October 18th, 2009 | by admin | published in latest posts, things to do & see
The distinctive spiral incense of Man Mo Temple in Hong Kong are an alluring sight for any photographer. The curves, the repetition and the light tinged with smoke from the constantly burning incense interplay wonderfully at this popular sight in the heart of Hong Kong.
Burning for up to 3-4 weeks at a time the [...]
October 1st, 2009 | by admin | published in latest posts, other stuff
The build-up to the National Day Holiday this year has all been a little feverish with rumors abounding that many hotels have been fully booked weeks in advance, making for the busiest week ever!
Of course, the town does get very busy however accommodation capacity in Yangshuo is pretty huge these days with an abundance of [...]
September 1st, 2009 | by admin | published in latest posts, places
Perhaps one of the most convenient forms of transport in KL for the visitor is the monorail. Most of the “big” things to see are not too far from the conveniently located stations.
It’s cheap, fast, convenient and very easy to navigate.
Perhaps the only problem you will have is actually finding the monorail station [...]
August 29th, 2009 | by admin | published in latest posts, things to do & see
Another very impressive temple in KL is the home of the Chan See Shu Yuen Clan Association.
Their fastidiously maintained, traditional temple building has some wonderful, intricate scenes carved high on its outside walls. These friezes are said to depict important events in China’s history as well as legends and well known historical [...]
August 27th, 2009 | by admin | published in latest posts, things to do & see
Perched high on Robson Hill in the south of KL is Thean Hou Temple.
Dedicated to the Heavenly Mother (Thean Hou, Tian Hou, Tin Hau) was the goddess and protector of the seas.
The temple has an interesting mix of elements that include Confucianism, Taoism and Buddhism. Being a popular tourist destination and relatively new in [...]
August 24th, 2009 | by admin | published in latest posts, on the road
I have been a fan of the discount airlines in Asia for a few years now.
Air Asia, who started flying into Guilin from Kuala Lumpur last year, frequently has great deals on offer for those who can plan ahead. The secret for making the experience as enjoyable as possible is to remember the bargain [...]
August 20th, 2009 | by admin | published in latest posts, other stuff
It is almost 2 weeks on and the Paradesa Hotel in Yangshuo remains closed due to a dispute between joint venture partners. The problems are obviously quite severe for things to become so extreme for such an extended period.
Guess we will all have to wait and see just what happens next.
August 18th, 2009 | by admin | published in latest posts, other stuff
The Guilin region is very well known for an abundance of Osmanthus. The city also derives its name from these evergreen trees. (guilin = osmanthus forest)
Renowned for its many health benefits, the sweetly scented flowers feature in a range of specialty products such as Osmanthus wine, Osmanthus tea, Osmanthus candies and Osmanthus essential oil.
It also [...]
August 16th, 2009 | by admin | published in eating & drinking, latest posts
One of my lasting memories of the journey between Guilin and Yangshuo were the villages that seem to specialize in just one thing. There is the village that makes cane/bamboo furniture, with chairs being the most popular item on display. Then there was what I called “pomelo town”, clusters of pomelo pyramids neatly arranged at [...]
August 14th, 2009 | by admin | published in eating & drinking, latest posts
The abundance of waterways in the local area results in a good supply of snails which have long been a food source in the Yangshuo region. The fleshy insides of the snails are scooped out, mixed with pork, chilli and green vegetables, then stuffed back inside the shell before being cooked. Boiled, stir fried or [...]
