CAFFE BENE

At last, I have found my favorite coffee shop chain and branch! Caffe Bene (Korean-based) inside the SMX Convention Center.

I was coming out of the building when I passed by it and was immediately caught by the wooden interior (again, I know) PLUS the sight of only three to five customers at that time. Thought it was the perfect place to just read a book and pass time with a cup of coffee, without having to hear other people's conversation at the next table, so I wrote a mental note to visit it one time. I know they are are not libraries, but nothing annoys me quickly than a bunch of loud people at coffee shops (just the thought of it annoys me now).

So on one free afternoon, I brought a book, went and had a great, quiet time by myself. There was more people than the initial, but nothing that would distract me compared to if I was on Starbucks or CBTL. Couldn't be more impressed when I ordered a cup of cappuccino and thought that it was the best I have tasted so far. It was a perfect match to my book at that time :)

P.S. I love Rainbow Rowell's Attachments! Beth and Jennifer's email exchange are so funny :D Can't remember the last time smiled and laughed with a book. I was instantly captured by Rainbow Rowell that I just purchased Eleanor and Park yesterday, and I cannot wait to dive on her story again :)

NEW LEAF BOOK CAFE | IN COLOR

Among the famous temples and ancient architecture, I also made sure that we get to visit at least one coffee shop in Siem Reap. I researched two, just in case there was still time, but we circled the Old Market Area twice and didn't find Sister Srey Cafe which supposedly was our first choice.

Doing my homework in researching before a trip pays off in times like this. *pats self on the back* We found the second coffee shop tucked in 75 meters east of Old Market: New Leaf Book Cafe. It's a restaurant and bookshop in one, and occasionally a space for events like social talks, workshops and movie nights. Book coffee shop with a purpose!

What a perfect way to start the morning of our last day in Siem Reap :) We ordered a usual breakfast platter with hash brown, mushroom, bacon and scrambled egg, but what really took my appetite to a roll was their noodle soup. Tasty and flavorful to the palate, warm and comforting to the stomach. I should also not forget to say that they have the friendliest and most polite staff! :)

And what would a great morning be without a cup of rich Cambodian coffee! Quiet moments like these are the ones that I sincerely enjoy and make sure to keep and relived for years to come. I hope my short yet blissful memory of Cambodia will never cease to haunt me. 

Facebook

BINONDO BEAUTIES

Passed by these beauties on a sidewalk in Binondo a few weeks ago, and had to take a photo of them. Looking at the photographs, I really wish I brought home a few with me :(

MOOGLEE IN SIEM REAP

While walking along Pub Street in Siem Reap on our last night of stay, we saw this sign post "Mooglee" with a tagline beneath that says "The coolest T-shirt in Siem Reap". For someone who prefers and wears T-shirt 90% of the time (yes, even at the office), there was no question on whether or not to check it out.

Located at the end of the narrow alley where the sign was posted, we found Mooglee and its quiet, dim-lighted shop. I am not sure if they were particularly "cool" as deemed, but I found them really interesting for their good "jungle-look" designs, quality material and vintage feel.

Coincidentally, I was wearing an Island Souvenir shirt from Cebu that night :) Left the shop with a $17 souvenir shirt. Fair enough, as there were not many stalls in the Old Market Are who offer the same quality.

Selfilm! :p

GOODIES

Right after another good food time at Chambruyu, we slid ourselves out and moved on to the next door which happens to be a *drum roll* Korean grocery :)

Jo being goofy with her slice-of-pizza-shaped ice cream :)

Lots of ice cream goodies!

A KOREAN LUNCH

It was another exciting lunchtime for our group when the IT boys decided to treat the whole bunch to, once again, Chambruyu :) Yayy for Korean food!

I may not be doing it right all the time, but it is always a delight to pick those thin slices of pork and then roll them up with lettuce leaves :) I would eat anything pickled/fermented in this set. More kimchi, please!

END OF THE WEEKEND

The road to the weekend is tedious and slow, yet once it comes, you can never have enough. Here's a set of photos from Bag of Beans' mini garden; my simple reminder of the good times away from work. Happy end of the weekend to all! :D

NEIGHBOR WALK

WALKING AROUND ANGKOR WAT

As if there is no end, here are still some captures around Angkor Wat, this time taken by my super handy Superheadz UWS :)