Docked near Vazhicherry Bridge on VCNB Road, Alappuzha, the houseboat stood out from afar - a quintessential Kerala "Kettuvallam," blending traditional charm (TRAVEL GUIDE TO GALLE, SRI LANKA) 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.
Friday, March 15, 2019
Kerala - Alleppey Houseboat Overnight Stay
Friday, February 8, 2019
Hokkaido - Japan: Winter Wanderlust
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.
Wednesday, February 6, 2019
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.
Sunday, February 3, 2019
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.
Thursday, January 31, 2019
Noboribetsu - Hokkaido, Japan (Winter Time)
Monday, January 28, 2019
Hokkaido, Japan - Winter Tales
Friday, January 25, 2019
Hokkaido Japan: Winter Wanderings Begin
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.
Tuesday, January 15, 2019
Colombo, Sri Lanka: Tourist Attractions
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).
Friday, January 11, 2019
Kataragama, Sri Lanka: Sightseeing Spots
Tuesday, January 8, 2019
Nuwara Eliya Travel: Sri Lanka
Saturday, January 5, 2019
Kandy (Rambukkana/Mawanella/Kandy) - Sri Lanka
Wednesday, January 2, 2019
Negombo, Sri Lanka: Travel Guide
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.
Crispy Fried Prawns Recipes: Oats & Cereal Coated
(Updated Version) Cooking prawns is a fun adventure, and with Zen Cuisine, it’s all about creativity ( CHINESE PRAWN RECIPES ). Today, I...
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(Updated Version) Ever heard of a golden-hued coconut milk stew? For the Indian community in Malaysia, it's known as sodhi, a creamy, co...
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(Updated Version) Ever wondered how many urban dwellers are secretly urban gardeners? Well, I’m proud to say I’m one of them. In our lit...
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(Updated Version) As I reflect on my cooking routine ( SOUTH INDIAN STYLE FISH CURRY ), one dish stands out time and again - Salted Fish ...