Euro Travel & More

My friends asked me why I am writing more and more about Asia – i replied maybe it is because i miss home very much? maybe it’s the traveling I am missing and all the interesting things that i missed sharing and the adventures I have had before.  I haven’t really been home for a long time and Asia has changed so much and this picture taken by a friend reminded me so much of the time we encountered the lovely apprentice Geisha when we were in Kyoto.

Before living in Japan for a few months because of work – I’ve often wondered if the shows with Geisha – were they just traditional ladies that doesn’t exist now – since Japan is so modern and if they do exist – what kind of benefits do they get.  For sure – this old trade – of cultural entertainment – may not be everyone’s cup of tea no more.  Normal companies in Japan offers good benefits like a retirement plan, insurance and disability insurance for those doing labor jobs – so what does these ladies who started training really young have in store for them?  But of course, we will never know because this trade is so secretive it seems – that even taking pictures of them are rare.

We did go for a Geisha show and it’s nothing like what we thought it would be – but a cultural show with dances, a puppet show and a tea ceremony.  The art of dancing by the Geisha – was truly precise and refine – nothing like those I’ve seen – it was an eye opener for me at least.   The Geisha are still pretty much a mystery and if only i can get to find out more about them – i certainly would.  Movies and stories portray them as a high class prostitutes/mistresses for rich men – during the olden days – but i’m pretty sure they are not just that.   Are you as curious as I?

For those who don’t know this Singapore is my home and me being in Canada doesn’t mean that I don’t know a thing or two about the happenings in Singapore.  The niece who was invited to the launch recently sent me some beautiful pictures of her and her friends – the beautiful people of course – during the launch party.  I asked her if i could use a few of her pictures for this blog – to show you all what a beautiful and amazing place Singapore is.

This is an outdoor pool i think – and the rates are at USD $400 a nite.

Phnom Penh has changed quite a bit since I was last there according to a friend who had just got home from there.   She said there was a  steel building just at every corner they turned in a cab.   So yes – not only is Phnom Penh a touristy place now – it’s pretty industrialize too.  Check out the evening market at Sisowath Quay but they were more for food – if you are into trying local cuisine but if you have a weak tummy – i think you should skip that.

Don’t be too surprised if you are frisked when you visit the Heart of Darkness – the security is really tight there and it’s not about the terrorists that they are afraid of – but more like the locals trying to gun down each other in a dispute – so i heard.  For those who loves their drinks – Phnom Penh is the place to be – because they are dirt cheap – we had our filled that night and went bar hopping till wee hours in the morning.   More on Phnom Penh in another post.

The Bayan Tree Resort in Asia must be one of the most luxurious resort I’ve been to – but one wouldn’t expect anything less from the Bayan Tree brand who have been around for many years now.   We were attracted by the spa and massage they offered and the privacy of  your own pool.  Within the resort itself – they had many restaurants and 24 hrs room service – if you don’t want to get out of your room.  There were  massage tables in the privacy of your own room or even if you were to set out on the private beaches in Phuket – you an see many canopy of rooms with massage tables all around  – it’s like we’ve gone to heaven.

Private pools in each room that faces the sea and you can have your breakfast, lunch and dinner here.   In some suites – in know they even have an LCD TV right by the pool and the jacuzzi.

Breath-taking view of another of our friends room.

Enjoy and relax under luscious coconut trees.

And a scented bath before your massage – to end your day.