The Jungle Wat--Ta Prohm, Cambodia

I was walking inside a bookstore with my niece the other day when she saw a travel book about Cambodia. As she opened the pages, she was so amazed to see the photos of Ta Prohm and I told her " You know what, I've been there". She smiled with astonishment that made me suddenly feel the urge to write something about my journey in this place.

Ask me how we got here, was really no joke. First, I want to tell you that my calves were seriously hurting as I continue to pedal 12 kilometers from Siem Reap, for almost an hour.  But its all worth it when we finally arrived . The breeze was cold and the weather was perfect at the moment. 

Built in the late 12th and early 13th century, this was founded by King Jayavarman VII in honor of his family, especially dedicated to the King's mother. They say this was built to be a Buddhist monastery and university. This also served as home for thousands of people during this time.

 For centuries, it was abandoned and forgotten by many. So it was once became a jungle and unknown for many years.

Apart from it was forgotten or neglected for many years, like many other Angkor Temples, it was also destroyed as Hindu ruled over Buddhism. For years, it became a jungle. And rested away from people. And it was like the trees became the major protector of the building or temple. It produced huge roots to hold the stones not to fall into pieces. And because of this it became a distinctive feature of Ta Prohm, that attracts  tourists everyday.

An elephant's nose- like roots of silk-cotton tree mainly predominates in every corner of the temple. Stunningly even framed around one of the windows. Growing in every spaces it could grow. Holding every weaker stones altogether. I couldn't imagine how it happened.  And for years, the roots are becoming older, some of them were gone. 

                                        

I was asking myself before if its possible that a tree can grow in a stone...well this is a live proof. I became an eye witness. Not only it is a beautiful view but the roots also preserves one of Angkor's best tourist temple attractions.

Our own photo of Bas relief on Ta Prohm Corridor. 

Have you heard of a Hollywood  movie "Tomb Raider"? Some of its scenes were filmed here in Ta Phromn. That because of this, it became more popular..Just sitting somewhere and wondering where exactly in this area because I haven't seen the movie myself. ( I know, I'm way behind..hehe). 

Going here early in the morning is really an advantage if you want to stay away from huge crowd of people that visit the place. Aside from that, you can take best photos during this time...

The outer part of the temple where I tried if the roots are strong enough while I sit comfortably, before heading to the next temple...

BaanFarang Resort –Namtok, Thailand

It’s about time to feel that travelling is sometimes a taste of luxury. BaanFarang, in Thai means “Baan”- house,” Farang” (Thai pronounced Falang ) means foreigner, is located in the heart of Namtok in West Thailand. It is a 10 ten minute walk from the main road, this resort is very popular for local people.

                                           A place to laid back and relax without pretension. 

               Savor one of Thai's best foods (for me, since it became my favorite)...served by the friendly and approachable staff anytime of the day.

Walk around and get some fresh air. Thai make use of their land resources. You cannot see any vacant lots. They plant corn, eggplant, rice, papaya, etc. everywhere. The mountains doesn't have any signs of illegal logging...Good thing about Thai  is that they are hardworking people, patiently waiting for the fruit of their labor...

I love this place. Everywhere is clean and green. The breeze is so cold yet, people living around are warm and friendly. I was only scared of dogs, every household owns one,  so I was struggling on how to stay calm whenever a dog approaches me...

                                                 Making fun with the little cutie, dwarf coconut...!

Our stay in Namtok was really a breath of fresh air. Though at times, we had good times and bad times, still it was an awesome experience. I wish I one day I could go back to this place..I hope so...

Your Island Girl--Sibuyan, Romblon, Philippines

                        

I remember how happy I was when I first took a boat ride going to the city and went to college. I told myself "Yes, at last, I'll say goodbye to this place". I have had enough of the beach, of the lake, falls, rivers, people, etc...But you'll never guess how I trully regret leaving this paradise when I saw how depressing it was living in the city and I wanted to go back, if not only because of my studies so I needed to stay.

Nothing is more interesting than writing about the place where I grew up. The place that for me was just so ordinary 8 years ago. I felt I was so fed up with this place and when I went to study college and finally had the chance to go outside my cocoon, I told myself I was not coming back.

I suddenly remember old good days with my grandma. Fishing is our bread and butter. We eat fish everyday, sometimes when we have pork or chicken is just a bonus. Gathering firewood used for cooking at the same time, stealing coconut, looking for wild fruits in the hills and swimming were some of my childhood memories, that because of these I always got a long and painful pinch on my skin from grandma. Our simple life we had. 

After several years, there are few changes of course, some of my friends are now starting their own family. Some of them have passed away....sad and happy stories happened while I'm away. But the Island is still the same, the trees, the breeze, the ocean and the mountains are still amazingly beautiful and remain untouched. Just walking around this beach is what I always do when I'm home.

Haven of tranquility for those who just want to enjoy connecting with nature. I enjoy sitting on this side and watch the sunset...a real paradise.

In Cambodia, people are gathered to Phnom Bakheng Temple just to watch the beautiful sunset, I wonder if this is also the same sunset  they see and I see..( such a silly question I know ). My point is, in that place in Siem Reap, Cambodia is crowded with tourists and locals during this time. They watch the golden sunset, while I am here in the beach of Sibuyan, enjoying watching the sunset, alone. Amazing, isn't it!

Sibuyanons enjoy the gift of nature. Pulling the net is everyday's way of living for Sibuyanons. They start throwing their nets, early in the morning. Anyone can join and  get their share when its over.

Small and tiny fishes are caught by this net. Anyone who is patient enough to join pulling will have food for the whole day. They say if you're just industrious in the island like this, you'll never starve. When I was a kid, I join this pulling to get the chance to swim, because i was not allowed to.  But they say if there's a will there's a way! hehe.

Boating is one of my adventures. But my dad would not allow me to go fishing with them. Stubborn as I always am, I go fishing with my friends.

Ready to cook the fish we got from "pulling the net". My father dried the rest. During summer, its a time to collect dried fish because during rainy season when the Southeast monsoon hits the island, its the time that its very difficult to fish...

Where we get our supply of drinking water. I really feel I'm home everytime I strike the handle of the pump.  You just learn to save water when you need to work hard to have it...And bringing water to the kitchen for cooking serves as my daily exercise... who else would need to go to the gym!?

Whenever I'm away, I always think about fresh coconut in Sibuyan, as we call it" Butong" in our dialect or "Buko" in tagalog. So I request 1 or 2 from my uncle that always and forever willingly grants my request.

The lake has lot of fresh water fish but we preferred fresh fish from the seawater. I can't forget when I was chased by a cow in this lake and I ran so fast. Panicking and nervous, I left my slippers behind. I just got a spank from my grandma when I reached home.

Brings back our childhood memory. I remember we used to get some wild guavas and "duhat" in tagalog or is commonly referred as Java plum in this hill. Now a days, kids are spending most of their time playing counter strike and dota in their home, but during our times, we love outdoor life. We couldn't afford to buy toys or dolls, instead we use shells and woods as toys and have fun.

Sweet as "atis" or custard apple or sweetsop is the fruit of my grandma's hard labor, selling this fruit around the town, gives us enough money fo a month or two. For this, I was able to enroll every second semester. This fruit is commonly seen during month of August- November, sometimes during April- May.

                            

I am so proud being a Sibuyanon. Proud to tell the world how life could be this simple. To have our basic needs met, eat 3 times ( breakfast, lunch and dinner ) is already enough. But dreaming beyond what is enough is always an advantage, for the better. I started aiming for better life when I was in high school. But what is good life, is how you define it. It's subjective. 

For us, this is a good life, away from stressful cities, away from pollution and rubbish. I always find myself headed back. Indeed, it is always true that "there is no place than home"! 

* I only have one wish on my mind, to watch the stars again just like the old good days. -DPG

" It's Hard to Forget Someone Who Gave You so much to Remember"

A post from a friend on her facebook made me feel nostalgic about my last travel. Gave me enough reason to reminisce on wonderful memories that we had like cycling at the peak of heat of the sun (even if it was like suicidal for my dark skin), eating street foods, walking around, most of all seeing him fuzzing because I'm crazy. I wish I could bring back the time once more! I just can't hide my emotions right now.

How can I forget!? Someone has given me so much to remember...the smile on his face, the sound of his laughter, his cute eyes.....He's firm but is warm and loving person I could tell. A very smart man of his age, he almost knows everything. Good food, ice cream, coca-cola, pepsi, shakes,  are just few things that remind me of him.

Some of our last photos that I have in my end. He was so quiet this time, just staring outside the windows of the train. I wish I could read his mind. But I feel it might be the last time I held his hand. Travellers don't forget--they move on...

People who want to keep in touch will always find ways otherwise accept that people just come and go no matter how they touched our lives....

I just hope that one day, we will be able to bump into each other again somewhere in this crazy world.

..........and just like how magical it was when we had our first rendezvous!

Island Getaway ----Sibuyan Island, Philippines...

Amidst the busy cities where busy people come and go, busses, jeepneys blow noisy horns and smoke, here lies a beautiful place,  a very quiet and peaceful island getaway.

 One late afternoon, when I decided to have  just a sort of reflection or quality time for myself, I sat down on the beach for a while, quietly…watching the ocean, the golden sunset and the horizon.

At your side you would  see the mountains as if it's telling you, “this is your home, and is always yours”. No people are coming and going.

A real tranquil sea is yours to keep you  company. Then, you can start dreaming, figure things out for you. Dream on of having a good life, having a husband to take care of, having children, a family, a good career-- a good life.

You look at the sea again, up to the clouds and the clear sky-- it is telling you, everything is possible, that your chances are wide—boundless.  The mountains are telling you that someone is guiding your way, that you can move anything.

 And when you look at the golden sky, before you leave the beach today, looking at the sunset, it will tell you, in every ending, there is always a beginning.

Visiting the Famous Angkor Wat, Cambodia

 

           Save the best for last as we spent the last day of our 3 day travel around the temples -visiting Angkor Wat.  Took us almost 3 hours to walk around the 3 kilometers temple which is known to be the largest Hindu temple in the world,  built by King Suryavarman II in the early 12th century. Hundred years have passed, but the beauty of this place never faded.

           This is the view from the outside across the lake. We were so lucky to take a good photo today because of the sunset, since its in the peak of wet season when we travelled (July- September), heavy rain tends to fall usually  in the afternoon.

            Despite the fact that we have been to lots of temples for the past few days and  feeling like I have had enough of temples,  this is more than enough reason for me to take one more step, and another. Feeling more enthusiatic than the first day. 

           

           

                                                             The City of Temples.

                 We preferred to go earlier because of the huge number of tourist coming everyday. If you want lesser people around, before sunrise is the best time.  During sunset when you can see the reflection of light which makes it more beautiful is the best time to take photo.

                  Before you were able to get here, we needed to walk across the lake for almost half kilometers from the main road. And meet up some persistent guides who bargain the price for one day tour, but the answer is still NO.

     

             

           A view from inside of the central structure. The third exit we had inside the heart of the temple, believe me, you will get confused where you are, because every entrance and exit looks the same. Gladly, when you travel with an "expert" traveller, you'll never get astray.

              Devatas or apsaras were used as one of the decorative elements where you can see almost everywhere  on the wall. And so, they have Apsara dance, as their traditional Khmer/ Cambodian dance.

     

             The characteristics of Angkor Wat style is seen from different stone carvings found almost every wall, represent different stories and we rest upon history for that matter. If you want to understand better, I would suggest you to hire a tour guide when you visit Angkor Wat but if not, just stand near other's tour guide and widen your ears and get some ideas...Lol

             I am born stubborn and follow no rule. Despite the obvious line that says "do not cross", I still did and touch the carvings on the wall. Gladly, no one saw me. Only the Englishman behind me that is always fuzzy on me. Indeed it is a must to follow a rule in every place. Otherwise it shows a disrespect and is so offensive. But anyway, the carvings were so smooth to touch and did the job so perfectly. It's so amazing how they did it, extraordinary!

         

          I paused for a moment. Pinched my skin, and slowly opened my eyes, and realized, yes! This is really happening. I felt like I was in 12th century, or places I've just seen in the movies. This is for real. wow! Its amazing everywhere you see, is amazing. 

            One of my favorite views. This is the exit side, the outer part and fewer tourist come on this side of the temple.  This is where we took 2 of our crazy poses. Aside from the historical view, this is more than that for me. Unforgettable... 

        

            

Biking Around Siem Reap, Cambodia

          After we refused a boat ride around Tonle Sap Lake, we change route on our way back to the hotel and boom! We ended up in this non tourist area. We cycled until we reached a small and humble village that has a small lake. I saw this lady was "bathing" the ducks and I asked her  if I can have a  ride on her little boat.  She smiled back at me and headed on my direction. I was hesitant at first, but the smile on her face and as she stop in front of me is just like welcoming me to join her. And here we go..yeeha! Lovely.   

       

         Feeling the breeze that touches my skin while looking at the ducks diving in the water and wild grasses, listening to the humming of birds, were just one of the delightful memories I could treasure in my whole life. I paused for a moment and think, reflect on things, and self- assess.       

               The villager's houses are designed like this, because of the flood during rainy season. This area is filled up with flood water, this is few kilometers from Tonle Sap Lake, the largest lake in Southeast Asia that connects the lake to Mekong River. During rainy season, which begins in June, all you can see in this area is water.

              People are so amiable in this village. Feeling like a real tourist. Everyone's greeting "Hello" especially the bubbly kids. While some older ones turn their eyes on me, speaking Khmer, and I usually put my hands on my chest, telling them " Philippines, I'm a Filipino", is always my dialouge. And Im' getting used to it. Locals would always overreact with astonishment..."Oh...Philippines! Same same Cambodian!". You wouldn't guess how it feels like, almost everyday I encounter such a conversation like that. I wish I could just record my lines.

            I couldn't guess how they are able maintain their means of survival. While Philippines has lots of ocean, land, and many resources, this place only got a lake and the only land they got is flooded during almost half of the calendar year. I wonder if only Filipinos would maximize its resources, it can go further than other countries like this. But Cambodians are slowly but surely hardworking people. They work quietly and sincerely. Seldom you see people sitting on the street, drinking liquors all day.

            I feel so elated. This is one of the prime reasons why sometimes its better to go to off tourists areas. Where you can just enjoy the nature and appreciate every simple things around you. And be thankful that they exist!

      

        

       As we continue cycling around this village,  kids just bumped in and just rode at the back of my bicycle. One was pushing the bike and one was riding at my back. Funny moment!

.....and they are loving it! I just continued cycling and enjoy the moment with the kids. The kids were friendly, yet they still respect elderly and foreigns like us. They were just having fun with us, and so are we! It was so much fun being here!

            With so much more things we met along the way, had a stop at a shed along the road when we saw an ice cream seller. Have a few minutes break and savor the delightful flavor of Ice Cream with Coconut Milk and Sticky Rice....yummy!

Some local people are also having a short break, drinking Angkor beer, the local beer in Cambodia. Just behind us is a vast rice field. When I say wide, I kept on asking my self, if there is beach nearby. Yes, it's a long wide field, Cambodia is. Beach is hundred miles away...

     
Cambodian people are so sweet and friendly. They are also hardworking, moving on with their lives despite the fact that they went through hardships in the past years in the hands of some invaders like the Khmer Rouge.

This ice cream seller doesn't speak English and I don't speak Khmer as well. Just in our smiles we connect, and him, telling how much is the ice cream is just by just showing me the 2, 500 Riel on his hands.

 

                 Another amazing sticky rice in banana leaf. While we were cycling, we met up this woman carrying the sticky rice on her head, balancing the tray. Soft spoken of her own Khmer language which I couldn't understand and dressed up as the typical Cambodian woman, she touched my heart, as a proof to me that living in this country is not that easy. But she is doing the best in her power to survive and look at her smile, there's hope and bliss coming from within.  A real taste of Cambodia.... Aw ko-oon! (means "thank you")