http://travelpostcards.posterous.com We tied the knot in 2008 and thought that life could do with a bigger dash of spice and everything nice. So we decided to take this enormous leap of faith (after working our socks off and hours of res posterous.com Fri, 27 Jan 2012 01:22:00 -0800 http://travelpostcards.posterous.com/mt-pinatubo-from-bane-to-beauty http://travelpostcards.posterous.com/mt-pinatubo-from-bane-to-beauty <p> <p>Trekking Pinatubo is one of the MUST dos, if you get a chance to visit Philippines. AirAsia connects you to Clark, from Kuala Lumpur or Kota Kinabalu - and make that your base to trek the mountain, not Manila (explanation further below).</p> <p>Mount Pinatubo - still an active volcano, was inconspicucous for a very long time up until 1991, when it recorded the second largest eruption in the 20th century. As we trekked through the vast barren land towards the crater, we can see why. At least 50 kilometres, possibly more of dry earth - filled with rocks, occasional sprouts of greens and lava markings on the side as high as a 4-5 storey building, proved its wrath.</p> <p>There are many suggestions on how to trek this mountain, but for us, the best is to base yourself at Angeles, Clark. Though not a city like Manila, and possibly nothing else to do besides clubbing and partying, the ease of arranging your trip to Pinatubo is far easier (and nearer). From Angeles, hook yourself up with a tour company (there are many, but the best we found was from the Tourist Information booth) and you're set to go.&nbsp;</p> <p>There will pick you up from your hotel at 5am (if you're in Manila, it'll be 3am). It takes an hour or so to get to Tarlac and from there, you register and switch to a 4WD that takes you through more than one half of the rocky, barren ground to the base of our climb. The ride will take another 1 hour.&nbsp;</p> <p>The trek (or hike) took us about 1 1/2 hours to complete. It's not a very difficult climb and definitely not ascending all the way. Much of it is flat, but on rocky and sandy grounds.&nbsp;</p> <p>Tip: wear sandals or waterproof shoes. You will potentially cross more than 15 streams one way.&nbsp;</p> <p>Arriving at the end of the trek, you'll be amazed by the beauty. It is unlike any other, definitely postcard material. We've done quite a fair bit of trekking, and this one (in terms of beauty) ranks up there. The tiredness and effort waking up early were gone!</p> <p>We basked in its beauty and many times, asking ourselves what life would be on that dreaded day in 1991. Today, we are recipients of this sight!</p> <p>Enjoy the pictures:</p> <p><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://getfile2.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-01-27/GklrsjFhDccxHqoniytFJigtCraqaGlExoaDiAsrjgoDsghmCvCCqyElmamy/image_17.jpg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="Image_17" height="334" src="http://getfile5.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-01-27/GklrsjFhDccxHqoniytFJigtCraqaGlExoaDiAsrjgoDsghmCvCCqyElmamy/image_17.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> </div> <div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://getfile5.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-01-27/wjqDfkoIbnJujJIeyIzDxzyspHsAqfIAmGCgArBIBevepFutmEfFykFtkIyd/image_20.jpg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="Image_20" height="334" src="http://getfile9.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-01-27/wjqDfkoIbnJujJIeyIzDxzyspHsAqfIAmGCgArBIBevepFutmEfFykFtkIyd/image_20.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> </div> <div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://getfile1.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-01-27/rIfberumFqEHbjsAmHGFoAecvmgvhFxxquEvrysfkofCooriyimIDvJEqkll/image_21.jpg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="Image_21" height="334" src="http://getfile8.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-01-27/rIfberumFqEHbjsAmHGFoAecvmgvhFxxquEvrysfkofCooriyimIDvJEqkll/image_21.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> </div> <div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://getfile9.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-01-27/hDBtDdmiEcbmApizpirfnfCjiBtGJEjhhGtwkwzCasyFkIquwFtHHejwxmpx/image_23.jpg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="Image_23" height="334" src="http://getfile4.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-01-27/hDBtDdmiEcbmApizpirfnfCjiBtGJEjhhGtwkwzCasyFkIquwFtHHejwxmpx/image_23.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> </div> <div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <img alt="Image_18" height="640" src="http://getfile5.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-01-27/wHucckzunJJrsmqdcCIBhJdhHkEsqeisJgdbteoCzkqpwGavuiIolhkjjuJH/image_18.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="428" /> </div> <div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <img alt="Image_24" height="640" src="http://getfile1.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-01-27/iixnBlHtmHmEghFjlmFqqFxqejJpfzwfBagtzeBJGlvlrtxaJwibhzwvqBaJ/image_24.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="428" /> </div> <div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://getfile3.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-01-27/iidFmjJpwfDCynthweCjGcfEIkHBtDApBlCqgqufknjeiyyxiaquAhFIutlx/image_25.jpg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="Image_25" height="334" src="http://getfile1.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-01-27/iidFmjJpwfDCynthweCjGcfEIkHBtDApBlCqgqufknjeiyyxiaquAhFIutlx/image_25.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> </div> <div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://getfile8.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-01-27/HADlqxgGEEAEcdHhBenlBBekDHEsIJlACvvFabGGDgsIuvHkvIoimbffkICJ/image_27.jpg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="Image_27" height="334" src="http://getfile6.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-01-27/HADlqxgGEEAEcdHhBenlBBekDHEsIJlACvvFabGGDgsIuvHkvIoimbffkICJ/image_27.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> </div> <div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://getfile4.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-01-27/CpaEpCAqptdBHCHotFgthlwyGqvswvHFJDrqAIjygxvJsihcpGDvdhJedqEv/image_29.jpg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="Image_29" height="334" src="http://getfile2.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-01-27/CpaEpCAqptdBHCHotFgthlwyGqvswvHFJDrqAIjygxvJsihcpGDvdhJedqEv/image_29.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> </div> <div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://getfile5.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-01-27/rzFqugwBryIGpmJdqpaoemqoEcBGwiyhICEHqkeGgmzgBJyyazyxspqsdgGm/image_30.jpg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="Image_30" height="334" src="http://getfile2.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-01-27/rzFqugwBryIGpmJdqpaoemqoEcBGwiyhICEHqkeGgmzgBJyyazyxspqsdgGm/image_30.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> </div> <div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://getfile4.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-01-27/xaprqAGrybmuvqxAJeJwxxICdsqszcxchHhtfzrGtptHrFJzJGeqJEGgAncn/image_36.jpg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="Image_36" height="334" src="http://getfile0.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-01-27/xaprqAGrybmuvqxAJeJwxxICdsqszcxchHhtfzrGtptHrFJzJGeqJEGgAncn/image_36.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> </div> </p> <p>Other information:</p> <p>Our <a href="http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserReviews-g294248-d338290-r122346519-Mount_Pinatubo-Luzon.html#REVIEWS" target="_blank">Tripadvisor Review</a></p> <p>Tourist Information Contact at Angeles:</p> <p>Stall 79, Fields Avenue, 2009 Angeles City, Philippines<br />+63458921623<p /></p> </p> <p><a href="http://travelpostcards.posterous.com/mt-pinatubo-from-bane-to-beauty">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://travelpostcards.posterous.com/mt-pinatubo-from-bane-to-beauty#comment">Leave a comment&nbsp;&nbsp;&raquo;</a> </p><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/travel-postcards/~4/3IQV6KkOslg" height="1" width="1"/> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/247261/_DSC7551.jpg http://posterous.com/users/36PD45chiwdX Terence & Deborah TravelPostcards Terence & Deborah Thu, 19 Jan 2012 23:19:00 -0800 http://travelpostcards.posterous.com/new-years-eve-fireworks-puerto-princessa-pala http://travelpostcards.posterous.com/new-years-eve-fireworks-puerto-princessa-pala <p> <p>Amazing fireworks display at Puerto Princessa. We were right beneath it!&nbsp;</p> <p><iframe allowfullscreen="true" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/W4zPELlDVFs" frameborder="0" height="360" width="480"></iframe></p> </p> <p><a href="http://travelpostcards.posterous.com/new-years-eve-fireworks-puerto-princessa-pala">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://travelpostcards.posterous.com/new-years-eve-fireworks-puerto-princessa-pala#comment">Leave a comment&nbsp;&nbsp;&raquo;</a> </p><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/travel-postcards/~4/z_KQdDDzFpc" height="1" width="1"/> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/247261/_DSC7551.jpg http://posterous.com/users/36PD45chiwdX Terence & Deborah TravelPostcards Terence & Deborah Mon, 16 Jan 2012 00:28:00 -0800 http://travelpostcards.posterous.com/sunset-at-el-nido-palawan http://travelpostcards.posterous.com/sunset-at-el-nido-palawan <p> <p>During our recent trip to El Nido, Palawan - we were treated to three evenings of spectacular sunset! This lapse shot was taken using <a href="http://www.lapseit.com/" title="Sunset at El Nido, Palawan" target="_blank">Lapse It</a> app (Android) at Coral Bay Resort, Corong Corong.</p> <p>Beautiful!</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><iframe src="http://player.vimeo.com/video/35062568?portrait=0" frameborder="0" height="283" width="500"></iframe></p> </p> <p><a href="http://travelpostcards.posterous.com/sunset-at-el-nido-palawan">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://travelpostcards.posterous.com/sunset-at-el-nido-palawan#comment">Leave a comment&nbsp;&nbsp;&raquo;</a> </p><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/travel-postcards/~4/wHjBOt-NBcI" height="1" width="1"/> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/247261/_DSC7551.jpg http://posterous.com/users/36PD45chiwdX Terence & Deborah TravelPostcards Terence & Deborah Fri, 21 Oct 2011 05:23:00 -0700 http://travelpostcards.posterous.com/head-over-heels-for-haggis http://travelpostcards.posterous.com/head-over-heels-for-haggis <p> <p><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <img alt="Haggis" height="1968" src="http://getfile3.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2011-10-21/ekobdokcioJfJbyoGuthpcatJJesgErhiJGgEqGyBtHJJFAEygijpqisqAka/haggis.PNG.scaled500.png" width="500" /> </div> </p> </p> <p><a href="http://travelpostcards.posterous.com/head-over-heels-for-haggis">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://travelpostcards.posterous.com/head-over-heels-for-haggis#comment">Leave a comment&nbsp;&nbsp;&raquo;</a> </p><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/travel-postcards/~4/v6cX-ov82tk" height="1" width="1"/> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/247261/_DSC7551.jpg http://posterous.com/users/36PD45chiwdX Terence & Deborah TravelPostcards Terence & Deborah Wed, 03 Aug 2011 21:44:47 -0700 http://travelpostcards.posterous.com/worlds-top-night-markets http://travelpostcards.posterous.com/worlds-top-night-markets <p> <p>Here are Top 5 of the best night markets in the world, according to <a href="http://www.bbc.com/travel/gallery/20110727-worlds-top-night-markets#" target="_blank">BBC</a>.</p> <p><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <img alt="Media_httpstaticbbcco_rqptf" height="259" src="http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/travelpostcards/kGoIEfcHkGEEhpAfjBylEnriipperCJsHsAydDEzDoyHqrpweIqnvwsdupml/media_httpstaticbbcco_rqptf.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="464" /> </div> </p> <p><a href="http://www.summernightmarket.com/main/default.asp" target="_blank">The Summer Night Market</a>, British Columbia.</p> <p><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/travelpostcards/hdJjzpEtmmgzIymvGeeCpqhjngJuCjrsGpnJiitIzpuiGvArwtnmxjcAeDwC/media_httpcoldangrybe_AyziF.jpg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="Media_httpcoldangrybe_ayzif" height="333" src="http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/travelpostcards/hdJjzpEtmmgzIymvGeeCpqhjngJuCjrsGpnJiitIzpuiGvArwtnmxjcAeDwC/media_httpcoldangrybe_AyziF.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> </div> </p> <p><a href="http://foragesf.com/market/" target="_blank">San Francisco Underground Market</a></p> <p><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/travelpostcards/mtwjJyBhzAJdjfjvGuolIGnvaxtkbCsjBqaBqkmDDfGHydubpfcIdwdIzaHk/media_httpstaticbbcco_rHGyH.jpg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="Media_httpstaticbbcco_rhgyh" height="259" src="http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/travelpostcards/mtwjJyBhzAJdjfjvGuolIGnvaxtkbCsjBqaBqkmDDfGHydubpfcIdwdIzaHk/media_httpstaticbbcco_rHGyH.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> </div> </p> <p>Ratchada Night Bazaar, Bangkok</p> <p><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/travelpostcards/DmEnJqFoqujszgrJgjAkaynvsDfnCztCyGlFfybcpBDdvafvuaqroyypjqis/media_httpucangocomau_JGBpv.jpg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="Media_httpucangocomau_jgbpv" height="335" src="http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/travelpostcards/DmEnJqFoqujszgrJgjAkaynvsDfnCztCyGlFfybcpBDdvafvuaqroyypjqis/media_httpucangocomau_JGBpv.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> </div> </p> <p>Marrakech Night Market, Morocco</p> <p><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/travelpostcards/FosnjDyhsiHlbwFBlBeJGEwGbblDwJjHAfnJHhytxjwEfsakEHzEyiakisui/media_httpwwwmelhotor_wuCmF.jpg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="Media_httpwwwmelhotor_wucmf" height="278" src="http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/travelpostcards/FosnjDyhsiHlbwFBlBeJGEwGbblDwJjHAfnJHhytxjwEfsakEHzEyiakisui/media_httpwwwmelhotor_wuCmF.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> </div> </p> <p><a href="http://www.qvm.com.au/snm/snm_home.aspx" target="_blank">Suzuki Night Market, Melbourne</a></p> </p> <p><a href="http://travelpostcards.posterous.com/worlds-top-night-markets">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://travelpostcards.posterous.com/worlds-top-night-markets#comment">Leave a comment&nbsp;&nbsp;&raquo;</a> </p><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/travel-postcards/~4/QGH-3QkC6qw" height="1" width="1"/> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/247261/_DSC7551.jpg http://posterous.com/users/36PD45chiwdX Terence & Deborah TravelPostcards Terence & Deborah Thu, 21 Jul 2011 20:34:00 -0700 http://travelpostcards.posterous.com/indias-jungle-book-is-larger-than-life-wild-a http://travelpostcards.posterous.com/indias-jungle-book-is-larger-than-life-wild-a <p> <div class="posterous_bookmarklet_entry"> <blockquote><div> <p><img src="http://www.wildasia.org/images/icons/icon_article.png" border="0" height="16" align="left" width="16" style="margin-right: 5px;" />Written by <strong>Deborah Chan</strong> on 15 Jun 2011 with 0 comments. <a href="http://www.wildasia.org/main.cfm/library/Jungle_Book#comment">Be the first!</a></p> <p><img src="http://www.wildasia.org/images/site/dot_eee.gif" border="0" height="0" width="500" /></p> <p><a href="http://www.wildasia.org/main.cfm/library/Jungle_Book#"><img title=" - Photo © Terence Ooi" src="http://www.wildasia.org/images/380/Female_tiger.JPG" border="0" height="373" align="right" width="250" /></a></p><p></p> <p><b>In search for the tiger </b></p> <p>The heat of summer penetrated our light clothing and although the air was dry and arid, the scent of the forest laced through the air, hinting evidence that we are indeed in the heart of Central India, the Madhya Pradesh region where Kanha National Park sits. Famed for its lush sal and bamboo forests, tall grassy meadows and deep ravines, Kanha was the hub of inspiration for Rudyard Kipling's famous novel, "The Jungle Book". </p> <p>There are only a handful of lodges on the quiet south side of Kanha, near the Mukki gate, one of three gates into the national park. Our choice proved to be a great advantage as fewer jeeps are allowed into the park via this gate providing guests a more secluded wildlife experience. Kanha is one of the best managed and monitored parks in India with dedicated park rangers guarding the forests and guiding guests through this magical natural labyrinth. </p> <p>Morning safaris start at 5am just before the break of dawn. Open deck jeeps form a neat queue in front of the Mukki gate as vehicles register. There is a swell of excitement despite the groggy daze of a premature morning. I was armed with a pair of binoculars and a notebook to pen my sightings while my husband meddled with his digital DSLR camera ready to capture a 'National Geographic' moment, in case nature decided to surprise us. </p> <p>A park ranger leapt into our jeep , introduced himself, muttered a few words to our naturalist from the lodge where we stayed at, and our engines sputtered to life. The light mist parted as we caught the first glimpse of the magnificent sal trees stretching for miles with banyans dotted around providing shade and cover for the endemic swamp deer or better known as barasingha, spotted deer also known as chital, wild boars and gaurs. A symphony of morning chirps weaved through the air as we caught birds in flight and land birds crossing our path. </p> <p>The day had just begun as the first few rays of light broke from the horizon. The mahout was already at work. A great big silhouette teased my eyes as I saw huge ears flapping and four giant feet taking gentle strides towards our jeep. Could it be? Yes it was! An elephant with a man riding him atop. The mahout smiled and exchanged a few words with our park ranger. He told our park ranger that the search was still on; the elusive tiger was yet to be found. He waved goodbye and disappeared behind our jeep, eyes peeled for the animal most tourists have come here to see. </p> <p>Meantime, we savoured in the rich diversity Kanha had to offer with fantastic sightings of jackal, leopard, jungle cat, barking deer, peacock, langur and gaur. With over 350 species of birds, introduction upon introduction were made with every sighting and bird call. From green bee-eaters to Indian rollers to grey hornbills, this was a treat for bird enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. </p> <p>As mid morning approached, a picnic was laid out for us with the forest as a backdrop. Tea, coffee, sandwiches and fruit were passed around and while we savoured our breakfast, our park ranger scrambled to the office to check if the mahout had recorded sightings of tigers. He rushed back with great excitement and urged us to hurry along. </p> <p>A tigress had been spotted and in order to see her, we went off the beaten track atop an elephant with a mahout. The ride was bumpy and quite an adventure trying to avoid spindly dry bamboo branches from stabbing us. And then we caught sight of her, majestically seated on a bed of earthy-amber leaves, she stared into the open, in her element completely unperturbed by our noisy rustle. Her orange and black coat camouflaged perfectly into the surroundings. She was not only sharing her space with us but also with a large meandering python. She eyed occasionally at the reptile with no intent of making a kill, just like Shere Khan and Kaa from the Jungle Book. </p> <p>Most of us when asked to conjure up an image of a tiger imagine a man-eating predator skulking through the steamy jungles of southern Asia, particularly in the subcontinent of India. Here in Kanha, tigers are friendly, welcoming and accustom to the scene of jeeps and clicking cameras. There is a strong unspoken bond between tiger and human. As a result of tourism, conservation efforts such as 'Tour Operators for Tigers' (TOFT) have emerged forming alliances among Indian operators in order to promote best practices in wildlife viewing. Over the years, the Indian government have also realized the need for stricter monitoring and census in order to keep the tiger population at a healthy state. </p> <p><b>SINGINAWA JUNGLE LODGE </b></p> <p><b>Protector of the Sacred Forest </b></p> <p>My visit to Singinawa Jungle Lodge fuelled my passion to discover this unique relationship between tourism and conservation. I met with Dr. Latika Nath Rana, a petite lady with captivating big brown eyes and her husband, Nanda SJB Rana, a friendly man with an imposing build. Both wildlife enthusiasts heeded their passion for the wild and eventually led them to cross paths. Latika is a wildlife biologist and the first woman to be awarded a doctorate on tiger conservation and management from the University of Oxford. She is also fondly dubbed as the "Tiger Princess" being married to Nanda who hails from the Royal Rana family of Nepal. Nanda is a tiger photography expert and film producer having worked for notable organizations such as National Geographic, BBC and Discovery Channel. </p> <p>Both knew that they had a strong role in the fight to save tigers. With their wealth of knowledge on tigers and Nanda's love for hospitality, they bought an initial piece of land just outside of the buffer zone bordering a local town named Bayar. It was evident that the main reason tourists visited Kanha is for the wildlife, more specifically for the tiger. The pair knew all too well that the fight to save tigers is not a single minded quest; instead it required tourists to be educated, locals to sense pride, government to buck up and private enterprises to take on the role as catalysts. Hence the inception of 'Singinawa', which takes its meaning from a Sherpa term, the "Protector of the Sacred Forest". </p> <p>Nanda understands the need and importance of embracing the local community, "if we start something, it needs to make a difference to the people around it". They hired over 350 local people for the construction of Singinawa. For 10 months, a small community was formed as local men shared craftsmen skills, exchange stories of wildlife encounters, and shared life together. Many of them stayed on to be part of the Singinawa family. </p> <p>The construction of Singinawa Lodge was no easy feat with many minute considerations to take into account in order to lessen the impact on the environment. Details such as land use, building material, waste management, energy source and water management and wildlife management were part of the equation. A sustainable property was the only kind of property that Latika was willing to build, stating, "If I as a conservationist and wildlife biologist set a place and don't think about conserving it, who will? It is a responsibility I owe". </p> <p><b>The Lodge </b></p> <p>Today, Singinawa provides affordable and comfortable living with a grand main house and 12 individual cottages dotted around the 55 acre land. The once degraded land choked by lantana has now been restored and it is home to two resident leopards, chital, wild dog and wild boar. </p> <p>Every structure is designed and built around existing trees and a great evidence of that is upon entering the main house with a lofty tree at our welcome. The interiors of the main house are decorated with heavy wooden furniture and leather bound chairs giving the impression of castle, perhaps influenced by Nanda's upbringing of living in palaces most of this childhood. The grandeur of this building is further enhanced by the magnificent photos of tigers set in bold frames, all taken by Nanda who is notably the only photographer who has documented six generations of tigers in Bandhavgarh National Park just six hours away. </p> <p>On wintry nights, the cosy fireplace in the library makes for a perfect seating for stories. The double walls provide adequate insulation in the winter and perfect cooling in the summer. A natural air cooling system channels hot air out and cool air in eliminating the need for air conditioning in the main hall. And where possible, without the disturbance of langurs and macaques, solar panels have been fitted to provide energy for external lighting. </p> <p><b>Creative conservation </b></p> <p>As conservationists at heart, it wasn't enough just to set up a lodge for wildlife enthusiasts or holiday makers. Latika and Nanda thought up innovative ways to raise money for conservation and community development projects. Last year, Latika rallied a group of well-known artists from all over the world for a 10-day retreat the lodge. Surrounded by incredible wildlife, great food and organic inspiration, the artists produced passion-laden paintings that were later auctioned to raise funds for tiger conservation projects such as the building of watering holes for tigers in Kanha. </p> <p>In 2008, the Singinawa Foundation was established with a steady flow of funds coming from the Spa at Singinawa. Guests who pay to be pampered at the Spa are contributing to the wellbeing of the villagers around the lodge. Through monies raised, medical camps are organized and critically ill villagers are being sent to hospitals that they could never afford to pay. </p> <p>The need never stops and as long as operators like Singinawa continues to thrive, protected areas are a little safer, wildlife can continue to flourish and local communities will grow in their sense of pride and belonging that they too are "Protectors of the Sacred Forest". </p> <p><b>SHERGARH TENTED CAMP </b></p> <p>Not far from Singinawa is another remarkable story of change makers who have steered away from mass tourism to create a unique kind of travel with a focus on nature and people. </p> <p>The making of Shergarh Tented Camp is a story that tugs at heartstrings. It is a story of love and passion resulting in a concoction of wildlife hospitality. Jehan Bhujwala grew up in the metropolitan city of Bombay having only the concrete jungle as his playground. He furthered his studies in geology and mastered in it but soon realized an insatiable longing to live life in the wild. He purchased a 21-acre land on the fringe of the buffer zone adjacent to Kanha National Park in 2001 whilst working at Kipling Camp, the first camp built near Mukki gate. In 2002, Katie, a British girl from a village close to Bath in the United Kingdom was so drawn to India after an extended backpacking trip that she decided to find a job at the same camp, and love struck. </p> <p>At that time, Jehan was living in a tiny mud house on his property and had already started conceptualizing the idea of a tented camp. With extra hands and a like-minded partner, ideas soon evolved into reality and Jehan and Katie began building the camp. "This was not going to be any ordinary camp. With Jehan's experience as a naturalist and my insight on travels after much destination hopping during my backpacking years, we both decide that this camp will honour and respect the environment and people living around," explained Katie. </p> <p>They adopted villages around the vicinity, hired local communities to help build the camp and fostered impeccable relationships with the villagers. "For many villagers, tourism was a foreign and new concept to them, especially when Shergarh Tented Camp was one first few properties established near Mukki gate. Today, they are like family." said Katie. "We have incorporated local skills and techniques into the lodge as much as possible, such as their dry-stone masonry and mud-plasterwork, and have used local carpenters, masons, plumbers and electricians."</p> <p>Due to poor knowledge of sustainable agriculture practices, the 21 acre land was completely degraded and overused. Katie explained that the entire land space was filled with invasive and chocking eucalyptus trees, biodiversity was close to barrenness and the land was starved. The pair spent many months and years regenerating the land, chopping down eucalyptus for construction and firewood in the winters. Indigenous trees were reintroduced to the land and the beautiful waterbed that sits in the middle of the land continued to feed the trees. </p> <p>We walked past the waterbed to reach our tents, and much to our delight, we saw egrets, commorants, kingfishers and bee- eaters basking in the water. Katie tells us that jackals and wild boars frequently roam the area and just at the entrance amongst the patch of tall green meadows, a jungle cat has made that his home. Katie recollects an incident when the name Shergarh meaning "Home of the Tiger" resonated. "In November 2008, a 5-year old male tiger strayed from the core forest and took refuge from (in?) the surrounding paddy fields".</p> <p><b>Camp in Comfort </b></p> <p>As we ambled into the vicinity of Shergarh Tented camp in Kanha, we were expecting high A-framed tents, foldable camp beds, make shift toilets and simple skinny mattresses, but what we found at Shergargh was a haven of comfort and simplicity. </p> <p>The rugged looking canvas tent is tied securely on concrete A-frame structure with a sturdy roof made of handmade clay roof tiles. The tents are incredibly roomy inside with a large king sized bed, bedside tables and a spacious permanent toilet, shower and open closet area. Just outside the tent, a few plush cushion mattresses and deck chairs are cleverly positioned to great views of the lake and the open skies as we watch the stars emerge at night. </p> <p>The tents take on names of indigenous trees in India such as Tulsi (Indian basil), Aam (mango), Jamun (blackberry), Imli (tamarind), Mahua and Neem. Many of these trees were re-planted around the property in their effort to revive the degraded land. </p> <p><b>Moving away from a tiger-centric approach </b></p> <p>While it's easy to take on a tiger-centric approach as tiger sightings are almost a daily affair, the couple knew that that would not do justice to the rich diversity in Kanha. Instead they have expanded their list of activities to include village visits, walking hikes and bike tours. </p> <p>In October 2011, Shergarh will be offering bespoke bike tours from half day tours to 3-day tours. These cycle 'tolla' tours (tolla meaning village) will take guests off the beaten track from Kanha through villages and obscure towns to Pench National Park (approximately 200km) or Bandhavgargh National Park (approximately 250km). Exploring the Madhya Pradesh region on two wheels opens a new spectrum of experience for guests giving them a chance to interact with locals, savour chai at roadside stalls, weave through tall paddy fields and stay with local communities. For a more rustic camping experience, guests have the option of camping out in the open and cooking meals over fire and charcoal. </p> <p>Whether it is a lodge or a tented camp, conscious travellers are now looking for more than just a comfortable place to stay. I found myself searching for operators who are committed to preserving the destination and operators that can offer authentic experiences crafted through their commitment and understanding of the destination and the surrounding people. At Kanha, I found two champion operators who are investing time and resources to preserve the very thing that tourists come to Kanha for, a genuine 'Jungle Book' experience. </p> <div> <p><b>How to get to Kanha National Park: </b></p> <p>By Air: Nagpur is the nearest airport to Kanha National Park. Other airports include Raipur and Jabalpur. These airports are all connected to major cities in India. </p> <p>By Train: Jabalpur is a convenient rail route to head towards Kanha National Park. </p> <p>By Road: Kanha National Park is well connected with major roads from Jabalpur (175kms), Nagpur (266kms) and Raipur (219kms). Kanha also has a good network of roads connecting to surrounding national parks such as Bandhavgarh, Pench, Panna, Achanakmar and Phen National Park. </p> <p><b>Best time to visit: </b></p> <p>The peak season for Kanha National Park visits is the winter season, from October to February. During the summer months from March to June, tiger sightings are at its best as the grasslands dries up making it easier to spot wild animals. The park is closed from mid-June to October during the monsoon season. </p> </div> <p> </p><div>View latest photos</div> <div style="height: 110px; margin-top: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: auto; margin-left: auto;"> <div><ul style=""><li><a href="http://www.wildasia.org/main.cfm/library/Jungle_Book#yui-gen0"><em>Go to page 1</em></a></li><li><a href="http://www.wildasia.org/main.cfm/library/Jungle_Book#yui-gen6"><em>Go to page 2</em></a></li></ul><span style="">Previous Page</span><span style="">Next Page</span></div> <div style=""><ol style=""> <li><a href="http://www.wildasia.org/main.cfm/library/Jungle_Book#" title=" - Photo © Terence Ooi" rel="lightwindow[photo]"><img title=" - Photo © Terence Ooi" src="http://www.wildasia.org/images/150/Mahout.JPG" border="0" height="55" width="75" /></a><p><a href="http://www.wildasia.org/main.cfm/library/Jungle_Book#" title=" - Photo © Terence Ooi" rel="lightwindow[photo]"></a></p></li> <li><a href="http://www.wildasia.org/main.cfm/library/Jungle_Book#" title=" - Photo © Terence Ooi" rel="lightwindow[photo]"><img title=" - Photo © Terence Ooi" src="http://www.wildasia.org/images/150/Sunset_at_Kanha.JPG" border="0" height="55" width="75" /></a><p><a href="http://www.wildasia.org/main.cfm/library/Jungle_Book#" title=" - Photo © Terence Ooi" rel="lightwindow[photo]"></a></p></li> <li><a href="http://www.wildasia.org/main.cfm/library/Jungle_Book#" title=" - Photo © Terence Ooi" rel="lightwindow[photo]"><img title=" - Photo © Terence Ooi" src="http://www.wildasia.org/images/150/Tiger_and_phyton.JPG" border="0" height="55" width="75" /></a><p><a href="http://www.wildasia.org/main.cfm/library/Jungle_Book#" title=" - Photo © Terence Ooi" rel="lightwindow[photo]"></a></p></li> <li><a href="http://www.wildasia.org/main.cfm/library/Jungle_Book#" title=" - Photo © Terence Ooi" rel="lightwindow[photo]"><img title=" - Photo © Terence Ooi" src="http://www.wildasia.org/images/150/Female_tiger.JPG" border="0" height="55" width="75" /></a><p><a href="http://www.wildasia.org/main.cfm/library/Jungle_Book#" title=" - Photo © Terence Ooi" rel="lightwindow[photo]"></a></p></li> <li><a href="http://www.wildasia.org/main.cfm/library/Jungle_Book#" title=" - Photo © Terence Ooi" rel="lightwindow[photo]"><img title=" - Photo © Terence Ooi" src="http://www.wildasia.org/images/150/Shergarh_Tented_Camp2.JPG" border="0" height="55" width="75" /></a><p><a href="http://www.wildasia.org/main.cfm/library/Jungle_Book#" title=" - Photo © Terence Ooi" rel="lightwindow[photo]"></a></p></li> <li><a href="http://www.wildasia.org/main.cfm/library/Jungle_Book#" title=" - Photo © Terence Ooi" rel="lightwindow[photo]"><img title=" - Photo © Terence Ooi" src="http://www.wildasia.org/images/150/Singinawa_Jungle_Lodge.JPG" border="0" height="55" width="75" /></a><p><a href="http://www.wildasia.org/main.cfm/library/Jungle_Book#" title=" - Photo © Terence Ooi" rel="lightwindow[photo]"></a></p></li> <li><a href="http://www.wildasia.org/main.cfm/library/Jungle_Book#" title=" - Photo © Terence Ooi" rel="lightwindow[photo]"><img title=" - Photo © Terence Ooi" src="http://www.wildasia.org/images/150/Barasingha.JPG" border="0" height="55" width="75" /></a><p><a href="http://www.wildasia.org/main.cfm/library/Jungle_Book#" title=" - Photo © Terence Ooi" rel="lightwindow[photo]"></a></p></li> <li><a href="http://www.wildasia.org/main.cfm/library/Jungle_Book#" title=" - Photo © Terence Ooi" rel="lightwindow[photo]"><img title=" - Photo © Terence Ooi" src="http://www.wildasia.org/images/150/DSC_1306.JPG" border="0" height="55" width="75" /></a><p><a href="http://www.wildasia.org/main.cfm/library/Jungle_Book#" title=" - Photo © Terence Ooi" rel="lightwindow[photo]"></a></p></li> <li><a href="http://www.wildasia.org/main.cfm/library/Jungle_Book#" title=" - Photo © Terence Ooi" rel="lightwindow[photo]"><img title=" - Photo © Terence Ooi" src="http://www.wildasia.org/images/150/Tiger_pugmarks.JPG" border="0" height="55" width="75" /></a><p><a href="http://www.wildasia.org/main.cfm/library/Jungle_Book#" title=" - Photo © Terence Ooi" rel="lightwindow[photo]"></a></p></li> </ol></div></div> <p> </p><div>Like this? Disagree? Have your say! <span style="float: right; font-weight: normal;"><a href="http://www.wildasia.org/main.cfm/library/Jungle_Book#">hide</a></span> </div> <p> </p><div>About the Author</div> <div> <p><img src="http://www.wildasia.org/images/contacts/150/Deborah.jpg" height="112" width="150" /></p> <p><a href="http://www.wildasia.org/main.cfm/library/Jungle_Book#" style="text-decoration: none;"><img src="http://www.wildasia.org/images/icons/icon_email.gif" height="16" align="absmiddle" width="16" /></a></p><p><a href="http://www.wildasia.org/main.cfm/library/Jungle_Book#" style="text-decoration: none;">Write to Deborah Chan</a></p><p></p> </div> <div> <p><b>Deborah Chan</b><br /> Deb got her first dose of the great outdoors at the age of seven and naturally stuck at it. Her weekends are filled with campouts, hikes, backpacking travels and underwater escapades. After graduating in Mass Communication from Murdoch, she garnered diverse skills in corporate training, tactical com... <a href="http://www.wildasia.org/main.cfm/library/Jungle_Book#">more inside</a> » </p> <p>Deborah Chan also contributed 1 other article in this section:</p> <ul> <li><a href="http://www.wildasia.org/main.cfm/library/Jungle_Book#">Home with the Wild at Ngala Private Game Reserve</a></li> </ul> <p><a href="http://www.wildasia.org/main.cfm/library/Jungle_Book#">all articles by Deborah Chan</a> »</p> </div> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p> </p></div></blockquote><div class="posterous_quote_citation">via <a href="http://www.wildasia.org/main.cfm/library/Jungle_Book">wildasia.org</a></div> <p></p></div> </p> <p><a href="http://travelpostcards.posterous.com/indias-jungle-book-is-larger-than-life-wild-a">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://travelpostcards.posterous.com/indias-jungle-book-is-larger-than-life-wild-a#comment">Leave a comment&nbsp;&nbsp;&raquo;</a> </p><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/travel-postcards/~4/sxK0ZnCh5Q8" height="1" width="1"/> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/247261/_DSC7551.jpg http://posterous.com/users/36PD45chiwdX Terence & Deborah TravelPostcards Terence & Deborah Fri, 13 May 2011 17:44:00 -0700 http://travelpostcards.posterous.com/tipping-etiquette-around-the-world http://travelpostcards.posterous.com/tipping-etiquette-around-the-world <p> <p><a href="http://www.mint.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/110302-MINT-TIPSa.png"><img src="http://www.mint.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/110302-MINT-TIPSa.png" height="768" alt="" width="540" /></a></p> <p><a href="http://www.mint.com/personal-finance/ ">Mint.com Personal Finances</a></p> </p> <p><a href="http://travelpostcards.posterous.com/tipping-etiquette-around-the-world">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://travelpostcards.posterous.com/tipping-etiquette-around-the-world#comment">Leave a comment&nbsp;&nbsp;&raquo;</a> </p><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/travel-postcards/~4/QvIgDDoatsI" height="1" width="1"/> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/247261/_DSC7551.jpg http://posterous.com/users/36PD45chiwdX Terence & Deborah TravelPostcards Terence & Deborah Thu, 12 May 2011 00:07:43 -0700 http://travelpostcards.posterous.com/agra-once-a-glorious-city http://travelpostcards.posterous.com/agra-once-a-glorious-city <p> <p>Agra is synonymous to the <a href="http://wikitravel.org/en/Agra" target="_blank">Taj Mahal</a> - the magnanimous building often associate to love and death (what an irony). Ever since we organized a camp (see: <a href="http://sel7.gracerangers.com/india-city-at-camporama/" target="_blank">Camporama 2009</a>) with an Indian theme, it was our dream to see this special monument (or tomb) in person.<p />The city is dusty, dirty and there is no way of escaping sounds of honks! Tourism is perhaps the only thing that's keeping the city alive and its inhabitants thriving. We decided to escape the busy chaos and chose <a href="http://www.heritagehome.in/" target="_blank">Heritage Homestay</a> as our stop over. The homestay provides simple and clean rooms not meant for the luxurious traveler. This no frills homestay serves delightful traditional Indian cuisine - all homecooked. Their service is personal, family members are courteous plus they help you to arrange your travel plans - without ripping you off.<p />Have you been to UNESCO heritage sites and you walked away thinking that it's overrated and hyped? This is not the case with the Taj Mahal. Glorious in all its splendour, the Taj beams with pride from the love of one king to his most beloved wife. Our tip is to be the first few in line (before 6am) for the sunrise and if possible, hire a qualified guide to bring you in and explain the story behind it. The other reason to be the first few is purely vanity - so that you can get shots of the Taj (with yourself) with as little people as possible at the background.</p> <p>Read more about Agra and the Taj Mahal on <a href="http://wikitravel.org/en/Agra" target="_blank">Wikitravel</a>. <div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2011-05-12/jbADkczdlxvicyJhraoiAvrIffCeaipGxnsGcJduhkpJptxttoazjDhzrHdb/DSC_0582.JPG.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="Dsc_0582" height="335" src="http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2011-05-12/jbADkczdlxvicyJhraoiAvrIffCeaipGxnsGcJduhkpJptxttoazjDhzrHdb/DSC_0582.JPG.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> <a href="http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2011-05-12/tGwpIevqAzuGBgombBmklgFyewuHvEtmkFBhpxHBiHgeGspinraHiFeHrtGl/DSC_0587.JPG.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="Dsc_0587" height="748" src="http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2011-05-12/tGwpIevqAzuGBgombBmklgFyewuHvEtmkFBhpxHBiHgeGspinraHiFeHrtGl/DSC_0587.JPG.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> <a href="http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2011-05-12/lucxpjJFhDvDmaAEAyGDbyAGxxngDEepFHIrhFosdABAjHiqqCIyjodAddlf/DSC_0609.JPG.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="Dsc_0609" height="335" src="http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2011-05-12/lucxpjJFhDvDmaAEAyGDbyAGxxngDEepFHIrhFosdABAjHiqqCIyjodAddlf/DSC_0609.JPG.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> <a href="http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2011-05-12/IjsozivbyJjlnlyxqefaGoIrwiqhzxrphkxDvCvCarHsuqcimupsnjyCIJmp/DSC_0622.JPG.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="Dsc_0622" height="335" src="http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2011-05-12/IjsozivbyJjlnlyxqefaGoIrwiqhzxrphkxDvCvCarHsuqcimupsnjyCIJmp/DSC_0622.JPG.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> <a href="http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2011-05-12/mzeFdIrqzGkefqCrooprfamilyEwDboygishyzwJyreCHyiAAlemuuqzIuzE/DSC_0627.JPG.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="Dsc_0627" height="334" src="http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2011-05-12/mzeFdIrqzGkefqCrooprfamilyEwDboygishyzwJyreCHyiAAlemuuqzIuzE/DSC_0627.JPG.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> <a href="http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2011-05-12/IJudcCowoivjcJBkjjhyBueCJuDervmFgjkgkFimcDgAzsbsfJkCcxGjwwqp/DSC_0687.JPG.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="Dsc_0687" height="334" src="http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2011-05-12/IJudcCowoivjcJBkjjhyBueCJuDervmFgjkgkFimcDgAzsbsfJkCcxGjwwqp/DSC_0687.JPG.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> <a href="http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2011-05-12/uhDxhxBqzBuwEyikpilnlIhducaekneFggxEdbmdwhCzvisjwGcuAskksGcr/DSC_0703.JPG.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="Dsc_0703" height="335" src="http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2011-05-12/uhDxhxBqzBuwEyikpilnlIhducaekneFggxEdbmdwhCzvisjwGcuAskksGcr/DSC_0703.JPG.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> <a href="http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2011-05-12/akDwyabtBlFqpDcyifiwvDHpbuIxbhgFkCEmBDosEpavqFjFkCuursyBfvAB/DSC_0721.JPG.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="Dsc_0721" height="746" src="http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2011-05-12/akDwyabtBlFqpDcyifiwvDHpbuIxbhgFkCEmBDosEpavqFjFkCuursyBfvAB/DSC_0721.JPG.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> <a href="http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2011-05-12/pDkihhgokEJtnuyiEwFCoaicfAEvwsndnnbEBDkHweCspzjqbkFdpneBphHb/DSC_0735.JPG.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="Dsc_0735" height="334" src="http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2011-05-12/pDkihhgokEJtnuyiEwFCoaicfAEvwsndnnbEBDkHweCspzjqbkFdpneBphHb/DSC_0735.JPG.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> <div class='p_see_full_gallery'><a href="http://travelpostcards.posterous.com/agra-once-a-glorious-city">See the full gallery on Posterous</a></div> </div> </p> </p> <p><a href="http://travelpostcards.posterous.com/agra-once-a-glorious-city">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://travelpostcards.posterous.com/agra-once-a-glorious-city#comment">Leave a comment&nbsp;&nbsp;&raquo;</a> </p><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/travel-postcards/~4/75DJsCevkUU" height="1" width="1"/> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/247261/_DSC7551.jpg http://posterous.com/users/36PD45chiwdX Terence & Deborah TravelPostcards Terence & Deborah Wed, 11 May 2011 21:21:25 -0700 http://travelpostcards.posterous.com/first-time-at-india http://travelpostcards.posterous.com/first-time-at-india <p> <p>Again, we took the chance to escape the norms of everyday life at home, and for the first time exploring the great mystique country of India. Another tick on our bucket list. Getting orientated to the Indian way of life, we immersed ourselves with the folks of New Delhi. Being the capital of India, Delhi is a melting pot of cultures. To sum up Delhi, we categorically put them in three different Cs.</p> <p><strong style="">1. Charm</strong></p> <p>You cannot escape from the colours of Delhi. It has its way to charm you into loving the city. Often bustling with white and blue collared workers streaming in and out taxis and <em style="">autos</em>, people in Delhi are more often than not, friendly. Even if you feel being a little harrassed by touts at train stations or bus stops, a simple &lsquo;no, thank you&rsquo; and they&rsquo;ll politely walk away. Do not be, of course, intimidated by some of the touts and beggars, who are just trying to make a small living.</p> <p>Delhi has a mix of everything &ndash; the rich, the extreme poor, smiling faces, law abiding Hindus, the liberal ones, voluntary Sikhs, and of course, the guys who know not an inch of traffic law. You&rsquo;ll find old school advertisements of Pepsi, car mechanics and jewellery shops, all painstakingly painted on rough and half broken down walls.</p> <p>All this mishmash of everything makes one curious and intrigue of what goes behind a daily Delhi life.</p> <p><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://getfile5.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2011-05-10/reIxifuxbcpdemukyIyarBaJiAlahGkfuDvFtrwxbJefGxmwtGhFnnrzxAAv/DSC_0448.JPG.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="Dsc_0448" height="334" src="http://getfile1.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2011-05-10/reIxifuxbcpdemukyIyarBaJiAlahGkfuDvFtrwxbJefGxmwtGhFnnrzxAAv/DSC_0448.JPG.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> </div> <div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://getfile6.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2011-05-10/vaxbJBnArnqeaExHzhkaqAieEujzBiCzmImiFljltvruIrGteIGexBtDyoEt/DSC_0450.JPG.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="Dsc_0450" height="334" src="http://getfile2.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2011-05-10/vaxbJBnArnqeaExHzhkaqAieEujzBiCzmImiFljltvruIrGteIGexBtDyoEt/DSC_0450.JPG.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> </div> <strong style="">2. Cuisine</strong></p> <p>Because of such cultures and differences in people and family life, food in Delhi is a bomb. Point to note that the north of Delhi is different to the south when it comes to food. Food in Delhi is not flamboyant &ndash; made from simple ingredients and spices but extremely flavourful. Ask every Delhi-lite and they will tell you they have different joints that they have grown up with &ndash; places they frequent since they were little kids. We&rsquo;ve managed to try the following:</p> <p>Sagar (Defence Colony)<span class="street-address">: 24, Defence Colony Market,</span><strong>&nbsp;</strong> Defence Colony, Delhi</p> <p>Try their South Indian food - paper masala tosai.Don't forget to order their chutney (especially the mint and tomato one). For a twist, you need to try the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dahi_vada" target="_blank">Dehivada</a>. They are lentil dumplings topped with a spicy savory yogurt and tamarind chutney. We fell head over heels with it.<div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://getfile2.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2011-05-10/kuoidBkBJgkqAkcjxbamxvaqCshcienmslhecIAptowCjtrfHJBqwHFrHEhD/DSC_0414.JPG.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="Dsc_0414" height="334" src="http://getfile9.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2011-05-10/kuoidBkBJgkqAkcjxbamxvaqCshcienmslhecIAptowCjtrfHJBqwHFrHEhD/DSC_0414.JPG.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> </div> </p> <p><em>The Dehivada</em><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://getfile5.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2011-05-10/IeJbfEliBpoChDIHwvbwblanFxcJnhmhqhBwxiAwzBtbhwjlyfbrjnahyeGy/DSC_0418.JPG.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="Dsc_0418" height="334" src="http://getfile9.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2011-05-10/IeJbfEliBpoChDIHwvbwblanFxcJnhmhqhBwxiAwzBtbhwjlyfbrjnahyeGy/DSC_0418.JPG.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> </div> </p> <p>Gurdwara Temple</p> <p>We visited a sikh temple to experience their <em>langar.</em> It is a term used to serve free food to the community, and only vegetarian meals are served. It's open to Sikhs and non Sikhs. the entire temple is operated by volunteers, from those who remove your slippers/shoes, to those cutting onions and peeling potatos. The food was probably the best free vegetarian meal we've had, but don't expect 5 star standard. Just enjoy the experience, it's unique.</p> <p><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://getfile6.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2011-05-10/JglDCxIyanGnBCyelcnacwEuqHFzsoImHlzryjIgtHiesuqntbCheuaCdJbn/DSC_0464.JPG.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="Dsc_0464" height="334" src="http://getfile2.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2011-05-10/JglDCxIyanGnBCyelcnacwEuqHFzsoImHlzryjIgtHiesuqntbCheuaCdJbn/DSC_0464.JPG.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> </div> <div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://getfile8.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2011-05-10/dfrFIevJCAJtrhnzhBsokFrosjHlxwIknpIDniulookBxzwbjDawAIounuzt/DSC_0470.JPG.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="Dsc_0470" height="334" src="http://getfile7.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2011-05-10/dfrFIevJCAJtrhnzhBsokFrosjHlxwIknpIDniulookBxzwbjDawAIounuzt/DSC_0470.JPG.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> </div> Sweets Aggarwal</p> <p>How not to have Indian sweets at India? Find any of Aggarwal outlets and "dine" in there. Most sweets can last only 4-5 days, only a few up to 2 weeks. The Gulab Jamun is a must try. A list of outlets <a href="http://www.delhidarshan.info/aggarwal-sweets-outlets-in-delhi.htm" target="_blank">here</a>.</p> <p>Butter Chicken &ndash; <a href="http://www.hotelrajdootdelhi.com" target="_blank">Rajdoot Hotel</a></p> <p>We did not stay at this hotel, but they serve one of the best local Indian food in town. You must try the creamy butter chicken. It's to die for. All food are mainly home cooked, so no MSG, not much oil, and not much fats!</p> <p>Try &lsquo;<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paan" target="_blank">Paan</a>&rsquo;</p> <p>Indians have a legacy of chewing their local paan betel leaf. Sweet paan has sugar, candied fruit and multicolored, sweetened and candy-like fennel seeds. If you want tabacco, you can tell them so.</p> <p>Guranteed having fresh breath for a few hours!</p> <p><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <img alt="Dsc_0424" height="640" src="http://getfile0.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2011-05-10/zhpJApDACqtxElkocxlexkaFDfeuhfkoxHtfrnGFtcFEestjGvvsbcxoArox/DSC_0424.JPG.scaled500.jpg" width="428" /> </div> </p> <p><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://getfile3.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2011-05-10/ogbobfqcEnEdrmxkAHowdlHdaFhuvDipwkiflgByyifyvllqgFowpiakbeJC/DSC_0432.JPG.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="Dsc_0432" height="334" src="http://getfile8.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2011-05-10/ogbobfqcEnEdrmxkAHowdlHdaFhuvDipwkiflgByyifyvllqgFowpiakbeJC/DSC_0432.JPG.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> </div> <strong style="">3. Congestion</strong></p> <p>Delhi&rsquo;s traffic can drive anyone mad, even a local Delhi-lite. Vehicles are not separated by a comfortable safe distances in case of emergency, but rather by inches and sometimes, by the centimetres. The sound of blasting horns and occasional shouts from drivers and passengers adds to the life on the road. Whether it is one or two lanes, there is an unspeakable chaos only Delhi-lites will understand. Bullock carts, cars, bicycles, three-wheelers, pedestrians, cows and dogs all share the same space! To experience Delhi, there is no chance of escaping the menacing roads of Delhi. Tip is to always stay calm and remain patient. If all else fail, close your eyes.</p> <p><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <img alt="Dsc_0458" height="640" src="http://getfile3.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2011-05-10/bsDogpJhhdqADBodFdJyhDItbEIrymenAaHDGzioHfFhgBfntwEuIerjIGqj/DSC_0458.JPG.scaled500.jpg" width="428" /> </div> </p> </p> <p><a href="http://travelpostcards.posterous.com/first-time-at-india">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://travelpostcards.posterous.com/first-time-at-india#comment">Leave a comment&nbsp;&nbsp;&raquo;</a> </p><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/travel-postcards/~4/L6u55mm9Y6w" height="1" width="1"/> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/247261/_DSC7551.jpg http://posterous.com/users/36PD45chiwdX Terence & Deborah TravelPostcards Terence & Deborah Tue, 10 May 2011 20:47:00 -0700 http://travelpostcards.posterous.com/our-work-at-battambang-cambodia http://travelpostcards.posterous.com/our-work-at-battambang-cambodia <p> <p>See the slideshow below and check out what we did for the people at Battambang, Cambodia - just in March 2011.</p> <p><iframe src="http://embed.animoto.com/play.html?w=swf/vp1&amp;e=1305085764&amp;f=O9liZMbLTwgOHuQAkLmk2g&amp;d=151&amp;m=a&amp;r=240p+480p&amp;volume=100&amp;start_res=480p&amp;i=m&amp;options=" frameborder="0" height="300" width="540"></iframe></p> </p> <p><a href="http://travelpostcards.posterous.com/our-work-at-battambang-cambodia">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://travelpostcards.posterous.com/our-work-at-battambang-cambodia#comment">Leave a comment&nbsp;&nbsp;&raquo;</a> </p><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/travel-postcards/~4/w38xITbqbrM" height="1" width="1"/> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/247261/_DSC7551.jpg http://posterous.com/users/36PD45chiwdX Terence & Deborah TravelPostcards Terence & Deborah Mon, 28 Mar 2011 01:29:00 -0700 http://travelpostcards.posterous.com/banyumulek-the-secret-world-of-pottery http://travelpostcards.posterous.com/banyumulek-the-secret-world-of-pottery <p> <p>Not often featured in guide books or travel site, but we stumbled upon a gem whilst traveling at Lombok. Even if you're not into pottery or pots, the small village of Banyumulek has more to offer than pots for sale. We arrived during the day and saw village folks all bustling with activities relating to pottery. 80% of the village economy relies on pottery. We saw ladies carrying unfinished pots on their heads, some of them sitting by the doorway molding pots with their bare hands, and even some cycling to the "fire place" to smoke the pot.</p> <p>Village life at Banyumulek is about pottery mainly. And though it was started as a hobby and an activity to supplement their daily living, today's pottery making has now gained international spotlight with their pottery not only being exported to Bali or other parts of Indonesia, but also to European countries such as Paris and Denmark! Amazing!</p> <p>Riding through the little village, one could find many shops selling them and if you are those traveling with a tour bus, be careful not to be caught with the bigger shops selling at higher price, and the bulk of it going to to tour guides as commission. We suggest you drop by Annan Pottery - a wholesale shop with an incredibly wide range of display.</p> <p> <p>Annan Pottery (Wholesale Center)</p> <p>Jalan Raya Banyumulek Kedin</p> <p>Lombok Barat &ndash; NTB 83362</p> <p>LA Akhsan Tel: 08175760337</p> <p>Nanik Tel: 081803628480</p> <p>Email: <a href="mailto:ananpottery@yahoo.com">ananpottery@yahoo.com</a></p> </p> <p>A tip on traveling at Lombok would be to hire a motorcycle or scooter. If not, hire a vehicle and get them to drive you around. There is not much traffic at Lombok, in comparison with that of touristy Bali.</p> <p><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://getfile1.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2011-03-28/rIkfFudgfgBnlosftilggydbwwfJywpDEwIeccBHiiHdlxEcgzozatdscFDf/DSC_0089.JPG.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="Dsc_0089" height="333" src="http://getfile0.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2011-03-28/rIkfFudgfgBnlosftilggydbwwfJywpDEwIeccBHiiHdlxEcgzozatdscFDf/DSC_0089.JPG.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> <a href="http://getfile0.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2011-03-28/AekuwmBzhkCfmwDcatGyqakmvHAgECDppaxcArFyJGniksqItwiiehxtbJpD/DSC_0092.JPG.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="Dsc_0092" height="333" src="http://getfile6.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2011-03-28/AekuwmBzhkCfmwDcatGyqakmvHAgECDppaxcArFyJGniksqItwiiehxtbJpD/DSC_0092.JPG.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> <a href="http://getfile1.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2011-03-28/osFpiImCtEIApmnvtbnnFtIxgpzgbeGlogxqtwCwbudlzohuEusAalBFEHiv/DSC_0097.JPG.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="Dsc_0097" height="333" src="http://getfile9.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2011-03-28/osFpiImCtEIApmnvtbnnFtIxgpzgbeGlogxqtwCwbudlzohuEusAalBFEHiv/DSC_0097.JPG.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> <a href="http://getfile2.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2011-03-28/famHnzbBosgjmcyBvlqoqBnDEnujBzgkvvEBvBnGqnCuFuDjBsJkyqCabtsl/DSC_0101.JPG.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="Dsc_0101" height="333" src="http://getfile1.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2011-03-28/famHnzbBosgjmcyBvlqoqBnDEnujBzgkvvEBvBnGqnCuFuDjBsJkyqCabtsl/DSC_0101.JPG.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> <a href="http://getfile5.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2011-03-28/plbCmkAFFgorqhHoGkngbxlHgIheAcEanskiBldJlxJxhzcArAoCcwrGIejI/DSC_0106.JPG.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="Dsc_0106" height="333" src="http://getfile4.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2011-03-28/plbCmkAFFgorqhHoGkngbxlHgIheAcEanskiBldJlxJxhzcArAoCcwrGIejI/DSC_0106.JPG.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> <img alt="Dsc_0108" height="640" src="http://getfile7.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2011-03-28/hwGDxsmeJuaeDlshfaBvzmjJchgvfbbktmCzCJntilmkJlAhapvGzxwfnsky/DSC_0108.JPG.scaled500.jpg" width="426" /> <a href="http://getfile2.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2011-03-28/bpujijtagqwprmbhsCmderorykxtyIAhuGuhduootmbnrgvIuAqoFuHqrbju/DSC_0114.JPG.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="Dsc_0114" height="333" src="http://getfile8.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2011-03-28/bpujijtagqwprmbhsCmderorykxtyIAhuGuhduootmbnrgvIuAqoFuHqrbju/DSC_0114.JPG.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> <a href="http://getfile9.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2011-03-28/EGIqnamxrzCfstrjslksaJGxtBfpwEjzmqknJnEIbyjkneeswFGtmyxoAppd/DSC_0117.JPG.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="Dsc_0117" height="333" src="http://getfile7.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2011-03-28/EGIqnamxrzCfstrjslksaJGxtBfpwEjzmqknJnEIbyjkneeswFGtmyxoAppd/DSC_0117.JPG.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> <a href="http://getfile8.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2011-03-28/brqdvvvwDkoGfDdiIfymFgeBnlAsnkzcmByEGhnlwBweDqJdirImvIHzrixp/DSC_0125.JPG.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="Dsc_0125" height="333" src="http://getfile0.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2011-03-28/brqdvvvwDkoGfDdiIfymFgeBnlAsnkzcmByEGhnlwBweDqJdirImvIHzrixp/DSC_0125.JPG.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> <a href="http://getfile0.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2011-03-28/JIBCzIzFdrfAhkEyxmiolxCpFFgrAwhvrGxvsHzthFshyGEzdgyegHdAJneu/DSC_0134.JPG.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="Dsc_0134" height="333" src="http://getfile5.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2011-03-28/JIBCzIzFdrfAhkEyxmiolxCpFFgrAwhvrGxvsHzthFshyGEzdgyegHdAJneu/DSC_0134.JPG.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> <div class='p_see_full_gallery'><a href="http://travelpostcards.posterous.com/banyumulek-the-secret-world-of-pottery">See the full gallery on Posterous</a></div> </div> </p> </p> <p><a href="http://travelpostcards.posterous.com/banyumulek-the-secret-world-of-pottery">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://travelpostcards.posterous.com/banyumulek-the-secret-world-of-pottery#comment">Leave a comment&nbsp;&nbsp;&raquo;</a> </p><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/travel-postcards/~4/t3qrZa6dOqU" height="1" width="1"/> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/247261/_DSC7551.jpg http://posterous.com/users/36PD45chiwdX Terence & Deborah TravelPostcards Terence & Deborah Mon, 21 Mar 2011 21:00:00 -0700 http://travelpostcards.posterous.com/46812064 http://travelpostcards.posterous.com/46812064 <p> <p><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <img alt="Media_httpdosomething_utvgt" height="396" src="http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/travelpostcards/rlByuHenBEDEcurbhCeoJHelJCkIEvhewJfwoAJtyDiJhjqbbHeawkwjIFzc/media_httpdosomething_utvgt.png.scaled500.png" width="405" /> </div> </p> <p>Bombarded with news about Japan since the tsunami hit last week, we have been incredibly moved by the massive death toll and destruction reported. Having the opportunity to be in Aceh in 2006, two months after the Tsunami hit we caught a glimpse of how natural disaster can instantaneously turn a calm village into devastating bedrock of calamity. And regardless of how much we read, listen and watch on TV &ndash; only those on ground will ever understand what it means to have the world in one day and nothing the following day.</p> <p>We will continue to pray and believe that God is in the midst of all this because</p> <blockquote class="posterous_short_quote"> <p>&ldquo;God will never forget the needy; the hope of the afflicted will never perish.&rdquo; Psalm 9:18.&nbsp;</p> </blockquote> <p>And to put action to prayer is to do something! In John 4, Jesus talked about true worshipers worshiping in spirit and in truth. True worship stems from doing. The Bible also records a scripture from James that true religion comes from doing.&nbsp;</p> <p>This month's Project Gift goes to Japan via <a href="http://www.dosomethingnow.com" target="_blank">Do Something Now</a>. &nbsp;Do Something Now is a movement by Passion, a ministry known for their worship and music. Worship is more than just music or good music. Worship is more than just notes and singing in the right tune. Worship is more than just recording labels. Worship is also about doing something unto the Father, our Heavenly Father.</p> <p>Let's put action to prayer&hellip; <a href="http://www.dosomethingnow.com">do something now</a>!</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> </p> <p><a href="http://travelpostcards.posterous.com/46812064">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://travelpostcards.posterous.com/46812064#comment">Leave a comment&nbsp;&nbsp;&raquo;</a> </p><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/travel-postcards/~4/HpN0yNaBzG4" height="1" width="1"/> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/247261/_DSC7551.jpg http://posterous.com/users/36PD45chiwdX Terence & Deborah TravelPostcards Terence & Deborah Thu, 24 Feb 2011 17:10:00 -0800 http://travelpostcards.posterous.com/you-might-better-stay-home http://travelpostcards.posterous.com/you-might-better-stay-home <p> <p><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/travelpostcards/bjbH6GdwxpWFZlOMmdbDy9z7Ak92B6I9o00bhXANUZkLVbImSMQk1n5ZQ4wA/017.jpg.scaled.1000.jpg"><img alt="017" height="332" src="http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/travelpostcards/KawGa3F0dSJiM1NlMl5eDxTWGw9GOJLziMYVlCvFQ3FpHWODZyMx0jdpQc8m/017.jpg.scaled.500.jpg" width="500" /></a> </div> </p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <blockquote class="gmail_quote" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0.8ex; border-left-width: 1px; border-left-color: #cccccc; border-left-style: solid; padding-left: 1ex;">If you reject the food, ignore the customs, fear the religion and avoid the people, you might better stay home.&nbsp;</blockquote> <p /> <div>~James Michener</div> </p> <p><a href="http://travelpostcards.posterous.com/you-might-better-stay-home">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://travelpostcards.posterous.com/you-might-better-stay-home#comment">Leave a comment&nbsp;&nbsp;&raquo;</a> </p><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/travel-postcards/~4/Y03cBa3oags" height="1" width="1"/> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/247261/_DSC7551.jpg http://posterous.com/users/36PD45chiwdX Terence & Deborah TravelPostcards Terence & Deborah Sun, 30 Jan 2011 20:17:00 -0800 http://travelpostcards.posterous.com/project-gift-january-2011 http://travelpostcards.posterous.com/project-gift-january-2011 <p> <p><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">I put myself in the shoes of a parent whose child came into this world with disabilities and physical imperfections. If I were a rich parent, surgery is a cheque away, but if I were a poor parent, scrimping and saving to make ends meet, I would be totally devastated for the simple fact that I cannot afford to give my child the necessary cure that can change his/her life. That&rsquo;s the exact situation that <a href="http://www.cure.org" target="_blank">CURE International</a> hopes to change, everyday, in developing countries.</span></p> <p style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif;">Based in the US and UK, CURE International has a goal to provide healing (both physical and spiritual) to disabled children in developing countries. They aim to provide healing for treatable injuries such as cleft lip, club foot, brain tumour and spina bifida. They work among communities, local hospitals and partner with governments to provide such hope. They run several projects such as </span><span><a href="http://give.helpcurenow.org/site/c.nvI1IeNYJyE/b.3496955/k.794F/CURE_Clubfoot_Worldwide.htm" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif;">Cure Club Foot</span></a></span><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif;">, </span><span><a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Dance-4-Kids-Who-Cant/154720634540279" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif;">Dance 4 Kids Who Can't</span></a></span><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif;"> and </span><span><a href="http://www.kidscurekids.org/site/pp.aspx?c=foIILQOoGjF&amp;b=4127299" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif;">Kids Cure Kids</span></a></span><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif;">.</span></p> <p style="line-height: normal;"><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <img alt="4711818947_dccb1e655f" height="333" src="http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2011-01-30/wgcrwADayiDyaxIyuAkyhuywlBGvyxmzErjFDFvxerfiwulevAhuCqwvnvei/4711818947_dccb1e655f.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /> </div> </p> <p style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif;">What interests us to this project was that they were motivated not only by altruistic reasons but also by the same compassion and love that come from God. They are also very serious about financial reporting and transparency, something we are very particular about when donating or giving to charity organizations. After all, we are called to be good stewards. CURE International&rsquo;s financial reports are downloadable </span><span><a href="http://cure.org/about/financial-accountability/"><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif;">here</span></a></span><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif;">. </span></p> <p><iframe src="http://player.vimeo.com/video/16036613?color=85bf46" frameborder="0" height="225" width="400"></iframe></p> <p><a href="http://vimeo.com/16036613">Ten Years AT CURE Uganda</a> from <a href="http://vimeo.com/cure">CURE Video</a> on <a href="http://vimeo.com">Vimeo</a>.</p> <p style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span></p> <p style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif;">Many heartbreaking situations take place each day, but in the dimness of despair arises a glimmer of hope, here&rsquo;s an snippet from </span><span><a href="http://cure.org/blog/2010/11/there-is-no-place-else-wed-rather-be/" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif;">CURE&rsquo;s blog</span></a></span><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif;">.&nbsp;</span></p> <p style="line-height: normal;"><em style=""><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif;">"When you are 9 years old, trees are nature&rsquo;s jungle gym. This particular one was perfect for climbing. &nbsp;So climb she did, until a village mama came by and told her to come down. Another, less mischievous little girl might have scrambled down the trunk and skulked away, but not her. This branch she was on was made for dancing. But dancing isn&rsquo;t meant to be done in trees. Her foot slipped. She fell. Landing hard on the packed red dirt, she broke her leg, the tibia and fibula.</span></em></p> <p style="line-height: normal;"><em style=""><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif;">Here in Niger, when you live in a village and need medical care, you go to the village healer. He knew well enough that her leg needed to be stabilized and splinted for the bone to heal. Wrapping it tightly, he sent her home. &nbsp;The pain was excruciating. &nbsp;She cried and cried and cried. She said the bandage was too tight. Three days later, her parents took her back to the healer. He unwrapped, and then re-wrapped, the broken leg. &nbsp;Still she cried.</span></em></p> <p style="line-height: normal;"><em style=""><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif;">An American nurse from a nearby village heard of the little girl and went to visit. &nbsp;Unwrapping the leg, she discovered the reason for the girl&rsquo;s anguish. Her leg had been bound too tightly. &nbsp;The circulation needed for healing had been cut off. Muscle had died, tissue had rotted, and infection had set in. The tree dancing had occurred in August, and it was now October.</span></em></p> <p style="line-height: normal;"><em style=""><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif;">This was, however, no ordinary October for Niger. Something very special had happened. CURE International began seeing patients in its newly constructed hospital in Niamey. &nbsp;Knowing of CURE, the nurse brought her little patient to be seen &ndash; one of the first of many who have come for care since we opened our doors."</span></em></p> <p style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif;">&nbsp;</span></p> <p style="line-height: normal;"><strong style=""><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif;">How can you help? </span></strong></p> <p style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif;">1. Praying - there's even a monthly </span><span><a href="http://cure.org/help-now/pray/" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif;">downloadable prayer guide</span></a></span><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif;">.</span></p> <p style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif;">2. Share on Social Media or better still, help a staff to </span><span><a href="http://cure.org/help-now/do/" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif;">fundraise</span></a></span><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif;">. &nbsp;</span></p> <p style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif;">3. Participate in a </span><span><a href="http://cure.org/help-now/go/" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif;">Volunteer Project</span></a></span><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif;">.&nbsp;</span></p> <p style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif;">4. </span><span><a href="http://cure.org/help-now/give/" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif;">Give</span></a></span><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif;">.</span></p> <p style="line-height: normal;">&nbsp;</p> <p style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Read what <a href="http://travelpostcards.posterous.com/project-gift-christmas-2010" target="_blank">Project Gift</a> is.&nbsp;</span></p> <p style="line-height: normal;"><em><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Disclaimer: The organizations that we highlight each month under Project Gift are not in any way related to us financially. We choose our organizations based on geographical region, causes that we feel strongly towards, operational sustainability and financial accountability.</span></em></p> </p> <p><a href="http://travelpostcards.posterous.com/project-gift-january-2011">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://travelpostcards.posterous.com/project-gift-january-2011#comment">Leave a comment&nbsp;&nbsp;&raquo;</a> </p><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/travel-postcards/~4/zfwegMv4M-E" height="1" width="1"/> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/247261/_DSC7551.jpg http://posterous.com/users/36PD45chiwdX Terence & Deborah TravelPostcards Terence & Deborah Wed, 26 Jan 2011 20:32:00 -0800 http://travelpostcards.posterous.com/candidasa-a-quieter-side-of-bali http://travelpostcards.posterous.com/candidasa-a-quieter-side-of-bali <p> <p> <p><em>From <a href="http://www.journeywithdeb.com/candidasa-a-quieter-side-of-bali/" target="_blank">Journey With Deb</a>.</em></p> <p>At the sound of Bali, a few words instantly pops up &ndash; surfing, massage, culture, mystic, rice fields, babi guling, shopping and the list goes on. With so much to do and only 8 days to explore, it was an impossible feat. So we set out to do just what a holiday is meant to be &ndash; rest, relax and stumble on finds wherever our feet (or in this case) our bike takes us.</p> <p>We arrived after sundown to a chaotic airport filled with touts offering taxi services. Rescued quickly by our driver, we were whisked away into a private car and off to Candidasa, east of Bali. Shocked by the change in atmosphere, we checked into our resort with a symphony of crickets and the gentle lapping of waves to greet us. Quiet. Stillness. Almost to the point of eeriness.</p> <p>Originally Candidasa was a small fishermen&rsquo;s village quietly tucked away from the limelight of Kuta, Denpasar and Sanur. Now this sleepy village is a well-known stopover for divers who are heading to Padang Bai, Amed or Tulamen. Dotted along the streets are cafes, restaurants, homestays, beauty parlours and local gerai&rsquo;s (stalls).</p> <p>We wasted no time in exploring the village, heading up to Amlapura the capital of Karangasem district. Buzzing with life, the local market is a must see. Vendors, fisherman, craftsmen and farmers display their items in baskets, trays and wooden planks. Children sit around twiddling their fingers or helping to sell an item or two. Tiny potholes fill the market floors creating little puddles of germ infested water, fish flopping frantically in shallow pails and meats hanging on hooks are all a norm in Asian markets. We bee lined pass the local crowd and quickly made our exit.</p> <p>Biking past paddy fields and rolling hills, we arrived at Taman Ujung, a dated floating palace where the late King of Karangasem and his family lived. Literally elevated on a platform, the entire complex sits on stilts where water runs below. Royal pools adorn top of the palace overlooking a stunning sight of water and greens. Dainty huts along the platforms serve as shed. We basked in the splendor of ancient where Balinese women adorned in their sleek kebaya like dresses walk around this compound as servants or maidens of the king. A certain mystique lingers on.</p> <p><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://getfile9.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2011-01-26/gpJEbrietbBJIunsfrehCtrtnnhguwtgvHepInErFhAEAmcJfFmfdsiHGnai/candidasa_1.jpg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="Candidasa_1" height="333" src="http://getfile5.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2011-01-26/gpJEbrietbBJIunsfrehCtrtnnhguwtgvHepInErFhAEAmcJfFmfdsiHGnai/candidasa_1.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> <a href="http://getfile2.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2011-01-26/oovbmyzhspbAegjBtBqEGsjloeIgCfzaxrpkdGjEacJrDbbJxsqvAotwuomw/candidasa_2.jpg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="Candidasa_2" height="333" src="http://getfile9.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2011-01-26/oovbmyzhspbAegjBtBqEGsjloeIgCfzaxrpkdGjEacJrDbbJxsqvAotwuomw/candidasa_2.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> <a href="http://getfile7.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2011-01-26/tufjsyesFycqqlwfhJEuAIuoAaItrCuwxjbJjFnlkfwixoFbGsjflxtyrBfv/candidasa_3.jpg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="Candidasa_3" height="333" src="http://getfile0.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2011-01-26/tufjsyesFycqqlwfhJEuAIuoAaItrCuwxjbJjFnlkfwixoFbGsjflxtyrBfv/candidasa_3.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> <a href="http://getfile4.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2011-01-26/AwGzmFltGvysHyplaAxEikFbGGzBorBxahDciqHyyEeeAJgcchbFoyjftBhu/candidasa_4.jpg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="Candidasa_4" height="333" src="http://getfile3.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2011-01-26/AwGzmFltGvysHyplaAxEikFbGGzBorBxahDciqHyyEeeAJgcchbFoyjftBhu/candidasa_4.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> <img alt="Candidasa_5" height="720" src="http://getfile5.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2011-01-26/mszIJIcApjBwuksCGpwxvpGjkCvoddjbuDbCevuGCrAclFsgfJzvnrtoCsxC/candidasa_5.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="479" /> <div class='p_see_full_gallery'><a href="http://travelpostcards.posterous.com/candidasa-a-quieter-side-of-bali">See the full gallery on Posterous</a></div> </div> </p> </p> </p> <p><a href="http://travelpostcards.posterous.com/candidasa-a-quieter-side-of-bali">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://travelpostcards.posterous.com/candidasa-a-quieter-side-of-bali#comment">Leave a comment&nbsp;&nbsp;&raquo;</a> </p><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/travel-postcards/~4/PQpuMeDh2N8" height="1" width="1"/> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/247261/_DSC7551.jpg http://posterous.com/users/36PD45chiwdX Terence & Deborah TravelPostcards Terence & Deborah Tue, 07 Dec 2010 23:55:00 -0800 http://travelpostcards.posterous.com/project-gift-christmas-2010 http://travelpostcards.posterous.com/project-gift-christmas-2010 <p> <p><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/travelpostcards/8Ia9nUP7nKBVF0uabeDNFEI542L1GPLp5bbIbAIv6ERiIS0JG8TsutUCZ9Xj/projectgift.jpg.scaled.1000.jpg"><img alt="Projectgift" height="375" src="http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/travelpostcards/TR46kzcnoWwGqSc4jCNfrHeKcyDkkH92Rv2fIMaff99DVuWXgj0hRLNsZb63/projectgift.jpg.scaled.500.jpg" width="500" /></a> </div> </p> <p><span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span style="border-collapse: collapse;">In light of this coming Christmas, we have pledge to do something different for the next 12 months, culminating at Christmas 2011. The season and essence of Christmas have always been about giving. Shopping for perfect presents, inviting guests for Christmas dinners, sharing Christmas tunes in carols and the list goes on.&nbsp;</span></span><p /> <span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span style="border-collapse: collapse;">But the core of it all is this - God gave his one and only Son, so that we have life, and life abundantly. And it is in His giving that we find meaning in our day-to-day life.&nbsp;</span></span></p> <div><span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span style="border-collapse: collapse;">So this Christmas we're climbing out of our comfort zone by stretching the season of giving far beyond December into the other 12 months of the year. We're hoping to enlarge our giving for the reason that God gave and our life has been abundant thus far (not necessarily always in the form of material goods or money, but always... always far above what money cannot buy - love, joy, peace...)&nbsp;&nbsp;</span></span><br /> <div style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">That said, we have decided to launch our own personal project called 'The Gift'. Every month we will make a donation to a cause and will feature them on our blog. The causes that we plan to support can range from healthcare, education, sanitation to anti-human trafficking. We will dedicate a feature in our blogs for these causes in hope that it will challenge and inspire our friends and blog readers to find out more about real-issues that surround us and hopefully to extend some help too.</div> <div style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br style="background-color: #ffff00;" /><span style="color: #500050;">-----</span></div> <div style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><span style="color: #500050;"><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/travelpostcards/bBnhAaozBpllwAgruteBhandpaJrjsJcjlhrJujDmolkbjIghBFvffGvbynn/media_httpwwwgardenof_dezBj.jpg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="Media_httpwwwgardenof_dezbj" height="408" src="http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/travelpostcards/bBnhAaozBpllwAgruteBhandpaJrjsJcjlhrJujDmolkbjIghBFvffGvbynn/media_httpwwwgardenof_dezBj.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> </div> </span></div> <div class="im"> <div style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #500050; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Our very unprecedented feature this December are the&nbsp;<a href="http://www.invisiblechildren.com/" target="_blank" style="color: #1c51a8;">Invisible Children</a>. This organisation seeks to end human trafficking in the nature of child soldiers in East Africa, by using media, film and social activations - to educate and 'promote' the action across the world. The war in East Africa has been touted the longest, and Invisible Children seek to inspire and at the same time, empower people and nations, to stand up and call for change.</div> <div style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #500050; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Aside from rallying the cause, Invisible Children works on building and rebuilding schools, providing books and a sound education, assisting in water and sanitation and also creating a sustainable long term training program for young Ugandians to have a better life in the future.</div> <div style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #500050; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">You can read more about the war and its history here, but it is also translated in the movie they filmed in 2003 called,&nbsp;<a href="http://store.invisiblechildren.com/films/invisible-children-rough-cut.html" target="_blank" style="color: #1c51a8;">Invisible Children: The Rough Cut</a>. You can purchase the movie on their website, or if you are close proximity with us, feel free to borrow.</div> <div style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #500050; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">To be more aware, read more about their story here, and you can browse their website which is loaded with much in depth information. Support the kids in their&nbsp;<a href="http://www.invisiblechildren.com/pages/bracelet-campaign" target="_blank" style="color: #1c51a8;">Bracelet Campaign</a>, the&nbsp;<a href="http://www.invisiblechildren.com/legacy-scholarship-program" target="_blank" style="color: #1c51a8;">Legacy Scholarship Program</a>, or many other programs listed on their website.</div> <div style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #500050; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Invisible Children biggest achievement would be their 'We Want Obama' campaign that ran for a few months this year which resulted in having the President of the United States, inviting them to the Oval Office and passing a bill against the LRA Disarmament and Northern Uganda Recovery Act into law.</div> <div><span style="color: #500050; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span style="border-collapse: collapse;"><iframe src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/JOrzBOauLyo?wmode=transparent" allowfullscreen frameborder="0" height="417" width="500"></iframe></span></span></div> </div> </div> </p> <p><a href="http://travelpostcards.posterous.com/project-gift-christmas-2010">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://travelpostcards.posterous.com/project-gift-christmas-2010#comment">Leave a comment&nbsp;&nbsp;&raquo;</a> </p><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/travel-postcards/~4/ocF-f3-GZ5s" height="1" width="1"/> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/247261/_DSC7551.jpg http://posterous.com/users/36PD45chiwdX Terence & Deborah TravelPostcards Terence & Deborah Wed, 17 Nov 2010 20:29:00 -0800 http://travelpostcards.posterous.com/frangipani-langkawi-green-travel-gem-in-malay http://travelpostcards.posterous.com/frangipani-langkawi-green-travel-gem-in-malay <p> <div class="posterous_bookmarklet_entry"> <blockquote><div> <p><img src="http://www.wildasia.org/images/icons/icon_article.png" border="0" height="16" align="left" width="16" style="margin-right: 5px;" />Written by <strong>Terence Ooi</strong> on 2 Nov 2010 with 0 comments. <a href="http://www.wildasia.org/main.cfm/RT/RTA2010_Frangipani#comment">Be the first!</a></p> <p><img src="http://www.wildasia.org/images/site/dot_eee.gif" border="0" height="0" width="500" /></p> <p><a href="http://www.wildasia.org/main.cfm/RT/RTA2010_Frangipani#"><img title=" - Photo © Terence Ooi" src="http://www.wildasia.org/images/380/Frangipani_049.JPG" border="0" height="166" align="right" width="250" /></a></p><p></p> <p>If you're feeling the pressure of city life, a short break to Pulau Langkawi will help ease off some tension. The gentle lapping of waves, carpets of lush green paddy fields and bold mountains make up this island's landscape. Having a mix of Thai and Malayan history, no wonder, this island proves enchanting for both locals and foreigners alike.</p> <p>Pulau Langkawi is a cluster of 99 islands separated from mainland Malaysia, by the Straits of Malacca. Part of the state of Kedah, it has a population of almost 55,000 with its majority being Malays -and the rest, Chinese, Indian and Thais. Only four out of the 99 islands are inhabited, Pulau Tuba, Pulau Dayang Bunting and Pulau Rebak. Graced with a blend of Caribbean feel and traditional South East Asia culture, 80% of Langkawi's economy thrives from the tourism industry. </p> <p>We had the opportunity to visit Frangipani Langkawi Resort and Spa, being one of the finalists for Wild Asia's Responsible Tourism Awards, under the category of 'large accommodation'. Nestled in the south of Langkawi Island, they are dubbed as a 'green' resort because of their hard work in conservation, waste management and social contribution. </p> <p>Upon touching down at Langkawi's small but well maintained airport, we were immediately whisked away to the hotel by our friendly host - Seng Chin Loon, Frangipani Langkawi's environmental engineer, or more fondly known as 'Seng'. The resort makes its efforts known right upon arrival with a large sign in the lobby stating, "Frangipani Langkawi supports the principles of a green resort. Help us preserve the environment." This is the first of many 'calls to action' signs around the resort to educate and inspire guests on ways to preserve the environment. </p> <p>Among many things that were displayed in the lobby area, I was instantly drawn to a large wooden display. This huge display was intricately crafted and shaped with into a sea of fish. The story of this wooden log was one of rescue and restoration - washed into sea by the tsunami in 2004, this piece of wood was salvaged and treated before being crafted by a local artisan. This piece of art is a metaphor of the resort's vision - to invest in natural assets to create the lowest impact possible for the running of the hotel.</p> <p>After an initial meeting, Seng took us for a 2 hour walk-a-bout tour around the resort, pointing out ways how the resort's practices influence their surrounding environment. We were brought to the kitchen to understand further their supply chain and waste management process. Kitchen waste is sorted at the disposal point immediately after the plates are removed from the guests' table. Separation bins are placed in the kitchen for leftover rice, oily leftovers, paper, plastic, glass and cans. An elaborate amount of effort is then put into sorting the waste for composting, recycling, vermiculture and feeding the animals in their farm. </p> <p>We took notice also of recycled wood being used to make room signs, resort displays and key chains. Leftover glass bottles are creatively made into light bulb holders. Plastic bottles are stringed together to construct a mini raft used in the wetland area. Even an abandon boat has been constructed as a bar deck overlooking the Andaman Sea - a perfect place to watch the sun set. These creative innovations are simple, yet practical and in doing so, less waste end up in the landfills. </p> <p>In their bid to conserve more water, 85 water tanks were installed all over the resort to collect</p></div></blockquote><div class="posterous_quote_citation">via <a href="http://www.wildasia.org/main.cfm/RT/RTA2010_Frangipani">wildasia.org</a></div> <p></p></div> </p> <p><a href="http://travelpostcards.posterous.com/frangipani-langkawi-green-travel-gem-in-malay">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://travelpostcards.posterous.com/frangipani-langkawi-green-travel-gem-in-malay#comment">Leave a comment&nbsp;&nbsp;&raquo;</a> </p><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/travel-postcards/~4/4UVPrpkrgOY" height="1" width="1"/> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/247261/_DSC7551.jpg http://posterous.com/users/36PD45chiwdX Terence & Deborah TravelPostcards Terence & Deborah Sun, 14 Nov 2010 22:26:00 -0800 http://travelpostcards.posterous.com/yala-national-park http://travelpostcards.posterous.com/yala-national-park <p> <p> <p><em>From <a href="http://www.journeywithdeb.com/yala-national-park/" target="_blank">Journey With Deb</a></em></p> <p>After reading an article in Action Asia and missing the sight of a leopard during our South African safari, Yala National Park was a must as encounters with the agile spotted cat is almost guarantee (as safari guide claims). Descending from chilly Nuwara Eliya snaking down mountain slopes and onto wide open roads, the trip to Tissamaharama, a small town 24kms from Yala, was smooth one. The weather gradually changed from cold and dry to hot, arid and humid. Yala reflected the weather in the deserts of Dubai leaving a knot of dryness in our throats and trickles of sweat on our skin.</p> <p>At Tissamaharama a, we checked into our hotel, treated ourselves to a serve of rice and curry and curd for dessert. We retired early that night to reserve energy for a pre-dawn start to our safari experience. &nbsp;Yala National Park covers a vast area of 97,878 hectares mostly covered with dry vegetation of short thorny shrubs with patches of secondary forest interspersed between. The park is well known for it&rsquo;s wildlife. Dubbed by Action Asia magazine as the &ldquo;asian safari&rdquo; spot, this national park is home to Asian Elephants, sambar deer, mongoose, water buffalos, sloth bear, crocodiles, pangolins and over 120 species of birds. The park&rsquo;s coastline is a beautiful sight with historical significance and blocks of half torn buildings standing as a solemn memory of the 2004 tsunami.</p> <p>We hired a safari guide who brought us into the park in his jeep at about 530am to beat the growing queue of jeeps rushing to go in. The atmosphere was tense, guides waited to purchase permits to enter while guests wait patiently in respective jeeps. This was incredible different from the South African safari experience we had in Kruger National Park. As soon as we got the permit, our guide rushed into the driver seat and drove rapidly pass the park gates.</p> <p>&ldquo;What was the rush?&rdquo;, I thought. Eventually I found out that every visitor who enters the park has an unspoken expectation to see the elusive leopard. Guides who manage to &lsquo;show&rsquo; their guests the leopard will be paid a higher tip. Our guide&rsquo;s handphone rang, he picks up with a few words exchanged, we were sped off to an apparent sight where a leopard has been spotted. About 5-6 jeeps parked bumper-to-bumper and intrusive camera&rsquo;s snapped away. To add to my annoyance, the engines of the jeeps were still puffing away while we &lsquo;enjoyed nature&rsquo;!</p> <p>Disappointed at the lack of responsibility and respect these guides had for nature, I silently wished the leopard episode will soon come to a halt. As if the leopard heard my cry, she stood up and trotted away leaving the invasive crowd of human paparazzi.</p> <p>Thank goodness the rest of the safari was conducted in a more respectable way. We cruised along quiet plains, stopped at water banks and simply observed nature &ndash; as is. We managed to catch a glimpse of a family of spotted deer lapping water in a bed of crocodile infested pond.</p> <p>We watched the solo elephant gallantly stroll pass swinging his clumsy trunk right and left. And we caught a peacock parading his fan in the bushes as we munched on our roti for breakfast. Yala is a pretty sight and the local guides need to learn how to respect it for what it has to offer, less nature and wildlife take a backseat.</p> <p><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2010-11-14/AAdvksnEbtDigAIjmvBxmwaaiuxBHEoormehgxxkBdJxaodwtdptjwEbjufd/164.JPG.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="164" height="333" src="http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2010-11-14/AAdvksnEbtDigAIjmvBxmwaaiuxBHEoormehgxxkBdJxaodwtdptjwEbjufd/164.JPG.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> <a href="http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2010-11-14/iDveiJowFtfhnxdClBknIDanhlissgqkyjnxBopBJwchcnfrJtcibfcsxavw/170.JPG.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="170" height="333" src="http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2010-11-14/iDveiJowFtfhnxdClBknIDanhlissgqkyjnxBopBJwchcnfrJtcibfcsxavw/170.JPG.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> <a href="http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2010-11-14/wfJhmJrCIjFFBigECneotefyqjjEwugGzhAEqhfcHfjhunbtGodziwErJhik/173.JPG.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="173" height="333" src="http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2010-11-14/wfJhmJrCIjFFBigECneotefyqjjEwugGzhAEqhfcHfjhunbtGodziwErJhik/173.JPG.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> <a href="http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2010-11-14/iBdjslowatsoluqyDvAGoEEHBvAvweolqalEIqcoJIGhaHoJAzvivnoEbdoh/180.JPG.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="180" height="333" src="http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2010-11-14/iBdjslowatsoluqyDvAGoEEHBvAvweolqalEIqcoJIGhaHoJAzvivnoEbdoh/180.JPG.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> <img alt="190" height="640" src="http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2010-11-14/CpgndwqFmtCbnqHazpxojnjFsfEegGnEDGbdmesreuzxgdtldcJAzinEAvDk/190.JPG.scaled500.jpg" width="426" /> <a href="http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2010-11-14/vyIFJtbawHDkFreGwEzFeFFcdryrymwcjtbvwAhlvvnGpuBexebnADwBArrt/215.JPG.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="215" height="333" src="http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2010-11-14/vyIFJtbawHDkFreGwEzFeFFcdryrymwcjtbvwAhlvvnGpuBexebnADwBArrt/215.JPG.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> <a href="http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2010-11-14/fJfueJmsmFGkxgpJjaIznlIzcCnIBHfxiIsBfqfnaytGlIcvdhBchtEJGFlH/223.JPG.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="223" height="333" src="http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2010-11-14/fJfueJmsmFGkxgpJjaIznlIzcCnIBHfxiIsBfqfnaytGlIcvdhBchtEJGFlH/223.JPG.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> <img alt="218" height="640" src="http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2010-11-14/zumGvEdzhEhCyftzdcArGwohdJvjpGiyFjgyIujsIobJdFhIHjuhrpbDClio/218.JPG.scaled500.jpg" width="426" /> <a href="http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2010-11-14/AyrzgwvJuAGGEeEzbzztmiJmADqhfiDliprvjvzkazGnDFmtJbdtwnwarJpI/234.JPG.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="234" height="333" src="http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2010-11-14/AyrzgwvJuAGGEeEzbzztmiJmADqhfiDliprvjvzkazGnDFmtJbdtwnwarJpI/234.JPG.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> <a href="http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2010-11-14/dxJEnsBBqjnhkuqJlvdctCGBGhorwnJBgxmngrcHErrwpGxutuvJdbhIwAxA/238.JPG.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="238" height="333" src="http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2010-11-14/dxJEnsBBqjnhkuqJlvdctCGBGhorwnJBgxmngrcHErrwpGxutuvJdbhIwAxA/238.JPG.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> <a href="http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2010-11-14/EftskkvwJrlqFlJmaFewlxEvGlibBqlkBtdHBiqadsHExEhhybHcoFvekmHz/239.JPG.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="239" height="333" src="http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2010-11-14/EftskkvwJrlqFlJmaFewlxEvGlibBqlkBtdHBiqadsHExEhhybHcoFvekmHz/239.JPG.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> <a href="http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2010-11-14/BtuoinyyseHbhwflHoeoejgpcjyrzydnrgmzpBcAIugaErJtapivhetpzqib/260.JPG.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="260" height="333" src="http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2010-11-14/BtuoinyyseHbhwflHoeoejgpcjyrzydnrgmzpBcAIugaErJtapivhetpzqib/260.JPG.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> <div class='p_see_full_gallery'><a href="http://travelpostcards.posterous.com/yala-national-park">See the full gallery on Posterous</a></div> </div> </p> </p> </p> <p><a href="http://travelpostcards.posterous.com/yala-national-park">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://travelpostcards.posterous.com/yala-national-park#comment">Leave a comment&nbsp;&nbsp;&raquo;</a> </p><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/travel-postcards/~4/JXSsD-w0jrA" height="1" width="1"/> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/247261/_DSC7551.jpg http://posterous.com/users/36PD45chiwdX Terence & Deborah TravelPostcards Terence & Deborah Mon, 01 Nov 2010 21:11:00 -0700 http://travelpostcards.posterous.com/the-new-b737-800 http://travelpostcards.posterous.com/the-new-b737-800 <p> <p>Was invited recently, by the good people from <a href="http://malaysiaairlines.com/" target="_blank">Malaysia Airlines</a> to shoot their latest baby in town, the Boeing 737-800. Flown all the way from Boeing's HQ at Seattle, I was truly honoured to be part of this landing for its one of its kind plane.</p> <p>As we patiently waited, we saw flicker of lights from afar, confirming the plane's arrival and not to mention, punctuality. As it roars towards the ground, thunderous applause and cheers could be heard by people from the media and staff.&nbsp;</p> <p>After the plane received a 'shower of blessing', we were then escorted to view the interior of the plane. My, was I impressed!</p> <p>Aside from the plane being larger and spacious, the plane comes equipped with leather seats, touch-screen inflight entertainment units, power supply and USB ports - for people who has the need to get connected. My personal favourite feature would be the cool wing tips of the plane, and according to Boeing's website, its function is to reduce lift induced drag and provide some extra lift for the plane.</p> <p>I was also amazed that the plane itself considered the environment during its built. Less paint was used colour the plane, LED lights on the inside and more fuel efficient, despite its size compared to other models.&nbsp;</p> <p>Speaking from a pilot's perspective, it's like driving a BMW, as quoted by&nbsp;Capt Muhammad Affindy. Indeed, I'm sure.&nbsp;</p> <p>This is certainly the way to go, for commercial flying!</p> <p>Proud of you guys, <a href="http://malaysiaairlines.com/" target="_blank">Malaysia Airlines</a>!</p> <p>P/S: Enjoy the photos.</p> <p><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2010-11-01/rqefrAIujFqsaIhvCxzJeumbdgBlinFqccahpxtodgAkbrimhobAGtuhaABk/DSC_0159.JPG.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="Dsc_0159" height="333" src="http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2010-11-01/rqefrAIujFqsaIhvCxzJeumbdgBlinFqccahpxtodgAkbrimhobAGtuhaABk/DSC_0159.JPG.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> </div> <div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2010-11-01/oevpfFzlihheokDzvryDCglFunFtdCjfkqkicueeBAjyGqDtFwdkGEEDlAoj/DSC_0342.JPG.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="Dsc_0342" height="333" src="http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2010-11-01/oevpfFzlihheokDzvryDCglFunFtdCjfkqkicueeBAjyGqDtFwdkGEEDlAoj/DSC_0342.JPG.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> </div> <div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2010-11-01/eJmiJmcBHmvfhAqgmkrIBlBorCFzoABDoixclvDnmDJACtDcrtDejaaBbkoH/DSC_0373.JPG.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="Dsc_0373" height="752" src="http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2010-11-01/eJmiJmcBHmvfhAqgmkrIBlBorCFzoABDoixclvDnmDJACtDcrtDejaaBbkoH/DSC_0373.JPG.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> </div> <div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2010-11-01/dhGrpeixIrBBAmgibauysshgsecnIntIbHrlyCFoBrwuDupmFzrfGqstahzz/DSC_0056.JPG.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="Dsc_0056" height="333" src="http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2010-11-01/dhGrpeixIrBBAmgibauysshgsecnIntIbHrlyCFoBrwuDupmFzrfGqstahzz/DSC_0056.JPG.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> </div> <div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2010-11-01/ivctGfesbjqxDpqJtpdsfbJjenmHdfrnbyxIcbzcmcxuoEkdHzlaiFjhFnsb/DSC_0082.JPG.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="Dsc_0082" height="333" src="http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2010-11-01/ivctGfesbjqxDpqJtpdsfbJjenmHdfrnbyxIcbzcmcxuoEkdHzlaiFjhFnsb/DSC_0082.JPG.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> </div> <div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2010-11-01/lyqdftCouEgdIaqaamedpkrymzGFdbBehdIqhmrebowazHzpkGdfnmvwqphJ/DSC_0098.JPG.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="Dsc_0098" height="333" src="http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2010-11-01/lyqdftCouEgdIaqaamedpkrymzGFdbBehdIqhmrebowazHzpkGdfnmvwqphJ/DSC_0098.JPG.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> </div> <div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2010-11-01/JyuhgBAmdwGereCzqxhinCjcmFiHEyvqjxaEgqDqeyzHvmJnBlBbAeoksuca/DSC_0113.JPG.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="Dsc_0113" height="333" src="http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2010-11-01/JyuhgBAmdwGereCzqxhinCjcmFiHEyvqjxaEgqDqeyzHvmJnBlBbAeoksuca/DSC_0113.JPG.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> </div> <div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2010-11-01/lpxgwqmyzAkEnbHwyybHjlzsgposqBjhACwgkkovDHJhcdFxGqxfajdIHhcv/DSC_0116.JPG.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="Dsc_0116" height="333" src="http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2010-11-01/lpxgwqmyzAkEnbHwyybHjlzsgposqBjhACwgkkovDHJhcdFxGqxfajdIHhcv/DSC_0116.JPG.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> </div> <div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2010-11-01/rpsxokqpFxDDlIqiqCsujGxBaJysEIAeFFtFsahBxBnliDnCglxqCksBBsCh/DSC_0121.JPG.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="Dsc_0121" height="333" src="http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2010-11-01/rpsxokqpFxDDlIqiqCsujGxBaJysEIAeFFtFsahBxBnliDnCglxqCksBBsCh/DSC_0121.JPG.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> </div> <div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2010-11-01/FyHJrjttviGoCuyoierGbjtkAiosDDapuIiyGdrBAmsaykrcscCAAywIIanj/DSC_0227.JPG.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="Dsc_0227" height="333" src="http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2010-11-01/FyHJrjttviGoCuyoierGbjtkAiosDDapuIiyGdrBAmsaykrcscCAAywIIanj/DSC_0227.JPG.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> </div> <div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2010-11-01/xBnCetJaBzjAwGyHDAAmqjImeIGqlhdqlgtvivmyshdyFfnJgGmiHmevhyfn/DSC_0262.JPG.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="Dsc_0262" height="333" src="http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2010-11-01/xBnCetJaBzjAwGyHDAAmqjImeIGqlhdqlgtvivmyshdyFfnJgGmiHmevhyfn/DSC_0262.JPG.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> </div> <div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2010-11-01/fbkpyfhxerdbkpbAHriFGxIpIlAvwrnrADqDDDsnAqwyomBygCiwuyclgbay/DSC_0263.JPG.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="Dsc_0263" height="333" src="http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2010-11-01/fbkpyfhxerdbkpbAHriFGxIpIlAvwrnrADqDDDsnAqwyomBygCiwuyclgbay/DSC_0263.JPG.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> </div> <div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2010-11-01/zjilFbECxFxJwHscGorecDdltiesAzjokvjuxpyvheksCjrCvfwEJalGcocc/DSC_0244.JPG.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="Dsc_0244" height="333" src="http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2010-11-01/zjilFbECxFxJwHscGorecDdltiesAzjokvjuxpyvheksCjrCvfwEJalGcocc/DSC_0244.JPG.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> </div> <div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2010-11-01/zpfeqbIauxCcIugJvrAdCCbppzAddBzdtFEJualDGJjwuzcIaHDIjEyBrrkD/DSC_0301.JPG.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="Dsc_0301" height="333" src="http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2010-11-01/zpfeqbIauxCcIugJvrAdCCbppzAddBzdtFEJualDGJjwuzcIaHDIjEyBrrkD/DSC_0301.JPG.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> </div> <div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2010-11-01/clgCloytxGgBbCyfHFahJoaaChIyFFtIiGFwnfAifGrgInItlxlccAtBDjhr/DSC_0283.JPG.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="Dsc_0283" height="333" src="http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2010-11-01/clgCloytxGgBbCyfHFahJoaaChIyFFtIiGFwnfAifGrgInItlxlccAtBDjhr/DSC_0283.JPG.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> </div> <div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2010-11-01/tldHbnGjehJrbFIDyHcJyBrmxgqqmkGubzyfHogqCajAdFCksxvIqjbikpya/DSC_0440.JPG.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="Dsc_0440" height="333" src="http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2010-11-01/tldHbnGjehJrbFIDyHcJyBrmxgqqmkGubzyfHogqCajAdFCksxvIqjbikpya/DSC_0440.JPG.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> </div> <div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2010-11-01/HAxIlzCiqsdFqbvDGvciEJwietvBqoabvHnzrGlkxCJlcimlfuwlaznJwpdh/DSC_0433.JPG.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="Dsc_0433" height="333" src="http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2010-11-01/HAxIlzCiqsdFqbvDGvciEJwietvBqoabvHnzrGlkxCJlcimlfuwlaznJwpdh/DSC_0433.JPG.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> </div> <div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2010-11-01/sabxhxEzfDlwcuCgnthEcDcFyomugpJEuCCCgosfBCynubqxmmvzGsdpmdwo/DSC_0443.JPG.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="Dsc_0443" height="333" src="http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2010-11-01/sabxhxEzfDlwcuCgnthEcDcFyomugpJEuCCCgosfBCynubqxmmvzGsdpmdwo/DSC_0443.JPG.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> </div> <div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2010-11-01/DusjDCnsbAfrEzBJkanleJhnjsbrftBJbAiilGtAinxCcxyAzryeGdcvxnsm/DSC_0456.JPG.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="Dsc_0456" height="333" src="http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2010-11-01/DusjDCnsbAfrEzBJkanleJhnjsbrftBJbAiilGtAinxCcxyAzryeGdcvxnsm/DSC_0456.JPG.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> </div> <div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2010-11-01/ooBCrlwjwgkabteiqtHsIdxpjiwlCHxiyubyIwvnugogmpHtEvHeGBhskoBh/DSC_0404.JPG.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="Dsc_0404" height="333" src="http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2010-11-01/ooBCrlwjwgkabteiqtHsIdxpjiwlCHxiyubyIwvnugogmpHtEvHeGBhskoBh/DSC_0404.JPG.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> </div> <div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2010-11-01/JtofmznsBderIlzHGybyukojIHdqbfsesEpveDnisfkfjnpDEnEAcFiEaHau/DSC_0376.JPG.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="Dsc_0376" height="333" src="http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2010-11-01/JtofmznsBderIlzHGybyukojIHdqbfsesEpveDnisfkfjnpDEnEAcFiEaHau/DSC_0376.JPG.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> </div> </p> </p> <p><a href="http://travelpostcards.posterous.com/the-new-b737-800">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://travelpostcards.posterous.com/the-new-b737-800#comment">Leave a comment&nbsp;&nbsp;&raquo;</a> </p><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/travel-postcards/~4/b5kaAmZbtac" height="1" width="1"/> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/247261/_DSC7551.jpg http://posterous.com/users/36PD45chiwdX Terence & Deborah TravelPostcards Terence & Deborah Mon, 01 Nov 2010 19:05:00 -0700 http://travelpostcards.posterous.com/nyonya-kuih-hidden-gem-in-melaka http://travelpostcards.posterous.com/nyonya-kuih-hidden-gem-in-melaka <p> <p>If traveling down to Melaka, you'll typically be recommended to try their infamous durian cendol or chicken ball rice. Put that aside...because if you are one who loves small things and enjoy trying a mix variety of a few stuff, look out for Baba Charlie.&nbsp;</p> <p>From their <a href="http://nyonyacake.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">website</a>, they label themselves as "a company that sells all types of nyonya kuih and popiah".&nbsp;</p> <blockquote class="posterous_medium_quote"> <p>Nyonya Kueh or Straits Chinese Kueh(cakes) are made from a variety of fulsome and flavourful ingredients such as coconut milk, sweet potatoes, tapioca, palm sugar and pandan leaves.Presented together, they make up a colourful, pleasing platter, and thus are among the most popular items to be enjoyed during tea time, as a sweet dessert, and as part of the menu at festive occasions.Traditionally Peranakan girls or Straits Chinese were trained to perfect the art of making nonya kueh &mdash; skill in the culinary arts could, along with other skills, lead to a better marriage. Many Nonya or Peranakan still spend time making kueh for their families, as they believe the more effort you put into preparing food for your family, the happier all will be.</p> </blockquote> <p>It's sort of like the Asian version of tapas, with a mix variety of sweet and savory dessert.</p> <p>Check them out when you're in Melaka, be sure not to miss this quaint, hidden gem!</p> <p>Address:&nbsp;</p> <p> <p>72, Lorong Pantai Tengkera 2C, Tengkera, Melaka.</p> <p>GPS Coordinate: N2.20325 E102.23149</p> </p> <p><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://getfile9.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2010-11-01/jFaEqtaHeEmgIxDlqitABlrvrbfICgiDbkwFzoczJmxtqGJgfhcnxsDnaAdm/DSC_0007.JPG.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="Dsc_0007" height="333" src="http://getfile9.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2010-11-01/jFaEqtaHeEmgIxDlqitABlrvrbfICgiDbkwFzoczJmxtqGJgfhcnxsDnaAdm/DSC_0007.JPG.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> </div> <div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://getfile9.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2010-11-01/nIjhaDqBmrqBDGbwAJgjFnneHksBzBpcHAEnFkqwgmvAjwoIhFcahfsAnAdJ/DSC_0002.JPG.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="Dsc_0002" height="333" src="http://getfile7.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2010-11-01/nIjhaDqBmrqBDGbwAJgjFnneHksBzBpcHAEnFkqwgmvAjwoIhFcahfsAnAdJ/DSC_0002.JPG.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> </div> <div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://getfile6.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2010-11-01/phbCurvHJxCehwJaolBadbDnrrBJGesbjjDkwxDcvbrcGFrFodHmBhhwlDzI/DSC_0005.JPG.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="Dsc_0005" height="333" src="http://getfile3.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2010-11-01/phbCurvHJxCehwJaolBadbDnrrBJGesbjjDkwxDcvbrcGFrFodHmBhhwlDzI/DSC_0005.JPG.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> </div> <div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://getfile1.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2010-11-01/uIEFHCsmquvzlslCvmskoqCJIjerrhExJpBJrxjwgsEsjqzygCozDscxuExA/DSC_0006.JPG.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="Dsc_0006" height="333" src="http://getfile0.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2010-11-01/uIEFHCsmquvzlslCvmskoqCJIjerrhExJpBJrxjwgsEsjqzygCozDscxuExA/DSC_0006.JPG.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> </div> &nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> </p> <p><a href="http://travelpostcards.posterous.com/nyonya-kuih-hidden-gem-in-melaka">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://travelpostcards.posterous.com/nyonya-kuih-hidden-gem-in-melaka#comment">Leave a comment&nbsp;&nbsp;&raquo;</a> </p><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/travel-postcards/~4/BsKOrYIQeH0" height="1" width="1"/> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/247261/_DSC7551.jpg http://posterous.com/users/36PD45chiwdX Terence & Deborah TravelPostcards Terence & Deborah