Hello Kitty - International Superstar!

Here are various national and ethic representations of Hello Kitty . . . just one big ole' melting pot of Hello Kitty!

Mexican and Egyptian



American and Chinese



And most beloved to the Pandanese!!

Cambodia - Part III

Alright, no more temples . . . these are miscellaneous shots that capture some of the other fun sights, sounds and activities. They are a bit random but hopefully you will enjoy.

Just cause we can!





Torrential Rains



Who Needs Refrigeration?



New Friend



Yummy!!! At the Siem Reap Airport . . . Utter Genius



Walking to the Plane



From the Plane - Bye Cambodia!

Cambodia - Part 2

Several more pictures . . . again, this doesn't even begin to capture that magnificence of the temples, let alone the warmth of the people. We loved every moment there! Wish you guys could have shared it with us!

Cambodia - Part A

As some of you may know, we've recently visited Angkor Wat and surrounding attractions in Cambodia. It is a wonderful place with lovely people and a rich cultural heritage. Clearly, nothing we post can due true justice but attached please find some of the highlights . . .

Hail the Mighty Bun - Cheung Chau Bun Festival '08

Slightly belatedly, we are getting around to posting some pics from the Cheung Chau Bun Festival in May (yes buns - THE tasty - and bready - cousins of dumplings). This annual festival, thought to appease the ghosts of murdered pirates, has two major features: a parade and the bun tower scrambling competition. On the off chance that the bun tower scrambling competition doesn't seem self explanatory, buns are attached to tall wire cones. Competitors climb to the top and he or she who collects the most wins. Unfortunately, this event was held at midnight so we were not able to watch in person. However, we did see the highlights on TV.

And of course, there is actual bun eating - we encountered both sesame and red bean flavors!

Parade Pics













The children in the parade are elaborately dressed, and held up with special pedestals, wires, and sticks . . .











Bun Towers

Dragon Boat 2008

This weekend the 2008 HK Dragon Boat races took place. It is essentially a rowing competition originating in China over 2500 years ago. There are various theories on its origin but it today it is a cause for good times, hooliganism, and general stupid-a-tude! Generally, companies/individuals rent boats which are anchored in a U shape around the racing area. Revelers grab some refreshment, sun bath and occasionally cheer for their team (if they have any idea at all who is racing)!

We spent a few hours taking in the scene and enjoying the sun. Here are some of the highlights!

The Beach


The viewing boats




Rowers and Racing







A Little Bit of Class



And to end the day . . . a Chinese clown making balloon animals!