New Blog New Life

Due to non access of blogspot.com in China, I have now moved to new blog address.

Click : http://phototravel.aminus3.com/

Thank you for all your comments the past 2 1/2 years. Unfortunately, I am not able to read your blogs as long as I am stucked here in China.

Effective September 30, 2007.

Life Around Tonle Sap Lake

Tonle Sap, the combined lake and river system is of huge importance to Cambodia. It is the largest freshwater lake in Southeast Asia.

Millions of people live on the floodplain around the Tonle Sap and there are a few hundreds floating villages on the lake itself.

Fishery is the dominant activity for the villagers of Tonle Sap. In fact, the lake system is one of the most productive inland fisheries in the world.

For most of the year the lake is a fairly small lake, only around one metre deep.

During the monsoon season, however, the Tonle Sap river which connects the lake with the Mekong river reverses its flow.

Water is pushed up from the Mekong into the lake, increasing its depth to up to nine metres, flooding nearby fields and forests. The floodplain as the results of the pulsing system provides a perfect breeding ground for fish.

Many kids were seen loitering everywhere. Many sell bananas hoping to earn some money. Please buy my bananas ! All they could say was the same "One dollar" and stuck out their pointer as indication.

During April, it was extremely hot out there in the lake. The kids looked very tanned and dark. I am sure it is hard life out there.

Foreign tourists were also approached quickly by beggar kids, hoping to get tips (money). According to our tour guide, these poor kids were Vietnamese.

Some of the kids used just small basins to paddle around to ask for money. It was sad sight that to see this kid has one lost limb.

The children go to a floating school nearby. It is good to see that at least these kids are given some sort of education despite the poor living conditions. But the school isn't big enough to accommodate all of them.

Some of these schools are often funded by foreign governments like Korea, Japan, etc. Seen here is a floating caged basketball court as above.

Initially I felt pity. It was a mixed feeling. I gave some of them money.

There is a great chance to volunteer, plenty of programs - an opportunity to participate in meaningful community service.

Check this site : Volunteer Abroad

Eye On Malaysia

In 2007, Malaysia celebrates its 50th year of nationhood. Hurray.

As part of Visit Malaysia Year 2007 is the iconic viewing wheel, as one of the 50 major attractions introduced by the Tourism Ministry to woo tourists.

The Eye on Malaysia - the RM 30 million (wah, so expensive !!) ferris wheel that comprises of 42 gondolas (similar to the London Eye) is located at Titiwangsa Lake Gardens.

The wheel allows visitors to experience a 360-degree skyline view of Kuala Lumpur during a 12-minute ride that goes 60 metres high.

Eye on Malaysia, originally installed in Paris is quite a hit among locals and tourists.

Although I have initially expected the ferris wheel to be larger and in fact, rather disappointed at first glance, but I quite like the reflection of the high structure on the Titiwangsa Lake.

I did not get onto the EYE. I guess as a Malaysian, I should have for once at least. It was too hot that noon.

Another snapshot of the reflected ferris wheel from the lake. It would be nice to have some night shots and stayed on for the water and light displaying but I was a little too tired. It was another 2 - 3 hours wait. For pictures, do visit bloom, flowers, bloom - EYE on Malaysia.

An exclusive VIP gondola has also been outfitted to include plush leather seats fit for a king, a mini fridge, a DVD player, a plasma TV and a mobile telephone.

Apart from the gondola ride, one can also enjoy other attractions ie. the International Watersky Spectacular. Malaysia welcomes you.

The park is also a good place for jogging, canoeing, "paktoh" and awhole lot of other activities.

Made of fish meat that is grounded to a paste and mixed with sago flour, and then deep-fried, the keropok is crispy on the outside, chewy on the inside. One of my favorites and best eaten with sweet and spicy chilli sauce.

Eye on Malaysia but Made in China (alamak !). To some extent, it just can't help - "Made in China. Sold everywhere" - in today's world through globalization, China has rapidly become an economic superpower. A place where I will be heading next.