It's 2013!

In a blink.

That was really fast.

2012 was really all about polishing humanity morals and some men qualities.

It didn't took me long to realize the bluntness cut of knife being a man. Of course the breakup of a 6-year relationship gave a hand. She was really good, up to the standards and I can't really go backwards. One whose expectations is sky high like me just couldn't settle for something normal or at the same par.

And then I turned around finding me, myself ain't up to that certain standard which I set for the opposite. It felt so ridiculous having 70 points to yourself, go out looking for the 90s.

Been reading like I never had. Sharpening the knife.

I really do feel traveling helps a lot. Cambodia with my sister gave me great lift. The main thing was to open the door for her to reality, and rechecking what's important in life, which I felt was important being living in this top country with all the fantasy around, you take things for granted.

My part time jobs were awesome.

The football scout. Football is the biggest thing of all. I wouldn't get myself into a football stadium watching live matches if it wasn't because of this. The green pitch, the supporters, the football, the whole atmosphere for a hell lot of 2 hours is something I look forward to every single day. I get lifted every single time, buzzing from all the excitements, a massive booster to get along for another hectic week ahead.

The UNIQLO staff. It's where I get in touch with how a Japanese company works. The expectations they put on you, the responsibility on the shoulder, the seriousness in things they do, everything was a different experience. Of course I get to brush up my Japanese language too which was really equality important with all of the above.

Yes, I do get tired and wanted a break from everything as badly as you guys out there.
Here comes, Kyoto. Which I decided 12 hours before I step out the door.
Basically it was walk, coffee, walk, and coffee. That's it.

I do enjoying people watching. A LOT. And I do LOVE coffee. So I decided that's all to be done, aside visit temples asking blessing, hot spring and sauna relaxing the body and soul.

Chatted with an Italian couple, at a bar, who are discovering Asia, about Japan and China. Talked to a Finnish, at the guesthouse lounge, who just quit his job and been traveling around with the hope of discovering his passion, about Japan and Finland. Talked to a Malaysian, at the bar, who is becoming a doctor at the end of this year, about Japan and Australia (he studies over there).

I always loved traveling alone. (like the one in Korea) I enjoy the freedom provided to both time and mind. This quick short spontaneous runaway proved to be worth it, and it was just what I needed to get 2013 kick started.

Two things I would like to keep in mind.
1. Giving anything a shot is much more productive than sitting back doing nothing.
2. No pain no gain. (Yes, I like it the hard way.)

2013 would be really good and could be the best yet if I'd these inside my head all the time. Plans are up and it's decision making time. Let's see how far I can run, how high I can jump. Sky is the limit. I just have to keep trying.

Good luck to you too who managed to read this far. *grins*

Cambodia Backpack Trip

Yes people. It was long waited. A backpack trip to Cambodia!

Wanted to get away from the busy cities, get along with some slow paced life, experiencing the lifestyle understanding the culture, and of course see with my bare eyes the majestic Angkor Wat.

Tried my very best to note down every single thing which this short-memory-people wouldn't want to forget as I travelled.

*click click click*

Cambodia Day 1
Cambodia Day 2
Cambodia Day 3
Cambodia Day 4
Cambodia Day 5
Cambodia Day 6

Hmm... I guess I'm gonna get myself a video cam before my next trip got tired of writing hahaha...

Which would probably be...

Cambodia Day 6

Cambodia Day 6

It's the last day. Man. It's the last day.

Enjoyed a 5km walk to the riverfront for our brunch and another 5km back. Breezig morning. Blue sky. Shiny sunshine. Soft wind. Friendly tuk-tuk drivers.

This is indeed a good runaway from the hectic life, experience the difference in culture, food and people.

Things that I might regret about, might be not visiting the paddy fields and the rural villages to get away from the tourist-oriented areas. And not getting myself an upset stomach for trying the street foods. Stomachaches often make good stories to be told later on. Haha.

Simpleness of the people, taught us to be grateful.
Warmth of them, reminds us about affections between human beings, and appreciate love ones around you.

The history itself speaks it all.

Cambodia Day 5

Had a pretty good sleep compared to the night before. Got up feeling all refreshed.

Booked a tuk-tuk for a whole day around Phnom Penh.

Killing field. My goodness. It was freaking scary to be honest. Just as its name, it was a killing field turned memorial park. Not a normal memorial parks where they're nicely built and preserved. In fact there're still bones skeletons left on the grounds and could easily be seen once rain washes them clear. Mass graveyards. Trees where they believe the Khmer Rouge soldiers used to hit the babies head on it while holding their legs. Shocking and depressing.

I don't know but I find the whole story is just so sad. The innocents were sentenced the death in the past where the main men behind all these were just made to pay recently in 2011.

Royal Palace. Entrance fee which cost RM 18++ haaaaaa. Who don't get broke at the end of the trip. Hahaha. It was ok. Nothing really impressive.

National Museum. Oh anyone who might be here at any chance, should definitely skip this. The Angkor is more than enough. After all it's just statues.

I was so excited when I saw there were stalls selling books and there's one about India by lonely planet! Of course at a bargain price where u couldn't get basically in any edge of the earth. I bought one. Sat by the riverside, wanted to just enjoy reading before getting my dinner. Guess what...

It's a photocopied one! Freaking pirated! Okay okay... Fine... What do you expect right... I continued reading for a few pages, finding the maps were all blurry, words ain't clearly seen, and of course photos are in black and white. No, unbearable. Walked all the way back and got some of my money back. I could actually eat a meal with that amount of money. Than wasting the book away. Phew. What a day. Hate to get cheated. I'm like that. I would be very restless until I'm satisfied or being comfortable, will fight to the end in terms to get what I want. Haha.

One more thing. Tuk-tuk drivers could be found parking at the roadside calling for customers. And those in Phnom Penh are just so friendly as they'll let you go if you just wave and smile, they'll give you a bigger one in return. Loving this place. Totally.

Local foods were just too good we had them for the second time in a row. Haha.

Waiters from the cafe along the riverfront remember and greet you even a high-five everytime you passby....
Tuk-tuk driver who understands when you say, 'same old place'...
What a decent country...

Cambodia Day 4

Cambodia Day 4

Sneezed for the whole f night. The aircond? The dust? I don't know man.

Realizing that I over budget was another thing.

Oh man. It wasn't a nice morning.

On the way heading to Phnom Penh, the capital which takes nearly 5 hours from Siem Reap. Slept for the first 2 another 3 to go. No, of course there ain't any highways here... But at least an acceptable tarred road.

The Mad Monkey was our guesthouse. Kinda far from the city side but yeah much satisfied for a RM20 per night dormitory with the air conditioner!

Damn. The weather is totally the opposite of what we experienced in Siem Reap. It's so hot plus humid, but... Love it. Gives me good skin color. Hahaha. We decided to just wonder around the town by foot for today.

Relaxing at one of the roadside cafe, sip a cup of coffee, a cut of handmade pie, read a book, enjoy the busy traffic caused by reckless tuk-tuk drivers and the Mekong River at the other side was just perfect.

Central Market, where locals do their daily shopping and settle their meals.

Night Market which was really good. Local food stalls... And we had our dinner there on the floor mat surrounded by locals who never been stingy to smile. $3 for two. What a bargain!