My Son Vietnam

When we went to Hoi An, My Son attracted our attention as this was the religious center of the Champa Kingdom so spent a day there and the temple ruins say much of the Champa people of Vietnam. When you go, go early morning so you can enjoy the spiritual quiet of the place.

You can also see here the destruction of the bombing during the Vietnam war. Indeed sad. To know more about My Son, here's a good link: My Son Vietnam

Pchum Ben in Cambodia

Phnom Penh streets were empty during Pchum Ben. Everyone who could went to their home province to pay homage to their dead. They believe that during Pchum Ben, the dead spirits come to their local temple and if you are no there to visit them, they will feel really bad. Businesses are closed for several days road accidents always go up at this time but nothing can stop the people from going home.

They bring food to the temple and offering as well. You should see them with wads of 100 or 500 riel and depending on how many bowls are left out in the temple, these are all filled. The more temples you visit, the more blessing you get.

Summer in Muskoka

We just came back from a two and a half month summer in Canada. We had so much fun with family and friends at our summer cottage. Muskoka Lakes is one of the most beautiful places in Canada.

The best is always the Rib Night, a tradition we have had for years now.

The new feature is the floating dock, the only one in the lake right now. We bring this out in the middle of the lake and just float it in a spot we choose so we swim in different places, have different views as we lounge in the dock and dive in different spots. Awesome. Isn't that fun?

The Royal Ploughing Ceremony in Cambodia

Today, Cambodia celebrates the Royal Ploughing Ceremony at the Veal Preahmein Square just in front of the National Museum in Phnom Penh. Together with their King, they prayed and invoked the gods for a prosperous and peaceful year.

The prediction for what the year would be is based on what the 6 royal oxens would eat during the ceremony. Should they eat rice or grain or water, the people believe this is a year of plenty. Beans mean that the year is good for dry crops; wine means unrest in the country; grass means flood.

When you attend the royal ploughing ceremony, check out Botanic Cafe and refresh yourself there while

The Best Natural Beaches in the Philippines

Iloilo beaches are often overshadowed by the much promoted Boracay although they are in the same island of Panay.

As most of the beautiful beaches of Iloilo have been kept in fishing families hands, they have largely been undeveloped given that the roads have only been improved recently. But go now as you still can enjoy the natural beauty without high story hotels all over the lace.

Accommodations are still simple but the beaches in the different neighboring islands offer unique experiences. Rent a boat and go island hopping and discover the beauty that each of the islands offer. You will also mee some of the most accomodating island residents.

If you are a seafood fan, visit their fish port and just buy all the seafood you can eat. You will always find people in the island ready to cook these for you.