Open Fish Market. Here the fish are dried and treated with Salt. They sit out in the open. The photo was taken from the car. When David told me not to roll the window down - it was too late...The smell was awful...There are a few city blocks of nothing but dried fish...
The beef market was just past the fish area. Same concept - just open area where the meat is stored. One difference - the meat here is not salted - it is raw...Here a local vendor wanted to pause for the camera. 
For the past two days I have been spending time here in Cebu with David and Hiliary. Here are some photos to share the fun. Hiliary won bowling; she won't let us forget. The character that you see is a "Bee" from a fast food chain here called Jollibee! According to David & Hiliary the food is awful...Therefore we took advantage of the mascot at the mall... 
One of the areas that I visisted today was called "Childern of Hope School". It was started 25+ years ago by missionaries that were from Minnesota. The school is basically and orphanage for the childern here in the Philippines. They are educated and act as an adoption service for those who want to adopt worldwide. Currently, most of the new parents are from the United States. Here are some photos of the activities that occur here. David works on their computer systems and maintains their network.
Hiliary operates a clinic here called Glory Reborn. It was started about four year ago. They have delivered over 1600 babies with zero fatalities. Working there is very rewarding and can be eye opening. Before I departed from the US I contacted their office in El Paso. In turn, I arrived with a supply of baby clothing that will be issued to the childern.
Here is a picture of a public restroom. I really think there is very little explaining that I have to do here. All people stand...And well...You can imagine the rest...Notice the hose and the lack of straps...And no - I did not try it...
Here is a picture of the airport in Cebu. I found out it is on an island just South of the main city. This area is the ritzy area and there are alot of hotel/resorts in the area. 
Finally, here is an area of the city going towards the mall. Notice the large church in the background. I was told that they believe you have to be in the building at the time of the second coming. If you are not present, you will not be taken away...Interesting...
Today was fun; however, I was not able to fulfill my intentions. The first part of the day started at the Orchid Gardens. I learned that Malaysia is the orchid capital of the world. I have to say - Kent B - Well you would have loved this place. I will let the pictures tell the story.
Just a short walk down the road was the National Mosque. While I was not able to go into it since the holiday is in progress it was quite the scene from the outside. Also, you can not see them here; however, there are lights that hang from the trees. I bet it is a spectacular sight at night.
I hope that Jeremy is still following along on this trip. If so...Look what I found. Your office in Malaysia. Maybe you can transfer in a few weeks? Who knows. Anyways...I just had to place this picture in here for you. 
The KL Tower is quite impressive from the outside; however, I was unable to go up in it. This is due to the fact of the Rhamandan Holiday. Again...it was nice outside...However, I did not get the true picture. This was the same story with the Pertonis Towers. They were closed due to the holiday. Maybe on some other adventure I will be able to see them. 
Today was really more of a travel day than anything. I started out the morning in cambodia and walked around the market area. While walking, I found the local office of the Red Cross. It was quite different from what we have in Louisville. In other words, don't complain about out lack of windows guys...They dont hvae A/C and it was hot there! Here are some photos.
After walking back from the Red Cross I passed a parade (or so I thought). This was Monday morning here. The school childern were marching down the street on a field trip. There were about 500 childern. The parade lasted for about 45 minutes. The kids were adorable and were in their uniform. Their teachers were in uniform as well.
Cambodia is just full of surprises. It seems as if every where you turn there is another temple. One here...another one down the road then one across town. As of now, we have visited about 10 temples. While they are all similar in design, everyone has its unique story to it. Here is a picture of Lin - he was the guide assigned to Jerry and I for the past two days.
Here is a picture to remind you of the poverty level here and lack of technology. Its a bridge...The guide did not really know the age of the bridge; however, when you crossed it - it would bend and give way. Its metal, but it made a lot of noise. Just after we crossed several big buses crossed. He told us that the buses had to cross fast so they would not get "stuck" as the bridge flexed. Talk about scarey.
Flowers and plants that we pay for at Lowes/Home Depot/Meijer etc are free here. There is an abundance. For example, I paid about 40 USD for a banana tree earlier this summer; yet, in Cambodia they are like grass that is out of control - just everywhere. This was found in one of the moats that surrounded a temple.
Another thing that is unique here is that the government allows vendors to set up right out side the sights. There are everye where and hassle you as they go out. Reading some material in the hotel I learned that over 80% of the income in Siem Reap is acquired through the tourist - hotels, historic sight fees, and vendors. Here is a vendor with wood work. It is original work they make in the back. Its incredible.
During the later part of the day we took a ride out to the market at the sea. It cost 20 USD to purchase a ticket for boat ride out there. Our tour guide, Lin, went with us and explained that many people choose to live in house boats. It just a way of life. They are allowed to claim their space on the water and don't have to pay taxes (smart move). With all the houses out there they have created a "floating flea market" to support them. Pictured here is a family from Vietnam that has rowed to our boat. They use the young child to sell for the family. All she could say is 1 dollar as they handed me the banana. Its a very powerful scene. It took the family about 30 minutes to row to catch up to us.
Once the tour of the water market was complete we came back into port. Look at all the boats here. Each one of these boats are here to take passengers (tourist) out into the sea. The curtains are closed because it was raining. Notice the Ferris wheel in the back.
The final stop of the day was at a college where the Cambodian governments invest in its future. They look for people that have the potential to be artist and teach them more advanced skills. This is a young man that is working on a painting that would be sold for 15USD. Quite impressive.
Today was the arrival into Siem Reap Camboda. As you can see from the picture, the airport is quite different. It has alot of technology, but also has the feel of a small airport. While flying in there were many rice farm that I passed.
To my suprise, the hotel is great. I wont load all the pictures of the room; however, the pool is a start to the story. It is a salt water pool. While outside, you feel that you are isolated in the area; however, the hotel is located in the heart of the city.
The Angkor Wat Temple will be one of the big highlights of this vacation. Here is a small piece of the temple. It is remarkable. The back that is viewed on the limestone is from the rain. It rains in this part of the world about 80% of the year. This is a second picture of Angkor Wat - notice the donkey.
All around the temples you are able to see workers. They are harvesting various foods for their families. This was a candid shot of a young girl working for her mother. Her mother is just outside the picture. They had been collecting food all day.
The day ended with at ride to the top of the mountain on an elephant. The person sitting next to me is my friend Jerry. The elephant ride to the top lasted about 20 minutes. The walk down was 45 minutes. I did not realize the difference until I was at the bottom of the hill!
Well. I have arrived safely in Kuala Lumpur. It was quite the journey. Notice the title...While it is day three I crossed the international date line...So I lost a day somewhere in the airport.
The Malaysia Airlines flight started out in Los Angeles. The first leg of the flight was 12 hours. It was from LAX to Taipei. Due to the wind, we landed about an hour earlier. I don't know if anyone who is reading this post have flown Malaysia Airlines; but, if you had you will know about their 5 star service. Its amazing all the stuff that is included in your ticket:
Complimentary Headphone
After arriving in Taipei there was one last flight for the day that would get me to Kuala Lumpur. It was four hour uneventful flight.
I have not done much today; however, I did have lunch with my Aunt and her husband. We went to PF Changs and had and excellent meal. It was a great time. I can't recall the last time I saw her. 
Finally, here is a picture of that storm that caused all the delays over the mid west. I hope you enjoy. BTW - Thanks for posting Lynn (Maybe others will as well)...
First of all, who would ever think about the fact the PNC only has three banks in the entire region that are open on Saturday? I mean...Its ridiculous. I made it to the PNC in Southern Indiana and ended up with a teller that did not know how to issue Traveler's Checks. About thirty minutes later I walked out of the bank. Oh well...Now I learned my lesson - don't go to the bank on Saturdays. 
I started the initial part of my packing today and my cat did notice. Every time I pull out the suitcase she starts to meow and walk around the room. She has learned that he suitcase is the initial sign of me leaving. She will be in good hands - Loren, Noel and Christy will provide her with love and attention during my travels. (Thanks by the way)
I also worked on some supplies that were sent from El Paso from David's parents. I will be delivering them to the Philippines once I arrive. It is safer and cheaper for me to check them as luggage than to risk them being lost in the mail system. 
