Monday, November 18, 2024
Baths, Faiths and Rites
This morning, I walked the 200m to Yunomine-oji. It's a shrine that defines this village onsen. We put up last night in Ryokan Adumaya. It's featured in the book, Hidden Hot Springs.
I've finished walking the Kumano Kodo with Brian. I've decided that rituals are not the answer to problems. it's one of the crutches we need to get through tough days. Japan is a country of rituals. Pilgrims are supposed to start their journey from Kii Tanabe. it doesn't matter that they take a bus to Tajikiri, and walk to reach Kumano Hongu Taisha. We didn't even arrive at Kii Tanabe. So, we weren't following a ritual early last week when we started.
Whether one is rich or poor, healthy or ill, one cannot avoid practising rituals, or profess a faith for that matter.
The first thing I did when I woke up was to luxuriate in the rotenburo, an outdoor bath. I was alone. I was not fastidious about scrubbing my back as I saw a few bathers do in my stays at a Japanese inn. Are they obsessive? Probably not. But, scrubbing the back seems to provide a clue of what the soul of Japan is.
Thursday, November 25, 2021
Soul food, a journey through traditional Southeast Asia cuisine cuisine
Hainanese Chicken Rice
Chili sauce is key. But each of us will have our own favourite. The original Hainanese chicken is Wenchang chicken in Hainan (a city near Haikou). Big and fat chicken, castrated for flavor. The Malaysian and Singapore version is a "improved" version. I'm looking forward to this dish, which I hope, on the day, to match the last great tasty meal I took in 1979 in a hainanese home.
Enjoy this read, written by Adam Liaw, a Hainanese himself:
https://adamliaw.com/recipe/hainanese-chicken-rice/
Nasi Lemak
https://www.visitsingapore.com/en_au/dining-drinks-singapore/local-dishes/nasi-lemak/
I like the picture on this site: the "rich rice" served with peanuts, fried anchovies, sambal paste and...yes..half a hard boiled egg. How traditional can you get? Wrap it in banana leaf, and it's as authentic as you can get!
Nasi lemak is Malay cuisine and a national dish in many regions of southeast Asia.
The sambal paste makes or breaks the dish.
I miss the rice served at breakfast, whether it's pandan leaf and coconut milk flavored rice in Singapore, Malaysia or Palembang, or the Daing na Bangus (milkfish) served with Sinangag (garlic fried rice), and fried egg I enjoyed so much in Iligan City, Mindanao.
Curry Chicken with Bread
Long before the N-S Highway was built, whenever we travelled between Kuala Lumpur and Ipoh, we would stop in Kampar to eat its famous dish, curry chicken in bread. No one stops in Kampar anymore, so I haven't eaten it for a long long time.
Sharon cooked this dish for us using her Grandma's recipe. The curry is dry, so it doesn't spoil the bread. For more details, click here:
https://www.google.com/amp/s/journey.com.my/story/the-best-chicken-curry-bun-in-kampar/amp/
Monday, June 29, 2020
A Product of Our Circumstances
I've just completed reading a novel titled 'A Man With No Surname'. It was the second novel translated from Vietnamese that I read, and this time, again, I felt a thrill: there was familiarity with the morality woven in the story, and there was a profound lesson that its author, Nguyen Xuan Duc, wanted his readers to learn: sometimes, we are a product of our circumstances. I would love to ask the author if that was what he thought, but, alas, he passed away two weeks ago.
Lang, the main character in the story, decided to escape to the South. He found that he was not trusted. He performed menial jobs to survive. But, people took pity on him. He even felt shoots of love grow within his boyish heart. He grew up. He became an expert in kungfu. He rose to became a gang head.
After Unification, he became a fugitive, hunted by a clever police officer, nicknamed Zhuge Liang, of Three Kingdoms fame.
I felt the author's sadness when, after he completed his mission (I won't be the spoiler and reveal Lang's fate), the police officer said: It's sad. Lang was a human being before he became the devil.
There was also romance, unrequited love.
Lang would ask, when at wits' end, why he left the North.
Other readers may call his, fate. He deserved what he sowed. Karma. But I think we are sometimes a victim of our circumstances, of which we have no control.
Lang, the main character in the story, decided to escape to the South. He found that he was not trusted. He performed menial jobs to survive. But, people took pity on him. He even felt shoots of love grow within his boyish heart. He grew up. He became an expert in kungfu. He rose to became a gang head.
After Unification, he became a fugitive, hunted by a clever police officer, nicknamed Zhuge Liang, of Three Kingdoms fame.
I felt the author's sadness when, after he completed his mission (I won't be the spoiler and reveal Lang's fate), the police officer said: It's sad. Lang was a human being before he became the devil.
There was also romance, unrequited love.
Lang would ask, when at wits' end, why he left the North.
Other readers may call his, fate. He deserved what he sowed. Karma. But I think we are sometimes a victim of our circumstances, of which we have no control.
Sunday, April 26, 2015
Italian Vacation
1. Rome and its Glorious Past
Rome, I think, is mostly about the past - its monuments, magnificent structures and art. But the city, in its wisdom, has managed to preserved things that matter, while other cities cast their past away seeking development.
Rome is quite nice. But we're in its old district.
2. TUSCANY: Great Countryside, Pinocchio & Cinqueterre
The train trip from Rome to Florence on April 7 was a rush: we arrive at Roma Termini with 30 minutes to spare, and we didn't know that having a booking number was sufficient.
Florence seems great for shopping for leather. Florentine people know what shoppers want.
Florence is also the home of Pinocchio. Interestingly, the author, a Florentino, was a satirist, and behind the children's tale is a dark side for human adults to learn about. For more, read the caption on the image of the marionette.
After two days of walking, shopping and ogling at cathedrals, we packed our bags and took the train to Cinque Terre.
Afternoon on arriving Monterosso was a lazy affair: watching the world go by while relaxing on a bench near our apartment. The sea was only a stone throw away. Lunch was spaghetti served with mussel and clam; we paid tourist prices of course - close to €20 per head, with charges for bread, water and Cappuccino on top of the €14 for spaghetti.
This was the place to burn off calories from eating too much good food. Only the track from Monterosso to Vernezza was open, so the next day, Tuck Onn and I started out before 10am to walk this 2-hour section of Cinque Terre.
The coastal scenery was gorgeous; no wonder in summer, Cinqueterra and its trains are always packed with tourists. We stayed here for four days.
In Pisa, I don't know why my mood turned somber. It could be because Galileo conducted his experiment up in the famous tower. How natural it must be for him to try out his theories here. I sat on the steps outside the duomo and was amused by the antics of tourists trying to hold up the tower on their photography.
Our last days in Tuscany were: a memorable guided hike from Soviere back to Monterosso, tasting Cinqueterre's famous white wines (I enjoyed the bouquet of the Capellini, of which there are two types) and a ferry journey to see the five hamlets. Cinqueterre was the highlight of our Tuscan vacation.
3. Italy's Eternal City
We last visited Venice in autumn 1989. Spring as well is not busy, temperatures mild, and walking around a delight.
We made a beeline for Rialto Bridge. The views from on top this icon is in my view the best in Venice. Instantly, I'm happy. And nostalgic. 26 years ago, we stayed in Locunda Sturion, a boutique hotel overlooking Rialto on the Grand Canal. Then, we were serenaded each night with Italian ballads sung enthusiastically by gondoliers. But we didn't sit on one of the gondolas.
This time, we stayed in the Jewish Ghetto, thirty minutes from the tourist hubbub of activity. We paid €100 to sit on the decorated boat. Our gondolier was a young man, hardly the singer you would love to listen to. But we enjoyed our ride.
Taverna Al Remer is a cosy pub restaurant near Rialto Bridge, and it faces the Grand Canal (no views), but it's not easy to find. The food was delicious. We came here twice, and both times ordered the Spritz cocktail, a Venetian creation, it seems.
Our second day was designed to be one to get lost in Venice. As some in our group still didn't get used to the idea, we got lost in separate ways. Sim and I took ages to reach St Mark's Square. We met really nice locals whom we accosted to ask the way. An elderly lady practised her English on us, but it was a pity both sides were in a hurry.
So, what can I offer you about Venice?
a. As all references and guidebooks tell you, get lost. But, you must take time to do so. Never be in a hurry. In the process, speak with locals; many will say they don't speak English, but you meet very nice people.
b. Venice is one place one can ponder over what the whole purpose of travel is about. I sum it simply: to feel a place, not see it; to live it, not pass it; and, not to want to do something, but to collect in your memory bank the snapshot of time that you want to keep of a place forever.
c. Read a. again. No, really, get on the canals, ride the water buses, or taxis, or even the gondolas if you feel extravagant (which in Venice, you must), and get romantic. Watch the sunset, sip wine wine, eat crepe with ice cream.
d. Get to know a little of Venice's history and culture, even if only to find out that Marco Polo hailed from here.
e. Unless you come in summer (for those who love crowds), spend a little shopping money. In off season, shop assistants try very hard to get your business. They can be very nice.
4. Lombardy: Europe's Beautiful Lake and Milan
Lake Como is Italy's third largest lake with an area of 146 sq.km. and over 400m deep.
We rented an apartment in Bellagio, a town across the lake from Varenna, where the trains from Milan discharge holiday makers who then walk five minutes to the ferry terminal for the 15 minute ride across the placid waters.
The only thing to do in Bellagio is to eat, drink and sleep. Unless ...
You rely on taxi service in Bellagio. There're only a few drivers so one needs to reserve the service. Otherwise, you wait...and wait, like we did.
A better way to enjoy Bellagio is, perhaps, to stay by the lake shore and use the ferries. Even better is to hire a car. And, how many days should one stay at Lake Como? Bellagio appears to be a very popular base for visits around the area. For us, two days gave us time to only visit the famous Melzi garden in Bellagio and to shop. To experience Lake Como nicely, I'd love to stay four or five days. There're nice towns to visit using the regular ferries. The Lombardy region has only a few white wines and maybe several more reds. A longer visit will certainly refresh.
There seems to be some good restaurants in Bellagio. I was impatient for dinner time. I reserved six places at Ittiturismo Pescaturismo Mella in San Giovanni. Here we are, at 7pm, admiring the views from San Giovanni, waiting for the restaurant to open its doors. The degustation menu better be good.
Our dinner that evening turned out to be a surprise. We had a whole trout freshly caught in the lake. It was so huge that we couldn't finish it. It was delisioso, as Italians say.
On the penultimate day of our Italian Vacation, we left by the 8.30am ferry and waited almost two hours in Varenna. It's another quaint city, nice to explore in.
Milan was our overnight stop and from here we said goodbye to Italy.
This time, we stayed in the Jewish Ghetto, thirty minutes from the tourist hubbub of activity. We paid €100 to sit on the decorated boat. Our gondolier was a young man, hardly the singer you would love to listen to. But we enjoyed our ride.
Taverna Al Remer is a cosy pub restaurant near Rialto Bridge, and it faces the Grand Canal (no views), but it's not easy to find. The food was delicious. We came here twice, and both times ordered the Spritz cocktail, a Venetian creation, it seems.
Our second day was designed to be one to get lost in Venice. As some in our group still didn't get used to the idea, we got lost in separate ways. Sim and I took ages to reach St Mark's Square. We met really nice locals whom we accosted to ask the way. An elderly lady practised her English on us, but it was a pity both sides were in a hurry.
So, what can I offer you about Venice?
a. As all references and guidebooks tell you, get lost. But, you must take time to do so. Never be in a hurry. In the process, speak with locals; many will say they don't speak English, but you meet very nice people.
b. Venice is one place one can ponder over what the whole purpose of travel is about. I sum it simply: to feel a place, not see it; to live it, not pass it; and, not to want to do something, but to collect in your memory bank the snapshot of time that you want to keep of a place forever.
c. Read a. again. No, really, get on the canals, ride the water buses, or taxis, or even the gondolas if you feel extravagant (which in Venice, you must), and get romantic. Watch the sunset, sip wine wine, eat crepe with ice cream.
d. Get to know a little of Venice's history and culture, even if only to find out that Marco Polo hailed from here.
e. Unless you come in summer (for those who love crowds), spend a little shopping money. In off season, shop assistants try very hard to get your business. They can be very nice.
4. Lombardy: Europe's Beautiful Lake and Milan
Lake Como is Italy's third largest lake with an area of 146 sq.km. and over 400m deep.
We rented an apartment in Bellagio, a town across the lake from Varenna, where the trains from Milan discharge holiday makers who then walk five minutes to the ferry terminal for the 15 minute ride across the placid waters.
The only thing to do in Bellagio is to eat, drink and sleep. Unless ...
You rely on taxi service in Bellagio. There're only a few drivers so one needs to reserve the service. Otherwise, you wait...and wait, like we did.
A better way to enjoy Bellagio is, perhaps, to stay by the lake shore and use the ferries. Even better is to hire a car. And, how many days should one stay at Lake Como? Bellagio appears to be a very popular base for visits around the area. For us, two days gave us time to only visit the famous Melzi garden in Bellagio and to shop. To experience Lake Como nicely, I'd love to stay four or five days. There're nice towns to visit using the regular ferries. The Lombardy region has only a few white wines and maybe several more reds. A longer visit will certainly refresh.
There seems to be some good restaurants in Bellagio. I was impatient for dinner time. I reserved six places at Ittiturismo Pescaturismo Mella in San Giovanni. Here we are, at 7pm, admiring the views from San Giovanni, waiting for the restaurant to open its doors. The degustation menu better be good.
Our dinner that evening turned out to be a surprise. We had a whole trout freshly caught in the lake. It was so huge that we couldn't finish it. It was delisioso, as Italians say.
On the penultimate day of our Italian Vacation, we left by the 8.30am ferry and waited almost two hours in Varenna. It's another quaint city, nice to explore in.
Milan was our overnight stop and from here we said goodbye to Italy.
Rome, I think, is mostly about the past - its monuments, magnificent structures and art. But the city, in its wisdom, has managed to preserved things that matter, while other cities cast their past away seeking development.
Rome is quite nice. But we're in its old district.
2. TUSCANY: Great Countryside, Pinocchio & Cinqueterre
The train trip from Rome to Florence on April 7 was a rush: we arrive at Roma Termini with 30 minutes to spare, and we didn't know that having a booking number was sufficient.
Florence seems great for shopping for leather. Florentine people know what shoppers want.
Florence is also the home of Pinocchio. Interestingly, the author, a Florentino, was a satirist, and behind the children's tale is a dark side for human adults to learn about. For more, read the caption on the image of the marionette.
After two days of walking, shopping and ogling at cathedrals, we packed our bags and took the train to Cinque Terre.
Afternoon on arriving Monterosso was a lazy affair: watching the world go by while relaxing on a bench near our apartment. The sea was only a stone throw away. Lunch was spaghetti served with mussel and clam; we paid tourist prices of course - close to €20 per head, with charges for bread, water and Cappuccino on top of the €14 for spaghetti.
This was the place to burn off calories from eating too much good food. Only the track from Monterosso to Vernezza was open, so the next day, Tuck Onn and I started out before 10am to walk this 2-hour section of Cinque Terre.
The coastal scenery was gorgeous; no wonder in summer, Cinqueterra and its trains are always packed with tourists. We stayed here for four days.
In Pisa, I don't know why my mood turned somber. It could be because Galileo conducted his experiment up in the famous tower. How natural it must be for him to try out his theories here. I sat on the steps outside the duomo and was amused by the antics of tourists trying to hold up the tower on their photography.
Our last days in Tuscany were: a memorable guided hike from Soviere back to Monterosso, tasting Cinqueterre's famous white wines (I enjoyed the bouquet of the Capellini, of which there are two types) and a ferry journey to see the five hamlets. Cinqueterre was the highlight of our Tuscan vacation.
3. Italy's Eternal City
We last visited Venice in autumn 1989. Spring as well is not busy, temperatures mild, and walking around a delight.
We made a beeline for Rialto Bridge. The views from on top this icon is in my view the best in Venice. Instantly, I'm happy. And nostalgic. 26 years ago, we stayed in Locunda Sturion, a boutique hotel overlooking Rialto on the Grand Canal. Then, we were serenaded each night with Italian ballads sung enthusiastically by gondoliers. But we didn't sit on one of the gondolas.
This time, we stayed in the Jewish Ghetto, thirty minutes from the tourist hubbub of activity. We paid €100 to sit on the decorated boat. Our gondolier was a young man, hardly the singer you would love to listen to. But we enjoyed our ride.
Taverna Al Remer is a cosy pub restaurant near Rialto Bridge, and it faces the Grand Canal (no views), but it's not easy to find. The food was delicious. We came here twice, and both times ordered the Spritz cocktail, a Venetian creation, it seems.
Our second day was designed to be one to get lost in Venice. As some in our group still didn't get used to the idea, we got lost in separate ways. Sim and I took ages to reach St Mark's Square. We met really nice locals whom we accosted to ask the way. An elderly lady practised her English on us, but it was a pity both sides were in a hurry.
So, what can I offer you about Venice?
a. As all references and guidebooks tell you, get lost. But, you must take time to do so. Never be in a hurry. In the process, speak with locals; many will say they don't speak English, but you meet very nice people.
b. Venice is one place one can ponder over what the whole purpose of travel is about. I sum it simply: to feel a place, not see it; to live it, not pass it; and, not to want to do something, but to collect in your memory bank the snapshot of time that you want to keep of a place forever.
c. Read a. again. No, really, get on the canals, ride the water buses, or taxis, or even the gondolas if you feel extravagant (which in Venice, you must), and get romantic. Watch the sunset, sip wine wine, eat crepe with ice cream.
d. Get to know a little of Venice's history and culture, even if only to find out that Marco Polo hailed from here.
e. Unless you come in summer (for those who love crowds), spend a little shopping money. In off season, shop assistants try very hard to get your business. They can be very nice.
4. Lombardy: Europe's Beautiful Lake and Milan
Lake Como is Italy's third largest lake with an area of 146 sq.km. and over 400m deep.
We rented an apartment in Bellagio, a town across the lake from Varenna, where the trains from Milan discharge holiday makers who then walk five minutes to the ferry terminal for the 15 minute ride across the placid waters.
The only thing to do in Bellagio is to eat, drink and sleep. Unless ...
You rely on taxi service in Bellagio. There're only a few drivers so one needs to reserve the service. Otherwise, you wait...and wait, like we did.
A better way to enjoy Bellagio is, perhaps, to stay by the lake shore and use the ferries. Even better is to hire a car. And, how many days should one stay at Lake Como? Bellagio appears to be a very popular base for visits around the area. For us, two days gave us time to only visit the famous Melzi garden in Bellagio and to shop. To experience Lake Como nicely, I'd love to stay four or five days. There're nice towns to visit using the regular ferries. The Lombardy region has only a few white wines and maybe several more reds. A longer visit will certainly refresh.
There seems to be some good restaurants in Bellagio. I was impatient for dinner time. I reserved six places at Ittiturismo Pescaturismo Mella in San Giovanni. Here we are, at 7pm, admiring the views from San Giovanni, waiting for the restaurant to open its doors. The degustation menu better be good.
Our dinner that evening turned out to be a surprise. We had a whole trout freshly caught in the lake. It was so huge that we couldn't finish it. It was delisioso, as Italians say.
On the penultimate day of our Italian Vacation, we left by the 8.30am ferry and waited almost two hours in Varenna. It's another quaint city, nice to explore in.
Milan was our overnight stop and from here we said goodbye to Italy.
This time, we stayed in the Jewish Ghetto, thirty minutes from the tourist hubbub of activity. We paid €100 to sit on the decorated boat. Our gondolier was a young man, hardly the singer you would love to listen to. But we enjoyed our ride.
Taverna Al Remer is a cosy pub restaurant near Rialto Bridge, and it faces the Grand Canal (no views), but it's not easy to find. The food was delicious. We came here twice, and both times ordered the Spritz cocktail, a Venetian creation, it seems.
Our second day was designed to be one to get lost in Venice. As some in our group still didn't get used to the idea, we got lost in separate ways. Sim and I took ages to reach St Mark's Square. We met really nice locals whom we accosted to ask the way. An elderly lady practised her English on us, but it was a pity both sides were in a hurry.
So, what can I offer you about Venice?
a. As all references and guidebooks tell you, get lost. But, you must take time to do so. Never be in a hurry. In the process, speak with locals; many will say they don't speak English, but you meet very nice people.
b. Venice is one place one can ponder over what the whole purpose of travel is about. I sum it simply: to feel a place, not see it; to live it, not pass it; and, not to want to do something, but to collect in your memory bank the snapshot of time that you want to keep of a place forever.
c. Read a. again. No, really, get on the canals, ride the water buses, or taxis, or even the gondolas if you feel extravagant (which in Venice, you must), and get romantic. Watch the sunset, sip wine wine, eat crepe with ice cream.
d. Get to know a little of Venice's history and culture, even if only to find out that Marco Polo hailed from here.
e. Unless you come in summer (for those who love crowds), spend a little shopping money. In off season, shop assistants try very hard to get your business. They can be very nice.
4. Lombardy: Europe's Beautiful Lake and Milan
Lake Como is Italy's third largest lake with an area of 146 sq.km. and over 400m deep.
We rented an apartment in Bellagio, a town across the lake from Varenna, where the trains from Milan discharge holiday makers who then walk five minutes to the ferry terminal for the 15 minute ride across the placid waters.
The only thing to do in Bellagio is to eat, drink and sleep. Unless ...
You rely on taxi service in Bellagio. There're only a few drivers so one needs to reserve the service. Otherwise, you wait...and wait, like we did.
A better way to enjoy Bellagio is, perhaps, to stay by the lake shore and use the ferries. Even better is to hire a car. And, how many days should one stay at Lake Como? Bellagio appears to be a very popular base for visits around the area. For us, two days gave us time to only visit the famous Melzi garden in Bellagio and to shop. To experience Lake Como nicely, I'd love to stay four or five days. There're nice towns to visit using the regular ferries. The Lombardy region has only a few white wines and maybe several more reds. A longer visit will certainly refresh.
There seems to be some good restaurants in Bellagio. I was impatient for dinner time. I reserved six places at Ittiturismo Pescaturismo Mella in San Giovanni. Here we are, at 7pm, admiring the views from San Giovanni, waiting for the restaurant to open its doors. The degustation menu better be good.
Our dinner that evening turned out to be a surprise. We had a whole trout freshly caught in the lake. It was so huge that we couldn't finish it. It was delisioso, as Italians say.
On the penultimate day of our Italian Vacation, we left by the 8.30am ferry and waited almost two hours in Varenna. It's another quaint city, nice to explore in.
Milan was our overnight stop and from here we said goodbye to Italy.
Sunday, October 5, 2014
Attractions in Georgetown, Penang
These places are definitely worth visiting if you're spending a few days in Georgetown:
1. Architectural splendor and heritage buildings, places of worship
In 1786,the British established their first colony in the Malay peninsular. Soon, there was an influx of Chinese, Indians and Arabs. Today, some of the colonial buildings remain. Many wealthy Chinese also left their mark in the form of grand mansions.
Francis Light first landed in the area where Fort Cornwallis stands. The British had to defend themselves against the French and the fort is complete with a chapel, a gunpowder magazine, cell rooms, flagstaff, harbour light and several cannons. It is also the biggest well-preserved fort in the country.
More on Fort Cornwallis
Khoo Kongsi Clan was one of five big clans in Georgetown, all Hokkien, deriving their origin in Fujian Provine, China. The clan house is one of the most magnificent in Southeast Asia.
Click here for more information.
Don't miss the Cheong Fatt Tze "Blue Mansion". It's now a museum and guided heritage tours are conducted daily.
Click here for more information.
The majority of Malaysians follow three of the world's great faiths: Islam, Buddhism and Hinduism; and, it seems, they are extremely tolerant about where they build their places of worship. My friend, Mr Wong, suggested that tourists visit Pitt Street. Here, a Chinese temple stands close to a mosque. Nearby is an old Anglican Church. (Click here for a good description of the history of this street and the places of worship.) An old synagogue can be found in Yahudi Road, and nearby is an Anglican Church.
2. Kek Lok Si in Ayer Itam: The Kek Lok Si temple is the most famous Chinese temple in Penang and one of the largest in Southeast Asia. Its construction started in the late 19th century.
More information can be found in the Tourism Malaysia website here.
3. Penang Hill
4. Botanical Gardens
5. Snake Temple: If you still haven't seen enough of temples, this one is for you. The temple is more than 200 years old and is located in Bayan Lepas on the way to the airport. If you aren't squeamish about clammy slithering reptiles, put one of the pit vipers round your shoulder. Don't worry about their venom. It has been removed, but don't take my word for it.
For more information, click here.
6. Gurney Drive, a glutton's heaven
All visitors to Penang head for Gurney Drive to taste their favorite food. Penang has arguably the best cuisine in Malaysia. Penang laksa is the all time favourite, but you'll find countless varieties of mouth watering and cheap food to savor. Gurney Drive has its share of bars and nightlife.
Information on night life.
1. Architectural splendor and heritage buildings, places of worship
In 1786,the British established their first colony in the Malay peninsular. Soon, there was an influx of Chinese, Indians and Arabs. Today, some of the colonial buildings remain. Many wealthy Chinese also left their mark in the form of grand mansions.
Francis Light first landed in the area where Fort Cornwallis stands. The British had to defend themselves against the French and the fort is complete with a chapel, a gunpowder magazine, cell rooms, flagstaff, harbour light and several cannons. It is also the biggest well-preserved fort in the country.
More on Fort Cornwallis
Khoo Kongsi Clan was one of five big clans in Georgetown, all Hokkien, deriving their origin in Fujian Provine, China. The clan house is one of the most magnificent in Southeast Asia.
Click here for more information.
Don't miss the Cheong Fatt Tze "Blue Mansion". It's now a museum and guided heritage tours are conducted daily.
Click here for more information.
The majority of Malaysians follow three of the world's great faiths: Islam, Buddhism and Hinduism; and, it seems, they are extremely tolerant about where they build their places of worship. My friend, Mr Wong, suggested that tourists visit Pitt Street. Here, a Chinese temple stands close to a mosque. Nearby is an old Anglican Church. (Click here for a good description of the history of this street and the places of worship.) An old synagogue can be found in Yahudi Road, and nearby is an Anglican Church.
2. Kek Lok Si in Ayer Itam: The Kek Lok Si temple is the most famous Chinese temple in Penang and one of the largest in Southeast Asia. Its construction started in the late 19th century.
More information can be found in the Tourism Malaysia website here.
3. Penang Hill
4. Botanical Gardens
5. Snake Temple: If you still haven't seen enough of temples, this one is for you. The temple is more than 200 years old and is located in Bayan Lepas on the way to the airport. If you aren't squeamish about clammy slithering reptiles, put one of the pit vipers round your shoulder. Don't worry about their venom. It has been removed, but don't take my word for it.
For more information, click here.
6. Gurney Drive, a glutton's heaven
All visitors to Penang head for Gurney Drive to taste their favorite food. Penang has arguably the best cuisine in Malaysia. Penang laksa is the all time favourite, but you'll find countless varieties of mouth watering and cheap food to savor. Gurney Drive has its share of bars and nightlife.
Information on night life.
Attractions in Kuching, Sarawak
These are my three favourite attractions in Kuching:
1. Sarawak Cultural Village: combine a stay in a beach resort in Damai with a visit to this excellent attraction. Allow a minimum of half a day to examine the mock up houses of the main native groups in Sarawak and join in activities such as testing your skill with the blowpipe. Stay for dinner and watch a cultural performance.
More on the Sarawak Cultural Village
More on the Sarawak Cultural Village
2. Bako State Park: this is one of the smallest nature park in Malaysia, but also its prettiest in my view. Visitors get to enjoy rainforest, heath forest and beach in one place. Wildlife is abundant: at dawn, monitor lizards enter the mangrove areas to fish, while the unique proboscis monkeys emerge to feed on top of the mangrove plants. Try and stay overnight to enjoy these shows of nature. It is recommended to contact the park office to enquire about the condition and availability of the chalets.
3. Kuching Waterfront: a relaxing day in Kuching can be had by strolling in the riverbank of the Sarawak River, watching the world go by. (More on the Kuching Waterfront)
Nearby are quaint shophouses where you can hunt for souvenirs. Once, I bought a hand made rattan mat and I was very pleased with this purchase. If you have cash to spend, this is the place to buy bird's nest, a delicacy harvested from the spit of swallows. But, shop around and avoid scammers and touts.
Tip: if you wish to see the world's largest flower, call up the relevant offices to check if the flower is in bloom.
Read about the Gunung Gading National Park
Read about the Gunung Gading National Park
Saturday, July 26, 2014
Management Minute: Don't rush your decisions, but be decisive!
Not so long ago, I observed a situation in which inexperience and haste created a situation akin to one where, as the saying goes, the horse has bolted.
The manager undervalued the services of an employee and tried to nullify his employment contract. He offered a new remuneration package that was so humiliating that the employee felt offended and announced his decision to quit the job.
Meanwhile the manager started making inquiries of other staff to see if someone could take over the duties of the staff who was quitting. Unfortunately, it didn't appear that anyone could, or was willing to, do so.
If the inexperienced manager had reversed the order in which he executed the intended changes, and had been a bit calmer, he may not have to face the resulting chaos.
Indecision and haste often are buddy friends. They wreck organizations and relationships. By all means, be decisive, but never be hasty.
The manager undervalued the services of an employee and tried to nullify his employment contract. He offered a new remuneration package that was so humiliating that the employee felt offended and announced his decision to quit the job.
Meanwhile the manager started making inquiries of other staff to see if someone could take over the duties of the staff who was quitting. Unfortunately, it didn't appear that anyone could, or was willing to, do so.
If the inexperienced manager had reversed the order in which he executed the intended changes, and had been a bit calmer, he may not have to face the resulting chaos.
Indecision and haste often are buddy friends. They wreck organizations and relationships. By all means, be decisive, but never be hasty.
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