With this ost I want to begin the exploration of the places connected with Pirates. It's clear, the first step has to be in the direction of their capital. Ane the capital of pirates was Île de la Tortue, island Tortuga in Caribbean sea, a part of Haiti.
The name means "Turtle Island" and is so because the same island is similar to a tortoise.
Because it was the major center of Caribbean piracy, the island is very famous now among the tourists that like to visit it. Well, this means probably the prices have to be "special", but I did not find information about it in other sites and do not know anybody, who just visited this paradise.
By the way, the first photo is from the other Turtle Island, in Venezuela. But I thought, the landscapes have to be similar. More or less.
What is interesting, the Franch governors had nothing against the corsars because thought, they protect the territory from other, maybe more dangerous enemies. And maybe they were right.
Many persons go there looking for treasures of the pirates. I did not find notices that somebody found them. It means, we can be those fortunate, if we go there! :0)
Sunday, February 28, 2010
Jawa Mee & Char Kuey Tiaw at Jin Shan (金山) Kopitiam, Butterworth
Jin Shan (金山) Kopitiam (N5 24.851 E100 23.079) is located Taman Bagan, Butterworth - Penang Mainland. This is one of my favorite kopitiam at Butterworth which I will visit it every time...
The foods here are not Very good but most of them are above average. There are many stalls selling the authentic Penang foods. One of my favorite food is Jawa Mee (Noodle).
Jawa Mee, or Mee Jawa, is a Penang Nyonya-inspired noodle soup. Despite its name, Jawa Mee has its origin in the Peranakan kitchen far and away from Jawa. The type of Jawa Mee sold by hawkers has the noodle swimming in a transparent tomato-based gravy. It is topped with boiled eggs, boiled potatoes, one or two prawns, fritters, slices of beancurd, a sprinkling of fried grounded peanuts, and chilli paste to taste. Source from here.
It's very difficult to find a decent Jawa Mee at Johor Bahru area, most of the hawkers at JB are not really know what is 'Jawa Mee' and they normally sell 'Mee Rebus' to imitate this famous food of Penang!
Friends told me that there is another stall located along Jalan Raja Uda which is famous of the Jawa Mee, but I am not able to taste it in this trip. The Jawa Mee served in this kopitiam was above average, and I love to have it at least Once when I visit Butterworth.
Rated : 3.5/5
Rated : 3/5
If you happen to pass by this kopitiam, don't mind to have a try on variety of Penang foods which serve here. It might not the best, but at least temporary ease your temptation of the delicious Penang Food! :)
The foods here are not Very good but most of them are above average. There are many stalls selling the authentic Penang foods. One of my favorite food is Jawa Mee (Noodle).
Jawa Mee, or Mee Jawa, is a Penang Nyonya-inspired noodle soup. Despite its name, Jawa Mee has its origin in the Peranakan kitchen far and away from Jawa. The type of Jawa Mee sold by hawkers has the noodle swimming in a transparent tomato-based gravy. It is topped with boiled eggs, boiled potatoes, one or two prawns, fritters, slices of beancurd, a sprinkling of fried grounded peanuts, and chilli paste to taste. Source from here.
Jawa Mee of Butterworth
It's very difficult to find a decent Jawa Mee at Johor Bahru area, most of the hawkers at JB are not really know what is 'Jawa Mee' and they normally sell 'Mee Rebus' to imitate this famous food of Penang!
Friends told me that there is another stall located along Jalan Raja Uda which is famous of the Jawa Mee, but I am not able to taste it in this trip. The Jawa Mee served in this kopitiam was above average, and I love to have it at least Once when I visit Butterworth.
Rated : 3.5/5
Char Kuey Tiaw of Jin Shan Kopitiam
Another famous food I ordered is Char Kuey Tiaw (Fried rice noodle) which is also very famous in Penang. Same as the noodle above, taste average.Rated : 3/5
Location of Jin Shan Kopitiam
Thursday, February 25, 2010
Chinese New Year 2010 at Bukit Gambir, Muar
Chinese New Year, Lunar New Year, or Spring Festival is the most important of the traditional Chinese holidays. It is commonly called "Lunar New Year", because it is based on the lunisolar Chinese calendar. The festival traditionally begins on the first day of the first month (Chinese: 正月; pinyin: zhēng yuè) in the Chinese calendar and ends on the 15th; this day is called Lantern Festival. Chinese New Year's Eve is known as chú xī. It literally means "Year-pass Eve". Sources from Wiki.
The period around Chinese New Year is also the time of the largest human migration, when migrant workers in China, as well as overseas Chinese around the world travel home to have reunion dinners with their families on Chinese New Year's Eve. More interurban trips are taken in mainland China in this 40-day period than the total population of China. This period is called chunyun (春運 or 春运, Pinyin: chūn yùn). Sources from Wiki.
After the reunion dinner, some families go to local temples, hours before the new year begins to pray for a prosperous new year by lighting the first incense (Joss Stick) of the year; however in modern practice, many households hold parties and even hold a countdown to the new lunar year. Sources from Wiki.
I usually spent my Chinese (Lunar) New Year at Bukit Gambir - Muar once in 2 years. The routine is the same every year where everyone put on their New shirts and trousers after shower before having our Reunion dinner. Some families celebrate their Reunion during lunch. After the dinner, everyone are preparing for the Big day! Tables for praying, fire crackers and fireworks are in order.
Chinese New Year is the time to celebrate the family reunion and thanksgiving. Normally the Chinese will pray to gods for good luck, wealth and the family ancestors. The ceremony will take hours and follow by the burning the fire crackers and fireworks...
There are many items on the praying table...
Once the clock hit 12 midnight on the Eve, everyone are ready...most of them will pray for luck, wealth, everything they want on the coming year...
I'm always Love to capture the 'Fire' where all the joss sticks burns togerther...
After the praying ceremony, it's time everyone were waiting for...Fire crackers time!
They will burn as many as they can...
After the loud fire crackers noise on the Chinese New Year Eve (midnight), the show continue with the Fireworks!
Yes, you are right! It's a sleepless night!!
And you see all the children are happily holding the fireworks everywhere at this Serom and Bukit Gambir area.
The Chinese New Year atmosphere was very much better in the small towns or villages compare with the city area in Malaysia. I'm not sure about other country...
At this moment onwards, every Chinese are fill with Happy and Excitement!!
HAPPY CHINESE NEW YEAR!
Mythology
According to tales and legends, the beginning of Chinese New Year started with the fight against a mythical beast called the Nien (Chinese: 年; pinyin: nián). Nien would come on the first day of New Year to devour livestock, crops, and even villagers, especially children. To protect themselves, the villagers would put food in front of their doors at the beginning of every year. It was believed that after the Nien ate the food they prepared, it wouldn’t attack any more people. One time, people saw that the Nien was scared away by a little child wearing red. The villagers then understood that the Nien was afraid of the colour red. Hence, every time when the New Year was about to come, the villagers would hang red lanterns and red spring scrolls on windows and doors. People also used firecrackers to frighten away the Nien. From then on, Nien never came to the village again. The Nien was eventually captured by Hongjun Laozu, an ancient Taoist monk. The Nien became Hongjun Laozu's mount. Sources from Wiki.
The period around Chinese New Year is also the time of the largest human migration, when migrant workers in China, as well as overseas Chinese around the world travel home to have reunion dinners with their families on Chinese New Year's Eve. More interurban trips are taken in mainland China in this 40-day period than the total population of China. This period is called chunyun (春運 or 春运, Pinyin: chūn yùn). Sources from Wiki.
After the reunion dinner, some families go to local temples, hours before the new year begins to pray for a prosperous new year by lighting the first incense (Joss Stick) of the year; however in modern practice, many households hold parties and even hold a countdown to the new lunar year. Sources from Wiki.
Big Dragon Joss Sticks are light up
I usually spent my Chinese (Lunar) New Year at Bukit Gambir - Muar once in 2 years. The routine is the same every year where everyone put on their New shirts and trousers after shower before having our Reunion dinner. Some families celebrate their Reunion during lunch. After the dinner, everyone are preparing for the Big day! Tables for praying, fire crackers and fireworks are in order.
Chinese New Year is the time to celebrate the family reunion and thanksgiving. Normally the Chinese will pray to gods for good luck, wealth and the family ancestors. The ceremony will take hours and follow by the burning the fire crackers and fireworks...
There are many items on the praying table...
Foods and others on the praying table
Once the clock hit 12 midnight on the Eve, everyone are ready...most of them will pray for luck, wealth, everything they want on the coming year...
Family members (include children) are ready for the praying ceremony
I'm always Love to capture the 'Fire' where all the joss sticks burns togerther...
The joss stick or another word 'Incense' burning...
After the praying ceremony, it's time everyone were waiting for...Fire crackers time!
They will burn as many as they can...
The common fire crackers on Chinese New Year
After the loud fire crackers noise on the Chinese New Year Eve (midnight), the show continue with the Fireworks!
Yes, you are right! It's a sleepless night!!
And you see all the children are happily holding the fireworks everywhere at this Serom and Bukit Gambir area.
The Chinese New Year atmosphere was very much better in the small towns or villages compare with the city area in Malaysia. I'm not sure about other country...
At this moment onwards, every Chinese are fill with Happy and Excitement!!
HAPPY CHINESE NEW YEAR!
Mythology
According to tales and legends, the beginning of Chinese New Year started with the fight against a mythical beast called the Nien (Chinese: 年; pinyin: nián). Nien would come on the first day of New Year to devour livestock, crops, and even villagers, especially children. To protect themselves, the villagers would put food in front of their doors at the beginning of every year. It was believed that after the Nien ate the food they prepared, it wouldn’t attack any more people. One time, people saw that the Nien was scared away by a little child wearing red. The villagers then understood that the Nien was afraid of the colour red. Hence, every time when the New Year was about to come, the villagers would hang red lanterns and red spring scrolls on windows and doors. People also used firecrackers to frighten away the Nien. From then on, Nien never came to the village again. The Nien was eventually captured by Hongjun Laozu, an ancient Taoist monk. The Nien became Hongjun Laozu's mount. Sources from Wiki.
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Ann Demeulemeester Zipper Belts Spring 2010
Zipper belts from Ann Demeulemeester runway spring 2010.
I decided to have an Ann D belt collection. Here they are! zipper belts from Ann D spring 2010 arrived a few days ago. It's so exciting! I love them! I haven't actually worn them yet but will soon. These belts are easier to understand, more practical in daily life and are another fabulous creation from her.
Thank you Ann D for a wonderful gift of 10 silver rings. I love them too!

A Cold Night.
This winter in Dallas has been colder than years before. Some like it, some don't. I do. It's cold enough for me to layer my clothing and still look stylish. I would be sick if it's long, extremely cold winter like some places up north. Last night, I went out to dinner with my husband. It was very cold, but I felt like wearing this Rick Owens fur vest anyway.



Worn with Rick Owens Lilies jersey dress, Janis Javitt necklace, Guiseppe cut-out boots.
Hi everyone, I hid when my mom was taking pictures. I just wanted to come out to surprise and say Hi to everyone. Can I tell you something? My mom didn't know I was behind her, until she saw the picture! hehe...

Berry Pie.
There are many requests to post the recipe for berry pie. Here it is: roll out Pillsbury pie crust (for sale at grocery stores like Tom Thumb) dough on the baking pie pan. Fill it with 6 cups of blackberries, raspberries, blueberries already mixed, with 2 0r 3 tablespoons of sugar (you could use more sugar if you want - up to 1/2 cup), 1/4 teaspoons cinnamon, 2 tablespoons corn starch, 2 tablespoons cooked tapioca (you can skip the tapioca, it won't make a big difference), and dot with a little butter as in the picture. Then, cover the pie with a top dough. Now, you seal the edge of the two doughs together (cut away any extra dough at the edge if it's necessary). Make sure to cut-out the top dough a few holes for steam to exit during baking. Bake 350 degree for 50-60 minutes or until it looks nicely golden. Let it cool before serving. Now, you enjoy the most healthy pie ever.
With my experience, using more blackberries and blueberries gives the pie more natural sweetness than raspberries, which give the pie more sourness. You could skip one kind of berry if you like. I've been baking this pie almost every other day for breakfast, alternating with my healthy apple pie ;-) since Thanksgiving day.
Thank you for your visiting and for your comments. Wishing you a fabulous day!!
Hugs...Hanh ;-)
A Cold Night.
This winter in Dallas has been colder than years before. Some like it, some don't. I do. It's cold enough for me to layer my clothing and still look stylish. I would be sick if it's long, extremely cold winter like some places up north. Last night, I went out to dinner with my husband. It was very cold, but I felt like wearing this Rick Owens fur vest anyway.
Berry Pie.
There are many requests to post the recipe for berry pie. Here it is: roll out Pillsbury pie crust (for sale at grocery stores like Tom Thumb) dough on the baking pie pan. Fill it with 6 cups of blackberries, raspberries, blueberries already mixed, with 2 0r 3 tablespoons of sugar (you could use more sugar if you want - up to 1/2 cup), 1/4 teaspoons cinnamon, 2 tablespoons corn starch, 2 tablespoons cooked tapioca (you can skip the tapioca, it won't make a big difference), and dot with a little butter as in the picture. Then, cover the pie with a top dough. Now, you seal the edge of the two doughs together (cut away any extra dough at the edge if it's necessary). Make sure to cut-out the top dough a few holes for steam to exit during baking. Bake 350 degree for 50-60 minutes or until it looks nicely golden. Let it cool before serving. Now, you enjoy the most healthy pie ever.
Hugs...Hanh ;-)
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Red Indian Show and Animal Musical Parade at A'Farmosa, Malacca
After our dinner, we proceed to the show area and waiting for the Red Indian Show & Animal Musical Parade at Cowboy Town of A'Farmosa.
The show started at 8.30pm. You will see there were four (4) Red Indians standing in the middle of the passageway. Some kind of starting ceremony...
The Chief of the Red Indian was continue playing the fire show for the whole night! As you can see from my follow photos...
Initially, everyone were curious on what he did, but after 10 minutes...I saw most of the visitors felt boring about it...Too bad, I think this was the only thing he did for the night! Haha!
Follow by the group fire performance.
The Red Indian Show last about 45 minutes, then the audiences have 5 minutes break time for their Ice-scream...
I keep alert of this gate on my left and waiting for the Cowboy for photography. But when they ran out, I couldn't snap a good pictures of it! :(
They had made the show really interesting during the Animal Musical Parade. I noticed the curious and happiness of my daughter face, I'm glad that we didn't waste our trip here!
Follow by the animals...I had miss the chance to capture the group of Chickens and Ducks ran out from the gate...they were too fast...
After the animals, there were groups and groups of peoples continue on the parade to celebrate Christmas! It was a Great Atmosphere!
They also invite the visitors to play some games and provided some goodies for them...
After the show end, the fireworks continue and last for about 15 minutes...so beautiful!!
The show was Great and Interesting! My daughter and my wife were enjoyed the show very much!!
The Red Indians still continue their performance at the 'Fun-fair' area until midnight! You won't have a chance to miss the show at all! haha!
My daughter was enjoying the Fun-fair ride in the till midnight. But the ticket was a bit expensive compare with other ride within Malaysia. (MYR4.00 per ride)
We were there till 12.30am, the town was still crowded when we left...
The show started at 8.30pm. You will see there were four (4) Red Indians standing in the middle of the passageway. Some kind of starting ceremony...
The Chief of the Red Indian was continue playing the fire show for the whole night! As you can see from my follow photos...
Initially, everyone were curious on what he did, but after 10 minutes...I saw most of the visitors felt boring about it...Too bad, I think this was the only thing he did for the night! Haha!
Follow by the group fire performance.
The Red Indian group performance
The Red Indian Show last about 45 minutes, then the audiences have 5 minutes break time for their Ice-scream...
The Ice-scream stall...
I keep alert of this gate on my left and waiting for the Cowboy for photography. But when they ran out, I couldn't snap a good pictures of it! :(
They had made the show really interesting during the Animal Musical Parade. I noticed the curious and happiness of my daughter face, I'm glad that we didn't waste our trip here!
The Cowboy of the Cowboy Town
The Red Indian
Follow by the animals...I had miss the chance to capture the group of Chickens and Ducks ran out from the gate...they were too fast...
The elephant group
The Tiger
After the animals, there were groups and groups of peoples continue on the parade to celebrate Christmas! It was a Great Atmosphere!
The fake snow machine in actions!
They also invite the visitors to play some games and provided some goodies for them...
After the show end, the fireworks continue and last for about 15 minutes...so beautiful!!
The Fireworks at Cowboy Town, A'Farmosa
The show was Great and Interesting! My daughter and my wife were enjoyed the show very much!!
The Red Indians still continue their performance at the 'Fun-fair' area until midnight! You won't have a chance to miss the show at all! haha!
My daughter was enjoying the Fun-fair ride in the till midnight. But the ticket was a bit expensive compare with other ride within Malaysia. (MYR4.00 per ride)
We were there till 12.30am, the town was still crowded when we left...