And I am tired so won't type anything else ;).
But some more pics :)
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2021741&id=1365461415&l=4ac85184c7
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2021746&id=1365461415&l=45e133ea9a
21/04 Added some more pics:
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2021841&id=1365461415&l=280861671c
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2021845&id=1365461415&l=4efad7ef44
24/04 More pictures:
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2022077&id=1365461415&l=3518f4d8ea
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2022080&id=1365461415&l=dfd90e7884
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2022082&id=1365461415&l=cd7857803a
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2022084&id=1365461415&l=76020675c9
25/04 The last pictures :)
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2022141&id=1365461415&l=f396501b4c
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2022143&id=1365461415&l=d9894e378f
Monday, April 20, 2009
Sunday, April 19, 2009
Almost back home...
At the moment we are in an internet cafe in Nanning. We arrived here at around 9.30 in the morning from our trip from Hanoi.
The train ride from Hanoi went really smooth, the train service was run by Chinese which means the train is a lot cleaner. When we went to Hanoi using the same train we were already amazed by how few passangers were on the train but this time it was even worse (or should say better for us). Including us 2 there were only 5 passangers on the train. And when we arrived at the customs I counted that there were at least 16 staff on the train....really makes me wonder how long they will still keep having daily train service between Vietnam and China....
One of the negative things (I guess due to so few passangers on the train) was that they didn't have a restaurant cart.... That was something we didn't expect...we had not brought any food with us... Luckily one of the other passangers; a Spanish guy; did bring something to eat with him which he intended to have as breakfast but luckily for us quite happily gave away :).
The Spanish guy was travelling all the way from Spain to China by train (or bus in certain countries without proper railway...). His reason: because trains have a lot lower carbon emmission than airplanes... Quite sure he is right about that but personally think it is a little crazy to spend 2.5 month to travel a distance that can be covered in about 12 hours...
Anyway, once we arrived in Nanning we exchanged money back into RMB and then went on to the ticket office. We booked train tickets for the earliest departure to Guanghzhou : 00.30. We did get the last 2 remaining spaces on this train, quite lucky otherwise would have to spend one night in Nanning were there is actually not really a lot to do... So at the moment killing some time in internet cafe until it will be time to head back to the train station. We should be arriving in Guanghzhou at around 11.00 tomorrow morning. Then from there should still take a few hours until we are back in HK...
The train ride from Hanoi went really smooth, the train service was run by Chinese which means the train is a lot cleaner. When we went to Hanoi using the same train we were already amazed by how few passangers were on the train but this time it was even worse (or should say better for us). Including us 2 there were only 5 passangers on the train. And when we arrived at the customs I counted that there were at least 16 staff on the train....really makes me wonder how long they will still keep having daily train service between Vietnam and China....
One of the negative things (I guess due to so few passangers on the train) was that they didn't have a restaurant cart.... That was something we didn't expect...we had not brought any food with us... Luckily one of the other passangers; a Spanish guy; did bring something to eat with him which he intended to have as breakfast but luckily for us quite happily gave away :).
The Spanish guy was travelling all the way from Spain to China by train (or bus in certain countries without proper railway...). His reason: because trains have a lot lower carbon emmission than airplanes... Quite sure he is right about that but personally think it is a little crazy to spend 2.5 month to travel a distance that can be covered in about 12 hours...
Anyway, once we arrived in Nanning we exchanged money back into RMB and then went on to the ticket office. We booked train tickets for the earliest departure to Guanghzhou : 00.30. We did get the last 2 remaining spaces on this train, quite lucky otherwise would have to spend one night in Nanning were there is actually not really a lot to do... So at the moment killing some time in internet cafe until it will be time to head back to the train station. We should be arriving in Guanghzhou at around 11.00 tomorrow morning. Then from there should still take a few hours until we are back in HK...
Thursday, April 16, 2009
A rainy day in Hue
Today started out pretty badly, it was raining really heavily.... Originally we intended to leave the hotel pretty early and rent bicycles to visit the royal tombs. We didn't really have much mood to go out so we stayed in for a few hours, I was watching some tv and Casey was reading a book with tragic stories of Cambodian Khmer Rouge period.
After a while it suddenly stopped raining and even looked like it would become a sunny day... So we did decide to get on with our plan anyway. We rented the bikes and during the 16KM ride the weather really got very nice. It was a nice ride through some more rural areas and some rice fields.
As we had left quite late we only had time to visit one of the royal tombs, we went to the Minh Mang Tomb which is the biggest one. On the way to there we did see several large tourist buses leaving from there. By the time we arrived there we were the only ones still inside the tomb complex :) So glad we didn't join one of those day tours! The tomb area was a very nice quiet area to walk around in and it did have quite a lot to see.
Hopefully tomorrow the weather in the morning will be better than today. We probably will be visiting the sights in the city centre tomorrow. In the afternoon at around 16.30 our train will be departing towards Hanoi. We should be arriving in Hanoi at around 4.30 early morning. Then hopefully we can book tickets for the 19.30 train to Nanning, China for the same day....
After a while it suddenly stopped raining and even looked like it would become a sunny day... So we did decide to get on with our plan anyway. We rented the bikes and during the 16KM ride the weather really got very nice. It was a nice ride through some more rural areas and some rice fields.
As we had left quite late we only had time to visit one of the royal tombs, we went to the Minh Mang Tomb which is the biggest one. On the way to there we did see several large tourist buses leaving from there. By the time we arrived there we were the only ones still inside the tomb complex :) So glad we didn't join one of those day tours! The tomb area was a very nice quiet area to walk around in and it did have quite a lot to see.
Hopefully tomorrow the weather in the morning will be better than today. We probably will be visiting the sights in the city centre tomorrow. In the afternoon at around 16.30 our train will be departing towards Hanoi. We should be arriving in Hanoi at around 4.30 early morning. Then hopefully we can book tickets for the 19.30 train to Nanning, China for the same day....
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Phnom Penh to HCMC
2 days ago: In the morning we went back to the Russian market for some last minute shopping in Cambodia.
But actually after browsing around we ended up just buying some cards...
Then we head to the bus station for our bus back to Ho Chi Minh City. To our surprise the bus did depart on time!
The busride was supposed to take 6 hours. We expected to arrive at the Cambodian border after about 4 hours but after 4 hours there still was no border in sight...2 more hours passed and still didn't arrive at the border. At that point it had gotten dark already and we started wondering whether we were on one of the "famous" scam buses. (which would drive very slowly or wrong direction, arrive at the border by the time the border is closed already and then you are forced to stay at the extremely overpriced hotel they drop you off at). So at that point I did go to the person from the bus company in the front to check the situation. He told me the bus ride was delayed because we stopped for a very long time at the Mekong river.... In fact we only stopped for about 5 minutes during the whole trip until that point.... So I did question him asking what do you mean? We only stopped for a few minutes. But he kept insisting we had stopped for a very long time, all others surrounding me laughed at me like how could I have missed the very long stop... Anyway according to him we would be arriving the border after another 40 minutes more... (really amazing as at that time we should have already been in HCMC; the exact same busride opposite direction did really only take 6 hours). So starting to be suspecting we would really end up in a scam, was pretty relieved that we finally saw a point of recognition which was not too far off from the customs. We did (like on the way there) have a quick break at a restaurant and then passed the customs. At that time it was around 20.00, fortunately the customs were still open!
From there on still took us a while, an hour to cross the customs and another 2 hours bus ride in Vietnam. The bus ride which was supposed to take 6 hours finally ended after 10 hours! Still puzzled about what had caused the delay of 4 hours....But anyway really relieved we didn't have to stay in a "scam" hotel and we did get our passports back without any hassle as well :).
But actually after browsing around we ended up just buying some cards...
Then we head to the bus station for our bus back to Ho Chi Minh City. To our surprise the bus did depart on time!
The busride was supposed to take 6 hours. We expected to arrive at the Cambodian border after about 4 hours but after 4 hours there still was no border in sight...2 more hours passed and still didn't arrive at the border. At that point it had gotten dark already and we started wondering whether we were on one of the "famous" scam buses. (which would drive very slowly or wrong direction, arrive at the border by the time the border is closed already and then you are forced to stay at the extremely overpriced hotel they drop you off at). So at that point I did go to the person from the bus company in the front to check the situation. He told me the bus ride was delayed because we stopped for a very long time at the Mekong river.... In fact we only stopped for about 5 minutes during the whole trip until that point.... So I did question him asking what do you mean? We only stopped for a few minutes. But he kept insisting we had stopped for a very long time, all others surrounding me laughed at me like how could I have missed the very long stop... Anyway according to him we would be arriving the border after another 40 minutes more... (really amazing as at that time we should have already been in HCMC; the exact same busride opposite direction did really only take 6 hours). So starting to be suspecting we would really end up in a scam, was pretty relieved that we finally saw a point of recognition which was not too far off from the customs. We did (like on the way there) have a quick break at a restaurant and then passed the customs. At that time it was around 20.00, fortunately the customs were still open!
From there on still took us a while, an hour to cross the customs and another 2 hours bus ride in Vietnam. The bus ride which was supposed to take 6 hours finally ended after 10 hours! Still puzzled about what had caused the delay of 4 hours....But anyway really relieved we didn't have to stay in a "scam" hotel and we did get our passports back without any hassle as well :).
Quick update
Quick update before we go for our Mekong river day tour.
After the day trip we will be taking the 23.00 train to Hue. 16-17 hour train ride.
After the day trip we will be taking the 23.00 train to Hue. 16-17 hour train ride.
Monday, April 13, 2009
Saturday, April 11, 2009
Last day in Cambodia
This morning we went to have Cambodian cooking class. We had made a booking for it the previous evening. It included being picked up from the hotel, so at exactly 9 there was a tuk tuk to pick us up.
Also on the tuk tuk was the chef who would be teaching us. At first we went to the market to buy some of the ingredients. The market itself wasn't very special, quite similair to markets in HK, but they do had a much larger variety of foods.
After buying the ingredients we went to the place where we would do the cooking. It was at a pretty nice place, on a rooftop overlooking the russian embassy. Luckily there still was enough coverage to provide some needed shadow.
The foods we would be making were Cambodian style spring rolls and Amok Fish. We started out with the spring rolls, actually started out making the sweet and sour peanut sauce for the spring rolls. Was quite interesting to really make the sauce, involved chopping up and mashing quite a lot of ingredients.
The spring rolls itself was pretty straight forward.... Should definately be something we can recreate when we are back in HK!
The Amok Fish; once again quite a lot of different herbs involved so more chopping and grinding. Hope we can recreate this one in HK as well, but less certain that we can find all the necassary herbs there...
Afterwards we finally went to visit the royal palace (we actually intended to visit it when we stayed in Phnom Penh before). Really very alike the royal palace in Bangkok...
After we were done there we took the tuk tuk to bring us to the Russian market. Unfortanately quite shortly after we arrived there they started closing down. But Casey still succeeded in buying several scarfs, and we also succeeded in buying a cd of a Cambodian song we have kept hearing during our stay in Cambodia!
Then we went back to the hotel to book our bus tickets for heading back to Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. But both buscompanies they have contact with were fully booked until the 14th! We then found out that many Cambodians would be visiting Vietnam as they would have holiday for the Cambodian New Year. We then went to check next door where they sell tickets for a different bus service. Fortunately that one still had a few seats left for departure tomorrow! Not at the time that we would have prefered but still very happy that we succeeded. We will now be departing at 13.30 from Phnom Penh. And should be arriving about 6 hours later in Ho Chi Minh City.
Also on the tuk tuk was the chef who would be teaching us. At first we went to the market to buy some of the ingredients. The market itself wasn't very special, quite similair to markets in HK, but they do had a much larger variety of foods.
After buying the ingredients we went to the place where we would do the cooking. It was at a pretty nice place, on a rooftop overlooking the russian embassy. Luckily there still was enough coverage to provide some needed shadow.
The foods we would be making were Cambodian style spring rolls and Amok Fish. We started out with the spring rolls, actually started out making the sweet and sour peanut sauce for the spring rolls. Was quite interesting to really make the sauce, involved chopping up and mashing quite a lot of ingredients.
The spring rolls itself was pretty straight forward.... Should definately be something we can recreate when we are back in HK!
The Amok Fish; once again quite a lot of different herbs involved so more chopping and grinding. Hope we can recreate this one in HK as well, but less certain that we can find all the necassary herbs there...
Afterwards we finally went to visit the royal palace (we actually intended to visit it when we stayed in Phnom Penh before). Really very alike the royal palace in Bangkok...
After we were done there we took the tuk tuk to bring us to the Russian market. Unfortanately quite shortly after we arrived there they started closing down. But Casey still succeeded in buying several scarfs, and we also succeeded in buying a cd of a Cambodian song we have kept hearing during our stay in Cambodia!
Then we went back to the hotel to book our bus tickets for heading back to Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. But both buscompanies they have contact with were fully booked until the 14th! We then found out that many Cambodians would be visiting Vietnam as they would have holiday for the Cambodian New Year. We then went to check next door where they sell tickets for a different bus service. Fortunately that one still had a few seats left for departure tomorrow! Not at the time that we would have prefered but still very happy that we succeeded. We will now be departing at 13.30 from Phnom Penh. And should be arriving about 6 hours later in Ho Chi Minh City.
Friday, April 10, 2009
Back in Phnom Penh
This morning we took the 7.30 bus heading back from Siem Reap to Phnom Penh. It was a 7 hours bus ride but it felt like it took ages... Quite uncomfortable seats and also due to me having pretty bad stomach pain :(.
Two days ago we went for another bicycle tour visiting some temples in the Angkor area. One of them the famous Tombraider temple. That one looked really nice as nature really has taken over some parts of the temple complex.
And yesterday we took Tuk Tuk for a daytrip at first we went to Kbal Spean, an area with waterfall and some stone carvings. On the way back the Tuk Tuk broke down... The chain didn't have any grip anymore on the rotorblade. So we wasted a lot of our time on waiting for the Tuk Tuk to be fixed! Therefore we didn't have time anymore to visit some temples we intended, but we did still make a quick stop at the landmine museum. Very tragic to read some stories of innocent landmine victims... And also very tragic that this is still such a huge issue here!
Just before heading back to the hotel we made a booking for a cooking class. So tomorrow morning at around 8.30 we will be picked up from here to learn some traditional khmer cooking. Hope the food prepared by myself will help me to ease some of my stomach pain ;).
Two days ago we went for another bicycle tour visiting some temples in the Angkor area. One of them the famous Tombraider temple. That one looked really nice as nature really has taken over some parts of the temple complex.
And yesterday we took Tuk Tuk for a daytrip at first we went to Kbal Spean, an area with waterfall and some stone carvings. On the way back the Tuk Tuk broke down... The chain didn't have any grip anymore on the rotorblade. So we wasted a lot of our time on waiting for the Tuk Tuk to be fixed! Therefore we didn't have time anymore to visit some temples we intended, but we did still make a quick stop at the landmine museum. Very tragic to read some stories of innocent landmine victims... And also very tragic that this is still such a huge issue here!
Just before heading back to the hotel we made a booking for a cooking class. So tomorrow morning at around 8.30 we will be picked up from here to learn some traditional khmer cooking. Hope the food prepared by myself will help me to ease some of my stomach pain ;).
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
Home got broken in...
Yesterday early in the evening we received a SMS informing us our house got broken in! We directly rushed to the reception to call Casey's relatives to find out more. Both of us were extremely concerned that our computer would be gone, as that would mean we would have lost all the digital pictures we made in the past few years!
Fortunatly we soon found out that the computer was still there. What a huge relief! And after checking more it seemed that all the other valuables were still there as well...so seems nothing has been taken. Seems like the burglar(s) were interupted while doing their job?
Initially it did directly think about flying back to Hong Kong to check out the siuation by myself. But now after slept on it and having seen the pictures send to us by email start thinking it might be better to try and still make the best out of this trip. It is kind off a once in a lifetime chance to see Cambodia and Vietnam... Especially as we already seen quite a bit of it it would make it more unlikely for us to return anywhere in the near future. So our short term plan now is to at least finish the 2 remaining days of our Angkor pass and then head back to Phnom Penh. (there are no direct flights back to HK from Siem Reap anyways...).
Before all this happened we did still have another amazing bicycle trip, this time through the Angkor Thom temple complexes. Really enjoyable although in the afternoon it did become quite harsh as started to develop sunburn. Must have been the hottest day we experienced here so far: 42*C at some point.
Fortunatly we soon found out that the computer was still there. What a huge relief! And after checking more it seemed that all the other valuables were still there as well...so seems nothing has been taken. Seems like the burglar(s) were interupted while doing their job?
Initially it did directly think about flying back to Hong Kong to check out the siuation by myself. But now after slept on it and having seen the pictures send to us by email start thinking it might be better to try and still make the best out of this trip. It is kind off a once in a lifetime chance to see Cambodia and Vietnam... Especially as we already seen quite a bit of it it would make it more unlikely for us to return anywhere in the near future. So our short term plan now is to at least finish the 2 remaining days of our Angkor pass and then head back to Phnom Penh. (there are no direct flights back to HK from Siem Reap anyways...).
Before all this happened we did still have another amazing bicycle trip, this time through the Angkor Thom temple complexes. Really enjoyable although in the afternoon it did become quite harsh as started to develop sunburn. Must have been the hottest day we experienced here so far: 42*C at some point.
Monday, April 6, 2009
Angkor Wat
Today, once again, we rented bicycles. This time we went to see Angkor Wat. But before we went to see the temple I did finally go for a haircut! On the way back home yesterday we did pass a hair salon. But when I checked whether they would be able to cut my hair they told me they would only do it during day time... So went back there this morning and had the Beatles style completely shaved off. Now have about 1 cm of hair left, really refreshing in this hot weather!
So afterwards went on towards the temple. The whole temple complex of Angkor Wat is huge. And really amazing to be walking around in it. Unfortunately the main section of the temple is closed off for repair work? That was quite a disappointment! Seems they will only reopen it again when they have made the stairs more safe for the general public. (must agree in many temples so far you really have to pay attention to every step you make on the stairs, very steep and very small and often quite damaged as well).
Althou I think this temple was really amazing still think another temple we visited the day before (Banteay Srey) was even more impressive. That one really has a lot of detailed stone carvings all over the place.
Tomorrow we will be waking up very early if everything goes according to plan as we intend to go see the sunrise at Sram Srei. So goodnight for now ;).
So afterwards went on towards the temple. The whole temple complex of Angkor Wat is huge. And really amazing to be walking around in it. Unfortunately the main section of the temple is closed off for repair work? That was quite a disappointment! Seems they will only reopen it again when they have made the stairs more safe for the general public. (must agree in many temples so far you really have to pay attention to every step you make on the stairs, very steep and very small and often quite damaged as well).
Althou I think this temple was really amazing still think another temple we visited the day before (Banteay Srey) was even more impressive. That one really has a lot of detailed stone carvings all over the place.
Tomorrow we will be waking up very early if everything goes according to plan as we intend to go see the sunrise at Sram Srei. So goodnight for now ;).
Saturday, April 4, 2009
Another day in Siem Reap
Just a short update: (too slow computer and too many mosquitoes....)
Today we took the bicycle (rented at our guesthouse) and went to visit several temples of the Angkor group. Riding the bike through an area with so many ancient temples is really a great experience :). Too bad I won't be able to upload any pictures, that would show it much better than I could describe it...
Yesterday we went to visit the temples of the Rolous group (some of the oldest temples in this region). We went there by 'tuktuk' as it is pretty far out of the central area. Too bad the roads are not developed very well, so when driving around lots of dust keeps blowing around. But still very nice to drive around and see some more of the country side. Also the temples were really amazing.
In the afternoon we were supposed to visit another temple; Phnom Krom; but our driver told us that there is no temple there...and that people just go there to take a boat ride on the lake. So when we arrived there we did go for the boat ride...at first quite regretted going on the boat ride as it seemed like an open sewer...at least it did smell like one...but later when we arrived at the lake it appeared to be a pretty interesting boat ride. On the lake there were thousands of floating houses, schools and sportsgrounds. We did stop at an orphanage school for children, and after we checked around a bit and donated some money we went back to the starting point. On the way back I asked the tuktuk driver to stop at the stairs heading to the top of the mountain so we could still go and have a look. When we arrived at the top we did found the temple! Althou not very big and in a pretty bad state it was still interesting to see as from the top of the mountain we did have a great view over the lake and at the other side the city of Siem Reap.
Today we took the bicycle (rented at our guesthouse) and went to visit several temples of the Angkor group. Riding the bike through an area with so many ancient temples is really a great experience :). Too bad I won't be able to upload any pictures, that would show it much better than I could describe it...
Yesterday we went to visit the temples of the Rolous group (some of the oldest temples in this region). We went there by 'tuktuk' as it is pretty far out of the central area. Too bad the roads are not developed very well, so when driving around lots of dust keeps blowing around. But still very nice to drive around and see some more of the country side. Also the temples were really amazing.
In the afternoon we were supposed to visit another temple; Phnom Krom; but our driver told us that there is no temple there...and that people just go there to take a boat ride on the lake. So when we arrived there we did go for the boat ride...at first quite regretted going on the boat ride as it seemed like an open sewer...at least it did smell like one...but later when we arrived at the lake it appeared to be a pretty interesting boat ride. On the lake there were thousands of floating houses, schools and sportsgrounds. We did stop at an orphanage school for children, and after we checked around a bit and donated some money we went back to the starting point. On the way back I asked the tuktuk driver to stop at the stairs heading to the top of the mountain so we could still go and have a look. When we arrived at the top we did found the temple! Althou not very big and in a pretty bad state it was still interesting to see as from the top of the mountain we did have a great view over the lake and at the other side the city of Siem Reap.
Friday, April 3, 2009
Siem Reap
Today we will be visiting the oldest temples in Siem Reap. Yesterday we went to the Old Market/Pub street area to hang around, after that we went to get the pass for entry to the Angkor temples.
When you get the pass for the next day you are allowed in on that afternoon to enjoy the sunset, so that is what we did. Seeing the sunset from on of the oldest temples in Siem Reap was really amazing.
BTW internet is really really slow here....makes it really hard to update or read anything! Takes about 30 minutes to start up the computer!
When you get the pass for the next day you are allowed in on that afternoon to enjoy the sunset, so that is what we did. Seeing the sunset from on of the oldest temples in Siem Reap was really amazing.
BTW internet is really really slow here....makes it really hard to update or read anything! Takes about 30 minutes to start up the computer!
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
Arrived in Siem Reap
This morning we didn't do too much, slept out a bit and packed for our bus ride. The bus departed at 11.30 to Siem Reap.
The bus ride itself was nothing special. But when we almost arrived at Siem Reap; after almost 7 hours in the bus; we did already see the amazing sunset.
Fortunately we already made a booking for a guesthouse; we did that at our neighbour hotel in Phnom Penh. So the 'tuk tuk' driver of Smiley Guesthouse was already waiting for us.
So we checked in at Smiley and had dinner in their restaurant. Khmer Omellete, Amoc Fish and Cambodian style spring rolls.
Probably will be going for an early sleep as I am really exhausted! And tomorrow will probably be a busy day, first seeing the city and in the late afternoon heading towards some of the Angkor temples.
The bus ride itself was nothing special. But when we almost arrived at Siem Reap; after almost 7 hours in the bus; we did already see the amazing sunset.
Fortunately we already made a booking for a guesthouse; we did that at our neighbour hotel in Phnom Penh. So the 'tuk tuk' driver of Smiley Guesthouse was already waiting for us.
So we checked in at Smiley and had dinner in their restaurant. Khmer Omellete, Amoc Fish and Cambodian style spring rolls.
Probably will be going for an early sleep as I am really exhausted! And tomorrow will probably be a busy day, first seeing the city and in the late afternoon heading towards some of the Angkor temples.
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Another day in Phnom Penh
Today we went for a walking tour trough Phnom Penh. We started the day with breakfast at our neighbour hotel, and then took the same 'tuk tuk' to the starting point of the walking tour: Wat Phnom; a temple complex on a hill.
On the way from the foot of the hill towards the temple we were 'greeted' by several beggar children. I did give one the cookies I had already been carrying around for several days but that only drew more attention on us...
So while going up the children kept following us up and kept asking for money...made it quite annoying to enjoy the temple at first. When going into the temple had to take off my shoes, and in my mind already saw the kids running away with them ;). So did decide to play it save and carry my shoes with me. Luckily after we were done the children had probably already found new victims so we could enjoy it a lot more from then on. From the hilltop we could also see several monkeys playing around in the trees downstairs.
Then we went on to the cental market. Around the actual central market are many stalls with only very narrow dark isles in between them. The stuff they sold wasn't very interesting, many watches and cloths/clothing. But the style of market was still very different from the ones in Hong Kong, so it was still worth to make a short visit. We did buy spring rolls there fried ones and the ones in rice paper.
Afterwards we went to the new market, actually more like a shopping mall.... There we went to a fast food place and ordered a Cambodia burger. (actually mainly to make use of their place to eat our spring rolls ;).
Then went to the booking office of the bus company and got the tickets to Siem Reap. We will be departing tomorrow morning at 11.30, will take about 6 hours to arrive in Siem Reap.
After getting the bus tickets went to the National museum were a lot of beautiful statues were on display. Among them a lot that came from Angkor Wat. Did hang around in the museum for a pretty long time, and at around 16.00 we decided we had to leave as we still wanted to visit the royal palace and silver pagoda (which would be closing at 17.00). But when we arrived at the entrance at 16.20 we found out that they already didn't allow any people going in anymore :(. Bad luck, but at least will still have something left for when we are here on our way back :).
Then decided to have a small snack in a korean restaurant, but the small snack turned out to be a full meal. We ordered Kimchi pancake, but later found out it included soup, rice, 8 bowls of vegetables and dessert... The food was really nice and cheap for the amount we got!
Then walked on to the independance monument which looked great as the sky behind it looked amazing. Then headed back to the hotel to drop off our stuff, woud finally be getting my haircut! But the 2 salons nearby only do haircuts for female.... So have a feeling I will arrive back in Hong Kong as one of the Beatles ;).
On the way from the foot of the hill towards the temple we were 'greeted' by several beggar children. I did give one the cookies I had already been carrying around for several days but that only drew more attention on us...
So while going up the children kept following us up and kept asking for money...made it quite annoying to enjoy the temple at first. When going into the temple had to take off my shoes, and in my mind already saw the kids running away with them ;). So did decide to play it save and carry my shoes with me. Luckily after we were done the children had probably already found new victims so we could enjoy it a lot more from then on. From the hilltop we could also see several monkeys playing around in the trees downstairs.
Then we went on to the cental market. Around the actual central market are many stalls with only very narrow dark isles in between them. The stuff they sold wasn't very interesting, many watches and cloths/clothing. But the style of market was still very different from the ones in Hong Kong, so it was still worth to make a short visit. We did buy spring rolls there fried ones and the ones in rice paper.
Afterwards we went to the new market, actually more like a shopping mall.... There we went to a fast food place and ordered a Cambodia burger. (actually mainly to make use of their place to eat our spring rolls ;).
Then went to the booking office of the bus company and got the tickets to Siem Reap. We will be departing tomorrow morning at 11.30, will take about 6 hours to arrive in Siem Reap.
After getting the bus tickets went to the National museum were a lot of beautiful statues were on display. Among them a lot that came from Angkor Wat. Did hang around in the museum for a pretty long time, and at around 16.00 we decided we had to leave as we still wanted to visit the royal palace and silver pagoda (which would be closing at 17.00). But when we arrived at the entrance at 16.20 we found out that they already didn't allow any people going in anymore :(. Bad luck, but at least will still have something left for when we are here on our way back :).
Then decided to have a small snack in a korean restaurant, but the small snack turned out to be a full meal. We ordered Kimchi pancake, but later found out it included soup, rice, 8 bowls of vegetables and dessert... The food was really nice and cheap for the amount we got!
Then walked on to the independance monument which looked great as the sky behind it looked amazing. Then headed back to the hotel to drop off our stuff, woud finally be getting my haircut! But the 2 salons nearby only do haircuts for female.... So have a feeling I will arrive back in Hong Kong as one of the Beatles ;).
Monday, March 30, 2009
Staying in Phnom Penh
This morning we changed to another hotel. We didn't really like the one we were staying at, very humid and dark inside!
Now we moved to a much better place. A quite new hotel, clean and bright (street view window). Only problem is that they don't provide internet service.... :(.
Now using the internet service from the hotel next door, but will have to pay for their service, so will keep it short, it is after all supposed to be a budget trip ;).
After moving to the new hotel we decided to take the 'tuk tuk' to the killing fields. About half an hour ride through the hot streets of Phnom Penh. (40*C). The killing fields were something quite tragic to see, and a pretty weird feeling to walk around on the remains of many people who were killed there. Everywhere we walked we could see the leftovers of pieces of clothing worn by them and at some places we could still see some bones left in the ground.
In the 'remembrance tower' (made this name up myself ;) there were many skulls shown, and you could clearly see how the person was killed (bullet hole, axe impact, hamer hole etc.).
After this we rode back to the city for visiting the genocide museum, this is inside a former school which during the khmer rouge period was used as a prison and from here many people were brought to the killing fields for executing (the place we went earlier).
So not a very enjoyable day, but think a must when visiting Cambodia as unfortunately this has become a very important part of their (recent) history.
Now we moved to a much better place. A quite new hotel, clean and bright (street view window). Only problem is that they don't provide internet service.... :(.
Now using the internet service from the hotel next door, but will have to pay for their service, so will keep it short, it is after all supposed to be a budget trip ;).
After moving to the new hotel we decided to take the 'tuk tuk' to the killing fields. About half an hour ride through the hot streets of Phnom Penh. (40*C). The killing fields were something quite tragic to see, and a pretty weird feeling to walk around on the remains of many people who were killed there. Everywhere we walked we could see the leftovers of pieces of clothing worn by them and at some places we could still see some bones left in the ground.
In the 'remembrance tower' (made this name up myself ;) there were many skulls shown, and you could clearly see how the person was killed (bullet hole, axe impact, hamer hole etc.).
After this we rode back to the city for visiting the genocide museum, this is inside a former school which during the khmer rouge period was used as a prison and from here many people were brought to the killing fields for executing (the place we went earlier).
So not a very enjoyable day, but think a must when visiting Cambodia as unfortunately this has become a very important part of their (recent) history.
Sunday, March 29, 2009
Arrived in Phnom Penh
We arrived in Phnom Penh, Cambodia!
Unfortunately the internet/computer is really slow here, so not very convenient to update about the past few days :'(. Hopefully tomorrow at another hostel the internet service will be better!
But anyway, did want to leave this post so everyone knows we are still alive ;). Gotta get back to my room soon; to drink lots of water though as it is SOOO hot here behind the computer...
Unfortunately the internet/computer is really slow here, so not very convenient to update about the past few days :'(. Hopefully tomorrow at another hostel the internet service will be better!
But anyway, did want to leave this post so everyone knows we are still alive ;). Gotta get back to my room soon; to drink lots of water though as it is SOOO hot here behind the computer...
Saturday, March 28, 2009
Quick update
Don't have enough time to update on the past few days. But just wanted to let everyone know that tomorrow morning we will be taking the 6.45AM bus to Phnom Penh, Cambodia.
We should be arriving in Phnom Penh at around 13.00PM, and hopefully there it will be just as easy to keep writing my blog as it has been so far in Vietnam :).
We should be arriving in Phnom Penh at around 13.00PM, and hopefully there it will be just as easy to keep writing my blog as it has been so far in Vietnam :).
Friday, March 27, 2009
Pictures
Having no luck to upload any pictures to my blog so uploading to Facebook instead. Actually a lot easier to upload to there anyways...
The pictures I have uploaded so far can be seen here:
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2019691&id=1365461415&l=d01f80bdc8
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2019692&id=1365461415&l=c30801a602
The pictures I have uploaded so far can be seen here:
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2019691&id=1365461415&l=d01f80bdc8
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2019692&id=1365461415&l=c30801a602
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Arrived in Ho Chi Minh City!!!
We took the train at 23.00 departing from the main trainstation of Hanoi. We would be sharing our hardsleeper cabin (6 beds) with an older Vietnamese couple. (and as we found out even before departing with some cockroaches as well....).
The train departed on schedule but after about the 30 minutes there was some noise and the train used the emergency brake system to come to a full stop. The train had hit someone! It actually took us a short while to figure out what had happened but when looking out of our window the body was right in front of it.... Luckily it was dark already so we couldn't see it too clearly! Quite quickly a pretty large crowd gathered outside of the train. We could see one of the train staff grabbing a bedsheet and covering the body. Within about 20 minutes; even before any police arrived; the train started moving again. We thought it might just pull up a little bit but we actually continued our journey. It was a very strange feeling/situation, on one hand it was quite sad to see someone pass away just in front of your window on the other hand was glad the train went on (in Holland that would have never happened, as I think they give the driver some time off and a psychological examination).
So the journey continued and from that moment on we did start to have contact with the older couple who during the whole ride took very good care of us (like we were there children I guess, making sure we had enough to eat, sharing their food and drinks with us, arranging for us that we would have better beds etc.) It was really too bad we couldn't communicate with them, but by their gestures and smiling we felt very welcome on the train.
A few cabins ahead there was a Vietnamese couple with 2 children, the youngest one was a very cute boy called Lam and older one was 6 years old and a lot less cute. When I saw the youngest one in the hallway I reached out my arms and he directly came running into my arms! Was really a lovely kid, when I pulled him up he directly put his head to rest on my chest. I spend quite a lot of time carrying Lam through the train, many times when I would put him down he would come running towards me again to be lifted up and carried.
At around noon a mother and her 18 year old girl came on the train and the girl did speak some English. She thought Casey and me were reporters as we kept taking so many pictures :D. Althou they only stayed on the train for 1.5 hours it was nice to have her do some translating toward the older couple in our cabin. Unfortunately at around 14.00 Lam and his family also got out of the train...
From then on think we mainly 'communicated' with the older couple and tried to rest a lot. Also enjoy the beautiful scenary that we were passing through. Lots and lots of rice fields and later on during the trip nice views of the sea at one side and a mountain area at the other. Also the view of the 'real' people of Vietnam living in their villages not spoiled by tourism. Glad we didn't miss out on these things by taking the plane instead!
Only thing is that they should do something about those cockroaches....like they never ever removed the rubbish...so the number of roaches did get a lot of worse...even I did kill quite a lot of them when hunting for them with Casey's head-lamp and slipper :D.
We arrived Ho Chi Minh City with a short delay; around 5.15. We helped the older couple to carry their stuff outside to where they were picked up by some relatives. Then we took a taxi towards the backpacker street of HCMC. Most of the hotels were still closed at this time so after quickly checking one of them we decided to get something to eat first. After we finished our breakfast we went back to the same narrow street were we went earlier to check another hostel. We went in to another one and after checking the price and checking the room we decided to take this one for one night (15US$). Think we both didn't really feel like walking around too much as we were both quite tired and Casey started to develop a cold and flu.
Now it is 16.00 and so far we have just been resting, taking a shower, eating our cup-pho (vietnamese rice noodles) on the hotel room. And Casey has been taking her 'tasty' chinese medicine so hopefully she will be fine soon!
Also just dropped off all our dirty clothing, the hotel provides laundry service so tomorrow morning we will have it back all cleaned up again :D.
The train departed on schedule but after about the 30 minutes there was some noise and the train used the emergency brake system to come to a full stop. The train had hit someone! It actually took us a short while to figure out what had happened but when looking out of our window the body was right in front of it.... Luckily it was dark already so we couldn't see it too clearly! Quite quickly a pretty large crowd gathered outside of the train. We could see one of the train staff grabbing a bedsheet and covering the body. Within about 20 minutes; even before any police arrived; the train started moving again. We thought it might just pull up a little bit but we actually continued our journey. It was a very strange feeling/situation, on one hand it was quite sad to see someone pass away just in front of your window on the other hand was glad the train went on (in Holland that would have never happened, as I think they give the driver some time off and a psychological examination).
So the journey continued and from that moment on we did start to have contact with the older couple who during the whole ride took very good care of us (like we were there children I guess, making sure we had enough to eat, sharing their food and drinks with us, arranging for us that we would have better beds etc.) It was really too bad we couldn't communicate with them, but by their gestures and smiling we felt very welcome on the train.
A few cabins ahead there was a Vietnamese couple with 2 children, the youngest one was a very cute boy called Lam and older one was 6 years old and a lot less cute. When I saw the youngest one in the hallway I reached out my arms and he directly came running into my arms! Was really a lovely kid, when I pulled him up he directly put his head to rest on my chest. I spend quite a lot of time carrying Lam through the train, many times when I would put him down he would come running towards me again to be lifted up and carried.
At around noon a mother and her 18 year old girl came on the train and the girl did speak some English. She thought Casey and me were reporters as we kept taking so many pictures :D. Althou they only stayed on the train for 1.5 hours it was nice to have her do some translating toward the older couple in our cabin. Unfortunately at around 14.00 Lam and his family also got out of the train...
From then on think we mainly 'communicated' with the older couple and tried to rest a lot. Also enjoy the beautiful scenary that we were passing through. Lots and lots of rice fields and later on during the trip nice views of the sea at one side and a mountain area at the other. Also the view of the 'real' people of Vietnam living in their villages not spoiled by tourism. Glad we didn't miss out on these things by taking the plane instead!
Only thing is that they should do something about those cockroaches....like they never ever removed the rubbish...so the number of roaches did get a lot of worse...even I did kill quite a lot of them when hunting for them with Casey's head-lamp and slipper :D.
We arrived Ho Chi Minh City with a short delay; around 5.15. We helped the older couple to carry their stuff outside to where they were picked up by some relatives. Then we took a taxi towards the backpacker street of HCMC. Most of the hotels were still closed at this time so after quickly checking one of them we decided to get something to eat first. After we finished our breakfast we went back to the same narrow street were we went earlier to check another hostel. We went in to another one and after checking the price and checking the room we decided to take this one for one night (15US$). Think we both didn't really feel like walking around too much as we were both quite tired and Casey started to develop a cold and flu.
Now it is 16.00 and so far we have just been resting, taking a shower, eating our cup-pho (vietnamese rice noodles) on the hotel room. And Casey has been taking her 'tasty' chinese medicine so hopefully she will be fine soon!
Also just dropped off all our dirty clothing, the hotel provides laundry service so tomorrow morning we will have it back all cleaned up again :D.
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Hanoi (Monday & Tuesday)
Monday:
In the morning we went to the Ho Chi Minh (the old leader of Vietnam) area (museum, living place and a place where you can see his dead body). Unfortunately when we arrived there we found out that all those places are closed on Mondays... So that was bad luck...but we still walked around the area in the burning sun (39*C).
Afterwards we went back to the lake/old district to book tickets for the water puppet show. Only tickets still available were at 21.15, so got the tickets for this show. We went back to the hotel for a nap and then out again for dinner and the show. Didn't really know what to expect from it, but it was well worth the visit! Really amazing to see the performance. (I made some movie clips so can share with you all later). Basically they have some water basin in which they make the puppets perform some traditional vietnamese legends. But the puppet performance has a lot going in, the puppets really perform lion dances or play instuments or swing around with their hands or .. or .. you just got to see it ;). Then back to the hotel...
At 23.00 we booked a day tour at the hotel for going to the Perfume Pagoda. Not an easy job to arrange this as the normal staff were not sitting in the lobby, only the very friendly but not very intelligent security staff/new front desk person... But after some time of many misunderstandings he decided to call the regular front desk staff and then it was an easy arrangement from then on. The tour would depart around 7.45-8.15 the next morning.
Tuesday:
Had to wake up quite early to be downstairs on time for the tour. Before going on the tour had breakfast in the hotel (me: banana pancake casey: egg/ham sandwich + black extremely strong coffee). At around 8.30 the minibus arrived to pick us up, luckily most of the other participants were already on the bus so didn't have to circle around the city for too long before heading to the destination. It was a bus ride of about 2 hours, then everyone had to change onto 2 rowing boats. About 1 hour along the river with a beautiful view, some similaries with the landscape of Guillin.
There are 15(?) pagoda's on the perfume pagoda complex grounds but because the limited time we would only be able to visit 2. The first one would be a pagoda located in a cave. We had the choice to take a cable car or go for a 2KM hike up the mountain. Even thou it had rained and the tour guide had warned us it would be slippery we did decide to take the walk. Quite glad we did as it was intersting to see the local pilgrims heading to the pagoda and also enjoy the vietnamese style music played by the many stalls on the way. The pagoda was quite interesting, think I have only seen one other pagoda inside a cave before (in Xi'an).
Then once again the option to take cable car back or go for the 2KM walk again. Once again decided to walk. This time a bit regret doing so as it was indeed slippery.... While decending the stairs I did slip and fell down several steps. Luckily no serious damage! So went on going downwards at a bit reduced pace to ensure would not fall again. Arrived at the 'meeting point' safely and we went to have lunch with the tour group.
After lunch went to another pagoda which was very near to the restaurant. This time a regular style pagoda (actually not sure why they call it pagoda as I thought pagoda should be shaped in a stick shape? It is more like a regular temple complex). Anyway was still worth visiting, as it was a really nice, old style temple. Unfortunately not enough time to see the temple complex in more detail. The tour was quite rush, as the tour would have to be back at Hanoi centre at 7PM. So we head back to the boats, on the way saw more of the local foods. Saw the shells of the 'balut'/enbryo egg (will still need to find one to see the inside more clearly and maybe try to eat it??) further they had the snake wine with real snake inside, and many local mountain animals of which some I have no clue what they were. At least saw beavers and squarels.
The tour dropped us off at the hotel, and the very friendly staff allowed us to use a room which was not booked yet to let us take a shower and change clothes. Soon will be leaving to catch the train at 23.00 heading to Ho Chi Minh City (29 hours by train). Hopefully there will be internet possibilities again so I can further update everyone :D.
In the morning we went to the Ho Chi Minh (the old leader of Vietnam) area (museum, living place and a place where you can see his dead body). Unfortunately when we arrived there we found out that all those places are closed on Mondays... So that was bad luck...but we still walked around the area in the burning sun (39*C).
Afterwards we went back to the lake/old district to book tickets for the water puppet show. Only tickets still available were at 21.15, so got the tickets for this show. We went back to the hotel for a nap and then out again for dinner and the show. Didn't really know what to expect from it, but it was well worth the visit! Really amazing to see the performance. (I made some movie clips so can share with you all later). Basically they have some water basin in which they make the puppets perform some traditional vietnamese legends. But the puppet performance has a lot going in, the puppets really perform lion dances or play instuments or swing around with their hands or .. or .. you just got to see it ;). Then back to the hotel...
At 23.00 we booked a day tour at the hotel for going to the Perfume Pagoda. Not an easy job to arrange this as the normal staff were not sitting in the lobby, only the very friendly but not very intelligent security staff/new front desk person... But after some time of many misunderstandings he decided to call the regular front desk staff and then it was an easy arrangement from then on. The tour would depart around 7.45-8.15 the next morning.
Tuesday:
Had to wake up quite early to be downstairs on time for the tour. Before going on the tour had breakfast in the hotel (me: banana pancake casey: egg/ham sandwich + black extremely strong coffee). At around 8.30 the minibus arrived to pick us up, luckily most of the other participants were already on the bus so didn't have to circle around the city for too long before heading to the destination. It was a bus ride of about 2 hours, then everyone had to change onto 2 rowing boats. About 1 hour along the river with a beautiful view, some similaries with the landscape of Guillin.
There are 15(?) pagoda's on the perfume pagoda complex grounds but because the limited time we would only be able to visit 2. The first one would be a pagoda located in a cave. We had the choice to take a cable car or go for a 2KM hike up the mountain. Even thou it had rained and the tour guide had warned us it would be slippery we did decide to take the walk. Quite glad we did as it was intersting to see the local pilgrims heading to the pagoda and also enjoy the vietnamese style music played by the many stalls on the way. The pagoda was quite interesting, think I have only seen one other pagoda inside a cave before (in Xi'an).
Then once again the option to take cable car back or go for the 2KM walk again. Once again decided to walk. This time a bit regret doing so as it was indeed slippery.... While decending the stairs I did slip and fell down several steps. Luckily no serious damage! So went on going downwards at a bit reduced pace to ensure would not fall again. Arrived at the 'meeting point' safely and we went to have lunch with the tour group.
After lunch went to another pagoda which was very near to the restaurant. This time a regular style pagoda (actually not sure why they call it pagoda as I thought pagoda should be shaped in a stick shape? It is more like a regular temple complex). Anyway was still worth visiting, as it was a really nice, old style temple. Unfortunately not enough time to see the temple complex in more detail. The tour was quite rush, as the tour would have to be back at Hanoi centre at 7PM. So we head back to the boats, on the way saw more of the local foods. Saw the shells of the 'balut'/enbryo egg (will still need to find one to see the inside more clearly and maybe try to eat it??) further they had the snake wine with real snake inside, and many local mountain animals of which some I have no clue what they were. At least saw beavers and squarels.
The tour dropped us off at the hotel, and the very friendly staff allowed us to use a room which was not booked yet to let us take a shower and change clothes. Soon will be leaving to catch the train at 23.00 heading to Ho Chi Minh City (29 hours by train). Hopefully there will be internet possibilities again so I can further update everyone :D.
Monday, March 23, 2009
Hanoi
We went to our room and took a shower. Afterwards took a nap, we woke up around 15.00. Before going out we decided we would be staying one more night at the same place so we wouldn't have to waste time searching for another place. (and at 15US$ a night it ain't that bad anyways...).
At the hotel lobby I exchanged 100US$ into Vietnamese Dong, and became a millionaire instantly :D. 100US$ got me 1.7 million Dong! Now the plan was to get the train tickets for the trip to Ho Chi Minh City. The girl at the hotel lobby helped us to check how much it would be but the ticket agent she checked with charged a lot more then we expected to be paying. So we decided to go to the train station to get the tickets ourselves. Before heading to the train station we had something to eat: "Bun Rieu Cua" which is some local style soup noodles with crab meat. Tasted pretty good, but might have also been affected a bit by the fact that I was really hungry by that time already ;).
Afterwards took a taxi to the train station, when we were about half way the taxi was stopped by the police and the driver had to get out. We were left alone in the taxi for a while until the police informed us to get out of the taxi and they arranged another taxi to help us finish the journey. Not sure what was the reason he was pulled aside (I guess it might be because he was not wearing seatbelt). At the train station we went up to the counter and got the train tickets for departure the coming Tuesday. We will be departing at 23.00 and be staying in a hard sleeper compartment (57US$ per ticket, not bad for an almost 30 hours train ride).
After we finished at the trainstation went for a walk through the city. We had dinner and later ice-cream, and then went back to the hotel. On the way to the hotel a guy on a motorbike stopped me and asked if I was interested in buying books. He showed me he has a copy of the lonely planet Vietnam; but already carrying that one from the library. Did ask him wheter he had a copy of the Cambodia version. He said he could arrange it and asked another motordriver to go get it. A few minutes later the motordriver got back with a copy of LP Cambodia. They asked 250.000 Dong for it. With some negotiation got the price down to 70.000 Dong (+/- 30HK$). BTW copy is something you have to take literally, they really copied the original lonely planet.
Went back to the hotel to drop of some of our stuff and went outside again for some drinks and some more food.
Now back in the hotel again, it's 23.30 and hopefully will be enjoying a good sleep very shortly.
(will try to post some pictures tomorrow, as today I tried a few times but uploading kept failing for some reason :( )
At the hotel lobby I exchanged 100US$ into Vietnamese Dong, and became a millionaire instantly :D. 100US$ got me 1.7 million Dong! Now the plan was to get the train tickets for the trip to Ho Chi Minh City. The girl at the hotel lobby helped us to check how much it would be but the ticket agent she checked with charged a lot more then we expected to be paying. So we decided to go to the train station to get the tickets ourselves. Before heading to the train station we had something to eat: "Bun Rieu Cua" which is some local style soup noodles with crab meat. Tasted pretty good, but might have also been affected a bit by the fact that I was really hungry by that time already ;).
Afterwards took a taxi to the train station, when we were about half way the taxi was stopped by the police and the driver had to get out. We were left alone in the taxi for a while until the police informed us to get out of the taxi and they arranged another taxi to help us finish the journey. Not sure what was the reason he was pulled aside (I guess it might be because he was not wearing seatbelt). At the train station we went up to the counter and got the train tickets for departure the coming Tuesday. We will be departing at 23.00 and be staying in a hard sleeper compartment (57US$ per ticket, not bad for an almost 30 hours train ride).
After we finished at the trainstation went for a walk through the city. We had dinner and later ice-cream, and then went back to the hotel. On the way to the hotel a guy on a motorbike stopped me and asked if I was interested in buying books. He showed me he has a copy of the lonely planet Vietnam; but already carrying that one from the library. Did ask him wheter he had a copy of the Cambodia version. He said he could arrange it and asked another motordriver to go get it. A few minutes later the motordriver got back with a copy of LP Cambodia. They asked 250.000 Dong for it. With some negotiation got the price down to 70.000 Dong (+/- 30HK$). BTW copy is something you have to take literally, they really copied the original lonely planet.
Went back to the hotel to drop of some of our stuff and went outside again for some drinks and some more food.
Now back in the hotel again, it's 23.30 and hopefully will be enjoying a good sleep very shortly.
(will try to post some pictures tomorrow, as today I tried a few times but uploading kept failing for some reason :( )
Sunday, March 22, 2009
Arrived in Hanoi
We left Hong Kong last friday at around 11.40. Took the bus to Sheung Shui and transferred to the train heading to Lo Wu. Passing the customs went very smooth, luckily there were not that many people crossing the customs so almost didn't have to que up :).
After passing the customs went to get the train tickets to Guanghzhou East Station, the train left shortly afterwards. When we arrived in Guanghzhou East we already saw Casey's relative (who helped us to get the train ticket to Nanning), besides helping us with the train tickets she also helped us getting some food and drinks for on the train! She probably will never read this but still big thanks to her! From Guanghzhou East we took the subway to the main train station.
We arrived at the main train station quite on time, had about 1.5 hours before the train would depart. We just spend the time in the waiting area people-watching and having some of the food.
The train departed at 16.52, we shared our soft sleeper cabin with a chinese couple and their 3,5 months old baby. After we departed did play with a chinese girl staying a few cabins away from us. But at around 8 most people went to take a nap. Think I also went to sleep quite early; around 9. The next morning we arrived at Nanning at 5.47.
When we got off the train we went to the ticket office, we expected it would still be closed but luckily it was open already. At the que for the ticketing we met up with some other foreigners who were on the same train. One of them was Brian (US) who later decided to take the bus to Hanoi. Another one was Mikael (Sweden but living in HK) who did get on the same train as we did to Hanoi. We decided to get the hard sleeper tickets; which turned out to be a pretty good choice as we would end up having the whole cabin for ourselves. (guess in total there were less then 20 passangers taking this train!).
The train would leave at 18.15 so we had quite some time to spend in Nanning. We started off by having a simple breakfast near the train station together with Brian. Soya milk + dumplings and egg pancake. The 3 of us sat down at the table and later a chinese woman shared the table with us. When Brain helped us by getting the pancakes I put 2RMB; the price for the pancakes under his plate. When he returned he asked us who put it there, I told him it was the chinese woman who was sitting next to him. He really believed it, and looked very thankful to the woman and asked us wheter he should accept the money from her or should say something to thank her. Later we found out he thought the woman payed the 2RMB for "table sharing cost", it was a pretty funny situation (probably won't come across that well thou when reading it here ;)
Anyway, after the breakfast he went his way going to the bus station and we went into Nanning to explore a bit of the city. We went to a big park which was really nice, there were loads and loads of elderly people in the park all doing some sort of exercise. Lots of Tai Chi, Dancing, Badminton etc. etc. After crossing this part of the park we entered some sort of "Nanning Disneyland" (even some attractions with Mickey Mouse logo) was quite nice to hang around in this park althou would not dare to go into any of the attractions (most of them created lots of noise which made it sound like they wouldn't be too reliable...). Afterwards we started heading back to train station while on the way we got some cup noodles for during the trip.
Departed on schedule at 18.15, chatted for a while with Mikael, and later did read a bit in the lonely planet guide book. At 21.42 we arrived at the chinese customs (a lot earlier as expected). We had to get off the train so quickly had to get my stuff together and get off. One of the custom officials checked my passport and found there was some problem. The chop I got when crossing the chinese customs the day before looked like it mentioned I entered China in 2008... then had to put my bag through the x-ray. Seems they saw something "strange" on it so had to open my luggage and get all my stuff out. Not sure what it was but seemed it were my sunglasses that had their interest... Then after waiting a while got back on the train and did get my passport back so seems everything turned out to be fine :).
About 2 hours later we had to pass the Vietnamese customs. Got off from the train again filled out some form payed 2.5RMB for health inspection" and could get back on the train again. Then went to sleep and woke up at around 5AM. About 30 minutes later the train arrived the destination!
Outside there were some taxis waiting, but they were asking 10US$ for a ride to the city centre while local buses would just charge 3000Dong per person (+/- 0.20US$). While deciding what to do we met up again with Mikael. We asked the staff in the train station but was quite hard to get a clear answer, as they didn't really speak anything besides Vietnamese. We got the impression that there would be a bus arriving there at 6.30 which would be able to take us to the city centre. Decided to wait for that bus, when it was passed 6.30 and still not bus had shown up we checked with another staff. It seemed that we would have to go to the busstation which was only a few blocks from there...so some time was wasted but finally we did find get on the correct bus.
We went to an area in Hanoi where many small guesthouses are located. In this area we split up with Mikael as he had to go to one specific place where he booked a tour. We checked around in several guesthouses/hotels and finally ended up in the bamboo hotel. There was only one room left (4th floor/top floor), and that room was not cleaned up yet. So while waiting for the room to be cleaned up have been sitting at the hotel lobby using their free internet to type this post. (room rate 15US$ a night)
Actually half way writing this post I already got the key, but thought it would be better to wrap this post up first althou really really looking forward to have a shower!!!! Outside the weather looks really nice, and seems to be not too hot (according to my watch 32*C now).
After passing the customs went to get the train tickets to Guanghzhou East Station, the train left shortly afterwards. When we arrived in Guanghzhou East we already saw Casey's relative (who helped us to get the train ticket to Nanning), besides helping us with the train tickets she also helped us getting some food and drinks for on the train! She probably will never read this but still big thanks to her! From Guanghzhou East we took the subway to the main train station.
We arrived at the main train station quite on time, had about 1.5 hours before the train would depart. We just spend the time in the waiting area people-watching and having some of the food.
The train departed at 16.52, we shared our soft sleeper cabin with a chinese couple and their 3,5 months old baby. After we departed did play with a chinese girl staying a few cabins away from us. But at around 8 most people went to take a nap. Think I also went to sleep quite early; around 9. The next morning we arrived at Nanning at 5.47.
When we got off the train we went to the ticket office, we expected it would still be closed but luckily it was open already. At the que for the ticketing we met up with some other foreigners who were on the same train. One of them was Brian (US) who later decided to take the bus to Hanoi. Another one was Mikael (Sweden but living in HK) who did get on the same train as we did to Hanoi. We decided to get the hard sleeper tickets; which turned out to be a pretty good choice as we would end up having the whole cabin for ourselves. (guess in total there were less then 20 passangers taking this train!).
The train would leave at 18.15 so we had quite some time to spend in Nanning. We started off by having a simple breakfast near the train station together with Brian. Soya milk + dumplings and egg pancake. The 3 of us sat down at the table and later a chinese woman shared the table with us. When Brain helped us by getting the pancakes I put 2RMB; the price for the pancakes under his plate. When he returned he asked us who put it there, I told him it was the chinese woman who was sitting next to him. He really believed it, and looked very thankful to the woman and asked us wheter he should accept the money from her or should say something to thank her. Later we found out he thought the woman payed the 2RMB for "table sharing cost", it was a pretty funny situation (probably won't come across that well thou when reading it here ;)
Anyway, after the breakfast he went his way going to the bus station and we went into Nanning to explore a bit of the city. We went to a big park which was really nice, there were loads and loads of elderly people in the park all doing some sort of exercise. Lots of Tai Chi, Dancing, Badminton etc. etc. After crossing this part of the park we entered some sort of "Nanning Disneyland" (even some attractions with Mickey Mouse logo) was quite nice to hang around in this park althou would not dare to go into any of the attractions (most of them created lots of noise which made it sound like they wouldn't be too reliable...). Afterwards we started heading back to train station while on the way we got some cup noodles for during the trip.
Departed on schedule at 18.15, chatted for a while with Mikael, and later did read a bit in the lonely planet guide book. At 21.42 we arrived at the chinese customs (a lot earlier as expected). We had to get off the train so quickly had to get my stuff together and get off. One of the custom officials checked my passport and found there was some problem. The chop I got when crossing the chinese customs the day before looked like it mentioned I entered China in 2008... then had to put my bag through the x-ray. Seems they saw something "strange" on it so had to open my luggage and get all my stuff out. Not sure what it was but seemed it were my sunglasses that had their interest... Then after waiting a while got back on the train and did get my passport back so seems everything turned out to be fine :).
About 2 hours later we had to pass the Vietnamese customs. Got off from the train again filled out some form payed 2.5RMB for health inspection" and could get back on the train again. Then went to sleep and woke up at around 5AM. About 30 minutes later the train arrived the destination!
Outside there were some taxis waiting, but they were asking 10US$ for a ride to the city centre while local buses would just charge 3000Dong per person (+/- 0.20US$). While deciding what to do we met up again with Mikael. We asked the staff in the train station but was quite hard to get a clear answer, as they didn't really speak anything besides Vietnamese. We got the impression that there would be a bus arriving there at 6.30 which would be able to take us to the city centre. Decided to wait for that bus, when it was passed 6.30 and still not bus had shown up we checked with another staff. It seemed that we would have to go to the busstation which was only a few blocks from there...so some time was wasted but finally we did find get on the correct bus.
We went to an area in Hanoi where many small guesthouses are located. In this area we split up with Mikael as he had to go to one specific place where he booked a tour. We checked around in several guesthouses/hotels and finally ended up in the bamboo hotel. There was only one room left (4th floor/top floor), and that room was not cleaned up yet. So while waiting for the room to be cleaned up have been sitting at the hotel lobby using their free internet to type this post. (room rate 15US$ a night)
Actually half way writing this post I already got the key, but thought it would be better to wrap this post up first althou really really looking forward to have a shower!!!! Outside the weather looks really nice, and seems to be not too hot (according to my watch 32*C now).
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Vietnam and Cambodia trip
Finally getting ready for the upcoming trip...two countries I have never been to so far: Vietnam and Cambodia.
So far it already required quite a lot of preparation: multiple entry visa for China, multiple entry visa for Vietnam and a single entry visa for Cambodia. Actually not too sure what is the whole point of having to apply a visa...besides a good way for them to make some money... (china 400HK$, vietnam 500HK$, cambodia 200HK$ + new passport size pics and several copies...) Besides the costs it requires quite some patience, there is a lot of waiting involved. Wouldn't it be a lot easier to just let me pay at the customs??
Anyway that part has been dealt with, so now it will be time for the more interesting fun part to begin: the actual trip :D.
Almost forgot, got one more thing done for the preparation, picked up a new compact camera a Ricoh GX200. The previous compact camera I had was quite disapointing when it comes to quality (Nikon Coolpix ...forgot the model name). Would be pretty tragic when having a great trip and then to come home and find out most of your pictures are not worth looking at due to the quality. So now we will be armed with a Canon EOS 350D (used by my girlfriend) and I will be using the Ricoh GX200.
So now about the trip:
Will be starting the coming Friday. First take the bus to Sheung Shui from there a short ride on the train to Lo Wu there cross the border with mainland and arrive in Shenzhen. From Shenzhen will be getting on the train to Guangzhou. From Guangzhou the "real" travelling will begin, departure at 16.52 and after approximately a 13 hour train ride arrive in Nanning (see the map above).
In Nanning we will try to get same day tickets for the train bringing us to Hanoi (approx. 13 hours by train again). If we can't get tickets for the same day we will be spending one night in Nanning, but hopefully this will not be needed...
Then we will spend several days in Hanoi for sightseeing. Not really sure yet what to expect, see or visit....don't really like to be too prepared when travelling, think it is nicer to be surprised or find things out during the actual trip... (or is it just a bad excuse for being lazy to study guide books ;)
From Hanoi once again a long train ride...the longest one during this trip (my personal longest train ride: Chengdu -> Lhasa 48 hours): approx. 30 hours to Ho Chi Minh City (see map)
Once again time for sightseeing :D Details will follow after the trip ;).
Then next we will take bus for a change: approx. 6 hours from Ho Chi Minh City to Phnom Penh. Sightseeing time...and then another bus ride heading to Siem Reap (about 6 hours). And then we will be taking the same route backwards heading back home -> Hong Kong....
As I said before, not really certain about what I will see yet, will probably do most of the guide book reading during the long train journeys. But expect to at least:
- Have Vietnamese Spring Roll
- See the Killing Fields, Cambodia
- See the Angkor Wat, Cambodia
- See Pradal Serey (Cambodian style kickboxing)
Further not much expectation...just hope it will be another great experience :D
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
New TV-Show season has started
The new season has started!
Which shows am I currently watching:
The Apprentice
So far have seen 2 episodes... And must say so far I am not that impressed. On the first episode they need to make cup-cakes and sell them for charity. Honestly was quite surprised when I saw them seriously making cup-cakes. In my impression it was all about money, who cares the product! Think they should have focussed a lot more on using their celebrity power to get some $$$ in... At the end in total they raised about 120K? And that was done with 16 celebrities, that makes 7.5K a head. Would expect a celebrity that makes millions to have contacts that can easily pay more than that for charity (and probably more important being able to show off on national television that they do something good for charity).
The second episode, wow both teams seriously lacked any originality.... And both teams were a total mess during the preparation. Hope the show will start improving soon....
Hells Kitchen
Great show, althou quite confident certain people should have been fired but just kept on the show to keep pissing off Ramsey...
Breaking Bad
Interesting show. Not very realistic I guess, but do like the aspect of the good person gone bad after he found out he is terminally ill. Did have some moments in my life when I would think what woul I do when there is nothing left to loose...
Lie To Me
I like this show, but think you do have to take the concept with a huge grain of salt. Really doubt it would be so easy for certain people to read others that precisely especially when not being able to really focus on a specific person. But still makes for a great show...
Survivor (occasionally)
Still haven't really made up my mind for this show... I would like this show to move more back to it's roots. A real survivor! Just let them survive without all the games to get bonus items etc. Think it would be a lot more interesting to see, althou the general public might not agree with me here? (understand conditions can be harsh already, but handing out fishing gear etc. after the first challenge? Can't they let them suffer a bit longer if the people on the show have no creativity to make use of the natural equipment in their environment?).
Yea I realize I do watch quite a lot of shows, a bit too much free time.... Hope soon that will be over...and I can complain again about a busy work schedule ;).
Which shows am I currently watching:
The Apprentice
So far have seen 2 episodes... And must say so far I am not that impressed. On the first episode they need to make cup-cakes and sell them for charity. Honestly was quite surprised when I saw them seriously making cup-cakes. In my impression it was all about money, who cares the product! Think they should have focussed a lot more on using their celebrity power to get some $$$ in... At the end in total they raised about 120K? And that was done with 16 celebrities, that makes 7.5K a head. Would expect a celebrity that makes millions to have contacts that can easily pay more than that for charity (and probably more important being able to show off on national television that they do something good for charity).
The second episode, wow both teams seriously lacked any originality.... And both teams were a total mess during the preparation. Hope the show will start improving soon....
Hells Kitchen
Great show, althou quite confident certain people should have been fired but just kept on the show to keep pissing off Ramsey...
Breaking Bad
Interesting show. Not very realistic I guess, but do like the aspect of the good person gone bad after he found out he is terminally ill. Did have some moments in my life when I would think what woul I do when there is nothing left to loose...
Lie To Me
I like this show, but think you do have to take the concept with a huge grain of salt. Really doubt it would be so easy for certain people to read others that precisely especially when not being able to really focus on a specific person. But still makes for a great show...
Survivor (occasionally)
Still haven't really made up my mind for this show... I would like this show to move more back to it's roots. A real survivor! Just let them survive without all the games to get bonus items etc. Think it would be a lot more interesting to see, althou the general public might not agree with me here? (understand conditions can be harsh already, but handing out fishing gear etc. after the first challenge? Can't they let them suffer a bit longer if the people on the show have no creativity to make use of the natural equipment in their environment?).
Yea I realize I do watch quite a lot of shows, a bit too much free time.... Hope soon that will be over...and I can complain again about a busy work schedule ;).
Back.....after almost a year...shame on me ;)
Won't bore any readers with what has happened with me in the past year, as truthfully not that much....
Finally have something exciting to mention again ;) (partially a joke, getting a new watch was NOT the most exciting thing that happened in the past year! Just sometimes really loose interest to update my blog).
I got a new watch, the:
Suunto Advizor
Initially I thought of getting a watch with just a heart rate monitor. But then when my girlfriend mentioned she would be interested in other functions (e.g. digital compass) that obviously got me interested in these functions as well. There ain't too many choices out there when you want a watch that has heart rate monitor, digital compass, altitude, barometer etc. But did think this particular watch would be far above the budget I had in mind... Did check around in several stores, and thought I would end up giving all the watches I had seen some more thought. But then we came in the last shop (inside Sino centre). They were the first shop that had the Advizor in stock. Did check the prize even thou expecting it to be not too far off from the 3750HK$ suggested retail, turned out they asked 2580HK$ for it. At that point started to become quite hard to resist to get it ;). Still compared it with a T6 series watch (even thou that one is even more expensive...). Finally decided I would get it if they lowered the price just a little bit more, so finally got the watch for 2550HK$ (seems to me a really good deal?; please no comments mentioning you got it cheaper some other place because that would really make me feel bad ;).
Comments about the watch so far: it does have a lot of functions....a manual as thick as the bible... So still haven't figured out how to work anything beyond the basics. Still have some reading to do before can really put it through the test during any upcoming hiking practice or maybe during my upcoming holiday...
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