Bistro Tables: Style Icons, Not Just Furniture

Bistro tables and chairs are without a doubt the most popular restaurant dining furniture in the world today. The global accessibility to information provided by the Internet means that people anywhere can tune in and turn onto cultural and design innovations and trends from all over the world.

Like Toadstools

Although bistro tables and dining furniture have been around for well over a hundred years, they are like all evergreen design classics. They find new audiences all over the urbane and not so urbane world. In fact, bistro tables are wherever restaurant dining is to be found – from Paris, France to London, England; from Bangkok, Thailand to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia; and from Sydney Australia to Auckland, New Zealand. Bistro tables have been popping up for years on sidewalks and street corners everywhere. They pop up so frequently and commonly, in fact, they are like mushrooms in the rain.

The original bistro tables could be folded up and stacked beside each other along a wall. The popularity of the bistro table isn’t only due to its efficient use of space and its portability. The bistro table is highly in demand also because of its versatility and economic good looks. In fact, probably the only countries in the world where you won’t see the coffee hounds strategically sitting by their bistro tables placed on the sidewalks are Japan, Korea, and China. It’s just too damned crowded there, too damned busy, and unless you want a face-full of carbon monoxide with your latte, then it’s not a very good idea.

A Titan of a Table

A bistro table is versatile. Okay, so you’re thinking…versatility? How versatile can a bistro table possibly be? I mean, you use it for putting your food and drink, and then what? Do you use it for a miniature helicopter landing pad? Does it double as a radar dish? Of course not! Bistro tables are versatile in such a way that not only can you use it as a surface to display your steaming cup of java while you try to look intellectual, you can also use it for a score of different – albeit unconventional – purposes. Bistro tables have been habitually used as substitutes for magazine racks and have played hosts to many a poker game. Bistro tables have endured bottles being slammed on its surface in bachelor parties, stilettos scraping its glossy veneer as a woman dances atop it in the same bachelor parties, and the occasional spray of the contents of somebody’s stomach. Bistro tables have played Prometheus countless of times with the world literally on its shoulders – or in this case, table top.

The Princess Diana of Furniture

Bistro tables enjoy longer lives than the average furniture, thanks in part to the fact that owners of bistro tables appreciate what they have. Indeed, they know that they have a gem in their hands, or wherever it is that they keep their bistro table. Bistro tables have been known to undergo drastic changes in their looks, from drab to fab, tacky to classy, and dazzling to nondescript, while still maintaining a quiet elegance and sophistication that only a confident piece of furniture can pull off.

Wouldn’t you love to have one sitting in your kitchen as well?

Why is the media in Singapore so controlled?

“The State of Singapore is in a State of Emergency as the Yang Di Pertuan Negara did not recall the Order under the Emergency Ordnance since it’s inception” statement taken in concept many years ago makes one realise that Civil Order is never the Order of the Day, but rather, in contract the State of Singapore always maintained Civil Order rather than a dictatorship.

That is somewhat 1965. Constitution amended and repealed and now we have the 2008, Singapore is a REPUBLIC. Freedom of information is freedom to disseminate proper information without causing harm to any other party and as a person in the Foreign Media, we don’t have to go about digging dirty secrets of Scandals and such as the Singapore Government is CLEAN ENOUGH to declare openly of it’s own wrong doings and lapses, and if need to be, someone will have his head chopped off.

Compared to the neighbour, Malaysia, Singapore media is never controlled but disciplined. Knowing the effects of poor information caused the elderly to be reminded of the late 60’s massacre between the Malays and the Chinese (commonly known as Gaduh Cina Melayu) when it was just over a small misunderstanding of politics. In which more people were injured or killed than in a day during the rule of SYONANTO.; The Japanese Imperial Army.

As a Singaporean, I do feel at times, the media is BIASED TO THE GOVERNMENT but in essence, the Citizens don’t care as long as their “RIGHTS” are protected, ie the Malays with their strong belief in Islam and their Religion; That the Chinese are conservative and all about Money and their Way of Life, that the Indians of their Family Values and well, everyone is in harmony that we are even trained for ten years in school that WE RESPECT EACH OTHER and by understanding so,knowing what to avoid such that we are able to eat on one same table; that If Ali is having dinner and Muthu comes by, he can always join in with his Lamb Briyani and that Tan can join in if the food has no pork as it offends Ali.

Learning to place your life in your neighbours or buddy hands is what in scripted into the lives of the Men during National Service. Barbaric as was during training with Vulgarities all over whilst in camp are totally forgotten when they book out of camp, fearing that if they cuss and swear on the street, they will be caught for public disorder act. Likewise, in the US, children are institutionalized that one must respect others and with filial piety. In retrospect, controls are strictly

Travel destinations: Phnom Penh, Cambodia

Phnom Penh, Cambodia, is a city of different faces – from rustic quiet streets of low-rise homes, to commercialised and modern buildings of rising heights. As the capital of Cambodia, Phnom Penh draws visitors from every corner of the world, many who are eager to find out how a country ravaged by the Khmer Rouge some thirty years ago can transform so quickly into a peaceful nation again.

Phnom Penh is a shoppers’ paradise for exotic gifts and food. It is definitely one city that you must not miss out if you are touring the South East Asian countries of Thailand, Myanmar, Laos, Vietnam, Malaysia and Singapore.

Imagine a tart. Thailand, Laos, Vietnam and the Gulf of Thailand form the crust of the tart. Cambodia sits right in the middle of the crust. Draw the letter v within your Cambodia tart. The left line forming the v represents the Tonle Sap, a massive river which wells up like a kidney somewhere along the middle of this line. The Mekong River forms the right arm of the letter v. At the vertex of the letter v where these two rivers meet sits the capital Phnom Penh.

If you take the Mekong Express bus service which travels to Siem Reap, Sihanoukville, Vietnam and even Thailand, your gracious bus steward will first tell you a little story on how the name Phnom Penh was derived before he hands you a bottle of mineral water, a disposable wet tissue towel pack and a box of freshly baked snacks.

The little fairy tale tells of a woman on a hill. The namesake means woman’ and hill’. As to the fairy tale, I shall not rob you of the pleasure of listening to it being told by the gracious bus steward.

The story of the woman on the hill is definitely far more pleasing to the ear than the morbid accounts of the Pol Pot regime in the late 1970s during which men, women and children were separated and made to work on different farms.

Innocent people were accused of being the enemy’, thrown into a school-turned-interrogation center known as S-21 at Tuol Sleng to be tortured in the cruelest ways with hot boiling oil or water, whole nail removers and body stretching before they were driven blindfolded some thirty minutes away to Cheung Ek Killing Fields in the rural area to be mass-executed and mass-buried. The remains of the clothes worn by children can still be found next to the two-meter deep burial pits on the site which also holds a white and gold pagoda-like memorial building with the skeletal remains dug out and preserved in glass cases.

Intellectuals and their

Christmas 2007: Hottest new Asian cuisine cookbooks

Dharma is food and food is love so what better way to show it than a good Asian cookbook. Where to start India, Thailand, there is just too much ground to cover and too many recipes to try. Hard to find ingredients? Not anymore with a wealth of resource on line right at your fingertips. The choice for hot new books was not easy but here a few of my favorites for holiday gift giving.

“Memories of a Philippine Kitchen” by Amy Besa and Romy Doroton with lush, mouth watering photography from Neal Oshina.

Within the first pages you are pulled into the family gathering spot, the kitchen. A cultural journey through food into the heart of the Philippines. Filipino cuisine is by nature a fusion of Native, Chinese, American and Spanish flavors sometimes all in one dish. Amy and Romy take you by the hand and guide you through the history and changes over time of the most traditional dishes. Some of the more than 100 dishes are easily prepared in minutes, other require the whole day such as pig roasting. A beautiful book to look at and a delicious one to experience.

“Revolutionary Chinese Cookbook” by Fuchsia Dunlop

Hunan cooking from the land of Mao. Beautifully written tales and legends surrounding the spirited cooking of the Hunan region. Specialty holiday and banquet foods are explained along with plenty of everyday pleasant peasant fare. Good explanations for new techniques and unique ingredients make this a very kitchen friendly volume. A solid start for a step up to one of the worlds oldest hearths.

“Tibetan Cooking: Recipes for Daily Living” by Elizabeth Esther Kelley

A big ole chunk of love from one of America’s long running monastery cooks. She pulls us to her and weaves a spiritual tale of love through food. These dishes are simple, easy to prepare and most of the ingredients are readily available. Breath in the richness from the bubbling pot and the mysterious mountains of Tibet are only a blink away. This is a great book for whole family cooking. Kids and Grandmothers alike can work side by side with these exotically simple family recipes.

“Into the Vietnamese Kitchen” by Andrea Nguyen

Beautiful explanations of technique and timing. Thorough guides to what may be unfamiliar foods and spices with suggestions for substitutions for what maybe hard to find ingredients. Ms Nguyen gives down to earth descriptions of how to make and use basics like fish sauce. The recipes are well laid out and easy to follow from the easy street snack to the all day one pots. Totally accessible for amateurs and rife with depth for the more astute among us.

“Cradle of Flavor” by James Oseland and Christopher Hirscheimer

This cookbook takes you on a cultural journey through Malaysia, the markets of Singapore to the tips of Sumatra and Java. It brings the home cooking from these vastly diverse yet very close peoples together for a series of culinary treats you won’t soon forget. Based on traditional home cooking the recipes are broken down in a way that makes them accessible to anyone. There is an incredible resource guide for obtaining hard to find items. Intriguing stories and compelling history bring the festival extravaganzas and the quick lunch into reach of us all. There is no other book on the market quite like this one. Though it breaks new ground I feel that this will soon be a coveted classic.

Beer reviews: Tiger Beer

Asia’s number one beer, Tiger Beer is brewed by Asia Pacific Breweries in Singapore, which comes under the umbrella of Heineken. APB has breweries not only in its home country of Singapore but also in China, Thailand, Malaysia, Vietnam, Papua New Guinea and New Zealand.

Tiger, which has been produced since 1932, is the company’s flagship brand. It has won over 30 international awards for its quality and is available in certain outlets including most supermarkets and off licences in the UK at around 1.10 for a 330ml bottle. It is also popular in many ethnic restaurants, particularly those specialising in Malaysian/Singaporean and Indonesian cuisine.

SO… did I journey to the exotic Far East to sample this beer authentically? Perhaps I treated myself to an evening of sampling the culinary delights of the Orient, before washing it all down with copious amounts of felinious, malt-based beverage? OR….did I wait until the mercury crept above ground level and open up a bottle purchased from my local supermarket, sit in the garden and bolt that sucker down my neck?

Have a wild guess.

The colour is a very pale golden. Less carbonation than a pilsener, it has tiny bubbles rising to a reasonable, but not big, head. A hint of malt, and like most pilseners it has a bit of a metallic smell, although this is not present in the finish. There’s an earthy, slightly citrus aroma to the beer but overall the aroma is fairly mild.

This is a delightfully smooth lager that is almost perfect on the palate for this style. There’s a sharp, citrus (lemon?) tang initially, and a little sweetness before the malt flavour kicks in. It has a thoroughly smooth mouth feel, and not being too gassy, this is a nice little beer. Not only is it delicious, with a refreshingly malty taste, it’s very sharp and clean and very drinkable.

With an ABV of 5% this is an average strength lager and I have to say is probably just an average beer. Having said that, as an ‘imported’ lager it is pretty much above average. When comparing this to others in the same style I found this to be far more pleasant and drinkable. I only had the one bottle but could easily have drank a few more.

A great thirst quencher and ideal when served ice-cold in the hot and humid weather to be found in South East Asia. Or even occasionally in South East Scotland.

Would I drink it again? – If I wait until the next heatwave in Scotland….probably not for a long, long time!

Travel experiences: Climbing Mount Kinabalu, Malaysia

The reality of actually going for a 4 day long trip in attempt to conquest Mount Kinabalu, Sabah only sank in as I was walking towards Air Asia’s Airbus 320. After all, Mount Kinabalu is the highest peak in Malaysia and despite the commercializing of the location; I predict the climb to be somewhat difficult.

Unlike KLIA, in LCCT we are required to walk right up to the aircraft to board it. Despite the lack of an air-conditioned pathway, I enjoyed the short walk amidst aircrafts, had an unexplainable sense of adventure to it.

(Flight was spent sleeping, and very eventful. Unless turbulence is considered eventful)

Bus took us to the Kinabalu Park HQ, where the Park Ranger office is located. We were to put up the night in Grace Hostel; about 5 minutes walk form the Park Rangers office, and start the climb early next morning.

I stepped down from the bus with caution, since I have heard some rather convincing horror stories about the weather. I was told that the chillness would sting right up to my bones, but what a load of exaggeration that turned out to be. There was a slightly drizzle, with temperature that I can only describe as a feeling of being perpetually in an air-conditioned room. By now, we could very well see the huge mount right before us and words would do no justice to describe the view.

There was such calmness in the surrounding air. With every intake of breath, all those burden of uncompleted projects, stressful meetings with superiors, CCARS, other difficulties that we encountered back in Spansion seemed to be lifted off my shoulders. I dare say, I sensed something almost spiritual about the place.

The rest of the day was spent hovering together, basking ourselves in the splendid surrounding, taking each and every opportunity to snap a picture or two. The Park HQ itself was large, and despite the slight rain, I could not help but just wander around lost in the serenity that the place exerts.

But light seem to rule for a shorter time here and soon it was dinner time. Since dinner was a free for all activity, some of us walked to a restaurant nearby to have our dinner. First thing I notice was the exorbitant amount on display for food, but as disturbing as that was, it made sense. Soon after dinner, we made way to attend the briefing by the park rangers. They gave all present a short historical background on the mountain, and the trekking trail available to the peak. One was Merlimau, and to other Timpohon. Valuable information

10 Must-Know Travelers Tips to Hong Kong

Hong Kong is an international city and it has vast number of tourists come from all over the world in all year round. According to the Hong Kong Government statistics, the number of international tourists visited Hong Kong in 2005 reaches 10.8 million which represents a 13.1% increase when compared to 2004. Countries such as Australia, Canada, French, China, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Korean, Thailand, British and United States all contributes significant tourist growth for Hong Kong. This article presents some critical traveler tips for tourists so that you could enjoy more and have a wonderful trip to Hong Kong.

1. Personal Identity and Safety
Tourists must carry valid personal identity documentation such as passport during their stay in Hong Kong. Hong Kong is a very safe city according to the low crime rate. However, due to the densely population, it is not suggested to take a large amount of cash when going out since most of the shops in Hong Kong accepts credit cards. Expensive belongs should be locked in the safe in hotel. You could easily find policemen on the streets whenever you have encountered any problems.

2. Service Charges
Most of the restaurants except fast food shops will add 10% service charges to the bill. Therefore, you may choose to give out the odd dollars from the changes as the service tips. For taxi driver or bellboy in the hotel, there is no pre set norm for the service tips, you may choose to give out whenever you think the service is deserved for.

3. Telephone Service
All local telephone call is free except for the public telephone which charges HK$1 for every 5 minutes. Emergency call is 999 and it is free to call even in public telephone. You could either use IDD telephone call card or credit card for long distance call, or simply through operator for collect call in all public telephone counter.

4. Drinking Water
The drinking water in Hong Kong reaches World Health Organization standard. However, you may also choose to buy the bottle water in the supermarkets if you think it is necessary.

5. Taxi
All taxi only accept cash and they have invoice print out whenever you request. It is easier to catch the taxi in the taxi stop or outside the hotel. Many of the taxi drivers could understand simple English. It is suggest writing down your destination (in English) on paper to minimize misunderstandings. The taxi charges is based on the meter which is HK$15 for the first 2 Km and HK$1.4 for the subsequent 0.2 Km. Besides, there are tunnel charges ranging from HK$3-45 depends on which tunnel you have to take. The charging table is clearly shown on the inner side of the doors so you could check it before you pay. In case of any complaints or lost case, you may record down the name of the taxi driver and his license plate number which is clearly shown on the front seat stand, and reports to the police hotline: 2527 7177 whenever necessary.

6. Mass Transit Railway (MTR)
Hong Kong has 6 MTR routes, which covers most parts of Hong Kong Island, Kowloon and New Territories.
Tsuen Wan Route: Tsuen Wan to Central
Kwun Tong Route: Yau Mat Tei to Tiu Keng Leng
Tseung Kwan O Route: North Point to Po Lam
Main Route: Sheung Wan to Chai Wan
Tung Chung Route: Tung Chung to Hong Kong
Airport Route: Airport to Hong Kong
Due to the convenience of MTR and the compact area of Hong Kong, most tourists find it is not necessary to rent car during their stay. Besides, due to the very heavy traffic and the complexity of the city roads, it is not recommended for tourists to drive. In case you really need car rental, you may consult your hotel, and be ready with your passport and driving license.

7. Kowloon Canton Railway (KCR)
The KCR is the major railway which links up the New Territories and the city of Kowloon. It runs through Tsim Sha Tsui East to Lo Wu which takes about 40 minutes for the whole route. Lo Wo is the final station which you could pass through to enter China with valid visa. The train will depart for every 3 to 10 minutes, and the earliest one will be started at 5:35 a.m. while the last one will be departed at 12:20 p.m. The ordinary fair and the first class fair are HK$18 and HK$36 respectively from Hung Hom to Sheung Shui.

8. Tram
The tram service has been started in 1904 and it is the oldest transportation system in Hong Kong. It only services the Hong Kong Island running from Kennedy Town to Shau Kei Wan plus another route to Happy Valley. The earliest tram starts at 6: 00 a.m. and run until 1:00 p.m. and the fair is HK$ 2 for adult and HK$ 1 for children under age12. It is the cheapest transportation in Hong Kong, and you are highly recommended to take a ride at the upper stairs so that you could enjoy all the street scenery of Hong Kong.

9. Star Ferry
The scenery of Hong Kong harbor is famous in the world, especially the night scenery. Besides, there is spectacular light show by the commercial buildings in the Hong Kong island at 8:00 p.m. every night which you must not miss. The Star Ferry has been serving on the harbor for more than 100 years, and the fair is less than HK$3 per rides. You could take the Star Ferry from Cental to Tsim Sha Tsui at around 8:00 p.m. You could enjoy the harbor scenery on the ferry and continue with the light show at the Starlight Road of Tsim Sha Tsui.

10. Hong Kong International Airport
The most convenient route to the Hong Kong International Airport is through the MTR which takes about 23 minutes from Central. It passes through stations of Kowloon, Olympic, Tsing Yi, and the train will be departed for every ten minutes. With the MTR, you would never miss the airplane due to the traditional traffic jam. Other than the MTR, you could take the Airport Bus which starts from 6:00 a.m. at the morning until 11:00 p.m. at night. It covers most part of Hong Kong Island and Kowloon with major hotels.

New Places to Live and Retire Around the World

Places to Live in the World: Emerging Alternatives

From Canada to Europe, Africa to Asia, it’s time for a fresh look By Phillip Townsend

The advent of fast Internet communication and inexpensive air travel makes it easier to turn any far-flung paradise into a permanent home. Which places in the world have the most to offer? The perfect place to live or retire, of course depends on your idea of perfection.

I’m taking a different approach for this article. Instead of giving an overview of the better-known and increasingly-popular expatriate destinations around the world (Mexico, Costa Rica, Belize, Panama, Nicaragua, Ecuador, France, Spain, Portugal, Italy, etc.), I’ve decided to introduce you to the below 7 locales you probably don’t know much about. All offer affordability and abundant recreational and cultural opportunities.

Nova ScotiaJust east of Maine, in the North Atlantic, Nova Scotia’s pristine coast is slowly becoming a sought-after affordable getaway. Only two hours from New York or Boston, it feels a world away. A pleasingly crowd-free province on Canada’s Atlantic Coast, little-known Nova Scotia could just be the perfect full- or part-time retreat. Halifax, the capital, has been luring tourists for years. Waterfront cafes, European architecture, and spectacular seafood keep them coming back. Nova Scotia’s Cape Breton Island boasts the some of the best scenery in the world, from the picturesque highlands to the picturesque Bras d’Or Lake (pronounced “bra door”), with the Atlantic Ocean as a backdrop. In the winter months, the Gulf Stream keeps the climate milder than most northern U.S. states, with the area more rain showers than snow storms. Picture the American East Coast a century ago, and you get a feel for what Nova Scotia is like. Almost an island, it is best known for its stunning coastline, sleepy seaside towns and friendly people. The province’s natural beauty, cheap real estate and low cost of living make it well worth a look: oceanfront lots start at $10,000, three-bedroom homes on acreage from $50,000. A lobster dinner with a bottle of good local wine set you back no more than a twenty spot. Scenes of the Hollywood blockbuster Titanic were shot in Nova Scotia, and celebrities including Jack Nicholson, Demi Moore and Billy Joel maintain summer homes here.

CaribbeanAlmost everyone has had dreams of living a laid-back, stress-free life on a tropical island. One by one, the Caribbean islands were discovered and eventually became sadly over-developed, terribly over-crowded, and ridiculously over-priced. Unfortunately, due to mass tourism, most places in the Caribbean have become little more than artificial, tropical Disneylands with luxury hotels and all-inclusive resorts. But there is one place that still maintains its original charm and natural beauty. This place is quite inexpensive (by Caribbean standards) and is virtually unspoiled. Relatively undiscovered, here, you can still find ocean view lots for as little as $22,000 and have a small cottage built for prices starting at $25,000. To protect it from the fate of its Caribbean cousins, I won’t reveal the name of this special place just yet. You can find a link to more information at the end of this article.CubaThink Cuba, and vivid images come to mind: of men in Guayabera shirts and Panama hats, tropical breezes and cool drinks, steamy Latin rhythms and sultry women. It has always been an intriguing place, steeped in truth and in fiction by the novels of Ernest Hemingway. Because travel to Cuba is restricted by the U.S. government, relatively few Americans visit the island each year. While their counterparts from Europe, Canada and Latin America bask in the warm Cuban sun, most U.S. citizens can only hope to experience this “pearl” of the Caribbean after Castro is gone. Of those who do manage to get to Cuba via Mexico or Canada, few are disappointed. The largest Caribbean island (pop. 11 million), Cuba is also one of the most beautiful and unspoiled. There are miles of pristine, underdeveloped beaches, tropical forests teeming with wildlife and some of the best deep-sea fishing, scuba diving and snorkeling the world has to offer. And there is Havana, not only the capital of Cuba, but also long the most important city in the Caribbean. With tourism once again thriving, Havana has regained much of its past allure. Famous old bars, restaurants and hotels are enjoying a proud comeback, and stunning new places are being built. As one taxi driver put it, “We have the best cigars, best rum, best music, and most beautiful women in the world. What more could anyone want?”

RomaniaBest known for Transylvania, the legendary home of Count Dracula, Romania is steeped in history, myth and folklore. Unlike other Eastern European countries with Slavic origins, Romania, whose name means ‘land of the Romans,’ absorbed much of the culture, religion, and language of the Roman Empire. Bordered by the Black Sea (which is being called “The Next Riviera”) and the Danube River, with the Transylvanian Alps and Carpathian Mountains nestled in the center of the country, Romania has long stretches of seacoast, mountains, forests, medieval villages and gothic castles galore, giving it all the makings of a fairy-tale setting. The capital Bucharest, a former communist citadel, has a growing number of discos, while restaurants at most major hotels double as nightclubs, there are several Parisian-style cafAs, and cheap wines and plum brandy flow freely everywhere. Due to its wide boulevards, sidewalk cafAs, and Triumphal Arch, Bucharest, was known as the “Paris of the Balkans” prior to World War II. Today the city’s 19th century neoclassical architecture and numerous tree-lined streets still maintain its charm. A sizable enclave of foreigners (Germans, Jews, Turks, Russians, Ukrainians, Serbs, Croats, and Gypsies) live in Romania. French is the most widely-spoken second language and English is spoken by many of the younger generation. The real estate prices are some of the lowest in all Europe (the country’s economic woes spells opportunity for you).

Malaysia

Asia’s best-kept secret for expatriates, Malaysia has a vibrant mix of foreign and indigenous tribal cultures, creating a veritable melting pot of peoples, traditions and religions. A sizable enclave of foreigners (Brits, Americans, Australians, and Canadians) live full time or maintain holiday homes in Malaysia, and you’ll find that just about everybody speaks English, since its compulsory in local schools. Not only are three world-class playgrounds (Thailand, Bali, and the Philippines) all within a few hour’s travel from Malaysia, but miles of beaches and numerous coastal islands add to its tropical appeal. Despite being the capital of a developing nation, Kuala Lumpur is a modern cosmopolitan with clean streets and every modern convenience to found in New York or London. Compared with other major Asian cities (Tokyo, Singapore, and Hong Kong, for example), Kuala Lumpur is downright cheap. The cost of 2-bedroom rental apartments begins at around $225 per month and 3-bedroom houses start at $35,000. Naturally, comparable housing in expatriate communities or the luxurious homes that date from British colonial period can set you back considerably more.

New ZealandImagine an interesting land of breathtaking and contrasting scenery: craggy coastlines, golden beaches, lush forests, snow-capped mountains, bubbling volcanic pools, fish-filled rivers and glacier-fed lakes, all beneath a brilliant blue sky. New Zealand is accessible, spread over three relatively small islands with modern and efficient transport, quiet roads, plenty of flights and two stunningly scenic rail journeys. Other pluses are friendly, English-speaking people, virtually no crime, and a trio of rich cultural influences: adventurous Polynesian navigators (Maori), pioneering European settlers who followed a thousand years later, and modern Pacific Rim immigrants. The plant and animal life are unmatched, giving opportunities for close-up experiences with birdlife (including kiwis), seals, dolphins and whales. Enjoy the chance to explore two of the richest wine regions on the planet, taste wonderful cuisine, stroll on sandy beaches. Prefer urban living? Immerse yourself in the culture of the capital Wellington or the large cities of Auckland or Christchurch.

TanzaniaMany people tend to associate African countries with wars, famine and political unrest rather than the good life, but Zanzibar, Tanzania is an exception. Located only a short distance off the east coast of Africa, exotic Zanzibar has lured explorers, traders and colonists for centuries. The islands’ powdery white sand beaches, swaying palm trees and turquoise waters continue to attract European and Asian tourists. Outside of an unusual mix of black African and Arab cultures, you’ll find the islands teeming with tropical forests, remote villages and idyllic coastline. Despite flare-ups between residents of Zanzibar Island and the smaller island of Pemba (due to differing views on unification with the mainland), Zanzibar is usually quite stable. Cheap real estate (oceanfront or raw land with fruit trees), mouth-watering seafood, some of the world’s best scuba diving, and pure tropical bliss make it an attractive expatriate haven. A few wealthy Europeans and African aristocrats have already made Zanzibar and mainland Tanzania home. Why not join them?

RESOURCES

For more information about living abroad, visit: www.nsliving.info

For travel articles and news from countries around the world, visit: www.worldcountries.info

About the Author

Phillip Townsend, an international reloacation consultant, is the author of Passport to Canada: The Complete Guide to Living and Retiring in Nova Scotia, and the special report The Caribbean’s Best Kept Secret. His website is www.nsliving.info

Melaka – the Historical City

Melaka (formerly known as Malacca), the third smallest state in Malaysia, is known for it’s historical prominence and it’s cultural appeal. Taking time off to have a holiday here will be an exciting experience.

Today, Melaka possesses a charm that is all it’s own. Many tourist from all over the world come here to admire the historical architectures that are in abundance. In the 16th century, Melaka enjoyed a reputation as being the foremost maritime trading centre in the region. It also set the stage on which the Portuguese, Chinese, Dutch and the English, played their roles in shaping history.

It is the ideal place for those who are hunting for treasures of the past, if they look deep into it’s quaint shops for curios and antiques. Melaka was founded by a fleeing prince from Sumatra, Parameswara, back in 1936. Parameswara named his sultanate after the ‘Melaka’ tree.

Here you will find a rich multi-cultural heritage of people, beginning from their unique customs and traditions, food, festivals, dances, buildings and lifestyles. There are many places of interest throughout the state.

Stadthuys – built in 1650 as the official residence of Dutch governors and it’s officers. It was originally white but later given a striking salmon-red colour to match the nearby Christ Church.

St. John’s Fort – located on St John’s hill, originally used as a Portuguese chapel dedicated to St John the Baptist. The fort has an interesting feature; cannons face inland as during that time attacks on Melaka came mainly from the the hinterland instead of from the sea.

Portugese Square – located within the Portuguese settlement, which is 3km away from the city. Built in the late 1980’s the square is inspired by the Portuguese Mercado. There are cultural shows every Saturday evening here.

Porta de Santiago – This is a prominent landmark, almost synonymous with Melaka, was a fortress built by the Portuguese admiral, Alfonso d’ Albuquerque in 1511. It was badly damaged during the Dutch invasion in 1641. Timely intervention by Sir Stamford Raffles, a British official, in 1808 saved what remains of the A’Famosa today.

Hang Tuah’s Mausoleum – This famous Malay warrior served as the admiral of Melaka’s naval forces and defended successfully countless attacks against Melaka. The outstanding military exploits of Hang Tuah and his 4 comrades, made him a legend in the history of Melaka.

Hang Li Po’s Well – Built by the followers of Hang Li Po, the well was the only source of water during great droughts. The Dutch enclosed it with stout walls to reserve it for their exclusive use. Today, it enjoys a reputation as a wishing well.

Christ Church – Situated adjacent to the Stadthuys, this bright red structure is testimony to Dutch architectural ingenuity. Interesting features include the church’s handmade pews, ceiling beams (constructed without joints), brass bible, tombstone and ‘The Last Supper’ in glazed tiles.

St Paul’s Church – St Francis Xavier was buried in the open grave here in 1553, before his body was transferred to Goa India. The church has a commanding view of Melaka.

The list goes on and on with interesting places here in Melaka, the above are just the tip of the iceberg. The state is also much sought after for medical education, with the setting up of the Melaka Manipal Medical College. Since it’s inception in 1997, the college has produced many doctors in and out of the country.

So remember, if you are a treasure seeker, Melaka is a trove of activities and nature pursuits. Come for the fun, hail a trishaw for a ride along streets that wind through a colourful mishmash of architectural styles. This historical city is without a doubt, unbeatable!

Combination of two famous taste of the world

Indian Chinese Cuisine is the adaptation of Chinese seasoning and cooking techniques to Indian tastes. It is widespread in certain localities in India, and is also enjoyed by people in Malaysia, Singapore and North America. Visit www.indomunch.com to get to know the different tastes of Indian-Chinese food.
Features:
Foods tend to be flavoured with spices not traditionally associated with Chinese cuisine, such as cumin, coriander, and tumeric. Hot chili, ginger, garlic and yogurt are also frequently used in dishes . This makes Indian Chinese food similar in taste to many ethnic dishes in Southeast Asian countries such as Singapore and Malaysia, which have strong Chinese and Indian cultural influences.
Non-staple dishes are by default served with generous helpings of gravy, although they can also be ordered “dry” or “without gravy”. Culinary styles often seen in Indian Chinese fare include chili (implying hot and batter-fried), Manchurian (implying a sweet and salty brown sauce), and Szechwan (Sichuan, implying a spicy red sauce). These correspond loosely, if at all, with authentic Chinese food preparation. Scallions and soy sauce are used in plenty to add a “Chinese touch” to the food.
Popular Entrees:
Appetizers
1. Crunchy Okra
2. Salt & Pepper Gobi
3. Salt & Pepper Paneer
4. Chicken Lollipop
5. Chicken 65
Main Entrees:
1. Vegetable Manchurian
2. Chili Paneer Gravy
3. Chili chicken Gravy
4. Chicken Manchurian
5. Chicken Munch Special
6. Lamb Manchurian
7. Szechuan Lamb
8. Fish in Hot Garlic
9. Lemon Fish
10. Salt & Pepper Prawn

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