1st Quarter of 2006?!

Well, 1st quarter of 2006 has been overed extremely fast. So, what are my "highlights of the month" for the last few months? Let's me refresh back...

January 2006
A good start of 2006... I believed I can do well.

1st week of Jan - 5D4N Cambodia Trip (Siem Reap -> Phnom Penh)
Leong, Law, Wang & I (the main organiser :P)
After weeks of trip planning and information preparation, finally we had a great journey to Cambodia as per planned in the itinerary (1st to Siem Reap Province, then proceeded to Phnom Penh, the Capital before heading back to Msia) It was a short trip but I was amazed by the actual magnitute of the Angkor Temples, the breathtaking sunset, sunrise views, scenery and the hospitality of its people...

Here are the some of the highlights:
* 1st day - Reached Siem Reap province in the noon, where Cambodia main attraction - Angkor Wat is located. Cycled along the main roads in the town area to look for food (Well, I was lucky enough just to be the back passenger) , Wang fell from cycling and left a scar on hand which is "made in Cambodia". Pity~!
The hot weather, the dusty road, the people, the houses are not as new to me compared to my friends as I was just back from the trip to Laos in Nov 2005, which I felt some similarity. One could sense the poverty in every corner of Cambodia easily. I believed these places will have big changes for the next few years...

SunSet at Phonm Bakheng
15-20 min. hiked up, with many people around. This is the place crowded with tourists for the view of sunset and the long distance apart of The Angkor Wat.




* 2nd Day - In a short, we visitted AngKor Wat, Bayon of the Angkor Thom, Ta Phrom,
Preah Khan, Terrace of elephants, Ta Keo, Banteay Kdei, Baphoun..etc in a 4seats "tuk-tuk"
Angkor Wat
My photo "expedition" to the temple was superb! With the great weather in the early morning for the sunrise, excellent blue sky in the afternoon and the good timing during sunset!

Bayon
The smiling faces!


Ta Phrom
The temple ruins with growing trees.


* 3rd Day - A breathtaking sunrise at the lake Srah Srang, Banteay Srei - its name, relatively modern, means "Citadel of the Women" (refers to the dedicate beauty of the carvings and the finest examples of classical Khmer art), and some other places under the Angkor Tour Large Circuit plan.
At most the places, it was easily seen many kids holding with local crafts and books following whatever the visitors go in order to earn some income for the living.. it was a great surprise, they spoke English well, and took the opportunity to talk to the visitors.

Had the Sunset at the peak of Phnom Krom (where the Wat Phnom Krom) is located.
This is the best place for the nice sunset view oversee Tonle Sap Lake (largest lake in SE Asia)


* 4th & 5th Day - 2 main spots that you shouldn't miss out are the Choeung Ek Killing Fields and the Toel Sleung Museum when you are in Phnom Penh!

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

February 2006

14th Feb - Valentine's Day

I have been celebrating this special occasion for my 27 years! Hahaaaa... 私のたんじょび ですよ (it is my birthday~!)
:( everytime with the crowded and "long-waited" restaurant...

25th-26th Feb - MNS Cameron - I'm back~!
We were back to MNS (Malaysian Nature Society) Cameron Highland for the 2D1N stay, this time, we hiked up Gunung Cantik, passing the nice Boh tea plantation!
I had my first time hiking under the heavy rain with the raincoat! Cold~!

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

March 2006

Mum's 56th birthday... I am a "hao soon lui" :P, thus, went back to Penang and we had the afternoon Red Box "kara-oke" section in Gurney Plaza + dinner~!

生日快乐!