Hollywood - Hong Kong

To start the new school year in May, I wanted a new haircut so I braved a Thai hair salon that only cuts black Asian hair and doesn’t speak much English…presto a new look!  But my photo with the Hollywood sign was actually taken here in hot sunny Thailand. Seeing the sign in the local hills of Rayong made me feel a little homesick for the USA as I used to live in West Hollywood, California. There from my previous penthouse condo balcony I could actually see the real HOLLYWOOD famous sign that often appears in movies.  That was then… 

 Now I had an air ticket to Hong Kong which I needed to use. It was for the trip I had to cancel when I broke my hip, so off I went to see Carrie and my grandsons before my school started. I visited their school .. a very tall modern school building. I was able to see Aidan do his original book presentation and also help do an activity with Taylor's class (some teachers just can't stay out of the classroom!)
For their International Day, Taylor was a USA Moon Landing Astronaut and Aidan was Good Old Uncle Sam.
                   












On the weekend we went to Ocean Park and had a great time. Games, prizes, lots of rides, shows, and even a cable car ride all in one day!

Hong Kong Harbor is a hub of constant activity, with cruise ships, boats and the ferries back and forth to Macau. But this May was very special... it marked the arrival of the Yellow Rubber Duckie! Huge crows filled the Harbor walkways just to take photos by the big duck. Yes, we did too!

Being in Hong Kong always brings back memories of when Carrie and I were stranded there during 9/11.  But relaxing in their high-rise apartment where the view from the window is spectacular seems to bring peace. . .
May you enjoy peaceful days and restful nights. Blessings from Thailand.

  

Japan - Cherry Blossom Time

Being in Japan in April with my family AND the experience of seeing the Cherry Blossoms in full bloom has to be one of the top high-lights of my life.

The weather was cool… a nice change from hot Thailand. A pale grey sky and the mist in the air just added to the magic as the umbrellas seemed to compliment the brilliant multi-colored parade of Japanese kimonos.

Lit by brilliant sunlight in the daytime and almost surreal at night, the spectacle of the blossoming trees proudly displaying their cherry pink and frosty white flowery blooms created the most stunning backdrop for photos. Everywhere we visited looked like it could be a Japanese  water-color painting or a replica of a famous work of art.

 My Daughter Carrie did a magnificent job of planning the trip... all I had to do was fly from Bangkok. We met at the Osaka airport. Then took a taxi to Kyoto where we stayed in a traditional Japanese house.

 One day we ventured out to see the famous Bamboo Forest. Taking a "Romantic Train" ride we arrived at our destination, Arashiyama, in pouring rain and took a rickshaw taxi. As the downpour continued the boys and I oped for some hot green tea instead of walking the slippery steps to the next Temple.

At the Hollywood-like film studios in Kyoto the boys completed their "Ninja" training and happily wore their outfits to dinner.
We visited many stunning historical sights and gardens including Kinkaku, the Golden Pavillion, a Zen Buddhist Temple and we enjoyed a traditional Japanese tea ceremony at the Sekka-tei Tea House.

Our final night we feasted and were entertained by Maiko and Geisha Girls 

Angkor Wat - Cambodia

School ends in Thailand in March, so after the tests, grading, final reports and Kindergarten graduation it was time to rest… or travel!

Yes, travel won again. Notice the orbs in the night... actually early morning before sun-up as we walked to see sunrise at Angkor Wat in Cambodia.

I had always wanted to see the sun rise over the temples, and the spectacular burst of golden sunlight certainly did not disappoint me.

It was hot, hot but the ruins transcended the body discomfort… the many buildings and exquisite craftsmanship was amazing, truly a myriad of sights to behold.

One of my favorites was the Bayon Temples with the many Buddha faces carved into the stone. I also marvelled at the Temple of the Elephants.

 Traveling on into a cultural village we saw traditional river dwellings and even rainbow colored costumes on the stilt dancers.

It was time to shower and get ready for sunset dinner and a traditional floor show featuring  Khmer Mahori music and Apsaras dancing on the hotel rooftop.
A stelar sunset and Full Moon made the evening complete...even the ants on my dessert couldn't spoil the night.

May your days be filled with glorious sunsets and brilliant moonlight 

The Goddess Apsasa dances in bas-relief on the Temple