the year of the dragon

The Dragon is a creature of myth and legend. In ancient China, the celestial Dragon represents an emperor and power. Today, it is the ultimate auspicious symbol signifying success and happiness.

We have left the Rabbit behind us and since the year of the Dragon is considered the luckiest year in the Chinese Zodiac I want to wish that the celestial Dragon brings great luck to everyone.


It is interesting to note that in Chinese astrology the dragon is the only animal of the Chinese zodiac year that is not real. Does that mean that this coming year will be a bit of a fairytale?

I have no objections to a year of fairytale life with lots of luck, success and happiness. Sounds perfect to me to be honest.
Must also mean that getting married during a year of luck is a favorable thing to do don't you think?

humbling

On our last day in Cambodia we had 2 real humbling experiences.
In the morning we went to the big "Pol Pot" prison in Phnom Penh, "Security Prison 21" (S-21). This is the prison that the Khmer Rouge from 1975 to 1979 used to torture and kill an estimated 17,000 people in.
We walked around this building that still today is enclosed in barbed wire and has tiny prison and torture chambers, and all windows are covered with iron bars and barbed wire.
The pictures of some of the people that was killed during this time brought tears to my eyes, and it really makes me wonder what ever made some people so cruel and how we can do things like this towards each other over and over again.

In the afternoon we went to a school that supports children that grows up on the old city dump of Phnom Penh. Again, absolutely heartbreaking.
I am so blessed and fortunate having grown up under the conditions that I grew up in and living the life that I live now compared to these poor kids.



Leaving Cambodia I felt like I really had been taken down to earth. And for that I thank you Cambodia, and I promise to try and help you in return.

cambodia

I was seriously contemplating getting one of those t-shirts that says I love Cambodia.
What an amazing place - ancient temples, beautiful surroundings, super friendly people and yummy food. I most definitely want to go back! 5 days is not enough, but it was a good start!
Sunshine, lazy days and heaps of girl talk combined with sightseeing, horse riding and a few massages. Could not have had a better start to the new year.

cny twentytwelve

For cny 2012 I'm heading to Cambodia with a bag full of kids clothes/shoes (for charity) and with 3great girls to explore with.
Speak to you later.
xx

quick wedding

With one little one on the table and one more on the way Evania and Sean decided to get married on their 6th year anniversary.
A quick and efficient wedding and a nice long lunch afterwards.
C
ongratulations guys and thanks for a lovely Saturday.

first week back at work

the picture above simply sums up how my first week back at work was.
Welcome back!!!! (my boss sarcastically said)

the new year wedding

The New Years weekend was spent in the English country side, in an old grand stately home. Very beautiful.
We did not only celebrate the new year though, first and foremost we celebrated the matrimonial union of Rhys and Katie.
The wedding was beautiful and the party afterwards was fun!
(And I have a new favourite drink - warm winter Pimms - yum).