-
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.
-
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.
-
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…
-
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…
-
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!
-
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…
-
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.
-
Best of Both Worlds
This tiny and proud country has everything for you – fishermen’s shacks, palaces, church in a cave, bright blue fjord, nice rocky paths for you to walk and then disappear in the woods, small hotels and resorts! My host World Association of Chefs invited me to stay in the association run Hotel Residence Milocer Hotel. It is run mostly by hospitality and tourism students. On the high end, there is the Aman Sveti Stefan, located in the centre of Montenegro’s Adriatic coastline, south of Budva and between the villages of Pržno and Sveti Stefan. Both hotels have breathtaking views of the sea, across the bay and along Montenegro’s most renowned…
-
Winter in Pljevlja
Winter in Montenegro is generally welcomed in the North of the country, where the winter sports centers in Durmitor and Bjelasica begin to provide tourists and Olympic athletes alike an enjoyable winter in Montenegro. I came up to the North to teach at the Culinary school here.
-
Sleepy Old Village in Milocer
I stayed at the Hotel Residence Milocer Hotel that had a great view of part of a beach and so I decided that I will take a walk there. It was less than 25 minutes of peaceful walk to the beautiful beach. Hardly saw anyone along the way………well it explains, Montenegro’s population is less than 650,000 people!! Along with ancient style stone houses, you can also see modern buildings like this below. There are also lots of new developments in Milocer. Many seafood restaurants dotted the place. Some had very unique fascinating fascade. Some restaurants called seafood “sea fruits”.
