Toto Homemade Ice Cream & Dessert Cafe

One VERY good thing which came out of our initial accomodation fiasco was that our new hotel, though more run-down, was situated practically just next door to this amazing cafe – Toto Homemade Ice Cream & Dessert Cafe.

We fell in love with the exterior immediately, and we were not disappointed when we stepped in.

 

 

 

 

 

The ice cream, pastries, tea, and on top of it all, the service of the staff  – was world-class and puts the standard at home to shame, really.

We enjoyed the food and ambiance of the place so much, we visited this cafe not just once, not twice, but THRICE, in the entire 2 and a half days we were in Phnom Penh. (Of course it helped that it was just next door to where we were staying

 

Toto Homemade Ice Cream & Dessert Cafe

75 Norodom Blvd, Phnom Penh

 

 

Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum

Another depressing-but-must-see in the city of Phnom Penh. We initially planned to visit the museum and the Killing Fields on the same day, but now I’m glad we got to split them up. 2 depressing spots in one day would have been too much.

 

 

 

 

 

The tour guide who brought us around (for USD6) shared about how her father, brother and sister were killed under the Pol Pot regime, because her father used to be a soldier under General Lon Nol. Her mother and her only managed to escape because they went to live in the refugee camp in Vietnam. Her mother is still reluctant to visit the S-21 Prison Museum, and when she herself started working as a tour guide she remembered crying everyday.

Today in Cambodia, it is not difficult to find anyone who has been affected by the regime. Numerous families have lost at least one member during the war – missing or dead. Hearing her say such words made me look at the Cambodian people differently. What are the similar yet unique stories behind each smile, gesture, and service? What do they tell themselves such that they can move on from their recent and gory history?

Like plants that can grow out of cracks in cement, will they be able to harness what they have left, and build themselves up again?

Wat Phnom

Way Phnom – the center of Buddhist activity and festivity in Phnom Penh (or so says Wikipedia). We, being the free and easy lovers we are, went there without any guides, and simply explored the temple grounds on our own, admiring its architecture and grandeur. The downside is that we did not fully understand the history and significance of the place, but I suppose that could be easily rectified with a little bit of personal reading and research!

The Killing Fields

So after being “tricked” by the tuk-tuk driver, we ended up at the Killing Fields on our first day in Phnom Penh.

It was an utterly depressing start to our stay, to say the least. But yet, the visit seemed absolutely necessary for anyone visiting Cambodia, at least for the first time. In memory of the many victims of the Pol Pot regime, the area has been kept silent, peaceful, and the atmosphere respectful to the deceased. As we walked around the compound with our audio guide (which was so extensive that I didn’t have time to listen to everything), I could only imagine to suffering and pain that took place here.

And again the reminder came: We cannot choose where or when we are born, so whatever we are given, we should make the best of it.

And I would say, in our country, we are really given A LOT.

Temples of Angkor – Preview

The time in Siem Reap is 5.09AM. I’m sitting in bed, awakened by the sound of this early morning downpour, enjoying the feeling of snuggling under my blanket. My thoughts are still with the beautiful temples of Angkor. Seeing them has deeply intensified my love for ancient architecture. I cannot wait to edit my 351 pictures and share them with the world!

History of the Present

Day 2 of Phnom Pehn was largely overshadowed by our visit to Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum.

 

The events of History will never be changed, and what has happened will never be different.

But its consequences and effects live on, and what we make of it determines our future.

I hope I can sleep without thinking too much tonight.

The Fruits of Persistence

He saw us, he stopped us, he talked to us.

Our mistake? Replying.

And he did not stop talking, and persuading, and explaining, not until we finally succumbed to climb onto his prided Tuk-Tuk, to change our plans for the day, to visit the Killing Fields today (instead of tomorrow), instead of exploring around the city area.

It might have all turned out for the best, but his persistence was certainly something we did not take so well to. Nevertheless, we really had to give it to him for effort. He really knows how to do his job!

And this was just one of the epic stories which we experienced today. Less than 24 hours in this city, and we have already experienced that which we never thought we would experience in this lifetime. Riding a tuk-tuk across the crazy, trafficlightless streets of Phnom Pehn, is just one of them.

Welcome, to the Kingdom of Cambodia.

Wimbly Lu… The Entrance.

… … And then something went wrong with Photobucket >:{
HOW am I going to upload more photos when I have to rely on unstable online hosting sites like these, now that my free wordpress space has run out???

 

Sigh.

 

(Wimbly Lu was quite a lovely place. Shall try to upload more of it soon.)

Once Again

Has it already been almost a year since we experienced the heavenly clear blue skies and the fresh tranquil air of Chiangmai?

When we could slow down, look at the clouds, admire passing scenery, and take in life in its simple beauty?

In less than 24 hours, another adventure awaits – and I hope it will be another good one

 

Today’s Soundtrack: Juliet Pang’s “Once Again”

The Orange Thimble

Met up with an ex-colleague and we went lomo-ing / exploring at Tiong Bharu.

Felt that… Sometimes it’s the little things that keep people together, even though we move on and our paths diverge.

Life has so many of these little things that we sometimes overlook them and give them less importance than they deserve

When in fact, it’s these little things – the conversations, the thoughts, the insights, the creating of things – that add up and make our lives more meaningful, thoughtful, and worth living.

PS: On a side note, I do not understand why the pictures remain so HUGE despite me resizing them countless times. Help, anyone?