I, I sincerely, maybe not always, sometimes, I can't put two and two, or even ten to ten together on why we Hindus are still blindly following or holding on to our religious beliefs, bench-marked and set by our forefathers, our foremothers too were no better (more at Mozer's Subang Parade). As much as I have tried, I for once can’t understand neither comprehend why we are not applying logic and reasoning to those beliefs. Look, in no way am I questioning Hinduism. Better for me to make myself clear before I am attacked by Gang 45 or whichever latest reigning gang. Lets take the recent Sun Eclipse as an example. Many of us can, I reckon, scientifically or technically pin the reasons, but when it comes to reasoning on our staunch Sun Eclipse Hinduism beliefs, all we are good at is forwarding videos by our religious maha gurus. Aplenty of gurus these days mind you. The known, the upcoming and the ones trying to make a name, who keep reminding us why we shouldn’t pray, why we shouldn’t eat and what else we shouldn’t do during the hours of eclipse.
Wednesday, February 14, 2018
Tuesday, February 6, 2018
Kobe, Japan - Nava K Did It!
Kobe! Yes Kobe! Akin a mini heaven popped up, right in front of me during this winter travelling-porn (Kyoto Arashiyama). Believe me! For the longest time, for as long as I can remember, I have been harbouring the thought of exploring Kobe deep in my day dreams and night dreams. The word Kobe by itself is a magical tune to my ears. Don't ask me why. I just feel it. Or maybe, come to think of it, each time I read or Kobe beef, a variety of Japanese “Wagju”, regarded as one of the highest quality meats world around, is featured on tv, I sincerely can’t curb my enthusiasm for Kobe. Imagine? Imagine wagju/Japanese cows drinking beer, additionally, being rice wine massaged and listening to classical music. Ohlalala! Intriguing fantastica luxurious cows world, isn’t it? I know.
Friday, February 2, 2018
Pulau Ketam, Selangor (Part 2) - A Trip With Nava K
Back to Pulau Ketam, land on stilts or land seated or standing on water (Pulau Ketam Part 1). Literally blistered and roasted. No doubt, our boat ride venture to the fish farm and floating village was really a major exciting eye opener, nevertheless, sightseeing in our mad crazy hot Malaysian weather, I tell you. I especially, massively sweat dripped. As if I had wrestled and fought in a rain battle. As it is I sweat like a dog or cow for no apparent reason, can you imagine how it would have been withstanding the burning sun at the fish farm and also the back and forth boat ride? Phew! Crazy. Therefore, the moment we walked into Pulau Ketam, we immediately dashed for thirst quenching and this woman, yes, me Nava K, once I am out of the house, all I can think of is food. Well, you can blame me. I am so tired of eating my own cooking. Wish, I sincerely wish my Indian love other half-half will cook as well, I suppose its easier said than done. Husband cooking for wife definitely is not the way to our marriage life. Come to think of it, I have my doubts if it will ever take place. Yet, I have not given up because never say die is my strong lifelong policy. Keeping my fingers crossed. If he still insist he doesn't want even after he retires, I think I have no other choice but spank his butt real hard. Bwah-hah-hah! Just kidding.
Tuesday, January 9, 2018
Kyoto, Japan ( Day 2) - Nava K Did It
Winter in Japan
or even Korea is a big major do-do. You must believe me. I know what I am
talking about. Though I am yet to conquer the whole of Japan or Korea, I have
had my fair share of winter share. Primarily in Hokkaido (Hilton Niseko Village, Noribetsu & Sapporo/Hokkaido) whereas in Korea (Seoul Day 8 & Korea Incheon) I
was told about winter luring tourism by the “half-past-six” tour guide who
literally bragged how busy he gets during winter and by the second day in
Kyoto, I saw it for myself. Honest to goodness, I really don’t know what’s with
winter and the Chinese, but they are mind you the majority of the tourists. In
fact, I hardly bumped into another Indian, may be not even Caucasians too in Hokkaido neither in Korea, albeit there are Indian restaurants in these part of the world. Unbelievable true! Chinese just
so love snow and coming with it cold wind which literally can blow me apart
like winter huge cannons. I have told you before right? Aha! I can also still clearly remember telling you I am not at
all a winter user friendly person. It’s really crazy for me. Nonetheless, in
all fairness, I admit that experiencing winter is part and parcel of real time
globetrotting (Ankara & Bolu, Turkey & Istanbul). No two ways about it. We must, if we want to know whats weather like in other parts of the world, we must do at least one winter holiday.
Remember something. Travelling during different climate zones is definitely our first
hand, leg, boobies or even “vjj” exposure. Potentially for adding value to our
travelling profoundness.
Saturday, December 30, 2017
Pulau Ketam (Selangor) - A Trip With Nava K
I think, actually, I am not even sure. Maybe, I like to believe that my other half-half is beginning to see our marriage florescence light tunnel. Believe me, for years, I have been battling with this man on our partnership love bird travelling. I may have failed, maybe, since I am yet to master the art of being a commanding, demanding, control freak and tyrant wife after all these years? Albeit, mind you, I have, from time to time been drilling in his head on us travelling together. Nothing really materialised, sadly no, though I admit we have embarked on our tour travel, every two years once (Noboribetsu Hokkaido & Bergen Norway). Other than that, what else is there to say? Some of you ladies may, I'm assuming, understand what I trying to say. What else? Men and their workholism madness obsession? Thrown in their co-curricular self proclaimed activities. Business entertaining, football craze, sleeping and, enlighten me, what else? I'm lost for words actually on the despicable, over they years, marriage revolution.
Friday, December 15, 2017
Kyoto, Japan (Part 2) - Nava K Did It
Where did I pulled
the brake previously? Oh-yes, I took all of you all the way to Arashiyama right?
Of course I did (Kyoto Arashiyama). Arashiyama, till this day, let me tell you, is still lingering
on my mind. An absolute memory capsule, truly, I have pinned Arashiyama as a major travelling badge achievement on my fleshy
chest. Arashiyama on the whole is utterly stunning, nevertheless, the
one spot which captured conquered me the most is Sagano Bamboo Groove. Grooving colourful bamboo and Nava K grooving along with it. Literally. Lemme now continue with what we did after our first ever meal in Osaka. We headed to Gion
District. What’s there in Gion, are you asking me? Well, for those of you who have already visited Gion,
I speak no further. Yet for the benefit of the rest who will be
visiting it in the near future, I bet you will because Gion has already made its mark on Kyoto's map, moreover, its where you don't want to miss out on being seen for social media purposes. Don't forget to carry your selfie stick. Nevermind if you accidentally or purposely poke others. Who cares right? Let's be labelled as the selfish travellers, why not, all for the sake of social media fame and popularity?
Sunday, December 3, 2017
Langkawi (Kedah) - 2 Nights 2 Days (Part 2)
Honestly, if I am to speak my mind on breakfast next morning in the cramped dining area, I must brand it as such a corny thing (Langkawi Part 1). Basically, food to keep your tummy warm. That's it. Forget about taste and what not, maybe because I have tucked into really sumptuous buffet breakfast in 4 or 5 stars hotels (Casa Del Rio Melaka) before, this breakfast came on as an irritating thingy. Dishes disappearing as quickly as they were refilled because people were akin scrounging scavenging for free food. Not at all a pleasant sight. Mannerism ditched aside, food spilled all over the place, disgusting more than anything else. I really hate such an ugly scenario, albeit I won't complain about the ordinaries like bread, jam, scrambled eggs and the rest of the items anyone can prepare (Port Dickson Part 2 & Sungkai Perak). But if you are asking me about the rest of the dishes, goodness gracious, I rather not even waste my time telling you. I did however tuck into a tiny bit of food (Alor Setar Kedah), of course coffee is a must (Penang Thaipusam) for me first thing in the morning.
Thursday, November 2, 2017
Kyoto (Japan) - Arashiyama
After two winters
trip-travelling, I thought I had enough. No more winter holiday for me.
Honestly, I can’t stand-sit-walk winter at all. Definitely not for someone like me
who winter shiver and shake till my bones, until almost every part of my body is frozen
numbed. Literally till down
“there” degree cold. Down where? Down there. That my akin KGB classified part I will never reveal
to the virtual world. As it is, believe me, when it rains, I switch
off all the fans, can you imagine me-my winter time? Layers upon layers with or without stitches, yet I tremble.
Therefore, when another all paid winter holiday was thrown at my feet (Hilton Niseko Village, Hokkaido), to tell you
the truth, I was unsure. To go or not to go? Dilemma. Should I? A yes would
mean I must brave winter shivering, on the other hand, if I reject, it will be
such a waste for not capping another feather on my world globe-trotting gram (Seoul Korea). Eventually,
what the hell I told myself. Hack aside winter, I will deal with it there and then, moreover, since my travelling legs were massively itching (Kerala India), I tagged
alongside my other half-half and some known, others unknown 25 people for this
back again to Japan wanderlust (Sapporo/Hokkaido). Kyoto and Osaka (6 Days 5 Nights).
Thursday, October 26, 2017
Langkawi (Kedah) - 2 nights 2 days (Part 1)
Tuesday, October 10, 2017
Casa del Rio Melaka
Been on my mind. Undeniably. Casa del Rio has already been sashed on my in-country-bound travel pail list. Maybe, let's say for the last 5 years or so, most probably because I have read, simultaneously picture awed Casa del Rio in the virtual world. Great reviews, spectacular pictures, utterly, I simply wanted to experience at least, one night will do in Casa del Rio. Nevertheless, due to distance, two hours drive to Melaka, and believe me, money does matter for Casa Del Rio, quite exclusively priced, I ditch it aside. Then again, you never know. Like they say, patience does pay, potentially, Casa del Rio still, stood still in my bold, profound thoughts.
Thursday, October 5, 2017
Seoul - (Korea Day 7 & 8)
I made sure I fueled energized my tummy with lotsa food next morning. I had to. Remember, I skipped dinner the previous night, moreover, my last meal was at 2.00pm (Pyeongchang/Yongjin)?Right. Actually, I could have, if I wanted to, call for room service, then again, what for? Korean food is already up my throat. Enough. Thankfully, instead of the usual hotel buffet, we had breakfast in one of the unknown restaurants. Self service, comparatively an appetizing meal, pumpkin porridge and spinach porridge, eaten alongside Kimchi soup and condiments. But, eating in the messy dining area, after the big groups of tourists have left, simultaneously, while the staff were massively sulking, as if earthquake is gonna strike soon, didn't go down well with us. Did we have a choice? I guess not. I of course was irritated. I still ate because my hunger throne was my only concern.
Friday, September 15, 2017
Melaka - Jonker Walk (Part 3)
Inconclusive. Our walking mission from one corner of Jonker Walk to the other for another overnight stay (Melaka Jonker Walk Part 2) didn't get us anywhere. Unfortunately. We did in fact, viewed quite a number of home stays, some of it highly recommended in online travelling platforms (Melaka Jonker Walk Part 1 & Portuguese Settlement). However, despite almost two hours of walking, at the same time popping in and our of the home stays, we concluded that its such a waste to our time. All we ended up with was not only sweat dripping, our legs too almost ripped, fell apart. Still, mission was not halted, who knows we may discover a home stay we will be pleased with, at this juncture, to wind down our momentum and for a cool burst down our dry throat and tongue, we unanimously we agreed for Melaka Cendol and Melaka Ice Kacang in Jonker 88. Absolutely. Melaka dessert game on.
Monday, September 11, 2017
Pyeongchang/Yongjin - (Korea Day 6)
Monday, August 21, 2017
Melaka - Jonker Walk (Part 2)
Thursday, August 17, 2017
Pyeonchang - (Mount Sorak/Jeongdongjin/Daegwallyeong) - Korea Day 5
Tour guides can
make or break your holiday. They sure can. They can either make your travel-gram memorable or ruin it all. But, for those of you who opt for
traveling by your own back bone, you don’t have to give a damn on towering
guides. Really, you don’t have to. Women
like me on the other hand, I know I have a choice, whether I like it all in a
tour or not, that’s beside the point. I still prefer tour travelling. Call me an orthodox traveler if you want, I am least bothered, a safe bet for me is an
all planned and all paid for tour. Basically, everything is cared for, and mind you, I am a solo tour traveler. The only thing, that too not a major thing, is "sleeping alone" (ahem!). Actually, come to think of it, I can sleep with someone else, let's name it same-sex or different sex "tour travel", that by the way is not why I travel alone. My fear of sleeping alone is mainly because I am not a spooky friendly person, albeit I am on my own for days when my other half-half travels for work.
Friday, August 4, 2017
Melaka - Portuguese Settlement (Restaurant De Costa's 8)
Monday, July 24, 2017
Nami Island & Petite France - Korea (Day 4)
Saturday, July 15, 2017
Melaka - Jonker Walk (Part 1)
Not many friends
can be your great, maybe not even accommodating travel companions. Why go so
far, sometimes, even our love broadest band width can also be tested when we travel together. I personally know of courting couples who broke up after their first love travel
because something snapped somewhere. Anyway,
nothing is shocking anymore. Love is fragile, relationship is equally a turmoil
and travelling with family members is the other to tolerating all sorts of bizarre
characters, speak about money which is never sunny, if not for all, but for some who prefer to travel at our expense. Tell me all about it please? That’s why, remember I told
you why I am standing tall with my principle of travelling alone (Travelling Solo When You Are Married).
Friday, June 30, 2017
Jeju Island (Part 2) - Korea (Day 3)
No two ways about
it. Unquestionably, travelling in a tour requires discipline. Yes please. There
is no such a thing as you wish in a clearly listed tour. Obviously, you can’t
follow your own travelling heart by wondering as you please. Instead, it is about
abiding to the unspoken travelling rules. Otherwise, you will be billed as a
nuisance by the tour guide and tour buddies. So sorry everyone, if you can’t pay attention to the tour guide on safety rules and time limit, you better ditch
the idea of tour travelling (Sapporo/Hokkaido). I know better. I can strongly vouch because experiences speaks louder than words. In Jeju
Island, it had to be the same agenda in the morning. Waking up by 7.00am,
sometimes even earlier, showering of course is your choice, followed by
breakfast and most to most by 9pm, sometimes you have to pack if we are not returning to the same hotel. Also, do try to empty your bowels instead of
restlessly interrupting while on the way for sightseeing (Istanbul Turkey, Pretoria South Africa & Colombo Sri Lanka).
Friday, June 23, 2017
Alor Setar - Kedah (Nava-K's One Day Postcard)
Tuesday, June 6, 2017
Jeju Island (Part 1) - Korea (Day 2)
First half day of sightseeing in Seoul (Korea Day I - Incheon to Seoul), we returned to Incheon airport for our domestic flight to Jeju Island. Spilling over await in the long queue among
the hundreds during this supposedly off peak season in Korea, who do you expect
to see travelling throughout the year, except mostly “Made In China” Chinese. Malaysians
too I think are seriously taking their globetrotting lifestyle "Up In The Air", in fact, even those born with a dented wooden spoon in
their mouth are joining forces in trip-travelling all the
time.
Thursday, May 25, 2017
Korea Day 1 - Incheon to Seoul
Another solo trip of mine in an arranged tour (Istanbul Turkey & Dubai) alongside 14 people I had no clue whosoever they are, Korea was the said destination. Now, to all the adventurous wise cracks who are right now reading this "Korea Here I Come" venture of mine, will you please stop wondering why I didn't backpack or travel on my own. Of course I sincerely appreciate your advise, but let me tell you that I have already before hand done my homework. What I found out is that the ordinary Koreans on the streets really can't speak English, so obviously, I am going to have one hack of a time communication with them should the need arise. Definitely it is bound to happen, holding on to a map and trying to pick up Korean language there and then may show the way, especially on "Amazing Race", but in reality, many travel bloggers don't actually tell you what can go wrong due to language barrier. Additionally, compared to 8 years ago when I had bags of energy, my overall well-being is not the same anymore (Penang - The Pearl Of The Orient).
Wednesday, May 17, 2017
Sungkai - Perak, Malaysia (Overnight Excursion)
Have you realise
how stressful life is these days? Indeed, I won’t deny. I am of course not at all talking about the headline grabbing glamorous social media life many are living,
I am certainly referring to life behind the fast lane which bounces big balls
of fire. Let’s call the big hard balls as the challengers, especially in the
city, what matters most undisputedly is money. Money! No money, sorry to say everyone, we are doomed ding-dong-bell because in
front of each step we take, money is the leader. Money may be sunny in a rich
man world, nevertheless, money does not fall from the sky though some people I
know are under the impression that by praying daily, god will throw money down.
Unfortunately though, the reality is otherwise. Slogging non-stop for your
career or business is the ringtone for proud-pride status and tagging with it is naturally stress.
Tuesday, May 9, 2017
Port Dickson - Negeri Sembilan Getaway (Day 2)
Port Dickson (Part 1) Sightseeing. What an
experience. Pheww! Walking non-stop, climbing up and down, sweating like a dog in
the blistering sun and I think for the first time in my entire life, I actually literally
begged for water. Frankly speaking, when I returned to the hotel after the few
hours of touring Port Dickson, I was not only dazed in tiredness, I
also felt as though my legs are going to automatically fall apart. No doubt, going from one place to the other was a treasured experience in further strengthening my backbone for bravely
exploring places on my own, yet, I still had a tiny element of fear inside me. The fear I can’t let go despite having travelled to near (Penang) and far away places (Hilton Niseko Village Hokkaido & Pretoria South Africa), mainly fear of being mugged, robbed, accidentally losing my phone or handbag, or collapsing out of sheer
exhaustion. Among these, the worst is fearing the fear of uncontrollable heart beat due anxiety and nervousness (My Fifties).
Friday, April 28, 2017
Port Dickson, Negeri Sembilan Getaway (Day 1)
Ages ago, in fact I can’t even clearly recall when my
last trip to Port Dickson was. Let me think. Okay, vaguely 32
years old ago. Gosh! When I was 20 years old. That’s been ages, isn’t it? Really. Not that I didn’t
initiate another Port Dickson holiday, but you know how confusing lady fairs are? One minute they agree, next minute they want their
unruly-uncontrollable kids to tag along, later, slowly igniting the anger fire by pointing
fingers who should drive and you also somehow sense that you may
end up being the banker. Mayday! Mayday! Port Dickson zipped up. No more
friends forever holidays I have already decided in my early forties (Travelling Solo When You Are Married).
Saturday, March 11, 2017
Kochi/Cochin - (Kerala Day 4 & 5)
Sunday, February 19, 2017
Kochi/Cochin - Day 1 (Kerala Day 4)
Mouthwatering, tummy filling, absolutely splendid Kerala cuisine in Travancore Court (Trivandrum Part 2). Whether I have been enjoying Kerala sightseeing so far besides the point, I definitely can't put a stop to blowing big hot air balloons on Kerala cooking (Allepey Houseboat & Trivandrum/Kovalam - Kerala Day 3). Food love Kerala deliciousness I must stress is most probably the other side to Kerala hailed as one of the best tourists spots in India. Of course. I am not at all doubting. By far, a close cousin to my another favourite Sri Lankan cuisine (Colombo Sri Lanka) and unlike not so favourable Western array of dishes (Norway/Denmark & Italy). So, we ate. Up next? Obviously, finding out what's in store for us in Cochin. Another of the other in this southern tip of Indian Peninsula, overall known as “God’s Own Country”. "God's Own Country? Honestly, I really couldn't compute, neither did our forever smiling, humble but really shy-shy tour guide cum driver could explain. This forever grinning guy I also felt was intimidated by a woman like me who is bold, vocal, loud and outspoken. He just wouldn't make any eye contact neither nor he wanted to communicate with me. Full-stop!
Monday, February 6, 2017
Tempoyak Masak Lemak Sardine
Traditions don't die. Not even our Malaysian food tradition. Unless and until, you allow it. Not me though. I actually treasure our Malaysian food like how they used to be even as far as few generations behind (Ikan Buah Keluak). Of course obviously, Tempoyak Masak Lemak Sardine is not my Indian food tradition, but I am definitely a Malay food loving very much person. I just so love Malay food (Sayur Lodeh). Any whichever (Asam Pedas Ikan). My favourite. Especially budu, jering, petai (Sambal Goreng Udang Pete), sambal (Sambal Tumis Telur), specifically sambal belacan (Sambal Terasi) and tempoyak. Oh-My-My-Me! Kick ass me loving. Tempoyak. Each time I see tempoyak at the wet market, I must buy and on this particular day, at the supermarket, when I saw a bottle of tempoyak cili, god! I had to buy immediately. And tempoyak by far, can be eaten raw. As in as a dip for raw salad, the other of course, adding into masak lemak (Pucuk Ubi Masak Lemak & Masak Lemak Ikan Masin Nenas). How do cook Tempoyak Masak Lemak Sardine? Ingredients, step by step and all of it. Clearly listed below. Tempoyak Masak Lemak Sardine (Sardin Masak Lemak Cili Padi). Big balls of our Malaysian food fire.
Tuesday, January 31, 2017
Trivandrum - Part 2 (Kerala Day 4)
The start of the day for us to journeying to Cochin, aka Kochi. Cochin and Kochi by the way is the same. Same. Basically. Basically, its up to you how you want to address or call this part of Kerala, I somehow, don't ask me why, prefer Cochin. Cochin indeed as I have already told you, is the jump start, but we will be doing Trivandrum sightseeing first. Those places we didn't cover on the first day, prior to stepping foot in Cochin. My last night sleeping, are you curious in finding out? I bet you are, especially solo women travellers like me? Albeit, remember, I told you? About the couple joining in my Kerala holidaying (Kerala Alleppey Houseboat & Trivandrum Part 1)? Which means, I didn't do Kerala on my own, yet, its me my sleeping alone. Honestly, not a peaceful sleep because as always, my fear of sleeping alone in a new county, in a new hotel is far out, the fear of hammer house of ghost horror. Those horror stories I am assuming you have already been told by sleeping alone solo travellers? Those horrifying stories, trust me, kept popping up on my mind. Back and forth throughout the night. As if automatically striking on my head constantly. What then? I tossed and turned the whole night despite leaving all the lights on. Leaving the lights on definitely I think will help in thwarting evil because basically darkness is our fear and darkness in return will put imaginative scariness on our mind? Wouldn't you agree?
Wednesday, January 11, 2017
Trivandrum/Kovalam - Kerala Day 3
Blissful overnight
splendor experience. Honestly, I loved the whole lock, stock and barrel of Alleppey Houseboat. Except, mind you, no one for the matter I think will enjoy blood suckers mosquitoes and water rationing. Speak about water rationing? God, can you imagine not showering? Before night-night time and hopes were also dashed down again next morning when I realise substantial water is only enough for brushing teeth, washing your face and down there cleaning up as well. Yuks! Then again, anything else possibly? Nothing. Unless you wanna chance yourself into Allleppey backwaters itself? Tipping the houseboat guys, yes we did, not necessarily you must or should, do it only if you feel they truly extended their warmest Kerala hospitality, we moved on for journeying and Kovalam sightseeing. Four hours on the road if I am not mistaken, Kovalam is another must do. In fact, if you are tour travelling, Kovalam will be included because its marketed as “must-see-must-experience” destination for International
tourists (Colombo Sri Lanka). Yet to be known to us whether Kovalam will be joy of Kerala, hopefully, we definitely kept our fingers crossed it will add another
feather on our traveling cap as another Kerala gem. By the next two hours most to most whilst we travelling, we I think already concluded that Kovalam won't be let down once we passed by the serenity and nature given beauty of Kerala as a whole.
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