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.
Friday, January 25, 2019
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.
Tuesday, January 15, 2019
Colombo, Sri Lanka: Tourist Attractions
As I headed to
Colombo, I felt a deep sense of love and excitement (TRAVEL GUIDE TO GALLE, SRI LANKA). 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 (NEGAMBO SRI LANKA FISHING VILLAGE).
Sunday, January 13, 2019
Travel Guide to Galle, Sri Lanka
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 (KATARAGAMA SIGHTSEEING SPOTS).
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 (PINAWALA ELEPHANT ORPHANAGE, SRI LANKA).
Friday, January 11, 2019
Kataragama, Sri Lanka: Sightseeing Spots
Another
morning began with our customary hotel buffet breakfast (NUWARA ELIYA SRI LANKA) 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 Kataragama, Sri Lanka: Explore Rawana Ella Falls, Ella Nature, Wadasiti Kataragama Temple, Wadasiti Mountain, and Vedasitikanda Temple.. 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 (KANDY SRI LANKA).
Tuesday, January 8, 2019
Nuwara Eliya Travel: Sri Lanka
Up
at 6 AM, I packed up (RAMBUKKANA & KANDY: SRI LANKA), ensuring nothing was left behind, especially my phone. After breakfast at the hotel, we hit the
road by 9 AM (NEGAMBO FISHING VILLAGE). 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.
Saturday, January 5, 2019
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 (Rambukkana)- 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.
Wednesday, January 2, 2019
Negombo, Sri Lanka: Travel Guide
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.
Tuesday, January 7, 2014
Easy Fish Head Curry - Malaysian Style
If you enjoy fish head curry, you’re in good company! Today, I’m sharing an easy recipe (SRI LANKAN FISH CURRY) for Malaysian-style fish head curry. For natural sourness, I’ve chosen belimbing buluh, a small variety of starfruit, though tamarind juice or tomatoes work well too—just remember to taste as you go, since tomato acidity can vary. While the ingredient list may seem a bit extensive (EASY SOUTH INDIAN FISH CURRIES), all items are readily available at grocery stores, markets, or hypermarkets. This simple recipe delivers the beloved spiciness, tangy notes, and creamy coconut richness, enhanced by aromatic spices and a perfectly tender fish head.
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