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Memorable People
The people of Kerala are very down to earth, simple and many still traditional. The natives of Kerala are called “Keralites” and they speak Malayalam. I noticed that they are very religious and have not forgotten their traditional culture or ancient rituals. Education is very important for them and the state of India had 100% literacy at one point of time! Most people could speak English. One interesting fact – almost all Malayalee men had a moustache or a nice beard. About 60% of the population of Kerala are Hindus and the balance are equals of Christians and Muslims.
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Ta Prohm Temple
I love Ta Prohm Temple. There are very thick snake like roots, bend and twisted all over the temple’s walls. Some parts of the movie Tomb Raider were filmed here. Practically every tourist wants to pose for photos with these roots and branches. Some of these roots are so strong and heavy, they have cracked the rocks to grow further.
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The Angkor Wat
The Angkor Wat is of course the first in the list when visiting Cambodia. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the world’s largest religious monument. Seriously, you may have to visit it for 3-4 days to tour the whole place. Originally a Hindu temple, after the disintegration of the Khmer empire, it has been repurposed as a Buddhist Temple. Be prepared to walk for a few kilometres and climb steep staircases.
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The Old Market in Siem Reap
The Old Market, Psah Chas, in Siem Reap is right in the heart of the town. Like most of the Asian markets, this market had clothings, jewellery and everything you need for a house. But of course my favourite place was where the food ingredients were sold. If you feel squeamish or claustrophic, please do not even think of going to this market! The vendors were mostly women, including the butchers. This is one place where you will see rows and rows of little stalls selling live fish, fresh fish, smoked fish, fish paste and fish in every form. All meats and poultry were displayed well and there was a…
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Water, Air and Earth elements at Munnar
Munnar, both in Malayalam (language of Kerala) and Tamil (language of Tamil Nadu), means three rivers, as it is the merging place of three mountain streams – Madurapuzha, Nallathanni and Kundale. I was well prepared for the 4-5 hours drive uphill. I always liked hill resorts especially the breathtaking foggy hill views you get as you go up the winding narrow roads. The Deepa World Spice and Ayurveda Plantation is a spice garden was established 37 years ago and it offers Ayurveda treatments. Anyone can walk into this plantation of medicinal plants and can request for a guided tour. This tour of the spice garden opened my eyes and brain…
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Look and See
Explore Kerala by foot. See exotic spice plantations, hills with colonial bungalows, waterfalls, protected forests and animals. Walk through the numerous streets and watch people working hard at the mills, farms, workshops and homes. Maybe even see elephants and cows at work. Kerala is all about the outdoors. Either you take long leisurely walks or short breaks, don’t forget to stop at a tea shop and enjoy a cup of hot chai!
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Chinese Fishing Nets
The Chinese fishing nets also known as “Cheenavala” in Malayalam language has been introduced to Cochin by Chinese Explorer Zheng He. Zheng He is from the court of Kublai Khan. Therefore the Chinese fishing nets were established in Cochin (Kochi) fron 1350 AND 1450 AD. The most popular icon of Fort Kochi is the row of Chinese fishing nets along the stretch of coast. Manoj said that traders from China introduced this type of fishing method. This seems to be the only place outside of China that still uses the Chinese fishing nets. Many fishermen are still earning their livelihood using this method. At a distance, the nets looked like…
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To Market to Market, to Buy a…………
The bustling market places in all parts of Kerala are magical even when I was lethargic after walking in the oppressive sun for hours!! It was noisy with the sounds of vehicles honking at full volume, people bargaining and even the squawking of the chickens in the coop. You can buy anything from shoes to food to feed for the cattle. There were even vendors providing services example a knife sharpener, a blacksmith, tailors and cobblers. I have a feeling I can buy anything I want from this market except for branded goods maybe………..or maybe not.
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Papua New Guinea -Paradise Undiscovered
Few days before we left for PNG, friends and relatives, have been cautioning us with regards to our safety. Everyone had a story to tell “better to go in groups otherwise you will be robbed”; “they drink human blood”; “it is a land of uncivilized people running around with bows and arrows”; “don’t venture out on the streets after dark and during the day”. The last sentence was said by my mother! You can see from these photos that I truly enjoyed my work cum holiday in Papua New Guinea. It is truly a paradise undiscovered.
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Food Event at Airway Hotel
The Airways Hotel is one of the best hotel in Papua New Guinea! It is an independent hotel and has over 500 staff, hotel rooms, apartments, restaurant, bars, cigar lounge, a good gym, retail outlets, a spa and only 2 minutes from the international airport. I was in this hotel to teach the kitchen staff to cook Asian food and to conduct master cooking classes that were opened to the public. It was one of the most enlightening experiences in my life - working in a modern large kitchen but with lots of staffs who were not hospitality or culinary school trained. At times, the staffs here were so quick…
