Posted in Etcetera on Feb 27th, 2009
They were classical dancers who performed for kings and royalties only. They were the celestial Aspara dancers who appeared during the time of the Khmer Kingdom. These bare breasted dancers were immortalized in reliefs and carved in stones on the walls of phenomenal Angkor Wat in Siem Reap.
This painting, one of a few that appear […]
Posted in Xcapades on Feb 22nd, 2009
The Tourist Information Centre in Ha Noi is located to the north of Hoàn Kiếm Lake, on the fringe of the Old Quarter. Apart from the tour brochures and maps, the centre also runs a tour agency. And, yes, the staff speak English. There’s even a Gloria Jean’s Cafe inside the hall…coffee is not on […]
Posted in Xcapades on Feb 21st, 2009
Ha Long Bay is extremely calm except for the waves churned up by the junks. Kayaking can be real fun.
Can be a challenge getting into the kayak
<Lumix FX9: ISO200; F/2.8; 1/250 sec>
Off they go… <Lumix FX9: ISO200; F/5.6; 1/200 sec>
A low angle shot of the kayakers <Lumix FX9: ISO200; F/5.6; 1/320 sec>
Back to […]
Posted in Etcetera on Feb 18th, 2009
Yes, I know Valentine’s Day is over and gone - until it comes around again in 2010 - but I thought this message that Prema-jie sms-ed me on Feb 14 deserves a Special Mention. Don’t know who originally crafted the words…
They care for you but they are not your family members
They are ready to […]
Posted in Xcapades on Feb 17th, 2009
More random shots from Ha Long Bay…
Ha Long Bay’s famous Kissing Rocks at high tide - the iconic rocks are graphically depicted in marketing materials
A closer view of a limestone island as our junk cruises along the bay.
Ha Long Bay literally means ‘Descending Dragon Bay’. Common to find many boats having wooden dragon heads […]
Posted in Xcapades on Feb 16th, 2009
Hanoi’s Great Chrurch or St Joseph’s Cathedral (Nha Tho Lon) was built in 1886, over the ruins of the demolished Bao Thien pagoda. Mass is held twice a day.
The building looks like the Lady of Paris aka Notre Dame
Students from a nearby school buying food from a vendor
Posted in Bon Appetit on Feb 15th, 2009
Chinese New Year was a time for gatherings and reunions. I won’t be surprised if some households indulged in 15 days of feasting, lol. Signifies prosperity!
My Uncle CH Yong hosted a dinner at Wang Chiew Restaurant in SS2, popular for its Hakka dishes. We started with the Yam Abacus (sorry, no pix; use your imagination […]
