My Look on Citizen Couture

Few weeks ago, I was in NYC and had a chance to meet Jason who is behind an amazing blog, Citizen Couture. As I've imagined, he is very sweet, extremely charming, and easy to talk to. It was a pleasure to meet Jason. I'm glad that we've finally met.

Thank you Jason for featuring me on your fabulous blog. Your pictures are always beautiful and your blog always impresses me.

My readers, please check out my look at Citizen Couture.

Thank you everyone for visiting and comments! Wish you a wonderful day! xoxo...Hanh :)

Portofino -a Luxury Relax

Portofino is a kind of Paradise for those who looks for luxury relax in Italy. There are different places everybody knows they are from this level here: Capri as an other example. If Capri is more "alive" with it's 2 towns and some brethtaking sightseeings, Portofino seemed to me decisively more isolated from the life. The right place for those who is tired by the great crush of the cities.


«Портофино, кусочек рая на земле» на Яндекс.Фотках

I was in Portofino when I came in Italy as a tourist, and it's about 20 years ago, there was this little village probably built to serve the owners of the villas over it (they tell about Roman origins). The village is lent to the rocks from one side and has a seafront where you can walk (about 300 m long, I think) and sit in one of the cafes.

You can come there with a car and leave it in a garage, too (as we did). Than you can have an excursion. Behind the houses, there is an antique street -very spectacular for those who likes such walks- and you can reach that villa over there (it was the municipality, if I remember it good).


«Набережная Портофино» на Яндекс.Фотках

The little port was full of big and not too big yachts when we were there. People like to pass some time there.In fact, this port is not only isolated from the land but the only road of access is not always open for visitors, too. At least it was so when we were there.

From time to time Italy is shaked up by the stories that happen with the families living in the luxury villas in Portofino, and if you want to write a book, it's probably the best place where to pass a productive vacation. I assure, you will have many inspirational moments when you stay there.


«Бухта Портофино» на Яндекс.Фотках

 If you want to visit Portofino as a tourist, the best decision is to come there with a cruise ship: one day stay is enough to explore the place. You have to choose luxury cruise lines because they have relatively little ships that can enter such little ports.

The View From The Top

We normally go skiing in Colorado every year. However, this year was our first time skiing in Lake Tahoe. It's a picture-perfect image of a winter wonderland. I love the lake view the most, overlooking the incredible blue waters of Lake Tahoe. It is just breathtaking. I stopped and took a picture every time I was at the top. "Mama, that's enough. We should keep going, come on!" Yes, my kids complained that we had enough pictures, but I felt I didn't. It's just because the pictures don't do it justice. Really, the feeling on top of the mountains, around you with all the beautiful white snow, and with the lake view, it was like a dream. My camera couldn't capture my feeling, neither the view that my eyes captured. But, I tried my best to photo it. Here are the pictures of the views, mostly it is the lake view.

From the mobile phone. That day was warm that you can see no snow on the trees.

This is from the mobile phone through my ski goggles. I took this when it was the end of our last day of skiing.

Thank you everyone for visiting and comments! Wish you all a lovely weekend! xoxo...Hanh :)

Medieval Feast in Antique Benedictine Abbey

Benedictine Abbey of Cava dei Tirreni (not far from Salerno and very comfortable to reach from Naples) celebrates it's Millennium this year. This very interesting place I've just wrote before (Reinforce Your Spirituality in an Antique Monastery) has an interesting story to tell to those who likes Medieval Feasts and "alive" shows. In 1092, this monastery was visited by Pope Urban II who consecrated the church built by S.Alferio. Urban II together with duke Roger of Salerno and his court came to the monastery at feet.



In the first weekend of September, today, you can assist a very interesting representation of this important for the Abbey event, when you can see all the residents of the village Corpo di Cava that was built to serve the necessities of monks and pilgrims showing not only the event but the style of live of the population at the time when Normanns ruled the region.



Flag flyers show their art, trombonieri (trumpet players) and jugglers, and -clear- many many tasty things fruits of this earth.



If you are interested to visit the Abbey, you can contact me (liudmila-@hotmail.it) or directly the guides of Badia (Abbey -www.badiadicava.it). You can stay one day or more there or in one of the B&B-s or other structures of the zone. Write me and I'll help you to plan your trip in Italy.

The photos are kindly offered by the guides of Badia di Cava dei Tirreni.

A New Dawn In Egypt?

Photo © Amr Abdallah Dalsh/Reuters

It's surreal to be at the cusp of starting on a photo~expedition while my country of origin is experiencing an unprecedented massive popular uprising to get rid of the current regime of Mubarak, the Egyptian president....who announced that he would remain as its leader but sack its government.

There are a number of thoughts that come to mind. This is a real organic grassroots popular uprising in Egypt against an extremely unpopular and corrupt regime. The Egyptians participating in the uprising are secular, young, educated and less so, and are technological-savvy. There are no signs of religious ideology, of Islamist influence, in these demonstrations.

I sensed that many of the Western pundits are shocked (and possibly disappointed) that there is no whiff of Islamic extremism in the demonstrations...this pulls the rug from under the Western (and the current Egyptian leadership) interests who would like to characterize the uprising as another Iran.

While Mubarak signaled his decision to stay in power, it's not up to him any longer. It's the Egyptian youth who will decide the course of the nation...as it should be.

It's an unparalleled opportunity for the United States to support the Egyptian people in its quest for democracy, and eliminate all anti-Americanism feelings in the whole region by doing so. Imagine if the US administration unequivocally declares its support for the uprisings in Tunisia and Egypt!

Incha' Allah there will be a new dawn for Egypt and its people.

(Posted from Delhi)

A New Dawn In Egypt?

Photo © Amr Abdallah Dalsh/Reuters

It's surreal to be at the cusp of starting on a photo~expedition while my country of origin is experiencing an unprecedented massive popular uprising to get rid of the current regime of Mubarak, the Egyptian president....who announced that he would remain as its leader but sack its government.

There are a number of thoughts that come to mind. This is a real organic grassroots popular uprising in Egypt against an extremely unpopular and corrupt regime. The Egyptians participating in the uprising are secular, young, educated and less so, and are technological-savvy. There are no signs of religious ideology, of Islamist influence, in these demonstrations.

I sensed that many of the Western pundits are shocked (and possibly disappointed) that there is no whiff of Islamic extremism in the demonstrations...this pulls the rug from under the Western (and the current Egyptian leadership) interests who would like to characterize the uprising as another Iran.

While Mubarak signaled his decision to stay in power, it's not up to him any longer. It's the Egyptian youth who will decide the course of the nation...as it should be.

It's an unparalleled opportunity for the United States to support the Egyptian people in its quest for democracy, and eliminate all anti-Americanism feelings in the whole region by doing so. Imagine if the US administration unequivocally declares its support for the uprisings in Tunisia and Egypt!

Incha' Allah there will be a new dawn for Egypt and its people.

(Posted from Delhi)

Food Republique Restaurant at Taman Pelangi, Johor Bahru

Food Republique Restaurant (N1 29.061 E103 46.501) is located nearby the junction of Jalan Kuning and Jalan Serampang of Taman Pelangi, Johor Bahru, which is exactly behind the Pelangi Leisure Mall.

Food Republique Restaurant at Jalan Kuning, Taman Pelangi - Johor Bahru.

The restaurant serve wide variety of Western Foods and the environment is Simple and Cozy. I like the ambience! :)

The setting of Food Republique Restaurant

Our order for the night :-

1)  Mushroom Soup

2)  Herb Roasted Chicken in White Wine (which was wrong ordered from Grilled Chicken Chop)

3)  Grilled Striploin Steak with Mashed Potato.

Mushroom Soup with Garlic Bread

Herb Roasted Chicken in White Wine

Grilled Striploin with Mashed Potato

All foods presented nicely!
The Mushroom Soup was Yummy! My daughter finished it without our notice! :)
The Herb Roasted Chicken was ok, it can be better if the Chef make it more moist...
The Striploin was grilled perfectly! Which was cooked exactly what I like! The sauce was flavorful but the steak was not enough marinated.

I had a chat with the Chef - Ben who was a nice and friendly guy, and he explained about the foods of the restaurant to us patiently! We were appreciated.

The Roasted Chicken was too dry...

The Striploin was grilled perfectly!

Overall, we were ok for the foods. Actually it was a recommended by 2 of my friends who Love their Beef Burger very much! I regretted that I didn't order the burger! Haha! Well, there's always A next time. No worries!

The Damage : MYR95.00 included drinks for 2 adults and 1 child.

I will come back again for the Beef Burger! :)

Food Republique

72, Jalan Kuning,

Taman Pelangi,

80400 Johor Bahru.

Tel : +607-3311718

http://www.facebook.com/foodrepublique

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Comme Des Garcons Deconstruction

Comme des Garcons has the most deconstructed designs, as well as Junya Watanabe and Tao CdG. They create unusually structured clothes, asymmetrical shapes. With most pieces, you might not know what it will look like while they're on the hanger. You must try it on first. It's surprisingly fabulous. Yes, it takes some time to figure out how to put it on. Unbuttoning, buttoning, and twisting the piece, it unexpectedly gives you a different look. You definitely have fun playing with it. Every piece is an investment, a work of art in your closet. Because the design is distinctive and characteristic, it's never out of style. Rei Kawakubo, Junya Watanabe, and Tao Kurihara are geniuses.

Their designs play with the imagination. What do you think about this top, by Tao CdG? How does it look to you?

Pierre Hardy shoes. NhaKhanh thumb hole mesh top.

Untied the front. It looked like I had a scarf on.

Rajvi Vora ring. They said it's a Indian frog. It looks like a gecko to me. Vintage Comme des Garcons bag.

Thank you everyone for visiting and comments! Wish you all a wonderful day! xoxo...Hanh :)

The Clouds

When I was a little girl, I liked to look up to the sky and imagine the clouds in many different shapes such as cute animals, pretty angels, beautiful flowers, or gentle waves...I loved it, especially when we made a trip with my father or brothers to the rice field in the countryside. It felt like the sky was so low that I could touch it. My feeling was so cheerful and happy, that's when I learned that just simple things in life make us happy. It depends on our mind. Yes, whenever I've thought about these childhood memories it still makes me happy.

Sometimes now, I still like to look up to the sky at the pretty clouds with my children. I also like to look out of the window to watch the clouds when I fly in an airplane. It's just amazing how beautiful it is and it looks like layered marble.

These pictures were taken when I flew in an airplane.

The pictures below were taken by mobile phone.

Don't you think it would be awesome to have a Tshirt or a dress with the cloud print. I maybe design one for me :)

Thank you everyone for visiting! Wish you all a wonderful day! x0x0...Hanh :)

ps: Thank you everyone for your comments on my new hair cut!! I love it!!

An Essay On Photojournalists' Scarves....Or Not

This essay on scarves was written and sent to me by a photographer-photojournalist who wants to remain anonymous. Complaints, thoughts and remarks can be sent to him/her. I've edited, reworded and excised parts to keep it shorter.

"The first reason for photojournalists wearing scarves is that these instantly and with certainty identifies you as a PHOTOJOURNALIST, and removes you from the pool of suckers known simply as "photographers", especially "art" photographers.

The second reason photojournalists love scarves (especially those of ethnic origin) is that it tells non-photojournalists know that we are exotic, and that we do exotic, non 9 to 5, non traditional type things.

The third reason is that wearing the ethnic scarf will make other people instantly assume the photojournalist has a deep connection with, has spent time living with, has created a powerful but yet unseen photographic essay about, the ethnic group that wears that particular scarf.

The most popular, but lacking in credibility is the Keffiyeh. It has become stylish, fashionable, and carries with it a strong hint of activism. It's out of favor except for newbies. It's one thing to wear it around the neck...which is barely passable, and quite another having your picture wearing it as a turban (think Yasir Arafat) on your website bio or Facebook page...this signals the world you're a miserable ass...and that you're prematurely bald.

The second type of scarf is the Cambodian Krama. This particular scarf shows you have worked in the conflict ridden regions of Cambodia (also known as Angkor Wat), and most probably Thailand's southern beach wars as well, and that you suffered from malaria and bouts of sunburn, and dangerous girls on the battlefields of Koh Samui.

The third is the African scarf- the Tagelmust. Worn by Tuareg nomads in the Sahara, these scarves are worn by the old school of photojournalists- those who have covered the north African conflicts, tragedies like Darfur, the Western Sahara, the Polisario, Algeria, even Southern Sudan! This is the Ferrari of scarves."

By the way, if you haven't seen and bookmarked Shit Photojournalists Like, you ought to. I don't think it has mentioned scarves, yet...but it will have to sooner or later. You'll see.

An Essay On Photojournalists' Scarves....Or Not

This essay on scarves was written and sent to me by a photographer-photojournalist who wants to remain anonymous. Complaints, thoughts and remarks can be sent to him/her. I've edited, reworded and excised parts to keep it shorter.

"The first reason for photojournalists wearing scarves is that these instantly and with certainty identifies you as a PHOTOJOURNALIST, and removes you from the pool of suckers known simply as "photographers", especially "art" photographers.

The second reason photojournalists love scarves (especially those of ethnic origin) is that it tells non-photojournalists know that we are exotic, and that we do exotic, non 9 to 5, non traditional type things.

The third reason is that wearing the ethnic scarf will make other people instantly assume the photojournalist has a deep connection with, has spent time living with, has created a powerful but yet unseen photographic essay about, the ethnic group that wears that particular scarf.

The most popular, but lacking in credibility is the Keffiyeh. It has become stylish, fashionable, and carries with it a strong hint of activism. It's out of favor except for newbies. It's one thing to wear it around the neck...which is barely passable, and quite another having your picture wearing it as a turban (think Yasir Arafat) on your website bio or Facebook page...this signals the world you're a miserable ass...and that you're prematurely bald.

The second type of scarf is the Cambodian Krama. This particular scarf shows you have worked in the conflict ridden regions of Cambodia (also known as Angkor Wat), and most probably Thailand's southern beach wars as well, and that you suffered from malaria and bouts of sunburn, and dangerous girls on the battlefields of Koh Samui.

The third is the African scarf- the Tagelmust. Worn by Tuareg nomads in the Sahara, these scarves are worn by the old school of photojournalists- those who have covered the north African conflicts, tragedies like Darfur, the Western Sahara, the Polisario, Algeria, even Southern Sudan! This is the Ferrari of scarves."

By the way, if you haven't seen and bookmarked Shit Photojournalists Like, you ought to. I don't think it has mentioned scarves, yet...but it will have to sooner or later. You'll see.

Christmas Decoration at Genting Highlands

We visited Genting Highlands one week before the Christmas of 2010. My purpose was to capture some Christmas atmosphere on the Highlands. The X'mas atmosphere was Nice (even not as good as before) and I would like to share some photos of that night...

Theme Park Hotel, Genting Highlands

The Resort Hotel

The Genting Hotel

The Big Colourful Christmas tree in front of Genting Hotel which made by recycle water bottles!

Among all the Hotels, First World Hotel had the most Decorations at every corner in the building...

The Lobby of First World Hotel, Genting Highlands

Big lighting ball which made by Recycle Mineral Water Bottles

As I walked from the Hotel Lobby to the First World Plaza....

On the escalator...

The entrance of the Indoor Theme Park and First World Plaza

Even the stall there was Well Decorated!

But I chose to walked on the first floor...that passed by the Snow World...

The stalls on the First World Plaza

The Entrance of The Snow World

There was group of young ladies wearing the Christmas costume and performed the Christmas carols non-stop along the way! I really can felt the 'Santa Claus is coming to town!' :)

There were many Performances on the stage of the Indoor Theme Park continuously for that night!

Performance on the stage of Indoor Theme Park, Genting Highlands

It was really comfortable to soak ourselves in the atmosphere and listen to the Christmas Carols everywhere in the First World Plaza. :)