Cambodia, Believe the Hype

I really don’t want to jinx it but I have to say that so far, I am really enjoying my 30s. One of my best mates bought me a trip to Cambodia as a birthday present. We had a lovely holiday together. Firstly, it must be said that there are no amount of pictures or documentaries that could do justice to the archaeological parks in Cambodia. The mighty blocks of lime stone used to build the temples and terraces were (to say the least) awe inspiring then the carvings or bas relieves (as I am told they are called) simply blows your mind.

When we first arrived at Siem Riep, it was already swarming with eager tourists. Some of the more seasonal ones had already rented bicycles and were cycling around town. Being first timers ourselves, we had hired a tuk tuk driver cum tour guide for the three days that we were there. On the first day, we went along the Siem Riep river to this great fishing village for a taste of local life. Then, we visited the largest freshwater lake in South East Asia, Tonle Sap. On our way there, we passed a massive mangrove forest that is just a sight to behold for a city girl like me. When we got to the lake it was impossible for us to see the land mass on the other end.... of a lake!!! Is that crazy or what... By the time we got back we were so tired all we wanted to do is eat and sleep. Needless to say I love Cambodian food, fresh and spicy... lots of lemon grass and mint. Feels like summer in your mouth.

After a good night’s sleep, we were up bright and early at 6am, the sun was already out and we were ready for some major sightseeing... we visited a lot of temples but the one that really stood out besides the Angkor Watt was the Mountain temple that we visited. The reason why it is called the mountain temple because it is literally like climbing a mountain.... the stairs are so narrow and steep that you can barely stand on them. I overheard a tourist guide saying the reason they built it like that was for devotees to prove their dedication assuming the same form a monkey and climbing the stairs to get to the temple. Its a good thing I heard it after I had come down cause that would have made my climb up a little harder J

The Angkor Watt simply breathtaking...

Here are a few pictures from my trip

The villagers of the fishing village along the Siem Riep River

Mangrove Forest along the Siem Riep River

Shareena & I at the Elephant Terrace

The same temple as the one in Tomb Raider (the movie)

The beautiful bas relieves at the Angkor Wat

More to this Life

I don't know where I heard this song, but I can't get it out of my head. The lyrics go a little something like this;

"But there's more to this life, then living and dying. More than just trying to make it through the day.
More to this life, more than these eyes alone can see and there's more to this life alone can be.So where do we start, to find every part of what makes this life complete...

Then I started thinking of the lyrics and realised that we all get to a point where all of us ask this same question(the one in the lyrics). I know people who bury themselves in books to search for the answer while others pray, some even go out and do something outside of their comfort zone. But what I want to know is do we go through our lives wanting more. Cause we all know once we reach the goals we aim for, we find new ones to achieve. So here is my challenge to you... be happy despite goals and challenges, be kind no matter what a big A-hole someone else can, be helpful even when time constraints don't allow you to be as generous as you would like to be and more often than not, you will look back and realise that your life is complete :)

My Love for American Idol

So through the years now I have been following American Idol and I am really drawn to that show. I love singing but that's not the reason that I am so intrigued. Its a conversation starter and instantly bonds you to people that you meet. Many a times I should have thanked American Idol for saving me from dull conversations. Most people are quite passionate about the contestants that they support and I rarely see people really feel that strongly about strangers a million miles away. So you could say that I am not so much obsessed with the show in itself but everything else that comes with it.

I am not afraid to say that I am part of the American Idol occult, in fact I embrace it. Really, it brings out a lot of good in people... think about it, how many times do we have a common enemy (Simon Cowell)? He is the man, we love to hate. How many times do we cheer and hope for complete strangers to succeed? How many times do we bond over a tv show? How many times do we make time just to sit down? (even if it is in front of the tele)

So I love American Idol, not only cause it's a show that showcases talent but it also tells you a little more about the contestants and their lives while making ours a little better.

Oh yeah another reason why I love American Idol, it gives you hope that any Joe off the street could be a super star. You gotta love a show that gives you hope!

Happy New Year

So the new year is here and I am not afraid to say it, I am turning 30 this year. I never thought that I would say it with such a big smile on my face but I am. I hope I am not jinxing it when I say so far my new year has been so nice. I got to spend a lot of time with family and friends and realized, man I am a lucky girl! I have such wonderful people surrounding me all the time and although I am single, I am never alone. I promised that I wouldn't have any new year resolutions but since the new year is already here, I guess we could call it my goals for this year.

1. I want to live more intentionally- to be aware of everything around me and to understand the people that I meet a little better, to see where they are coming from rather than interpreting the world only through my eyes.

2. I want to love completely - there are people in my life who I truly love and I want them to know so I am going to express it as often as I can and not be afraid to do it.

3. I want to learn humbly - throughout the years I have morphed from a know-it-all to someone who knows that you can always learn more...

I'll keep you updated on my progress. I know this year is going to be a phenomenal journey. Happy 2010 everyone!

:)

"Addicted to Love" is a song by Robert Palmer first released in 1986. The song has now become known as his signature song, thanks in part to a highly popular video featuring high fashion models. Lately it has been running through my mind, over and over and over again. I think its a sign for us to put it on late night love songs. Check it out and tell me what you think.....


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F0U5JfGYx4c

How Do I Love Thee, Let Me Count The Ways

As I child I used to have an exercise book filled with all my favourite quotes. Now as an adult, I collect love quotes...not only because it gives you a better insight on love. But I find that romance is not so much about what you say but how you say it and there is nothing more romantic for me than insight on love. Here is a list of my favourite quotes:

1. “Love is the triumph of imagination over intelligence.”
—Henry Louis Mencken

2. “Love doesn’t make the world go round. Love is what makes the ride worthwhile.”
—Franklin P. Jones

3. “Do you want me to tell you something really subversive? Love is everything it’s cracked up to be. That’s why people are so cynical about it. It really is worth fighting for, being brave for, risking everything for. And the trouble is, if you don’t risk anything, you risk even more.”
—Erica Jong

4. "She walks in Beauty, like the night
Of cloudness climes and starry skies,
And all that's best of dark and bright
Meet in her aspect and her eyes..."
--Lord Byron

5. "Two souls with but a single thought, two hearts that beat as one."
--John Keats

6. "Life has taught us that love does not consist in gazing at each other, but in looking outward together in the same direction."
--Antoine de Saint-Exupery

7. "Love is friendship set on fire."
--Jeremy Taylor

8. "You come to love not by finding the perfect person, but by seeing an imperfect person perfectly."
--Sam Keen

9. "Love is the emblem of eternity: it confounds all notion of time: effaces all memory of a beginning, all fear of an end."
--Germaine De Stael

10. We are all born for love... it is the principle existence and it's only end."
--Benjamin Disraeli

Love my friends, it is the nectar of life that makes all the hurt worth it! --Nisha :)

True Love Doesn't Cost a Thing

So a good friend of mine is cracking his head on what to do for his girlfriend on her birthday. Although he wants to give her the best birthday that a girl could ever have, he (like me) is not exactly made of money. So what to do? Well here are a few suggestions:

1. Make your own "love coupons." Love coupons are basically little cards you give your beloved that are like gift certificates for romance. You can create cards that are good for a massage, a picnic at the beach and a movie night. It doesn't take much time to type them up and print them on your computer and they are always good for a smile and laugh when presented to your mate. Leave them in lunch bags, purses or wallets or tape them to a bathroom mirror to make them a sweet surprise.

2. Make her a romantic meal. A private dinner with lots of candles, wine and great food. The perfect combination for a perfect night.

3. Pretend you’re going on a first date — show up at the door with flowers, all dressed up, with your car washed and cleaned, looking spiffy. Recreate the first moments the two of you had as a couple.

4. Burn a CD with love songs. All the songs on Red FM's Late Night Love Songs are recommended :)

5. Pack a sunset picnic.

6. A massage followed up by a bath together (use bubbles!).... if you're married la.

7. Jot down all the things you love about your partner. Your partner will love it.

8.Buy something that your partner dreamed of when she was a child, but never had. The sentiment will bring her to tears. And the fact that you remembered will get you so lucky.

9. Use your special talent to make an original gift. If you are musically inclined, Compose a Song for the recipient! There is no feeling in the world quite like hearing a song and knowing you were in the mind of the composer. Using materials you already have, Create a Painting, or sketch or draw a picture/portrait for your loved one. Film a Fun Video! Make your memories and laughs will last a lifetime.

10. Finally tell your loved one how much you love them publicly. Announce it in the PA system of your favourite restaurant, write I Love You (name of your loved one) on your car with removable paint, stuff like these will give her a memory that will last a lifetime.

Good luck my friend!! Love like its your last day!