blog posts
Blog posts are presented in a different format for ease in finding subject matter. For general information relating to my background click ‘About Me’ below.
Sounds of Borneo
Sounds of Boreno. Presented a week before Malaysia Day (16 September), this concert is a manifestation of the power of music and the role of the Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra (MPO) in nation-building. As a medium to forge better appreciation and love for local music (including folksongs)…
Recipes
Cooking A Few of my Favorite RecipesIncluded with a few recipes, at the bottom is a history of Saffron. A spice said to be as old as humanity, and in use since the Stone age. Traces of saffron pigment were proved by modern methods in a prehistoric cave in Iraq, and in...
San Francisco CA
San Francisco is a city with a long and rich history. Founded in 1776 by Spanish settlers, the city was originally named “Yerba Buena” after the native plant that was abundant in the area. In 1846, the city was renamed “San Francisco” after Saint Francis of Assisi.
Alligator Pepper
Alligator pepper (mbongo spice or hepper pepper) is a West African spice made from the seeds and seed pods of Aframomum danielli, A. citratum or A. exscapum, a close relative of grains obtained from the closely related species, Aframomum melegueta or “grains of paradise”.
Saffron Spice
Saffron spice is as old as humanity. It has been used since the Stone age. Traces of saffron pigment were proved by modern methods in a prehistoric cave in Iraq and in wall painting in Santorini (Greece).
Baghali Ghatogh Persian Food
To my delight, Baghali Ghatogh was a food I experienced during ny sojourny in Iran several years ago. Baghali Ghatogh, or beans stew, is one of the oldest local dishes of Gilan cuisine. High in nutritional value, it’s a delicious and hearty stew whose main ingredients are Rashti beans, but can be prepared using lima beans instead.
Mouille Point
Mouille Point, Cape Town, South Africa. Tristan Lodge is located at No. 25, Beach Road, Mouille Point, where my son, Na’il, and I resided for about two years. Mouille (“MOO-lee”) Point is referred to as an affluent suburb of Cape Town, being very small, it is accessible by Main Road directly from Cape Town proper.
Penang Flyers
Penang flyers A group of friends enthusiastic about flying model airplanes as a hobby. They meet informally, as it depends on the time and availability of each person.
Donghuamen Night Market Beijing China
Donghuamen Night Market is located north of Donganmen Street in Beijing’s Dongcheng District. One can find a row of unusual food stalls. An array of Chinese food delicacies are on display with people bustling around to experience some new tastes.
Dining Accra Ghana
Dining Accra, Ghana. I arrived in Accra, Ghana’s capital city, on 26 December 2023 for an eight-day stay, departing 3 January 2024 for my return to Malaysia. In Accra, I will attend the AfroFuture Musical Festival and, while in-country, learn about the people, experience their cuisine, and understand more about their way of life.
Cape Coast Castle Accra Ghana
Cape Coast Castle is one of about forty “slave castles”, or large commercial forts, built on the Gold Coast of West Africa by European traders. It was originally a Portuguese “feitoria” or trading post, established in 1555, which they named Cabo Corso.
Kwame Nkrumah Memorial
Francis Kwame Nkrumah Memorial ParkAccra, Ghana 29 Dec 2023
Accra Ghana New Years Eve 2023
New Years Eve La Palm Royal Beach Hotel Accra, Ghana, 31 Dec 2023 festivities
AfroFuture El Wak Stadium
I was in attendance at AfroFuture’s second night music fest held on 30 Dec 2023 at El War Stadium , Accra, Ghana. AroFuture has become fashionable and significant as a source for African music. It has created a platform that not only entertains but also educates and empowers, and extends far beyond its music and fests’ to serve as a memorial of the rich history of Africa.
Accra Ghana December 2023
Accra is the capital city of Ghana, its largest city, and administrative, communications, and economic center of the country. Beginning in the late thirteenth century, Ghana was inhabited by a number of ancient kingdoms, including an inland kingdom within the Ashanti Confederacy and various Fante states along the coast.
Jiashi Chinese Restaurant
This is a charming Thai style house located in the heart of Bangkok where original Royal Thai Cuisine is served in a traditional manner for both lunch and dinner. Occassional Visits2022-2023 Welcome ToGurney Drive I visit here occasionally, usually during morning-time...
Dining Majestic Hotel
Contango is a luxuriously designed contemporary restaurant featuring an open kitchen with an interactive dining concept. The cuisine is prepared to order, and includes Western, Churassco Grill, Chinese, Japanese, Malay and Thai.My Visit24 Nov 2023Dining Out inKuala...
Sibelius Violin Concerto
Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra Gerard Salonga and Low Zi Yang Sibelius Violin Concerto 20-mins Intermission DVOŘÁK Symphony No. 8 Esplanade Concert Hall, 8:30 PM, Sat, 25 March 2023 Gerard Salonga - Conductor Low Zi Yang - ViolinYoung Malaysian talent Low Zi Yang...
Immersive Disney Animation
Marina Bay Sans Singapore IMMERSIVE DISNEY ANIMATION custom-designed interactive Animation exhibits experiencing iconic songs and scenes from over 40 of Disney’s beloved animated film My Visit 24 Nov 2023 Commentary The Immersive Disney Animation is in Singapore...
Hai Di Lao Hot Pot
Hai Di Lao, which means “fishing in the bottom of the sea” in Mandarin, refers to fortune found in the Sichuan Province of mainland China⎯known for its idiosyncratic approach to customer service with customers offered free massages and manicures as they wait for a...
Chicken Noodle Soup
About this Recipe A classic old fashioned chicken noodle soup with all the staple ingredients like chicken, veggies, buttery noodles, and chicken broth to made this recipe the homemade soup of dreams. Servings 8-10 Prep Time 20 mins Cook Time: 1 hr Instrument:...