This would be a long, word heavy post. A rarity for me, I know.  I was actually at a loss on what to post about and has been discussing which motorcycle gps would be the coolest to use with hubby and neighbors when it suddenly occurred to me, I’ve been getting a lot of questions about the easy and affordable way to travel Manila-Phnom Penh and also about the overland travel between Phnom Penh and Ho Chi Minh. So why not post about my recent trip?

Ever since we started living here in Cambodia, my usualy way when going home to Manila would either be Phnom Penh-Singapore-Manila, or Phnom Penh-Bangkok-Manila or Phnom Penh-Kuala Lumpur-Manila. I preferred this route because I usually traveled with a child. I know of some Pinoy friends who suggest going by bus to Ho Chi Minh then taking the PAL or Cebu Pacific flight to Manila. I got the chance to try the route when I traveled last May alone.

It was a really straight forward, hassle free trip. From Phnom Penh, I simply bought a Mekong Express bus ticket. I took the morning trip (8:30 am) coz I wanted to get to Saigon while its still bright, mainly coz I’m alone and scared. Lol. This is actually my favorite bus to ride when going to Ho Chi Minh. For just $12 you get a comfy seat, a bottle of chilled water and a croissant and a wet towel. They also have an English speaking guide on board who would assist you. Before you get onboard, the staff would check your passport/visa, then if you have luggage to deposit, they will be tagged properly. The trip was smooth going and without hassles. The bus has a restroom but I didn’t try using it. They will stop once for lunch very near the Bavet border, the rest-stop place is clean and has good food options. Then the guide would assist you on crossing the border. The process would take about 30 mins and you have to get your luggage and have it screened when you get to the Vietnam immigration. Before 2 pm I was already in Ho Chi Minh. Travel time is about 6 hours including immigration checks.

Got down in Pham Ngu Lao area, walked around a bit. When it was time to go to the airport I simply hailed a Vinasun {Innova} taxi, fare amounted to 140,000 Dong {about $7}. When in Ho Chi Minh, I would recommend using just Vinasun or Mai Linh taxi as taxi scams are well-known in the area. And do ask insist to use the meter. Then I took the Cebu Pacific flight to Manila which leaves at around 1 am.

This snapshot was taken on a trip to Pursat Province. They are happy participants to a tree planting and clean up activity. For some reason, I find this shot adorable and just shows the infectious happiness of the kids. Cambodia has a lot of wonderful, beautiful sites, temples and all. But from what I’ve seen, nothing really comes up to the genuine and warm smiles that Khmers have for everyone.

This country has made me realize a lot about life. Sure, the Khmers lack a lot of what the ‘modern’ more developed countries have, but they made me re-think about how important these materials things are. They made me ask, how come they are happy without those things? These kids have very little else going on for them, but their happiness is palpable. I wish we could give smiles as genuine as that. Like they have been let loose in a Happy Easter store and told to pick out anything they want.

There might be a lot of setbacks in life, but life itself is worth celebrating..

Preah Vihear Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Learn more about Preah Vihear here.

I was supposed to post this last weekend since my Cambodia Snapshots is scheduled every Saturday and Sunday. But I was out of the house and gallivanting about Phnom Penh so I missed this. It has been awhile since I posted some photos of Cambodia but I’m back in business. Lol. My files are all in a jumble coz I’m moving out of blogging from my good ole desktop {she has been sequestered by the Kiddo..:( } and now I’m blogging from my laptop and moving is as disorganized as only me can get, so I’m still trying to get my bearings.

So what’s the featured snapshot for today? The famed Preah Vihear temples. Shot courtesy of my husband who went there last year. I’m making it my goal to visit the place at least before I turn 35. Serious. The idea of that long winding climb on top of a 4×4 pick up intrigues me and of course, this beautiful and controversial temple is a must see..

I missed FTF much. Not that I did not eat, but my mind was simply preoccupied the past weeks. But now that I’m back in business (hehe!) then I’m also back to posting food I gobble up or food I attempt to cook. Eating has brought me great comforts now that I’m soo down, it somehow makes me feel better, the same way buying new moissanite earrings makes me feel. I know its not a really good thing to binge and if only the weighing scale could talk.. but do allow me a few indulgences, ok?

Here’s one of the things I really love eating here in Phnom Penh, at least when I’m craving for something Western or Italian. We love ordering from..Sarpinos! And my usual pick? Baked Macaroni + a loaf of Parmesan topped Garlic Bread. I also love their round cheese bread with dipping sauce, but alas when I last ordered, it was not available hence the lack of photo..

Cheesy Baked Macaroni. Love the burned edges. My favorite part )))

Crunchy Parmesan topped Garlic Bread.

A Chinese temple in Takhmao near Phnom Penh city. This was taken during the Chinese New Year this year. We usually frequent this small temple coz I find it fascinatingly scenic. It’s also located right along the river so the cool breeze is extra welcome. Love how ornate the temples are and also observing how the Chinese make their prayers and offerings.

On another note, I’m still not sure when I’ll be going back to Phnom Penh. Thankfully, I have a good hoard of Cambodia photos and I have the opportunity now to tweak it. Being so stressed out has also gave me some progress on my weight loss goals hahaha! at least without the help of usp labs oxyelite pro. At least I have things to get me distracted from the low downs I’m experiencing now..

Missed two weeks of my snapshots post..I’m still in the Philippines and my dad’s condition still has no improvements. I’m taking some time doing some reading mostly about health articles and now I think have had a serious dose of colonetix knowledge. So, I had to while away my time editing some photos. And of course update my blog with some Cambodia Snapshots.

Here’s one of my favorite landmarks here in Phnom Penh, the Independence Monument. Took this shot while I was riding a motorbike hence the blurry effect. Love the light effect…