Quote

Vive l'amour, May Love Live Forever .....
Gracias a la Vida !

Wednesday, September 30, 2009

Koi Fishes at Dong Zen Temple, Jenjarom

ABC Wednesday Round 5

K is for ........ Koi !

These beautiful koi fishes are swimming in the pond of a landscaped garden in Dong Zen Buddhist Temple, Jenjarom.

Which koi colour do you like?

Today's post is an entry in ABC Wednesday Round 5, the meme initiated by Denise Nesbitt
For more information and photos, please log on to this site.

This is also my entry for Watery Wednesday #55. To see what others have posted or to participate, click
here.

Tuesday, September 29, 2009

My World Tuesday Issue LI - Mid-Autumn Festival

On Saturday, October 3rd this year, Chinese around the world will celebrate the Mid-Autumn Festival (Zhongqiu) . It is also known as Moon Cake Festival or Lantern Festival. It falls on the 15th day of the 8th month of the chinese lunar calendar. It is the day many of us believe that the full moon will be at its biggest and brightest.

More than a month before the big day, booths are set up at shopping complexes promoting the sale of colourful lanterns and moon cakes, the 2 most important elements of this festival.

Traditional lanterns are shaped as birds, fishes, animals and mythical dragons while the modern ones follow the shapes the latest cartoons such as Ben 10, the latest craze among children here. Traditional lanterns are made of paper and uses candles while the modern ones are made of plastic and battery operated with music and movement. They are so many choices available.

Besides decorative booths at shopping complexes, local town councils, temples and resident associations organise lantern festivals at their locality encouraging mass participation on certain theme nights. It is indeed a sight to behold with families and friends coming out in full force to join in the festivities. Can you imagine how it will be with many beautiful lanterns lighting up the night?

Consumers are spoilt for choice when it comes to the varieties of mooncakes available. Each mooncake can be differentiated by

a) the skin - baked, snow, crystal or pastry type

b) filling - lotus seed paste, dates, red bean, mung bean, egg yolks, mellon seeds, sesame, mixed fruits, nuts, ham, jelly, tiramisu, halal (pork free and conform to Muslim requirements) and even Haagen Dazs Ice-cream mooncakes!

c) flavour - sweet, reduced sugar, pandan, green tea, coffee, chocolate, fruity, etc

Mooncakes used to be produced by traditional chinese confectioners but nowadays many bakeries, hotels and restaurants produce them. Every year it looks like an all out war among them as each race to outdo the other with new designs, fillings and creative names.

The picture below is a sample of how a traditional mooncake looks like. The skin has auspicious pictures and words. Can you see the egg yolk, melon seeds and lotus paste filling inside?


It is customary to buy mooncakes as gifts to family and close friends during this season. Now this custom has extended to corporate-clients level. Mooncakes are packaged in beautifully designed gift boxes made of paper, wood or metal.

In the old days, children come out after dusk, carrying brightly coloured lanterns and have fun roaming the streets and dark corners in groups. On the main day of the festival, families will gather together to perform prayers at night i.e. after the moon is visible in the sky. Some of the offerings are mooncakes, tea, taro root or baby yam, water caltrope (leng kok), goundnuts, incense and joss sticks. After the prayer sessions, family and friends will have a good time enjoying the food amidst some chatter and laughter while children played with lighted candles and lanterns under the moonlight.

Eversince man took the first step on the moon, many of us have discontinued with the practise of praying to the full moon. Instead we hold parties, family gatherings or participate in big scale events organised by the local authorities.

Is this festival celebrated in your country?

Do you have any experience to share regarding this festival?


This is my entry for My World Tuesday Issue LI, a meme, strictly non-profit, where we have fun by showing you our world. My special thanks to the MyWorld team: Klaus Sandy , Ivar Wren , Fishing Guy and Louise. See how others view their world or to participate, click
here.

Monday, September 28, 2009

Mellow Yellow Monday # 37 - Hibiscus


Each flower is a soul opening out to nature.
- Gerald De Nerval


This picture is my entry for Mellow Yellow Monday # 37. My grateful thanks to Drowsey Monkey for hosting this fun site. For other MYM posts around the world, please click here.

Monochrome Weekly - Coral Hibiscus

Coral Hibiscus


This is my entry for Monochrome Maniacs. My grateful thanks to Aileni for hosting this wonderful site. For other MM posts around the world, please click here.

Sunday, September 27, 2009

Scenic Sunday # 63 - Lake Titiwangsa

This is a view of Kuala Lumpur's skyline taken from Lake Titiwangsa with our famous Petronas Twin Towers in the background.

Quiet and tranquil, this place is like a retreat from the hustle and bustle, and the mad rush of the city just outside its grounds.

It is a place where many memories are made and relived each day.


To view other Scenic Sunday #62 posts around the world, click here.
To view other Weekly Snapshots around the world, click here.

Saturday, September 26, 2009

White Bottlebrush Tree

Callistemon salignus( White Bottlebrush )


This flower comes from the callistemon salignus or white bottlebrush tree. Sometimes called the Willow Bottlebrush, this tree can grow up to 50 feet tall. This picture is taken from Titiwangsa Lake Gardens, Kuala Lumpur. There are a few of these matured trees there.

Do you think that these flowers looks like a baby's bottle brush?
Have you seen this tree before?


To view other Today's Flowers #59 posts around the world, click here.

Friday, September 25, 2009

Skywatch Friday Season 4 Episode 11 - Dusk

Picture taken at: The Legend Water Chalets, Port Dickson

“Sensual pleasures have the fleeting brilliance of a comet;
a happy marriage has the tranquility of a lovely sunset.”
........ Ann Landers


For more Sky Watch pictures and to participate, please visit the Skywatch site. Skywatch was created by Dot and put in motion by Tom, who made it a huge success. Now it is hosted by Klaus with the help of Sandy, Ivar, Wren and Fishing Guy.

Thursday, September 24, 2009

A Caterpillar's Story

I was born on a periwinkle plant. Mum left me shortly after giving birth to me. At least she was wise to hide her babies under these green leaves. I was on my own since the day I came out of the egg shell. Dad? What is that? I don't even know who my mum is. Am I an orphan?

My job is to eat and grow. Then I will hide inside a chrysalis for sometime before I can metamorphosize into a beautiful butterfly. I know you don't like me because I look slimy and uurgh and I eat away much of your beloved plants too. Just be patient though. If you don't let me eat, how can I grow to become the butterfly that you all like? Who will pollinate your flowers so that they can develop into the fruits that you love to eat?

If you spray strong pesticides on your plants, I will be killed too, along with the bugs, aphids and other garden pests.

Do you see the lovely bright eyespot on top of my head. I have 2 of them and they are not my eyes. They are for me to look cute so that some kind souls like you may decide to spare my life. These spots also make me look more like a monster to scare away my foolish predators. Actually, I have 6 pairs of eyes.

If I live for a short time only in your garden, do you still want me or will you kill me?


This is my entry for Think Green Thursday #16. My grateful thanks to Rambling Woods for making this possible. To view what others around the world have to say or to participate, visit here.

Wednesday, September 23, 2009

Jasmine and Water Lettuce

ABC Wednesday Round 5
J is for ........ Jasmine!

This plant is called Angelwing Jasmine (jasmine nitidum). It is a popular vine for landscaping. It can be grown as a ground cover, made to crawl on a fence or as a sprawling shrub. It can also be grown in a container. This plant is quite easy to train and prune. The flowers have a strong fragrance and it blooms the whole year through which makes me Jump with Joy. I am not telling a Joke, neither am I Jesting but I feel like Jetting away to Johannesberg next June. Okay, okay, I'm Just kidding!

Water Lettuce for Watery Wednesday

Pistia stratiotes is an aquactic plant that we grow in aquariums, garden ponds and water features. This perennial plant helps to control and reduce algae growth. Its common name is water lettuce or water cabbage. We may also see it at waterways and public ponds where if left to grow unhibited will become invasive just like a weed.

Do you have any of these plants at home or have seen it somewhere?


Today's post is an entry in ABC Wednesday Round 5, the meme initiated by
Denise Nesbitt
For more information and photos, please log on to this site.

This is also my entry for Watery Wednesday #54. To see what others have posted or to participate, click here.

Monday, September 21, 2009

Port Dickson as a Holiday Destination

Port Dickson aka PD, is a coastal town located 80 km or about an hour's drive by car from Kuala Lumpur. It is a holiday and leisure destination for tourists as well as locals. PD was founded by Sir Frederick Dickson during the 1880's colonial era as a deep seewater port. Later it was developed into a seaside resort.

While in PD, I stayed at the Legend Water Chalets Resort. I choose a seaview tower room instead of the much publicised water chalets. I came here for a weekday getaway and I know that I can get better deals if we can holiday during the off-peak season. What I wanted was excellent service, good relaxation and perhaps a walk by the beach in the evening or morning. A gym and swimming pool would be great for daily exercises. It should also be quite close to town so that we can drive down there for some sightseeing and also to try out some local cuisine. Friends told us that Lukut town, which is just a short distance away from PD town, has many choices of seafood restaurants. Most of all, I really wanted to see the sunset from the balcony of my hotel room.

Yes, I got what I wanted. The views from the room window and balcony were great.

This is a quiet and relaxing place. It kind of make up for the fact that the beach here is not as beautiful as Teluk Kemang beach further up. Some examples of hotels and resorts at Teluk Kemang are The Avilion water chalets, Thistle-Guoman PD Resort and Corus Paradise Resort. You can google it for more choices. Teluk Kemang is about 45 minutes drive from Kuala Lumpur.



When it comes to beautiful beaches, Malaysia has many choices to offer. PD is one of the nearest beach resort for Klang Valley and Singaporean residents. This small and rustic town has much to offer in terms of food. Because I travel off-peak, I find that the prices are quite reasonable and cheap.

For sight seeing in PD, you may want to visit a rabbit and ostrich farm or go visit historical Cape Rachado. Cape Rachado aka Tanjung Tuan is just about 500m from Thistle-Guoman Resort. The Cape Rachado Lighthouse aka Rumah Api Tanjung Tuan is Malaysia's oldest lighthouse. It was build by the Portugese during the 16th century. Cape Rachado Lighthouse is situated within the grounds of The Recreational Forest (Hutan Rekreasi Tanjung Tuan).

For more photos on PD, please click on the label 'Port Dickson' at the end of this post.


This is my entry for My World Tuesday Issue L, a meme, strictly non-profit, where we have fun by showing you our world. My special thanks to the MyWorld team: Klaus, Sandy, Ivar, Wren, Fishing Guy and Louise. See how others view their world or to participate, click here.

Tristellateia Australasiae - Shower of Gold Climber

Botanical name: Tristellateia Australasiae

Common names: Shower of Gold, Vining Galphimia, Vining Milkweed

This is a vigorous climber with bright yellow flowers. Each flower has 5 petals and red stamens. Leaves are ovate to lance-shaped and has a lush green colour. The flowers bloom in clusters of up to 30 flowers. Native to South East Asia, it is a woody, evergreen vine that flowers the whole year through.

Here, this shower of gold climber is planted on the ground and trained on a trelis.

This picture is my entry for Mellow Yellow Monday # 36. My grateful thanks to Drowsey Monkey for hosting this fun site. For other MYM posts around the world, please click here.

The Giant Tree at Titiwangsa Lake Gardens

The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The next best time is now.
~Chinese Proverb

More than 20 years ago, I came to Titiwangsa Lake Gardens, Kuala Lumpur aka Taman Tasik Titiwangsa for a city outing with my friends. I was single and still studying. We had fun taking photos, went kayaking and boat paddling at this lake. Later in the day, we picnic under the shade of this big, beautiful tree. Its gigantic branches were like arms opened wide, shielding us from the sun and rain.

Many things have changed since then. Even the city skyline is different. But this tree is still there, standing tall and mightly as ever. I wonder how many persons have crossed paths with this tree. How time flies.

Do you have some pleasant memories related to a tree?
This is my entry for Monochrome Maniacs. My grateful thanks to Aileni for hosting this wonderful site. Also, thank you so much for giving me an accolade for my last week's post. In is indeed a great honour to me.
For other MM posts around the world, please click here.

Sunday, September 20, 2009

Port Dickson Beach

This is a view of the beach beside The Legends Water Chalets and Glory Beach Resort, Port Dickson, Malaysia. It was low tide in the morning and we took a stroll along this beach. We enjoyed the scenery of swaying coconut palms, cool fresh breezes, blue skies and vast expense of water that stretches as far as the eyes could see. As we pass by an oil palm tree, we could hear some chirping sound. And true enough, when I looked closer, I saw a family of asian glossy starlings feasting on the fruits of the oil palm tree. These tiny little black birds have striking red eyes and they were very shy. I guess they were having their breakfast at the usual hangout.

The orange boat in front is a kayak for rental. Further up, there's another old boat but this one is for display only.

The visit here brought back a lot of fond memories of times spent with family and friends. I first came here when I was a freshie at an institution of higher learning. I was barely 20 then. Being students, we didn't have a lot of money, so we stayed at the cheaper chalets. We had a lot of fun frolicking at the beach during the day and at night, we partied and dance under the moon and stars. The music came from the lapping waves. By midnight we were scaring the guts out of each other with bizzare ghost stories. Well, those were the times...

Along the path that leads to the beach, we came across this beautiful Thunbergia Grandiflora, growing vibrantly along the fencing. It is a giant vine with cascading pale purple flowers and large green leathery leaves. Native to India, this plant is also known as the Bengal clock vine. The flowers look like a giant morning glory. Some fat black bees were already buzzing around, busy collecting nectar for their Queen.

What would you like to do if you are at the beach on a Sunday morning?

To view other Scenic Sunday #62 posts around the world, click here.
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To view other Weekend Memories participants, click here.

Saturday, September 19, 2009

Areca Nut

Areca nut, also known as the pinang or betel nut is the fruit of the Areca Catechu tree, a species of palms that grows in South Asia and the tropical Pacific.

Slices of the areca nut is wraped in betel leaves and chewed for its mild stimulant effect. Lime and sometimes other spices like clove and cardamon or even a tobacco leaf or two are added to the wrap. Chewing it blackens the teeth and stains the mouth deep red. Chewing of the areca nut is a tradition that dates back to thousands of years. This ritual used to be pratised widely by the local people but now it is not so popular among the younger generation.

There is even a malay proverb, "bagai pinang dibelah dua" which can be translated to "like an areca nut cut into half". It is used to denote newly weds who are very compatible with each other.

Today also marks the day when the sighting of the moon is conducted at 29 separate locations throughout our country to determine the date for Hari Raya Aidilfitri (aka Eid ul-Fitr). The results will be announced by the Keeper of the Rulers' seal. Thereafter the public will be notified through the mass media. I hereby would like to wish all muslims around the world:

Happy Hari Raya !
Selamat Hari Raya Aidil Fitri !

Friday, September 18, 2009

Skywatch Friday Season 4 Episode 10

This photo was taken at 6:44pm on September 15th, 2009 at Port Dickson.

Would you like to go on a holiday at a place where your room window faces the sea and you get to watch beautiful sunsets from the balcony?

For more Sky Watch pictures and to participate, please visit the Skywatch site. Skywatch was created by Dot and put in motion by Tom, who made it a huge success. Now it is hosted by Klaus with the help of Sandy, Ivar, Wren and Fishing Guy.

Thursday, September 17, 2009

Think Green Thursday - Monkeys and Us

These monkeys are born free and seen here having a great time running around, jumping from tree to tree and playing with their whole gang of old, young and baby monkeys. They inhabit the natural rainforest at the fringe of Lake Gardens, Kuala Lumpur. This is where the Bird Park, Butterfly Park, Orchid Garden, Hibiscus Garden and Deer Park is located.

This picture was taken near to the entrance of Bird Park. Isn't this is a beautiful scene?

When we think of a scenic Sunday picture , one would normally imagine beautiful skies, manicured gardens, magnificient buildings and skyscrappers. But what about a picture of monkeys frolicking around? Don't you agree that this is a change from the usual concrete jungle and skyscrappers that dominate the big cities and towns?

Monkeys and human beings share the same Mother Earth. More and more of their homes are being destroyed by humans to make way for development. Sometimes, monkeys end up in cages for display at zoos and resorts. They risk their lives in scientific experiments and they are also subjected to the most inhumane torture when their brains are regarded as a culinary delicacy. Through the ages, we have seen monkeys being used as service animals. For example, they climb coconut trees to pluck the fruits and they can dance and do acrobatic tricks to help their masters earn a decent living. They can also be trained to help the severly disabled in their daily chores.

This day is dedicated to environmental awareness on the wild animals and their natural habitats. If we cannot give back what we have taken away, the least that we can do is not to chain them, cage them or subject them to more cruelty and torture. Let them roam care free in the jungles which is their homes. Preserve the forests and protect their living spaces.

This is my entry for Think Green Thursday #15. My grateful thanks to Rambling Woods for making this possible. To view what others around the world have to say or to participate, visit here.

Wednesday, September 16, 2009

Raman Putra Golf & Country Club

ABC Wednesday
I ........ is for Ixora
This is a beautiful Ixora flower. The Ixora plant is an everygreen shrub that flowers the whole year through. It is planted as an ornamental plant or as bushes in a perimeter fencing.

The swimming pool with swaying coconut trees and beautiful surrounding greenery. Ixora bushes are planted around the swimming pool area and cafetaria nearby.

Today's post is an entry in ABC Wednesday Round 5, the meme initiated by Denise Nesbitt
For more information and photos, please log on to this site.

This is also my entry for Watery Wednesday #53. To see what others have posted or to participate, click
here.


Tuesday, September 15, 2009

Water Lily Pond at KL Orchid Garden

A beautiful purple water lily

The white water lily

Besides the many species of exotic orchids on display at the Kuala Lumpur Orchid Garden, there is also a beautiful pond filled to the brim with water lilies, their gorgeous purple and white blooms are a photographers delight. You may also get to see some colourful dragonflies here. This pond is set amidst lush greeneries, a water fountain and bubbling water features. Benches are placed at strategic locations for one to rest and perhaps read the newspapers or a book or just to enjoy the calm and peaceful atmosphere.

This is my entry for My World Tuesday XLVIII, a meme, strictly non-profit, where we have fun by showing you our world. My special thanks to the MyWorld team: Klaus, Sandy, Ivar, Wren, Fishing Guy and Louise. See how others view their world or to participate, click here.

Monday, September 14, 2009

Mellow Yellow Monday - Daisy Daisy


Daisy, daisy,
Give me your answer do,
I'm half crazy,
All for the love of you.
It won't be a stylish marriage.
I can't afford a carriage,
But you'll lool so sweet upon the seat,
Of a bicycle built for two...
(verse taken from a kiddy song many of us know)


This picture is my entry for Mellow Yellow Monday # 35. My grateful thanks to Drowsey Monkey for hosting this fun site. For other MYM posts around the world, please click here.

Water Fountain at KL Orchid Garden

This picture is taken at Taman Orkid (Orchid Garden) Kuala Lumpur. It is located just in front of Bird Park.

The Kuala Lumpur Orkid Garden was officially opened in 1986 and covers an area of approximately 1 hectare. It has around 800 species of orchids. Study and conservation of orchids are also done here.

Opening hours are from 9:00am - 6:00pm
Admission is FREE on a weekday
Saturday, Sunday and public holidays are charged at RM 1.00 per entry
Tel: 603-2617 6000

This is my entry for Monochrome Maniacs. My grateful thanks to Aileni for hosting this wonderful site. For other MM posts around the world, please click here.


Post publication note: Thank you very much to Aileni for selecting my entry to the List of Accolades for the Week Begining Sunday, 20th September 2009.

Sunday, September 13, 2009

Monkey Love on a Motorbike

These 2 monkeys seems to be sharing something. They are so engrossed with each other they didn't notice me taking a photograph of them. Maybe they are planning where to go for a weekend rendezvous on the Yahama RX-Z motorbike. How romantic.

This picture was taken near the entrance to the Kuala Lumpur Bird Park.

The Kuala Lumpur Bird Park is located on the grounds of the Kuala Lumpur Lake Gardens. It is a free-flight, walk-in aviary with 60 species of local and foreign birds on display amidst a tropical rainforest environment. There is also a Hornbill Restaurant and Cafe and a souvenir shop.

The address is as follows:
920, Jalan Cenderawasih
Taman Tasik Perdana
50480 Kuala Lumpur, MALAYSIA
Tel : 03 - 2272 1010

To view other Scenic Sunday #61 posts around the world, click here.
This is also my entry for Camera Critters #76. To view other cutie friends, click here.

Saturday, September 12, 2009

Blue Butterfly Flowers


Common name: Blue butterfly flowers, Blue wings, Butterfly bush
Scientific name: Clerodendrum ugandense
Family name: Lamiaceae


This blue butterfly bush is an evergreen shrub that can reach 6 - 10 feet tall. This picture is taken at The Secret Garden of 1-Utama, a rooftop garden in the sky.

I think they look like beautiful brooches with butterfly motives.

May the wings of the butterfly kiss the sun
And find your shoulder to light on,
To bring you luck, happiness and riches
Today, tomorrow and beyond.
~Irish Blessing

This is my entry for Today's Flowers #57. To view other posts around the world or to participate, click on the logo in the side bar or click here.
TODAY'S FLOWERS was createdby LUIZ SANTILLI JR. Now it's managed by SANTILLI and DENISE BC Thank you, Luiz and Denise!To see more flowers click on the logo in the side bar.

Friday, September 11, 2009

Skywatch Friday Season 4 Episode 9

This week it is the morning glory's turn to do a skywatch! It has managed to climb over the telephone pole and now towering over the tapioca plant beside it. Other plants all cannot compete with this morning glory. You don't call it a morning glory for nothing, do you? So, my dear morning glory, how's the view up there?

For more Sky Watch pictures and to participate, please visit the Skywatch site. Skywatch was created by Dot and put in motion by Tom, who made it a huge success. Now it is hosted by Klaus with the help of Sandy, Ivar, Wren and Fishing Guy.

Thursday, September 10, 2009

Think Green Thursday # 14 - Trees


Erythrina fusca tree is also known as Pokok Dedap in Malay

Let's dedicate a day of the week for Earth and our Environment. Let's think green today. We can:
a) Plant a tree
b) Save a tree
c) Choose not to harm trees
d) Educate others on the importance of trees

Trees beautify our homes and compounds, provide shade from the hot afternoon sun and helps to reduce global warming. How nice if you can find a tree that bears beautiful flowers and fruits too. Lets leave behind a beautiful legacy to our children and future generations. Hence I would like to end here with this quote:

It is not so much for its beauty that the forest makes a claim upon men's hearts, as for that subtle something, that quality of air that emanates from old trees, that so wonderfully changes and renews a weary spirit.
........ Robert Louis Stevenson


To participate in Think Green Thursday, visit here.

Wednesday, September 9, 2009

The Giant Amazon Water Lily of I-Utama

H is for........ HUGE!

This is the giant Amazon water lily, the Victoria Amazonica. Under a project headed by the distinguised botanist and researcher, Dr. Francis Ng, we now have our very own giant water lily at the water lily pond on ground floor, Rainforest area of 1-Utama Shopping Centre.

The Giant Amazon Water Lily was discovered growing naturally in hidden ponds and lagoons deep in the forest tributaries of the Amazon River, in Central Brazil in 1801. Its imense leaves are the largest of all known living aquatic plants. In its natural habitat, its leaves exceed 6 ft in diameter and it is so strong that it can support the weight of a well-balanced adult.

The largest water lily in the world, Victoria Amazonica is named after Queen Victoria of England. The flowers, almost 1 ft in diameter, open as pure white blooms in the evenings and releases a strong fragrance to attract the scarab beetles for pollination. It closes and the beetle is trapped in it. It will open again the next evening, setting the beetle free. On the second day, the petals are a deep pink and emits no scent. By night, it would have closed for the last time and the flower will wither off.

For more information, I encourage you to visit David Attenbourough's BBC Wildlife on You-tube. It is a very interesting 4 min. documentary about this amazing plant.


Today's post is an entry in ABC Wednesday Round 5, the meme initiated by Denise Nesbitt
For more information and photos, please log on to
this site.

This is also my entry for Watery Wednesday #52. To see what others have posted or to participate, click here.

Tuesday, September 8, 2009

Lemang and Rendang

This is a lemang stall. Each bamboo stick contains lemang for sale, ready to be served. This stall is situated at Taman Rashna, Klang, just a short distance away from the Taman Rashna Chinese Primary School. It is very popular with customers and enjoys brisk business.

Lemang is a traditional delicacy available especially during the current Hari Raya Aidil Fitri season. Lemang is popular in Malaysia, Borneo and Indonesia. It is made of glutinuos rice and coconut milk (santan) baked in bamboo tubes over a charcoal or wood fire. Young banana leaves are used to line the bamboo before the rice and santan mixture is poured in. Salt is also added according to taste. Cooking lemang takes around 3 to 4 hours.

Look at the amount of firewood needed by the store owner to make enough lemang to cater to his customers. Usually this stall is opened for 1 month during the festive season.

Lemang is usually served with rendang. Rendang is made from beef, chicken or mutton. The meat is cooked in coconut milk, shreded coconut and spices such as ginger, tumeric, galangal, chilli and lemon grass.

This is my entry for My World Tuesday, a meme, strictly non-profit, where we have fun by showing you our world. My special thanks to the MyWorld team: Klaus, Sandy, Ivar, Wren, Fishing Guy and Louise. See how others view their world or to participate, click here.

Monday, September 7, 2009

Dragonfly

Aged picture of dragonfly resting on a dried palm leaf
Dragonflies are friendly insects. They are valuable predators that feed on mosquitoes, our enemies. They also feed on other small insects such as flies, bees, ants and small butterflies.

Original picture

How do we attract butterflies to our homes and gardens?

It is not beautiful and bright flowers that attract dragonflies. It is water and the ponds. Dragonflies rely on water throughout their life cyce. Their babies, or nymph live underwater for months and years before emerging as adult dragonflies. Nymphs feed on mosquito larva and other small fishes and tadpoles. Adult dragonflies are carnivors. They hunt for prey near water and lay their eggs in water or on plants near to water. If you have a pond or a stream nearby, you will be able to see dragonflies in the late evenings. If you wish to attract dragonflies to your home or garden, build a pond, even a small one will do. Water plants will provide places for them to perch.

The first picture is my entry for Monochrome Maniacs. My grateful thanks to Aileni for hosting this wonderful site. For other MM posts around the world, please click here.

The second picture is my entry for Mellow Yellow Monday # 34. My grateful thanks to Drowsey Monkey for hosting this fun site. For other MYM posts around the world, please click here.

Sunday, September 6, 2009

Raman Putra Golf and Country Club

Kelab Raman Putra Malaysia (KRPM) is a golf and country club located at Bukit Raman Putra, Sungai Buloh, Selangor, Malaysia. It is just about 25km or 30 minutes drive from Kuala Lumpur city centre.

This 36 hole golf course spreads over 279 acres of land.

This golf course is designed by a cabinet minister of Malaysia, the late Tun Abdul Gafar Baba. Have you come across another golf course that is designed by a government minister?

It was officially declared opened by our king, Seri Paduka Yang Di-Pertuan Agung Sultan Azlan Muhibuddin Shah in January 1993.

KPRM is a course built from a palm oil plantation, its natural landscape is further enhanced by undulating terrain, picturesque lakes and greenery.

Raman Putra Golf Club has a built-up area of 10,600 sq ft. It has a 2 storey building with a Banquet Hall on the upper level that can accommodate up to 600 people. It also houses the Putra Café & Golfer Terrace and a Mixed Lounge complete with a private karaoke room that serves selected fine wines and liquors. There is also a card room, children room, gym room, reading room cum library and a snooker room here.

For outdoor activities besides golf, there is a swimming pool and facilities for table tennis, tennis, badminton and basketball.

The garden is well maintained with a variety of flowering plants, plams and trees. The above is a picture of the bright red canna flower.

Some pretty tiny yellow portulaca grandiflora flowers.

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