There's more to Siem Reap...

Siem Reap, Cambodia
April 1-4, 2012

Our first day Siem Reap was spent exploring the city. There were lots of discoveries. First, being that US Dollar is the unofficial currency. Maybe, the banks we went to, thought that we were stupid asking for our US Dollar Notes be changed to Riel. Sorry, we were just so clueless :)  But there was a considerate bank teller who changed it to smaller bills. He has lots of dollars in his wallet. I bet even the tuktuk drivers have more dollars than us:

This is a tuktuk infront of a khmer house...Well actually this is an ad of a local telco. I took a shot as it is, no camera trick. See real tuktuk driver below.

Tuktuk with a driver can be hired for US$15.00 a day going to and from the Ang Kor Wat. That includes 2 trips (morning and afternoon). Sarap sumakay sa tuktuk parang kang reyna! pwede pa itaas ang mga paa, just like many Cambodians we have seen. The city and the Angkor may also be explored by bike, but you must be superfit to endure the ride....malayo layo din.

Of course, we didn't miss out the buying spree. Sorry, no malls as big as ours in Siem Reap. There is one called "Lucky" but it's more of a grocery than a mall. Souvenirs can be found in the center and old markets. The pic above is the old market....no tourist stuff in this side of the market...I was looking for a skirt and I ended up here.

Got lost and hungry looking for the lone KFC (pa rin!). I ended up eating here, masarap dito at marami gwapo na tourists, but medyo pricey....there was a meet-up later in the evening..Dining is not a problem in Siem Reap, if you know where to go. Near the old market, streets are lined up with western restos.

 looks familiar? because this is the closest I can get to "hotsilog" hahahah

On our way out of the Bayon (?)...It is just amazing!

There is definitely more of Siem Reap than these pics...So, go go go ka na at isama ako....

quick tip....

Recently, Cambodia is in the news because of health issues (some form of hand, foot and mouth disease). I hope this will not stop us from travelling. Let's just take  the necessary care....Ingat!

a quick visit down south-Calamba

Two fridays ago, after almost 4 years, I was back in Calamba....This one however, was very quick....

Time has certainly changed the city of Pepe.  This place, just cannot say no to urbanization or modernization (whatever...).. For one, another box-type SM Mall had sprouted. A friend told me that it was opened in 2010.....tagal na talaga. 

inside SM Calamba where I had my quick brunch

more dining options in Calamba...Yellow Cab is here...food was good, but they could do a lot better in service.....YCP is located in crossing Halang...I wanted to try the local fare but I was really in a hurry...

ohhhh dear darla, you really lived up to your reputation.....super like kita....

well charlie chan, you tasted strange,- sweet and spicy...you were a good try....but I'll stick to my pesto next time:)

We managed to drop by Pepe's place. Came in late for the 4:00 closing time, but we charmed the staff to let us in  (but not inside the house). I will not post the pic of the facade because it is  sooooo frustrating......just imagine...stone house painted green....what were they thinking.......grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr......change to PINK...PINK....PINK next year!!.

painting was the order of the time....entries for a contest displayed at the back of the house......i see promising ones.....

another landmark newly retouched.....these guys definitely need lesson in history/culture appreciation.....

the parish of St. John......never mind the interior...they had it also painted...

quick tip:

The coconut trees in Laguna/Quezon are sick. I have no idea what kind of disease is afflicting the trees. But definitely, it will greatly affect the coco farmers and others who are dependent on the "tree of life" for a living. It is during this time when our help is most needed ..... Let us buy more of Laguna/Quezon products.  I am sure that they've got other stuff to offer...