Cambodia 2008 - Day 3: Kbal Spean & Banteay Srei

2008-10-11 (Saturday)

Enough of temple hoppings in the past two days. Day 3 was spent hopping further north from Siem Reap.
Banteay Srei is 37 km from Siem Reap while Kbal Spean is 49km from Siem Reap. Instead of an early rise, I managed to have a very light breakfast at the guest house before starting the excursion at 9am. The ride to these two places was rough all the way. Mr Sron decided to take me to Kbal Spean first then Banteay Srei on the way back. I had no objection. Almost half of the two hour journey to Kbal Spean was on an extremely dusty country road, my 3 dollar sunshades were put to test to protect my eyes. It was really THAT dusty, especially when you saw a truck coming our way - duck inside your t-shirt!

Just 1km before reaching the destination, the tuk-tuk had a flat tyre. But Mr Sron braved on, he dropped me at Kbal Spean, then he said he would go look for someone to fix it. Knowing that it was in the middle of nowhere, I doubt it was easy. I asked him if he had enough money - as I had not paid him yet, he politely declined. Then off I went, to explore Kbal Spean. I had seen documentary of this place and made it my must-see destination when I came to Cambodia.


To me, Kbal Spean had got to be one of THE highlights of my Angkor tour. I found it amazing that ancient people would put carvings ON the riverbed, not one but many. It's also known as River of a Thousand Lingas. I had myself to blame for getting lost inside this jungle. To be fair, it was a tiring and confusing 1.5km walk up the stream. But the sight of these lingas carved on the riverbed was simply wonderful.


Most of the time I was alone at that place. I wished there was a map, because at one point after the water fall, I lost track of the arrows and came back to where I started. I knew I missed it but I just couldn't afford losing more time. So I came away knowing there were a few more lingas & carvings which I had missed. That was a great pity.

My tuk-tuk driver seemed to have managed to get his tyre tube changed. However, on the way out from Kbal Spean, he stopped at one of these roadside shack & embarrassedly asked me for a USD5. Apparently what happened was, he got his tyre changed by this man, and the man wanted USD5 from him - and since Sron did not have that amount of money - the man held his mobilephone for randsom! Such extortionist. Well, I just had to trust Sron that it wasn't a set-up that he genuinely got scammed himself.


Then we went back on the dusty road again. Amazingly half way through, a great big snake was crossing te road right infront of us. Sron's sudden brake screech frightened the poor snake and it dashed back into the grass. We continued the journey through more country side. And before long, we arrived at the famous Banteay Srei. I think it was one of the more well preserved ancient structures. Many of its shrines and carvings were still nicely standing.

It was way past lunch time. We went into one of these shack-cum-restaurants across Banteay Srei. However the menu that the lady pulled out was absurd. They were more expensive than the best dishes I could splurge at the Old Market area. So I made the decision to leave and asked Sron to go back to the city. Then I realised this decision came back to bite us real soon - I was so hungry and it would not be another hour and a half before we reach Siem Reap.

The suffering did not end there. Seemed like my miraculous 3 day hot-sun-spell had gone expired. As soon as we left Banteay Srei, it started to rain ... it got heavier but we still had an hour ride ahead of us. I felt guilty now as Sron was all soaking wet and no doubt hungry too.

Anyway, we got back to Siem Reap safely. It was my last night in Siem Reap, and because of the rain and the late lunch time, I felt like I had to give my driver a real treat. So I told him to drive up to Cambodian Soup (the same restaurant I had my first dinner), and treated him and myself a local BBQ - DIY hot plate with lots of chicken, pork, vegetables, beers USD9 - served 2, plus shrimps USD3 as add-on. That was a great meal. Apparently he had not done that before - so I felt like I was not a bad customer at all. :)

Day 3 was a good day, not too many temple hopping - only 2 but I experienced the heaviest and coldest rain in Cambodia, then had one of the most wonderful BBQ to warm the belly. It was all good. Then I thought - after three crazy days, it was time to do something sane. I decided to go see the free concert at the Kantha Bopha Children Hospital later that evening.

After our extremely late lunch, Sron took me back to the guest house - but not before my brief visit to the Artisan - a couple of doors away. Spent some time there as I was having a hard time choosing some sourvenirs again.

The concert started at 7:15pm. I only had enough time to have a shower, charge up the battery for the next day, and packed a little. Came downstairs at 6:45pm, checked out from the guest house (only paid all bills but still keeping the room) as I was leaving early the next day, and off we went to the concert.

Upon arriving at the hall where the concert was held, I felt a little intimidated as I could see only western tourists. Apart from myself - I saw only 2 more Asian faces. Anyway, it was a solo concert by Dr Beat Richner, who was the founder of Kantha Bohpa Children Hospitals. His struggle to set up this FREE hospital for children in this poor stricken country was commendable - every Thursday and Saturday evening he would perform with his cello in this hall at the hospital, and his intention was clear. The hospital needed our money. So, although the concert was free, it was up to you to give donations. So, if you happen to be at Siem Reapon Thursday or Saturday nights, do go to this concert.

Apparently the concert on that Saturday night was a bit different - as he played less cello but played us a short documentary film of the hospital instead. The concert lasted more than an hour. After which, Mr Sron took me to the night market. And it was here, I paid him, thanked him and said farewell for his services in the past 3 days.

Hmmm... night market seemed to not appeal to me, or perhaps I just didn't have any idea of what kind of sourvenir to get. So I went away empty handed again. Walking towards the Old Market area, I naturally ended up at Linga Bar again. But this Saturday night saw a much bigger crowded than the night before. My new friend Reuben was not there anymore, last night was his last night. So I pretty much just sat by the bar enjoying my mojito. Chatted with owner a little. Then headad back to the guest house. And ... not again, it had just gone midnight and I had to wake the poor chap at the guest house to let me in, again. :p

Cambodia 2008 - Day 2: Angkor Wat & Angkor Thom

2008-10-10 (Friday)

Day 2 at Siem Reap began early. 5am and my tuk-tuk driver was already waiting to pick me up to go see sunrise as Angkor Wat. After a not so successful sunset at Phnom Bakheng, I did not have high hope for the sunrise at Angkor Wat. And sure it did, the sunrise was not impressive - but Angkor Wat itself was.




I spent a long time walking around and exploring this majestic temple structures, couldn't help but be awed by its size, and its carvings in every corner and every wall. Many parts of Angkor Wat was being restored now, some scaffoldings hindered the otherwise perfect temple view. But nonetheless awesome. And it was in here I came across, one of the most impressive tour guide I have been seen. This Cambodian man with a heavy heavy London accent - not at all a put-on, was leading this group of tourist. He was absolutely hilarious, loud and knowledgable. I would love to have him as our guide if we ever returned.



After feeding myself silly with the awesome views from all angles and inside out of Angkor Wat, I retired back to my tuk-tuk driver and it was time for breakfast, across Angkor Wat. He didn't join me this time, I had some soup noodle and iced lemon tea. I needed the fluid. Later I learned that the restaurant actually gave free breakfast for tuk-tuk drivers who brought tourist in for them. So, it was a win-win for all. I didn't have to treat my driver. :p



After the breakfast, Sron took me to the hot-air balloon place as he thought it was about 7 or 8 dollars. However after seeing the price tag of USD15 for tourist for a short 15 minutes and the queue, I decided to forego the opportunity to view Angkor from up high.



We went on to Angkor Thom - the biggest in terms of size and compound. The entrance gate itself was inviting and beautiful, with rows of gods and asuras lining up on the bridge. I revisted Bayon again, this time I took time to appreciate the carvings, went through many of the dark chambers. The hundreds of Buddha faces in Bayon made good pictures. My Angkor walk went on to Baphuon, Terrace of the Leper King. Two kids came up to me asking to take photos, just like Vietname, taking photos of the local came with a price tag. So you make the call.








I seemed to be able to do quite a lot as the day started early. In fact, too much of walking and climbing up and down stairs could be tiring. After a few more along the way, Preah Khan, Neak Pean, Ta Som, East Mebon, I was ready to retire for the morning. As I found out, eating is more value for money if we were to do it at the Old Market, so I asked my tuk-tuk driver to take me back to Old Market. And we had a late lunch at Soup Dragon Restaurant at Pub Street. We had stir friend chicken with khmer spices, and hot & spicy soup with fish. Chicken was nice but the hot & spicy soup was not quite as tasty as the tom yam we had the day before.



Getting back to the guest room, I had approximately one hours to charge up the camera battery. Then off we went again for the 2nd sunset of my trip. This time, sunset at Angkor Wat. I had been wondering what and where was the best angle to view sunset at Angkor Wat. Nobody seemed to know. Anyway, I just wondered around it again until it got dark. And surprise surprise, who would have thought I would bump into Peih-Gee Law from Survivor China here just as Angkor Wat was closing at 7pm. We took a couple of photos. That was a great story. And then as the guards were chasing people away, the temple started lighting up. I managed to steal a couple of shots before we were chased out.


I knew I took a long time after sunset inside the Angkor Wat. When I came out, my tuk-tuk driver apologized to me that he could not take me around the Siem Reap city as he had promised, because he had to rush back to the pagoda where he lived for there was a meeting. Those were his words. Anyway, he drove pretty fast and dropped me back at the guest house.

Dinner at Blue Pumpkins. Nothing Cambodian but it was a nice little place where you could lie on they day bed. I saw people with laptops. Not a bad place to wind out and stretch your feed at all. After dinner, I walked to the night market nearby. "Sir, buy something ...", I quickly realised I couldn't buy anything when I was "disturbed" like that. So it wasn't a fruitful night market walk.


Back to Pubs Street in the Old Market aread. Decided to go into Linga Bar, and that was where I spent the rest of the evening. In fact, the bar was not crowded at all that Friday night. It was nice as I quickly made friend with another lone tourist, his name was Reuben, a Canadian living in Japan - who was actually touring Asia before moving back to Canada. We had a good chat until closing time.


One of the thing about staying at a guest house is that the gate closes at 11pm, at least for the one that I stayed. I had to ring the bell and wake the poor chap to open the gate for me. :p

Cambodia 2008 - Day 1: Around Angkor Wat

My first trip to Cambodia ended up as the trip I loved the most so far. Travelling alone gave me the liberty and choice to see things at my own pace - I call this luxury. I booked a single ticket from Kuala Lumpur to Siem Reap, and another single ticket from Phnom Penh to Kuala Lumpur, I couldn't have planned it better except I wished I had more time, because I felt I have seen the best of both cities in a short 5 days.

2008-10-09 (Thursday)

The tuk-tuk driver was already waiting for me at the airport when I touched down at 8am local time. His name was Mr Sron - whom I was expecting as it was arranged via email by the guest house I was going to stay. Mr Sron, a very friendly Khmer and all smile - with his ok English, took me straight into Siem Reap town to check in to the guest house.

The guest house was called Ei8ht Rooms, as it literally had 8 rooms. Pretty simple guest house but the staff members were warm and friendly, rooms are simple but clean, quite tastefully done with some ethnic + IKEA settings. Later I learnt that the owner Jason apparently was from Singapore, I didn't meet him the entire stay.

No time was wasted in Siem Reap. I checked into my Room 7, I took about an hour to wash up and settle down. Then I came downstairs to speak with Mr Sron - obviously he knew I was going to use his tuk-tuk for the next couple of days. Mr Sron, suggested the itinerary for the 3 consecutive days with price tag of each - I simply agreed to it, only altered one or two for the 3rd day. And of we went to start the Angkor Wat visit in the late morning.

You would need a pass in order to visit all the Angkor Wat temples. A one day pass cost USD20, however I paid USD40 for the 3 day pass as it would fit beautifully to my schedule. I was comfortable with my driver's suggestion to visit the smaller temples on day 1 as we started the tour only almost at midday. Then we worked towards the highlight on 2nd day to Angkor Wat.

So, the first stop was Prasat Kravan. It was totally without any tourist. As soon as I came off the tuk-tuk, three or four local women and kids swarmed to me, "Buy t-shirt from me", "Buy scarf sir", "You want any books ...", "When you come back, you buy from me ...". I spent a very short time at Prasat Kravan, snap a couple of shots then came away. Never said to these ladies that you would buy from them when you came back, this is the wonder I learned from the Internet, they were good to make you feel guilty by saying things like, "but you promised to buy from me".

We moved on up, Mr Sron stopped me at Sras Srang. Which is a lake opposite of Banteay Kdei. Great view. I learned after my trip, apparently Sras Srang was one of the most underrated place to see sunrise. So if you ever planned a trip, take note of this. A couple of local kids followed me as I walked to Sras Srang. One of the girl who was selling books impressed me with her command of English, I bought 3 books from her for USD20. Later as I walked around, I realised I could actually get them in a fraction of the price! Anyway, still cheaper if I were to get them else where. (Ok, that was just to comfort myself. Ahem.) And the little girl who was like 9 or 10 saw that, insisted that I bought something from her. So, my compassion got the better of me, and she was actually quite a sweet little girl except that she threatened to cry if I didn't buy from her. So, there went another 5 dollar bills for some key chains. Ok ok, I know but I knowingly overpaid.

Walking across to Banteay Kdei, there were a few tour buses. Darn, a guy approached me for the same Angkor Wat book I bought from the girl earlier for only USD4! It didn't get better from there, because I heard it went to 1 dollar at one point - for the same freaking book. Oh how my wallet hurt my bum! Banteay Kdei had a relatively nice entrance, the oh-so-Bayon Buddha head figure on top on the arch. I'm not good in describing the structures, buildings, carvings etc that I saw, so I am just going to leave that out to the guide books.


Next stop, Mr Sron took me to Ta Prohm - the famous Lara Croft Tomb Raider temple. It was extremely interesting to see how the nature would seemingly try to swallow up structures build by man. The overgrowth of figs and cotton trees on top of some of these temples made them looked mysterious, as if the nature has declared their victory by conquering these structures under their roots. I think I spent a long time in this one. And after that, met up with Mr Sron at the other side or other entrance, and of we went to get some food.

Being a lone traveller, it was nice to have your tuk-tuk driver sitting and dining with you. So I basically looked after my tuk-tuk driver quite well, as he ate what I ordered. Lunch at around Angkor Wat was not cheap for Siem Reap standard. They could be charging the same tourist price as in Siem Reap but you'd be eating under the shack. Anyway, lunch was good. We had tomyam chicken and the famous amok fish. At first it looked like too much, apparently we underestimated ourselves, we managed to finish them all.

After lunch, Mr Sron took me to Ta Keo. I was glad that I had lunch, I assumed the lunch got digested quickly after the challenging climbs at Ta Keo. These steps were not made for man I thought. Why would anyone want to make such steep steps? You literaly had to clutch on the stone and steps above you to climb up. And don't get me started on climbing down. But it was a much needed long overdue exercise for me.

I decided to get back to the guest house as my camera battery would not have lasted me until sunset. However I did stop my tuk-tuk driver as we were passing Bayon. I knew Bayon was in the next day schedule but I just couldn't resist. It was just way too beautiful to miss at a 3pm sun. In fact, I had expected heavy downpour everyday before I went to Cambodia as October should be the month with the highest rainfall. But I was fortunate to have the best sunshine for my first 2 and a half days in Siem Reap.

Back to the guest house. Took half an hour to charge up the battery. Then at 4:30pm, off we went again for the sunset! I did wonder why so early. It seemed the sun set around 6pm at Cambodia, of course, local time. So the first sunset for my trip was to be seen at Phnom Bakheng, which we had to walk up a hill for a good 15-20 minutes. The steps at Phnom Bakheng at the top of the hill were no less challenging. But at 5pm, it was full of tourists already, all trying to get a good spot to sit and watch the sunset. However, the sunset was not a particular successful one. It got pitch black quickly as we walked down the hill.

Mr Sron was able to find me in among all these tourist in the dark. Then he drove me back into town, dropped me the Old Market. And the evening was all mine. Happy Hour. I picked one of the restaurant, sat down and had my Buy 1 get 1 free cokctails for USD3. What a good way to end a tiring day and quench my thirst. After some cooling down, I walked around streets in Old Market, Pub Streets. And since I left my shades back in KL, I reckoned it was best I got myself a cheap pair - so I picked one for USD3 to protect my eyes when I travelled in tuk-tuk.


Then came dinner time again. There are no shortage of really nice looking restaurants on Pubs Street. I chose a half-splurging looking one called Cambodian Soup & Real Local BBQ Restaurant. Ordered amok fish - yes, again!! And draft beer. I am ashamed now because after all the drinks - cocktails & beers - I was not able to finish my dinner. :p

After dinner, I figured my way back to the guest house without any problem. It was a well utilised first day at Siem Reap. Now I had to get up at 4am to catch the sunrise. Oh great ... I fell asleep with TV on.

Vinh Ha Long - Bay of the Descending Dragon

Shamefully, I had not heard of Halong Bay until a close friend of mine Shereen came back from there a year or two back. And after seeing some photos, I had put Halong Bay way high up in my Next Destination list.

After a failed attempt in end of 2007, we finally managed to organize this trip to Hanoi and Halong Bay. King's children had no idea where we were going, and it was one of this thrilling "Undisclosed Destination" that this great papa had planned.

If you ever go to Hanoi and wanted to see Halong Bay, a day trip is NOT the way to do it. Spending at least one night on those junk boats is a MUST! We booked Santa Maria direct from Columbus back in August, however in September a couple of weeks before our trip, we were informed of the change of management and Santa Maria was no longer on sail, they put us on Pinta Cruiser instead. Anyway, Pinta was fine.

The van came to pick us up from our Hanoi hotel at 8:45am. There was no guide on the van! Only one of the managers from Columbus, but he came off the van before we left Hanoi. So the three hours plus journey to Halong harbour was guide-less, but it was ok.

We arrived at the jetty, there were massive crowds! And I think that was the first time I realised the number of those Oriental junk boats there - so many!!! We waited for a good 10 -15 minutes before our guide finally showed up. She was saying goodbye to her guests, seeing them off onto the same van who took us there. Now we understood why we had no guide from Hanoi - because she was still at the bay! Anyway, our guide's name was Miss Moon.

She led us into Pinta Cruiser. Immediately we were served with chilled Mango lassi. Apart from the six of us, there were another American man with his Chinese girlfriend, and the girl's mom. We checked into the rooms, all of us were excited about the sun deck! Spectacular views even before the boat left the jetty.

As the boat set sail, lunch was served. We had special request as we had one vegetarian, and three seafood only. So, our lunch menu was totally elobrated - I think Florence and I had all the meat - beef, pork & chicken. The juniors got fish, squids & prawns while Alistair got his fair share of toufu and mock meats. ;)

Thousands of limestone islets and mountains could be seen then as we sailed further. The view was spectacular, absolutely breathtaking! Eventhough it was a bit misty for it was Autumn. We were told to come in Summer if we were to revisit. So, do take note of that.

First stop was Hang Sun Sot - the Surprising Caves. Lots of climbing, ok ... not that hard, only uneven steps. But hey, what do you expect? Elavator? :p It was a good exercise as well as seeing those strange and sometimes vulgarly funny rock formations.

When we got back into the boat, we were served the chilled lassi again - but this time Papaya! Not everyone's favourite but I loved it. But I would really prefer more plain water. Then the boat sailed on ... Cameras were getting busy with people (me included) trying to freeze those beautiful scenaries into pixels. And not forgetting some camwhoring time, like who wouldn't??

It must have been about 4 or 5pm when the boat docked at one of the sheltered bay - for the night! It was exciting - as it was time to swim! It wasn't crystal clear water, but all you saw was green. All five of us (except Florence) jumped into the water and had so much fun. The thought of swimming into jelly fish clearly did not deter us. And we did see some floating about, after we came out from the water.

We smuggled our Martini onto the sundeck! It was picth black. We just enjoyed the tranquility and the faint light from other boats far away, and the ghostly reflections of the limestone islets ... Alistair said it felt sinister. Strangely I did not feel so at all. But I suppose in open water like this, the threat of pirates could be very real. Therefore, there was a floating police station within 100m where we docked. Apparently these guys were on alert the whole time especially during the night. Slightest noise would trigger the dogs barking, and they would dash out and shine their torches around the picth black water. So, we should feel safe.

Anyway, our dinner was another elobrate affair! The variety of food was good and very thoughtful. I could even say that the presentation of some dishes were first class. The prawn cocktails were decorated with flowers made of garlic, carrots ... At one point, they even switch off all lights so the spring rolls which were stuck on a pineapple cage lattern made its entrance onto our dining table! They really did have a great chef - food was good. Dinner variety was good, but the quantity was just too much!!! I think almost all 3 tables could not finish all the food.

People retreated back in their room right after dinner. I was thinking perhaps the guide could have done more to interact. Anyway, I chatted with the American guy, Bob as we both had Nikon cameras. And Bob was actually quite a nice chap after speaking to him, contrary to what we perceived earlier. :)

The next morning, Alistair & Rachel were up early to see sunrise but I doubt it was a spectacular one - it was misty. The boat set sail again while we're having breakfast. And then it was time to kayak! We had the choice between kayakking around the fishing village nearby or kayakking through caves! Hmmm.... it's not even like a Detour in the Amazing Race. Naturally, everyone chose caves! Kayakking is fun IF both you and your partner knew what you were doing. I think that was my problem. David & I didn't seem to have the chemistry or the ability to communicate, either that one of us have a stronger left hand -- our kayak kept going right! It was frustrating as we were trailing behind but come to think of it now, it was hilarious and fun. :)

After another good session of kayakking, we were back in the boat and now getting ready to wash up and check out. Then as the boat pulled away from the bay heading to the land, lunch was served timely. If there was one thing you had to remember about the Pinta Cruiser - it was their food!!!

About mid-day, we were back on the jetty. And it was time to go back to Hanoi - yes, the 3 hours plus ride. Nevertheless, we got held back for at least a full hour because there was an accident. And that was the time we realised how things were so different in Vietnam.

Basically, a truck loaded with coal overturned causing the left lane inaccessible. It must have just happened a few minutes but the grid lock was almost instant and it built up all because of everyone was watching, and no one was helping, and people jumping queue causing traffic to a complete stand still! It was crazy. So that added one more hour to our journey back to Hanoi.

Verdict, you will not want to miss Halong Bay if you ever come to Hanoi. :)

Getting Annoyed in Hanoi

The Kings family & I visited Hanoi in late September 2008. To be exact, we touched down on September 29, spent 2 nights in Hanoi, then off to Halong Bay for one night, returning to Hanoi for another night before flying out back to Kuala Lumpur on Oct 3, 2008.

Promise not to bore you with the tourist attractions but we did find Hanoi a total new experience. The ride from the airport to the town center was a gradual eye opening experience of what's to come. The distinct views of Hanoi were those really narrow and tall buildings, which all seemed to be of standard width.

And we saw more and more motorcycles as we approached town center. And traffic in town was apparently systematically chaotic. Our first experience of crossing the street was coming off from the van which stopped in front of the hotel! So basically, what you heard from the internet was true - don't dash, just cross slowly and the motorcycles will avoid you. And we made it! After a while, you would get used to the relentless honkings on the streets.

We chose to stay at the Old Quarter, I reckon it was the best place to stay. Hotel was a 2-3 star one. But great location, walking distance to the Hoen Kiem Lake. And no sortage of good restaurants nearby. I think 69 Bar & Restaurant was one of the best in around that area in Ma May Street. Its constant flow of customers made up of mostly western tourists seemed to indicate its popularity. However, we do have another favourite place for dinner, on Ma May Street too, I think it's name is Congnhan - or was it 97? The place has its own brewery for their own RED BEER.

Anyway, as a tourist, do take note of these - you don't want to get annoyed in Hanoi and spoil your holiday!

1. Bring a map - preferably one with Vietnamese writings
   We stumbled across taxi drivers who do not speak or understand a single word of English. Even keywords we assumed "normal" to taxi drivers like "Museum"!


2. Beware of Fruit Lady Scam - they go around with baskets on poles over their shoulder. They will insist on handing you the pole, and offered to take a photo for you with your camera! And then they will asked for some dollars! So don't assume they were kind and wanted you to have a "feel" of being locals. They only saw you as a walking dollar sign. ;)


3. Take only reputable cabs (like Hanoi Taxi) - We'd heard so many taxi scams before we went, but still we fell for one! You will know the meter is rigged when it jumps real fast! No mistake. We had to cut our losses at one point after jumping into one near the West Lake, and had to get off the next street because the meter was jumping absurdly fast!

Anyway, Hanoi was not all scams and cheats. We've also met some really nice and genuine people - who nearly moved me to tears. Perhaps it's been too long I have never met such nice people in Malaysia, I was overwhelmed when I met them in Hanoi. It was at one of the small alley along Ma May Street where we got some ground coffee from. The lady & her husband were taking time to make some coffee for all six of us to sample. They took out chairs, sat with us. Chatted with us with their limited English. It was so nice as they were not at all pushy, they were queitly grinding some beans, preparing the coffee, treated us just like their guests, their friends ... And after talking to the man, apparently he spoke a little Cantonese. And he's got a sign on the wall which has chinese writing, don't think that was common in Hanoi. Anyway, their hospitality moved us.

Reflection on kreees.com & Malaysian Idol

I have always wanted a blog.But how can this be possible when you put this two in the equation: 1. I have no time + 2. I suck at writing! Anyway, I think Barry's status on Facebook must have inspired me and I just had to steal a bit of time from this lovely Saturday evening to make a headstart, now or never.

It seems like ages ago when I created the site kreees.com. I chose "kreees" as it was what a dear friend of mine, who has sinced passed on ,called me. The idea of the website was to complement its official web portat which was handled by TMNet. Bound by all sorts of franchisee restrictions of what could be put online and what couldn't, the official portal had limited resource to keep the online veiwers happy - and kreees.com came to the rescue. My job was to record the shows every week, edited it into smaller segments of performances and highlights ... too many sleepless nights.

I think I must have been inspired by Nikki's audition video! I just knew I had to broadcast it to the world to see! Nikki simply amazed me with her Mariah-trade-marked "whistling". Then came Jac's audition video, which blew me away ... And of course, many more of those hilarious ones which did not make it to the next round.

The first season had been great fun. The website received the great feedbacks from fans all over the world - then came discussion board, then came polls, then came forum ... The member base was 8000 strong on last count in Season 2. That amazing number though, most of them signed up to download video clips.

And thanks to some of these great fans, who contributed to the site, I managed to keep it running for a year or two as the bandwidth usage could really burn a hole in my pocket.

But I have no regrets. I learned something about myself - I do things which I am passionate about, never complain a single instance of being bored! There are just so many things in this world, you've got to have passion for.

Anyway, since 8TV has learned enough from running 2 seasons of Malaysian Idols, they dumped the ever increasingly expensive franchise and built their own formula - One in a Million. A formula which saw no return of a 3rd installment for MI.

So, MI is over. Now that kreees.com has become dormant. But along the line you've made some good friends with fans and Idol contestants like Farah, Jac ... , whom we still see and go places from time to time. For this kind of rewards, you can't buy from just watching these shows at your living room. :)