Palio :: Little Italy in Khao Yai

I've been itching to travel to this place for a long time and finally the hub gave in to my request. We woke up a little late and did a quick google maps search before heading to our destination.

• First stop, at the bus station in front of Future Park, Rangsit (near Tesco). T and I waited for quite a while for the bus to arrive from Bangkok. The Pakchong! trip costs us 108.00 Baht each for a 3 hours travel. Not bad huh? The only setback was, we can't stop if we see some interesting stuffs on the roadside. But the good thing is, we spent less for this trip because we only had a single destination!
  

It was a Buddhist holiday called Makha Bucha that day so as expected the roads where bit congested in few cities that we passed by. Yet we felt so much relaxed knowing it's all part of the adventure. We were seated at the end row and the bus was full packed with others standing in the middle aisle.

• While in Pakchong! (exclamation point indicates the rising sound of chong! =) the locals can't fully understand if you say it in a monotone) we just walked backwards from Kasikorn Bank towards another short ride called Songtaew. A Songtaew is an open air type of transportation of either a pick-up truck or a delivery truck which can be found almost everywhere in Thailand. Within 15 minutes we arrived at our destination in Palio. Fare was just 25 Baht each, I guess.
  

Palio can be seen as a small village in the outside with each corners promising a beautiful treasure to be uncovered. It was such a lovely and romantic place akin to the picturesque Italy which I saw from the movie "Letters to Juliet". Finally, I have uttered the word... grazie (^_^) I know that was just the beginning of my Khao Yai travel affair. And more grazies are sure to come. Oh Lord, I pray that someone could drive us there next time. Promise I'll be a terrific tour-guide =) haha!

The weather was perfect that day. 2:30 pm at Palio, Khao Yai.

I fell in love with the windows and the blue sky. Obviously, I got my eyes on blues.

Took this one with the aide of a tripod.

At my fave shop, Jim Thompson! Care for tea?

Appreciating the view of a small piazza in front of us.

Thai Silk in its glory.

Window shopping for some wines and chocolates.

Health is Wealth

T waiting in the lobby.

T and I had a chance to express happiness for T's former office-mate who just had her baby girl. We met up in a comfy location in Sathorn district which gave us enough time to prepare a little surprise for the proud parents. Sadly we were on a rush so I forgot to photograph the pink bouquet and cute teddy.

T indulging with his favorite snack after the check up.

We were so thrilled by their happiness. At that instant we also decided to give ourselves a health check, before the year ends perhaps. Health is wealth! Thank you Lord for the unexpected blessing.

Little Darlings

Meet the little darlings of our family.

Caity. The cutie who always loves adventure.

Anzel. The baby who is now a lady.

Exploring the Ancient City :: Angkor Wat

Granny with her grand daughter, collecting water bottles along the Cruciform Terrace.

The thought of seeing Cambodia's magnificent archaeological treasure -- the Angkor Wat is something I desire. It was only last June that I had a quick chance to visit the Holy City with no other than my dear husband. We went there for a visa run as our old visas had reached its end and it has to be replaced with a new type.

Our entry point was in Poipet via Sisophon which is just about 160km away from Siem Reap City. The main transportation going there is thru private taxis which cost around $35-$50 (1 way) with 3-4 hours travel. Surprisingly the roads are well paved but alas, speed limit never exceeds 60 kph.

Finding a hotel or a guesthouse to stay that very same day was so easy. Sadly I can't remember the name of the place. I reckon, it was right beside the signage of Siem Reap Night Bazaar.

T and I, in front of the Battle of Lanka corner.

It was an unbelievable experience for us when we went there. But I believe that if things are meant for you, nothing can go against it. We didn't realize we were running out of time. It was 4:30 pm when we came. The tour counter had closed for the day tour inside Angkor Wat. I went to seek suggestions from the guide and politely explained that we were leaving early morning back to Poipet. The lady suggested that by 5:30 pm, the temple gates are open to public and the $20 entrance fee is being waived. Whoa, big savings! The only setback is that the surrounding tall jungle makes Angkor Wat a bit dark and flat for photographs near sunset. Still we're thankful for the great opportunity of catching a glimpse of this 'must see' destination.

Sunset in Angkor Wat. To causeway and entrance.

Wait, here's the catch. Since we were the only ones left behind the guard on duty talked to us in Khmer and T replied in Thai. Weird huh? Fortunately he (the guard) understood the language and was fluent in English too. He bargained to us that if we were interested he could show us around for a tip of 300 Thai Baht. Oh, we were so ecstatic by the modest offer. I gladly handed out the tip and within 20 minutes we finished touring the North, East and South tower windows. I was breathing heavily during most of the climbs on its narrow steps which reminds my body that it needs much exercise this time. For the most part, we were so blessed to reach our goal that day (^_^).

Inside the Temple

Life is Fleeting Indeed

"I do believe in life after death, but I also don't think it's that important. What is important is to understand that we are also living this life after death NOW."
Paulo Coelho

***

Questions came rushing to mind upon the sudden demise of a close-knit family member last week. Though I may not be able to see and understand God's designs as of now, as what my mother-in-law have said, yet we trust He has the best plans for us all.

In this season of lent I am being reminded once again to continue to do better. Let me be the change that I want to see by God's grace.

Reflective ♥ 's Day

"In setting priorities, separate the simple wish from the burning desire."

Simple Wishes

• receiving a sweet surprise from T. - got some chocolate crinkles and red tulip on an early morning
  
• spending few precious moments together - sat undisturbed at the gazebo in Conrad, T. had a chance to strum his guitar while I took few shots of him at a distance.
• seeing people in unison- saw men and women in shades of love.
• arriving safe to our destinations- met only one roadblock for the royalty on our way to the city but it didn't last that long so we were able to make it on time.

Burning Desire

• knowing that I am loved and be able to love in return, is just but enough for me.