How I love this part of the world.

I went to Southeast Asia with my sister, Cathy Peck.  We started in Singapore, a very clean and soulless town in my opinion.  Then we boarded the Eastern & Oriental Express train through Malaysia and Thailand ending in Bangkok with stops in Kuala Lumpur and Penang.  The train was exquisite and a tad bit formal for my taste, though we had a grand time while viewing scenery not visible from the roadways.

We spent a few days in Bangkok, then off to an amazing stay at the Amansara (www.amanresorts.com) in Siem Reap, Cambodia.  Highlights included a spiritual awakening by my sister atop Angkor Wat one sunrise (first photo) and a very special blessing by a local Buddhist monk who poured cold water over our heads for fifteen minutes with water dipped from an urn with an aluminum cooking pot (7th photo).

Our flight to Jakarta was shared with hundreds of mid-wives from Java who flew to Singapore for the day to shop.  What amazing energy was on that plane where my sister was treated as royalty.  We found the Muslim population of Java to be extremely open and kind.

We spent a few more days in Jogyakarta at the Amanjiwo which is adjacent to Borobudur.  Elephant rides and Muslim calls to prayer permeate my memories.

One of the best trips of my life!