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I have watched Avatar movie for numerous times but still feels fascinated by the Navi-s and their world of Pandora. Hence, I was a tad disappointed that my schedule didnt allow me to attend the Avatar: Discover Pandora exhibition, a state-of-the-art interactive exhibition inspired by the James Cameron’s 2009 sci-fi film, that was held in Taipei, Taiwan in 2016 and in Bangkok, Thailand last year.
https://mshannahchia.com/avatardiscoverpandora/
SG > Hat Yai > Bangkok > Sihanoukville > Phnom Penh > Siem Reap > Bangkok > Hat Yai > SG
Singapore to Cambodia and back, in 9 days.. Lost 3kg.. but gained a ton full of beautiful precious memories that's gonna be with me a lifetime. No better way to explore Cambodia on two wheels.. and I'm just so thankful to be back home safe & sound :)
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It took me 2.5 days to reach Cambodia, spending a total of 5 days in the beautiful country, taking in as much as I can from everything I've seen to every person I've met, and words alone just can't describe how thankful I am to be able to experience this whole journey.. down to the very last minute I was in Siem Reap before crossing back into Thailand via Poipet Border, I encountered so much kindness from the people around, before riding to Bangkok to catch the last overnight train to Hat Yai.
Wherever you go, go with all your heart.
You'll see beautiful things revealed to you along the way because Life was never just about the destination, but the journey that really counts.
Short video coming up! :)
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Day 7 - After riding for 3,407km passing through 4 different countries, my bike and I have FINALLY arrived at the 7th Wonder of The World, our dream destination - Angkor Wat!!!
It's been a tiring ride but oh, so so worth it!!
Feel so surreal being here at the largest religious monument in the world with my red darling. A bit pity that the compound of Angkor Wat is surrounded by the river and many flight of stairs, therefore it was not possible to ride/drive into it, up right to the front of its iconic 3 temple peaks. But this whole UNESCO site is still so amazing, with every detail of this architecture so well preserved. Angkor Thom next door was breathtaking too, and scenes from the movie Tomb Raider was filmed here at Ta Prohm.
www.vaunephan.blogspot.sg
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Day 6 - Arrived safely in Siem Reap after a short 350km ride from Phnom Penh, with a total of about 3,400km clocked so far.. from home.
Experienced pretty strong cross winds with bike being pushed left right while on the go, and it stirred up the sand / dust which some got into my eye uh. Road conditions are ok, with lesser invisible pot holes.
Angkor Wat is barely a few km away now! 💪
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Day 4/5 - A short ride of 250km from Sihanoukville to Phnom Penh, stopping by Bokor Mountain to admire the breathtaking view of Cambodia from the top. Windy mountain roads up to Bokor was extremely enjoyable because the tarmac is sooo smooth! Been blessed with good weather throughout the trip so far, with every day a sunny one.
By now, my poor baby Ducati is covered in so much dirt and dust, it's brown. The minute I lift my visor up, sand/dirt gets into my eyes almost immediately I need to shut the visor back down.
Phnom Penh city is really crowded, and there were many road blocks due to their water festival but thankfully, we were not so badly affected. Basking in their festive mode before moving on to Siem Reap where ANG KOR WAT IS!!! :D
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Day 3 - 2,800km clocked so far, and we're in Cambodia! 😀
The ride from Bangkok and entering into Cambodia via Cham Yeam Border (Koh Kong) was a breeze, much thanks to Calvin & Jok from BMW Club Cambodia who met us at Chanthaburi and brought us through over 😊
265km road to Sihanoukville showcased a variety of pot holes; they come in different shapes, sizes, colours with many well camouflaged. Not advisable to go fast as some pot holes are really deep, also there are dogs, chicken, trailers, humans who will cross your path anytime out of nowhere.
Spent the night at Sihanoukville before heading up to Cambodia's capital, Phnom Penh!
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Finally arrived into Bangkok on the 2nd day. After doing 2,000km in 2 days, I'm honestly exhausted 😥 The struggle to stay focused throughout 13 hours of riding non stop a day is real. But my fatigue melted away when I
met up my girls from Biker Chicks Thailand as we talked and laugh over dinner at A-list Bistro & Bar. So glad to meet all of them, especially Anniie who's always like a sister.
Day 3 - Riding from Bangkok straight into Cambodia. let's go!
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Day 2 Journey - Riding all the way from Hat Yai to Bangkok, passing through 4 - 5 provinces over with almost another 1,000km to cover at one go 😥😥😥 Need all the endurance and focus I can get especially with so little sleep.
Moved off at 6am with a wet refreshing ride 💦
Can't wait to meet my girls when I arrive into Bangkok!
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If being free-spirited and chasing my dreams on my passion for motorcycling is a crime, then I'll gladly plead guilty to it :(
Conquered the whole of North-South Highway, cutting through Malaysia at one go with close to 1,000km clocked in total on Day 1 of the ride, and we have safely arrived in Hat Yai, Thailand.
Pretty tired, and was looking forward to get ample rest on the overnight train ride from Hat Yai to Bangkok with my bike but alas, as any adventure, things don't always go as per planned....
The cargo train is FULL for the day, and we have to get to Bangkok by Day 2. Which means... we'll have to ride another close to 1,000km the next day, from Hat Yai to Bangkok, to keep on schedule in entering Cambodia.
2,000km over 2 days. This is the longest distance I ever have to cover in such a short span of time without rest. Let's do this.
www.vaunephan.blogspot.sg
premiere
"Twilight over Burma-My Life as a Shan Princess" was the film the whole city wanted to see, which however was not possible,as the screening was a semi-private show,organised by local producer Alfred Deutsch for the crew of the team,with the support of the Austrian Embassy who had their own special invitee- list.
Infact,there was a large flurry of Ambassadors in attendance. As also the large cast,including the German actress, Burmese team, crew of 'Living Films'-all watching the film for the first time!
And it was a film that reached out to one and all. A wonderful and tragic love-story, studded with emotion,tension,social and political imbalances that kept everyone on edge, more so,when they knew that it was all based on a real-life tale.
The German actress and Thai star who played the lead roles ( Maria Ehrich/ Daweerit Chullasapya ) were quite outstanding. Kudos to Austrian Director Sabine Derflinger (who I became friends with, at a film festival in India,many years back-) for capturing the heart and soul of a complex Asian love-story that had many layers to it. It was a pity she could not be in Bangkok,due to a shooting-schedule.
Thanks to Ambassador HE Enno Drofenik for arranging a
great 'Austrian' evening -the wine and cuisine also contributed to the great cinematic evening.
There will be a second screening in Chiangmai, for the Shan community,where a lot of the film was shot.
One hopes the movie will get a public release here,and not be restricted to TV,as in Europe.
