d7b1f3TE4TdylYtfdkeCCdsDhwcq7NAXVwi1q-T5i5BRe/s1600-h/4a+Fitz+Roy+1.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5042817968268265922" style="" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC-WS9rwD1LK9aCPSE8wpZL4-PxFlKmwFZLjsOgW8G6IYSpLOSAZUdIRBSOitmd_OhaBed29TirEY8Oxx4P7EODZb5DNOtoT2d7b1f3TE4TdylYtfdkeCCdsDhwcq7NAXVwi1q-T5i5BRe/s320/4a+Fitz+Roy+1.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Perito Moreno, Argentina</span> to<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsTyZb3Ii2pzDkb9mtaFrHCDQUBJi79UQai3WOg8ZKpj67nA9mQdhXaJtYvjGWfTAuR15ePtFaSoebJoKcNHfmRUMOp5PmtQulefnnd_5RGEWavh4m6bAXpINc8duDxgCWtLBflXaZj2mZ/s1600-h/5+Perito+Moreno+4.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5042825772223842850" style="" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsTyZb3Ii2pzDkb9mtaFrHCDQUBJi79UQai3WOg8ZKpj67nA9mQdhXaJtYvjGWfTAuR15ePtFaSoebJoKcNHfmRUMOp5PmtQulefnnd_5RGEWavh4m6bAXpINc8duDxgCWtLBflXaZj2mZ/s320/5+Perito+Moreno+4.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Easter Island, Chile</span> to<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeVz6J3LHuOaM6cjwjngudVxBrxoeQgVM2R32BsI2yISulivbydnq86EiCxGtIzUn9TdHyzkbdFBeQ9QspoXv_S1zDsUA1iwgcT4zbOaanEGKSmRq0M7IlOwp6US3qTfEZFuhCk76btfdy/s1600-h/5a+Easter+Island+3.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5042832300574132946" style="" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeVz6J3LHuOaM6cjwjngudVxBrxoeQgVM2R32BsI2yISulivbydnq86EiCxGtIzUn9TdHyzkbdFBeQ9QspoXv_S1zDsUA1iwgcT4zbOaanEGKSmRq0M7IlOwp6US3qTfEZFuhCk76btfdy/s320/5a+Easter+Island+3.JPG" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLgKgSH3cS7mA8QocDcl975tLz-E7l84ghEq94792V9dQbbr86WMYfonLon4KTsuzYP6daacjmnB2NsCFCVgIPIIhPHOHGRBwbU7m72ybcqk7cXj6h5LSnA9WyDqQwHF3wZjq_CVGi8v26/s1600-h/5a+Easter+Island+7.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5042832326343936786" style="" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLgKgSH3cS7mA8QocDcl975tLz-E7l84ghEq94792V9dQbbr86WMYfonLon4KTsuzYP6daacjmnB2NsCFCVgIPIIhPHOHGRBwbU7m72ybcqk7cXj6h5LSnA9WyDqQwHF3wZjq_CVGi8v26/s320/5a+Easter+Island+7.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Santiago de Chile </span>to<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiopLfSEgSrDnLbYxtqx7HUx9Z1uGEsxezMfvfMc-pRH8ceEsEVAUJ1ojCefh17tFDMEAVWxB51wcQMfyruCqDfjLJHbzN2taldWNai56AO_PVMpqdbJdoXlsbEK9MwKQ3VqCIX2teSiGBX/s1600-h/5b+Santiago+4.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5044321533283723538" style="" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiopLfSEgSrDnLbYxtqx7HUx9Z1uGEsxezMfvfMc-pRH8ceEsEVAUJ1ojCefh17tFDMEAVWxB51wcQMfyruCqDfjLJHbzN2taldWNai56AO_PVMpqdbJdoXlsbEK9MwKQ3VqCIX2teSiGBX/s320/5b+Santiago+4.JPG" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEF5Dz78Q-o21-pMj4kgm5clbJlwKU-Fyr5lhyphenhyphenHUD8R10m2df6EWE1elsLZ06QAh1ShJsN_py2BdpxzI_TsThg6JbNXN2Ousjat21VuhcrFfnJO_7J2sSQj19OcWjgwueqz43Y63YlIaVM/s1600-h/5b+Santiago+5.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5044321541873658146" style="" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEF5Dz78Q-o21-pMj4kgm5clbJlwKU-Fyr5lhyphenhyphenHUD8R10m2df6EWE1elsLZ06QAh1ShJsN_py2BdpxzI_TsThg6JbNXN2Ousjat21VuhcrFfnJO_7J2sSQj19OcWjgwueqz43Y63YlIaVM/s320/5b+Santiago+5.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Iquique, North Chile </span>to<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcrPpmhYo5xCgtXsUXDLkr_F5DMtmzHRHBNuKXvVFieFEQ3O3VobZa1GaUYuPdJBekG8FcCZO1jTRNNM4QZq_CRhZYHL3oDjAbj0X1zqjwCtr3dAtH7T_AGLMKFzvDd-RbsZomhCAtiohQ/s1600-h/5c+Iquique+1.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5044325347214682418" style="" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcrPpmhYo5xCgtXsUXDLkr_F5DMtmzHRHBNuKXvVFieFEQ3O3VobZa1GaUYuPdJBekG8FcCZO1jTRNNM4QZq_CRhZYHL3oDjAbj0X1zqjwCtr3dAtH7T_AGLMKFzvDd-RbsZomhCAtiohQ/s320/5c+Iquique+1.JPG" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4rKIlhgbnteOVuRL20AhXV1ZAwOyZXGViULoBUVD4Q9M0xSlIjHqmsc4XXZeh0HQIP-lbEFdqodI7XVNF7kx7nXFEicZfr0PwfrUZ5QZ7KRFn0aLBLeV6E9RjazuLdgtU4zFWH5NCSyd3/s1600-h/5c+Iquique+6.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5044325368689518946" style="" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4rKIlhgbnteOVuRL20AhXV1ZAwOyZXGViULoBUVD4Q9M0xSlIjHqmsc4XXZeh0HQIP-lbEFdqodI7XVNF7kx7nXFEicZfr0PwfrUZ5QZ7KRFn0aLBLeV6E9RjazuLdgtU4zFWH5NCSyd3/s320/5c+Iquique+6.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Colca Canyon, Peru </span>to<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd1GlFHWpb2uU98z7YF5aN0r7yHcyVxvmI0YGPlqNEIqoVHwB04O7x-hiyfZRErwhNmWjwsrHTkjv75MLm9-7xV6sM0YwG95W0tBnG2TXCoBjgmCm0o-6RmpMmP27_pqu5ENUrB9r_dtwm/s1600-h/6+Colca+4.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5044330960736938450" style="" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd1GlFHWpb2uU98z7YF5aN0r7yHcyVxvmI0YGPlqNEIqoVHwB04O7x-hiyfZRErwhNmWjwsrHTkjv75MLm9-7xV6sM0YwG95W0tBnG2TXCoBjgmCm0o-6RmpMmP27_pqu5ENUrB9r_dtwm/s320/6+Colca+4.JPG" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4rg2NAWjZx6yZxF_YTGXuEhxJUApxybD_q57asCtyleXS-vXNuV4KrmHwLBzfusyAg_QAZF2viugAszSUWNoygn3iY1hs06UbVeMh1Q3wRHQTsHbbBG1-gJ2zXI7px_hRfChFr2iY77Al/s1600-h/6+Colca+2.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5044330947852036530" style="" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4rg2NAWjZx6yZxF_YTGXuEhxJUApxybD_q57asCtyleXS-vXNuV4KrmHwLBzfusyAg_QAZF2viugAszSUWNoygn3iY1hs06UbVeMh1Q3wRHQTsHbbBG1-gJ2zXI7px_hRfChFr2iY77Al/s320/6+Colca+2.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Lake Titicaca, Bolivia </span>to<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbv0ZpwtUDlzjnB1Rr2CwzyMmbjY69l0ntubCdS48z3Or3GUjhWhupixWdRhQ8amPKwfgOOSrr5uRdaBlUyxRoZSmzGz08g4Y8eAsxQnh0faxmGxmoP5M_ifjNhvHtSjV0t6mCytYbXq5z/s1600-h/6a+Sun+Island+5.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5044336101812791826" style="" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbv0ZpwtUDlzjnB1Rr2CwzyMmbjY69l0ntubCdS48z3Or3GUjhWhupixWdRhQ8amPKwfgOOSrr5uRdaBlUyxRoZSmzGz08g4Y8eAsxQnh0faxmGxmoP5M_ifjNhvHtSjV0t6mCytYbXq5z/s320/6a+Sun+Island+5.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Inca Trail, Manchu Picchu, Peru</span> to<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8qmjtIdgHDhyphenhyphenOV4SN3WycW2iKGrqpmwE2g-rbiQZdgvCVl47W2xAa0oD-is6i0MsHtj_3shKPqwBvTNuxc3WIvYWA5uoNOMOQHbKytlOKwZ7rlpQBN8GAZD2eFbl0YHwHvn_j3wcuSvr7/s1600-h/6c+Inca+995.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5044344889315879666" style="" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8qmjtIdgHDhyphenhyphenOV4SN3WycW2iKGrqpmwE2g-rbiQZdgvCVl47W2xAa0oD-is6i0MsHtj_3shKPqwBvTNuxc3WIvYWA5uoNOMOQHbKytlOKwZ7rlpQBN8GAZD2eFbl0YHwHvn_j3wcuSvr7/s320/6c+Inca+995.JPG" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuSRzLQzHlBrhRAiggwgpHjV1zjbbEQgIoaf4rhLdk9e2X9OoKiDA1HGBilMws6GwkzfVmGIrJAM6A6Nf_VI5oL-gtw1nkaIZjVYiJl-wv_KiMvnQaQDVbOSp_j1u7G8MXVG8nLCnz1dyk/s1600-h/6c+Inca+998.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5044341625140734578" style="" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuSRzLQzHlBrhRAiggwgpHjV1zjbbEQgIoaf4rhLdk9e2X9OoKiDA1HGBilMws6GwkzfVmGIrJAM6A6Nf_VI5oL-gtw1nkaIZjVYiJl-wv_KiMvnQaQDVbOSp_j1u7G8MXVG8nLCnz1dyk/s320/6c+Inca+998.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Cuzco, Peru </span>to<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"> </span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9-lFqqB1ohu0-VEqHgyHkwUom3XAMUerbCNCSr1tF3vpX-LUnelP-VKVEm3WeFlee4H6BQri3hHFmziTeVBpWLcwPW3X2OxEvftcl-od-OTgvLthrXPkGVC6JFWtXBX1gafq5OhWaUDcR/s1600-h/6d+Cuzco+6.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5044386146771725362" style="" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9-lFqqB1ohu0-VEqHgyHkwUom3XAMUerbCNCSr1tF3vpX-LUnelP-VKVEm3WeFlee4H6BQri3hHFmziTeVBpWLcwPW3X2OxEvftcl-od-OTgvLthrXPkGVC6JFWtXBX1gafq5OhWaUDcR/s320/6d+Cuzco+6.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Nazca Lines, Peru</span> to<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYoxTxuZDT1swj3fbsmSKWYU8jAUPD9Qe9ASqEsNjBJJ8XEHSmPZiVOYvlvXY1FYm0NLJIeRhrvn6ozJwp_5U7xOE-DP9muJWqKPFQXzp6EVGgPkdZVCXjpXyIVRRD2kwqLl3VYROTL4Jh/s1600-h/6e+Nazca+1.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5045803425849863506" style="" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYoxTxuZDT1swj3fbsmSKWYU8jAUPD9Qe9ASqEsNjBJJ8XEHSmPZiVOYvlvXY1FYm0NLJIeRhrvn6ozJwp_5U7xOE-DP9muJWqKPFQXzp6EVGgPkdZVCXjpXyIVRRD2kwqLl3VYROTL4Jh/s320/6e+Nazca+1.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"> Ecuador</span><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjca4NWhxUfmjwn2xjrTTfg-oq6TSyCG_QlUyZCXhlODHcI92EcZmKGVwiBGIwL0-mIwUZjen8I2oEWdJ_mX6x3N-zVQBAjIRkeAn6iDggITlRW9ooM9LbbJwD00_m5Xb4jFnIrZG2M63SR/s1600-h/CIMG4193.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5045811023647010466" style="" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjca4NWhxUfmjwn2xjrTTfg-oq6TSyCG_QlUyZCXhlODHcI92EcZmKGVwiBGIwL0-mIwUZjen8I2oEWdJ_mX6x3N-zVQBAjIRkeAn6iDggITlRW9ooM9LbbJwD00_m5Xb4jFnIrZG2M63SR/s320/CIMG4193.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />.<span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-size:85%;">Photos by <a href="http://zing-zing.blogspot.com/">Zing</a></span>.</span><br /><br />2 years ago, she took off to India, and yet again... alone. Read <a href="http://www.zingy.whereareyou.net/">this</a>.<br /><br />This time, she left her position in Ernst & Young, enough she said. Not sure what the future holds at this moment, she left for Kenya yesterday. 3 weeks of Safari and then she's on to Uganda for a life-changing experience. She will be volunteering at a non-profit organisation on a malaria project. Firstly, to improve their accounting internal control system, provide training and later to rural areas to dispense medicine.<br /><br />Zing, you're an inspiration and my window to the world.<br />Take care, dont stay there too long!<br />I cant wait for your posts and send me many, many postcards!<br /><br /><img src="file:///D:/DOCUME%7E1/LEEMIN%7E1.YON/LOCALS%7E1/Temp/moz-screenshot-18.jpg" alt="" /><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-size:85%;">.Much love to you</span>.</span><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEC-ZmQNEPAjlxsBTC9XYyElExYtn2xeU9pK_m1XwAb8SG7FFf2PETdyB6_k6nnL9VPaiP8FdETE1nqE13kkNp6NeoZlphVfVqvmEXDhTf-jW8UsBLep-sPIkyIVbNgKtgXSyT1ltlI1jH/s1600-h/n713768833_1597832_7120.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEC-ZmQNEPAjlxsBTC9XYyElExYtn2xeU9pK_m1XwAb8SG7FFf2PETdyB6_k6nnL9VPaiP8FdETE1nqE13kkNp6NeoZlphVfVqvmEXDhTf-jW8UsBLep-sPIkyIVbNgKtgXSyT1ltlI1jH/s320/n713768833_1597832_7120.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5265379517813939682" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:78%;">P.S: Make sure you're back in Brunei next year to strike diving off your to-do list.</span><br /></div><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /></span>SJ's post for Zing <a href="http://blacksnail.wordpress.com/2008/11/04/see-the-world-thru-your-eyes/">here</a>. More of Zing's adventures <a href="http://zing-zing.blogspot.com/search/label/Around%20the%20world">here</a>.<br /></div>Leehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05923827937717561860noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2470825799501676113.post-24810124934989745552008-11-03T23:10:00.005+08:002008-11-03T23:43:48.175+08:00Siemreaping<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzFUKNCNtosCx7JYgop5uCwRNGgqoZjCKmKUvFTc6V3scfEpBO0nn8FVcLTKG7TS9jyvH9U88zRpfv2WQWoK2aCKlkPUkaY5SgoSPBwb9xTF65ppEORsptD5vY4vg6mv9L7ZXORHKm9wqf/s1600-h/SR.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzFUKNCNtosCx7JYgop5uCwRNGgqoZjCKmKUvFTc6V3scfEpBO0nn8FVcLTKG7TS9jyvH9U88zRpfv2WQWoK2aCKlkPUkaY5SgoSPBwb9xTF65ppEORsptD5vY4vg6mv9L7ZXORHKm9wqf/s400/SR.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5259954182908701378" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:85%;" >.</span><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0); font-style: italic;font-size:85%;" >Red<span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">: Walking route</span></span><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 51);"><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Yellow</span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-style: italic;">: start/end point</span> <span style="font-style: italic;"><br /></span><span style="color: rgb(51, 255, 51); font-style: italic;">Green<span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">: Stops.<br /><br /></span></span></span></span></div>This is the one-pager street map of Siem Reap town. We wanted to cycle but it seems the bikes here were all too big for the ladies' comfort. Starting from dot <span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 51);">yellow</span>, we passed the Old Market and crossed the Siem Reap river looking for that hidden <a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://siemreaping.blogspot.com/2008/08/singing-tree-cafe.html">Singing Tree Cafe</a> to have lunch in. It is impossible to believe there are cafes/restaurants down this street. It looks so abandoned and when we found it, there stuck a note reading they were closed for the P'chum Ben festival until 4th of October. My stomach sank. Just our luck ok! So we detoured to <span style="font-weight: bold;">Butterfly Garden</span> that came recommended in many online reviews.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzbjA-OSgbymdtIPejgnDj5827Lm6DiqN3mVMRFrLUFAHEZSQLW997d0DfI5ItAlTzuNtKbANIxYy8SzJglNKRBQfb5eWD4taslEPxyUtximxfil4EFJOnlaZELaUFAlDLnwNOGT0Us7CV/s1600-h/BG.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzbjA-OSgbymdtIPejgnDj5827Lm6DiqN3mVMRFrLUFAHEZSQLW997d0DfI5ItAlTzuNtKbANIxYy8SzJglNKRBQfb5eWD4taslEPxyUtximxfil4EFJOnlaZELaUFAlDLnwNOGT0Us7CV/s400/BG.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5259963397956552722" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;">As we enter the gate, it becomes obvious that the entire open area is screened off to prevent the "<span style="font-style: italic;">1000-over</span>" butterflies from escaping. Speaking of which, I didnt see close to a handful of butterflies fluttering around, of those i saw, most were dead =\. It would have been a pretty tranquil area to sit and chill if not for the heat and the 4USD <span style="font-weight: bold;">INSTANT</span> beef noodle soup!<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCajfz2QCT2IHL0JfyqgMNTUY6k57JQkJ6EiKmYqDGlfEIks1UNVF_jQz3W1K01plll70kH3QTOTM-2uNORMoy8ZWCuU6EbDngIj9nsJqqi-6VoTr7YAlaTc7fbuoFIgrCde70u1VwE1as/s1600-h/IMG_7502.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCajfz2QCT2IHL0JfyqgMNTUY6k57JQkJ6EiKmYqDGlfEIks1UNVF_jQz3W1K01plll70kH3QTOTM-2uNORMoy8ZWCuU6EbDngIj9nsJqqi-6VoTr7YAlaTc7fbuoFIgrCde70u1VwE1as/s320/IMG_7502.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5259964500689805282" border="0" /></a>Tim casually asked if they served beef noodle soup. It wasnt in the menu but the waiter said "yes". So Chee Ting and I quickly cancelled our order and ordered the same. Tim took a walk around the place, passing the kitchen, came back and said, "<span style="font-style: italic;">Ehhh, auntie, i think they are using packet noodles... you go have a look". </span>I didnt think it could be possible. But one taste of the soup and bite of the noodles, it is indeed instant noodles! What a rip-off!! Loven, too agreed that their food do not match the prices they charge.</div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtcQkGmT0K1SqXdtg1Fme-IARt-N0sjCZAXvG3wzScmSnwWXVXDtLd81YvKiMADP4OYKiDTligdWOmQ2ciVtpTV56IKyF93C1jvHH3t4vPNZzygaAUbjOU4pHWCpwFMT-0ZaG8lcW2VSiM/s1600-h/IMG_7512.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtcQkGmT0K1SqXdtg1Fme-IARt-N0sjCZAXvG3wzScmSnwWXVXDtLd81YvKiMADP4OYKiDTligdWOmQ2ciVtpTV56IKyF93C1jvHH3t4vPNZzygaAUbjOU4pHWCpwFMT-0ZaG8lcW2VSiM/s320/IMG_7512.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5259981775419341970" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigTODVW5C46GrSNm605ubK8ZyNufNFEErYvSBeO7Q8NCeQTcIVWubj28gtRmlUaxC7mFlrsnXRodK7eRwmb1G9t60kay_dy4yYW4L3jDDeh2vSmJfXvsd-yvB557vZuQk3rAUGc8y8e9_D/s1600-h/IMG_7511.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigTODVW5C46GrSNm605ubK8ZyNufNFEErYvSBeO7Q8NCeQTcIVWubj28gtRmlUaxC7mFlrsnXRodK7eRwmb1G9t60kay_dy4yYW4L3jDDeh2vSmJfXvsd-yvB557vZuQk3rAUGc8y8e9_D/s320/IMG_7511.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5259981283994280962" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;">We took off to the Royal Palace and the Royal Independence Gardens. Poor Boon was down with a bad flu and was feverish but did not wish to miss out on anything. We passed by many guesthouses, pointing out those we've read about, considered and thankful we did not end up picking. There's plenty of eateries here at Wat Bo Road; Chinese, Thai, Khmer, and it's a surprise most eateries are tastefully decorated and cosy.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu2ahfV8G10IUAkE-R8TruhNTtSwOMVHWG9ANldgibmbA857cQp-HFfE7v2g328TScMR383OV3SFeC7v1eTGR6ZBzUlYSTAA8tHRHeszM2AVaVd8AmJ5AjMxo8uTj_yDqre5C6fsmnENx6/s1600-h/IMG_7514.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu2ahfV8G10IUAkE-R8TruhNTtSwOMVHWG9ANldgibmbA857cQp-HFfE7v2g328TScMR383OV3SFeC7v1eTGR6ZBzUlYSTAA8tHRHeszM2AVaVd8AmJ5AjMxo8uTj_yDqre5C6fsmnENx6/s320/IMG_7514.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5259998602792245138" border="0" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Across the Royal Residence on National Road No.6, we saw 2 shrines. One of which is a shrine home to two Buddhas, Preah Ang Chek and Preah Ang Chorm. It is said to provide protection for the town and is considered a place of good fortune. As we approached this shrine, we were alarmed by an overwhelming screeching noise. There were hundreds of bats hanging on the branches above us. I still have no idea what is the link between the bats and the shrine. In the middle of the road, and opposite of this shrine, is the Ya-Tep shrine. The local believes Ya-Tep to be a 'patron saint' with the power to protect travellers and gives lottery ticket numbers >_<".<!--. </div--></div><br /></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghKlpa3Pb-0QERYUZ-HOZCV1hCHqbvxpoPY_aN8a7wgw_cB3z9SqFfBdmOxCJLEXz3jqKeWvI0XZMDMSooIbcanfnEGZXjB-Zj9UArHTBp94DdW6g0EzzgO2Cl4U2NT0oqpZ2bKxgvU4tR/s1600-h/IMG_7515.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghKlpa3Pb-0QERYUZ-HOZCV1hCHqbvxpoPY_aN8a7wgw_cB3z9SqFfBdmOxCJLEXz3jqKeWvI0XZMDMSooIbcanfnEGZXjB-Zj9UArHTBp94DdW6g0EzzgO2Cl4U2NT0oqpZ2bKxgvU4tR/s320/IMG_7515.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5262157279495422818" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-Xjl1zkZYbUjwdUY66tgvBoF4ga2prCYVrpQopjDl-mU9H_9SJMZd5c8tOpGBeUxqguJoE6OWVjL21caL0AJB6L_n8Fr-OOc0hGqeyNXsCVoicGqCePCLbmo4PhZi2700xXjeIxNVIcVF/s1600-h/IMG_7516.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-Xjl1zkZYbUjwdUY66tgvBoF4ga2prCYVrpQopjDl-mU9H_9SJMZd5c8tOpGBeUxqguJoE6OWVjL21caL0AJB6L_n8Fr-OOc0hGqeyNXsCVoicGqCePCLbmo4PhZi2700xXjeIxNVIcVF/s320/IMG_7516.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5262157282396799650" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIAkiolXieHR4jhFMzpEW2vqv9uIkyrTvm8gdA1A3yKwOTcN58eOlVekWJXQxPbyd20Z0a0a_JXCLcITN6cTtVYjWxICGYhYVln-LgtyzKypA8K6rEam84qfV0P7m3M1XAtNMrinWOwxGJ/s1600-h/IMG_7517.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIAkiolXieHR4jhFMzpEW2vqv9uIkyrTvm8gdA1A3yKwOTcN58eOlVekWJXQxPbyd20Z0a0a_JXCLcITN6cTtVYjWxICGYhYVln-LgtyzKypA8K6rEam84qfV0P7m3M1XAtNMrinWOwxGJ/s320/IMG_7517.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5262157292502650050" border="0" /></a><br />.<span style="font-style: italic;">You can pay to release these pigeons from captivity. Another gimmick although with an intention to free a 'life'.<br /><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;">I guess most of us at some point, when travelling to 3rd world countries, have a prenotion of a messed-up country, conjures up images of taunting beggars and pickpockets, scheming peddlers, poor transportation, poor hygiene and for whatever reason lead us to strike it off our travel list. While it was not a journey of great comfort, we felt safe... pretty safe honestly. People are generally friendly and do not hesitate to reply with a big smile when approached, children as young as 4 are multilingual, they can speak conversational English, Chinese and even Japanese!<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;">It is also funny to see at one instance wooden hand carts packed with goods, overloaded trucks jammed with people with all sorts of belongings, merchandise and even chickens, and at another instance see brand new Lexus and Landcruisers cruising on the roads! We've also noticed that they have no drainage systems in place; no drains can be found on either side of the road causing the stench in certain areas. And what may or may not be surprising is, i've counted less than 10 traffic lights in my entire 5 days in Siem Reap.<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm4J7KDTTkiC-AdwzChg73FOndHUobjmCiH3cmiw9k6IKEIVNBDguyFAo21z0LnodnWM5DPuJh5b-MtU3l-ip1dbLyQb3d2lQ1Z2EmLapZGee7001VvBb8y75RHtQo9TI65yHn4CZNnctM/s1600-h/IMG_7520.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 238px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm4J7KDTTkiC-AdwzChg73FOndHUobjmCiH3cmiw9k6IKEIVNBDguyFAo21z0LnodnWM5DPuJh5b-MtU3l-ip1dbLyQb3d2lQ1Z2EmLapZGee7001VvBb8y75RHtQo9TI65yHn4CZNnctM/s320/IMG_7520.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5262161539906450258" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMqy4Vhyphenhyphenh3XN7YFnvlavSDQkeRBYB0Vbmpw7LDzXQc8uKekgTe9lfyQ8aO1LRr4b4xrMO8PEOLJCi_MTbSojL-YGvCfnbyE3oq7Qgc00hap5Qo7fy03eSJbzw_h9y5cWYbq6Od1ReqEjFM/s1600-h/IMG_7523.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 242px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMqy4Vhyphenhyphenh3XN7YFnvlavSDQkeRBYB0Vbmpw7LDzXQc8uKekgTe9lfyQ8aO1LRr4b4xrMO8PEOLJCi_MTbSojL-YGvCfnbyE3oq7Qgc00hap5Qo7fy03eSJbzw_h9y5cWYbq6Od1ReqEjFM/s320/IMG_7523.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5264408612767386082" border="0" /></a><br />.<span style="font-style: italic;">(R) Crocodile skin lovers will love this shop on Sivatha Boulevard. I, for one, cannot tolerate the smell of it, it is plain blearghhh.</span><br /><br />Hotel De La Paix was one of our luxurious choice but at close to 400USD per night, it was way over our budget. I almost keeled over when Loven said if informed earlier, he could have gotten us the rooms for less than half its price. This was our pit stop; to catch a breath and take a crap. Oh, and this hotel smells heavenly.<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz-EtBSIxAyTARoQf4mblSxTQ89xaHgxF4JziSqFvvEbVxIAoZonuPl5fQkjhjwLKudo2jMGTgVNJsTRG54-FIpIX6SP8aoJrFw_wU3FCKv_53guegMgGaMzDNgickkZ1J8fUfcYKOy_vh/s1600-h/IMG_7540.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz-EtBSIxAyTARoQf4mblSxTQ89xaHgxF4JziSqFvvEbVxIAoZonuPl5fQkjhjwLKudo2jMGTgVNJsTRG54-FIpIX6SP8aoJrFw_wU3FCKv_53guegMgGaMzDNgickkZ1J8fUfcYKOy_vh/s320/IMG_7540.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5264408614641127122" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq2Bl1AAAo_4JbvE9UKrq8zxew2M57MVIYHdQKyLpmvqtsqgFCXGMMvtS1oJvYWHvHW6ncJdGMp7ss_kNSmaYOvLYZ7AWhwnnBber09o1rru8VImNo6ZY_tfmWSANmzhSkUa966cMioYbV/s1600-h/IMG_7539.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq2Bl1AAAo_4JbvE9UKrq8zxew2M57MVIYHdQKyLpmvqtsqgFCXGMMvtS1oJvYWHvHW6ncJdGMp7ss_kNSmaYOvLYZ7AWhwnnBber09o1rru8VImNo6ZY_tfmWSANmzhSkUa966cMioYbV/s320/IMG_7539.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5264408615156910658" border="0" /></a><br />These paintings were hanging on the walls of the Arts Lounge of De La Paix. Call it a coincidence or six degrees of separation, we later discovered over dinner that the art curator of this lounge is <a href="http://spoolartist.blogspot.com/">Loven</a>'s mate. He roams around galleries and by instinct and feel picks pieces and illustrations of art for exhibit at the lounge. With no artsy background, he has a pair of fine eyes for outstanding art and a taste for the world of fashion. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWtQ0yU67SDY66aTnxipSc6LePprKQxNonnvi4cdTmelbSbN7s5S6dquLqLz4DS_ovYPxDNSowmy7btFzwXZ5xbLm1MuVg6mmL53FjBX8hoSAKtoOkMmAIyVMkfY-5IOed2jRk3D8h27KZ/s1600-h/Untitled-1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 158px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWtQ0yU67SDY66aTnxipSc6LePprKQxNonnvi4cdTmelbSbN7s5S6dquLqLz4DS_ovYPxDNSowmy7btFzwXZ5xbLm1MuVg6mmL53FjBX8hoSAKtoOkMmAIyVMkfY-5IOed2jRk3D8h27KZ/s400/Untitled-1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5262818219743565154" border="0" /></a>.<span style="font-style: italic;">Based on Toul Sleng prison photographs.</span><br />.<span style="font-style: italic;">You can read more about him <a href="http://fuchsiaboy.blogspot.com/">her</a><a href="http://fuchsiaboy.blogspot.com/">e</a> and <a href="http://cambodiaart.blogspot.com/">here</a>.</span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">Navigating the streets of this town on foot is probably one of the most rewarding ways to discover its pain and secrets. Timmy basically conducted a mental survey of the ubiquitous foot-massage parlours he will eventually visit one by one. We bought a chunk of our souvenirs and gifts at the Center Market, though i still prefer the Night Market for its variety and atmosphere and the Old Market for authentic stones.<br /></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT-SoyIPwkouVvTPuQPufPGsrGNB4d6i0NWnH_nzYpVjnsmH5vNabLUF4-Ac6gWvqmST36LA6FROJcxHeuAMZceAWg_7PqEB_QUyARsoTr7cyYXDPEyYo5Gthc6kE6VOUH36cM4XElW6sx/s1600-h/IMG_7542.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT-SoyIPwkouVvTPuQPufPGsrGNB4d6i0NWnH_nzYpVjnsmH5vNabLUF4-Ac6gWvqmST36LA6FROJcxHeuAMZceAWg_7PqEB_QUyARsoTr7cyYXDPEyYo5Gthc6kE6VOUH36cM4XElW6sx/s320/IMG_7542.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5264408618658319106" border="0" /></a>It is obvious that Siem Reap has plenty of room to grow. With budget hotels mushrooming at every other corner, and expensive hotels catering to the high-flyers, this town has an endless choice of places to stay and dine whatever your budget calls. What seemed damn obvious to me is, despite the wealth that development has brought to some, it is at the cost of the poor living around the developed town. Affirmed by Savong and our drivers, local wages have not kept up with the inflated prices. With an average wage of $2 a day, it is quite impossible to dream further than surviving.<br /></div><br />Siem Reap today is said to be barely recognisable from the Siem Reap back in 2000. I like the way it is now, safe and pleasant with hints of French colonial and Chinese-style architecture. We're glad we have seen Cambodia now as opposed to what it may become a few years down the road. What will it become?<span style="font-size:85%;"><br /><br /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">.Exercise for the day: 15km</span></span>.<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:85%;">.</span><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:85%;" >A day with Savong coming up... =).</span><br /></div></div>Leehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05923827937717561860noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2470825799501676113.post-62411072413872319022008-10-22T14:33:00.023+08:002008-11-03T23:17:43.886+08:00More templesRight after <a href="http://womaninawetsuit.blogspot.com/2008/10/bayon-first-of-our-temple-fest.html">Bayon</a>, our driver Borat (another name we made up for none of us could decipher the actual pronunciation of his name) took us through the east gate of Angkor Thom and then left us to take the path on foot to <span style="font-weight: bold;">Ta Phrom</span>.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNiokP_v7p5xX0GFDIvIT1qmqmDUhYumhz1hyn2QbzurVG_uOJpCAd0aMlWuTPoSIiG8Yxjj0mbDrKyX_jZR-B3bPkqP1zSLT9j2eGmqdKUsePTVYzwy29QyIIX-Fn5dLoChH1nXFemZBQ/s1600-h/IMG_7351.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNiokP_v7p5xX0GFDIvIT1qmqmDUhYumhz1hyn2QbzurVG_uOJpCAd0aMlWuTPoSIiG8Yxjj0mbDrKyX_jZR-B3bPkqP1zSLT9j2eGmqdKUsePTVYzwy29QyIIX-Fn5dLoChH1nXFemZBQ/s400/IMG_7351.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5259512036247918514" border="0" /></a>Our only knowledge of Ta Phrom sums up to Massive Trees and the Tomb Raider set. Honestly, i dont know what to expect, but at the same time my hopes of being swept off my feet was backed by Jasmain's verbal expressions of its awesomeness. Yes, i was amazed, but not by the temple, but by the power and force of the jungle. Ta Phrom is very much in the process of being engulfed by nature. The poem that attaches itself to this ruin is "<span style="font-style: italic;">with humans first conquering nature to rapidly create, and nature once again conquering humans to slowly destroy."</span><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinm378kGWv4MDG08eXNE4YpmRMElDrh6vFItTzgM3ZxDvgJXgHMzsg3jlSpgFHvS6WqkEZUtw3wnqqvK3C37U_ZPs87shDhbOq3zY1GXYlw0IjbV4bxWKgqAuDDinkOQh3HSRSwLRE7OZz/s1600-h/IMG_7354a.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinm378kGWv4MDG08eXNE4YpmRMElDrh6vFItTzgM3ZxDvgJXgHMzsg3jlSpgFHvS6WqkEZUtw3wnqqvK3C37U_ZPs87shDhbOq3zY1GXYlw0IjbV4bxWKgqAuDDinkOQh3HSRSwLRE7OZz/s400/IMG_7354a.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5259522339255236658" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">.This temple was built from 1186 and was a Buddhist temple dedicated to Jayavarman VII's mother. </span></span><br /></div><br />It was quite annoying that many a path were closed off due to restoration works, and some corridors were clogged with piles of stone blocks crumbled by roots of giant trees. However, the aftermath beauty of this strangulation process has ironically created an atmospheric affair. Where walls are displaced, the tree roots form an archway, where buildings are tilting on the verge of collapse, the strangler vines are holding them together.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqRVq3oMR-bGLbv9EgS6oThEExfSK8REALyjDSsrlbnur8e6-BVLC18jtlhYp8B_A6j-YHH4Z5ZBRstQIqmaItLLfv3XsrcMhUv18IPgGgPpf4Vpkfwi6EmxIi56E9i2NMGj13Nh9q52Ra/s1600-h/IMG_7355.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqRVq3oMR-bGLbv9EgS6oThEExfSK8REALyjDSsrlbnur8e6-BVLC18jtlhYp8B_A6j-YHH4Z5ZBRstQIqmaItLLfv3XsrcMhUv18IPgGgPpf4Vpkfwi6EmxIi56E9i2NMGj13Nh9q52Ra/s320/IMG_7355.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5259549525970395442" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg74Bfb7f64HHOcO3f8gBQTyOZloPt4Q3uWtNnZFEzqdCWCZPbHu8q8OkigH3PNKaNa6e-bZF78LWmKkn383FrFHzE15F0S9wQXFDYS7HF7IBaRfI2FgkBTnH5fOj3Qc0qXVPozpVUnlQ2m/s1600-h/IMG_7356.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg74Bfb7f64HHOcO3f8gBQTyOZloPt4Q3uWtNnZFEzqdCWCZPbHu8q8OkigH3PNKaNa6e-bZF78LWmKkn383FrFHzE15F0S9wQXFDYS7HF7IBaRfI2FgkBTnH5fOj3Qc0qXVPozpVUnlQ2m/s320/IMG_7356.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5259549524179621378" border="0" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Most of the walls of this temple and stones are heavily carpeted in lichen and moss, so becareful if you're thinking of attempting any kind of stunts.<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjZr45A2q90y4XJC4T8ARcHwQZziw7aZhsuHIHrVZ7LIV6gYbVZsYNyQ7R3reJS5OoaJjVErMjFZr95-JvrYMBElpPfNyeC_EBzgMwir-kSypcZ1vrrFhV-8FbCL6YwJvsqkgf-kLUT2Ll/s1600-h/IMG_7357.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 204px; height: 270px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjZr45A2q90y4XJC4T8ARcHwQZziw7aZhsuHIHrVZ7LIV6gYbVZsYNyQ7R3reJS5OoaJjVErMjFZr95-JvrYMBElpPfNyeC_EBzgMwir-kSypcZ1vrrFhV-8FbCL6YwJvsqkgf-kLUT2Ll/s320/IMG_7357.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5259523184757765874" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI14_rC0r2nDlZ48Zgtxi8FljRY7npUkKJHysQ3WBATG8S0KrWyFsN6-5vHgAtgg6EVo2Xb3SHb4guCWL60Gn0oRjF0ZuVN2ajPCZHY6Whm96l05Pw84C6znJgYs_mtuCWSjr4SIytJtfV/s1600-h/IMG_7358.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 207px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI14_rC0r2nDlZ48Zgtxi8FljRY7npUkKJHysQ3WBATG8S0KrWyFsN6-5vHgAtgg6EVo2Xb3SHb4guCWL60Gn0oRjF0ZuVN2ajPCZHY6Whm96l05Pw84C6znJgYs_mtuCWSjr4SIytJtfV/s320/IMG_7358.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5259523188169278562" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnK0FGz2J5kHYPLIqu8Be_p6m9uyo0VdaYJ8E8ltJX_gNVEK4BLTuij6l8SmwKtvRxVNTucfqkcBVfpdtbsLW7UiV2ZcjjIqgCzJMsyf_0vKNB1-pXDk6riJbcHVfimljmUSOCgyAvqRrG/s1600-h/IMG_7363.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 205px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnK0FGz2J5kHYPLIqu8Be_p6m9uyo0VdaYJ8E8ltJX_gNVEK4BLTuij6l8SmwKtvRxVNTucfqkcBVfpdtbsLW7UiV2ZcjjIqgCzJMsyf_0vKNB1-pXDk6riJbcHVfimljmUSOCgyAvqRrG/s320/IMG_7363.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5259523187455631618" border="0" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtpFvf0kWXfyK539LRF1M612v9kLg31YSujfQwGVZZuT5hQktYxJ_fqVIB7Z3WGWHR6S-A3VwRE_W0wqcdmNgcgCfXQeSjkHq9ZEAhjlHZAyTKz3-SXO-osgMpkpWV8K9xwTVzaymqr3UV/s1600-h/IMG_7371.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtpFvf0kWXfyK539LRF1M612v9kLg31YSujfQwGVZZuT5hQktYxJ_fqVIB7Z3WGWHR6S-A3VwRE_W0wqcdmNgcgCfXQeSjkHq9ZEAhjlHZAyTKz3-SXO-osgMpkpWV8K9xwTVzaymqr3UV/s400/IMG_7371.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5259538246059678242" border="0" /></a>. <span style="font-style: italic;">(Above) </span><span style="font-style: italic;">That famous Tomb Raider tree</span>.<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg73B_I26bhN2q6UlxuznA0mBc4QKNcxXz1NNGCq81c73UhV_-m5D8Z5jmXOFL6Y4Qvg1dxu3uGJpwwkDJYisqwwQK_35noNRK9gWdJBSeLjd-1MtfkWNAtPR9IidjjnmbVcbFojuWPLXez/s1600-h/IMG_7375.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg73B_I26bhN2q6UlxuznA0mBc4QKNcxXz1NNGCq81c73UhV_-m5D8Z5jmXOFL6Y4Qvg1dxu3uGJpwwkDJYisqwwQK_35noNRK9gWdJBSeLjd-1MtfkWNAtPR9IidjjnmbVcbFojuWPLXez/s320/IMG_7375.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5259873443517178674" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6qdyCpjSSJhN8FqxDJbN7zk5fdIWsRsOAiDvbdM090HVwTxxl1FvCrhMfz-3DlGJrdE5jwh0Y3wcKu4DcRHBiPd0QuIcnzYXjNzZ5mqYerLvhgqaM333CCXEdxBuniecRuIRtOfDIwYmO/s1600-h/IMG_7379.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6qdyCpjSSJhN8FqxDJbN7zk5fdIWsRsOAiDvbdM090HVwTxxl1FvCrhMfz-3DlGJrdE5jwh0Y3wcKu4DcRHBiPd0QuIcnzYXjNzZ5mqYerLvhgqaM333CCXEdxBuniecRuIRtOfDIwYmO/s320/IMG_7379.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5259543070252556498" border="0" /></a><br />.<span style="font-style: italic;">(L): Crocodile Dundee wannabes.</span><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Overall, it was good that we came, we saw the temple, we saw the tree and that was that. Although amazing for withstanding the enormity and weight of merciless trees seeking to retrieve its territory, it did not cast any long lasting effect on me.<br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU-n1RbYcKYWVP19JmdNPabNKzp-vEyVPwz5Za-bVQcAiGzTAkMNdJ0Ld0Je272vw2VdElHihs_qFNHDJ_Jy_zSVHiR1LorJAWOYW_a3pdytJAMPagKYXAw4iP1IzFYD_g0EzGw5MycPD8/s1600-h/IMG_7380.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU-n1RbYcKYWVP19JmdNPabNKzp-vEyVPwz5Za-bVQcAiGzTAkMNdJ0Ld0Je272vw2VdElHihs_qFNHDJ_Jy_zSVHiR1LorJAWOYW_a3pdytJAMPagKYXAw4iP1IzFYD_g0EzGw5MycPD8/s320/IMG_7380.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5259543280448747378" border="0" /></a>On the way out, Tim Chin was approached by a little boy who wanted to sell him a "Gu-Zheng", a traditional Chinese stringed instrument. We egged him on because he has been <a href="http://womaninawetsuit.blogspot.com/2008/10/adventures-of-tim-chin.html">crazy over these instruments</a> every where we go. The starting price was an outrageous "twenty-fai dollaaa" USD. While he was haggling, a soft little voice was following Uncle Teo. Whilst flipping her postcards, she counted "ee, er, sa, si, wu, liu" (numbers in Mandarin), "mai-la.. ni mai la, ee kwai" (buy, will you buy, one dollar). This girl, barely 7 i think, has the most pitiful, hair-raising voice. When we bought 2 and was about to close the doors of our van, she tiptoed outside the window, handing Timmy a wristband and me a postcard.. "<span style="font-style: italic;">For you" she said. </span>We learned that the Gu-Zheng went down to $4 dollaaa, crazy huh! He regrets not buying it now.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Bakheng Mountain</span><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;">After filling our stomach and a short rest back at our hotel, we returned to catch sunset at the Bakheng Mountain. And guess what!??! Look at me shoes... First the back, now the front. <span style="font-style: italic;">Huuhuu.</span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhObrI15k_g-iDC6l6XzKGCebeQrj5Ro7efrzEtGL5MoP5efWNdWsRV_2xJ1M19bCJTCMI4z8YwbI2Tv4YizPH0K_vDthaBGVgQ-sWdac1J_HEk55CsyqAaD88jCTGKmdUlYk2WaB98SzSz/s1600-h/IMG_7387.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhObrI15k_g-iDC6l6XzKGCebeQrj5Ro7efrzEtGL5MoP5efWNdWsRV_2xJ1M19bCJTCMI4z8YwbI2Tv4YizPH0K_vDthaBGVgQ-sWdac1J_HEk55CsyqAaD88jCTGKmdUlYk2WaB98SzSz/s320/IMG_7387.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5259825796986839634" border="0" /></a>On arrival, we saw elephants! For $10 USD, you can let an elephant take you up the mountain to Phnom Bakheng. We wanted to! but the queue was just too long, so trekked we did. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbFEgHPRdRy5n7QtkOhkH7F_fhgaEBjWvOh3l6g17229gyQHN9ej_BZKgpvlVnBw6IKZy_i_5US1MEHTc8r-5aHkbKsOZxdWzNvDfQ9Mi-gxFPkDpk2-N5X-n-QI4hChT1TFozYSQSV638/s1600-h/IMG_7390.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbFEgHPRdRy5n7QtkOhkH7F_fhgaEBjWvOh3l6g17229gyQHN9ej_BZKgpvlVnBw6IKZy_i_5US1MEHTc8r-5aHkbKsOZxdWzNvDfQ9Mi-gxFPkDpk2-N5X-n-QI4hChT1TFozYSQSV638/s320/IMG_7390.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5259825801863091698" border="0" /></a>The climb up was rather steep, pretty much like climbing Shahbandar. I couldnt believe my stamina, i broke out in heavy sweat and was huffing for dear life a few minutes into the hike. Boon's dad, in total opposite, was calm and collected. I should be so ashamed. The picture below is a corroded stairway leading up to the mountains, almost entirely covered with grass and creeping plants. It was cordoned off for the obvious risk. And ofcourse it is not purplish in colour, but a splash of my imagination. =)<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzEiYfNAshLwb3vUfBhJmxuhvKCvI4MgZ9Na2qWRENMRESHO96V3J9Pr_ZFNIC4sR5GuPsVCeXjB1R8FFTYYRCapsn4-HN9wuPnW4UOwgVfEEHwRn6cqC3WdjLKmtcyF4wN3upzUw3H8hE/s1600-h/IMG_7392.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzEiYfNAshLwb3vUfBhJmxuhvKCvI4MgZ9Na2qWRENMRESHO96V3J9Pr_ZFNIC4sR5GuPsVCeXjB1R8FFTYYRCapsn4-HN9wuPnW4UOwgVfEEHwRn6cqC3WdjLKmtcyF4wN3upzUw3H8hE/s320/IMG_7392.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5259828690365643218" border="0" /></a>20mins later, we reached the summit of the mountain. The temple was shaped like a pyramid, mounted in terraces. The steps leading to the top was crazily narrow and steep. So narrow that it fits only half the size of my feet. See how the guy below is using his hands to aid his climb, and the dude above him has one baby in hand. My heart pounded so bad just watching him descend. A couple of us tried climbing up sideways, holding on to the side walls and realised it proved too steep and dangerous for Uncle Teo. Boon decided against letting his dad up so he waited for us on ground. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizTdXlz-vodMDum_Z3WhM5o-BddQEkDWsTMQ7ElEzzapxxakiLB7oia0K_D-jSjgtW1ESyYUyx67PRqtC-C-q5AqH02YiKHVMfwN8n_C2zDa_MLHY_WcskxxTAgxMu2UjemgwUQAAJafxS/s1600-h/IMG_7395.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizTdXlz-vodMDum_Z3WhM5o-BddQEkDWsTMQ7ElEzzapxxakiLB7oia0K_D-jSjgtW1ESyYUyx67PRqtC-C-q5AqH02YiKHVMfwN8n_C2zDa_MLHY_WcskxxTAgxMu2UjemgwUQAAJafxS/s320/IMG_7395.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5259833605653726626" border="0" /></a>It was pretty crowded by the time we arrived and we thought we were early! It seems like every tourist in Siem Reap watches sunset here. Most people have marked their spots with a tripod and picked out the best seat. This really is a popular destination for sunset undoubtedly because of its enviable position with 360 degrees view of the landscape. It's breathtaking and a good place to sit and reflect.<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVEIjxh4zT5oo1mB5liWwS2FFBBWBdQe3I61sk1GSCf2Gz1GmMSxbPyKnSH8CSqQnU7lYIqHhP_L9Fa1q5gSAwOPLQjQHXiC3NZVZN5V4TzNQ2ueTxIapY8EIadtKdWYviUIAr5MRg7WG0/s1600-h/IMG_7397.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVEIjxh4zT5oo1mB5liWwS2FFBBWBdQe3I61sk1GSCf2Gz1GmMSxbPyKnSH8CSqQnU7lYIqHhP_L9Fa1q5gSAwOPLQjQHXiC3NZVZN5V4TzNQ2ueTxIapY8EIadtKdWYviUIAr5MRg7WG0/s320/IMG_7397.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5259838871060523474" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEIRg_QJbUgKUUUF1ZEAf0nnSsT4UHXM8oH_97lypLb15bkhhWSByIG2PakVZTpzUs1i97tteODO2uHWdWyQhcRHTKtSqCwdFN8xq8WaMe8RTZsX7vx0KtQU3zbN_t_yc-j7qAYRmrInzV/s1600-h/IMG_7401.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEIRg_QJbUgKUUUF1ZEAf0nnSsT4UHXM8oH_97lypLb15bkhhWSByIG2PakVZTpzUs1i97tteODO2uHWdWyQhcRHTKtSqCwdFN8xq8WaMe8RTZsX7vx0KtQU3zbN_t_yc-j7qAYRmrInzV/s320/IMG_7401.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5259844886853052418" border="0" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">.<span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-size:85%;">Built on the hill where the 1st city of Angkor was established, this is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. Work started at the end of the 9th century</span>. </span><br /></div><br />Chee Ting and Eric went about taking photos, and us too, except I was taking shots for a vain poser... "here here", "ooh, here nice too", waitaminute i meant to say natural poser ;)<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4QqGsYyez94-3iNh9wQYaa9SaAHZ5sY_jHPC7ZITvselF73xm711q_f5eFHZGcdPYlwKP4B-55sGnD5DvTGG63DEe_68CNnAAWTyU1J1mpHwx4qeg8X2CQYYHTlydaASu-snK_TaX0uFC/s1600-h/IMG_7402.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4QqGsYyez94-3iNh9wQYaa9SaAHZ5sY_jHPC7ZITvselF73xm711q_f5eFHZGcdPYlwKP4B-55sGnD5DvTGG63DEe_68CNnAAWTyU1J1mpHwx4qeg8X2CQYYHTlydaASu-snK_TaX0uFC/s320/IMG_7402.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5259844896740350290" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijT3GwxPaUup921tLvrDWop787BoojJDboOerrp0SWrZ0tt010NX2SKkXi4FumvTFXKzMI9KasIqUVcdJ2yiCHaomjeDBSqHYA8Nvb_J9t-vGpV4Si1wvmdbZetphSoH59L5kLkv8Twn3M/s1600-h/IMG_7423.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 242px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijT3GwxPaUup921tLvrDWop787BoojJDboOerrp0SWrZ0tt010NX2SKkXi4FumvTFXKzMI9KasIqUVcdJ2yiCHaomjeDBSqHYA8Nvb_J9t-vGpV4Si1wvmdbZetphSoH59L5kLkv8Twn3M/s320/IMG_7423.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5259848940909054978" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOP440ocXlXGbL9wphoeoygUzoh0i1LlTA7uXpIP0BTnFDfr5pI7KaZSgmEvLVjTAMqTpYwdgGJsc1q06xaJg5O8rdeqTrbwq1IyocQFUM0OElLdYR1yZDlF_TFlh5u_UiCZU2CSIUg6fK/s1600-h/IMG_7412.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOP440ocXlXGbL9wphoeoygUzoh0i1LlTA7uXpIP0BTnFDfr5pI7KaZSgmEvLVjTAMqTpYwdgGJsc1q06xaJg5O8rdeqTrbwq1IyocQFUM0OElLdYR1yZDlF_TFlh5u_UiCZU2CSIUg6fK/s320/IMG_7412.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5259844898294102082" border="0" /></a>When the rays of sunset began breaking through, it was disappointing to see lots of clouds. Ugh...We also did not stay for the entire length of sunset 'cos we have one elderly waiting for us =P<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrXL89eIT12o4ok7nUgqRtG1vqi4rTbhqysj4QEQughKYGr7z9QnjieXTW5ZNo3Ho_CL88tLW9j5oGeEb_LMDY9HmFDYEMnhoWlU6sWfhy-P_4ZATYoQS2EuSNAazbJzGBrMe-135DaWM6/s1600-h/IMG_7415.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrXL89eIT12o4ok7nUgqRtG1vqi4rTbhqysj4QEQughKYGr7z9QnjieXTW5ZNo3Ho_CL88tLW9j5oGeEb_LMDY9HmFDYEMnhoWlU6sWfhy-P_4ZATYoQS2EuSNAazbJzGBrMe-135DaWM6/s320/IMG_7415.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5259848951425892482" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTXI4sROfFyivZLdtbHWkgF85zmpiH9C5je0hwDDo7YfbeNuNvosUJQ612oIvhPxfqps4CPkgfBDN8vGgEfzOB4pubMhO7cC3xIU0n4eY8WgAXkNM_2tF-jkaVfXFdo5kPcisZ7HiikZQO/s1600-h/IMG_7418.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTXI4sROfFyivZLdtbHWkgF85zmpiH9C5je0hwDDo7YfbeNuNvosUJQ612oIvhPxfqps4CPkgfBDN8vGgEfzOB4pubMhO7cC3xIU0n4eY8WgAXkNM_2tF-jkaVfXFdo5kPcisZ7HiikZQO/s320/IMG_7418.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5259848953967475218" border="0" /></a><br /></div>As we descend, my legs caved to a trembling mess. It's a scary feat and one wrong step can send you free falling. I'm only a size 5, what about people who are size 8, size 11? I read that in the olden days, Angkor people do not climb the stairs with their whole foot and instead they tiptoed barefooted. They must have some kind of elixir for lactic acid. Here's one horrendous picture of me drenched in cold sweat and breathing relief when i reach the bottom.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIZZk4MmBexDs13mokxxeubD8KLcg-D8KSPnyU9v_-q5LQFVzq_d-G6TsUpoOcMZwMOU-ABfN-fwymryU0bhDrKB6dJibu9o15HRueuZ2tTLhU7IimzB5BfEuv2_8_mUaqYyU0da30HdOg/s1600-h/DSC00238.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIZZk4MmBexDs13mokxxeubD8KLcg-D8KSPnyU9v_-q5LQFVzq_d-G6TsUpoOcMZwMOU-ABfN-fwymryU0bhDrKB6dJibu9o15HRueuZ2tTLhU7IimzB5BfEuv2_8_mUaqYyU0da30HdOg/s320/DSC00238.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5259854310171311522" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6p-F0CrNvrtXVKvjQBRS0n-KHIJ4Go20kK0ZG_eJzdI4vuD5iZxQuk6StnZnhoHZ3TD6hht0I8Lp6q3WTD1OzOWKVER0nNMXTKmN0N3-OQ0HffDKYg5opY2b-dGT1jzLlqxJD8hOutlVA/s1600-h/IMG_7428.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 185px; height: 244px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6p-F0CrNvrtXVKvjQBRS0n-KHIJ4Go20kK0ZG_eJzdI4vuD5iZxQuk6StnZnhoHZ3TD6hht0I8Lp6q3WTD1OzOWKVER0nNMXTKmN0N3-OQ0HffDKYg5opY2b-dGT1jzLlqxJD8hOutlVA/s320/IMG_7428.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5259853752461494786" border="0" /></a><br />.<span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-size:85%;">Dont ever wear skirts to temples, I almost tripped and cracked my head several times</span>.</span><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">As it turns out, when we heading downhill close to 6pm, the real crowd has only begun their trip. We passed hundreds and hundreds of people, most of which were the Japanese and Chinese . What was funny was a group of Chinese screaming "It's getting late" and made a turn up the restricted stairways. Running, in fact! And what does the sign say? Trumping that was a lady in a black dress supported by a pair of black stilettos running along. Stilettos!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsha5JAaCW7ukRwO5ggRIZRfJ56DlkmxkEeBblRMKNPz6MPB35iMS_j28FCX6QcRjZwPPlk7hAu6-EW1EVay6NYshpiz12b42Ct6Kmt16QiT6SxQsVbrR5RapD7hZdJrieATQhvAAQ_9ue/s1600-h/IMG_7436a.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsha5JAaCW7ukRwO5ggRIZRfJ56DlkmxkEeBblRMKNPz6MPB35iMS_j28FCX6QcRjZwPPlk7hAu6-EW1EVay6NYshpiz12b42Ct6Kmt16QiT6SxQsVbrR5RapD7hZdJrieATQhvAAQ_9ue/s320/IMG_7436a.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5259857154234531922" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnCobl66haE8zDsVN1dqvfBcGb7OsN9CevDylizTtXyoANhdRVEvyhTsKhyYVEdbF8eRqGKCSeES5WmOIeRZhQSRAOcrMcfhDXd3yEKy8BWUhC9Qrsvv38yyE39W5_viTcQ3ShbtjNKXHa/s1600-h/IMG_7437.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnCobl66haE8zDsVN1dqvfBcGb7OsN9CevDylizTtXyoANhdRVEvyhTsKhyYVEdbF8eRqGKCSeES5WmOIeRZhQSRAOcrMcfhDXd3yEKy8BWUhC9Qrsvv38yyE39W5_viTcQ3ShbtjNKXHa/s320/IMG_7437.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5259857155905631842" border="0" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Did you happen to realise someone was missing in our Phnom Bakheng photos? Mr.TimChin! He surrendered and went on his Siem Reap massage parlours expedition.<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Achievements for the day: 13km or kilomeet (in Cambodian slang)</span><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center; font-style: italic;">One full day of temple visit really knocked us out, so we decided to take a break and tour Siem Reap town the next day.</div>Leehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05923827937717561860noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2470825799501676113.post-91713104357278232212008-10-14T18:13:00.038+08:002009-11-17T01:02:04.146+08:00Bayon, the first of our temple festIn the beginning, we have this misconception that the temples are situated far away from town. I guess distances varies depending on which of the countless temples do you wish to see. Savong actually helped us draw up a plan on the must-see temples and from there we started our 2-day temple mission.<br /><div style="text-align: left;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifT9h6m2Q3DgBVB4KxCHW6_SXgHz514ttvdNyGaGNOenKMGBkI8xdVRG3gmWzGAiHXoF0ABMO9aEGIZOLusKn_NOmyAXnwm5s3JaQ1JtKMrZ0XCIV0TPJ-xWNYYVifSLfKZ7dNJTYruJP1/s1600-h/IMG_7290a.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifT9h6m2Q3DgBVB4KxCHW6_SXgHz514ttvdNyGaGNOenKMGBkI8xdVRG3gmWzGAiHXoF0ABMO9aEGIZOLusKn_NOmyAXnwm5s3JaQ1JtKMrZ0XCIV0TPJ-xWNYYVifSLfKZ7dNJTYruJP1/s400/IMG_7290a.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5259245661554968514" border="0" /></a>Our 1st temple on our 2nd day in Siem Reap is the Bayon Temple, the spiritual centre of Angkor Thom, which is roughly 20-30mins away from the city centre. We entered through the south gate of Angkor Thom (known as the Great City). I absolutely love this entrance (yellow star on map). As we reach the causeway towards this gate, we saw giant faces standing to the left and to the right of the causeway. It's a "wow" sight passing them as they stand tall with that cold smile and that picturesque moat as a background. I love love love the simplicity and the surreal emptiness about it. I couldnt get a decent shot in a moving car and soon gave up thinking i will exit through this gate, but we did not so no pics =\ I also conveniently left Jasmain's lonely planet guidebook in Brunei so i didnt know what they signify at that time. There are actually 54 statues on each side of the causeway, 54 gods to the left and 54 demons to the right taken from a story illustrated in the Angkor Wat.<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEWtAMqmpZblGmpz_qRTvOTzhPZ8NyZfWEwreO7Z3oKNopkkxcxGyWmkGnW9i03V-h1JeDayEqC1j4KzWZZEu9wkTx4NYWlWAF3Ym6yd-SwLQSA1or3Fia196Q5VUp-jTRa9V-7k-_eZbk/s1600-h/IMG_7302.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEWtAMqmpZblGmpz_qRTvOTzhPZ8NyZfWEwreO7Z3oKNopkkxcxGyWmkGnW9i03V-h1JeDayEqC1j4KzWZZEu9wkTx4NYWlWAF3Ym6yd-SwLQSA1or3Fia196Q5VUp-jTRa9V-7k-_eZbk/s400/IMG_7302.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5259275598838709282" border="0" /></a><br />.<span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">At the visitor's entrance</span></span>.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAsTmyJ1b65l5khh2uXFxqGdNMwLeGd0SLf2Tly6ytLyMK_dfXK2Qt1IajdaTxt1dQY3uHNX981wKAVDBNVEg394UVWWLOo1dFO2UR7xjQTCmOSESzs8WSVnwzBE2GHvdvpckMhcYhd9Ap/s1600-h/IMG_7303.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAsTmyJ1b65l5khh2uXFxqGdNMwLeGd0SLf2Tly6ytLyMK_dfXK2Qt1IajdaTxt1dQY3uHNX981wKAVDBNVEg394UVWWLOo1dFO2UR7xjQTCmOSESzs8WSVnwzBE2GHvdvpckMhcYhd9Ap/s320/IMG_7303.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5259303637479073250" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF2KW38NlwHC9yysokh92ngq3N2XBOYc8fFQ-_jfS35rklVLSu5j8furhXhCpp9uwjwzXAZeyINB9YItJ2nRjJq8U9BR9AliIQV9WgmXZHUXb9RAK1QPYrfB_9paf0YcbhMU8mUsMPRieb/s1600-h/IMG_7327.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF2KW38NlwHC9yysokh92ngq3N2XBOYc8fFQ-_jfS35rklVLSu5j8furhXhCpp9uwjwzXAZeyINB9YItJ2nRjJq8U9BR9AliIQV9WgmXZHUXb9RAK1QPYrfB_9paf0YcbhMU8mUsMPRieb/s320/IMG_7327.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5259303431248071538" border="0" /></a><br />.<span style="font-style: italic;font-size:85%;" >(R): I love TimChin's pose</span>.<br /><br /></div>As we enter this temple, i have this overwhelming feeling of being on an archeological exploration. I wonder how the boys felt that instance especially with those hats on. This temple holds ground to 54 towers, each with 4 faces of the Avalokiteshavra, gazing in 4 cardinal directions and smiling down at you. You will feel like you're surrounded by a supreme being of power, of peace, and of great compassion. Avalokiteshvara is the Buddha of Compassion, better known as Quan Yin to the Chinese. But there's also another theory that the faces are made to resemble the King himself, Jayavarman VII, which is also said to be credible because he was a devoted Buddhist that shares similiarity with the Buddha in the depth of his compassion for his subjects.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">My favourites here are no doubts the faces, the apsara carvings, the doorways and towers for stunning pictures. Ultimately what is amazing about this temple and the others we've seen are the crazy stackings, shapings and carvings of gigantic stones one on top of another making up every single bit of the temple. Just how on earth did they manage that in the 12th century?<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7zFv4pnpEInzxY3ZIxH67poAjuHa7iMHRpB8pMW6h-RytNgUThsTlv4edB2hLDXqhx-qf1b-IKV5nCh-Grw9bbJaYJKZJdPBCKbwVvpkG8Rq2CJ6Ziro35NR1820eilddOs7pdiwNRDp5/s1600-h/IMG_7331.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7zFv4pnpEInzxY3ZIxH67poAjuHa7iMHRpB8pMW6h-RytNgUThsTlv4edB2hLDXqhx-qf1b-IKV5nCh-Grw9bbJaYJKZJdPBCKbwVvpkG8Rq2CJ6Ziro35NR1820eilddOs7pdiwNRDp5/s400/IMG_7331.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5259275927580897778" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMvyp91S4SF6c4fYMesXBmxbHYKwNspnJTB-cKs_lBLazN1e4BCbGfNdyQtVdSc_fuFqThwfi7c98qLOrYjRbZ-pKZX_Kb4o4XiSpvqw5BFkS-QyPztRCb_5QCJXHXXkAglPAKWdLITzP0/s1600-h/buddhaface.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMvyp91S4SF6c4fYMesXBmxbHYKwNspnJTB-cKs_lBLazN1e4BCbGfNdyQtVdSc_fuFqThwfi7c98qLOrYjRbZ-pKZX_Kb4o4XiSpvqw5BFkS-QyPztRCb_5QCJXHXXkAglPAKWdLITzP0/s400/buddhaface.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5259279299698868050" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghaqm22MG-U1p1i_yB7i56b2HZRgp4PfBxzwArIAAf-voJmrbic22nirPP3EGmJgpRTEZhAEKk3g_kQ6xXtfFnw8OfjvtOCvGyuiuShZvJjslrPYjoCwOU9D_HON02jFDJIDeFG8UCHO-r/s1600-h/IMG_7308.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghaqm22MG-U1p1i_yB7i56b2HZRgp4PfBxzwArIAAf-voJmrbic22nirPP3EGmJgpRTEZhAEKk3g_kQ6xXtfFnw8OfjvtOCvGyuiuShZvJjslrPYjoCwOU9D_HON02jFDJIDeFG8UCHO-r/s400/IMG_7308.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5259276144804238914" border="0" /></a><br />By mid noon, we were nearly fried crispy. It was HOT HOT HOT, and i cannot be any more grateful for purchasing a mini-fan despite Boon2's mocking. That battery-powered wind and the purring of its plastic flaps is like magic,... however you can always settle for dettol wipes... give it a wipe on your face, on your neck, and perhaps under your shirt too, to cool down.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggb24ULL6hTkUxob3UH6CwS7j09tmW5fiIbty8b7hSaYnerHrEz-q5SmMQ9VQ-mQI5-DwoVdP1vx6jaUmsyJsSOJkHLKOyLBDnzGaOYLzSpYLpNfxhyphenhyphenvUg1KkfXw3wE_ngDPozeOzX11XR/s1600-h/IMG_7341.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 207px; height: 274px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggb24ULL6hTkUxob3UH6CwS7j09tmW5fiIbty8b7hSaYnerHrEz-q5SmMQ9VQ-mQI5-DwoVdP1vx6jaUmsyJsSOJkHLKOyLBDnzGaOYLzSpYLpNfxhyphenhyphenvUg1KkfXw3wE_ngDPozeOzX11XR/s320/IMG_7341.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5259288097517130210" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXoQMZm5vjCwpNQWgrGg3kYdG-xuksnCRkRCqsxgy32IWv1kcgX9-rnksI_O-JOSMATryiz6Je_iaPdqQH4I7zz9yWw7caRQJJqq9Umxzbug3b6zSWwdm3Dp65LIQVXFtiZb9I_isn4a70/s1600-h/IMG_7323.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 205px; height: 272px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXoQMZm5vjCwpNQWgrGg3kYdG-xuksnCRkRCqsxgy32IWv1kcgX9-rnksI_O-JOSMATryiz6Je_iaPdqQH4I7zz9yWw7caRQJJqq9Umxzbug3b6zSWwdm3Dp65LIQVXFtiZb9I_isn4a70/s320/IMG_7323.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5259288089763749154" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKgys1jcoVrHy99NAUfAOIh7bQ-k2Ntor5eSSwhurw-aG1HPfBemhI2xQOUfarF6Xzuumpn5KyQ-w0nM5CTlIvncNdA8Krz2hJhIdsIQCR392Hcm_2PeTiPI5-6kqsUPsOjUFTx0WzKVzH/s1600-h/IMG_7315.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 207px; height: 274px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKgys1jcoVrHy99NAUfAOIh7bQ-k2Ntor5eSSwhurw-aG1HPfBemhI2xQOUfarF6Xzuumpn5KyQ-w0nM5CTlIvncNdA8Krz2hJhIdsIQCR392Hcm_2PeTiPI5-6kqsUPsOjUFTx0WzKVzH/s320/IMG_7315.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5259288085479486306" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-size:85%;">.</span>(C) Boon2 lugging our tripod around which helps if you want group photos without bothering others, though setting it up can be quite a pain. And Steven, i am still upset my WA and Zoom lens didnt arrive on time~! ='(. (R) Insanely steep stairs that we had to buttcrawl down.</span><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8udU48piDGf_wMtllSDjK-21ud2xw6en9XmIPaLwAdtQaf_6C5BAt9dHyBWQOMl4ZFmER9IW-noeFMB7tgd2syOKsh8BmxNw4KZxkue53L_lpKtMaWFRiQbAFWPQbYgEsEMNbfFn3FuZw/s1600-h/window.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8udU48piDGf_wMtllSDjK-21ud2xw6en9XmIPaLwAdtQaf_6C5BAt9dHyBWQOMl4ZFmER9IW-noeFMB7tgd2syOKsh8BmxNw4KZxkue53L_lpKtMaWFRiQbAFWPQbYgEsEMNbfFn3FuZw/s400/window.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5259276607869708578" border="0" /></a>If you have the time and interest, you can let a lonely planet guide take you through the stories of the 1.2 km bas-reliefs found around the temple. To me instead, the beauty of Bayon lies on the mystical smile of the Buddha's face.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzxF-3z-PlIo07gH8GrItibylcJpgJ7BDkoRp98TbhtBjDyNf4jer0iNedtbSXowC3zSKME-onDwJD7AMOhL7N6fycm4KucFQutaeQ8ZEi-hgciypEwKDcK7QXjQVr7IIjPwq_RTh8OJWi/s1600-h/IMG_7347.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzxF-3z-PlIo07gH8GrItibylcJpgJ7BDkoRp98TbhtBjDyNf4jer0iNedtbSXowC3zSKME-onDwJD7AMOhL7N6fycm4KucFQutaeQ8ZEi-hgciypEwKDcK7QXjQVr7IIjPwq_RTh8OJWi/s400/IMG_7347.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5259281464193487234" border="0" /></a>.<span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-size:85%;">Group photo usually involves me setting up the timer and running to the scene, but it was physically impossible for me to run and climb that stairs in 10 secs! Huuhuuhuu. What we thought was a cool tree house turned out to be platform for you to get onto an elephant. Duuhh.</span></span><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKJMO1E5BCpKhqAyFKQnG1gyWbDkdXe6Vo2Yh8WCxkiBeJvqzIsxE8fPUrgiGkFC9YZdk8bx_WfmzoUMM2NTvhdgpNJK2xiVVZ1gd9_RxNgnppDUm5c8nfgavQr_23L3bjPPXbsoozN6vu/s1600-h/IMG_7344.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKJMO1E5BCpKhqAyFKQnG1gyWbDkdXe6Vo2Yh8WCxkiBeJvqzIsxE8fPUrgiGkFC9YZdk8bx_WfmzoUMM2NTvhdgpNJK2xiVVZ1gd9_RxNgnppDUm5c8nfgavQr_23L3bjPPXbsoozN6vu/s320/IMG_7344.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5259281971226550930" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">.The Bayon is currently being restored by a Japanese team. </span></span><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDyVinBKc2er_QYV0pnLbYLB1xRDNYlTlvksqyg-Pjj9R1qKX1Vw_PTGiMDBg7mt-5jB_3wOaSyGdTJu3rHdyw29nVUce1B7-P9lY8ch18F1OttbL0aaJSLc6FpTkwzdpGmcW_lYvoPBMP/s1600-h/DSC00234b.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDyVinBKc2er_QYV0pnLbYLB1xRDNYlTlvksqyg-Pjj9R1qKX1Vw_PTGiMDBg7mt-5jB_3wOaSyGdTJu3rHdyw29nVUce1B7-P9lY8ch18F1OttbL0aaJSLc6FpTkwzdpGmcW_lYvoPBMP/s400/DSC00234b.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5259853063621973042" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">.One of my favourite shot of Bayon Temple.</span><br /><br />Our next stop, <span style="font-weight: bold;">Ta Phrom</span>, in search for that <span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Tomb Raider</span> tree.<br /></div></div><span style="font-weight: bold;"></span>Leehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05923827937717561860noreply@blogger.com3