The Temples of Angkor

Posted on May 24, 2012 by leawalkerblog

Angkor Archaelogical Park is composed of more than 1,000 temples. So it’s impossible to see all of them if you’re visiting for less than a week. We only stayed in Siem Reap for 5 days so we were able to see the famous temples only.

Mind you, it took a lot of walking. So be sure that you’re wearing a comfortable walking shoes. I mentioned this also before, buy a bottle of water outside the park because it costs 1 dollar per bottle inside. If you buy from the convenience store near your hotel, a dollar will give you several bottles already! Also, don’t forget to bring a small towel. You will need it. It gets humid when the sun is up.  Another blogger I know, chyng reyes of www.chyngreyes.com brings her own umbrella wherever she goes. 🙂 That helps a lot too…

So, let me walk you through the other temples of Angkor, which I took after our Bayon Temple Tour.

I love the view of this temple. It looks regal even if it’s in ruins now. Imagine, how beautiful this was in the 12th century…

Thanks to our tourguide Sody for this picture. 🙂

I’m glad that Unesco is preserving this place. Thanks!

Another temple. There are so many temples like this scattered around the park.

Terrace of the Elephant.

I really found the carvings interesting. This must have been difficult, right?!

Another carvings…

This is the statue of the Leper King. Wikipedia says:

The Terrace of the Leper King (or Leper King Terrace) (Khmer: ព្រះលានស្តេចគំលង់, Preah Learn Sdech Kunlung) is located in the northwest corner of the Royal Square of Angkor Thom, Cambodia. It was built in the Bayon style under Jayavarman VII, though its modern name derives from a 15th century sculpture discovered at the site. The statue depicts the Hindu god Yama, the god of Death. He was called the Leper King because discoloration and moss growing on the original statue was reminiscent of a person with leprosy, and also because it fit in with a Cambodian legend of an Angkorian king who had leprosy. The name that the Cambodians know him by, however, is Dharmaraja,[1] as this is what was etched at the bottom of the original statue.

If you like history, I would really recommend for you to include in your “To Do List” a visit at Angkor Archaeological Park in Siem Reap, Cambodia.

Learning about their culture and  experiences is worth the trip. For Filipinos, there’s a direct flight now from Manila to Siem Reap by Cebu Pacific – www.cebupacificair.com

Cambodia is really cheap. And if you book your hotel through www.agoda.com, you’d be able to get good deals. 🙂

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Letters Of Note

Posted on May 22, 2012 by leawalkerblog

I found this website – www.lettersofnote.com , by reading dapattylaurel.blogspot.com . I’ve read several letters there that are really inspiring. I chose this one letter of Abraham Lincoln because it is a very nice way of teaching someone else to work for money rather than just asking for it. Hope you too will get inspired by it….

 

Monday, 21 May 2012

You are not lazy, and still you are an idler


Late-1850, Abraham Lincoln‘s step-brother, John D. Johnston, wrote to him and asked, yet again, for a loan with which to settle some debts. Said Johnston:

I am dund & doged to Death so I am all most tired of Living, & I would all most swop my place in Heaven for that much money […] I would rother live on bread and wotter than to have men allways duning me […] If you can send me 80 Dollars I am willing to pay you any Intrust you will ask.

On previous occasions Lincoln simply would have agreed to such a request. This time, however, sensing an opportunity to impart some wisdom, he responded with the following letter of advice and a proposal.
(Source: Lincoln and His World: Volume 3; Image: Abraham Lincoln, via.)

January 2, 1851
Dear Johnston:
Your request for eighty dollars I do not think it best to comply with now. At the various times when I have helped you a little you have said to me, “We can get along very well now”; but in a very short time I find you in the same difficulty again. Now, this can only happen by some defect in your conduct. What that defect is, I think I know. You are not lazy, and still you are an idler. I doubt whether, since I saw you, you have done a good whole day’s work in any one day. You do not very much dislike to work, and still you do not work much merely because it does not seem to you that you could get much for it. This habit of uselessly wasting time is the whole difficulty; it is vastly important to you, and still more so to your children, that you should break the habit. It is more important to them, because they have longer to live, and can keep out of an idle habit before they are in it, easier than they can get out after they are in.
You are now in need of some money; and what I propose is, that you shall go to work, “tooth and nail,” for somebody who will give you money for it. Let father and your boys take charge of your things at home, prepare for a crop, and make the crop, and you go to work for the best money wages, or in discharge of any debt you owe, that you can get; and, to secure you a fair reward for your labor, I now promise you, that for every dollar you will, between this and the first of May, get for your own labor, either in money or as your own indebtedness, I will then give you one other dollar. By this, if you hire yourself at ten dollars a month, from me you will get ten more, making twenty dollars a month for your work. In this I do not mean you shall go off to St. Louis, or the lead mines, or the gold mines in California, but I mean for you to go at it for the best wages you can get close to home in Coles County. Now, if you will do this, you will be soon out of debt, and, what is better, you will have a habit that will keep you from getting in debt again. But, if I should now clear you out of debt, next year you would be just as deep in as ever. You say you would almost give your place in heaven for seventy or eighty dollars. Then you value your place in heaven very cheap, for I am sure you can, with the offer I make, get the seventy or eighty dollars for four or five months’ work. You say if I will furnish you the money you will deed me the land, and, if you don’t pay the money back, you will deliver possession. Nonsense! If you can’t now live with the land, how will you then live without it? You have always been kind to me, and I do not mean to be unkind to you. On the contrary, if you will but follow my advice, you will find it worth more than eighty times eighty dollars to you.
Affectionately your brother,
A. Lincoln

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Angkor Wat

Posted on May 21, 2012 by leawalkerblog

Angkor Wat (Khmer: អង្គរវត្ត) is the largest[1] Hindu temple complex in the world, situated at Angkor, Cambodia, built by King Suryavarman II in the early 12th century as his state temple and capital city. As the best-preserved temple at the site, it is the only one to have remained a significant religious centre since its foundation – first Hindu, dedicated to the god Vishnu, then Buddhist. The temple is at the top of the high classical style of Khmer architecture. It has become a symbol of Cambodia, appearing on its national flag, and it is the country’s prime attraction for visitors.

Angkor Wat combines two basic plans of Khmer temple architecture: the temple mountain and the later galleried temple, based on early South Indian Hindu architecture, with key features such as the Jagati. It is designed to represent Mount Meru, home of the devas in Hindu mythology: within a moat and an outer wall 3.6 kilometres (2.2 mi) long are three rectangular galleries, each raised above the next. At the centre of the temple stands a quincunx of towers. Unlike most Angkorian temples, Angkor Wat is oriented to the west; scholars are divided as to the significance of this. The temple is admired for the grandeur and harmony of the architecture, its extensive bas-reliefs, and for the numerous devatas adorning its walls.

The modern name, Angkor Wat, means “City Temple”; Angkor is a vernacular form of the word nokor (នគរ), which comes from the Sanskrit word nagar (नगर). Wat is the Khmer form of the Pali word “vatthu”, meaning “temple grounds”. Prior to this time the temple was known as Preah Pisnulok (Vara Vishnuloka in Sanskrit), after the posthumous title of its founder.  (Courtesy of Wikipedia).    

John and I dedicated our 3rd day in Siem Reap to visiting  Angkor Wat, the main attraction of the Angkor Archaelogical Park.

Let me walk you through the temples of Angkor …

This is the view outside Angkor Wat.

The entrance of Angkor Wat.

One of the Hindu Gods inside Angkor Wat.

The Library.

The battle between evil and good.

I was so amazed with the intricate carvings on the wall. Imagine, how many people worked on this. And how long they did this… And for these carvings to stand the test of time. Amazing right?

We look so small compared to the huge temple. 🙂

After a tiring walk… 🙂

A walk through the forest… Beautiful right?

The view outside Angkor..

It was cloudy , wet due to the rain and humid when we were there. But I didn’t mind it all because the place looks so magnificent. I felt like I was transported to the past. More than that, I was so happy that I was given the chance to enjoy this historic place in my lifetime…

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Massage and Facials in Davao

Posted on May 17, 2012 by leawalkerblog

I often get a text message from Marivic, the receptionist at Facial Plus and Suay Thai. Most often than not, I decline because I’m somewhere else or busy with work. It is not just possible.

What’s funny is that John and I bought a facial package of 10 + 1  in 2011. One year later, we still have about 5 facials there. haha.. Well, the package does not expire you see. And it’s cheap doing that. 🙂 Like I said, I am stingy. he he

Last week, finally John and I went there for some pampering. But this time, we came for their massage.

Suay Thai offers a Thai massage. That said, their massage include stretching. We’ve been going to Samal island for work the past 3 weeks.  I feel like we’ve walked a total of 100 kms, looking at several properties . haha.

John told me before that massage and the likes are expensive in the U.S.  In his first year in the Philippines, I remember him telling his dad about the cost of the massage here. Pop would not believe him. LOL … That’s how cheap he found it.

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After an hour or so, we both felt better. Thanks to the two therapists that handled us.

While sitting in the lobby waiting for our turn to pay, we were given a peppermint tea. I think that’s one of the reasons why I keep going back there. I like their tea too. haha A pitcher of it comes free everytime John and I go there. Let me clarify that. It’s a small pitcher, so don’t worry. They won’t force you to drink if you don’t like it. 🙂

Seriously though, I like their service. The staff are well trained and they know what they are doing. They’re courteous. And most of all, Marivic reminds me often to come and visit. I value that because with our work, I tend to forget that I need to take care of me too.

Tonette (L) and Marivic (R)

So if you think that you need pampering, try visiting Suay Thai and Facial Plus along Palma Gil St., Obrero , Davao City.

And no, this is not a paid advertisement. I only write about the places I visit because I want to say thank you for a good service. 🙂

 

 

Lea C. Walker

www.davaoproperties.com

 

 

 

 

 

 

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My First Day in WordPress…

Posted on May 14, 2012 by leawalkerblog

To mark my 1st year anniversary in blogging, I migrated from blogspot to wordpress. I am still trying to learn the ins and outs of wordpress but I think I am liking it. 🙂

So I welcome everyone to my new address : leawalkerblog.com

Thank you for reading my blog!

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Let Your Money Work For You

Posted on May 13, 2012 by leawalkerblog
I started blogging on May 2011. 🙂 This month is my blog’s 1st year anniversary. I am so happy that my cousin introduced me to the world of blogging because it gave me an outlet.
Writing down my thoughts and emotions helps me relax. While photography releases all the tensions and pressures away..
Having been exposed to the world of blogging, I’ve met bloggers in person and online. I love to read their travel stories and experiences. And one thing that keeps coming up is the issue on earning while travelling.
Now, I am not a tech savvy gal. 🙂 I may be some kind of a geek , I think. But I don’t think I will be able to earn online like the other travel bloggers do while travelling. I just find that soooo cool. So hat’s off ako to all the bloggers out there who left their works behind so they can pursue their passion in travelling.
I cannot do what they are doing now. 🙂 But I am slowly but surely trying to ease my way off the business. No don’t get me wrong.. I am not going to close our business. Not gonna happen! Thank God.So what am I talking about?
The past years, my husband and I have been investing in properties. Every chance and opportunity we get, we buy. You know why? Because real estate appreciates. Specially land.
The prices may be low today but it’s not gonna stay like that forever. In Davao and Samal Island, there has been at least 10-20% increase in the last 2 years. So the value of your investment, (based on the present trend) will double in 5 to 10 years. And I am talking of conservative growth. Davao, like I said, is booming. So there is a demand for commercial lots these days. If one has invested years ago, there might be a chance for it to get rented or sold at double/triple the price now.
What I am saying is – let your money work for you!
Never let it sleep in the bank.
You get 3.5% – 5% interest per annum/ year  for a P1M time deposit. While you can get at least  10% increase on the real estate value per year. Duh, that’s a no brainer right? If you know how to handle your money right, you get to earn more than double of your investment in  five year’s time. I did that. So no one can tell me that it’s not true. It is possible.
I used to be a currency trader. But the risk is just too high. So I will never recommend that to anybody again. Yes, it earns a lot. But you lose fast too. That’s why it’s called calculated gambling.
Stock Market? Yep, I would do that. But only on  a long term basis. For Filipinos, think of Jollibee , Ayala Land, Inc. etc.
But let me reiterate, there is money in Real Estate. Invest . Let it sleep. Then sell…
While you’re busy travelling and spending money, of course. Your investment is working and earning for you.
And I’m not talking about a measly amount too…
So think smart.
One. Invest. Invest. Invest. In Real Estate if you can.
Two. Only borrow when you know for sure that the money you borrowed will earn more than the interest you are paying. IF NOT, THEN RUN… 🙂
Err.. it goes without saying not to borrow to buy an expensive cellphone, ipad, etc.
I listened to a cooperative seminar a few months ago. Something the speaker said stuck in my mind. They have a travel loan for the members.I was thinking, who would borrow to travel?  I mean seriously?
If you can’t afford to travel then stay put! With the economy going down all over the world, stick to the money you have. Do not borrow unnecessarily..
My husband often tells me that I am “kuripot”. To my non-filipino readers, it means “stingy”. I am thinking, I am not. Really. I just know what I need and what I want. If I need something, that’s when I buy. If it’s something I just want and can live without, then I don’t. Simple. Right?
Yes, I maybe working too hard now. But in between, I stop and go to places like Hagimit Falls. Or the beach. I stop and write. To relax.
But my long term goal is to harvest what we planted over the years. Then, I can afford to travel the whole world without working. :)Isn’t that best?
This is all in God’s hands. So I am asking for his continued blessings. I am praying for you too.. Maybe someday we will meet around the globe huh?! 🙂
                                                            Lea C. Walker
                                                     leawalker.blogspot.com
                                                  www.davaoproperties.com
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Soothing One’s Soul at Hagimit Falls

Posted on May 11, 2012 by leawalkerblog
A friend of mine called up and said that she’s entertaining a friend from the US who wants to see Hagimit Falls in Samal Island. She asked if John and I would like to join them.
I said, perfect! 🙂 I gladly welcome the short break because if you remember, I’ve been sick the past weeks. John got my flu too. And we couldn’t really rest because we had work to do.
We met up  near the ferry boat port past 2 pm. My friends came from Costa Marina, another beautiful beach resort in Limao, Penaplata. While John and I came from our farm in Kinawitnon.
The trip took about 15 mins on a concrete national highway. After paying the entrance fee of P40.00 , off we went to the waterfalls.
When we reached the water, John took off his shoes. 🙂 And waded his feet in the river.
While Ruby and I continued onwards. We crossed the bridge and reached this small cascade. I could hear Ruby shreiking, oh my god… I didn’t know Hagimit is this beautiful. 🙂
I proudly said yep! 🙂
And I’m glad I became the tour guide that day. It was my way of saying thank you to Samal island for giving me such wonderful memories. And of course, our main business is here.
I told them that it’s best to visit Hagimit Falls on a weekday because it’s not filled with people. Don’t get me wrong, I am happy that tourism is booming in Samal. But when you want to commune with nature, it is best if it’s quiet so you can hear the soothing sound of the waterfalls. Feel the soft touch of the breeze as it gently releases the tiredness of your body and soul.
He.he.. emo moment eto. 🙂 But it’s true. For me, at least…
I saw John watching the other pool of water. So I clicked my camera for a shot as I called his name. He said that he likes the milky blue color of Hagimit. And yeah, I never thought of it before as that.. milky blue. We all wondered why. I said maybe it’s because of the limestone underneath? haha..
Whatever it is we all fell inlove with Hagimit, that’s for sure….
                                             John, loving the ambiance at Hagimit Falls..
     Just looking at it makes me realize how blessed we all are.. This is a free gift from God.
As we continued on, Ruby and I found this spot. Vincent, her friend took this photo of her as she touched the clear water.
                                     Photo Courtesy of A. Vincent.
We immediately took off our shoes ,  sat at the river bank and let the water soak our feet. We were laughing because we don’t know if the dirt in our clothes can still be cleaned. But we didn’t mind, the place is so beautiful , you’d be so dense if you won’t love every bit of it…
        I love the rustic bridge…
The milky blue water of Hagimit Falls.
Our friends, Ruby and Vincent.
Before leaving, I took these photos of Hagimit in the dark. The place is covered with bamboos, coconuts, huge trees and all that. I’ve always thought that it would be scary to stay there in the dark, but I was wrong…
In fact it was relaxing. I could hear the crickets. 🙂 And the birds singing..
As we headed back to the parking space, I saw some people who were staying there overnight. Each cottage was provided with a torch. So authentic right? 🙂 Going back to the basic, literally…
We left past 6pm. Going up the stairs in the dark was difficult but we didn’t mind.
And no, it’s not dangerous here. 🙂  When you’re in Davao or Samal Island, you’re safe. So you don’t worry of safety issues, etc.
So if your plan is to commune with nature, I suggest that you head towards Hagimit Falls this summer. Oh my god.. I can still remember the cool water gently rocking my feet and healing me. Life is so busy and our minds are so filled with all the clutters in the world.
But at the end of the day, it’s how you find time to be silent and listen to your heart and to what the universe is telling you. It makes it all the more memorable if it’s shared with the people that matters to you…
In my case, I was lucky enough to have shared this beautiful moment with my husband and friends…I shrieked when I fell .. haha.. John worriedly ran towards me. But I told him I was fine and so is my camera. hahaha… Ruby helped me get up while Vincent took a picture of me. That was really funny.
All in all, it was a moment to remember. Hagimit was a witness to our shared happiness and joy…
Thank you Hagimit Falls for a wonderful afternoon.
We will surely be back….
                                                           Lea C. Walker
                                               www.davaoproperties.com
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Mother’s Day Sunset Cruise

Posted on May 8, 2012 by leawalkerblog
On our way to Samal Island yesterday, I noticed the new advertisement at the ferry port. :)The Venue Party Boat is hosting a Mother’s Day Sunset Cruise! Sweet right? I texted my sister, Pearlie , and asked if we should take mama to this cruise. She said that mama would like to be in the beach, rather than sailing. Ok, so the sunset cruise is out for our mom.

But your mommies might like this. So here are the details…

It’s scheduled on Sunday, 13  May 2012. Sailing Time is 5pm.

Check the food choices that day:

Main Course:  Baby Back Ribs
Chicken Parmigiana
Baked Fish in White Sauce
Gratineed Vegetables
Plain Rice

Soup               : Mussels in Saffron Cream

Salad              : Mixed Greens with Grilled Shrimps and Honey Mustard Dressing

Carvery          : Roast Beef (Rib Eye)

Dessert           : Cream Puffs / Fresh Fruits

Yummy right?! So if you have no schedule yet, book now for your Mother’s Day Celebration. 🙂

Telephone No. : 275 8273
Cellphone No. : 09189354278

The Venue Party Boat is located at Sasa Ferry Wharf, Km. 11 Sasa, Davao City.

Lea C. Walker
leawalker.blogspot.com
www.davaoproperties.com

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Karlo’s Gourmet And Coffee

Posted on May 3, 2012 by leawalkerblog
We had a very long day yesterday. So when we passed through Shrine Hills in Matina going home, John and I decided to treat ourselves to dinner at Jack’s Ridge.
Upon parking, we saw Karlo’s Gourmet. So John and I went there instead, thinking that we always go to Taclobo restaurant anyway. 🙂
The airconditioned area looks nice. But we preferred to sit at the verandah where we could feel the hill’s fresh air. Plus of course, you get to see a fantastic view of Davao Gulf!
It was a little bit dark yesterday but the panoramic vista infront of me still stood out despite its cloudiness.

THE FOOD:

Hamburger with fried potatoes.. Looks yummy right? 🙂

Pork Steak with garlic rice. Heaven… hehe

Who would think that we just had a terrible day… 🙂 Thanks to the waiter who offered to take this      photo of me and John.

HISTORY LESSONS:

I’ve always loved Jack’s Ridge. It’s relaxing to dine there with the view and the fresh air. But Karlo’s Gourmet and Coffee , was impressive. The service was fast and good.

Jack’s Ridge is located in Shrine Hills, Matina, Davao City.

Lea C. Walker
leawalker.blogspot.com
www.davaoproperties.com

PS. This is not a paid advertisement. 🙂 And so are the rest of the reviews in my blog.

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Precious Garden Restaurant (Samal Island)

Posted on April 26, 2012 by leawalkerblog
I’m glad to be blogging once again. 🙂
I was  (and still am) sick ,for about a week now due to viral infection. I was down with flu, cough and cold for a couple of days. Not a very nice reason to stay put huh! But I was happy, all the same. I slept most time and did nothing when I’m awake. So I was able to rest…
But we had to go to Samal today though to look at properties. We sold our residential lots last month so we had to scout for some new ones as its replacement.
That’s what led us to Precious Garden Resort and Restaurant in Samal. I found the billboard near the ferry port. So I recorded their number in my phonebook. When you’re in Samal, you will mostly find carenderias. In other words, it’s a welcome surprise to find out that there’s a new restaurant that offers Filipino, Western and Italian food.
The resort is about 10 minutes away from Babak proper, on a rough road. (Welcome to Samal huh? lol) I really wish that the local government would prioritize concreting their roads. And if not, just maintain it.. Tsk.. tsk..
Moving on, John and I had 30 minutes to spare. So I was really glad when the waitress said that our order will only take 15-20 mins. 🙂

John ‘s order.  He said that my beer-battered fish and fries were better though…  🙂 Ehem.. ha ha

I remember John saying: ” it disturbs me when you do that” , referring to the fact that I was taking pictures of our food. hehe.. I commented ” sorry, it’s for the blog”…

So that’s what happens when you’re married to a blogger. Forget about privacy huh! lol  I’m just glad that my husband is such a cool guy. 🙂

I ordered calamares. (That’s battered squid, to my non-filipino readers. ) I like its taste.. 🙂 For Php180.00 pesos, I thought it’s cheap.
Their restaurant was surrounded with huge trees. So even at 12:30 noontime, we didn’t feel the heat. It was kinda loud though because there was a wedding reception at the resort. But otherwise, resting and eating there would be great.
I was really impressed by their bathroom. It was squeaky clean! I just had to mention that because I think having a very clean bathroom in a restaurant is a must. Don’t you?

The bar counter.

                                                    The facade of the restaurant.
I was told that their pizza is great. But since we didn’t have much time to spare, we vowed to try it next time. 🙂
Precious Garden Resort and Restaurant’s contact details are:
      Tel. No. :  082 – 3032818
      Website :  www.precious-garden-samal.com
After lunch, John and I proceeded to our appointments. I will not bore you with that. 🙂 But I’ll share with you some interesting photos I took.

This rest house was located near the property we checked. I just like its design. 🙂 It’s roof is made of tin and wood trusses. The walls and the porch  are made of bamboo materials. The stealth like posts are made of logs. I just found that really beautiful. 🙂

Ahh.. this carabao scared the hell out of me! haha.. I thought it was going to hit us. But I guess it got more scared of us when we disturbed his peace. LOL
                                                               Lea C. Walker
                                                     www.leawalker.blogspot.com
                                                       www.davaoproperties.com
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