Postcards from Paradise

Here, Conrad Bali. Very nice. We HRRC (Human Rights Resource Center) got a good deal with this resort to host the participants of the Summer Institute (mostly govt officials of the 10 ASEAN members). 

I remember another stay at Bali a few years back for ANSA-EAP Board meeting where we each stayed at a private 2-story condo with a personal pool, with a complimentary discount to fit our budget from the owner who was a friend of ANSA-EAP board member. 

Over 15 years ago I worked as a short-term consultant for the International Republican Institute and stayed at The Oriental Bangkok with a Mercedes taxi pick-up from and to the airport (which completely confused the chauffeur to learn I was from Cambodia!). IRI got a deal. But because of perception, it had to change hotel to a lesser one but paying higher price without the discount deal. 

I'm posting these photos for several reasons, one is GRATITUDE for the comfort and beauty. 

What a difference a day makes! From a one-hour meticulous Kirirom manicure/pedicure costing a total $1.25 (one US dollar and twenty-five cents) to a suite in a Balinese resort. "Examining the Rights Impact of the ASEAN Economic Community"

I remember a time pre-Khmer Unicode for Facebook when I'd travel internationally 2-3 times a month for a period of 4=5 years straight, often staying in suites similar to this one, smaller room if in Europe but still a 4 or 5-star hotel (one trip, one full month in a Berlin hotel). But I'd be sooo exhausted to appreciate the comfort afforded me and be internally complaining of missing home (a simple rented apt without hot water) and of missing work that was piling up whenever I was away from the office.

All to say, this now is nice. Living in the moment. With appreciation.

Seen and heard on Ms. Theary C. Seng's Facebook accounts: 

www.facebook.com/theary.c.seng

www.facebook.com/theary.seng.7