tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-62730828553472130932024-01-01T15:54:28.313+08:00PHOTOJOURNEYSWhen your passion is culture and travel, words and photos may come easy.adlawhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15689902817538153465noreply@blogger.comBlogger332125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6273082855347213093.post-89436195339636225312009-08-17T21:42:00.001+08:002009-08-17T21:43:45.224+08:00a youth ceremony in BaliIt was the weekend before our wedding in April 2007 and my fiancée and I were wandering around Bali. On a whim, I decided to go to Seminyak, a beach that is increasingly becoming popular as its neighbor, the overwhelmingly commercial center that is Kuta. <br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/colloidfarl/3081440008/" title="Seminyak by Farl, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3194/3081440008_7da46acd33.jpg" width="385” height=“256" alt="Seminyak" /></a><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/colloidfarl/3570462186/" title="boy crossing the bridge by Farl, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3393/3570462186_19cbd1e966.jpg" width="385” height=“256" alt="boy crossing the bridge" /></a><br /><br /><br />We were to get married on an auspicious day in the Balinese calendar (near full moon I remember) so the days around it also tend to be ceremony-heavy. Sure enough, when we dropped by the temple at Seminyak, there already was a crowd hovering by the beach. Practically all were teenagers, with nary an adult guiding them. Too bad I forgot to ask what the occasion was. Maybe it was the commemoration of Saraswati, when students would offer gifts to the goddess of the knowledge and learning. Or perhaps not.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/colloidfarl/3569639609/" title="Seminyak foot bridge by Farl, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3624/3569639609_f367c6766e.jpg" width="385” height=“256" alt="Seminyak foot bridge" /></a><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/colloidfarl/3570454676/" title="from the beach by Farl, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3406/3570454676_b5fa092c64.jpg" width="385” height=“256" alt="from the beach" /></a><br /><br /><br />Regardless, I can understand why Bali’s culture remains safe from the dilution of modernity and influence from the external world. Even the youth knows the wisdom of tradition. The heartfelt and easygoing manner they went by the ceremony, from the beach to the temple, showed that custom and faith are in safe hands.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/colloidfarl/3569645481/" title="to the temple by Farl, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3596/3569645481_5f149f1fb4.jpg" width="385” height=“256" alt="to the temple" /></a><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/colloidfarl/3570460106/" title="boys about to enter the temple by Farl, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3612/3570460106_eb07b1aa78.jpg" width="333" height="500" alt="boys about to enter the temple" /></a>adlawhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15689902817538153465noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6273082855347213093.post-84630209440379948252009-08-13T22:03:00.001+08:002009-08-13T22:06:41.548+08:00early morning scenes at BoracayBoracay definitely deserves its reputation as a happening place, where one wants to see and be seen. Its night life is renowned for wild parties. Always with its share of socialites, movie actors, models and wannabes, Boracay makes star-spotting an easy sport.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/colloidfarl/3569518231/" title="a bikini sandcastle by Farl, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3571/3569518231_45fe930ba5.jpg" width="333" height="500" alt="a bikini sandcastle" /></a><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/colloidfarl/3570326402/" title="blue Boracay dawn by Farl, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3385/3570326402_f78098103e.jpg" width="385” height=“256" alt="blue Boracay dawn" /></a><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/colloidfarl/3569510921/" title="empty beach by Farl, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3661/3569510921_9f97e5c0dc.jpg" width="385” height=“256" alt="empty beach" /></a><br /><br /><br />Early in the morning, Boracay turns a different leaf. The crowd is almost altogether absent and the din is gone. Sunrise is no less beautiful though and for those who’d make the effort, the scenes can be rewarding. Maybe this was Boracay that a lot swore to love many decades ago… if only for a few hours.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/colloidfarl/3569505413/" title="White beach before sunrise by Farl, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2447/3569505413_74a62629b7.jpg" width="385” height=“256" alt="White beach before sunrise" /></a><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/colloidfarl/3570314086/" title="boys playing by Farl, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3302/3570314086_b5aa85b7cd.jpg" width="385” height=“256" alt="boys playing" /></a><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/colloidfarl/3569499157/" title="Boracay sunrise by Farl, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2435/3569499157_8b6a808889.jpg" width="385” height=“256" alt="Boracay sunrise" /></a>adlawhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15689902817538153465noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6273082855347213093.post-56198827040326640692009-08-09T20:36:00.001+08:002009-08-09T20:42:56.129+08:00more wild krupukSo you thought the krupuk <b><a href=http://colloidfarl.blogspot.com/2009/07/crackling-krupuk.html>here</a></b> looks outlandish and different? I went back to the same store in Tabanan and my friend took out even more wildly colorful and gorgeously patterned crackers.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/colloidfarl/3803183583/" title="krupuk in pink and white by Farl, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2515/3803183583_0c9c201256.jpg" width="385” height=“256" alt="krupuk in pink and white" /></a><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/colloidfarl/3803966296/" title="green and white krupuk by Farl, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2661/3803966296_eccdb68635.jpg" width="385” height=“256" alt="green and white krupuk" /></a><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/colloidfarl/3803971676/" title="colored trim krupuk by Farl, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3555/3803971676_a296c3dcd5.jpg" width="385” height=“256" alt="colored trim krupuk" /></a><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/colloidfarl/3803981454/" title="violet and white krupuk by Farl, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2617/3803981454_1898ec2c66.jpg" width="385” height=“256" alt="violet and white krupuk" /></a><br /><br /><br />With patterns resembling onion-peels and shapes like extruded woven biscuits, the krupuk can be anything in Indonesia. Imagination has no limitations.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/colloidfarl/3803987866/" title="mesh krupuk by Farl, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2676/3803987866_d1484b8fdf.jpg" width="385” height=“256" alt="mesh krupuk" /></a><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/colloidfarl/3803178077/" title="orange krupuk by Farl, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2495/3803178077_422126b029.jpg" width="385” height=“256" alt="orange krupuk" /></a><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/colloidfarl/3803960434/" title="multicolored krupuk by Farl, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2481/3803960434_4d28904c79.jpg" width="385” height=“256" alt="multicolored krupuk" /></a>adlawhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15689902817538153465noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6273082855347213093.post-38952639344091571302009-08-06T22:39:00.000+08:002009-08-06T22:42:05.501+08:00soaking in the sun at BoracayThere could never be a dull moment in Boracay. Every summer, and even after that, the island teems with people, with local tourists hobnobbing with foreigners seeking fun and solace in the sun.<br /><br />Here is a partial list of what one can do in the most happening beach in the Philippines: <br /><br />1. Sunbathe. Most Filipinos probably would want to be fair and white like Caucasians but for the few who love the color brown, the wide white beach is open to all.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/colloidfarl/3569486903/" title="sunbather by Farl, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2479/3569486903_9f3f23852a.jpg" width="333" height="500" alt="sunbather" /></a><br /><br /><br />2. Lounge under the shade. A definite alternative for those who don’t want #1.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/colloidfarl/3570304874/" title="White beach umbrellas by Farl, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2471/3570304874_bc673de522.jpg" width="385” height=“256" alt="White beach umbrellas" /></a><br /><br /><br />3. Go boating. Explore the neighboring isles and coves of Boracay. One can even opt to go snorkeling or swim in beaches that are in the itinerary. Routs and rates are pretty much standardized. <br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/colloidfarl/3569495933/" title="boating by Farl, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3374/3569495933_61b0345f52.jpg" width="385” height=“256" alt="boating" /></a><br /><br /><br />4. Sail. Local boats called the parao spill all over White Beach waiting for visitors to enjoy the deep blue sea. For a few hours, you can feel oneness with the ocean.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/colloidfarl/3570293602/" title="coconut-framed by Farl, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3648/3570293602_9f1da2fb1e.jpg" width="385” height=“256" alt="coconut-framed" /></a><br /><br /><br />5. Go diving. Premier dive spots abound in Boracay. Spot a manta or explore the wild world of the reef. SCUBA is for all ages.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/colloidfarl/3570296508/" title="scuba tanks by Farl, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3553/3570296508_6f37cfc76c.jpg" width="385” height=“256" alt="scuba tanks " /></a><br /><br /><br />6. Cavort. OK, so this is totally for the immodest. But as they say, what happens in Boracay, stayes in Boracay.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/colloidfarl/3569489553/" title="cavorting lovers by Farl, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3403/3569489553_e4daa372fd.jpg" width="333" height="500" alt="cavorting lovers" /></a>adlawhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15689902817538153465noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6273082855347213093.post-72939516010238997662009-08-05T20:07:00.000+08:002009-08-05T20:08:49.012+08:00the reliefs of Taman Ujung in KarangasemTaman Ujung, or officially Taman Soekasada Ujung, is an architectural experiment completed in 1919 by King of Karangasem who blended European classic design and traditional Balinese esthetics. The complex is a water palace with pavilions and bridges built over large ponds .<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/colloidfarl/3562023081/" title="Taman Ujung bridge relief by Farl, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3584/3562023081_436ab73dac.jpg" width="385” height=“256" alt="Taman Ujung bridge relief" /></a><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/colloidfarl/3562024189/" title="Taman Ujung bridge relief bokeh by Farl, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3148/3562024189_70b27fa21f.jpg" width="385” height=“256" alt="Taman Ujung bridge relief bokeh" /></a><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/colloidfarl/3562027655/" title="relief from the ruined pavilion by Farl, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3331/3562027655_3a09be07c1.jpg" width="333" height="500" alt="relief from the ruined pavilion" /></a><br /><br /><br />It has suffered extensive damage during the eruption of Gunung Agung in 1963 and during the violent tremblor in 1970. While there are never-ending but unfulfilled plans of further reconstruction, there is enough glimpse of the artistic heights that this palace achieved. Amidst the ruins and the state of disrepair, the palace promontories still offer killer views of the Gunung Agung in the West and the Lombok Strait in the East.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/colloidfarl/3562847864/" title="flower relief from the ruined pavilion by Farl, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3191/3562847864_74ef5ddde6.jpg" width="333" height="500" alt="flower relief from the ruined pavilion" /></a><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/colloidfarl/3562036139/" title="Taman ujung relief of the cement fence near the ruins by Farl, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3566/3562036139_b782d17210.jpg" width="333" height="500" alt="Taman ujung relief of the cement fence near the ruins" /></a><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/colloidfarl/3562853834/" title="Taman ujung relief of the cement fence near the ruins by Farl, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3661/3562853834_e136e238a3.jpg" width="333" height="500" alt="Taman ujung relief of the cement fence near the ruins" /></a><br /><br /><br />Also notable are the extant bas reliefs in the surviving pavilions, terraces, fences and bridges which depicted characters derived from Hindu legends, most probably from Mahabharata.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/colloidfarl/3562857616/" title="relief by Farl, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2422/3562857616_959eb774c1.jpg" width="333" height="500" alt="relief" /></a><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/colloidfarl/3562863964/" title="relief by Farl, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3613/3562863964_2024185029.jpg" width="333" height="500" alt="relief" /></a><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/colloidfarl/3562860812/" title="relief by Farl, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3615/3562860812_5b8eb5c3c6.jpg" width="333" height="500" alt="relief" /></a>adlawhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15689902817538153465noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6273082855347213093.post-42856149220942286982009-08-03T21:32:00.000+08:002009-08-03T21:33:15.699+08:00In praise of Makassar’s Hasannudin airportArriving in Makassar’s Hasannudin airport last week was a shock, in a most pleasant way. Gone was the cramped musty terminal! In its place is Indonesia’s swankiest and newest airport, with gates and halls that are as wide as football pitches. For more than 70 decades, the old Hasannudin airport has serviced this city, normally considered the gateway of East Indonesia. The market and traffic certainly have grown since and by the time that the new millennium came, the government has started plans to move out of the cramped quarters. It certainly helped that the immediate past vice president Kallah is from South Sulawesi. By no coincidence, the construction of the new airport was fast-tracked and opened just before he left the office. (NB- He ran and lost in last month’s presidential elections).<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/colloidfarl/3784185793/" title="Bugis boat model by Farl, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2560/3784185793_874cf1c06b.jpg" width="385” height=“286" alt="Bugis boat model" /></a><br /><i>the airport is said to have been designed and built by local contractors</i><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/colloidfarl/3784179229/" title="passing through by Farl, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2644/3784179229_38dd416d0a.jpg" width="385” height=“286" alt="passing through" /></a><br /><i>the predominance of glass ushers in natural light </i><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/colloidfarl/3784985546/" title="giant halls by Farl, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3550/3784985546_39f4e35844.jpg" width="385” height=“286" alt="giant halls" /></a><br /><i>hallways are cavernous so people have to walk long distances inside the terminal </i><br /><br /><br />After just about one year of operation, there is still only one international flight flying into Makassar (Air Asia, with Kuala Lumpur flights) but other airlines may just follow suit. With an equally new multi-lane concrete free way shrinking travel time around South Sulawesi, the city of Makassar is ripe for development.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/colloidfarl/3784168049/" title="boarding gate by Farl, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3485/3784168049_10cf8a8d1e.jpg" width="385” height=“286" alt="boarding gate" /></a><br /><i>giant boarding gates offer comfortable space to the passengers</i><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/colloidfarl/3784161513/" title="air bridge by Farl, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2542/3784161513_1bf95c89d8.jpg" width="385” height=“286" alt="air bridge" /></a><br /><i>air bridges connect the boarding gates and the planes</i><br /><br /><br /><i>To go</i>: <a href=”http://www.hasanuddin-airport.com/”>Sultan Hasanuddin International Airport</a> is in South Sulawesi, between the border of its capital city, Makassar and Maros. It is about 17 km from Makassar central via the new toll hiway (15 min).adlawhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15689902817538153465noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6273082855347213093.post-1596655043247019702009-08-01T20:24:00.002+08:002009-08-01T20:31:00.041+08:00Chinese delights in Kuta’s FuramaOver the years of travel, I’ve etched into memory the restaurants which never fail me when it comes to taste and experience. When it comes to Cantonese food in Bali, one of my favorites happens to be the most convenient too in terms of location. Just a few minutes from the airport, Furama is typical Chinese: little frills, fast service, and moderately price.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/colloidfarl/3569538835/" title="Kuta Furama by Farl, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3329/3569538835_e9d95dc692.jpg" width="385” height=“256" alt="Kuta Furama" /></a><br /><i>nighttime scene in Furama</i><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/colloidfarl/3569565181/" title="steamed shrimps by Farl, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3623/3569565181_931cb58cfa.jpg" width="385” height=“256" alt="steamed shrimps" /></a><br /><i>my favorite craving: freshly steamed shrimps</i><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/colloidfarl/3570369760/" title="bird's nest soup by Farl, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3394/3570369760_3ac0a96411.jpg" width="385” height=“256" alt="bird's nest soup" /></a><br /><i>bird’s nest soup</i><br /><br /><br />Furama’s specialty is seafood, which is obvious with the giant prawn sign on its façade. Amidst the stiff competition in the tourist haven that is Bali, Furama manages to stand out not just to me but to the many patrons that continuously fill the place without fail. It still is true, when choosing a restaurant, go to where people flock. The majority often can’t be all wrong.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/colloidfarl/3570362732/" title="steamed fish in soy by Farl, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2421/3570362732_f31e2436c2.jpg" width="385” height=“256" alt="steamed fish in soy" /></a><br /><i>highly recommended: steamed fish in soy</i><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/colloidfarl/3570358568/" title="mixed vegetables with tofu by Farl, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2447/3570358568_9fe00cfa38.jpg" width="385” height=“256" alt="mixed vegetables with tofu" /></a><br /><i>mixed vegetables with tofu</i><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/colloidfarl/3570354818/" title="chinese vegetables with garlic by Farl, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3392/3570354818_1a76c87df7.jpg" width="385” height=“256" alt="chinese vegetables with garlic" /></a><br /><i>Chinese vegetables with garlic</i><br /><br /><br /><i>To go</i>: FURAMA is in Jalan Raya Tuban 52B, Kuta, Bali, Indonesia.adlawhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15689902817538153465noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6273082855347213093.post-70640462328082283132009-07-27T22:57:00.001+08:002009-07-27T23:06:00.246+08:00going hot, hot, hot in Makassar<b>Kayangan Restaurant (Ayam Kampung and Ikan Segar)</b><br /><br />My nose was running and my vision was quickly blurring. Tears welled in my eyes but these are all good. Despite my avowed tolerance, spice and chili still do that to me. I love what I was having.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/colloidfarl/3761357807/" title="Rumah Makan Kayangan by Farl, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3491/3761357807_f38b94c68c.jpg" width="385” height=“256" alt="Rumah Makan Kayangan" /></a><br /><i>the simple restaurant front of Rumah Makan Kayangan</i><br /><br /><br />Rumah Makan Kayangan is your typical Makassar restaurant - they are invariably scattered along and in the periphery of the boulevard at Losari beach downtown – cheap, no-frills and brimming with the freshest of produce caught in nearby waters. Displayed over ice to keep them unspoilt for the day, the choices of fish, crabs, prawns are wide-ranged and impressive.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/colloidfarl/3762172928/" title="fresh seafood on parade by Farl, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2503/3762172928_ec771691e4.jpg" width="385” height=“256" alt="fresh seafood on parade" /></a><br /><i>fresh seafood displayed on ice</i><br /><br /><br />It’s difficult to do wrong in a Makassar restaurants. Whether you chose to have the seafood steamed, deep-fried, or stewed, your selection reappears on your table fast. Here, cooking has been fine-tuned to a clockwork science that commands just about 5 minutes from ordering to delivery. Or 10 minutes tops.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/colloidfarl/3762169342/" title="ikan kakap putih digoreng by Farl, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3445/3762169342_82946528be.jpg" width="385” height=“256" alt="ikan kakap putih digoreng" /></a><br /><i>ikan kakap putih digoreng or deep-fried fish</i><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/colloidfarl/3761362171/" title="kepiting saus sambal by Farl, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2574/3761362171_0af78a8660.jpg" width="385” height=“256" alt="kepiting saus sambal" /></a><br /><i>kepiting saus sambal or crab cooked in hot sauce</i><br /><br /><br />Because Makassar is a hub of farming or fishing, food is relatively cheap when compared to other big cities like Surabaya, Jakarta or Bali. If the desire is for the freshest catch though, premium still has to be paid. Still, I find the prices quite reasonable. The <i>ikan kakap putih</i> which easily was more than a kilo only set us back about 3 USD and the live blue crab was about 7 USD, cooking charge included.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/colloidfarl/3761347041/" title="mango and mint by Farl, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2535/3761347041_53f4840274.jpg" width="385” height=“256" alt="mango and mint" /></a><br /><i>mango and mint, basic ingredients for the sauce</i><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/colloidfarl/3761350157/" title="4 sauces by Farl, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2604/3761350157_8ecbf1fcd0.jpg" width="385” height=“256" alt="4 sauces" /></a><br /><i>four hot sauces, traditional in Makassar cuisine</i><br /><br /><br />In Makassar, the secret in the taste, and this differentiates cuisine in Indonesia, is the set of sauces that come with the food. As a rule of thumb, Makassar sauces are spicy. There are at least 4 on the table, from pure peanut paste, to various sambal mixes ranging from the tolerably hot to the devilishly unbearable. Always, where there are chili seeds, beware! Not that I could stop myself. If the biting heat of the pepper calls for sacrifice, I, for one, am willing to be punished.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/colloidfarl/3761355101/" title="kangkung cah by Farl, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3535/3761355101_19e88c90b5.jpg" width="385” height=“256" alt="kangkung cah" /></a><br /><i>kangkung cah (water lettuce salad) as a delectable side dish</i>L <br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/colloidfarl/3761352435/" title="es jeruk manis by Farl, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3456/3761352435_f748900a93.jpg" width="333" height="500" alt="es jeruk manis" /></a><br /><i> freshly squeezed local orange juice can be useful in downing the heat of the spicy dishes</i><br /><br /><br /><i>To go</i>: Rumah Makan Kayangan is in Jl Datumuseng No 20, Samping RS Stella Maris Pantai Losari, Makassar, South Sulawesi (tel +411 325273).adlawhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15689902817538153465noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6273082855347213093.post-77291680162251104662009-07-25T17:47:00.001+08:002009-07-25T17:49:49.597+08:00the Cacing Diaries #45<b>pretty in pink</b><br /><br />For the first time in her young 1 ½ years of existence, Cacing cried when I said goodbye today. It’s just one of my usual week-long trips abroad – there’ll be lots more down the road – but increasingly, each time I leave for a trip, Cacing is becoming more aware of her emotions. She still has no concrete concept of time. It is safe to suppose that she quickly got over my departure. But soon it would be different and I’ll have to contend to her heartache. And mine.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/colloidfarl/3754723098/" title="the girls in my life by Farl, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2562/3754723098_14510f7572.jpg" width="333" height="500" alt="the girls in my life" /></a><br /><i>the muses of my life, at my mom’s place in Talisay this May</i><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/colloidfarl/3753921229/" title="testing the grown by Farl, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2656/3753921229_a0b613c90c.jpg" width="333" height="500" alt="testing the grown" /></a><br /><i>testing the crown</i><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/colloidfarl/3754720272/" title="smart eyes by Farl, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3529/3754720272_bf1d37a574.jpg" width="333" height="500" alt="smart eyes" /></a><br /><i>those eyes are smart!</i><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/colloidfarl/3753921981/" title="smiling like a clown by Farl, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2666/3753921981_b47f85ddee.jpg" width="333" height="500" alt="smiling like a clown" /></a><br /><i>smiling and clowning</i><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/colloidfarl/3753921721/" title="playing with the roll brush by Farl, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3480/3753921721_636417a718.jpg" width="333" height="500" alt="playing with the roll brush" /></a><br /><i>the roller brush as a toy</i><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/colloidfarl/3753922371/" title="pink princess by Farl, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3520/3753922371_54a1fe88cf.jpg" width="385” height=“256" alt="pink princess" /></a><br /><i>a pink princess</i><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/colloidfarl/3754722354/" title="testing the jackfruit by Farl, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3529/3754722354_cd93bafb20.jpg" width="333" height="500" alt="testing the jackfruit" /></a><br /><i>testing the jackfruit</i><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/colloidfarl/3754722730/" title="teasing the camera with her mommy by Farl, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2605/3754722730_eb9d2bbcaf.jpg" width="333" height="500" alt="teasing the camera with her mommy" /></a><br /><i>a tease in front of the camera</i><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/colloidfarl/3753920073/" title="Cacing lying on the backseat of the car by Farl, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2598/3753920073_f93fdd3f38.jpg" width="385” height=“256" alt="Cacing lying on the backseat of the car" /></a><br /><i>at the backseat of the car</i>adlawhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15689902817538153465noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6273082855347213093.post-79313749717111017062009-07-22T22:34:00.000+08:002009-07-22T22:36:18.818+08:00hand embroidery, Balinese styleIf wood carving were the artistic domain of men, women are traditionally associated with the fine art form in embroidery. In pre-colonial times however, Balinese women were known to go topless. Fine cut and pierced or lace embroidery may not exactly be a Balinese art after all in a historical perspective. The fact remains that when Dutch mores of modesty were implemented early in the 20th century, the requirement to be fully clothed in public was met with resentment by women and going bare was used as a form of protest.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/colloidfarl/3487261861/" title="indi_003 by Farl, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3403/3487261861_d68b1d3688.jpg" width="385” height=“256" alt="indi_003" /></a><br /><br /><br />In modern times, Bali has already fully adopted full clothing, especially in the context of Indonesia being a predominantly Muslim country. Like the rest of the nation, Balinese costume wear is derivative of the <i>kebaya</i> blouses native to the Javanese. <br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/colloidfarl/3488082328/" title="indi_002 by Farl, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3559/3488082328_0e36153812.jpg" width="385” height=“256" alt="indi_002" /></a><br /><br /><br />But despite being late in the game, Balinese women, judging from the quality of lace work displayed in several artisan shops spread all over the island, already have become master embroiders in their own right.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/colloidfarl/3487264069/" title="indi_004 by Farl, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3539/3487264069_211163a4dc.jpg" width="385” height=“256" alt="indi_004" /></a>adlawhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15689902817538153465noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6273082855347213093.post-34348489324200870342009-07-21T22:45:00.000+08:002009-07-21T22:47:46.616+08:00pining for more wood carvingsIt’s like a malady. I’m hooked on wood carvings, <a href=http://colloidfarl.blogspot.com/2009/05/ukiran-bali-reaching-artistic-heights.html> particularly those from Bali </a>. My particular addiction dates back almost 10 years now and my collection is growing. <br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/colloidfarl/3488067892/" title="mechanical saw (side) by Farl, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3621/3488067892_10ab0a1c02.jpg" width="385” height=“256" alt="mechanical saw (side)" /></a><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/colloidfarl/3487258497/" title="chiseling (front) by Farl, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3646/3487258497_ab03135c74.jpg" width="385” height=“256" alt="chiseling (front)" /></a><br /><br /><br />When in Bali, I also make it a point to visit workshops to personally select which pieces I would like to bring back. As wood is heavy and luggage allowances are limited, I am finicky with what I buy.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/colloidfarl/3488059298/" title="hammering a chisel (back) by Farl, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3647/3488059298_46a27269b1.jpg" width="333" height="500" alt="hammering a chisel (back)" /></a><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/colloidfarl/3488071240/" title="staining a frame by Farl, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3648/3488071240_483ce820b6.jpg" width="333" height="500" alt="staining a frame" /></a><br /><br /><br />In my next trip to Bali next week, I probably would visit this particular Denpasar shop. I’ll be ordering something big and probably would have it shipped to Cebu. Call me excited.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/colloidfarl/3487246391/" title="man chiseling (backside) by Farl, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3413/3487246391_762c67a0cc.jpg" width="333" height="500" alt="man chiseling (backside)" /></a><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/colloidfarl/3488065070/" title="mechanical saw by Farl, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3592/3488065070_8c6aa77b9a.jpg" width="385” height=“256" alt="mechanical saw" /></a>adlawhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15689902817538153465noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6273082855347213093.post-44503071826105547682009-07-20T21:16:00.002+08:002009-07-20T21:21:22.929+08:00the seaweed farmhouses of HingutananIn Bohol, particularly in the northern part of the province facing Leyte, seaweed is big. Considered as one of Bohol’s most productive centers is the small island of Hingutanan. The island is politically part of the municipality of Bien Unido and is now divided into two barangays, East and West. A visit in Hingutanan would however reveal that seaweed is largely grown outside of island, a bit further into the reef. There, tens of farmhouses have been erected on stilts, serving both as a drying platform and as an entrepot of dried seaweed.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/colloidfarl/3738269859/" title="Hingutanan farmhouse by Farl, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3506/3738269859_b58f3bc39a.jpg" width="333" height="500" alt="Hingutanan farmhouse" /></a><br /><i>bamboo is the common material of the seaweed farmhouses</i><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/colloidfarl/3738252015/" title="green and brown seaweed at Max's Hingutanan platform by Farl, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3516/3738252015_ff901575b6.jpg" width="385” height=“256" alt="green and brown seaweed at Max's Hingutanan platform" /></a><br /><i>green and brown seaweed at Hingutanan</i><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/colloidfarl/3739041174/" title="seaweed lines at Max platform by Farl, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3474/3739041174_82f32d3b0d.jpg" width="385” height=“256" alt="seaweed lines at Max platform" /></a><br /><i>seaweed lines being planted on the reef of Danahon</i><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/colloidfarl/3739055708/" title="arriving at Pimpi's Hingutanan platform by Farl, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2456/3739055708_f7092858cc.jpg" width="385” height=“256" alt="arriving at Pimpi's Hingutanan platform" /></a><br /><i>arriving at a platform at Hingutanan</i><br /><br /><br />Seaweed farming started in late 70s and today, it is considered as a popular industry for its low capitalization requirement and steady market. There are two types of seaweed grown in Bohol- cottonii and spinosum. Both may appear in various morphological types, sizes and colors. Spinosum, the cheaper variety, is noted for its spines that are arranged in whorls around the thallus. Cottonii, is free of these spines.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/colloidfarl/3739053030/" title="seaweed being dried at Pimpi's Hingutanan platform by Farl, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3454/3739053030_c5794fca2d.jpg" width="385” height=“256" alt="seaweed being dried at Pimpi's Hingutanan platform" /></a><br /><i>seaweed being at a platform in Hingutanan</i><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/colloidfarl/3739049640/" title="weighing the harvest by Farl, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2580/3739049640_eb35fabac9.jpg" width="385” height=“256" alt="weighing the harvest" /></a><br /><i>weighing the wet harvest</i><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/colloidfarl/3739059194/" title="dried fish by Farl, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2564/3739059194_0942ddea84.jpg" width="385” height=“256" alt="dried fish" /></a><br /><i> fish, dried under the sun</i><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/colloidfarl/3739037232/" title="brown seaweed at Max platform by Farl, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2612/3739037232_f1c3f10f77.jpg" width="385” height=“256" alt="brown seaweed at Max platform" /></a><br /><i>motorized outrigger boat serving the farmhouse</i>adlawhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15689902817538153465noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6273082855347213093.post-71859591295767911112009-07-19T20:39:00.000+08:002009-07-19T20:41:49.902+08:00rediscover some Sukawati treasuresThe art market of Sukawati Bali is one of my favorite haunts. Practically every handicraft sold in Bali can be found there in cheap prices. Quality could be suspect but if you know where to look for, a deal is always there to be had. Here is a selection of some novelties that were begging to be photographed. <br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/colloidfarl/3487209023/" title="miniature pajeng by Farl, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3593/3487209023_739399c992.jpg" width="333" height="500" alt="miniature pajeng" /></a><br /><i>a miniature 3-layer pajeng umbrella set</i><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/colloidfarl/3487205787/" title="drying frangipani by Farl, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3599/3487205787_578e8623dd.jpg" width="385” height=“256" alt="drying frangipani" /></a><br /><i>frangipani flowers being dried</i><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/colloidfarl/3487213177/" title="straw thingies by Farl, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3584/3487213177_d10443b04b.jpg" width="385” height=“256" alt="straw thingies" /></a><br /><i>some kitchen or ceremonial straw items that I cannot identify</i><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/colloidfarl/3488019400/" title="Balinese altars by Farl, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3315/3488019400_1dc920e5a4.jpg" width="385” height=“256" alt="Balinese altars" /></a><br /><i>some Balinese altars</i><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/colloidfarl/3488043538/" title="canang by Farl, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3328/3488043538_8685667b20.jpg" width="385” height=“256" alt="canang" /></a><br /><i>traditional Balinese offerings in front of a shrine at the market</i><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/colloidfarl/3488047458/" title="wooden buddhas by Farl, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3404/3488047458_b9b40cc3eb.jpg" width="385” height=“256" alt="wooden buddhas" /></a><br /><i>wooden buddhas for sale</i>adlawhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15689902817538153465noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6273082855347213093.post-3566693494193808072009-07-18T21:08:00.001+08:002009-07-18T21:19:19.959+08:00off to Tigwatian (Crystal Cove), BoracayCrystal Cove. The name sounds commercial and it is. It is the popular name of the resort which occupies Laurel island which just 30 minutes by boat from Boracay. Blessed with the same sugar-fine white sand which makes Boracay a byword in world-class tourism, it is famous for its two caves, as well as its prime takeoff location for diving and snorkeling. <br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/colloidfarl/3732058626/" title="approaching Crystal Cove by Farl, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3535/3732058626_b7a0faf0b3.jpg" width="385” height=“256" alt="approaching Crystal Cove" /></a><br /><i>approaching Tigwatian or Crystal Cove</i><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/colloidfarl/3731263529/" title="boracay boat with red sail by Farl, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3531/3731263529_b1fd57f554.jpg" width="385” height=“256" alt="boracay boat with red sail" /></a><br /><i>the <i>paraw</i>- Boracay’s local outrigger boat</i><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/colloidfarl/3732064048/" title="boracay boat with red sail by Farl, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2477/3732064048_8b56328e7c.jpg" width="385” height=“256" alt="boracay boat with red sail" /></a><br /><br /><br />In our island hopping in Boracay last May, we only stayed in the island momentarily. Laurel island is formerly known as <i>Tigwatian</i>, an onomatopoeia of the sing-song chirp of an exotic bird. There’s another tale that the island is the home of the fairies too. Either way, and by any other name, the islet is enchanting.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/colloidfarl/3731269149/" title="boracay boat with red sail by Farl, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3519/3731269149_b0daa2c2ab.jpg" width="333" height="500" alt="boracay boat with red sail" /></a><br /><i> behind the boat is Caticlan, Aklan</i><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/colloidfarl/3731272007/" title="docked at Tiguatian by Farl, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3523/3731272007_61fd5ae0ff.jpg" width="385” height=“256" alt="docked at Tiguatian" /></a>adlawhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15689902817538153465noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6273082855347213093.post-69132169652671284062009-07-16T22:17:00.003+08:002009-07-16T22:32:40.300+08:00the Cacing Diaries #44<b>at Mactan, Cebu, the Philippines</b><br /><br />Seems like an eternity when Cacing was able to go to the beach. Blame it on the stormy weather. It is rainy season in the Philippines and we don’t like going out when it’s wet. <br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/colloidfarl/3726021707/" title="wild tresses by Farl, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3484/3726021707_178e2868c6.jpg" width="333" height="500" alt="wild tresses" /></a><br /><i>tresses gone wild</i><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/colloidfarl/3726019403/" title="loving the sea by Farl, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2543/3726019403_cd14f3d3ac.jpg" width="332" height="500" alt="loving the sea" /></a><br /><i>loving the sea (with my wife’s mom)</i><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/colloidfarl/3712125529/" title="tasting chocolates by Farl, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2533/3712125529_f8b2dfd6cb.jpg" width="385” height=“256" alt="tasting chocolates" /></a><br /><i>testing chocolates</i><br /><br /><br />The opportunity came when my wife had her high school reunion. As a fitting finale, their batch decided on family time at the Portofino Beach Resort in Mactan. So we got a room for the day. As always, Cacing was the star of my wife’s family and mine. <br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/colloidfarl/3712127633/" title="gee... my hair is long by Farl, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3505/3712127633_2f23ea70f0.jpg" width="333" height="500" alt="gee... my hair is long" /></a><br /><i>gee… my hair is long</i><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/colloidfarl/3712129967/" title="checking out her hair by Farl, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2478/3712129967_881d55bdf9.jpg" width="333" height="500" alt="checking out her hair" /></a><br /><i>checking out her hair</i><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/colloidfarl/3712131163/" title="modelic pose by Farl, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2014/3712131163_e1289981a7.jpg" width="333" height="500" alt="modelic pose" /></a><br /><i>a modelic pose</i><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/colloidfarl/3712946354/" title="pool play by Farl, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2422/3712946354_8fb2ed5aca.jpg" width="385” height=“256" alt="pool play" /></a><br /><i>in the pool with her yaya Jinjin</i><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/colloidfarl/3712947638/" title="racing by Farl, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3502/3712947638_a22cd9a6ef.jpg" width="333" height="500" alt="racing" /></a><br /><i>racing to the beach</i><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/colloidfarl/3712950172/" title="pool play by Farl, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2503/3712950172_9cafbe466f.jpg" width="385” height=“256" alt="pool play" /></a>adlawhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15689902817538153465noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6273082855347213093.post-4389512713051712002009-07-15T21:21:00.003+08:002009-07-16T14:49:01.390+08:00pictures from KiwengwaKiwengwa is just one of the many white sandy beaches of Zanzibar. Just about 40 kilometers northeast of Stonetown, the island’s capital, Kiwengwa is popular to the tourists – the village has at least 7 resorts – but more importantly to me, it also harbors a healthy concentration of seaweed farms.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/colloidfarl/3722948325/" title="almost horizontal by Farl, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3458/3722948325_fa7ffd0a6f.jpg" width="385” height=“256" alt="almost horizontal" /></a><br /><i>a coconut tree that stoops so low it is almost horizontal</i><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/colloidfarl/3722938613/" title="Kiwengwa beach by Farl, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2667/3722938613_6a5579bf97.jpg" width="385” height=“256" alt="Kiwengwa beach" /></a><br /><i>the beach of Kiwengwa</i><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/colloidfarl/3664893262/" title="Kiwengwa postcard by Farl, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3343/3664893262_df93685df3.jpg" width="333" height="500" alt="Kiwengwa postcard" /></a><br /><i>another postcard shot of Kiwengwa</i><br /><br />It was high tide during my visit so instead, we just took in the view. Most notable in Kiwengwa are the tall and regal coconut trees. It seems that these trees are not harvested for their lumber as they now reach 50 feet, even more. The pictures, here, show how picturesque Kiwengwa can be.<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/colloidfarl/3664088323/" title="Kiwengwa boats by Farl, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3576/3664088323_d582248021.jpg" width="385” height=“256" alt="Kiwengwa boats" /></a><br /><i>fishing boats docked in Kiwengwa's natural harbor</i><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/colloidfarl/3664897930/" title="Kiwengwa women by Farl, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3595/3664897930_8ea8de11a2.jpg" width="385” height=“256" alt="Kiwengwa women" /></a><br /><i>a couple of women in Kiwengwa</i><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/colloidfarl/3664086511/" title="Kiwengwa 0609_07 by Farl, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3379/3664086511_5818c63c48.jpg" width="385” height=“256" alt="Kiwengwa 0609_07" /></a><br /><i>a desolate beach</i><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/colloidfarl/3664092535/" title="lugging bananas by Farl, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3377/3664092535_c9e5b1e2dc.jpg" width="333" height="500" alt="lugging bananas" /></a><br /><i>resort staff lugging some bananas</i>adlawhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15689902817538153465noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6273082855347213093.post-26096954555768663172009-07-13T23:47:00.002+08:002009-07-13T23:53:22.253+08:00the Friday mosque of KipondaThe Ijamaa mosque is large by the standards of Stonetown. There are at least 30 mosques in this old quarters of Zanzibar and this is one of the oldest.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/colloidfarl/3662001572/" title="Ijumaa Mosque at Kiponda by Farl, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2608/3662001572_1b7321f473.jpg" width="333" height="500" alt="Ijumaa Mosque at Kiponda" /></a><br /><i> the Ijumaa Mosque sits in the narrow alleys of Kiponda, Stonetown, Zanzibar, Tanzania</i><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/colloidfarl/3661998880/" title="facade of Ijumaa Mosque by Farl, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2449/3661998880_b60cd3d2b7.jpg" width="385” height=“256" alt="facade of Ijumaa Mosque" /></a><br /><i>façade of the Ijumaa Mosque</i><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/colloidfarl/3661987652/" title="Ijumaa Mosque door by Farl, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3300/3661987652_032c81bf0b.jpg" width="333" height="500" alt="Ijumaa Mosque door" /></a><br /><i>the elaborately carved wooden door of Ijumaa Mosque</i><br /><br /><br />Known in Kiswahili as <i>Msikiti Ya Ijumaa Mizingani</i>, it was originally built by Sunni immigrants from Faza in 1831. Like most of the mosques in Zanzibar, it was simple and unpretentious. It underwent several renovations and expansions notably in the 1850s and the 1950s. In 1994, the Ijumaa Mosque was refurbished in a more modern arabesque style with geometric arches and ramparts with funds from Arabic states. A marker in the mosque proclaims it as the burial place of famous Muslim scholars in Zanzibar.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/colloidfarl/3661209233/" title="old lamp by Farl, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3321/3661209233_5073de421d.jpg" width="333" height="500" alt="old lamp" /></a><br /><i>an old gas lamp converted to electric</i><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/colloidfarl/3662006590/" title="a small cube building across the mosque by Farl, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2483/3662006590_b9152400b1.jpg" width="333" height="500" alt="a small cube building across the mosque" /></a><br /><i>a small cube of a building right across the mosque</i><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/colloidfarl/3661996414/" title="Arabic marker of the mosque by Farl, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3394/3661996414_03630ab7ba.jpg" width="385” height=“256" alt="Arabic marker of the mosque" /></a><br /><i>Arabic markers in marble</i><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/colloidfarl/3661191687/" title="rampart shadows of Ijumaa Mosque by Farl, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2459/3661191687_4bff36c143.jpg" width="385” height=“256" alt="rampart shadows of Ijumaa Mosque" /></a><br /><i>rampart shadows of the mosque</i>adlawhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15689902817538153465noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6273082855347213093.post-80691195179474771062009-07-10T21:39:00.000+08:002009-07-10T21:41:01.081+08:00the Cacing Diaries #43<b>at Boracay, Aklan, the Philippines</b><br /><br />It’s Cacing time!<br /><br />I’ve made a resolution to post a Cacing entry once a week to clear my backlog of Cacing pictures. The photos here are only a couple of months old but Cacing is growing so fast that she may look quite differently today already.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/colloidfarl/3670845927/" title="smiling inside the Cebu Pacific plane by Farl, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3326/3670845927_980cec0b8e.jpg" width="333" height="500" alt="smiling inside the Cebu Pacific plane" /></a><br /><i> smiling inside our Cebu Pacific flight</i><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/colloidfarl/3670848993/" title="posing inside the Cebu Pacific plane by Farl, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3361/3670848993_7e8a266e53.jpg" width="385” height=“256" alt="posing inside the Cebu Pacific plane" /></a><br /><i> posing inside the plane</i><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/colloidfarl/3670851383/" title="Cacing with her Mom at Station 3 Boracay by Farl, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2568/3670851383_656ff6a2f8.jpg" width="333" height="500" alt="Cacing with her Mom at Station 3 Boracay" /></a><br /><i> Cacing with her mom at Station 3, Boracay island, Aklan</i><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/colloidfarl/3671660626/" title="Cacing with her Mom at Station 3 Boracay 2 by Farl, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2556/3671660626_502d8a5f5d.jpg" width="333" height="500" alt="Cacing with her Mom at Station 3 Boracay 2" /></a><br /><i>mother and daughter</i><br /><br /><br />When we went to Boracay last May, Cacing was just learning how to walk solo but now she zips and breezes too quick for us already. Her awareness of the world around her increases by the day. The games she learns and invents by herself take us constantly by surprise.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/colloidfarl/3671662492/" title="my Mom at Station 3 Boracay by Farl, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2381/3671662492_8c544ac063.jpg" width="333" height="500" alt="my Mom at Station 3 Boracay" /></a><br /><i>my Mom at Boracay</i><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/colloidfarl/3671663158/" title="Cacing with her yaya by Farl, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2468/3671663158_70607db9cd.jpg" width="333" height="500" alt="Cacing with her yaya" /></a><br /><i>it’s Cacing with her Yaya Jinjin</i><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/colloidfarl/3671665682/" title="Dia by Farl, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2433/3671665682_1cdc2119f8.jpg" width="333" height="500" alt="Dia" /></a><br /><i>that’s my wife, Dia</i><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/colloidfarl/3670861809/" title="Cacing's morning pose by Farl, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3554/3670861809_0b49195302.jpg" width="333" height="500" alt="Cacing's morning pose" /></a><br /><i>it’s Cacing’s early morning look</i><br /><br /><br />And lovable as she is, Cacing keenly knows what she wants and tries to get it. If she were an adult she’d be manipulative. For today, she is just plain endearing.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/colloidfarl/3707182362/" title="ever the fashionista by Farl, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3418/3707182362_5cc6fe4b89.jpg" width="333" height="500" alt="ever the fashionista" /></a><br /><i>foray at the church grounds of Balabag’s Holy Rosary Parish</i><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/colloidfarl/3706375067/" title="my Mom enjoying the Boracay sunset by Farl, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3439/3706375067_fd1197596f.jpg" width="385" height="256" alt="my Mom enjoying the Boracay sunset" /></a><br /><i>my Mom during a Boracay sunset (she’s 68!)</i><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/colloidfarl/3671674382/" title="Cacing enjoying the Boracay boating by Farl, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2422/3671674382_d36efd10ba.jpg" width="334" height="500" alt="Cacing enjoying the Boracay boating" /></a><br /><i>my daughter enjoying a boat trip around the island</i><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/colloidfarl/3670870729/" title="Cacing at Discovery Shores by Farl, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2424/3670870729_be22953e84.jpg" width="385” height=“256" alt="Cacing at Discovery Shores" /></a><br /><i>my mother-in-law, my wife and my Mom, with Cacing, after their massage session at the Mandala Spa, the Discovery Shores (talk about real splurge!)</i><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/colloidfarl/3671679728/" title="Cacing strolling with her Mom at Station 1 by Farl, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2482/3671679728_ef6862fc89.jpg" width="333" height="500" alt="Cacing strolling with her Mom at Station 1" /></a><br /><i>stroll time with her Mom</i>adlawhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15689902817538153465noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6273082855347213093.post-36702644631776669612009-07-09T22:41:00.001+08:002009-07-09T22:57:09.998+08:00quick stop: Paje Ndamequick stop: Paje Ndame<br /><br />Religiously, I pushed the pin right on the spot where Cebu lies in the world map that is spread over the cork board. I see that I am the 3rd Filipino who took the time to mark the map. I know there are lot more of us who actually have passed by this restaurant of Paje Ndame Village, as it is right where the seaweed farms are.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/colloidfarl/3703269035/" title="Paje Ndame Village bungalow by Farl, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3643/3703269035_5703925e6a.jpg" width="385” height=“256" alt="Paje Ndame Village bungalow" /></a><br /><i>a standard bungalow at Paje Ndame</i><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/colloidfarl/3703275239/" title="Paje Ndame huts by Farl, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2633/3703275239_7cd82ef332.jpg" width="385” height=“256" alt="Paje Ndame huts" /></a><br /><i>beachside huts</i><br /><br /><br />For one hot afternoon last month, Paje Ndame was where we grabbed a rather late lunch after visiting the seaweed farms. The menu selection is spare and simple - just a few continental dishes here and there with some Kiswahili favorites and seafood basics. We ended up with kingfish in coconut sauce which turned out to be fresh, delectable and with just the right spiciness.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/colloidfarl/3703266381/" title="hut at Paje Ndame by Farl, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2433/3703266381_0c5cb781d3.jpg" width="385” height=“256" alt="hut at Paje Ndame" /></a><br /><i>like an open invitation to the sun and sea</i><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/colloidfarl/3704081452/" title="kingfish in coconut sauce by Farl, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3434/3704081452_f66ee96595.jpg" width="385” height=“256" alt="kingfish in coconut sauce" /></a><br /><i>our order: kingfish in coconut sauce</i><br /><br /><br />Fancy is not what you would associate this boutique hotel. The accommodations may not be deluxe but the bungalows boast of a beach view and are definitely cozy and comfortable. Prices start at under $100 too and in a renowned beach such as Paje no less. Now if they’d only offer internet!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/colloidfarl/3703271285/" title="Paje Ndame Village view by Farl, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2535/3703271285_aa400c3860.jpg" width="385” height=“256" alt="Paje Ndame Village view" /></a><br /><i>beachview of Paje</i><br /><br /><br /><i>To go:</i> <a href=http://www.ndame.info/eng/aboutnewndame.htm>Paje Ndame Village</a> is located in Paje, which is 50 km southeast of Stonetown, Zanzibar or about an hour by road.adlawhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15689902817538153465noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6273082855347213093.post-45444769912709267272009-07-08T21:39:00.005+08:002009-07-08T22:04:27.984+08:00crackling the krupukKrupuk, kropek, keropok… These crackling chips are ubiquitous in East and Southeast Asia. Coming often as prawn crackers, they are served as starters in a lot of Asian restaurants for the diners to munch while they wait for their main courses. <br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/colloidfarl/3700655930/" title="Bali Food- krupuk 0409 by Farl, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2500/3700655930_5ac5db8ef9.jpg" width="385” height=“256" alt="Bali Food- krupuk 0409" /></a><br /><i>a collage of krupuk for sale at a village store in Tabanan, Bali, Indonesia</i><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/colloidfarl/3455997988/" title="pink-edged krupuk by Farl, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3360/3455997988_3d519fb4ce.jpg" width="385” height=“256" alt="pink-edged krupuk" /></a><br /><i>orange-edged krupuk</i><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/colloidfarl/3456018152/" title="flower krupuk by Farl, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3365/3456018152_052a3db224.jpg" width="385” height=“256" alt="flower krupuk" /></a><br /><i>flower-shaped crackers</i><br /><br /><br />In Indonesia though, these crackers are serious business and they come in countless forms, sizes, colors and flavors like nuts, vegetables, fowl, seafood or meat. A visit in a village store in Tabanan, Bali show so much varieties that boggle the eyes. Displayed in sacks or large plastic bags, they literally sell fast as krupuk is basic side dish fare in Bali and is even commonly used as offering.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/colloidfarl/3456004226/" title="krupuk with peanuts? tempe? by Farl, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3548/3456004226_548212fd9e.jpg" width="385” height=“256" alt="krupuk with peanuts? tempe?" /></a><br /><i>krupuk with what seem to be peanuts, beans or tempe</i><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/colloidfarl/3455206657/" title="typical fish krupuk by Farl, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3326/3455206657_c6670140cd.jpg" width="385” height=“256" alt="typical fish krupuk" /></a><br /><i>fish-flavored krupuk</i><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/colloidfarl/3455174703/" title="pink krupuk with yellow trim by Farl, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3571/3455174703_9c730d0185.jpg" width="385" height="256" alt="pink krupuk with yellow trim" /></a><br /><i>pink krupuk with yellow trim</i><br /><br /><br />As for me, I often would bring pack of krupuk of the Tanjung brand. These are not available in the supermarket though and I have to order them from Sidoarjo, East Java. This city is probably one of the most renowned centers of manufacture of Indonesian krupuk although I hear that West Java’s Garut produces fine krupuk as well.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/colloidfarl/21371408/" title="krupuk by Farl, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm1.static.flickr.com/16/21371408_a5c6770068.jpg" width="385" height="256" alt="krupuk" /></a><br /><i>a typical crowd jostling to buy krupuk at the Tanjung store in Sidoarjo, East Java</i><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/colloidfarl/3456011998/" title="colored krupuk by Farl, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3587/3456011998_60cb236671.jpg" width="385” height=“256" alt="colored krupuk" /></a><br /><i>colored krupuk</i><br /><br /><br />Recipes vary from shop to shop but the basic ingredients are the same: tapioca flour, egg, sugar, salt, spices and flavor essence. These are mixed in large vats and then the dough is rolled thin, steamed, and then sliced or cut before sun-drying. The krupuk are sold wafer-thin but they expand like popcorn when deep-fried. As expected, these crackers absorb so much oil during frying so they are not the healthiest food. But like many fans of the krupuk, I am not complaining.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/colloidfarl/3455212617/" title="yellow trimmed krupuk by Farl, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3622/3455212617_3a58d856f2.jpg" width="385” height=“256" alt="yellow trimmed krupuk" /></a><br /><i>multicolored-trimmed krupuk</i><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/colloidfarl/3456035864/" title="basic krupuk by Farl, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3415/3456035864_ce8a6e6ae2.jpg" width="385” height=“256" alt="basic krupuk" /></a><br /><i>plain krupuk</i>adlawhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15689902817538153465noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6273082855347213093.post-37343395090404324532009-07-07T17:37:00.005+08:002009-07-07T18:09:22.479+08:00Stalking the woman in red in UziPhotographing landscapes is hard enough. But taking portraits of strangers poses a special challenge. You just wouldn't know how people would react being photographed. Others feel that it is an invasion of privacy which it really can be, getting annoyed if not downright angry. Some are too shy and would walk away from the lens. <br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/colloidfarl/3696792465/" title="aerial Uzi by Farl, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3596/3696792465_74811457e7.jpg" width="385” height=“256" alt="aerial Uzi" /></a><br /><i>an aerial view of Ng’ambwe, Uzi which I eventually visited on-site</i><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/colloidfarl/3661955488/" title="Ng'ambwe 3 women by Farl, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2611/3661955488_dbdce1222c.jpg" width="385" height="256" alt="Ng'ambwe 3 women" /></a><br /><i>3 women of Ng’ambwe</i><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/colloidfarl/3660167624/" title="woman in red 3 by Farl, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3652/3660167624_e29af4a644.jpg" width="385” height=“256" alt="woman in red 3" /></a><br /><i>the woman in red was working with several ladies when I first approached her</i><br /><br /><br />On occasions, I can be lucky. Take this woman in a blazing red dress in Ng’ambwe, Uzi. She was at first nonchalant and then became engaging. It helped that I lingered in the location for awhile and that must have made them more comfortable with me. I was interested in what they were doing – they were planting seaweed – and they probably recognize too some of my companions who they might have worked with in the past.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/colloidfarl/3697603428/" title="woman in red by Farl, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2670/3697603428_547f09c9bc.jpg" width="385” height=“256" alt="woman in red" /></a><br /><i>holding some seaweed planting material</i><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/colloidfarl/3660147878/" title="woman in red 4 by Farl, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2421/3660147878_2053a43af7.jpg" width="333" height="500" alt="woman in red 4" /></a><br /><i>an engaging smiling</i><br /><br /><br />As a subject, I could not ask for anything more. Her red dress is fiery and catches the light glaringly. And her generous personality showed in the shots that I took.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/colloidfarl/3697605180/" title="unbridled laughter by Farl, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3432/3697605180_f4c3b718e3.jpg" width="333" height="500" alt="unbridled laughter" /></a><br /><i>unbridled laughter</i><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/colloidfarl/3659388679/" title="woman in red 2 by Farl, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2470/3659388679_54a663cd31.jpg" width="333" height="500" alt="woman in red 2" /></a><br /><i>her easygoing work demeanor shows here</i><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/colloidfarl/3660196948/" title="woman in red 1 by Farl, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2482/3660196948_8e567bf059.jpg" width="385” height=“256" alt="woman in red 1" /></a><br /><i>a final take</i><br /><br /><i>To go</i>: Uzi is about 25 km southeast of Stonetown, Zanzibar, accessible by road only during low tide via a causeway at Unguja Ukuu.adlawhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15689902817538153465noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6273082855347213093.post-42612533363041037002009-07-05T21:37:00.000+08:002009-07-05T21:41:02.074+08:00take me to Magsaysay ParkSo Magsaysay Park of Davao City has a wide open public plaza for strolling. The children’s playground, restaurant and ampitheatre present families ample attraction especially during weekends. It even has government offices which makes the park a public affairs destination. <br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/colloidfarl/3569572899/" title="Chinese gate across Magsaysay Park by Farl, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3325/3569572899_bf415351c5.jpg" width="385” height=“256" alt="Chinese gate across Magsaysay Park" /></a><br /><i>across the fruit stalls of Magsaysay Park is the Chinatown gate</i><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/colloidfarl/3570393528/" title="selecting the durian by Farl, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3626/3570393528_ed5fbcb752.jpg" width="385” height=“256" alt="selecting the durian" /></a><br /><i>selecting the durian</i><br /><br /><br />However, to me, Magsaysay Park is the place to be to get my durian fix. Sure there were pomelos, mangosteens, oranges, mangoes and other fruits. But when you are in Davao, you know you are where the king of fruits are in abundance. By reputation the best durians are in Davao and as you can see here, I was not disappointed.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/colloidfarl/3569576069/" title="Myrna sharing the durian by Farl, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3564/3569576069_64864e4f58.jpg" width="385” height=“256" alt="Myrna sharing the durian" /></a><br /><i>durian sharing in the park</i><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/colloidfarl/3570390748/" title="durian eat out by Farl, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3376/3570390748_40478e5de5.jpg" width="385” height=“256" alt="durian eat out" /></a><br /><i>eating out</i><br /><br /><i>To go</i>: Magsaysay Park is in Leon Garcia Street, Agdao District, Davao City, the Philippinesadlawhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15689902817538153465noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6273082855347213093.post-46075399263421024672009-07-04T21:04:00.000+08:002009-07-04T21:05:10.858+08:00craving for TroikaYou want to know my all time favorite chocolate? It is fabulous Nidar’s <i>Troika</i> from Norway. The description on the wrapper says it all: marzipan, truffle and jelly covered with dark chocolate. The combination, I tell you, is made in heaven.<br /><br />I first tasted <i>Troika</i> in Bergen in 2004. The shiny red package intrigued me. One bite was all it took and I was a convert. Not much of a fan of almond marzipan paste, I was however floored by the mix of thin layer of soft jelly and the chocolate. I immediately bought several packs and over the next week or so after coming back from my trip in Europe, I finished my stash.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/colloidfarl/3570182030/" title="Troika package by Farl, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2354/3570182030_fc018872e7.jpg" width="385" height="256" alt="Troika package" /></a><br /><br /><br />The following year, I ordered some bars online and had them delivered to my sister’s apartment in New York just in time when I went there for a business trip. It’s been a few years since then but the chocolate’s wax paper wrapper I saved. Today, it is still lovingly pinned on my office corkboard as I know that it could be useful someday. Luckily late last year, a colleague went to Norway on a business and I only had one request: Troika. I ended up with three bars but they were all that I needed. <br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/colloidfarl/3570184986/" title="Troika- a piece of heaven by Farl, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3328/3570184986_866ff771ae.jpg" width="385" height="256" alt="Troika- a piece of heaven" /></a><br /><br /><br />I still have one more piece that I have put in storage. I’m waiting for a special event to eat it. I can wait, for now.<br /><br /><i> Nidar’s Troika<br />Nidar AS, N-7005 Trondheim, Norway, www.nidar.no, +4773 583333</i>adlawhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15689902817538153465noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6273082855347213093.post-68644438296888560982009-07-03T22:12:00.002+08:002009-07-03T22:47:29.303+08:00Pemba from above, part 3This is the third installment of my aerial photographs of Pemba island which lies north of the Zanzibari archipelago. It is considered the “green appendage” of Zanzibar, known for its lush forests of cloves, coconuts and mangoes.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/colloidfarl/3683579791/" title="feathery blues (northwest Pemba) by Farl, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3646/3683579791_fafac894ba.jpg" width="385” height=“256" alt="feathery blues (northwest Pemba)" /></a><br /><i>surreal seascape in Northwest Pemba</i><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/colloidfarl/3684388844/" title="aerial of a beach in Ngagu by Farl, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2538/3684388844_05c6196f6a.jpg" width="333" height="500" alt="aerial of a beach in Ngagu" /></a><br /><i>an isolated beach in Ngagu</i><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/colloidfarl/3684384124/" title="aerial Ngagu beach by Farl, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3596/3684384124_b98b99a682.jpg" width="385” height=“256" alt="aerial Ngagu beach" /></a><br /><i> Ngagu is still devoid of mass tourism</i><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/colloidfarl/3684379656/" title="aerial Mjini Kiuyu and Kiwani by Farl, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2554/3684379656_179e698485.jpg" width="385” height=“256" alt="aerial Mjini Kiuyu and Kiwani" /></a><br /><i>the reef between Mjini Kiuyu and Kiwani</i><br /><br /><br />Pemba’s development has long been associated with the dhow, the traditional wooden sail boats that were the connection between Africa and the Arabian peninsula. Utterly dependent on strong tradewinds, dhows brought cloves to mainland Aisa and in return, sent back cargoes such as wood and silver. Even today, dhows continue to connect Pemba and the rest of its East African neighbors like Kenya and Mozambique.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/colloidfarl/3663801043/" title="aerial Mjini Kiuyu farms by Farl, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3599/3663801043_882f36d22b.jpg" width="385” height=“256" alt="aerial Mjini Kiuyu farms" /></a><br /><i> aerial of the farms of Mjini Kiuyu</i><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/colloidfarl/3664596198/" title="aerial Maziwa Ngombe 1 by Farl, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3548/3664596198_c3d1f1950a.jpg" width="385” height=“256" alt="aerial Maziwa Ngombe 1" /></a><br /><i> Maziwa Ngombe shelters thick plantations of seaweed</i><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/colloidfarl/3664201926/" title="aerial Maziwa Ngombe 2 by Farl, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2596/3664201926_ce264c8e6f.jpg" width="385” height=“256" alt="aerial Maziwa Ngombe 2" /></a><br /><i> another view of the seaweed farms in Maziwa Ngombe</i><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/colloidfarl/3663395867/" title="aerial South channel dunes by Farl, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3664/3663395867_2571098fae.jpg" width="385” height=“256" alt="aerial South channel dunes" /></a><br /><i>breathtaking shifting dunes in the South Channel, Pemba</i><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/colloidfarl/3664191136/" title="eutrophied tributary at West Pemba near Fondu by Farl, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2460/3664191136_a5e7c6f055.jpg" width="385” height=“256" alt="eutrophic tributary at West Pemba near Fondu" /></a><br /><i>a eutrophic tributary at West Pemba near Fondu island</i><br /><br /><br /><b>To go</b>: Pemba is a large island north of Zanzibar, a semi-autonomous archipelago that is part of Tanzania, East Africa. There are regular fast crafts and flights between Zanzibar and Pemba. Air charters can be arranged from various operators like the one we made with <a href=http://www.tropicalair.co.tz/fleet.html>Tropical Air</a> at +255 24 223 2511.<br /><br />the Pemba aerial series:<br /><a href=http://colloidfarl.blogspot.com/2009/06/pemba-from-above-part-1.html> (part 1</a> in <a href=http://colloidfarl.blogspot.com/> colloidfarl.blogspot.com</a><br /><a href=http://colloidfarl.blogspot.com/2009/06/pemba-from-above-part-2.html>part 2</a> in <a href=http://colloidfarl.blogspot.com/> colloidfarl.blogspot.com</a><br /><a href=http://colloidfarl.blogspot.com/2009/07/pemba-from-above-part-3.html> part 3</a> in <a href=http://colloidfarl.blogspot.com/> colloidfarl.blogspot.com</a>adlawhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15689902817538153465noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6273082855347213093.post-53363804179346978922009-07-02T18:17:00.003+08:002009-07-02T22:44:53.876+08:00the Cacing Diaries #42<b>in Bali</b><br /><br />It is now my 42nd My Cacing diary entry in my blog. The pictures I post in the blog – some of which I feature in flickr – are a celebration of life and joy with my daughter Cacing. They allow me to step back in time and feel what I felt then and more. <br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/colloidfarl/3677926407/" title="a smile by Farl, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2540/3677926407_2f7949f2e5.jpg" width="385” height=“256" alt="a smile" /></a><br /><i>the flower girl smile, at Nusa Dua, Bali, Indonesia</i><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/colloidfarl/3678736966/" title="with adenium behind her ears by Farl, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3640/3678736966_14d847ba4b.jpg" width="385” height=“256" alt="with adenium behind her ears" /></a><br /><i>cacing and the adenium behind her ears</i><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/colloidfarl/3681901152/" title="in her formal best by Farl, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3565/3681901152_54b492dfbf.jpg" width="333" height="500" alt="in her formal best" /></a><br /><i>the charmer in her gray dress at Nusa Dua, Bali</i><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/colloidfarl/3678756148/" title="big laugh in Nusa Dua by Farl, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2266/3678756148_5fdc06ceb5.jpg" width="385” height=“256" alt="big laugh in Nusa Dua" /></a><br /><i>spreading some more cheers</i><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/colloidfarl/3681378490/" title="pixie, shopping by Farl, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2475/3681378490_36d223ec62.jpg" width="385" height="256" alt="pixie, shopping" /></a><br /><i>the pixie, shopping at Kuta, Bali</i><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/colloidfarl/3677930591/" title="car frolic by Farl, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2518/3677930591_566918842c.jpg" width="385” height=“256" alt="car frolic" /></a><br /><i>car frolic</i><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/colloidfarl/3680550197/" title="the cheerleader by Farl, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3596/3680550197_c0b70a74b0.jpg" width="385” height=“256" alt="the cheerleader" /></a><br /><i>the cheerleader at Candi Dasa, Karangasem, Bali</i><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/colloidfarl/3681338152/" title="windswept giddiness by Farl, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2596/3681338152_d53b04b101.jpg" width="385” height=“256" alt="windswept giddiness" /></a><br /><i>windswept giddiness</i>adlawhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15689902817538153465noreply@blogger.com0