ST JOHN'S CHURCH IN SIEM REAP, CAMBODIA

I visited this church in early April 2011. This church is really unique. The structure is made mainly from wood and looks like a traditional house. Unfortunately, I took the exterior photo at dusk and it did not turn out well.

The interior is equally unique. Most sit on the floor with a mat but they have some chairs for those who are not able to do so or uncomfortable sitting on the floor (mostly foreigners).

Most of the mass is also conducted sitting down as with the priest on a low table. This is very similar to Buddhist style praying. On the left of the altar, you will see a small house which is actually the tabernacle.

For the English sunset mass, there seem quite a lot of young Caucasians who are active in the choir. They look like volunteers here. There are also a number of foreigners (Causasians and Asians) who are either working or doing business here. There were also a number of tourists.

This is a mission church and the priest is a Jesuit from Indonesia and there are also a number of nuns, the largest numbers being Sisters of Missionaries of Charity. I could not identify the other nuns. They are doing a fantastic job and the church feels alive. God Bless them.

The church also looks after a floating church on Tonle Sap with 7 families there (I heard from their announcement). I managed to take pictures of the floating church when I went to Tonle Sap.

If you wish to know more about this church, please visit their website at www.siemreapcatholic.org.

Until the next time, cheers..........

ST JOSEPH METROPOLITAN CATHEDRAL, TRIVANDRUM, INDIA

I visited Trivandrum, Kerala in India for a quick visit in February 2011. I had the chance to visit the church there one evening for mass.

Kerala has probably the highest percentage of Christians in India due to the Portuguese influence. The Cathedral was well maintained and had a new coat of paint.

It has also a very tall steel structure to house the cross.

It was well ventilated and had very good sound system. I was there early and it was quite empty. However, when the mass started, it was full.

The mass was very solemn as the people are still quite conservative. The women occupied the front half of the church while the men sat at the back half. As I was there early and did not know, I was the only thorn among the roses!!!!

The songs use during mass was very traditional Malayalee songs and not based on any western hymns which was quite refreshing.

Until the next time, cheers.

PRE CHINESE NEW YEAR IN BANGKOK

I was in Bangkok for my January monthly trip and while in a supermarket, what I saw really tickled me. The stores there are so advanced and really know how to take advantage of the busy people that they actually package all the required things for you for your Chinese New Year Prayer.

No need to shop around and no need for any fuss, just buy the package suitable for you. See for yourselves....

See, they even supply you with all the paraphenalia for prayers. It really a one stop centre. The display makes it easy to avoid misunderstanding.

Then, there are also ala carte items for those who wants to choose certain items only. There was a wode range of food and other items but I took these photos of the whole chicken and roast pork.

Outside the supermarket, lighted cherry blossom lights on a tree added to the festive cheer. It was actually quite nice.

The next day, I had the opportunity to have this coconut ice cream with peanuts and coconut flesh served in a coconut.

Imagine, this was sold by a motorcycle cart and it cost a whole Baht 3 (about US$1.00). What a treat and it was really good too.

It's all these simple things that makes my trips to Bangkok so interesting.

Until the next time, cheers...