Kerala - Alleppey Houseboat Overnight Stay

When visiting Kerala, one can't overlook the allure of an Alleppey Houseboat experience (HOKKAIDO WINTER & NOBORIBETSU). It was our inaugural escapade into Kerala, having arrived the previous evening in Kochi, settling in with a night's rest and a hearty buffet breakfast. Promptly greeted by our driver, we embarked on our journey to the Alleppey Houseboat, eagerly anticipating our overnight stay.

Docked near Vazhicherry Bridge on VCNB Road, Alappuzha, the houseboat stood out from afar - a quintessential Kerala "Kettuvallam," blending traditional charm (COLOMBO & NUWARA ELIYA) with modern comforts. Originally designed as cargo vessels with bamboo, coconut fiber, and palm leaf thatch, these houseboats now offer travelers a luxurious glimpse into Kerala's backwaters.

Hokkaido - Japan: Winter Wanderlust

Our final day in Hokkaido (OTARU) began with a bitter twist. Winter had truly settled in, halting all sightseeing plans. Heavy snowflakes blanketed everything, bringing with them the news that our flight might be cancelled. Secretly, I hoped for more snow, longing for an extra day in this winter wonderland. My hopeful grin drew laughter from the group (NOBORIBETSU).

The greatest disappointment was the cancellation of our visit to the Okurayama Viewing Point, the 1972 Winter Olympic Games ski jumping venue. As someone who relishes visiting iconic spots, this news hit hard, like a sharp arrow piercing my heart. Also cancelled was the panoramic view of Sapporo city from the mountain peak and the visit to the serene Sapporo Shrine in Maruyama Park. No sightseeing at all. It felt like an explosion in my head, shattering my excitement.

Otaru: Nostalgic Winter

Totally crashed out from the previous day's whirlwind of activities and snow fun in Sapporo (SAPPORO WHAT AWAITS), I slept like a log until the alarm blared, signaling the start of another adventure-filled day (HOKKAIDO). Today, we were heading to Otaru, and despite my excitement, a wave of sentimentality hit me - only two days left before heading home. 

It's a familiar feeling that always accompanies the end of my travels, a longing for more adventures instead of returning to the grind. But reality bites; I need to work and save before planning the next holiday. Given the choice, I'd travel 365 days a year. As I showered, I mentally calculated how long it would take to save for my next trip. Once dressed, I joined the group for the buffet breakfast.

Sapporo - (Hokkaido): Discovering More of What Awaits

What an unexpected surprise! On the fourth day of our Hokkaido and Sapporo tour, the winter weather had finally mellowed. Oh boy, I was all grins as I could finally spend more time outdoors, unlike the previous day when we were constantly running for indoor shelter in Noboribetsu. 

Breakfast at Hotel Maharoba (NOBORIBETSU WINTER TIME) was a revelation. While my tour buddies raved about the dinner, I found the buffet breakfast to be an absolute delight. Those Japanese-style dishes, especially the ones featuring tofu, seaweed, fresh seafood, and a variety of vegetables, were simply amazing. And when I saw congee and bacon- my all-time favorite - my excitement soared. 

The varieties of egg dishes were equally impressive, cooked in the soft and fluffy Japanese style. And let's not forget the Japanese desserts, which were an absolute treat - soft, melt-in-your-mouth perfection that added a sweet start to my day.

Noboribetsu - Hokkaido, Japan (Winter Time)

Our stay at Hilton Niseko Village (HOKKAIDO WINTER TALES) had come to an end, and I felt a deep sense of fulfillment. Staying for two nights was indeed a luxury, albeit one that came with a price. However, the experience was worth every penny because Hilton Niseko Village truly is a star light, star bright place to stay when in Hokkaido.

With our luggage packed and loaded onto the coach after a hearty buffet breakfast, we embarked on our journey to Noboribetsu. The trip would take about four hours, with planned comfort breaks along the way, especially for the loo. After traveling for a little over an hour, we stopped at a store whose name eludes me.

Hokkaido, Japan - Winter Tales

The first night's sleep while traveling (HOKKAIDO WINTER WANDERINGS) is always restless, don't you agree? For me, as a solo traveler, it's a mix of excitement, adjusting to new surroundings, and maybe a hint of horror movie scenarios playing in my mind - haha! I hardly slept, alone in a new place, managing only about three hours before rising early to shower and layer up in winter clothes, eager for the buffet breakfast. 

The breakfast spread was a tantalizing mix of Asian, Japanese, and Western delights, offering a tempting array of salads, egg dishes, and other mouthwatering treats. I made sure to fuel up with energy-packed foods, gearing up for the adventures that awaited.

Hokkaido Japan: Winter Wanderings Begin

Winter in Hokkaido was destined to be an unforgettable experience. My travel companions had warned me about the intense cold, so I packed my luggage with the thickest winter coats and layers, including Long Johns, purchased just two weeks before our flight (COLOMBO & NUWARA ELIYA SRI LANKA). As soon as we landed at New Chitose International Airport, after transiting from Bangkok, the bone-chilling cold hit me, making me feel like I was being blown apart by the freezing wind.

New Chitose Airport, located about 50 kilometers from the central hub of Sapporo, is a marvel. It's the largest gateway to Hokkaido, handling over 20 million passengers annually with seamless access to both domestic and international destinations. Stepping into this vast, immaculate space, I understood why it was the perfect entry point for our Hokkaido adventure.

Colombo - Sri Lanka: From Dreams to Discovery

As I headed to Colombo, I felt a deep sense of love and excitement (GALLE & NUWARA ELIYA). Since childhood, Colombo was the only place in Sri Lanka I had heard about because it was always mentioned when someone spoke about the country. Consequently, it had always been in my mind. Now, the time had come to unlock those feelings and experience the city for myself. However, there was also a hint of sadness, knowing this trip would end by late evening tomorrow when I'd fly back home. While I missed my hub, the thought of returning to my responsibilities felt overwhelming.

Determined to make the most of my remaining time, we made several stops along the route from Galle to Colombo. We visited two different beaches, likely between Unawatuna Beach, Hikkaduwa Beach, Bentota Beach, Beruwala Beach, and Mount Lavinia Beach. Each beach had stunning, mesmerizing waters that left me in awe. The beauty of these beaches was truly mind-blowing.

Galle - Sri Lanka: Exploring Famed Sightseeing Spots

Our day started at the Okrin Hotel in Kataragama with a breakfast that truly awakened my senses. The buffet offered two choices: Western or Sri Lankan. While my four companions went for the Western option, I opted for the Sri Lankan breakfast. Despite a brief 20-minute wait, the meal that awaited me was well worth it. The flavors of Rice Cakes, Coconut Sambol and Fish Curry were so captivating that even those who had chosen the Western breakfast couldn’t resist sneaking a bite from my plate. I felt deeply grateful for this mouthwatering experience as we prepared to leave Kataragama and head towards Galle (KATARAGAMA & KANDY).

Kataragama - Sri Lanka: Sacred Trails and Serene Adventures

Another morning began with our customary hotel buffet breakfast (Negambo & Nuwara Eliya) before setting off early along winding roads, surrounded by unfolding hilltop vistas and nature on all sides. Our journey took an unexpected pause when we spotted a waterfall, prompting us to request our driver to pull over, much to his initial reluctance due to parking constraints. Undeterred, we insisted and made our way to Rawana Ella Falls, discovering that we had ventured into the Ella district. 

While most of our group seemed disinterested, myself and a fellow traveler eagerly approached the fence overlooking Rawana Waterfall. Standing there, I was captivated by the sight and sound of the 82-foot cascade, known as one of Sri Lanka’s widest waterfalls. Nestled within the Ravana Ella Wildlife Sanctuary, about six kilometers from the Ella Railway Station. The experience offered breathtaking views of the falls and the pristine surroundings of Ella.

Nuwara Eliya - Sri Lanka: Hillside One Day Retreat

Up at 6 AM, I packed our luggage (Kandy, Sri Lanka), ensuring nothing was left behind, especially my phone.  After breakfast at the hotel, we hit the road by 9 AM. Our driver made an unexpected stop at a two-story retail outlet, giving us an hour for some retail therapy. While I wasn't keen on shopping, others in our group bought sarees, t-shirts, and silver pots. Watching a group of Chinese tourists excitedly trying on sarees was entertaining.

Kandy (Rambukkana/Mawanella/Kandy) - Sri Lanka

Negombo to Kandy was our route for the day. Two stops were already planned, with the main highlight being the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage - a must-see for most travelers on this route. When we arrived around 11:30am, the place was bustling, even during the off-peak season, with a majority of Western tourists. The orphanage, set in a vast open area, greeted us with flying dust and the blazing Sri Lankan sun. We walked alongside hundreds of visitors, passing by stalls and petty traders, making our way to the riverbank where elephants were bathing and having fun.

The sight was incredible. Harmless, friendly, huge, and small elephants were everywhere. You could take pictures with them, as close as you dared, for a fee. Alternatively, you could just enjoy watching from a distance, though you had to be careful on the slippery surface and avoid getting pushed by the crowd. After about half an hour at the riverbank, we made our way back to the main road, just in time to see the elephant parade. The elephants obediently crossed the road right in front of us, though I couldn’t tell where they were heading.  Orphanage, most probably to the elephant orphanage.

Negambo - Sri Lanka: A Serene Escape Amidst Traditional Fishing Life

Ready for my adventure to Sri Lanka, I breezed through immigration only to be stopped by a customs officer. He seemed suspicious, maybe because I was traveling alone. After thoroughly checking my luggage, he asked how much money I had. When I said RM700.00, he acted like it was a fortune, grilling me endlessly. Despite explaining it was for spending, he wouldn't relent. Finally, with no real reason to hold me, he let me go. I joined a group of five Malaysian Chinese, part of my tour, and thankfully, one of them approached me before we got into the van.

Our first stop was lunch at St. Lachan Hotel, set in a beautiful garden. We were greeted with 'ayubowan,' a Sinhalese greeting similar to Namaste. As we nibbled on crispy snacks and got acquainted, we waited for our food. The 20-minute wait was worth it as we enjoyed an amazing meal, especially the fish curry with veggies and rice.

Golden Prawns: Oats-Coated & Cereal-Egg Toss

(Updated Version)

There are countless ways to cook a prawn dish, and of course, I’m one of those people who just has to experiment. Why? Because my love for Zen Cuisine is so deep, and well, I’m just that adventurous when it comes to food. Variety is the spice of life, right? Cooking, after all, is not just about food—it’s about keeping the mind and soul sharp. You know, keeping the gears turning so the ol' brain doesn't wither away and slip into the dangerous zone of mind contentment. Because we all know what happens then - boredom sets in, and suddenly, the devil's workshop is open for business. Gossip, backstabbing, and rumor-mongering, anyone?

So, next time someone’s talking behind your back, just remember - it’s not their fault. Their mind isn’t working properly. Misery loves company, and a poorly functioning mind just loves to drag others down.

But don’t worry - you can stay on the right side of things. Be part of Ms. Nava’s Zen Cuisine! Challenge yourself to try new recipes, mix and match ingredients, and get creative with what’s in your pantry. Got some oats and cereal? Perfect. 

Bread Pizza: Fusion Tuna Spicy Version

I've never made pizza dough in my life, and frankly, I don't see the need to learn. We're not big pizza fans at home - it’s more of an occasional treat that we usually grab from a pizzeria for convenience. With so many varieties and toppings available, it's easier to buy than to make from scratch. But with some bread slices nearing their expiration, I decided to whip up these bread pizzas instead. My zen garden is overflowing with daun kaduk, also known as Thai betel leaves, which are a nutritional powerhouse in cooking.

These leaves are packed with antioxidants, anti-inflammatory benefits, and support digestive health, making them a great addition to any dish. Thai betel leaves are easy to grow - maybe it’s time you considered adding them to your garden?