Wednesday, November 27, 2019
Cape Town - South Africa (Part 3)
Friday, November 8, 2019
Chinese Style Eggplant
This dish isn't just about flavors - it's about the texture that makes each bite a delightful crunch followed by a burst of savory goodness. The eggplant, after getting a crispy makeover in the pan, absorbs all those aromatic spices and seafood flavors like a sponge, creating a dish that's as satisfying as it is flavorful.
Friday, October 18, 2019
Chennai (South India) - South India: Chennai - Discover What Awaits
Chennai: Welcome to the bustling chaos of noise, pollution, and endless traffic jams, where smiles can sometimes feel scarce. This is life in Chennai, South India (MADURAI & TRICHY & MYSURU)
Let me tell you about my two days exploring this vibrant city. We started our journey at the Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple, a revered shrine dedicated to Lord Ranganatha, a reclining form of Lord Vishnu. Known for its intricate Dravidian architecture, the temple boasts majestic towers, beautiful carvings, and peaceful courtyards, amidst the city's hustle.
I watched locals immersed in prayer, a testament to South India's deep spirituality. Though not deeply religious myself, I followed our tour group with curiosity, absorbing the temple's atmosphere before moving on.
Instant Recognition: Malaysians in South
India
South Indians have a knack for spotting Malaysians right away, often asking or exclaiming "Malaysia?" upon meeting. Despite initial appearances, interactions with locals often reveal their warmth and friendliness. Conversations at temples uncovered that many visitors travelled long distances for their visits, some experiencing these temples for the first time. One humorous encounter involved a local lady questioning the necessity of visiting a Murugan temple in Chennai when Malaysia’s Batu Caves' Murugan is equally renowned in India.
Temples in South India: A Cultural Shock
Visiting temples in South India feels like
navigating a battlefield due to the immense crowds. Compared to Malaysia's more
orderly atmosphere, the temple experience here can be chaotic, with pushing,
shoving, and queue-cutting the norm. Shockingly, even elderly and seemingly
frail individuals navigate these crowds with surprising vigor, highlighting how
their integral role in temple activities.
Temple Practices: Commercialization and
Devotion
Despite India's large Hindu population and
emphasis on Hinduism's teachings, temple practices often involve transactions.
Devotees can pay for queue-jumping privileges or expedited services,
highlighting a stark reality within Hinduism's spiritual spaces. Additionally,
individuals adorned in orange or yellow attire with sacred markings may offer
prayers for a fee, raising questions about the commercial aspects of religious
practices. However, the Malaysian Indians I was with placed their trust in
these practices.
Photographing
in Temples
There are restrictions in some temples where you are not even allowed to bring your camera or phone inside. In others, there are designated areas with or without restrictions. Even in temples where photography and videos are permitted, it's nearly impossible due to the sheer number of people and the constant pushing and shoving. I wouldn't dare take out my phone, as anything could happen in such situations.
Dress Code Expectations
Modern dressing
is generally not welcomed in South India. Wearing contemporary outfits can
attract stares from everyone, except in malls where staff are more accustomed
to it. Traditional clothing is expected everywhere else, especially in temples.
Shopping Craze: Malaysian Indians in South
India
Shopping becomes a passion for Malaysian Indians visiting South India, with every shop, mall, and roadside stall capturing their attention. The focus on shopping, especially for sarees and budget street clothes, overshadows other factors like bulk-imported goods being cheaper. Some prioritize shopping over sightseeing, staying out until late hours even after hotel check-ins, which left me puzzled.
Culinary Adventures: South Indian Cuisine
South Indian cuisine dominates the food experience, predominantly vegetarian throughout the day, including hotel buffet breakfasts devoid of eggs. Surprisingly, the Malaysian Indian group I traveled with adopted a vegetarian diet during the tour, citing temple visits as the reason - a cultural adjustment that raised eyebrows.
Washroom Woes: Hygiene Challenges in South India
Throughout our travels in South India,
aside from hotels and malls, the state of washrooms left much to be desired.
Often lacking water, pails, adequate lighting, and sometimes even functioning
locks, these facilities were frequently unpleasant and smelly. In moments of
urgency, one had to manage with these conditions by closing their eyes and
holding their breath.
Cultural Norms: Public Peeing in South
India
A common sight in South India was men
freely peeing in public spaces. This casual approach to relieving themselves
often included visible displays, which, while accepted locally, could overwhelm
with strong odors in some areas.
Did I miss out on anything? Perhaps you would like to add?
Wednesday, October 16, 2019
South India - Madurai/Trichy: Spiritual Insights
By 10 am (KODAIKANAL & MYSURU), we arrived at the entrance of the Meenakshi Amman Temple. Dedicated to Goddess Meenakshi and her consort Sundareswarar (Shiva), this ancient marvel in Madurai, Tamil Nadu, is renowned for its intricate carvings, towering gopurams (gateway towers), and vibrant sculptures dating back to the 6th century, showcasing the splendor of Dravidian architecture. Spanning 14 acres, the temple complex includes grand halls like the Thousand Pillar Hall.
Upon arrival, we had to deposit our phones and cameras at the booth where we left our slippers, paying a fee. Standing in the long queue, we learned about an option to pay to shorten our wait time - not uncommon in Indian temples. After enduring 45 minutes under the scorching sun, with feet blistered from the burning heat of the cement, I had been in favor from the start; finally, the rest of our group reluctantly agreed, which moved us closer to the center of the line, although many others remained ahead of us.
Sunday, October 13, 2019
South India - Kodaikanal: Nature's Wonderland
Kodaikanal! The excitement was palpable as we headed towards this iconic destination, famed for its presence in Tamil movies that I've admired countless times on screen. Known as the "Princess of Hill Stations," Kodaikanal is a serene and picturesque town nestled in Tamil Nadu's Western Ghats. I
Its lush greenery, mist-covered
hills, and pleasant climate offer a perfect escape from the heat of the plains,
providing breathtaking views of the surrounding landscapes. Situated 2,000
meters above sea level in the Dindigul district, Kodaikanal boasts a unique
ecosystem and a blend of natural beauty, tranquility, and mystique, making it a
popular honeymoon destination
Our journey from Coimbatore (MYSURU & COIMBATORE) to Kodaikanal spanned 4 1/2 hours, including along narrow, winding in-roads shared with lorries, buses, cars, and motorbikes navigating steep inclines and descents. There were some aggressive gestures and heated exchanges, with words exchanged that felt like a sharp prick in my ears.
Thursday, October 10, 2019
South India - Mysuru & Coimbatore Vibes
Monday, October 7, 2019
Bengaluru, India: Serendipity and Spirituality
When a friend organizing a trip to South India invited me to join his tour, I eagerly agreed without even checking with my husband. This was a budget tour, covering flight tickets, accommodation (with no twin sharing in my case), and sightseeing. Meals, except for the hotel buffet breakfast, and entry fees for sightseeing spots were on us. It was a 9-night, 8-day South India tour.
Sunday, September 29, 2019
Sekinchan (Selangor) 1 Day Trip - Part 2
Sunday, September 8, 2019
Sekinchan (Selangor) 1 Day Trip - Part 1
Tuesday, August 6, 2019
Cameron Highlands - Pahang (Nava K Travelling Gram) Day 2
Thursday, July 25, 2019
Cameron Highlands - Pahang (Nava K Travelling Gram)
Friday, June 7, 2019
Perak Travel - Nava K Discovery (Day 2)
Thursday, May 23, 2019
Perak Travel - Nava K Discovery
Wednesday, May 8, 2019
Ipoh, Perak - Nava K Discovery (Day 2)
Friday, April 12, 2019
Ipoh, Perak - Nava K Discovery (Day 1)
Back on the road again after lunching and “Gaharu Tea Valley, Gopeng being our first sightseeing spot. Honestly, to tell you the truth, I had no clue whatsoever what to expect. In fact, I was under the impression that its gonna be another kinda standard tea plantation. Of course, a tea valley alright, but tea made from tea leaves of Gaharu/Agarwood trees. Trees at their infant stage and those already matured. In a huge slopping up and down area and where we embarked on a guided van tour which included two stops at different heights for a higher up view from up there and for seeing what's housed within this valley. Thereafter, once we returned to the entrance, we sampled the freshly brewed tea and we couldn't also resist picking up a packet or two of Hoga Gaharu tea. Said as tea for health and I must stress that, tea tasting pretty smooth and lovely as well.
Subsequently, from Gaharu Tea Valley to Kellie's Castle, Batu Gajah. The unfinished ruined mansion, built by Scottish planter William Kelly-Smith and if you don't know, lemme tell you that, Kellie's Castle is listed as one of the hauntings in Malaysia. Ohhhhhhh! By any chance, did I bump into Kellie or anyone else who have joined him in heaven or hell? No. Seriously, no. But heading from one section to the other, and till the roof top alone during this quiet weekday, while every now and then, passing by one or two people? Trust me, goose bumps. That eerie feeling? Quite a ruckus scary thing actually. Otherwise, all is fairly great wondrous in this historical site, and where you can put your hand-phone or camera to good use by posing over and over, again and again for impressing your Instagram followers.
20 minutes for freshening up, off we left prior to stepping foot in Ipoh town by 6.00pm. Some leisure walking within as far as we could, followed by dinner in Restoran Tauge Ayam Lou Wong. Food definitely didn’t disappoint us. Ipoh Tauge and Ipoh Chicken Rice in Ipoh? A must try right? Sure. Indeed, a satisfying meal, but paying almost RM150.00 for the three of us? Honestly, we really thought it was a rip off for ½ chicken, fish ball soup, tauge soy sauce, liver soy sauce, rice and a bowl of dessert. Anyway, what could have possibly been the outcome since we have already tucked in instead of prior checking how much, roughly we will be paying? Damn! One of those con job billing I suppose. Especially if you are a tourist or because you are different skin color?
After dinner, we started walking again. This time, in and out of the shops selling cakes and food stuffs. Grabbing a few pieces of the baked goodies, we returned to the hotel before showering and calling it a night.
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