In Yoga, this is called the ‘Wheel Pose’ also known as ‘Upward Bow’.Follow the step-by-step S.L.OW.L.Y and remember to breath.

1. Lie flat on your back on the yoga mat.
2. While exhaling, bend the knees and bring the feet as close to the buttocks as possible with the soles of the feet on the floor.
3. Bend the arms at the elbows and place the palms of the hands flat on the floor directly under each shoulder with the fingers pointing toward the back.
4. While inhaling slowly, raise your head and rest your crown on the floor. I find that this is very helpful before pushing my hands, back and lastly, the buttocks off the floor while arching the spine.

Ah…. there you go. A very curvy body posture there. Lovely!

… continue from Day 2 (Part 4/5) – I heart Preah Khan

We told Mr Tuk-Tuk that we are really tired and can no longer walk. So we shall skip small temples. Anyway, all the temples has the same…. ole… thing…..sss……..

We have too many photographs and can’t recalled some of the temple’s name or where it was shots.

For example this…

But I can remember very well that he is the first person that asked me for Candy. I was very surprised that he says that in English.

And again, the doorway.lol.

This one again don’t know which temple.

It could be taken from Angkor Wat and maybe not. At the time of the incident, we was quite bored with all the stone, slabs, bas-relief, apsaras dancer and etc, we went and morrest (spelling mistake on purpose!) the apsaras dancer. Sheesh…. don’t tell anyone, ok? And look where is my hand rested? *slap self* Duhh!

Ok, ok! Back to my trip. So we was tired and Mr Tuk-Tuk can sensed it too. He thinks we should just head straight to Ta Prohm if that is the case. I’m all excited for Ta Prohm cos that is where the filming of Tom Raider took placed.

This pic could be taken from Ta Prohm or Preah Khan. My memory starts to failed on me.

Woohoo! Finally, this is the last temple. But wait. Where is the little door with lots of roots crawling on it?

“Oh, that one is in Ta Som.”

OMG! I need to slap myself. How can I overlook it. It’s my own fault. There is no way we could turn back to Ta Som if you were to look at the map. If you want to know what is so nice about Ta Som, Google it. iBet, you will drool over the roots.

We started out at 5am and took 7 hours to visit all these temples. Can you imagine how tired we are by now? No more temple hopping for us. That is for sure! But the days is still early (12pm). Since we already book the tuk-tuk (US$15) for the whole day, might as well we took our own sweet time now.

Off we went for lunch. Mr Tuk-Tuk recommended restaurant outside Angkor Wat as he claimed that the food is nice. Our priority now is cleanliness and secondary is the price.

That is some Khmer Traditional cooking of fish & wild pepper leaves (daun kaduk) in coconut milk. On the bottom right is Vietnamese spring roll. Good news is, I’ve bought some of the spring roll skin. Will definitely make them one day. Is a matter of time now. Our lunch cost us US$10 (inclusive of steam rice & drinks). Ok lar. A bit pricey in Siem Reap but I can afford to pay them. *ngek ngek ngek

So, what are we going to now? It is only 1pm. Think! Think!

Negotiation came. We will visit the Silk Farm by paying Mr Tuk-Tuk extra US$2. What a catch! We don’t even need to bargain with him.

Exiting Angkor Wat, we adjourned to Silk Farm. It’s a long way to go. Really, really very far from the town.

This is the only flower that catches my eye.

That’s all for Day 2. Mr Tuk-Tuk dropped us at our hotel again.

US$17 for him. At least he did not con us, ok! Remember his number ya, 4167! Or if you stay in Temple Golden Villa, you can always get his phone number from the hotel reception.

… to be continue: Day 3: Loots from Siem Reap & Apsaras Dance Show

… continue from Day 2 (Part 3) – Baphuon & Elephant Terrace

Exiting the North Gate of Angkor Thom to Preah Khan, lining up is another row of soldiers pulling the naga. But the soldier is all headless. All thanks to thieves!

From far, I saw a child who is barely 2 years old sitting on the ground. He was looking blankly, day dreaming. I took a picture of him.

Picking up pace, I stop and look back at him one more time. He’s not moving. Not even a bit. Still sitting there like a statue. My heart just fell. He look so pityfull. I went to him again and whisper in his ear, “Boy, go home.”

He melt my heart just like how Baby Princess melted my heart.

… with his One Million Dollar smile! He gave me another “peace” sign. I couldn’t capture them in time. He is so adorable. Can you imagine their parents just let their kids wonder out without supervision? And, and that hygiene? OMG! (I was kidding on the conversation part with the boy. Hahaha!)

East Gopura

Two picturesque kapoc trees have become partially integrated into the structure. There’s more in the temple.

Preah Khan is a very old temple. Most of it’s structure has collapsed long time ago.

Restoration to save the tree or structure? One will have to choose.

On the way out, we spotted some kids playing.

What is she holding? Probably her pet. Looks like one of the wild jungle cat. You know, these kids are probably no longer stranger to tourist. I just get my camera out and they automatically start posing for me. She starked me with this, “Do you have candy?”

I almost pop my eyes out. SHE CAN SPEAK ENGLISH!

“I’m sorry Baby. I don’t have candy.” 🙁

Somehow, I had an instinct. I told my sis, “At the exit, we run as fast as we can. OK?”

My instinct is so accurate. The Khmer kids is up to their antic again. My sis and me decided to break up so that we won’t get caught at the same time.

*&^%$ punya budak. By the time I look up, she is standing next to the tuk-tuk drive, laughing at me.

By the time I managed to freed from the kids, I started to smell like them. Seriously! Now I can understand why Angelina Jolie choose to adopt a child from Cambodia. That little brat is sure a lucky lot.

Note in the above photo, there are a row of upright boundary stones line the entrance causeway. Their pillars carry carvings of a chimera with the head of a lion, the body of a man, and the legs and feet of a garuda. The niches originally held images of the Buddha (the religion of Jayavarman VII), but most of these were chiseled out in a fit of Hindu icon.

… to be continue- Day 2 (Part 5/5) – Ta Prohm & Silk Farm

… continue from Day 2 (Part 2/5) – Bayon

Have you got tired following my post on Siem Reap? There’s about 3 to 4 more posts to go. Don’t forget that we are still in Day 2. I’ve used up 512mb of storage since 5am and my camera’s battery is not cooperating too. Good thing I have my sister’s camera as backup for pointless camwhoring.

Well, not only you are tired of reading my post. Our feet was soon giving up on us from all the walking. They seem so dead. “WAKE UP FEETTTTTTTT!!!” *sigh…

10am – We make a quick touring around Baphuon. All along, our tour guide aka Mr Tuk-Tuk was patiently waiting for us under some shady trees outside the temple.

Elephant’s Terrace is just next to Baphuon (still it is quite far for us). So Mr Tuk-Tuk ask us to walk there. Gosh, my poor aching feet!

The huge platform known today as the Elephant Terrace runs from north to south, across the east front of the Royal Palace, for a distance of 300m. All around the periphery of the terrace, lies realistic carvings of elephants. Beside elephants, you will see the grinning Chimeras (part lion, part human) supporting the terrace.

There are five staircases, three in the center and one at each end, lead up to the 10′ high platform. They are flanked with three-headed elephant heads as seen here.

I know Terrace of the Leper King is situated somewhere nearby but our feet, or at least MY FEET is really aching and tired from all the walking. I couldn’t be bothered with anymore terrace. I need to sit. And I mean NOW!

… to be continue: Day 2 (Part 3/5) – I Heart Preah Khan

… 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

According to chinese calendar, today is 15th day of the 8th lunar month where chinese celebrated Mid Autumn Festival (Traditional Chinese: 中秋節; pinyin: zhōngqiÅ«jié) and my Little Boy’s Birthday (pun intended 😉 ).

Son’s actual date (according to angmoh calendar) falls sometime last week. We only have TGIFriday in mind since the place and their foods is child friendly.

Just the Three of us

Don’t ask me why we always have to go TGIFriday to celebrate Birthday. Could it be the food? The environment? The people? Their soprano singer? Their Reggae Group?

Yea! I like the last one. Their Reggae Group and who don’t?

Their staffs are a friendlier lot. Even the kids are comfortable with the place and son thinks their uniform looks super cool and funky. He insisted to camwhore with one the staff wearing a deer antelope by pulling his arm all the way across his shoulder and down to his chest. Well, I hope Daddy is not jealous when he see this. After the photoshoot, Mr Deer gave him a hard pinch on his cheek. I heard him saying, “Aiyoh, you are so cute!” That’s my son. He is very friendly. Sometimes too friendly *worry*.

Little Boy ask for Bumble Bee. We tried looking for it in Toys ‘R us, Parkson and Jaya Jusco but they have none. We bought him Lightning McQueen instead and still cost us a bomb!

Have you ate a mooncake today?

Play a lantern today?

Camwhore kau-kau today?

Happy Mid Autumn Festival to all 😉

… 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.