Travel and Photography

Hand-making popiah is a dying tradition

2012-02-27T23:31:00.002+08:00

Location: Meizhou, Guangdong, China (24° 16′ 37.2″ N, 116° 6′ 57.6″ E)
Date: 22 December 2008; 10.50am
Camera: Canon 400D with Sigma 17-70/f2.8-4.5

A popular snack amongst the Fujian and Chaozhou dialect speakers in China, Taiwan, Singapore and Malaysia is a fresh spring roll known as popiah or literally thin cookie. A popiah is prepared by filling a thin paper-like pancake made from wheat flour with ingredients such as finely grated and steamed or stir-fried turnip, bean sprouts and any of the following: grated carrots, Chinese sausages, fried shallots, omelette and so on. The whole spring roll is normally eaten with sweet and chilli sauces.

These days popiah skins are produced by machines. However in most parts of China, they are still being made in the traditional way- a ball of wet and viscous wheat dough is held on one hand, which is quickly rubbed against a hot steel plate in circular motion and then lifted. This creates a very thin layer of the wet dough which adheres to the plate, cooked and then peeled off as popiah skin. A good popiah can only be made from a thin enough skin but so thin that it breaks under the weight of its fillings.

Locks for love and good wishes in temples of China

2012-02-20T16:05:00.002+08:00

Location: Leshan, Sichuan, China (29° 32′ 50″ N, 103° 46′ 9″ E)
Date: 17 April 2003; 10.45am
Camera: Canon G1

In many places in China such as temples and on the steps/paths leading to sacred peaks, one can see love locks being attached to steel chains along trails, permanent barriers or on anything attachable. Couples announce their love for each other by engraving their names on the locks or write them on pieces of papers attached to the locks and then hang the locks and throw the keys away. It is hoped that their love will last as long as the ancient structures. This practice has now spread to other countries such as Japan, South Korea and South East Asia. In some places such as revered temples, one will also locks being hang onto places such as handles of typically giant-size incense burners like this in Leshan. Such locks are more likely for good luck wishes instead of love.

The ubiquitous black-and-yellow taxis of Mumbai & Delhi

2012-02-17T16:33:00.002+08:00

Location: Mahim railway station, Mumbai, India (19° 2′ 6″ N, 72° 50′ 24″ E)
Date: 10 April 2007; 1040 am
Camera: Canon 400D with Sigma 17-70/f2.8-4.5

Most new visitors to India especially Mumbai and Delhi are surprised by the sights of the “classic Fiat” taxis. Surprise in that these cars are quite classic in nature as they are 1960’s models. However these models which are known as Premier Padmini still form the bulk of the axis that ploughs the streets of Mumbai and Delhi. They are distinctively painted with black and yellow liveries with the bottom half painted black and upper half painted yellow. Most of these taxis do not have air-conditioning and is quite an experience to ride in one in the summer. Furthermore the interior is rather small- those with longer legs will find them quite uncomfortable. Some of these taxis have air-conditioning installed but passengers will have to pay extra for having it turned on for a journey. An interesting feature of such taxis is that the meter is located outside the car on the passenger side; a passenger is expected to flick the lever down to engage the meter when he takes the taxi- see photo.

Another “classic car” (even older model) that one will see on the roads of India is the cream colour stately Hindustan Ambassador. The Ambassador is a more expensive class of taxis with bigger interior and is charged at a higher rate.

Same God looks different in different countries……..

2012-02-11T20:33:00.002+08:00

Location: Sri Mariamman Temple, Singapore (1°16′57.4″N 103°50′43″E)
Date: 12 October 2010; 7.50pm
Camera: Canon 400D with EOS L 70-200/f4

Same religions are practised all over the world. Perhaps with the exception of Islam, all religions has depictions of its own god(s) and deities. Most of these depictions are mainly either paintings or sculptures. It is very common for people in different countries, cultures and races to depict the gods in their own “image” so to speak. Hence Jesus looks Middle Eastern in most Western depictions while in Asia, He is a little more clean-shaven a-la Asian. Similarly Buddha is depicted with Oriental features in China, Japan, Korea and other East Asian cultures compared to the more natural (since He is after all, an Indian national) depiction in South Asian countries. Divine depictions not only varies between different countries and cultures, they are also influenced by the age or era of the depictions. Hence it is very common to see Buddha being depicted as a plump person in paintings and sculptures from China’s Tang Dynasty compared to the other ages. For that matter, Hindu gods and deities in countries such as Singapore also has slightly more “East Asian” features rather than Dravidian.

One cannot find another more amazing railway station than Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus of Mumbai

2012-02-04T00:26:00.003+08:00

Location: Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus, Mumbai, India (18° 56′ 24″ N, 72° 50′ 7.08″ E)
Date: 2 October 2005; 11.30am
Camera: Canon IXUS iZoom

Train stations are some of the most beautiful and historical buildings in any country. This is especially true of former colonies; such stations are replete with histories of the nations concerned. Often they are fabulous buildings elaborately designed and built, reflected the style of the era. Examples include the Moorish Central Station in Kuala Lumpur and the fabulous Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (formerly known as the Victoria Terminus) of Mumbai. Less dramatic ones include the former Tanjung Pagar station of Singapore and the biggest railway station in the world, New York’s Grand Central. All of these railway stations are still standing and most of them are still serving their original function as a terminus where humanity meets and histories created.

Manarola- pretty any time of the day

2012-02-01T21:52:00.003+08:00

Location: Manarola, Cinque Terre, Italy (44° 6' 0 N 9° 43' 60 E)
Date: 10 March 2005; 4.15pm
Camera: Canon 300D with kit lens

Cinque Terre is one of my favourite place in Italy. The 5 villages are replete with plenty of photo opportunities and the people are super-friendly. Furthermore it is a very pleasant walk between the villages especially for those who wanted some light walking rather than strenuous trek. Manarola is probably the most scenic of the villages with nice colourful houses and postcard-like harbour that is pretty in the daytime (as above) or at dusk or dawn and has been subject of many photographers. The other village that is attractive to me is Venazza. I hope the place is as enjoyable and unspoilt the next time I visit- unlike places in China.

A very Nepali way of carrying heavy loads

2011-12-28T23:29:00.002+08:00

Location: A street stall in Kathmandu, Nepal (27°42'26.99"N 85°18'43.60"E)
Date: 7 May 2003; 3.35pm
Camera: Canon G1

A porter is a relatively high-paying job in Nepal. Unlike some countries such as Pakistan where the daily rates payable to a porter is fixed every year, the cost of hiring a porter in Nepal depends on one’s negotiating skills. Regardless, porter-ing is considered a good-pay though tough job. Furthermore there is a limited lifespan of being a porter- as one grows older, the job gets much tougher. In many cases, especially those who speaks English, porters gradually move on to become guides. Nepali porters are a breed of its own- unlike porters in other countries, Nepali porters uses their forehead to carry the weight. They would organised all the luggage and carry them on a strap weighted on the forehead. This is not peculiar to porters but seems to be the norm for carrying heavy items in Nepal generally. Even in Kathmandu, one very often sees workers carrying heavy loads using their forehead.

Rural scene of Indonesia

2011-12-18T14:53:00.002+08:00

Location: Cemoro Lawang, Java, Indonesia (7° 55' 22" S, 112° 57' 52" E)
Date: 15 July 2008; 6.45pm
Camera: Canon 400D with Sigma 17-70/f2.8-4.5

Cemoro Lawang is a small town at the rim of the Bromo caldera. Its location makes it the most convenient and sought-after base for visiting the Bromo-Tengger-Semeru National Park. As a result, tourism is the major economic activity. However before tourism became a major money-spinner, farming was the main productive activity in this town and the surrounding area. The land around here is extremely fertile, benefiting from the volcanic ash of the few volcanoes in the vicinity. All the farms, which are small family-plots grow vegetables. As is the norm in most farming and rural communities around the world, the people here are super-friendly and hospitable.

The symmetrical TianTan of Beijing

2011-12-11T14:17:00.002+08:00

Location: TianTan, Beijing, China(39° 52′ 56.07″ N, 116° 24′ 23.29″ E)
Date: 18 October 2010, 9.50am
Camera: Canon 500D with Sigma 17-70/f2.8-4.5

To most people, the Great Wall of China with the most accessible portion situated on the outskirts of Beijing, is the most recognisable icon of China. However as far as Beijing is concerned, its icon is actually the TianTan or loosely translated as the Temple of Heaven; more accurately Altar of Heaven. This is where the emperors of the Ming and Qing Dynasties came to make offerings and pray for bountiful harvests every year. In the psyche of the Chinese, TianTan held another significance as it represented a symbol of an era of shame when China was forced into signing away sovereignties in unequal treaties with the West under the barrel of canons. The temple complex was occupied and used as a command centre by the Eight Nation Alliance during the Boxer Rebellion resulting in serious desecration and damage to the temple, buildings and gardens. Many temple artefacts were also looted by the Alliance soldiers. the temple and buildings were constructed during the Ming Dynasty but underwent large-scale renovation during the Qing Dynasty. As a result, Qing decorations and adornments predominates in the temple. Today TianTan is a major tourist destination.

Really colourful stupas in Hundar, Ladakh

2011-12-05T14:49:00.002+08:00

Location: Hundar, Ladakh, India (34°37'12.63"N 77°25'51.76"E)
Date: 16 August 2009 5.15pm
Camera: Canon 400D with Sigma 17-70/f2.8-4.5

Hundar is as close as one can gets to the disputed Line of Control between India and Pakistan in India Kashmir. Pakistan is so close, it is virtually just across a bridge in the northern end of the small village. As such this place in the Nubra Valley has a heavy military presence. Hundar is popular and well-known to some extent as the location of the world’s highest altitude sand dunes, at approximately 3,120m. The sand dunes are not that spectacular but attracts a lot of tourists on packages. There are more interesting wanderings to be had at the village proper. Stupas and gompas, old and new dotted the village, some prayer wheels and fabulous views across part of the Nubra Valley. As in most parts of Ladakh, getting to the destination is the adventure and the fun part. Independent travellers have no chance of coming here without chartering (sharing better) a vehicle with others.

Slideshow for Oct- Nov 2011

2011-12-01T14:21:00.000+08:00

One needs a car to visit the outside vicinity of Paris

2011-11-26T23:57:00.006+08:00

Location: Paris, France (48°51′39″N 2°20′09″E)
Date: 26 February 2006; 1.25pm
Camera: Canon 300D with kit kens

Independent traveling is a fun way to travel for me. Often I get to see many unexpected places and interact with all sorts of interesting people. This mode of traveling needs a bit more planning and is also more time-consuming as most of the time I have to rely on local transport, whatever there might be. In some countries such as China, this is not a problem as there is a myriad of transport options available, from the publicised train and bus services, to chartered, hitch-hiking and sharing of transport with other travellers. One can virtually get to any secluded corners with a little effort. The same goes for countries such as Pakistan and India. I guess this is a factor of rural hospitality and poverty which makes people more willing to share and help others. This is not the case with more developed countries- in such countries such as USA and most parts of Europe, public transport is only good to bigger cities. Outlying places are not easily accessible by public transport. This is also due to the fact that most people in such countries own their own transport; so the demand and hence, supply for services to more secluded destinations do not exist. Even if options are available such as joining a local tour, these are always only good for the casual look-see, been-there-before type of sightseeing. Renting a car, often is the most feasible option to travel to rural, outlying and secluded places in these countries.

If you are lying from the UK and need to drive to the airport you are stuck with the problem of where to leave your car. Try Gatwick Parking if you are flying from London. Or if you are flying from the North, try parking at Manchester Airport.

Sunset on the banks of the mighty Mekong River, Laos

2011-11-24T00:09:00.002+08:00

Location: Mekong River, Luang Prabang, Laos (19°53′N 102°08′E)
Date: 2 November 2004; 6.05pm
Camera: Canon 300D with kit lens

I have a certain fascination with the mighty rivers. Whenever I visit a country where a trans-national great river flows through, I will make it a point to see the river, be it in Africa or Asia. Maybe it is the importance that I learnt of rivers/water’s role played in civilisation and development of nation and humanity. Perhaps it is just the satisfaction of able to see different stages of the same river in different settings, environments and countries. For example, I saw Lancang Jiang in Tibet and Yunnan of China and also its manifestation as Mekong River in Laos, Vietnam and Thailand. Similarly I went to the source of the Indus River in Tibet and travel along its course on parts of the Karakorum Highway in Pakistan. I saw Yarlung Tsangpo Jiang in many parts of Tibet but will love to see it emerge as the Brahmaputra River in India and Bangladesh- one day. The Yangtse River flows only within China but it changes directions and characters, not to mention its name many times while it courses through China before dumping its water into the South China Sea. It is hard to imagine that any of these mighty rivers may disappear soon due to global warming when one is looking at its might and majesty, but the sciences are telling us just that. So make sure you take another good look at the great rivers the next time you are on their banks because they may not be there or the same when you next revisit the same spot.

Land of the Great Outdoors- NZ

2011-11-20T23:39:00.002+08:00

Location: Mount Cook, South Island, New Zealand (43° 35′ 44.69″ S, 170° 8′ 27.75″ E)
Date: 27 May 2009, 8.40am
Camera: Canon 400D with Sigma 17-70/f2.8-4.5

New Zealand is blessed with some of the most beautiful landscapes in the world, within a small area. Hence it is very easy to enjoy the diversity of sceneries without travelling too far away. This results in, perhaps, a nation with one of the most outdoor-oriented citizenry. Everywhere one turns, there are opportunities to engage in the great outdoors, be it mountaineering, skiing, fishing, hiking, canoeing, you name it. No wonder a country with such a small population excels in so many sports, as evident by the number of world beaters in so many disciplines- rugby, sailing, canoeing and so on. Of course, not forgetting Edmund Hillary. In fact, Mount Cook or Aoraki (see this post) is where the first conqueror of Qomolomgma or Sagamartha or Mount Everest (to the layman) hone his alpine skills.

The accessibility of such wonderful pristine landscape is also one of the reasons that NZ is such a favourite destinations for many travellers. One need not be a mountaineer or outdoor specialist to get close to some of the most amazing landscape or wilderness.

Monks praying inside a Buddhist gompa

2011-11-07T14:54:00.002+08:00

Location: Diskit Gompa, Nubra Valley, Ladakh, India (34° 32′ 28″ N, 77° 33′ 37″ E)
Date: 24 August 2009 7.50 am
Camera: Canon 400D with Sigma 17-70/f2.8-4.5

I have wrote that Ladakhis have Tibetan features. They also share similar ancestry and religion. By and large most ethnic Ladakhis practice Tibetan Buddhism with similar Yellow, Red etc sects just as in Tibet. Their gompas and traditions are similar. Anyone who have spent some time in Tibet could easily mistakenly think that they are in Tibet after spending a few days in Ladakh.

“The smoke which thunders” Zambia/Zimbabwe

2011-11-02T23:22:00.003+08:00

Location: Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe, Africa (17° 55′ 28″ S, 25° 51′ 24″ E)
Date: 5 April 2001; 5.10pm
Camera: (analogue) Canon 500N with slides and scanned

The names of too many great landmarks around the world had been “hijacked” or “christianised” by the Western powers in a bygone era when countries of the Western hemisphere were the strongest (militarily and economically) on the planet. Such landmarks have their local names but were renamed after some Western figures when they were “discovered'”. These are really great insults to the people of those lands as these landmarks are known to them for generations and they do have names for these places centuries before any Westerner had set sight on them. Yet such foreigners had the guts to claim that they discovered such places. The so-called Victoria Falls were known as Mosi-oa-Tunya in the local Kololo language of the Zambians before any white people ever set foot on the black continent. Similarly, Mount Everest had always and will forever be Sagarmatha to the Nepali Sherpas or Qomolongma to Tibetans, whatever the the rest of the world has gotten used to called it. For that matter, the Baltis only know Chogori as the name of the world’s 2nd highest mountain, not K2 as coined by the British in the 19th century. The might of the West is waning, epitomised by the EU seeking out China’s help in the Euro crisis, amongst others. It is about time to return justice and respect to local cultures of many of the world’s great places by at least using their proper and historical names. NZ leads in this respect by reverting to using both Maori and common English names to many of their nature wonders such as Aoraki for Mount Cook and Manahuna for McKinnon Pass.

The Star of Singapore Botanical Gardens

2011-10-29T17:10:00.001+08:00

Location: Bandstand, Singapore Botanical Garden (1°19'18"N 103°48'59"E)
Date: 8 October 2011; 9.50am
Camera: Canon 400D with Sigma 17-70/f2.8-4.5

Singapore Botanical Garden is one of the main attractions of Singapore. Quite often when one lives in a place, one easily overlook the local attractions that tourists from far afield come to visit. The Botanical Gardens is just one of those- I lives in Singapore but never pay much attention or visit the place unless I have visitors. However it is apparently a favourite of tourists especially the new force-to-be-reckon-with tourists from China and India. These tourists are no doubt attracted by the immaculately maintained gardens and its vast collection of tropical trees, flowers and plants. For locals, one of the favourite spot of the Gardens is the white octagonal shaped pavilion named the Bandstand which was erected in 1930. The Bandstand used to host military band performances in the past- now it is a popular spot for newly-weds to have their photos taken with their full regalia of wedding gowns.

Chinese candy sculpting- a dying art

2011-10-26T22:58:00.002+08:00

Location: Gulangyu Island, Xiamen, Fujian, China (24° 26′ 51.43″ N, 118° 3′ 44.83″ E)
Date: 17 December 2008; 10.50am
Camera: Canon 400D with Canon 70-200 f/4 L IS Lens

If one goes to any major cities in China, one will not feel too out of place as in any other major Asian cities. The country is virtually galloping into the 21st century, at least as far as urban infrastructure and architecture is concerned. That’s why, apart from the mega and very important cities such as Beijing and Shanghai, all the Chinese cities look rather similar in the type of buildings and layout. One of the consequence of this mad rush to modernise is the tearing down of anything that stands in the way- not just physically but culturally as well. Many of the cultural heritage of this 5,000 years of continuous civilisation is fast disappearing together with its rich architecture heritage. Traditional dances, costumes, practices, arts and crafts as well as ethnic dialects are slowly dying. Ironically some of such cultural heritage are still maintained as a result of the creeping commercialism from tourism. Arts such as the face changing technique of Sichuan opera and Naxi traditional music survives mainly because there is demand for such arts performances for tourists. Similarly in smaller scale, traditional arts such as flour dough figurines and candy sculpture (as in photo) still flourished as novelties for tourists.

Heads everywhere at Nemrut Dagi, Turkey

2011-10-21T17:46:00.002+08:00

Location: mount Nemrut, Turkey (37° 58′ 54″ N, 38° 44′ 28″ E)
Date: 17 April 2010, 8.40am
Camera: Canon 400D with Sigma 17-70/f2.8-4.5

The fallen large head statues of the royal tomb atop Mount Nemrut (or Nemrut Dagi) in southwestern Turkey must be the most iconic symbols of Turkey after the minarets of its mosques in Istanbul and its Whirling Dervish dances. The site of the tomb is not easy to get to, if one is traveling independently as there is no transport that goes up the mountain. There are buses that go part of the way (for about 8 months of the year) and travellers will have to either hike or hitch a ride. As is the norm for such summit destinations, most travellers would want to get there for the sunrise or sunset. Accommodation options and quality for such activities are very limited- there are a few hotels at the base of the mountain but they are mainly tailored and frequently reserved for packaged groups. Nonetheless it is a worthwhile effort to visit this tomb if one visits Turkey. Apart from the surreal setting and the statues, the view from the summit is a bonus.

Technorati Tags: Turkey,Nemrut

Dong culture is still alive in China

2011-10-15T23:47:00.002+08:00

Locations: Zhaoxing, Guizhou, China (25° 54' 39 N 109° 10' 35 E).
Date: 18 April 2005; 11.15am
Camera: Canon 300D with kit lens

The Dongs are one of the minorities predominant in Guizhou province of China. They are well-known for their Wind & Rain Bridge as well as Drum Tower. Unlike the big minorities, Tibetans of Tibet and Uighurs of Xinjiang, who were in fact the ethnic people of their provinces, Dongs were never an ethnic group of significant numbers. Ironically because of their smaller numbers, the Chinese Hans had been less zealous in trying to assimilate them into the Chinese culture, so to speak. In any case, as a result of their smaller numbers, they are more inclined to adapt to the Han culture. This is not to mean that they have abandoned their cultural heritage; however, the Dongs felt less threatened by the encroachment of Han into their space. Part of this is also economics- the Tibetans and Uighurs’ homeland are rich in many resources- the other minorities inherits less of such benefits. Managing the major minorities will continue to be a huge challenge for China until they realised and accept that the minorities are different and want different things (not chiefly development) from the central government.

Typically Hindu… this time in Nepal

2011-10-11T11:39:00.002+08:00

Location: Basantapur Tower, Durbar Square, Kathmandu, Nepal (N27 42 14 E85 18 30 )
Date: 28 March 2000; 2.10pm
Camera: Canon EOS 500N (analogue) on slides and scanned

Eroticism, to be exact erotic art, is prevalent in Hinduism. One can see that in many ancient Hindu temples, the most famous of which is the Khajuraho temple complex. Many people find this rather amusing and really puzzling as most other religions refrain from things sexual, explicitly. It shouldn’t be as Hindu erotism is simply an expression of the religion (as well as other religions)’s belief in a different perspective. Like any other religions, Hinduism is a prescription or way of life according to certain codes and beliefs. The final aim of a Hindu is (no surprise) salvation, which is the merging of the individual soul with that of the supreme soul. The pursuit of pleasure or kama is an important aim of life, on the way to deliverance or attainment of salvation. As such, figures of loving couples or “mithuna”, in sexual pose and sex acts, are no taboos or attract any inhibitions, as any other life processes. In fact, worship of Shiva’s lingam (penis) is part and parcel of Hinduism. All of these manifest in many art forms, including sculptures from very early on in Indian civilisation.

Isn’t she pretty?

2011-10-07T23:27:00.002+08:00

Location: Bikaner, Rajasthan, India (28° 1′ 0″ N, 73° 18′ 43″ E)
Date: 10 Jan 2009; 3.40pm
Camera: Canon 400D with Canon 70-200 f/4 L IS Lens

Indian women are amongst the most beautiful women of the world. Indian beauties have captured the world’s imagination ever since Aishwarya Rai won the Miss World pageant in 1994 and went on to become a Bollywood star. In fact Bollywood movies are instrumental in bringing the world’s attention to India’s beautiful women. Many of the more well-known and popular Bollywood top ladies are of Northern Indian descent, with fairer skin tone and higher cheekbones ala Aryan features. However Indian women from other parts of the country are just as charming and attractive in their own ways. For example, Rajasthani ladies are not only pretty but are also graceful.

Slideshow for Jul- Sep 2011

2011-10-05T22:55:00.001+08:00

These are really pretty, and yes, they are perfectly edible

2011-10-04T23:44:00.003+08:00

Location: Xiapu, Fujian, China (23° 46' 20" N, 117° 2' 47" E)
Date: 16 December 2008; 10.50am
Camera: Canon 400D with Sigma 17-70/f2.8-4.5

It is said that there are 3 main events in a person’s life: birth, marriage and death. All these 3 events are celebrated or commemorated in grand fashion by all the different cultures of the world. With the exception of death which is either celebrated as a joyful occasion in some cultures or a sad passing in others, birth and marriage are always joyous moments in virtually all cultures.

Marriage is a huge celebration amongst all the ethnic groups in China. Furthermore marriage is celebrated in different manners even within the different Chinese regions of Han population. Many of them involves the giving of marriage cookies to relatives as part of the celebration. In the coastal towns of Fujian like Xiapu, a colourful, beautiful and tasty wedding cookie is one of the must-haves for a marriage. The cookie is baked with a filling mix of sesame, sugar, nuts and other contents which I do not really know but tastes fabulous, nonetheless.

This looks like Venice- but it is Bangkok

2011-09-28T23:38:00.003+08:00

Location: San Saeb Jetty, Bangkok, Thailand (13° 44′ 49″ N, 100° 32′ 23″ E)
Date: 18 September 2011; 7.35pm
Camera: Canon 500D with Sigma 17-70/f2.8-4.5

Bangkok used to be known as “Venice of the East'” as it used to be filled with canals. Residents used to live on water while carrying on their daily activities by boats- and boats were the major mode of transportation. In the last 10 over years, many of these canals were filled to make way for new roads and buildings. However many of these old canals still remain on the Thornburi side of the Chao Phraya River. People still carry out their day-to-day life along these canals here- floating residences, postmen delivering mails and vendors hawking their wares on boats. Even monks do their alms rounds on boats- that’s also because many of the historically old temples are still situated along these canals. Back in the east bank of Chao Phraya (or “Bangkok proper”) the importance of canals had diminished but not disappeared. There are still many canals served by long boats. This is still an important mode of transport around the city as water transport beats the city’s notorious traffic jams.