Dang Ke Cuong: Hoi An

Photo © Dang Ke Cuong-All Rights Reserved

I thought I'd feature the work of Hoi An based photographer Dang Ke Cuong, who specializes in scenes of Hoi An and its environs.

Whilst walking the streets of photogenic Hoi An, I saw some of my photo expedition group members in  Dang Ke Cuong's photography store-gallery. I joined in, and agreed with them that his photographs were admirable. I believe some were purchased by one of our group members.

I recall liking Dang's monochrome work, especially his environmental portraits and those made in the countryside of Hoi An.

Seeing his photographs of the Chinese fishing nets, Maika and I asked for Dang's assistance to set up a half day boat trip to do so, but unfortunately the previous days' storms had swelled the waters too high, and the fishermen were waiting for the water level to subside...so it couldn't be done.

Siang Lin Muar Assam Fish Restaurant (祥林巴东亚叁鱼) at Sakeh, Muar.

The Siang Lin Restaurant (N2.05395 E102.58461) is located along Jalan Sakeh of Muar town. It was recommended by the owner of Restaurant KK at Rosmerah area of Taman Johor Jaya. Advise not to take the address and find the restaurant, because it has no street name...we spend almost 45 minutes to find the shop. Well, the best way is using GPS device and the restaurant is marked in Malfreemaps.

Restoran Siang Lin

The restaurant was crowded when we were there on the Saturday evening...waited for about 15 minutes for our table and waste no time! Order our favorite dishes immediately!
*  Same as Merlin Restaurant, we have to place the order at the kitchen.

The order :-
*  Assam Fish
*  The Dragon Tougue (dry type of fish)
*  Sambal Sotong (squid)
*  Steam Lala (clam)

The Muar Assam Fish

The Dragon Tougue (fish)

Sambal sotong

Steamed lala (clams) with chili padi

All the taste of the dishes were above average! Similar to the 2 restaurant I mentioned above - Merlin Restaurant and Restaurant KK.
The Assam fish was nice and tender, but the Assam soup was cooked to the perfect taste! I prefer the assam soup here than the other two...the sambal sotong was above average. Dragon tougue fish was normal, the clams was Nice! The taste was unique and hardly can find in Johor Bahru area...
The dinner was great and satisfied!

The Damage : About RM35 included drinks for 2 adults and 1 child. (Reasonable!)

It's worth for another visit! And it's one of the Assam Fish Restaurant you cannot miss if you are fans of Assam fish!

Restoran Siang Lin (祥林巴东亚叁鱼)
No. 251, Taman Sri Emas 4, 84000 Muar, Johor.
Tel. : 06-9510044
Business hours : Opens daily during lunch and dinner hours

Location map of Siang Lin Restaurant at Sakeh, Muar

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Catru: A Vietnamese Musical Tradition

I had never heard of Catru before, but I happened to find a brochure about it in the wonderful Golden Silk Boutique Hotel, whose location and staff made it our home during my Vietnam photo expedition.

Reading that Catru is a Vietnamese religious music genre, and born in the tradition of northern Vietnam, I made it an option for the participants of the expedition to attend one of its performances which are held in a restored 110 years old building (known as nha co) at 87 Ma May street in Old Hanoi. My reasoning from a practical standpoint was simple; record the performance so as to provide ambient background to the multimedia projects produced out of this trip.

Catru was already played during the 15th century during ceremonies at the Vietnamese court, but during the 1950s fell in disrepute due to its association with opium and the like.

The musician/singer in the above photograph is Ms Pham Thi Hue, a famous practitioner of this art form, who performed beautiful musical pieces during the hour-long session.

Catru Thang Long has a wonderful website, with video clips and background.

The Portraitist Of Hang Ngang Street

Photo © Tewfic El-Sawy

Little excites me more than walking the streets of a crowded and vibrant city like Hanoi, and meeting people with stories, history and talent in whatever craft they exercise. Nguyen Bao Nguyen is one of those.

Walking down Hang Ngang Street in old Hanoi, I stopped at Nguyen's storefront/atelier...drawn by his very realistic portraits of French and American actors, and other luminaries as well as other common folk. His store's walls covered with his work, showing erstwhile French actors such as Jean Gabin, Yves Montand and even Alain Delon...Gary Cooper and John Wayne represented the United States.

Nguyen's craft is in drawing/copying old (or damaged) photographs in exquisite details; a painstaking task that can take him many days. Very cheerful, he announced that his English wasn't too fluent, and his French was somewhat limited.

Notwithstanding, we got along well...and he immediately grasped I wanted to make a short story of him and his work. He was very proud I had come into his "atelier" as he described it, and it took no effort whatsoever to have him speak of his work, his youth and his work. Normally, I have to goad the person I'm interviewing to talk more, but Nguyen needed no encouragement whatsoever.

Returning to my hotel, I listened to the audio I had captured during my couple of hours with him, and it was fine and perfectly suited to what I hope to produce.  Depending on what I find in the couple of days to come, I may well return for another photo shoot at Nguyen's storefront.

Restaurant Lan Jie (兰姐 - sister Lan) - Steamed Tilapia Fish at Jalan Balakong, Cheras - Kuala Lumpur.

Thanks to my friend - Michael who brought us to Balakong at Kuala Lumpur to tried out the Famous Steamed Tilapia (清蒸非洲鱼) from Lan Jie Restaurant (N3.03883 E101.76858). The restaurant is located along Jalan Kasturi 3, Plaza Kasturi, behind the main road - Jalan Balakong and you notice the restaurant if you just pass-by...

We reached the restaurant quite early and the place was empty...my friend ordered for us and we just sit back and wait...

The prices of the dishes serve by the restaurant was presented clearly on the wall...after about 20-30 minutes, the signature dish served - The Steamed Tilapia! (Each of us took one fish...)

The steamed Tilapia from Lan Jie Restaurant

The fish was topped with soy sauce, garlic, ginger and chili padi, you can request for extra spicy if you can take it. The taste was 'fresh' and nice!

Normally, the steam Tilapia will has some muddy taste but the restaurant cooked it to perfect until there was No muddy taste at all! That was awesome!

Beside the Tilapia, we also had the stir fried bitter gourd with eggs and vegetables. The dinner was Great!

Apologies that I did not take the photo before we eat...only remember halfway....

The Damage was around RM80 for 4 persons included drinks. Reasonable!  During that time, the restaurant was almost full...

This restaurant is their branches, they have another outlet at Kota Damansara and if I'm not mistaken, they started from Rawang...

If you pass-by Balakong area, do try it out! It's worth the visit. :)

Restaurant Lan Jie
10G & 12G, Jalan Kasturi 3,
Plaza Kasturi, Batu 11,
Jalan Balakong, 43200 Cheras, Selangor

Tel: 016 248 2009 / 012-366 2434 / 012 396 2953
Business hour : 11am-3pm, 6pm to 9.30pm

Location map of Lan Jie Restaurant at Jalan Balakong, Kuala Lumpur.

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In Sapa...Or Is It Sa Pa?

After a somewhat restless night spent on the Victoria Hotel Express Train from Hanoi to Lao Cai, we are now in Sa Pa...the launching hub for treks into the territories of the hill tribes such as the H'mong, Red Zao and Zao. Visiting minorities always carries issues relating to whether payment should be made for taking photographs of these very photogenic people. But I have no time here to go in any depth as to what is right or wrong.

However, if the Red Zao and H'mong seek to sell some of their handmade wares to visitors, I see no wrong in buying a trinket against taking photographs of their lifestyles. Having no need for the stuff they sell, I decided to buy large pack of biscuits/cookies for a group of Red Zao women, and gave it to them as an expression of 'giving back'.

That said, the Red Zao (in particular Mamei -shown in the lower photograph-) are incredibly persistent...some do so with humor and wit, while others do it less well and it becomes a drag. 

Notwithstanding these issues, the eventful day will be on Sunday during the Bac Ha market during which many of the hill tribes come down from their villages to the market to sell, buy, socialize and so forth.

O'Nine Lounge - Grill - Bistro at Plaza Sentosa, Johor Bahru.

O'Nine Lounge - Grill - Bistro (N1.49260 E103.76892) is located kind of 'on the air' in the middle of Plaza Sentosa (formally known as Lian Hoe Complex), Johor Bahru.
I was attracted by the structure as you can see it from the photo below...feel like a 'hanging' cafe in the air...another attraction of the Lounge is the Aquarium Bar, as far as I know, this is the 'First' Lounge in Johor Bahru with this decoration!

We had to thanks Groupon.my by giving us a opportunity to try out the food in the cafe. I bought 2 coupons and visited the place on one of the Saturday evening...

Before I show you the foods, let me show you around the cafe...

The O'Nine Lounge ~ Grill ~ Bistro at Plaza Sentosa

You be able to see the activities at the ground floor from the cafe...

The Aquarium Bar

And the fishes...don't expect big quantity of fish like normal aquarium...

Some fishes spotted in the aquarium...

The packages we purchased was served with the Starter choices of 'Calamari' or 'Chicken fajitas with nachos'. We took both of them...
The Main Course:-
*  Grilled Australian rib eye steak or
*  Pan-fried fresh Salmon or
*  Napolean style grilled lamb cutlet
I took the rib eye steak and my daughter had the Pan-fried Salmon...
The coupons also provided with free flow of Coke or Sprite soft drink and the 16% taxes included. It was a Good discount!

Chicken fajitas with nachos (Starter)

Calamari (Starter)

Grilled Australian rib eye steak (Main course)

Pan-fried fresh Salmon (Main course)

The environment was nice and unique! It was a total different experience dining in the air! Especially with the nice ventilation! They do serve beers, and you can start your 'Happy Hour' in the cafe during the hot sunny day! :)

The foods were just average...well, nothing to shout about if compare with those nice western food restaurant in Johor Bahru. But the environment is attractive, I will encourage my friends to visit at least once or having a small gathering in the cafe.

O'Nine Lounge ~ Grill ~ Bistro at Plaza Sentosa, 
Johor Bahru.

Lot 1 & 1A, Block B, Plaza Sentosa,
Jalan Sutera, Taman Sentosa
Johor Bahru, Johor 80150

Location map of O'Nine Lounge, Grill, Bistro at Plaza Sentosa, Johor Bahru

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In Hue....Day Two

Photo © Tewfic El-Sawy-All Rights Reserved

Having driven from Da Nang to Hue yesterday, I noticed a Cao Đài temple close to our hotel. I had wanted to visit and photograph the rituals associated with this religious tradition for quite a while now, so the presence of this temple was extremely exciting.

Cao Đài is a syncretistic, monotheistic religion, officially established in the city of Tây Ninh, southern Vietnam in 1926. Its adherents engage in ethical practices such as prayer, veneration of ancestors, nonviolence, and vegetarianism. Estimates of its adherents range from 3 to 6 million, most of which are in Vietnam. Some of its saints are Buddha, Jesus Christ, Mohammed, William Shakespeare, Joan of Arc and Napoleon Bonaparte.

Following a few telephone calls and a visit by Maika Elan and Quoc Anh, we secured the approval of the head priest to photograph its daily prayer at noon. Both Maika and I had to meet him again this morning, and to reassure him that we were serious photographers, interested in documenting world religions.

We were allowed to photograph at will during the prayer ceremony, and to interview the congregation. It was extremely fortuitous that we were allowed to do so, as my understanding that the main Cao Đài temple in Southern Vietnam doesn't allow visitors except on the upper balconies during prayer times.

Photo © Quoc "Ron" Anh- All Rights Reserved

Asia's First LEGOLAND open to public!

"Johor, 15 September 2012 – LEGOLAND® Malaysia opened its gates today to thousands of excited children and their families. The first international theme park in Malaysia has more than 40 rides, shows and attractions spread over 76 acres. Eager guests enjoyed a special performance by a marching brass band, flown in from the home of the original LEGOLAND Park in Denmark. Greeted by confetti and costume characters, guests entered the turnstiles for the first time.

LEGOLAND® Malaysia, the sixth LEGOLAND Park in the world, is an interactive and educational experience created for families with children between the ages of 2 and 12. For the LEGO® fan, the Park will be the ultimate LEGO “clubhouse.” Future plans are already in place for LEGOLAND Malaysia to be the largest family destination resort in Southeast Asia. A Water Park and Hotel are already under construction for opening in 2013 and 2014."

We were there around 8.30am and the area was packed.

The Main Entrance of LEGOLAND Malaysia

There were peoples from Media and also visitors who like to witness the 'Open' of the First LEGOLAND in Asia. The Management had prepared many entertainment shows for the opening in morning session...

There was a Magic show that I missed! Well, it's alright...at least I watch the Billund Marching Band from Denmark. The Band is form by a group of teenager and they performed very well!

The Billund Marching Band from Denmark

The entertainment show of the day...

The Big LEGO

The Big Dance from the staffs of LEGOLAND

Follow by the management staff from LEGOLAND...

And the General Manager from LEGOLAND...

After all the shows, all the visitiors were queue up to enter the Theme Park which open on 10am and the General Manager served the 'First' customer of the day!

The first kid who enter the LEGOLAND Malaysia...

For us, we continued to tour around the park and there were actually surprises waited for us...and the weather as usual...Hot and Humid!

First, the vehicles, ships and many many miniatures were moving automatically according to the program! That was really Awesome!

The Train Station of Johor Bahru. The train was moving...

Fortunately, I met one of the Blogger from Kuala Lumpur - Mr David (http://blog.malaysia-asia.my/) in Miniland...

David in action!

"In Miniland, children become giants among Asia’s best known cities, countries and landmarks, entirely made out of LEGO bricks on a scale of 1:20."

There were many Cloth Dryer boxes around the Adventure Land, if you get wet after the water ride, no worries...just step into the box and it will blow you up till you dry! But don't forget to fill the RM5 note. One of the Surprise! :)

The Cloth Dryer Boxes

Beside this, I saw a Symphony pool next to the Pizza Mania Restaurant. Nice music played by the instruments which built by LEGO bricks!

The Symphony pool

The Children Driving School which my daughter missed it on our last visit...

Our teammates can't hold themselves to ride on the Project X Roller Coaster again! They really young in heart and had their fun in the park! Haha!

The Project X Roller Coaster

We managed to watched the 4D show in the theater on this visit, it was Great and Total Different Experience of the 15 minutes show! Must watch! :)

Everyone is provide with the glasses and will return it after the show...

The 4D Theater in LEGOLAND Malaysia

With the snow, rain and wind goes along the 45 minutes 3D video clip, I said...it had the Thirll! :)

"LEGOLAND® Malaysia family theme park is owned by Themed Attractions and Resorts Sdn. Bhd. (TAR), Iskandar Investment Berhad (IIB) and Merlin Entertainments Group and is operated by Merlin Entertainments."

Too bad, we only be able to hold ourself till 4pm because of the weather and we miss the Fireworks on that evening!

Related post :
*  Sneak Preview of Legoland Malaysia at Iskandar Johor. (Part 1)
*  Sneak Preview of Legoland Malaysia at Iskandar Johor. (Part 2) 
*  Enjoy the Rides in LEGOLAND® Malaysia (Pt.1)
*  Enjoy the Rides and Fun in LEGOLAND Malaysia. (Pt. 2)
*  The Miniland (photos) in LEGOLAND Malaysia, Johor.

LEGOLAND® Malaysia

http://www.legoland.com.my

Location map of LEGOLAND Malaysia, Johor

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