Mervyn Leong: Hammams, Spreader of Warmth
Here's a lovely audio-slideshow by the gifted Mervyn Leong W.Y. which you can either view on Vimeo (click above) or via his website here. The quality of the latter is better.
Mervyn attended the Foundry Photojournalism Workshop in Istanbul (he also attended last year's in Manali), and participated in Rena Effendi's Telling A Human Story Through A Compelling Portrait class. I spent time with Mervyn as he prepared to photograph inside the less-than-hospitable-for-photography interiors of the hammams, and can vouch for his meticulous planning, and how he took pains to wrap his camera, lenses and audio gear in saran-wrap (to protect them against moisture and steam).
An engineer by profession, Mervyn took photography and photojournalism more seriously a couple of years ago, and has made impressive strides in his work. He's also endowed with an encyclopedic knowledge of gastronomy, cooking and food in general.
I think that Hammams: Spreader of Warmth is a very well made audio slideshow (I particularly like the opening image of the slideshow, which is almost a painting), and the audio tracks are well sync'ed. You'll find it a delight to watch...and like the patrons enjoying the turkish bath, you may feel equally relaxed and refreshed.
The hamams in the Ottoman culture started out as annexes to mosques, and quickly evolved into institutions and eventually into monumental structural complexes in the mid 1500s. Typical hamams consist of three interconnected rooms: the sıcaklık which is the hot room; the warm room which is the intermediate room; and the soğukluk, which is the cool room.
The Legian Street (Jalan) at Kuta, Bali
We did the 2KM walked after our dinner at Kuta. Walked through all the shops and the night life areas...
This will let us more understand the name of 'Sleepless Kuta' created. It's actually all happen within the Jalan Legian (street) of Kuta, Bali. (S8 43.333 E115 10.528) The coordinates provided is the start point of Jalan Legian.
This post is more on night photos along the street toward the Harris Kuta Resort, that where we stayed. Do enjoy the photos...
From Jalan Pantai Kuta (Kuta Beach Road) :-
Along Jalan Legian, there were MANY souvenirs shops...which I'm not gonna snap...
After about 600 meter walked from the junction of Jalan Pantai Kuta & Jalan Legian, we reached the Happening Area of Legian! This is called 'The Sleepless Kuta'! Especially that time was the Worldcup 2010 season!
The area was FULL of Security person and Police Officer! Every entertainment areas were secure by Securities guards. You will be Safe to enjoy yourself! I witnessed one of the young boy entered the pub with his backpack and Immediately being PULLED out by 2 of the Securities and check utterly on his backpack beside the street before they let him go! That was impressed!
There were Many Restaurant & Bar within the area even after the Happening hotspot!
The money changer shop also was our landmark to turn and walked into a alley opposite it that direct us back to the Harris Kuta Resort. Along the alley, I discovered this restaurant and like the setting very much! It's named - The Balcony. (S8 42.754 E115 10.234)
Bali 5 days 4 nights trip :-
* My Bali Trip on June 2010 (D1)
* Harris Resort at Kuta, Bali (D1)
* Made's Warung at Kuta Beach Road (Jalan Pantai Kuta), Kuta - Bali (D1)
* Babi Guling (Suckling pig) of Warung Ibu Oka at Ubud town, Bali (D2)
* Palace opposite Warung Ibu Oka at Ubud, Bali (D2)
* Tegallalang Rice Terrace at North Ubud Town, Bali (D2)
* Kintamani and Mount Batur at North Bali, Indonesia (D2)
* Fruit Stall around Kintamani area, Bali (D2)
* BAS Coffee Farm at Bali, Indonesia (D2)
* TJ's Mexican Bar and Restaurant at Kuta, Bali (D2)
* The Kuta Beach of Bali, Indonesia (D3)
* Pura Taman Ayun (Temple) at Mengwi, Bali - Indonesia (D3)
* Strawberry Park at Candikuning beside Beratan Lake - Bali, Indonesia (D3)
* Pura Ulun Danau (Temple) at Bratan Lake, Bali (D3)
* Pacung Indah Hotel And Restaurant at Bali (D3)
* One of the Famous Balinese Seven Sea Temples - Tanah Lot Temple of Bali (D3)
* Bebek Bengil - The Dirty Duck Diner at Ubud, Bali (D3)
* Bali Collection at Nusa Dua, Bali (D4)
* Garuda Wisnu Kencana at Bukit Peninsula of Bali, Indonesia (D4)
* Pura Luhur Uluwatu (Temple) at South Bali, Indonesia (D4)
* Lia Cafe Seafood Restaurant at Jimbaran Bay, Bali (D4)
* Our Bali Humble Driver - Mr Agoes (D4)
* Farewell Bali Island! (D5)
This will let us more understand the name of 'Sleepless Kuta' created. It's actually all happen within the Jalan Legian (street) of Kuta, Bali. (S8 43.333 E115 10.528) The coordinates provided is the start point of Jalan Legian.
This post is more on night photos along the street toward the Harris Kuta Resort, that where we stayed. Do enjoy the photos...
From Jalan Pantai Kuta (Kuta Beach Road) :-
Starbucks Coffee located at Jalan Pantai Kuta
Bar and Restaurant
There's KFC Fast food operated 24 hours located at the junction of Jalan Pantai Kuta and Kuta Square street. You will know where to grab your fried chicken after midnight!
Apparel shop
The Batik shop that we almost stuck for an hour...
Nice handicraft in the batik shop
Common deity statue in Bali Island
Minimart - The 24 hours convenience stall, similar to 7-11 in Malaysia. Everywhere in Bali. This was also the shop I bought my Bintang Beer every night! :)
Along Jalan Legian, there were MANY souvenirs shops...which I'm not gonna snap...
After about 600 meter walked from the junction of Jalan Pantai Kuta & Jalan Legian, we reached the Happening Area of Legian! This is called 'The Sleepless Kuta'! Especially that time was the Worldcup 2010 season!
Pubs, Bars and Disco Lounge were Everywhere!
And the 2002 Bali Bombing Memorial is right situated in the area! (S8 43.040 E115 10.468)
The area was FULL of Security person and Police Officer! Every entertainment areas were secure by Securities guards. You will be Safe to enjoy yourself! I witnessed one of the young boy entered the pub with his backpack and Immediately being PULLED out by 2 of the Securities and check utterly on his backpack beside the street before they let him go! That was impressed!
Police Officer guarding along the Legian Street of Kuta, Bali
There were Many Restaurant & Bar within the area even after the Happening hotspot!
This was the Trusted Money Changer at Kuta. Some of the money changer were Hide at the narrow alley behind the building are Always not Advisable! These are well known!
The money changer shop also was our landmark to turn and walked into a alley opposite it that direct us back to the Harris Kuta Resort. Along the alley, I discovered this restaurant and like the setting very much! It's named - The Balcony. (S8 42.754 E115 10.234)
Everyone in the restaurant were watching the Live Worldcup match, as you can see from the projector screen...
After the alley, we reached back the Jalan Pantai Kuta. And we took about 3 hours to complete the 2KM journey and back to the resort with Bintang Beer on our hand...Bali 5 days 4 nights trip :-
* My Bali Trip on June 2010 (D1)
* Harris Resort at Kuta, Bali (D1)
* Made's Warung at Kuta Beach Road (Jalan Pantai Kuta), Kuta - Bali (D1)
* Babi Guling (Suckling pig) of Warung Ibu Oka at Ubud town, Bali (D2)
* Palace opposite Warung Ibu Oka at Ubud, Bali (D2)
* Tegallalang Rice Terrace at North Ubud Town, Bali (D2)
* Kintamani and Mount Batur at North Bali, Indonesia (D2)
* Fruit Stall around Kintamani area, Bali (D2)
* BAS Coffee Farm at Bali, Indonesia (D2)
* TJ's Mexican Bar and Restaurant at Kuta, Bali (D2)
* The Kuta Beach of Bali, Indonesia (D3)
* Pura Taman Ayun (Temple) at Mengwi, Bali - Indonesia (D3)
* Strawberry Park at Candikuning beside Beratan Lake - Bali, Indonesia (D3)
* Pura Ulun Danau (Temple) at Bratan Lake, Bali (D3)
* Pacung Indah Hotel And Restaurant at Bali (D3)
* One of the Famous Balinese Seven Sea Temples - Tanah Lot Temple of Bali (D3)
* Bebek Bengil - The Dirty Duck Diner at Ubud, Bali (D3)
* Bali Collection at Nusa Dua, Bali (D4)
* Garuda Wisnu Kencana at Bukit Peninsula of Bali, Indonesia (D4)
* Pura Luhur Uluwatu (Temple) at South Bali, Indonesia (D4)
* Lia Cafe Seafood Restaurant at Jimbaran Bay, Bali (D4)
* Our Bali Humble Driver - Mr Agoes (D4)
* Farewell Bali Island! (D5)
Mugur Vărzariu: Pillars of Faith
Mugur Vărzariu is a photojournalist based in Romania who attended the Foundry Photojournalism Workshop in Istanbul, and was in Adriana Zehbrauskas' On Assignment class.
It's a testament to Mugur's intrinsic talent that he started as a photographer less than four months ago. Yes, you read that right...less than 4 months ago, and he also just won the ‘Leica for AICR’ People Photo Contest, where one can read his interview.
He tells us that his first choice for a photojournalism project was to document faith, and to stress through his imagery that, despite the difference in the names or sites of worship, people’s faith is the same. Largely self-taught, he also attended a workshop in Italy with Paolo Pellegrin.
Mugur graduated in economics, and worked in marketing strategy (or brand positioning) for 15 years, when he helped position hundreds of brands. This, he believes, has helped him position his own craft...and from what I've seen from his work at the Foundry and on his website, he has succeeded.
I predict we'll hear and see more of Mugur Vărzariu. Have a look at his website, and you'll agree with me. The above images are from his Pillars of Faith gallery.
Daniel Berehulak: Kashmir
Daniel Berehulak is based in New Delhi, working for Getty Images News Service and covering the South Asia region and beyond. He joined Getty Images in 2002 in Sydney and relocated to London as a staff news photographer in 2005. Daniel’s work is regularly published in major newspapers and magazines worldwide, including The New York Times, The Washington Post, The Los Angeles Times, The Wall Street Journal, The Guardian, The Independent, The Times, Stern, Time, Newsweek and many more.
With his image (the B&W version) of a Kashmiri girl mourning the death of teenager Zahid Farooq during his funeral on the outskirts of Srinagar, Daniel was awarded First Prize: News Folio of the Year in the Press Photographer's Year 2010, which is the only competition to showcase the best photography used exclusively by the UK media.
I recommend not only his arresting (and recent) photographs of Kashmir, but also his lovely medium format work in the gallery titled I-ncredible India....especially the photograph of the two Muslim boys reclining on some blankets in an Ahmedabad storefront.
My thanks to Eric Beecroft for the heads-up.
Bali Photo~Expedition™: Two Weeks To Go!
I've started to think about gear packing for the forthcoming Bali: Island of Odalan Photo~Expedition™, which is to start on August 1.
A brief stop-over in London, then it's a grueling 16 hours aggregate flight time from Heathrow to Bangkok, and onwards to Denpasar to reach it on July 28. This will give me a couple of days for a personal project, and to meet the rest of the participants.
I am tempted to ditch my preferred combination of the Domke shoulder bag and a non-name messenger bag in favor of my older Lowepro backpack. The reason? I want to take my old workhorse of a camera: the Canon 1D Mark II along with the 5D Mark II, as well as my Panasonic GF1. Also included are my whole panoply of lenses; the 70-200 2.8 IS, the 28-70 2.8. the 17-40 4.0 and the 24 1.4, a ATR6250 Stereo Condenser mic and my Marantz audio recorder, and a couple of hard drives to keep my Macbook Pro 13" company.
And if the winds blow in the right way, I may even get a Holga to photograph some of the odalan ceremonies, emulating my friend John Stanmeyer's Island of Spirits.
That's a lot of gear, and I can't fit all that in the Domke-Messenger bag combo I often use. My shoulders will complain, my back will be sore....but I have to have that amount of gear with me. When will I have the guts to rely solely on the Panasonic GF1 with a couple of lightweight lenses? Probably when my shoulders cave in...that's when.
So over the coming week, I will try out various packing permutations to determine which one I'll use. Only then will I decide what to pack in terms of clothes...and if I don't the time for that, ah well...Bali is sarong-country!
Bebek Bengil - The Dirty Duck Diner at Ubud, Bali
Bebek Bengil (Dirty Duck Diner) Restaurant (S8 31.063 E115 15.825) is located at Padang Tegal - the heart of Ubud, Bali. I read through the many good review of the restaurant online and decided to give a try...
The restaurant is operated 10 years ago since year 1990. The entrance doesn't look grand to us where you gotta walk through a small alley...
I did a reservation on the Famous Balinese Smoked Duck 1 day before, (this is the only dish you have to order in advance) and paid rp.50,000 for the booking fee (refundable). A Must-Try-Dish according to the fellow bloggers - J2kfm & foongpc, and I also took the chance to snap around the relaxing environment before it's getting dark...
There are many 'huts' surrounding the paddy field and we did booked one of the hut opposite the main dining hall. It should be a special dining experience, I think. :)
We were totally impressed by the ambience of the Bebek Bengil Restaurant. "Bebek means Duck and Bengil means Dirty, why it's dirty? Because the ducks activity mostly around the muddy paddy field..." Explained by our friendly Driver - Mr Agoes.
Beside the paddy field, there was a lotus pond too...
The journey took 1 hour and 30 minutes from Tanah Lot Temple to Ubud. We were starving when arrived in this restaurant! The staff was expected our arrival once we step into the restaurant! We were bought to our booking Hut by the waitress and took our food order in a polite and humble attitude. I like it!
Beside the Signature Dish - Balinese Smoked Duck (rp.187,000 / MYR68.00), our others food order :-
I had the other signature dish - Crispy Duck (Bebek Bengil)
My wife and daughter had the Nasi Campur Bali.
Follow by other foods...
This was One of the BEST Dining Experience we ever had! Relaxing and peaceful in this serene paddy field restaurant! We enjoyed the Balinese Delicacies very much!
The foods were satisfied! I love the herbal taste of the Balinese Smoked Duck, I believe we can't taste it somewhere else beside in Ubud, Bali. The Crispy Duck was really crispy and flavorful! Others dishes taste above average! We spend about 2 hours in the restaurant, slowly enjoyed the foods and having our drinks joyfully within the paddy field! Cheers!
The Damage : rp.960,000 (MYR348.00 / USD103.00) included service & tax for 6 adults and 2 children.
There were 2 impressive experiences from the restaurant :-
1) The waiter was stand-by for service beside our Hut for the whole night!
2) The honest manager was remind me to claimed back the deposit I had paid for the Balinese Smoked Duck reservation which I almost forgot!
Rated : 4.8/5
Despite the negative reviews of some visitors from the internet. I felt it's worth second visit! I will be back!
Bali 5 days 4 nights trip :-
* My Bali Trip on June 2010 (D1)
* Harris Resort at Kuta, Bali (D1)
* Made's Warung at Kuta Beach Road (Jalan Pantai Kuta), Kuta - Bali (D1)
* Babi Guling (Suckling pig) of Warung Ibu Oka at Ubud town, Bali (D2)
* Palace opposite Warung Ibu Oka at Ubud, Bali (D2)
* Tegallalang Rice Terrace at North Ubud Town, Bali (D2)
* Kintamani and Mount Batur at North Bali, Indonesia (D2)
* Fruit Stall around Kintamani area, Bali (D2)
* BAS Coffee Farm at Bali, Indonesia (D2)
* TJ's Mexican Bar and Restaurant at Kuta, Bali (D2)
* The Kuta Beach of Bali, Indonesia (D3)
* Pura Taman Ayun (Temple) at Mengwi, Bali - Indonesia (D3)
* Strawberry Park at Candikuning beside Beratan Lake - Bali, Indonesia (D3)
* Pura Ulun Danau (Temple) at Bratan Lake, Bali (D3)
* Pacung Indah Hotel And Restaurant at Bali (D3)
* One of the Famous Balinese Seven Sea Temples - Tanah Lot Temple of Bali (D3)
* The Legian Street (Jalan) at Kuta, Bali (D3)
* Bali Collection at Nusa Dua, Bali (D4)
* Garuda Wisnu Kencana at Bukit Peninsula of Bali, Indonesia (D4)
* Pura Luhur Uluwatu (Temple) at South Bali, Indonesia (D4)
* Lia Cafe Seafood Restaurant at Jimbaran Bay, Bali (D4)
* Our Bali Humble Driver - Mr Agoes (D4)
* Farewell Bali Island! (D5)
The entrance to Bebek Bengil Restaurant, Ubud
The restaurant is operated 10 years ago since year 1990. The entrance doesn't look grand to us where you gotta walk through a small alley...
I did a reservation on the Famous Balinese Smoked Duck 1 day before, (this is the only dish you have to order in advance) and paid rp.50,000 for the booking fee (refundable). A Must-Try-Dish according to the fellow bloggers - J2kfm & foongpc, and I also took the chance to snap around the relaxing environment before it's getting dark...
The restaurant is spacious and nicely situated in the paddy field
The main dining hall
We reserved this Hut - No.28
The lotus pond
Beside the Signature Dish - Balinese Smoked Duck (rp.187,000 / MYR68.00), our others food order :-
- Bebek Bengil - Crispy Duck (signature dish) (rp.68,000 / MYR25.00)
- Pepes Ikan Bumbu Bali (rp.67,000 / MYR24.00)
- Moroccan Chicken Salad (rp.47,000 / MYR17.00)
- Barbeque Pork Ribs (rp.65,000 / MYR23.50)
- Nasi Campur Bali (rp.37,000 / MYR13.50)
- Avocado Juice (rp.24,000 / MYR8.60)
- A Jug of Bintang Draught Beer - for the men (rp.121,000 / MYR44.00)
- A bottle of Hatten Rose Red Wine - for the women (rp.216,000 / MYR78.00)Package of Balinese Smoked Duck
The Balinese Smoked Duck was served with plate of bean curd, satays and krupuk.
Bebek Bengil - The Crispy Duck
My wife and daughter had the Nasi Campur Bali.
Nasi Campur Bali
Follow by other foods...
Pepes Ikan Bumbu Bali
Moroccan Chicken Salad
Barbeque Pork Ribs
I was worried...how are we gonna finish all these foods! :)
This was One of the BEST Dining Experience we ever had! Relaxing and peaceful in this serene paddy field restaurant! We enjoyed the Balinese Delicacies very much!
The night atmosphere of the Bebek Bengil Restaurant
The Damage : rp.960,000 (MYR348.00 / USD103.00) included service & tax for 6 adults and 2 children.
There were 2 impressive experiences from the restaurant :-
1) The waiter was stand-by for service beside our Hut for the whole night!
2) The honest manager was remind me to claimed back the deposit I had paid for the Balinese Smoked Duck reservation which I almost forgot!
Rated : 4.8/5
Despite the negative reviews of some visitors from the internet. I felt it's worth second visit! I will be back!
Bebek Bengil - Dirty Duck Diner
Hanoman Street, Padang Tegal,
Ubud, Bali.
Tel/fax : (62-361) 975 489
Email : bebekbengil@indo.net.id
Bali 5 days 4 nights trip :-
* My Bali Trip on June 2010 (D1)
* Harris Resort at Kuta, Bali (D1)
* Made's Warung at Kuta Beach Road (Jalan Pantai Kuta), Kuta - Bali (D1)
* Babi Guling (Suckling pig) of Warung Ibu Oka at Ubud town, Bali (D2)
* Palace opposite Warung Ibu Oka at Ubud, Bali (D2)
* Tegallalang Rice Terrace at North Ubud Town, Bali (D2)
* Kintamani and Mount Batur at North Bali, Indonesia (D2)
* Fruit Stall around Kintamani area, Bali (D2)
* BAS Coffee Farm at Bali, Indonesia (D2)
* TJ's Mexican Bar and Restaurant at Kuta, Bali (D2)
* The Kuta Beach of Bali, Indonesia (D3)
* Pura Taman Ayun (Temple) at Mengwi, Bali - Indonesia (D3)
* Strawberry Park at Candikuning beside Beratan Lake - Bali, Indonesia (D3)
* Pura Ulun Danau (Temple) at Bratan Lake, Bali (D3)
* Pacung Indah Hotel And Restaurant at Bali (D3)
* One of the Famous Balinese Seven Sea Temples - Tanah Lot Temple of Bali (D3)
* The Legian Street (Jalan) at Kuta, Bali (D3)
* Bali Collection at Nusa Dua, Bali (D4)
* Garuda Wisnu Kencana at Bukit Peninsula of Bali, Indonesia (D4)
* Pura Luhur Uluwatu (Temple) at South Bali, Indonesia (D4)
* Lia Cafe Seafood Restaurant at Jimbaran Bay, Bali (D4)
* Our Bali Humble Driver - Mr Agoes (D4)
* Farewell Bali Island! (D5)
Location map of Bebek Bengil - The Dirty Duck Diner at Ubud, Bali
Sulawesi Surprise!: Pigs Out!
If you think the three little pigs in James Orchard Halliwell-Phillips's Nursery Rhymes and Nursery Tales are a bit too many, wait till you walk the market in Tana Toraja. In one section of the market,there are so many pigs there that you would be forgiven for not wanting to have anything else to do with pigs after that - not to mention not wanting to eat them too! Besides water buffaloes, pigs are slaughtered during the elaborate death ritual. A machete would be used and I suppose there would be much blood and gore. Tourists can witness the ceremony at a ceremonial site, called rante, which is a large, grassy field with shelters for audiences, rice barns, and other ceremonial funeral structures. As it is the funeral ritual is rather expensive. It is a big event attended by thousands of people and could last for a few days. We were at Tana Toraja a few weeks too early, I think and missed this ritual. With the expected blood and gore, I think many of us would not mind missing it. Forget the dancing and music that would be there too...Just walk the market at Tana Toraja and contemplate the fate of the pigs there...
Can you spot the three little pigs or perhaps, The Big Bad Wolf?
Traveling Tip: Contemplate!
Can you spot the three little pigs or perhaps, The Big Bad Wolf?
Traveling Tip: Contemplate!
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