Pick your dessert at MTC!
Traveling Tip: Try some local dessert!
Sulawesi Surprise! is coming to an end!
Sulawesi Surprise!: Have Some Dessert!
One night, some fellow travellers and I just took a cab to a shopping mall in Makassar. The very next day, the busload of us were taken to the very shopping mall. There was nothing that caught my interest in Makassar DeCentre and during the second visit, some of us just hung around the place and had some dessert and what I believed to be a more appealing version of pisang epe. Makassar boasts the first underground shopping centre in Indonesia called the Karebosi Link but I am still not sure if it was the mall which we had visited. If it is, then the place is not very posh and you'd not get to buy international branded items. As lately as 2010, there is the first exclusive shopping centre called Trans Mahagaya Mall which boasts famous brands like Hugo Boss, Armani Jeans and the like. Shopping here, I think, is never anything like shopping in Hong Kong or Singapore. Maybe, you would just want to just sit down and have some dessert instead. You would still want to complain about the ice kacang here though!
Pick your dessert at MTC!
Pick your dessert at MTC!
Sulawesi Surprise!: At Losari Beach
While in Makassar, some evenings would be spent strolling Losari beach which was located just near our hotel. Losari Beach is supposed to be a Makassar attraction but don't expect golden beaches and much greenery here. One night, we would walk, scouring for the longest buffet dinner table in the world that a fellow traveller said could be found here but that was all in vain. There was not even a fancy restaurant in sight. Most of the time, we got to see local people enjoying an idyllic moment. I have read about street musicians performing here but no one was performing while we were there. Things have changed, I suppose. Once, I read there was not even a pavement for you to walk on and the place was polluted. Unless you like to look at the antics of the local people, you would not get particularly excited here in Losari Beach. Just settle for the sea breeze that would slap you into reality then!
At Losari Beach...
Traveling Tip: Watch the people!
At Losari Beach...
Traveling Tip: Watch the people!Sulawesi Surprise! is coming to an end!
Sulawesi Surprise! : What's for lunch?
I remember being taken to a supposedly famous eating place in Makassar for lunch after coming back from Tana Toraja. It was not so much of a posh place like what most tourists are expected to frequent when they are traveling in style but more of the dish served. It was buffalo meat we were going to get and it was the eating place's specialty! I suppose it was Coto Makassar we were talking here, a stew of nuts and spices with beef parts which sometimes include the brain, tongue and intestine. Some of us were eager to sink their teeth on the meat but I was not so sure of the Indian ladies who were traveling in the group. Indians, if they are Hindus, do not take beef, but I was not so sure if buffalo's meat is counted as beef and is forbidden. The beef dish didn't appeal to me anyway and together with the Indian friends, we had some chicken rice instead. At times like this, I'd rather that we were served other types of traditional food like pisang epe for instance. Many street vendors especially around Losari Beach sell Pisang epe, which are bananas, pressed, grilled, and covered with palm sugar sauce and sometimes eaten with durian. Bananas probably appeals more to the Indian ladies and God knows if there is a religion in the world that forbids the consumption of bananas- the fruit served in whatever way, I mean!Can you guess which is Coto Makassar and which is pisang epe?
Traveling Tip: You can choose your food!Sulawesi Surprise! is coming to an end!
A New Dawn In Egypt?
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| Photo © Amr Abdallah Dalsh/Reuters |
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.
The restaurant serve wide variety of Western Foods and the environment is Simple and Cozy. I like the ambience! :)
Our order for the night :-
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.
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 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
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
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...
Among all the Hotels, First World Hotel had the most Decorations at every corner in the building...
As I walked from the Hotel Lobby to the First World Plaza....
But I chose to walked on the first floor...that passed by 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!
It was really comfortable to soak ourselves in the atmosphere and listen to the Christmas Carols everywhere in the First World Plaza. :)
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!
The stalls on the First World Plaza
The Entrance of The Snow World
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. :)
Jackie Alpers: Food Photographer
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| Photo © Jackie Alpers-All Rights Reserved |
Well, it's a case of mistaken identity from Jackie's side. You see, I saw a message yesterday in my tweet feed from Jackie Alpers saying that she was thrilled to have been featured on The Travel Photographer's blog. Since I was flying over the Atlantic at the time, and unaware that I had posted any new posts since leaving New York City earlier that day, I was puzzled.
Not for long though. I clicked on the link on her tweet and saw that it led to a "travel photographer"...a generic kind of blog giving no photographer name, no personal identity and seemingly just a sort of website to sell stuff....or something.
I was initially excited to see that someone may have had the silly idea to ape my blog and risk legal headaches...but it soon waned when I realized what it was.
Jackie sounded so thrilled in her tweet that I decided to feature her work on the REAL The Travel Photographer blog. May it bring her luck and exposure.
Jackie Alpers is a food, culture & cuisine photographer based in Tucson, Arizona who specializes in photography for cookbooks and magazines, among others. Her biography is quite interestingly illustrated, and I recommend you drop her website.
Geoffrey Hiller: India
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| Photo © Geoffrey Hiller-All Rights Reserved |
You'll see that Geoff's photographs of this quintessential Indian city is a mix of environmental portraits and classic street photography, including a few shots made during the Durga Puja too.
To my knowledge, Geoffrey Hiller is one of the first photographers who embraced multimedia, and I recall his work on Burma which introduced me (and certainly others) to this medium. His photography has been published in the United States, Europe, and Japan in such publications as Geo, Newsweek, Mother Jones, and The New York Times Magazine. His photo-essays have covered Asia, Latin America, Europe, and West Africa, and his multimedia projects about Vietnam, eastern Europe, Ghana, Burma, and Brazil have earned recognition from Adobe, the Soros Foundation, Apple, The Christian Science Monitor, and USA Today.
(Posted From London)
On My Way: Some Thoughts And My Gear
I'm poised for next week's In Search of the Sufis of Gujarat Photo Expedition™, and have now readied/cleaned my cameras and lenses, reformatted all the CF cards, and recharged all batteries. I find this task to be one of the most tedious (but pleasurable at the same time) things I have to do before traveling on a photo expedition or assignment. It's a comfort kind of thing, a kind of reassuring thing to do, a ritual of sorts if you will, but it's still tedious...I don't know how else to describe it....and I don't know how all my stuff finally fit in my bags (not those in the above picture!).
On the other hand, one of the pre-departure tasks I don't mind doing at all is to review the itinerary I've developed, while trying to anticipate what may go wrong during the trip...my 10 years of leading photo-expeditions have prepared me for snafus, but each photo-expedition and itinerary can bring its own set of challenges.
I always look forward to a new photo-expedition, but this is also accompanied by a smidgen of anxiety. After all, I'll be meeting new photographers who've joined it, and while we've developed an online relationship with emails and links of mutual interest for the past months, a "face to face" is different. Neither of us knows what to really expect from each other.
As for those of you who are interested in gear-talk, here's the list:
Photo Equipment:
Canon 5D Mark II
Canon 7D (which replaces my trusty old friend the Canon 1D Mark II)
Canon 70-200mm f2.8
Canon 24-70mm f2.8
Canon 17-40mm f4.0
Canon 24mm f1.4
Canon 580EX II Strobe
Lumix GF1 with 20mm
Audio Equipment:
Marantz PMD620
ATR6250 Stereo Microphone
SONY Headphones
A F-3X Domke shoulder bag
13" MacBook Pro
2 Iomega hard drives (500mb and 1TB).
And my krama scarf. The most important item!
As I wrote a few times, I can't wait for the time when cameras such as the Lumix GF1 (the so-called EVIL cameras) perform as well as the current crop of digital SLRs...and reduce the enormous load factor that I'm obliged to carry on these trips.
I will try to post as much as I can...no problem from London of course, and perhaps none from Delhi except for availability of time. Once I'm in Gujarat though, it'll be silence from The Travel Photographer.
Leslie Mazoch: Escaramuzas
"We're not just pretty things anymore".
Escaramuzas is a "photo-movie" produced by Leslie Mazoch of her black & white stills and ambient audio, which includes a beautiful poem in Spanish (with English sub-titles). It could have been titled Mexican Amazons, since it documents Mexican women who take up this noble sport, and who ride their horses sidesaddle. From what I gathered from the slideshow, the escaramuzas was an accidental tradition that started in 1953, and was influenced by the gypsies of Spain.
Leslie Mazoch is a photographer and photo editor for the Associated Press in Mexico for Latin America and the Caribbean.
Sulawesi Surprise!: Shop, Eat and Drink!
While in Makassar, many of us would take the opportunity during those free afternoons to shop in shops near our hotel. There were many shops selling gold behind our hotel but if you take time to scrutinise, you'd find some interesting souvenir shops around, selling cheap artifacts but if that does not interest you, perhaps, you'd want to buy a batik shirt or two from a batik shop or perhaps, some jamus, too from where else but a jamu shop. Jamu or Djamu, is a traditional herbal medicine made from natural materials, such as the roots, leaves and bark of plants. Shopping apart, you'd have to take time off for food, too and in the case of my companions and I, we would always stopped at a coffeeshop a few doors away from our hotel where we would have some noodles and dessert. The lady who served us was a fair lady who looked very Chinese. She called herself Mary.Do you think these dishes are Chinese?
Traveling Tip: Shop, Eat and Drink!Sulawesi Surprise! is coming to an end!
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