travels...
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Sunday, November 30th, 2008Trips to far-flung provinces like in the southernmost big island of Mindanao accord visitors with the long-lost vistas of rural living and communities typical in ages past. Of simple uncluttered lives, of coarse and crude structures, of primeval livin…
Photo Hunt #34: Metal
Saturday, November 29th, 2008
To add to the olde-worlde Nepal ambiance, the above heavy, antique silver cutlery are used at the classy Krishnarpan Restaurant.
Wordless Wednesday #61: View from my office
Wednesday, November 26th, 2008
This was the view from my room-cum-office at the Kep guesthouse where I used to stay. There, my husband and I watched the calm waters of the Gulf of Thailand and the looming Phnom (mountain) Bokor. On lazy days, we brought out our hammocks and enjoyed the view, with the cool mountain breeze lulling us to sleep.
panarea, aeolian islands
Monday, November 24th, 2008There is no day I do not think of all the travels I have done all over Italy, or rather all along the coast lines of Italy.
One of the memorable trip we did was cruising the Aeolian Islands (north of Sicily). One of the islands we visited was Isola di Panarea.
When the chef asked if [...]
Photo Hunt #33: Reflections
Sunday, November 23rd, 2008
Angkor Wat, the largest religious structure in the world, a truly magnificent Khmer architectural masterpiece, the highlight of every tourist’s visit, and the most photographed in all of Cambodia.
From afar, looking at this famous tourist attraction in Cambodia will fill you with awe and anticipation. The sheer beauty of the massive site can be overwhelmingly beautiful, especially when veiled in mist in the early morning hours. Mysterious passage ways, beautiful carvings adorning temple walls, tall towers and sweeping courtyards fill the temple landscape and create a sight unlike any other you may have seen. Scrutinized, admired and interpreted by thousands of archaeologists, architects and other designers, the blueprint of Angkor Wat Cambodia remains one of the most unique in the world. Even more beauty is added gracefully to this tourist attraction in Cambodia by a large expanse of gleaming water found in front of the main entrance.
Seasoned photographers recommend that the best time to get a good shot of the facade is after 3pm when the sun is on one side and the front of Angkor Wat is illuminated.
Cagayan de Oro’s Nite Cafe - Revisited
Friday, November 21st, 2008Every weekend at about 5 p.m. Friday, when the afternoon commute is just gathering storm, the main plaza of the city, Divisoria Plaza, metamorphoses from a shady, leisurely, and quiet haven of many different segments into a veritable beehive of intense…
Experiencing old-world Nepal
Friday, November 21st, 2008… at Dwarika Hotel.
Okay, I didn’t actually stay there but I did dine there on one occasion with my colleagues.
After a 30-min ride from Hotel Yak and Yeti, where we were staying, we were dropped off in the street amidst the hustle-bustle of the evening rush hour. It felt odd that we were standing out there in the biting cold of the night and in front of a nondescript doorway.
We reluctantly stepped in, not knowing whether we were in the right place at all. Once inside, we were all surprised at what we saw! 
It felt like I was in a different world.
Dwarika is a beautiful product of a restoration effort spanning 25-30 years.
Built of brick and having ornate architectural bits and pieces added (hand-carved windows, door frames, pillars, etc.), all of which were obtained when old traditional buildings were torn down long ago. Additional wood carvings on the windows, the ceramic sculptures, as well as the pottery were all made in a workshop inside the premises. The result is a gorgeous piece of property providing a luxurious, old-world oasis from the chaotic capital; no wonder Dwarika was chosen as one of the World Heritage sites in Nepal.
We waited for the others at the lovely courtyard surrounded by amazing structures…
Warming our hands…(secretly hoping for a Gurka soldier to come out of nowhere!)
Of course, some of us couldn’t help but take photos.
… while a lone Nepali dancer provided entertainment as we waited to be ushered in to Krishnarpan restaurant.
On our way through, we passed by a beautiful swimming pool. It must be great to come back to this hotel from a whole day’s exploration/sight-seeing of Kathmandu, or after a few days of tough trekking, and relax in the pool’s warm embrace. 
Our dinner at Krishnarpan Restaurant restaurant, located inside Dwarika’s property, was an event in itself. We were greeted by pretty restaurant staff clad in different costumes representative of the different ethnic groups of Nepal. Before entering the restaurant, they help you wash your hands in a large bowl placed against a wall adorned with pictures of international celebrities and important people who have dined in the restaurant. I can lay claim that I was in the same spot where Prince Charles of England stood and washed his hands. Haha… as if.
Inside were rows of low tables tastefully decked in a red and black motif. The picture below didn’t capture the lovely setting well.
Notice the intricately-carved mirrors and wood-work?
We sat on the floor with cushioned low chairs and the restaurant staff provided aprons so that we didn’t get food on our clothes.
Food was served in antique, traditional bowls and with heavy old silverware.
We had a six-course meal - there was a choice from 6 to 22 course meals, vegetarian or non-vegetarian - and every course was a satisfying gastronomic experience.
Samaya Bajee, an assortment of food - lentils, potatoes, rice, etc., usually served as appetizer during religious ceremonies.
Roti, Nepali griddle bread served with roasted mushroom & sautéed spinach)
Momo, steamed dumplings stuffed with minced meat served and with silam sauce
Bodi Soup, bean soup cooked with aromatic Nepali herbs
Traditional Nepali rice wine and Lapse Achar, loquat pickle
This is how they served wine…
Sada Bhuja, steamed Himalayan long-grain rice; Dal, lentil tempered with Himalayan herbs; Bhanta Ko Tarkari, aubergine curry; Mis Mas Tarkari, assorted vegetables cooked with Nepali herbs; and Kukhura Ko Masu, cubed chicken, also cooked with Nepali herbs
Malpuwa Khuwa, Nepalese mini pancake topped with Khuwa
I finished my meal with a nice cup of masala tea which I enjoyed tremendously. The delicious food, the visual delights, and the olde-worlde feel of the restaurant made for a unique dining experience. As an added touch, the restaurant printed our names individually on the menu (excellent for a souvenir) and handed out a give-away just before we left the door.
To think, I had only been in Krishnarpan restaurant and had a look around the premises on our way to the restaurant. I had not actually been inside the hotel itself and I can only imagine the same opulence and atmosphere inside the hotel, especially in the rooms. Obviously, Dwarika is not for budget-travelers, but the glowing feedback from very happy guests prove that the $$$ rates there are worth every single penny.
I have to agree.
I might not have spent a night there, yet, but the memorable dining experience I had that night made me want to come back. So now I am fervently hoping to return there with R for an anniversary getaway! Libre naman ang mangarap e, di ba?
Litratong Pinoy #17: Madumi
Thursday, November 20th, 2008
… ang salamin ng kotse namin. Kagagaling lang namin ng probinsya. Alam niyo naman sa probinsya, hindi sementado ang daan at, kapag tag-init, sangkatutak na alikabok ang babalot sa iyong sasakyan. Kaya ganyan ang hitsura. Isipin niyo na lang kung ano ang itsura ng kotse kapag tag-ulan - inangkupo!
Kinuha ko ito habang papauwi na kami at tinatahak namin ang kahabaan ng Norodom Blvd. Kung maaaninag niyo sa kalagitnaan ng litrato ay ang Independence Monument. Maganda sana ang pagkuha ko kaya lang ay nasira dahil sa maruming salamin sa kotse. Tsk.
Wordless Wednesday #60: Remembering Sri Lanka
Tuesday, November 18th, 2008
In 2002, I was invited to a 5-day conference of environmental journalists in Sri Lanka. That being my first trip there, I decided to take extra days to explore the country. Luckily for me, I have a Sri Lankan friend who took three days off from work to give me a guided tour of the country. I was really excited about our road-trip because I only read about/watched Sri Lanka in books/television. First in our itinerary was Minneriya National Park, 182 kms from the capital of Colombo and about four hours travel by car. This man-made lake (reservoir) is the main feature of the park, covering an area of 3,000 hectares. It was built in the 3rd century by King Mahasena who was known to have discriminated Theravada Buddhists in Sri Lanka. Many temples were destroyed including Mahavihara, the main Theravada temple. During dry season, different kinds of mammals, mostly elephants, and birds roam around the park. Not far from Minneriya is Polonnaruwa, dubbed as the ancient Kingdom of Reservoirs and one of the World Heritage sites in Sri Lanka.
Photo Hunt #32: Ruin(ed)
Saturday, November 15th, 2008
Our Daily Bread
Wednesday, November 12th, 2008Ever wondered how your daily bread gets to your table?I doubt it first saw light from some huge air-conditioned factory equipped with rows of perpetually humming conveyors and flailing robotic arms moving the emerging bread from one process to another….
Wordless Wednesday #58: Emulating Bobbie
Tuesday, November 4th, 2008
Bobbie is one of the duo behind The Right Blue. If I weren’t doing what I am doing now, I would probably be doing what Bobbie and Jerry are doing… *tongue-twister, eh* 
Scary-looking shark, Kuala Lumpur Aquaria
… and that’s “meeting” and (photo) documenting the creatures under the sea, perhaps even working with coastal communities on how to sustainably use natural resources and how to protect endangered species. I should have paid more attention to my environment/ecology-subjects in school. *tsk*
Wordless Wednesday #57: Light and shadow
Tuesday, October 28th, 2008
Detail of a wall section in Angkor Wat.
Siem Reap, Cambodia
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Wordless Wednesday #55: Working girl
Tuesday, October 7th, 2008
My entry for the Tuesday-Wednesday edition. Taken in Dhaka, Bangladesh in December, 2002. After getting off a bus, I chanced upon this pretty girl, roaming around with this mat on her head. Through my interpreter, I learned that this girl is one of the many displaced people in Bangladesh. She used to live along the Buriganga river and constant floodings swept away her family’s house and livelihood. This drove them to the capital of Dhaka where they have no permanent shelter and no food to eat. She earns money picking garbages and, sometimes, begging, too.
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Wordless Wednesday #52: Phuket’s Buddha
Thursday, September 4th, 2008
Sitting on top of a hill overlooking the whole island of Phuket, this image is considered the biggest in the province.
Photo Hunt #28 and 29: Wrinkled/Beauty
Saturday, August 30th, 2008
I am re-posting the image below, same one I used in last week’s PH. For some reason, I couldn’t leave my comment and link at the PH home.
Anyways, I used the photo again because I think last week and this week’s theme can be found in the said photo.
Her face may be marred by age and years of hard work , yet, I find her beautiful. Who says being wrinkled and old can’t be beautiful? The picture above portrays both.
Photo Hunt #28: Wrinkled
Saturday, August 23rd, 2008
Her face may be marred with hard work and age, yet, I find her beautiful.
Litratong Pinoy #00 : Mithi (Wish)
Friday, August 22nd, 2008
Sa uulitin, nais ko pong ihabol ang aking litrato para sa linggong ito. Ang tema ngayong linggo ay mithi, o wish, sa wikang Filipino. Kaya naman ito po ang aking naisipang isali:
Bata pa ako ay talagang pinangarap ko nang makita ng malapitan, kung hindi man makaapak kahit na sa kalingkingan lang, ang Mt. Everest na siyang tinaguriang pinakamataas na bundok sa buong mundo. Natupad naman po ito nuong nakaraang Disyembre ng ako ay pumunta ng Nepal para sa isang conference. Hindi man ako nakasama sa mga duon sa chartered flight papuntang tuktok nito, nakita ko naman ito mula sa bintana ng eroplanong sinakyan ko pauwi. Tulad ng Mayon Volcano, hindi basta-basta nagpapakita ang Mt. Everest, kaya dyan sa litrato ang tuktok nito ay nakabalot sa ulap. Sayang, ano po?
Pero teka, yan nga ba ang Mt. Everest? Kayo na po ang humusga dahil ako man ay nalilito kung alin dyan ang bundok na pakay ko *lol*
Wordless Wednesday #50
Tuesday, August 19th, 2008
This is my 50th WW entry - woohoo!!
Gold and bronze images of Buddha sold in one of the many souvenir stalls in Patong Beach, Phuket, Thailand
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Phuket photos, you say?
Monday, July 28th, 2008Here…
… feel free to dig through this lot!
Or better yet, go to my Flickr page where you can have a better view.
Have fun!
Still in Phuket
Sunday, July 27th, 2008So yeah, we’re already in our third (on to the fourth) week here in Phuket and the procrastination still hangs on. I’ve been out to the beaches and malls several times while R is in school attending classes, but, other than that, I am enjoying the bliss of idleness.
This post has sat in my drafts folder for the past weeks and even now I am still trying to concentrate on writing - which is so difficult given that the temptation to just vegetate in front of the TV or under the sun with a book in hand and the sound of the waves and the wind on the background is too irresistible. Anyhow, the proverbial push came from dear step-sister B from down-under whom I was engaged in a YM chat - she reprimanded me for not seeing any Phuket photos, and so, she promptly asked for evidences to prove my whereabouts, that I am really gallivanting in Phuket. No, we’re not really stepsisters; B is actually my best pal Viking M’s younger sister. Down-under B likes to call me her step-sister, having lived with them for several years, and we have developed a strong sisterhood bond. Although she’s a nurse, I feel like she would very well be a CSI agent as she has a keen eye for evidences.
Look, I’m going nowhere again *lol*
The day we arrived in Phuket proved to be a long day for my husband and I. During the one hour flight to Bangkok and another hour flight to Phuket, and the 5-hour transit, we were both clueless as it was the first time we’ve been on a budget flight. As there were no seat numbers, we had to kick and fight and bite to go in front of the queue in order to get good seats. No, not really, but as soon as boarding is announced, there was a mad dash to the line, and all proper queuing etiquette was forgotten. Imagine grungy backpackers, amorous businessmen and pretty women clad in dainty clothes and killer heels pushing against each other in the line? Apart from this riot, our flights were okay. We managed to have a shut-eye even for a few minutes because the previous night was spent packing and unpacking (and packing again) our luggages.
We landed in Phuket around 4pm without any hitches and didn’t have any trouble getting a taxi to Nai Harn where MrandMrsB’s house is located. The drivers spoke better English than the ones in Bangkok, much to my surprise, but they are all the same when it comes to driving, fast and furious (mga kaskasero din!). Once the diminutive driver was behind the wheels, he transformed into a pedal-pushing mad man! Ninerbyos ako, so to calm myself, I shifted my focus duon sa dinadaanan namin. From the taxi window, I could see the massive development projects one after another along the way. Mountains are cleared, carved and subdivided to make way for exclusive subdivisions, a hotel or resort… whatever, and everywhere I look it’s what I see. Phuket is the largest island province in Thailand and is one of the, if not the top, best destinations in the country. True, it’s an island, but everything seems to be found here - huge supermarkets and malls, first class hospitals, and not to mention the exclusive hotels and villas, resorts, spas, golf courses, bars, restaurants. And the construction seems to be not going to end soon. God knows how many more establishments are going to be erected in the future. Truly, Phuket is the playground for the rich and wealthy. I feel so small in this sea of ostentatious display of wealth and grandeur. So that was my introduction to Phuket.
When we arrived at MrandMrsB’s house, R was pretty much exhausted and went for a quick nap while I managed to help MrsB prepare dinner. The dinner was quiet, except for some whining from MrandMrsB’s four-year old son known as the little rascal. MrB is nice, but a man of few words and so we didn’t have much to talk about. Perhaps because when we arrived he was gardening so he was tired, and so were we, so the conversation wasn’t engaging.
It was the first time that I had been to MrandMrsB’s house in Phuket after several invitations offered to me. Typical Thai-style house, a blend of cement and hardwood, it has three bedrooms, two toilet and bath, storeroom, kitchen, a cozy living room and a nice swimming pool! But the night was memorable to me because it’s the second time R and I have traveled abroad together after a long time. We fell asleep wondering what the one-month course would be like.
Wordless Wednesday #45: Beaches of Phuket
Tuesday, July 15th, 2008
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Notes from rainy Phuket
Friday, July 11th, 2008Yes, we are now in Phuket, and to those who are wondering why this blog is devoid of any Phuket posts and pictures… well, all I can say is that I allowed myself to be bitten by the procrastination bug. My husband tells me, we are on holiday so we, I particularly, can do whatever I want to. Ergo, I will blog whenever I feel like blogging…
To my parents, please do not worry. We arrived here last Saturday, flying with Thai Air Asia from Phnom Penh to Bangkok, then Bangkok to Phuket. This was our first time traveling with AirAsia and we didn’t know what to expect. It turned out alright, with a few funny encounters… will tell you next time.
We are staying here but we might go to Fe and Tony’s at Nai Harn (left photo) this weekend, but that depends on how soon Rob can finish his assignments… You see, in Phnom Penh, he is the teacher and the one giving out assignments; but over here, the roles have reversed. Each day a new task is given, and he needs to make lesson plans… I am, as my part, some sort of a cheerleader and assistant (taga-timpla ng kape… juk lang)
Fe and Tony are our friends who are also based in Phnom Penh. He teaches in one of the international schools there. They own a nice Thai-style house in Nai Harn where they spend most of their holidays. We spent a night in their lovely house before coming here. The couple own a nice Thai-style house in Nai Harn where they spend most of their holidays.
Until the next post… ta-ta.
***
Photo from this site.
Living Bi-coastal
Monday, July 7th, 2008Click. Fox News channel quickly materializes into view, with tele-genic hosts delivering in soft and modulated cadence. Up to the minute streaming news and human interest stories parade through one’s ken, presented in typically very soothing fashio…
Photo Hunt #23 - Myself
Sunday, June 1st, 2008
Ta Prohm Temple
Siem Reap, Cambodia
My first visit to Angkor Wat was unforgettable. It was when going to the great land of Angkor Wat, and walking the same path as the ancient Khmers who lived thousands of years ago; seeing the crumbling ruins, some still hidden in the midst of the jungle - unleashed the Indiana Jones in me.
Above is a photo of me at Ta Prohm temple. It is an eerie sight - rubble all over the place with overgrown trees and tangles of tree roots that seem to grab at unsuspecting tourists (see pic) and give it an almost supernatural feel. I got so carried away most of the time, hopping from one pile of rubble to another, that I forgot I was with someone (my husband), and that I was just one of those millions of excited, camera-toting tourists who visit Siem Reap every year.
Litratong Pinoy #5 - Hangin (Wind)
Thursday, May 29th, 2008
Windchimes from Japan
Ito ay mga wind chimes na gawa sa Japan. Isa ito sa mga karaniwang palamuti hindi lang sa mga temples kundi pati na rin sa mga kabahayan doon. Bakit kaya mahilig sa wind chimes ang mga Hapon? Tinanong ko ang aking kaibigang si Kanako-san at sabi niya, ang mga chimes daw ay naghahatid ng good luck sa mga nakarinig sa kaaya-ayang tunog na nagmumula dito.
Ayon sa isang article sa internet, ang mga Hapon ay in tune sa sounds o tunog, at sila rin ay sinasabing may koneksyon sa hangin na nakapalibot sa kanila. Sinasabi pa sa article na ito na ang dalawang elementong ito ay pinagsasama ng wind chimes. Ang hangin o ang ihip ng hangin ang siyang nagbibigay ng tunog dito. Kaya naman tuwing sasapit ang summer o tag-init sa kanila, isang paraan na nakapagbibigay ng ginhawa sa kanilang pakiramdam ay ang pakikinig sa kaaya-ayang tunog ng wind chimes.
Translation:
These are wind chimes from Japan. I took this photo two years ago when I was in the Asakusa area of Tokyo. Everywhere I went, from the city to the rural town of Kiyosato, I noticed wind chimes in various shapes and sizes. Wind chimes are a common sight not only on the four walls of temples in Japan but also in Japanese homes. I asked my friend Kanako-san to explain to me their fascination on chimes. According to her, chimes bring good luck to anyone who hears the sound it makes and are protected from misfortune.
In an article from the internet, it was said that the Japanese are in tune with the sounds around them, and, they are also connected with the wind. The wind chimes bring these two traits together by taking the wind and creating sound with it. No wonder the Japanese finds it relaxing to hear the pleasant, soft sounds of a wind chime to beat the heat of summer.
Updates from where I am
Sunday, April 27th, 2008Hello everybody!
Thanks for dropping by even if I have no updates.
I slipped out of Cambodia and in to the Philippines quietly. I am here for matters concerning my health. I do not wish to divulge details about it as I do not want to dampen everyone’s mood but let me just say that after some tests, there is no immediate cause for concern, thank God.
From my end, I am enjoying my time here at home in Roxas City, eating home-cooked meals that I sorely missed. A close friend based in Norway commented on my non-existent gimik schedule as biglang natahimik, as opposed to my being a curacha when I was in Phnom Penh where I was almost always out of town doing something in the community.
I must admit though that after a couple of days here in Roxas, I kind of miss Cambodia already. I miss my husband (he still has work - school holiday is two months away), and thanks to modern technology, we exchanged sms and talk through YM almost every night. I still have to stay for more tests but for now, I’ll just sit back, relax and enjoy the vacation while it lasts. I am spending time with my parents (who are looking older everytime I come home) and my siblings and their brood - a nephew and nieces - who (except for my nephew) I haven’t seen since they were born.
I have been enjoying my holiday and soon it will be over, but let me just show you where I’ve been spending most of my time:
In one of our family outings, we went to this not so known beach resort in Barangay Basio, in Ivisan town, about 36kms away from the capital city of Roxas. It was such a surprise to see white sand and clear waters comparable to Boracay without going out of Capiz at all! I was even more surprised that only a handful of visitors go there… mabuti nga iyon, we had the beach all to ourselves lang.
Let the pictures speak for itself:
Beautiful, isn’t it?
It is still pristine, untouched by the claws of commercialism. I would definitely come back to Basiao with my husband next time.
Updates from where I am
Saturday, April 26th, 2008Hello everybody!
Thanks for dropping by even if I have no updates.
I slipped out of Cambodia and in to the Philippines quietly. I am here for matters concerning my health. I do not wish to divulge details about it as I do not want to dampen everyone’s mood but let me just say that after some tests, there is no immediate cause for concern, thank God.
From my end, I am enjoying my time here at home in Roxas City, eating home-cooked meals that I sorely missed. A close friend based in Norway commented on my non-existent gimik schedule as biglang natahimik, as opposed to my being a curacha when I was in Phnom Penh where I was almost always out of town doing something in the community.
I must admit though that after a couple of days here in Roxas, I kind of miss Cambodia already. I miss my husband (he still has work - school holiday is two months away), and thanks to modern technology, we exchanged sms and talk through YM almost every night. I still have to stay for more tests but for now, I’ll just sit back, relax and enjoy the vacation while it lasts. I am spending time with my parents (who are looking older everytime I come home) and my siblings and their brood - a nephew and nieces - who (except for my nephew) I haven’t seen since they were born.
I have been enjoying my holiday and soon it will be over, but let me just show you where I’ve been spending most of my time:
In one of our family outings, we went to this not so known beach resort in Barangay Basio, in Ivisan town, about 36kms away from the capital city of Roxas. It was such a surprise to see white sand and clear waters comparable to Boracay without going out of Capiz at all! I was even more surprised that only a handful of visitors go there… mabuti nga iyon, we had the beach all to ourselves lang.
Let the pictures speak for itself:
Beautiful, isn’t it?
It is still pristine, untouched by the claws of commercialism. I would definitely come back to Basiao with my husband next time.
And The Lights All Went Out . . .
Monday, April 21st, 2008At exactly 6 AM Sunday, the world stopped for our part of the city, with no electric power for the next 12 hours. This fortuitous event coming without benefit of any prior notice or warning. As is typical I am told, it just happens.While 6AM may not …
More Quick Takes From This Slow Long Journey: A Potpourri
Wednesday, April 16th, 2008More rummaging through old stuff left behind brought on another discovery, tucked among old medical films was this sketch done by yours truly prior to marriage with the subject.Now compare with this one done for my late mother by a more professional ar…
Wat Kampong Tralach
Monday, April 7th, 2008My husband Rob and I are currently in retreat in the coastal town of Kep to get away from the madness of the capital, Phnom Penh. Kep town was, in another era, a tourist centre for the wealthy from Phnom Penh, who enjoyed its beaches, fish and sea breezes. Now, the municipality as a whole is impoverished and relies on inshore fishing and small-scale agriculture. There are a couple of family-run fish sauce factories, and about 1,000 hectares of salt basins providing employment for about twenty family enterprises and seasonable employment for perhaps sixty more.Kep has always been our choice for weekend getaways because, compared to Cambodia’s other beachtown, Sihanoukville, it still has a “remote” feel to it and there is still a small number of tourists coming in. Besides, Kep has a special place in our hearts, having lived here in 2006 when I started IDRC’s rural ICT project here.
Our visit this time has another purpose – for my husband to turn over the brand new computer set with sound system and copier-printer-scanner machine to the monks of Wat Kampong Tralach where he used to teach while we lived here. The money used to purchase all of these was collected from the sales of the Cambodian CD maps, plus, the donation from his family in memory of his deceased grandmother and grandfather. The happiness on the faces of the monks was undeniable, and the excitement of the kids was contagious when they saw the computer games they could play with. Apart from computer operations, we spent half a day yesterday at the wat with Rob teaching the head monk, Ven. Pring Phoeun, how to operate the three-in-one machine: photocopying, scanning and printing documents. The photocopy machine is very useful to them to reproduce their lesson plans and exercises for the students, and also for designing and printing signs and leaflets for the wat. The classes are of mixed ages and abilities, and some travel by bicycle from as far as halfway to Kampot for free English classes. These are children of farmers and fishermen who are eager to study the language, but do not have enough resources to go to a private language school. If anybody would like to donate materials, such as books, educational CDs, or similar, Cambodia Maps CD now has a post office box address:
Cambodia Maps CD
P.O. Box 576, Phnom Penh
Cambodia
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For more information on the Cambodia Maps CD, please click here.
Wordless Wednesday #35: Where Am I???
Tuesday, April 1st, 2008
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Wordless Wednesday #34: This is where I go home to…
Tuesday, March 25th, 2008I know I am breaking the rules again, but please allow me to give you a brief background. Two years ago, I left the comforts of Phnom Penh for a work assignment down south of Cambodia - to the coastal town of Kep. Our organization had no office there yet so I had to use the same guesthouse room (where I live) as my office. There was no electricity yet - generator operates only at night - and so I travel to our project areas by day and do the paperworks at night. Each working day I was absolutely knackered from the bone-crunching moto-ride visiting remote villages. But when I go home, all the exhaustion simply vanished because of this:
Wordless Wednesday# 33: Rural saleswoman
Tuesday, March 18th, 2008
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Photo Hunt #17: I Spy
Friday, March 14th, 2008Okay, I am posting my Photo Hunt entry this early to make up for last week. I was meaning to post one but somehow got lost amidst the weekend frenzy, plus I have friends visiting. This week’s theme, I have to say, is one of Photo Hunt’s most challenging themes. So here’s my take. Go get your spyglasses or magnifying lenses and tell me what you can see in this picture. Can you make anything of it? Click to enlarge the picture.
I will post later tomorrow a close up of one of the spires.
Till then, ta-ta. Happy hunting, and have a great weekend!