Discovering Sri Lanka: Elephants of Pinnawala

Discovering Sri Lanka: Elephants of Pinnawala

Discovering Sri Lanka: Elephants of Pinnawala

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Not far from the Capital of Sri Lanka, is the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage which houses the largest captive herd of Endangered Asiatic Elephants, more than 80 of them.

Asiatic Elephants are quite different from the African Elephants in that they are more compact and have smaller ears. If you are curious about the exact differences, please read it here.

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Each day, between 10am-12noon, or 2pm-4pm, the Mahouts (Elephant Tamers) will take their pet elephants to the nearby river to allow them to bath and socialize. It is quite a sight to behold 80 elephants tamely crossing the village streets, passing shop houses, to get to the river.DSCF5307 DSCF5248 DSCF5264

Thereafter, one should head to the Elephant Orphanage to see the cute baby elephants.

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Until next time….

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Discovering Sri Lanka: Ancient Galle Port

Discovering Sri Lanka: Ancient Galle Port

Discovering Sri Lanka: Ancient Galle Port

This is the 1st part of a multi-part chronicle of my adventures in Sri Lanka, an ancient and exotic land located near the Maldives and South India. As there are many highlights in Sri Lanka, I decided not to number the series, and insofar possible, summarize all I saw there in as few posts as possible.

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Welcome to Galle, a tropical ancient port well-known to the ancient seafarers such as the Arabs, Chinese, Romans, Greeks and in more modern times, the Portuguese and Dutch.

In this tranquil old town, is the confluence of many cultures and religions. Here, Buddhists, Hindus, Catholics, and Muslims live in relative harmony. The places where they worship are equally ancient, especially the Dutch Reformed Church said to be built in 1755

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You will adore the pretty postcard-worthy Galle Lighthouse, which was built by the British in the 1930’s. Nearby, you will find peddlers selling coconut and woodcraft by the road-side, and also, brave cliff divers who will take a plunge down a cliff into the blue-blue water, for a couple of Rupees, for you to take a picture. Don’t worry, Sri Lankans have their pride, and you will hardly find any begging for money, as they prefer to work for it.

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Next, you would pass  Galle Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, built circa 1649. Feel the ocean breeze as you explore the meandering walls of this fort, overlooking the Indian Ocean. You will discover a pretty clock tower here built in 1883. While standing on the walls of the fort, look inland, I implore you, and you will see one of the most scenic Cricket Fields flanked by the fort walls, with a commanding view of the India Ocean.

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 When you leave Galle, you will feel sad, because you will leave behind a beautiful picturesque coastal town, that you only hope you could retire in, one day.

In my next post I will be covering the Sri Lankan cultural triangle, dotted with many important historical/archaeological sites.

2/2: Pristine Islands of Peninsula Malaysia – Tenggol Island

2/2: Pristine Islands of Peninsula Malaysia – Tenggol Island

2/2: Pristine Islands of Peninsula Malaysia – Tenggol Island

In the Far-east, lies an almost untouched island, famed for it’s crystal clear waters, and amazing diversity of marine life.

It is relatively inaccessible, as the nearest airport, Terengganu Domestic Airport, does not have frequent flights. But if one makes the sacrifice, it is well worth it. I pampered myself thoroughly staying in the luxury resort Tanjong Jara, with an amazing spa and spacious chalet-styled rooms.

I’ll let my pictures do the talking.

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Until Next Time!

Nikko – Tragic Beautiful Love

Nikko – Tragic Beautiful Love

Nikko – Tragic Beautiful Love

Red Bridge, endless love

Ajisai, of devotion

Kegon Falls, love torn!

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Nikko is a place of hauntingly beautiful temples and bridges, and tragic love stories.

Many couples say their vows at the Red Bridge(Shinkyo Bridge), many of the love-torn take a plunge down the endless Kegon Falls.

Hydrangeas that grow abundant here, represent silent devotion. Higanbana which also grow here, represent the end-of-friendships. Elm Trees, growing here, are the playground of earth elves, casting spells on lovers who wander the woods…

1/2: Pristine Islands of Peninsula Malaysia – Tioman Island

1/2: Pristine Islands of Peninsula Malaysia – Tioman Island

1/2: Pristine Islands of Peninsula Malaysia – Tioman Island

Let it be…Tioman Island!

Beautiful island off Malaysia, with a mighty towering volcano, lush tropical rainforests, endless white sand beaches, secret coves, and crystal clear coral reefs. You must be the very image of paradise. You even kept an elusive species of orchid only for yourself…

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Your secrets lay under your carpets of azure crystal waters. Abundant corals, in every colour in the kaleidoscope. Amazing marine-life, of all forms celebrate life under your sea. If Princess Ariel were real, she would be Under The Sea, in your sea.

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Part 2/2 will be on another pristine island in Peninsula Malaysia, Pulau Tengol, seldom if ever visited due to accessibility limitations.

 

The Ancient City of Ephesus : An Important City in the Biblical Saga

The Ancient City of Ephesus : An Important City in the Biblical Saga

The Ancient City of Ephesus

An Important City in the Biblical Saga

Acts 18:19 When they reached Ephesus, Paul left Priscilla and Aquila behind there, but he himself went into the synagogue and addressed the Jews. 20 When they asked him to stay longer, he would not consent, 21 but said farewell to them and added, “I will come back to you again if God wills.” Then he set sail from Ephesus,

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Ephesus is an Ancient Greek City located in the present-day Turkey, serving as the backdrop to many events in the Biblical Saga.

One of the 7 Ancient Wonders of the World, The Temple of Artemis was here, but presently, only a pillar remains.

Mother Mary’s home was discovered to be nearby, said to be where she spent her final days. It is said to be discovered by a Nun who has never been to Ephesus, who had multiple visions which led her to describe this place, in perfect details, leading to it’s discovery.

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This city is a must-visit for  historical buffs, devout Christians, or travellers looking to visit jaw-dropping UNESCO World Heritage Sites. I shall let my pictures tell you a thousand words:

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Until next time!

PS: My next post will shift back to Asia…of 2 pristine islands in Peninsula Malaysia,followed another country in Asia that has seen many civil wars. Stay tuned.

 

The Mythical Hạ Long Bay

The Mythical Hạ Long Bay

I gazed outward, to the endless horizon of limestone islets rising out of the sea. Did I just see little dragons meandering in the water? Were my eyes playing tricks on me?

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I gazed outward to the endless horizon of limestone islets rising out of the sea. Did I just see some pirate ships?

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I gazed outward to the endless horizon of limestone islets rising out of the sea. Am I amidst a Garden in the Sky? Am I in the Avatar movie?

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Must be the Rượu cần, must be the rum…. I smoked my briarwood pipe, I started to imagine myself in a Pirates of The Caribbean movie. I imagined the Black Pearl sailing among the many islets, in search for hidden treasure….

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Annexed as a UNESCO World Heritage site, due to the outstanding beauty of thousands of limestone islets amidst a foggy sea, it is no wonder the poet Ức Trai exclaimed of Hạ Long Bay: “This wonder is ground raising up into the middle of the high sky”.