The Fun Of Learning To Cook Authentic Thai Food

Thai food has become an international favorite of many individuals. Unlike Italian or French foods that taste good almost anywhere in the world, Thai food can sometimes be a bit bland when it is not enjoyed in Thailand itself. This does not mean that there are no authentic Thai restaurants that deliver the genuine product, but they are sometimes difficult to find.

Certain individuals who are familiar with Eastern cooking techniques are not as familiar with Thai flavor profiles. For this reason some people choose to visit Thailand and enroll in a Thai cooking course. The Bai Pai Culinary School located in Bangkok Chongnonsee area is a popular favorite of many Thai cooking students. 

One of the nicest features of this school is their traditional outdoor approach to Thai-style cooking. Most Thai homes feature compact indoor kitchens inside the home while a generous kitchen is located outside the dwelling. This is due to the smoke and intense high heat resulting from the various oils that are a big part of traditional Thai cooking, which make it almost impossible to prepare certain dishes indoors.

The Bai Pai school's kitchen is located in a stylish but small Thai house in one of the town's quieter neighborhoods. The school's instructor will guide students through the preparation of meals while the geckos croak and the wind wafts through the palm trees. It is a great treat to experience nature and cooking simultaneously.

Classes at the school are led through step by step instructions in order to prepare several dishes as individual courses. Students can take breaks in between dishes to sit down and sample their creations as they go along. Meals range from basic dishes such as prawn in tamarind sauce and green papaya salad and red curry roasted duck.

Students are taught everything from the simple tasks such as cleaning of shrimp, the proper way to use a mortar and pestle and how to tie pandan leaves. Students are even instructed in the art of separating coconut milk in order to isolate the thickest, creamiest part of the milk.

Many students find that it makes a pleasant day to learn interesting and helpful cooking techniques while enjoying the tropical outdoors. It is a great way for one to indulge a love of nature and a love of cooking at the same time. For me, it's a truly unique hand-on experience that worthwhile to gain in my life.

Talking About Bangkok

Many folks like to begin their exploration of this fabulous city by simply starting out walking up and down it's very busy streets. They will often stop and treat themselves to one of the popular local dishes as a snack to enjoy on their journey. One always popular choice is the red pork and wontons in the egg noodle soup. They may then at some point opt to enjoy the boat ride down the river which is always a thrilling and fulfilling way to see so many of the beautiful sights and many different monuments and landmarks contained within the city. Of course there can and will be if desired a stop at one of the special restaurants on the river such as the one located at the Thewet pier known as the In Love restaurant.

Many choose to depart at Saphan Taksin from the ferry in order to head to Siam via the skytrain. After enjoying the ride and the magnificent sights, many will choose to unwind even more perhaps with a Thai massage or perhaps a very relaxing swim. Bangkok is truly a city of alternate expressions and offerings where a person might find whatever it is they are seeking. That could be sunset cocktails at a beautiful rooftop bar such as the Vertigo which sits atop the Hotel Banyon Tree to enjoying local cuisine at one of the many street side cafes dotting any of the city's busy thoroughfares. Of course there are also so many tiny bars along the avenue where one might stop to refresh themselves with some salty beans and ice cold beer.

Of course, another special treat available for visitors to enjoy are one of the evening dinner cruises that the better hotels usually organize and offer. So many folks thoroughly enjoy these trips. Many of the even more adventurous though will choose to venture out on their own exploration of the many small clubs dotting the city, many offering terrific live music and performances.

One visit that must be made by everyone spending any time at all in the city is to the Erawan Shrine, the Four Faced Buddha. Literally, hundreds of good folks will visit there daily and offer their prayers and promise of good works should their requests be answered. Centrally located in the city with so much to offer it's visitors, the Erawan Shrine is guaranteed to be a place that will remain seared in a person's mind and heart long after the visit is over.

Venturing Morning To Night at Exciting and Relaxing Hong Kong

It is early morning as I walk leisurely in Hong Kong Park, and then pause, entranced by the graceful, slow-motion sweeps of "Tai Chi" enthusiasts. I linger, marveling over the Edward Youde Aviary's wondrous birds.

I seek a hearty breakfast next, pondering the numerous cafés in the Central and choosing Eating Plus in at the IFC Mall for its entertaining crowd. Afterwards, the bullet-shaped skyscraper Two IFC catches my upwards, squinting gaze as I attempt to take in the entire outline of this tallest building in the city before cramming myself among hoards of commuters to ride the Star Ferry to Kowloon, across the gleaming Victoria Harbor. When I reach Tsim Sha Tsui, I wander the promenade and admire the spectacular cityscape views, all the way back towards Hong Kong Island. Ducking into a favorite Hong Kong attraction, the Space Museum, I must decide between taking in its giant planetarium or watching the latest IMAX film.

My itinerary flows onward and I walk the Golden Mile upwards (that also goes by its official name Nathan Road) so I can revel a while amid the exciting commercial chaos there and give due respect to the famously and delightfully dilapidated Chungking Mansions, before plunging into the MTR station of Tsim Sha Tsui, a place nearly deserted by tourists, where wandering Temple Street downwards and observing the lively street scenery of stall holders setting up the Night Market charms me thoroughly. Now I sense hunger again, so I ride the MTR further southward and stride purposefully into the Kowloon Hotel basement, for this is where I have already booked ahead a highly anticipated feast of dim sum at the restaurant Hoi Yat Heen.

Riding the Star Ferry back over the harbor I muse that one trip is never enough, then I decide to catch the Peak Tram's steep roll to fabulous Victoria Peak during the waning late afternoon. Next, I jump back on the tram down to the Central Escalator just to be trundled up once again through glimpses of life in Hong Kong at the Mid-Levels, peeked at through residential and bar windows crowding all around. The Lan Kwai Fong alleys provide a perfect final hideout for celebrating this exciting (yet relaxing) day of adventuring the familiar (yet exotic) over many tossed-back drinks and trays full of tasty treats.

Lan Kwai Fong has a reputation as the home of the best Hong Kong bars, so naturally it also goes by a more flippant nickname: none other than - you guessed it, perhaps - party central. It is a cobble-stoned, L-shaped lane encircled by Central's striking skyscraper cluster. Lanes near this haunt also buzz with noisy pubs and bistros, so that the whole neighborhood around Lan Kwai Fong might accurately be called the trendiest nightlife destination in Hong Kong. Foreigners (called "gweilos") and filth abound among rows of bars spilling people forth in all directions onto its streets. This notable Hong Kong night life place defies adequate description and must be experienced to the fullest, blaring music, boisterous crowds, and all. This is where people of all professions, with diverse and fascinating life stories, flock to relish drinks with colleagues and friends.

Short Stay in Bali

If I were staying in South Bali, I would get up and go for a walk north on this fantastic beach that runs from the airport in the south past Legions, Kuta, and Seminyak, and beyond for at most another five km. This clearing of sand is buffeted by the type of surf that put Bali on the chart for backpacking boarders in the nineteen sixties. Get involved in a volleyball game with some locals, rent a bench or chair, take surfing lessons, buy a beer from one of the numerous vendors or get a massage from one of the veteran masseuses, it is a rather mellow sight that stretches as far as the eyes can see.

Moreover, let's say that you must get from Seminyak to Kuta quickly, using the beach route is the fastest and most attractive route to getting there as of yet. In the afternoon, I would go to one of the many great Seminyak restaurants for lunch, later I would go to one of the numerous clubs spontaneously. If I were staying in Ubud, I would get a room and simply chill out. I might stir to go for a walk through the river valleys and rice fields, but I would soon return and stay by the pool. I would absolutely make time to wander the streets checking out some of the great little shops, which seem to emerge like mushrooms after the rain. In fact, at night, I would go to watch one of the enchanting dance performances provided all over town at venues. After that, I would go out and eat alfresco at a fine neighborhood restaurant. Grab a shot of Cappuccino and get ready to drink in some fresh air. Then, take a leisure walk along the breezy paths of South Bali.

On the next day, I would make my way to Pura Tanah Lot ("Temple of Land in the Middle of the Sea"), one of Bali's most famous sea temples, for a fascinate sight, especially at sunset. Tanah Lot temple stands on a rocky island just off the south west coast of Bali. The temple itself was told to be guarded from evil by the sea snakes stays in the caves below.

The temple itself is not reachable to tourists, however good views can be had from a variety of hotspot nearby. Visitors especially gather on the verandas in the vicinity to watch the glow of the sunset behind Pura Tanah Lot. Of course I would not miss this.

Pristine And Delightful Chiang Mai

My morning begins at the café with a mug of steaming coffee, brewed from Arabica beans which are roasted locally and a plateful of French toasts. After a leisurely read of the Bangkok post and observing the local monks on their morning rounds for alms, I am ready for an interesting ride on my bicycle to investigate the old city's surrounding moats that date back 150 years. I go past Pratu Phae which has brick remnants that are restored, and enter the cultural heart and geographical center of Chiang Mai.

Making an initial stop at the monument of the Three Kings, I offer my respects to the fathers who founded the Lanna Kingdom of Chiang Mai. Then I ride on to check out the latest exhibits of culture and art of northern Thailand. These are preserved in a provincial hall dating back to 1924, which itself is an architectural masterpiece of post colonial Thailand. If I find the need to still indulge in fine architecture, I would head for the quadrangle in the old city which has about 33 Buddhist temples of historic importance. I am always inspired by the Chedi Luang which houses the monument with the tallest stupa, and also the exquisitely carved panels in wood of Wat Tao.

Later I will make a stop for lunch at either Heuan Phen or Si Phen where I would get a taste of the sausages of Chiang Mai accompanied with a flaming dip of green chilies. Scooting randomly through winding and narrow lanes called Soi, I will get a marvelous taste of the street life in Chiang Mai. I will get to observe young housewives busily hanging laundry, backpackers from Europe trying to find a guesthouse, giggling school children and the ever-present noodle vendors. When the heat and peak of afternoon traffic gets too much to handle, I am going to pack my bike on the back of a truck taxi which is locally called the sawngthaew, and head for the Doi Suthep's lower slopes which are to the city's west. I am looking forward to enjoying a cool Singha at the restaurant called Huay Kaew which has an excellent view of a beautiful waterfall that tumbles off rocks shaded by trees.

In the evening, warm the body with a 2 hours Thai Traditional Massage at Chiang Mai Oasis Spa, a Thai Herbal Hot Compress on the stomach and back finishing with an Aromatic full body oil massage. High recommend to this wonderful service and such a lovely place, you will be pampered like never before and totally relaxed, that worth for every Thai Baht paid.

Seoul - Exploring The True Colors Of The City

You cannot enter the soul of Seoul if you do not encounter its unique drinking and eating habits and mix with the locals who are not any less unique. You can start the day in Namdaemum with a breakfast of spicy-cold noodles, surrounded with all kinds of sounds that are inseparable with the Korean eating customs: a belching woman on the left, a shopkeeper shouting welcome or rather, 'Oh so seyo,' in front and maybe some old man noisily slurping down his bowl of noodle on the right. Koreans in fact have a unique audible and personal relationship with food. For a different color of Seoul, you can however head to the district of Apgujeong, the most happening entertainment and sopping quarter of the city. An out-and-out commercial center, it is still steeped in an exclusive Korean beauty.

One can then make his way to Samwon Garden. The restaurant is famous for its barbecue preparations and you will like your piece of meat there. And when the stomach is full and content, it is time to check in to one of the many bathhouses that dot the city. On the Myeong Dong street is located the bathhouse Hurest Well Being which is a nice one to take your bathe in as it is a big one and does not stay overcrowded in the afternoon. After an hour or so rotating between clod and hot tubs, you will feel rejuvenated and will be rearing for more. The healthy feeling of thirst will swoon upon you and you will probably like to sit at a quiet pavement chair placed outside one of those many shops lining the Myeong Dong street. Just as you quench your thirst with some tasty vital fluid, you may get to see a gaggling bunch of college students approaching you. Invite them for a drink and you will surely enjoy the happy chatter together. And as the day slowly spins out, you will wait eagerly for the surprises awaiting you the next day.

Recommend to pay a visit to Korean Folk Village, which located at Gyeonggi province. The village presents with the traditional culture of South Korea. Do enjoy the Korea folk performance, wood craving, sculpture garden, art gallery and understand why amethyst and Ginseng are one of the most popular products in Korea by foreigners. One more thing, you should try out the yummy traditional foods that sold in the market place. Don't miss it!

A day in Beijing and its surroundings

Beijing is an interesting place that you will never run out of new things to see.  There are many historical places and it is also rich in culture.  I could ride my bike around and drop by a simple nearby store where I can eat breakfast that serves local dishes.  I will go sightseeing and enjoy the surroundings.  I was able to visit the Forbidden City.  Then pass by the Gate of Heavenly Peace where Tiananmen Square is close by.  I can find a variety of things being sold there.  Right now it is all about the propaganda-era posters.

In the square area I managed to witness a huge display of kites and it ended before the Arrow Tower. I can not fully enjoy this experience without seeing myself on the wall walk.  I could not believe my eyes when I saw the Mongol hordes tumble down the city.  They did distribute lamb hotpot to the people.  I am glad they did because I have something to eat later on that day.

Later I managed to visit Liulichang St to look for souvenirs I can bring home.  It will be convenient for me to head there since it is on the way to the Summer Palace.  It is peculiar to go there at this time knowing the fact that it is a huge place and they close early in the summer which is (6pm in the evening).  Even though it is closing time, they do not force anyone to leave.  I was able to stay long enough to enjoy the sun set at the same time finish my alcoholic beverage near the Kunming Lake.  It was the best experience I could ever ask for.  It is one of the most relaxing places in the world.  There is no other place like Beijing.

Have fun at Menteng Indonesia

One of Jakarta's most pleasing historical inhabited closed societies, Menteng today still reveals the original early 20th century Dutch apparition for the region. Glossy modern houses coexists with traditional majestic homes along restful tree-lined boulevards, offering Jakartans and tourists alike a glance into a previous era with some of the pleasures of its gentler pace of life. There is much to explore in Menteng, from its chronological buildings and antiques marketplaces to its stylish eating shops and sole retail outlets.

Music at Taman Suropati
This eventful little park is located in a horseshoe of spectacular and well-preserved 1920s houses that are now home to Jakarta's administrator and several ambassadors. It is famous for its statues by artists from  Asean countries. On Sundays or public holidays, it drawn courting couples and picnicking families, with artists selling their works, provisions vendors hawking gado gado (vegetable salad with peanut sauce) or fried tauho (bean curd), and street performer entertaining the crowd.

Come on a weekend and you'll find young musicians making sweet music with their violins, violas and cellos - and shows appreciation to Pak Ages, who organizes free melody lessons for kids. 

Bargain at Jalan Surabaya
Jalan Surabaya is an establishment in Menteng, and no antique collector or flea market buyer visiting the city should give this a miss. Small, orderly shops sit in a row along this one-way avenue, offering everything from brassware and stranded china to classical instruments and leather tools. Be prepared to be overwhelmed by some light-hearted bargaining. Don't be astound to see workers squatting on their tenderloins a few meters away, shamelessly ageing the wares with shoe polish.

My favourite stall is number 109 where you'll find Pak Tizar using photographs of real people to make scary realistic stiff puppet replicas or wayang kulit. Ask to see the photos of the puppets presented to public figures, regulators, and even US President Barack Obawa.

Historical Malacca

A place steeped in an old memoirs, Malacca was once a trading post of flavors with dealers arriving from all places of the world. Malacca has a colorful olden times with her originator, the Melayu sultans, followed by interference from the Portuguese, Dutch and the Chinese, thus creating a very miscellany of different communities.

Journey to Malacca from Kuala Lumpur, the capital of Malaysia passes charming plantations of oil palms and rubber estates, dotted with occasional villages. The tour to Malacca should begins at the river-mouth, once called as the "Venice of the East". The presence of appealing looking wooden boats laden with mangrove logs and charcoal for barter goods is a reminder of a business being practiced centuries ago.

Tourists are recommended to take a stroll through the narrow Heeren Street and view fine old Dutch buildings from the 17th Century.  Do visit the Baba Nyonya Heritage Private Museum, the only of its kind in the country. A guided tour the  heritage of the Peranakans, a unique culture born of a fusion between Malay and Chinese traditions.

Walk along Jonkers Street which is noted from its antiques shops. Visitors should continue with a stroll on Harmony Street to see Kampung Kling Mosque, an old mosque with Sumatran architecture. Then move on to Cheng Hoon Teng temple, founded by Kapitan China Lee Wei King, a escapee who fled from China during the Ming Dynasty. Next, please then drive to see the Christ Church, the red-hued Malacca Dutch Square, and the unmistakeable Studhyus (one used as the home for the Dutch Governor) which serve a memory of the Dutch power in Malacca during the old days.

Pay a visit to Padang, Merdeka to see the remaining memoir of a Portuguese fort called A 'Famosa with Porta Santa as the presented gateway of the fortress. Get to climb up St. Paul's Hill to explore St. Paul's Church, a roofless property where lays a statue and empty burial chamber of St. Francis Xavier.

Before leaving Malacca, do drive around Bukit China (the Chinese Hill) to see the largest inherited burial graveyard of the early Chinese of Malacca out of China.

The Old Batavia Sideseeing Trip in Jakarta

Jakarta starts its memoirs in the 14th century as a little quay city and today become a lively metropolitis. Old Batavia's center point is the 'Kota' area now. Kampoeng the Old Batavia Tour present the distinctiveness of Jakarta with diverse blends of civilization and traditions.
Some fascinating attractions illustrate as follows:


Kota Intan DrawBridge

In the 18th Century, Kali Besar areas was a very modish suburban neighborhood along the great canal of Cilliwung river. At the north end of the Kali Besar lays a small 17th Century Dutch drawbridge, the last in the city, called the Kota Intan Drawbridge.

National Museum

The National Museum, built in 1862, is the best museum in Indonesia and is reputedly one of the finest in Southeast Asia. The museum has an huge compilation of cultural objects of the different ethnic categories - model houses, musical instruments , costumes, various fine bronzes from the Hindu-Javanese period, as well as many attractive stone pieces picked up from Central Java and other temples.
There's also superb display of Chinese stoneware dating back to the Han empire which was almost entirely stored up in Indonesia.

Sunda Kelapa Harbor

This more than 400 years old waterfront area was a very important link to the markets of the outside world for the 15th Century kingdom. Since then this port has belonged to the Portuguese and Dutch. The harbor is still one of the most crucial calls for sailing vessels from all over places in Indonesia, that serves as an central point of exchange of shipping goods to and from the outer islands. This is one of the finest attraction in Jakarta.

Glodok

Glodok is the heart of Jakarta's China Town. It is now hawkers, banking, entertainment and trading center. Visit to Petak Sembilan Chinese Temple dedicated to the Buddhist goddess of Mercy, Kuan Yin. Developed in 1650, it was on the earliest center of worship for the Batavian Chinese.

Fatahillah Museum

Built in the 16th century, the museum is housed in the old town hall of Batavia, which is probably one of the most solid reminders of Dutch rule to be found in Indonesia. It provides the historic background of Jakarta through a display of maps and antiquities, including porcelains and furniture. 

Built in the 16th century, the museum is housed in the ancient town hall of Batavia, which is perhaps one of the most firm reminders of Dutch rule to be found in Indonesia. It grants the historical background of Jakarta through a pose of ancient artifact and maps, including ceramics and furniture.

Jakarta History Museum and Ragunan Zoo

This museum, housed in the old Batavia Town Hall, is probably the most solid reminder of Dutch rule anywhere in Indonesia. The large, bell-towered hall was built in 1627 and served the administration of the city and the law courts. These days, it's the place to go if you're into heavy carved furniture and other memorabilia from the Dutch period. Among the more interesting exhibits is a series of gloomy  portraits of all the Dutch governors-general and early pictures of Batavia. The Fine Art Ceramics and Puppet Museums are all in waiting distance.

Ragunan Zoo

Formerly named as Taman Marga Satwa Jakarta before 1974, Ragunan Zoo is home to some 4,000 animals and over 50,000 plants of around 1,000 various species. Covering  135 hectares of land in the Ragunan area, Ragunan Zoo also provides itself as the unofficial botanical garden and a water catchment area for Jakarta.

On weekends, the zoo is usually very crowded with visitors pouring from all parts of the Capital as well as other nearby cities such as Bogor and Bandung. They are all eager to see the animal correction, in which the primary focus is still on Indonesia animals and only about a third come from all over the world. Here, you can take a closer look of the beautiful birds of paradise, the Sumatran tiger, the exquisite Komodo dragon, and many more.

Hiking at Sai Kung, Hong Kong

Sai Kung is unusual in that its villages possess more churches than temples. This is due to the vigorous passion of missionaries like Father Volonteri, an Italian priest who tramped this peninsula in the 1860s, long before the New Territories were leased to Britain. Many residents then converted to Catholicism. While the liturgy was conducted in Latin, the European priests often learnt Hakka to communicate with the local people.

As you walk beside the wide rivulet to enter Sai Wan, its small ruined church can be seen in undergrowth to your right. The peaceful village makes a living these days from providing drinks to passing hikers; three or four cafes are open, selling the usual range of beer, tea, noodles and fried rice. One of the elderly restaurateurs has a broad Mancunian accent as a result of working in England as a youth, formerly a common practice among New Territories villagers.

No sign of an economic downturn here. Business is stimulating and village, especially on weekends, offers a choice of sea view restaurants with expanded menus and supplements its income by renting beach supplies. There are two beaches, both with lovely stretches of sand. The trail leads through the village to cross a bridge and heads north over the rocks and then through tall grasses which back the wide beach, bounded by a tidal creek. Pools lie upstream. At the far end, you're obliged to turn inland to cross the  bridge - unless the tide is out, in which case you have direct access to the  mounting coastal path.

Alila Villas Hadahaa at Maldives

The  first luxury resort in the idyllic South coral reefs of the Maldives, Alila Villas Hadahaa offers the definitive in privacy, with the nearest inhabited island some 10km away. Of the 50 modish, minimal-impact villas that constructed with minimal destruction to the natural environment, 14 are strung out along a jetty over a effervescent coral reef while the rest are scattered like seashells on a pristine spit of land.

For a inspirational sunset vista, you can't do better than Aqua Villa 51. Alighted at the end of the jetty, a brilliant ocean scene awaits just outside your window. If you're staying at any of the Island Villas, make sure to marinate up the wonderful bathrooms, complete with deep terrazzo tubs and outdoor showers.

Guests should also make time for Journeys by Alila, customized three-day experiences that give you an insight into the culture, life and history of the Maldives. Choose from snorkeling tours that show you about island and coral isle organization, tour visits to a local traditional village, Maldivian cooking sessions, nature trail walks with a resident biologist, play with dolphin, or diving with manta rays.

Save your stomach for Buttuta's, the only native eatery among the top properties on the Maldives, and enjoy a taste of neighboring cookery with the dishes like char-grilled chicken marinated in pomegranate molasses or snake gourd salad. Then cosy up on the padded swings at the hotel's Bell's Bar as you join in of their sexy cocktails.

The Beauty of Shibamata, Tokyo

Shibamata of Katsuhika Ward is surrounded by a river and greenery. There are chic attraction such as parks with homely tastes, and temples and structures showing a long history.

Shibamata Taishakuten Temple and the approach

Entering through the old wooden gate called Niten-mon, visitors will see attractive structures including the main hall and other structure enshrining Taishakuten. There is a garden with a waterfall offering the natural beauty in four seasons. The approach to Taishakuten is a popular attraction with a number of food paradise such as Dangoya (dumpling shops) and Senbeiya (Japanese rice cracker shops) at either side of the road.

Mizumoto Park

The park has a drainage basin which has a long history. Visitors can enjoy seeing the forest park and aquatic plants like Japanese irises in the natural setup. The “Japanese Iris Festival” is held in June. Also popular is a bird sanctuary that was arranged in the waterfront in the natural environment.

Katsushika-ku Yamamoto-tei

The house of Yamamato Einosuke, a businessman in the Taisho era, is publicly shown. There are many attractions including a warehouse, a tenement house with a gate that combines Western and Japanese styles of architecture, and a beautiful garden arranging a fountain pond and a small artificial hill. There is a corner for a tea shop where visitors may take a rest after strolling at Shibamata.

Yagiri no Watashi

There is one of the ferries established as ferries floating across Tonegawa River by the Tokugawa government in the early Edo era. The ferry is also well-known thanks to “Nogiku-no-Haka”, a novel by Itoh Sachio and “Yagiri-no-Watashi”,  a hit popular song. A ferryboat is available for visitors to ride.

 

Katsushika Shibamata Tora san Museum

This is a memorial hall for “Otokowa Tsuraiyo”, the comic film series that was a bug hit with Atsumi Kiyoshi starring under the directorship of Yamada Yoji. Exhibited are materials offering the world of Tora-san including the studio set used in the movie making, models and films, which visitors will be able to enjoy to seeing.

Kanamachi Purification Plant

This is one of the major water purification plants of the Tokyo Water Supply System. It takes in water from the Edogawa river and supplies water to midtown Tokyo. The water purification capacity of 15 million cubic meters is one the largest class in Japan. The plant is open to the public during the time of cherry blossoms (early June), the week of the water system and on the Day of Metropolitan Citizen on October 1^st.

Lunar New Year in Singapore

Lunar New Year is the biggest and most important date of the Chinese calendar. Full of color, merriment and sumptuous feasts, this s a festival that’s full of tradition, one that’s celebrated with vigor, joy and family reunions. Chinese New Year (CNY) is a 15-days festival that’s celebrated all across the island. It’s also known as Lunar New Year because it ends on the onset of the full moon. It’s widely believed that the folklore behind it stems from a Chinese legend about a predatory beast that awoke each spring and terrorized villagers; until discovered that this frightful horned monster could be scared off which loud noise, the color red and flashes of light.

Therefore it’s no surprise that the occasion is marked with red lanterns and scrolls, street light-ups and lion dance troupes waving loud, rhythmic drumming sounds and firecrackers.  Red is also the color of good luck and prosperity and people greet one another with “Gong Xi Fa Chai” which means “wishing you prosperity this new year” Red packets containing money known as ‘hong baos’ are also given for good luck.

Lunar New Year in Singapore

Preparing for CNY

Visit Chinatown and experience the wondrous street light up, festive bazaars, where there’s lots of shopping to be done in the lead up to the big day.

China town is where Chinese New Year comes alive and this year was no different; it’s definitely the place to soak in the electric atmosphere of the festivities. The festival is celebrated in a massive way through impressive street light-ups, a bazaar comprising some few hundreds stalls and nightly stage performances at Kreta Ayer Square near the impressive Buddha Tooth Relic Temple and Museum. With 2011 being the Year of Rabbit, the annual light-ups pay tribute to this furry friend, which is one of the 12 Zodiac animals. To capture the sights of the New Year, visitors have the chance by taking the photo with larger-than-life displays of rabbits at the junction of New Bridge Road and Cross Street.

Chingay Parade

Catch the dazzling Chingay Parade, an exciting street parade with lots of floats, and a kaleidoscope of multicultural performances from Singapore and regional countries such as China, Indonesia and Malaysia.

Chinese New Year takes to the street through this amazing street and floats parade. Chingay meaning “The arts of masquerade” is an extravaganza of cultures from Singapore and around the world. With over 7,500 performers and 2,000 volunteers, expect spectacular performances like dragons dancing through the sky, giant puppets and floats of every shape, size and color, with international performers coming all the way from China, Denmark, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, Germany and Mexico.

Whale World at Tonga Island

During mid of every year, some 500 humpback whales arrive in the shallow waters off Tonga's Ha'apai Islands to mate and calf, transforming the archipelago into an oversize nursery until September. The Ha'apai are one of the only places in the world where you can snorkel with the 50-foot-long mammals. Some local travel agencies organize the exciting trip and let you get very close to the whales farm.

Just don't expect a Sea World encounter. It is done with the absolute strictest guidelines about behavior around the whales. There is no contact. When not ogling underwater family dynamics and reefs of hard and soft corals, you will be kayaking between islands, which professional writer Paul Theroux once called "The Perfect area of paddling a kayak - possibly the best in the Pacific ..".

For the second half of the trip, clients board a catamaran bound for even more remote reefs and islets. Lodging range from a village homestay to a bunk on the rowboat to over-water chalets; Tongan buffets root vegetables, fresh octopus, and suckling pig are nightly affairs to be served.

Extractions at Ginza Tokyo

Forming up with traditional and historical department stores as well as impressive valuables, Ginza is a colorful district of stylish adults. Few main points that I recommended to visit:

Kabuki-za Theater

The theater stage Kabuki, Japan’s original theatrical art. Earphone guidance in Japanese or English is available for those who are not familiar with Kabuki.

Tsukiji Market

The largest central wholesale market in Japan has long supported the kitchens of the huge city of Tokyo. Restaurants offering fresh seafood dot the market, as well as the Jogai outdoor market.

Shimbashi Enbujo Theater

The large theater built in 1925 has 1,428 seats, offering a wide variety of dramas including Kabuki as well as modern plays. There are restaurants, boxed lunch shops and souvenirs shops.

Ginza Yonchome Intersection

At the intersection of Chuo-Dori Street, and Harumi-Dori Street, there are symbolic architectures of Ginza including Mitsukoshi Department Store and Wako Clock Tower. The perfect place to start a Ginza walk.

Tokyo Takarazuka Theater

The theater is used exclusively for Takarazuka Operas for over 90 years. Visitors are able to enjoy brilliant revues and musicals featuring only actresses throughout the year. Walk-up tickets are also sold every day.

Sony Building

The building contains the Sony showroom, Japan’s leading electric manufacturer, as well as restaurants and an event space. The showroom offers a hands-on experience of the new products.

Winter Night View at Tokyo

During December, the Loyal Retainer Festival (Gishi-Sai) would be held at different places in Tokyo such as Honjo Matsuzaka-cho Park, which used to be part of Lord Kira's mansion, and Sengakuji Temple, home to the graves of the Loyal 47. Also, the Hagoita-ichi Ornamental Battledore Fair, is held at Sensoji Temple. In addition to ordinary decoration battledores, artistic battledores like Fujimusume dolls, a Samurai named Benkei and battledores representing contemporary topics are displayed for sale.

The Oshogatu, i.e. Japan New Year, recommendations are New Year Grand Kabuki and New Year Grand Sumo at Kokugikan stadium. The Camellia Festival starts at the end of January on Izu Oshima Island with camellias blooming all over the island. 

There are many Ume (Japanese Plum) festivals such as the one in the Yushima Tenmangu Shrine in February and the one at Yoshino Baigo in Ohme in March.

In Tokyo, you may want to start off a wonderful evening with a Japanese-style dinner of your choice (tempura, sukiyaki, or vegetarian cuisine) at the restaurants along Ariake district. After dinner, enjoy a drive through the futuristic Odaiba district and over the Rainbow Bridge and experience a breathtaking winter night view of Tokyo from the 52nd floor of Roppongi Hills.

Den My Chau & Thai Nguyen in Hanoi Vietnam

There are a number of sensible attractions in the town of Hanoi, Vietnam though they are scattered at all tourist spot of the area at varying distances from the Hanoi metropolis. It's best to stay in the capital and set up day-trips to preferred destinations.

The first known self-governing Viet Kingdom was created in 258BC when Emperor An Duong established his capital at Co Loa, 16km north of present Hanoi city. There is a little left from the original city, but a few hours trip to Co Loa Citadel is well worth the attempt. An Duong built his capital within three concentric stockade, which spiraled like the shell of a snail, and there are still just able to be seen today.

Close to the Citadel's former south gateway, a large pipal tree shades Den My Chau, a temple dedicated to An Duong's daughter, princess My Chau. Nearby Den An Duong Vuong is committed primarily to King An Duong, but also to the magical Golden Turtle Kim Quy. The patio of this temple rests on six turned and lacquered pillars that support a long roof with curving attics.

Thai Nguyen, 76km north of Hanoi city, is well-known for its excellent Museum of The Nationalities of Vietnam. If you are interested in Vietnam's colorful minorities, a visit is well worth the journey. The exhibits include everyday costumes, photographs, artifacts and video presentations, displayed in five large rooms split by linguistic groups. The Mon-Khmer Room, recently redecorated, is particularly impressive.
 
The museum is located at the center of the town.

Ko Samui Thailand

Some of the most beautiful shorelines in the world line a small spit of land just off the eastern coast of Thailand.  The island of Ko Samui ringed with luxurious, grimy shores, is best relaxed in personal.

At the six sense Hideway Samui the island's northern coast, Thai civilization and native beauty are served with luxury and a touch of distinctiveness. While other travellers fight for a spot on Ko Samiu's beaches, enjoy the peace and ease of a private compound. Wander among the resort's 66 villas, rest on the water-side hills in the style of a conventional Thai fishing village.
 

Spend the day snorkeling at the Ang Thong National Marine Park, or make a short trip to the Big Buddha, a flickering approx. 45-foot-tall gold statue. Back at the Hideaway, the island's other treasures awaits: The bright green sea rolls onto a gold-sand beach, concealed from the throngs.
 

Dive into the coolest pool; indulge in an fantastic relaxing treatment with Tamarind, enjoy in the Six senses open-air spa: dine with almond oil at the dusk-bathed On the Rock restaurant; or embrace the beautiful and breezy coastline that's always only a few steps away.

After all, what could be better than the most charming beach in the world? 

Having the most beautiful beach in the world all to yourself and your family..

One of the Best islands for Snorkeling – Dimakya Island, Philippines

Something happens as soon as we engross ourselves into the sea. Our breathing decelerates but our pulse quickens. Beneath the facade, this different earth surprises with every glance. Along a brilliant reef, colors run rampant, and shapes seem gleaned from fantastic imagination. 

As an island enthusiast, what you need is a list of island destinations where you can happily spend your whole exploration in the water. You know there are no other places on our planet so, filled with miracle, amazement, sensation and discovery.

Forget sharks, dolphins and whales. If you want true swanking rights in the snorkeling world, for that matter - swim with dugongs. This extremely skittish and highly endangered marine mammal is closely related to the manatee and can grow to about 10 feet long and nearly a thousand pounds. And it regularly lunches among the sea grass beds near small Dimakya Island in the 

Philippines, Asia.

In fact, Dimakya is one of the only places in the world where an in-water dugong  encounter isn't just likely, it often involves a friendly and lengthy meet-and-greet with these special creatures. And the closeness and stillness of snorkeling is the only way to keep from scaring them off. Look into their eyes and feel both their undomesticated spirit and curiosity, it will keep in your memory. Spend some time with green sea turtles, stingrays, tropical reef and even passing manta rays. Club Paradise, the only resort on the island, will sweep you away between blue adventures with its utter quiet and five star barefoot stylishness.

Food Stuff - What to Eat and What Not to Eat during Travelling

Being healthy and staying the way really comes down to a couple of things when you're on the road:

- Choosing Where To Eat Wisely
- Knowing What Not To Eat
- Washing Your Hands A Lot, before taking any meal at all.

When you are traveling, eating can be a risk as you can't always check the sanitation of how each food setting up. As a rough rule of thumb I check the cleanliness of the interior and make a general judgment based on the 'feel' of the place I also check how busy is it is as it will have a bearing of food sales, giving me some clue of how freshness of the food.

I never choose salad unless I am in the high class restaurant or café (as these should be always in high standards as they charge so much. I peel fruit, eating only things like oranges, pineapple, banana, or papaya, which need peeling.  Fried things or hot boiled thing are best as any nasty bacteria that exists here are mostly killed in the heating process. I keep away from poultry eggs, dairy, and certainly all meat if I am in hot countries. So that leaves rice… ! and vegetables, legumes, and noodles dishes, dumplings, and curries etc. Basically if it's fresh vegetables, fried or super hot, boiled and it's not meat or dairy, you should be all right.

DRINKING THE WATER

Drinking water that is unpolluted is one way to seriously derail your trip. All drinking water should be fresh, bottled and sealed. Don't drink 'old' bottled water that's been rolling around the floor of any vehicles for quite sometimes, even if it's yours. Bacteria spread very quickly and this can be precarious to your health.

Take a bottle of fresh water with you when you leave on your day's sightseeing and drink frequently and timely. Acquire fresh bottles as frequent as possible - only top up the water with a small portable bottle from a big one for a few times before you change the bottle entirely.

If you are trekking, water should always be fully boiled, and have purification pills and/or using iodine. Your tour guide should be able to illustrate how to boiled and drink the water safely.