While driving from Croatia to Italy we noticed that there were an unusual and surprising number of red trucks on the road. Within a 4 hour drive we counted at least 40 of them. Semi-trucks, vans, delivery trucks, you name it. You may ask why this caught our attention and why it is worth mentioning. We had plenty of time to think about it during our drive. Continue reading So Many Red Trucks
Our First Day in London
Call us crazy, but after spending 6 months in Southeast Asia, we were looking forward to the London weather… even in October. I’m sure being from Portland, Oregon helped. We aren’t fazed by a little rain or overcast skies. In fact, it feels refreshingly like home.
We arrived at our rental apartment around 10pm, after a 12 hour flight from Bangkok. We were exhausted and it was dark, so we put off exploring our new neighborhood until the next day, which with the time change meant 3am London time. Still too early and dark to do much sightseeing, but we had some breakfast and then made ourselves comfy in front of the fire while we waited for daylight.
Ta Keo Temple
Our third day in Angkor Archaeological Park, we are early to rise once again. Leaving the hotel with breakfast boxes in hand. We make the dusty, bumpy ride out to the park along back roads, entering the west gate, right next to Angkor Wat. Winding our way through the blissful, cool forest, the sun sprinkles us with its early morning glow. Ta Keo, the sandstone temple-mountain, greets the morning sun as it’s done for almost 1100 years, since being started by Jayavarman V in 975.
Although never “completed” after being struck by lightening during its construction – a bad omen, apparently – it remains a significant accomplishment and an impressive structure, even if considerably less ornate than some. Unlike the sanctuaries and citadels of Banteay Srei or Banteay Samre, Ta Keo dominates its location. It screams monument to a king as it rises 7 stories into the sky.
Continue reading Ta Keo Temple
Banteay Samre Temple
After a magical visit to Banteay Srei, it’s difficult to write about Banteay Samre. Not because it is any lesser, but because the earlier experience was so magical. We finally tore ourselves away from Banteay Srei as more people were showing up and the heat was steadily increasing. The tuk-tuk ride was welcome relief as we got to enjoy some more of the gorgeous countryside and some welcome early morning breeze. As we traversed the countryside, schoolyards were filling with playing children, while others walked or rode bikes along the road, all in their immaculate uniforms. Continue reading Banteay Samre Temple
Banteay Srei Temple
After an enjoyable day off from temple visits, we’re up early again – 4:30am – to visit Banteay Srei, also known as the Lady Temple. After devouring the breakfast boxes that the hotel was kind enough to prepare for us, we are greeted by Mr. Sim’s big, bright smile in the early morning darkness. He’s been our tuk-tuk driver throughout our visit. It’s going to be a good day. We pull out of our quiet Siem Reap neighborhood and wind our way out of town, the dusty streets rolling out before us. Bleary-eyed as we bump along the potholed streets, we smile at each other. The morning coolness, the faintest hint of gray light on the Cambodian horizon, the smell of woodsmoke as breakfast kitchens awaken – it feels like a dream. Continue reading Banteay Srei Temple
Ta Prohm Temple
We only know we’ve arrived at the next destination on our visit to the Angkor Archaeological Park when we see the empty expanse of gravel out before us and realize that it is a parking lot – with no cars in it. Along one side are the usual vendor stalls with a few vendors milling about and a crowd of children playing. Mr. Sim, our tuk-tuk driver, points and tells us “go in through the east gate. I pick you up at the west”.
Bayon Temple
After our beautiful, early morning visit at Angkor Wat, we hopped into our tuk-tuk. Our driver, Mr. Sim, whisked us away to our next destination before the bulk of tourists had emerged from their walk around Angkor Wat. We all had big grins on our faces as we drove through the Angkor forest, enjoying its coolness and the wind on our faces. Mr. Sim pulled over as we approached the south gate of Angkor Thom, allowing us to take a quick family picture.
Angkor Wat
Like so many other bleary-eyed early-risers, we find ourselves standing in the dark waiting for sunrise to reveal the iconic temple of Angkor Wat. The sounds of frogs, crickets, and insects surround us. The murmuring crowd and the music playing in the background, don’t take away from the magic and the anticipation. Continue reading Angkor Wat
Urban Sketchers Penang
We discovered Urban Sketchers when we were planning a trip to Penang, Malaysia. During the three months that we’ve spent in George Town, we’ve participated in their Sketching George Town event and two of their weekly scheduled sketchwalks.
Here is a video consisting of short video clips and photos taken during the recent sketchwalks we attended.
If you find yourself in Penang, be sure to look up Urban Sketchers Penang. You’ll be welcomed by a friendly and talented group of passionate sketchers.
Tua Pek Kong Festival
There always seems to be a celebration or festival happening in George Town, Penang.
Earlier this month, the Poh Hock Seah Temple on George Town’s famous Armenian Street hosted the 3-day birthday celebration of the Taoist God of Prosperity, Tua Pek Kong.
We went to check it out and took some video while we were there. Here’s the result.
Other events were scattered around the city and included a lighting ceremony of the festival archway and lanterns and a nighttime parade with colorfully lit floats.
Meandering Family: Beyond the Nest 