… continue from Day 2 (Part 1/5) - Sunrise in Angkor Wat

We left Angkor Wat and headed to the South gate of Angkor Thom to Bayon.

You will see soldiers pulling a five headed serpent aka Naga to the locals. Note far back in the background is the entrance to Bayon forest which lead us to the temple. On closer look, Bayon is characterized by its many towers with four faces in the four cardinal points.

I love the tranquility in the forest leading to Bayon.

The rides from South gate of Angkor Thom to Bayon is about 10 minutes.

Bayon By The Calm Lake

Basically, there is 52 towers with the huge serene faces of the King Jayavarman VII and 173 faces have endured damge or collapse.

For my personal opinion, I have icky feeling in Bayon. Not because of the 4D faces but the temple is entirely covered with moss.

The Bayon is also remarkable for its bas-reliefs, in particular those of the outer galleries. Certain reliefs depict historical events such as naval combat against the Cham on the Great Lake.

Oh, just showing off one of the bracelets that I bought at 6 for One US Dollar. So beau.ti.ful and ch.eap! Now I can mix and match with my clothings.

Probably this are the only area that is not covered with black moss.

At least I don’t feel geli. OK! Sometimes I need to air my armpit too. *cough*

Last photograph would be what I love. THE CORRIDORS!

Next, we just walk over to the Elephant Terrace.

… to be continue:  Day 2 (Part 3/5) - Baphuon & Elephant’s Terrace

… continue from Day 1 (Part 3 of 3) - Sunset in Phnom Bakheng Hill

Early rise today. Mr Tuk-Tuk was already waiting at our hotel at 5am sharp. Today is a long day as we planned to go temple hopping (click for map) and fully utilized our ticket (US$20) as it is valid for a day only.

5.30am - We started out in Angkor Wat for the sunrise.

We was told by Mr Tuk-Tuk to wait at this spot (outside the gate). While waiting, we camwhore lots of ’silly me’ poses. 10 minutes later, the sun started to rose from the East hiding behind some bushes.

I was very dissapointed. This is not what I’ve wanted. I want the sun to rise behind Angkor Wat and not along some bushes! *sigh…

We then proceed to enter outer gate of Angkor Wat. Not knowing where to start snapping till I saw the cambodian child. Again!

I love the angle and setting my camera to sepia makes it blend in with the occasion perfectly. I tried myself in sepia too but didn’t quite like it. I still prefer original colour.

The towers in Angkor Wat resemble a lotus bud. Did you see that the surface of Angkor Wat is covered by moss? If you want to visit Angkor Wat, do it now. I’m sure in 5 to 10 years down the road, the whole of Angkor Wat will be covered by ugly moss. Unless they give it a nice clean scrub, otherwise…

I love corridor. Don’t ask me why.

Maybe it’s because I like to play peek-a-boo. *big grin*

My sis then said, “Jie, lidat not nice liao. We should try one like pole dancing.”

Me old liao la. Got fat tight only.

We can see the main temple from far.

So, lots of walking to go and watching out for puddle of water.

And we walk, and walk, and walk….

The moment I saw this, the first thing that came to my mind is….

HIDDEN MICKEY!

There’s so many of them!

>We are almost there but not quite there yet.

While I was taking this shot, I saw a hot air balloon in front of me. So I just turn around and snap this pic.

And finally… the most photographic place in Siem Reap.

The reflection of Angkor Wat in lotus pond. I’m so happy and excited! Finally, I saw what I’ve always seen in the internet.

7am - We was by the side of the pond and came some kids taking orders from us for breakfast. Somehow I finally realised that I’m hungry. We graciously ordered a omelet sandwich and a cup of milk coffee.

Came a few boys trying to sell souvenirs. Again! I just shook my head and smile at them. They all left after giving up on me except for a boy. He’s trying his luck by showing me some key chains, post card, fridge magnet. ALL also me not interested, ok!

Finally my food came. I excused myself from him cos I need to eat now. Can you believe what did he say?

“You eat first. Later buy from me, ok?”

I almost fall off my chair. Don’t know should cry or laugh. But that is so hilarious!

The coffee is so kau (thick)! Full of umph! The omelet sandwich is just so-so. Nothing to shout about. Guess how much does my breakfast cost?

US$3!!! That is a freaking of RM10.50 for my breakfast. It’s all my fault. I should have ask for their price first before ordering. Note to self, always ask for their price! *sigh… Remember ah, don’t eat at the stall inside Angkor Wat.

Time to conquer Angkor Wat!

Very beautiful Bas-relief and Apsaras Dancer.

It is believe that Apsaras Dancer is a bunch of sexy yet mysterious supernatural fairies.

And we did lots of Apsaras dancing too *cough*

That’s so much on Angkor Wat. I have lauzy sunset pic. Vowed to myself that I will be back again. Just for the sunset at the lotus pond. Anyway, Hubby is so jealous after seeing all my photograph. Well, my next trip to Siem Reap would be with him. It’s a matter of time now ;).

We left Angkor Wat and headed to the South gate of Angkor Thom. Bayon, here we come…..

… to be continue in Day 2 (Part 2/5) - Bayon

… continue from Day 1 (Part 2/3)

4.00pm - We have only 30minutes left before the sun set. First stop at the ticketing counter.

Tickets are priced at US$20 (1day) and US$40 (3 days). Tickets are needed at all entrance to temples. However, you can go in for free after 5.30pm, that is after the sun has set. So, today is free for us. The tickets can be used for the next day.

The moment we approach the foot hill, a group of kids came flocking to us. Each carrying something to sell. We don’t even had the chance to glance properly at their item. I was shocked to see them pushing each other while murmuring the prices. All we ask was, “How much?” and everyone started to offer their own prices and it goes lower and lower without us haggling.

“One for One Dollar.”

“I give you 2 for One Dollar.”

“I give you 4 for One Dollar!”

“I gib you 6 for One Dollar”.

Finally, the lowest win!

But that is not all, the other girls keep on coming, “Lady, this one not same. Red karer. Buy one.”

I can only felt pity at them. There’s really nothing much I can do. Anyway, I have to catch the sunset.

“Phnom” means “Hill” in the Khmer language. It is situated up on a hill. Climbing the hill after a day walking around the monuments can be a challenge, but the view from the top just before sunset is a rewarding sight.

Tourist are everywhere

Manyak olang lor (Many people)

It started to drizzle before we get the hang of the sunset. Remember that this is a hill and if it rains, the path will get wet and slippery. We started trekking down hill at a faster pace.

At the foot hill, once again we are surrounded by kids who is trying to sell us books varying from the archeology of Angkor Wat, guide books, etc. And again, I was attracted to one of the kid books. The haggling goes.

“Lady, 10 Dollar.”

“No. 5 Dollar.”

“Eight Dollar.”

“No. 5 Dollar.”

“Bla, bla, bla. That is too low. See, this is a good book. How about 6 Dollar?”

“No. 5 Dollar.” I just walk off. The child then ran after me.

“Ok, Lady. 5 Dollar.”

I was amazed he can speak English very well. I guess most of the children are motivated to speak English in order to make the sales.

We are exhausted and called it a day. Mr Tuk-Tuk appear to be quite an honest man. After he drop us at our hotel, he ask, “How about tomorrow sunrise at 5am?”

“How much is that?”

“15 Dollar.”

This time, I have to play smart after kena con by the first tuk-tuk. I took out my “homework paper” and ask him, “Does it include Angkor Wat? Bayon? Preah Khan? Boeng Barai? Elephant Terrace, bla bla bla…?”

He almost drop his jaw when I read him the whole list of temples and he goes, “Yes” while smiling at me. He must be thinking this women sot-sot dei wan. So kiasu yet kiasi. What to do! I’ve learn my lesson and is playing smart this time.

… to be continue, Day 2 - Sunrise in Angkor Wat.

Now gotta go catch my beauty sleep…. zzzzzzzzzzz……

… continue from Part 1/3 here

3pm - A tuk-tuk offer us US$3 for a trip to Floating Village. We negotiated with him US$5 to floating village and sunset in Angkor Wat. He agreed to it without hesitation. So we hopped on. Upon reaching the village, we were asked to pay US$12 per person for the boat ride to see the real Floating Village. Where we are now is just the jetty. Dang, did I not done my homework properly? How could I over look on the fees for boat ride!

Part of the jetty

I’ve seen the pictures from internet and don’t find the floating village interesting at all. The water is so murky and the village is so run down. Even Pangkor Island is much better than that. And now you ask me to pay a freaking US$12 just to see some ulu kampung? Over my dead body. I came from a kampung la, dude!

So I told the tuk-tuk that we just snap some photographs here and adjourned to Angkor Wat. He’s not happy with the idea. Probably he do get some small commission from it.
“You see here not happy. You go and come back, you happy.”

Happy my foot! Now my pocket is not happy *blueh*. I continue doing my business i.e. snapping the village kids.

They are enjoying themself playing guli (marble). Exactly the same game we the boys played in younger days.

I don’t need money. I need a comb.

You give me one marble. I give you my slipper.

Actually, today is my son’s birthday. He has been asking for Bumble Bee (Transformer). Maybe I should get him an old slipper too *evil laugh*.

3.30pm - After finished snapping photograph, I told the tuk-tuk driver:

“Why don’t we go Angkor Wat for sunset.”

“Here also got sunset. Nice.”

“No. I want Angkor Wat. Here not nice.”

“Angkor Wat far from here. Here sunset beautiful.”

This time I know kena con liao and I was darn mad at him. I don’t see a point arguing with him.

“Ok. Nevermind. Since no Angkor Wat, I pay you your actual price US$3. You sent us back to Old Market.”

“Ok.”

Kanasai that felle. First day already get con by them! Luckly we are still early for sunset. I can always get another tuk-tuk to go Angkor Wat.

Someone go slap him for me, please!

Remember this number - 0450. If you see him, don’t use his service. Big con man. I have not finish with his con story yet.

When we reach our hotel instead of Old Market, I gave him US$3. He refused to accept it. He said it was supposed to be US$5. I said no Angkor Wat so back to US$3. And he go bla, bla, bla, bla, bla, bla US$4. I’m so tired with his antic and arguing on my holiday is not what I’ve wanted. Finally I paid him US$4. *sigh…..

… and I make sure I DON’T SEE HIS DARN CHICKEN FACE AND HIS GOLDEN TEETH ANYMORE!

He spoil my mood and I have to pulled a sour face stomping in to the hotel but was greeted by this every friendly and helpful front desk reception. He ask, “Sunset at 4.30pm?”

I jumped,“Yes!” …. and wait, “How much for sunset?”

“US$3″

“Good!”

We hopped on another tuk-tuk that was waiting outside.

Sunset! Finally! *keeping our finger cross that this tuk-tuk doesn’t con us again*

… Coming up, Part 3 - Sunset in Phnom Bakheng Hill.

p/s: Yes, I can tell people that I’ve been to the Floating Village. But kanasai jetty only.

pp/s: From now on, you will hear lots of kanasai from me. Cos these people really con us kau-kau. They really kanasai wan.

ppp/s: Kanasai = Like shit!

Some of you might have forgotten or have not read the post where I’ve mentioned my winnings in Asiayak.com’s photo contest. This time round, my airfare to Siem Reap is fully borne by Asiayak. So it’s free for me except for other miscellaneous expenses.

Before you continue reading, if you need to pee please do so now cos this is a super duper long post. Not long in words but it has been spam by tones of photographs by Yours Truly of course (ahem). Since the page need sometime to load, why don’t you go and pee even though you don’t need to pee?

JUST GO AND PEE LA!

While you are there, why dont you go grab yourself a drink or some snacks?

… or eye drops?

*pat-pat* Good girls and good boys.

The flight from KL to Siem Reap is about 2 hours and 5 minutes journey. I am staying in Golden Temple Villa which includes transfer from the airport to their hotel. The moment the van stop outside my hotel, my jaw almost drop cos the road is full of yellow mud and very dusty. Good thing the hotel is clean.

For US$18 per night with internet service, water heater, air-condition, 24 hours banana/coffee/tea what else I can ask for from the Third World country?

11.30am - We started our tour to the Old Market which is only 3 minutes walk from our hotel. At the same time, we need to get a bite too. Street food is definitely for me.

We spotted french loaf. If you are a muslim, be very caution as what you eat. Cambodian eat lots of pork. Those are pork chop, some fish sauce and pickle veges. French loaf are then put in a charcoal oven to retained it’s crispiness. Very yummy indeed. Cost us 2000 Riel (4000 Riel to US$1).

Next we spotted a fruits push cart.

I like the way the cut the mango. Looks like a lotus bud. Albeit the colour, they are not so sour at all. You can eat with with choices of shrimp paste or salt with chilies. I choose the salt with chilies. Cost us 2000 Riel. However, prices defer everywhere.

We did not try the skewed banana. Looks a bit unpleasant to me.

Enough food for the time being as we can’t wait to attack the old market. My mom has a saying, “The money in your pocket can bite you issit”. lol

I have enough of these bags from my hubby’s previous trip to Vietnam. However, I got myself these:

Smaller pouch for weekend outing selling at US$3 each. I bought 7 bags at US$18. I sucks at bargaining. I know I could get cheaper elsewhere.

Next is some ‘bling-bling’ aka jewelery. My aunt bought them when she is here. My cousin bought them when she is here. I bought them when I am here!

Don’t get fooled by them when they told you it is white gold. They are silver actually. But you can be rest assured that all their stones are real. The 2 ballerinas is for my 2 Princesses. That round sapphire is mine. I Heart sapphire cos I can’t afford a diamond. And I bought the jade for my Mom. My sis bought a bracelet too. All in, I paid about US$70. AND THAT IS A CUT THROAT PRICE! Kanasai nia. Don’t want to talk about price. Past is past.

Then usual lor. We window shop a lot looking for Khmer product.

They sell lots of Asparas dancer, elephant, buddhist statue and et cetera. It all depending on what you want to buy. Some people can buy the whole of Siem Reap.

3pm - After 3 hours browsing thru the market, we got almost what we wanted. Came this tuk-tuk driver offering us US$3 to Floating Village. Well, that is a good price. We negotiated with him at US$5 to include a sunset tour in Angkor Wat. He agreed. We hop on his tuk-tuk.

… watch out for Part 2 - Floating Village

p/s: I’ve changed my mind to keep my post short. I’ve break them into 3 parts for easy reading/viewing. So, in part 2, no need bring pop corn or coke la.

Sus’ dei!

That is how you say hello in Cambodia.

I’m back from Siem Reap and boy, was definitely looking forward to come home. As usual, I need time to process my pictures and spam my own blog kau-kau with photographs. Just some filler post today. So enjoy…

Siem Reap International Airport overlooking Air Asia’s Manchester United Airbus in the background

This is my first time being greeted with a placard. Was a bit paiseh (shy) at first.

Tell me, what is your first thought when you reached your hotel (they claimed they are 4 star hotel) entrance and was greeted by this sight?

*blueh*

I told my sis, “I WANT TO GO HOME!”

Some snippets for tomorrow post:

Sunset, food and shopping!

To be corrected, it is the finalist of 7 Wonders of the World. *evil smile*

Beside Great Wall of China who won the n7w (new7wonders) representing global heritage throughout history, two other nominated Asian countries are Angkor, Cambodia and Kiyomizu Temple, Japan. I’ve not heard of Kiyomizu Temple but Angkor was no stranger to us, Asians.

7 more days before setting my foot in Siem Reap. This is my first time going on a oversea holiday with my youngest sister and of course without Hubby who have to play babysitter at home *ngek, ngek, ngek* Do I have to mention how excited I am?

Coming back to the n7w, I think Stonehenge, UK and Pyramids of Giza, Eygpt should replace Christ Redemeer, Brazil and Taj Mahal, India.

And Angkor…

“I’m sorry you did not win. Yea, it’s my fault. I was so busy blogging, I forgot to cast a vote for you. I know you lost only one vote behind India. But don’t worry, I am ready to contribute US$40 being the entrance fee to the Wat of which 99% of the earnings go to the officials in the country and maybe 1% of it really goes to the conservation effort to protect the heritage. Well, I’ll keep a hush-hush about that .”

Ok, I was kidding about the voting part. Ciao…

Tulan note: Actually hor, my mood now is equivalent to today’s title. Feeling sibeh tulan can die lidat. There’s always two side of a story to tell. Mine, will be the untold one.

Last weekend Bil ask if I care to join them to fly kite (pun intended). I jumped on the opportunity! To me, anything out of my house is a blogable item. This is also another reason why I love Klang so much. We are just a stone throw away from beaches and sea.

Bil suggested we should made our own kite from lidi and newspapers. That is so fun and ridiculous. During my childhood days, the kite that I made always failed to fly in the sky. We’ll see about that but not today.

Colourful Kites

The place that we are going is called Tanjung Harapan or Esplanade. You can buy the kites at the beach from as low as RM8 and some bigger ones is sold at… RM40? I’m not very sure tho.

Dissapointed to say, Prince is not interested in kites after merely few minutes of holding the string. I guess he’s looking for something more…. entertaining, than standing there navigating the kite. Moreover, the kite is made from fabric. They are so light you don’t need to navigate them at all. Oh, and the wind is so strong! Everything just flew including your skirts.

My Favourite shot - The Kite, the Boat & the Man

I’m trying hard to get his picture taken, but failed. You can tell he is getting bored by then. Bil took over the kite. I snap this pic in time before the kite goes higher and it’s impossible to focus them in the frame without cropping Bil’s head. Everything was in a perfect position.

Some random shots on Baby Princess…

We took a bite here and there from roadside stalls. They have Ramli Burger, Tauhu Bakar, various type of drinks, corn in a cup, ikan bakar (grilled stingray), kerang bakar, ABC, maciam-maciam la (and many more).

And finally, the sun has set….

I love all these silhouettes pictures. I have tones of them

Just imagine what will happen if I post up some smooching shot

What is the motivation to wake the kids at 7.30am on a sleepy morning?

“Wake up ade. Want to sit fast-fast boat or not.”

Daughter jumped out from bed. As usual my 5 y/o son still slumbering in his dreamland. Last night was not that good as Baby was not feeling very well so we let her slept thru leaving her under my mom’s care.

The day is finally here as I have promised kids and bribing them with so-called fast-fast boat thingy.

What is fast-fast boat? Island hopping la. The boat cruised at a very high speed and sometimes maneuver left and right creating some chaotic moment. Girls being girls with all their squeaking scream. Gah! (Can you spot my pic with our so-called leng chai tour guide? Cute boh?)

The island hopping is inclusive of snorkelling but since some of us aunty is visiting wants to remained dry, we forgo it. We will always have another trip since Pangkor Island is so near only. Right?!

One of the tour guide showing off his diving skills sea rambutan (scary!) and sea cucumber (geli!).

During one of the hopping, we was shown the ‘Free Trade Zone’ in making. Looks like it’s a long way to completion.

Fast-fast boating sports. This is called Banana Boat. They sure looks fun yet boring sitting on the inflatable Banana Boat.

Wait till they capsized your Banana!

The adults is having fun and so do the kids cos they are allowed to sit in the speeding boat.

“Want to try some more or not. This one is called Hamburger.”

Go figure out the hamburger

No more fast-fast boat and kids is back to their mischevous self

——————————————————————

Unrelated to fast-fast boat:

This is new to me. Hornbills flying freely near the beach. Very unusual sight as I thought Hornbills only live in the forest?

Living to my title -

A Queen needs to do what a Queen ought to do. Next time, I’ll get them to bow down to me. Wakaakaakaaaa….

Read Day 1 in Pangkor Island here

After meeting up with Chiwiland, we went to Pangkor Island. That is where my Mom’s hometown is and where my maternal Grandma is residing after she got married to my late Grandpa. Fyi, Grandma is a Penang lang.

Tip: If you plan to go Pangkor Island, remember this. At the Lumut jetty, ferry operator is selling the tickets at Rm10 for tourists and RM6 for Pangkorists.

Not many people know about it. More like a hush-hush thingy among authorities, but my Mom warned us beforehand that we should pay for the tickets at RM6. I mean, we are still a locals and these people hike up the price to earn from tourist. So, what happened was…. my Mom went and bought the ticket.

“Sepuluh ringgit.”

“APA SEPULUH RINGGIT. ENAM RINGGIT!”

Of course, the ticket seller was caught by surprise and was dumbfolded.

We made a stop at my Grandma’s house. As usual, my aunt had prepared a big pot of asam laksa. That was our favourite! Maklumlah, ikan kembung (mackeral fish) originate from Pangkor. And… and… do I have to add? Aunt uses the traditional way to cook the stock, i.e. by using charcoal and clay pot! Syok 99!

During our younger days, we used to stay over night at my Grandma’s house. Nowadays, you know… our family members have multiplied by 4. There is no way to accomodate so many of us plusssssssssssss I CAN’T SLEEP WITHOUT AIRCON!

Off we went and checked in at the hotel near the beach. Woohoo! Suaku city people like me love bitches beaches.

I have sea phobia; sudden drop + big wave + swept by wave + drowning. It all happened again when we recklessly assumed one of us is watching the kids. I’m sorry baby. But when unexpected things happen, please don’t blame the other to make yourself look innocent. Ok? But, didn’t I tell you to play at the beach and not in the water???!!! Huh! Huh!

We had fun digging a hole and burying Baby Princess in it. At the beginning, she was smiling and laughing with us. After sometime of wiggling, she found out that she can’t move any of her body part. She was wailing for help. All we could do is continue laughing and mummy is so bad to camwhore with her. lol

Beach isn’t complete without going for a stroll for seashells. And I stumble upon this right before my big toe.

I have seen and picked star fish but not this type of seashell with an engraved star on it. Overall, we found 4 of this. Isn’t God creation marvellous?

I waited whole afternoon……

… where art thou?

By the time I finish writing this post, it turn out more than “Pangkor Island Trip cum Grandma’s Birthday”. lol

So, Grandma is turning 93y/o this year. Still going healthy and strong.

Typical chinese with typical red eggs.

Dinner so-so only. Nothing much to show off but I’m sure this is attractive!

Mantis prawn in steam egg. The taste? Really nothing to shout about. This is not my usual food angle. They look a bit crappy to me. What to do? I’m sharing a table with my other cousins and they can’t wait to dig into this dish.

The whole night I have been bribing my kids with this,

“Who did not finish the rice, tomorrow cannot sit fast-fast boat.”

“Who is naughty, tomorrow cannot sit fast-fast boat.”

“Time to sleep. Don’t talk. If not tomorrow cannot sit fast-fast boat.”

So, be good ya? Tomorrow I bring you go sit fast-fast boat