 During the summer of 2014, I travelled to Bali, Indonesia with my family. Before visiting Bali, I read and studied a bit of Balinese Theatre in my university teaching so I was very excited to watch authentic Balinese Theatre in Bali. However, after talking to the local Balinese people, I came to realise that it was difficult to find authentic or non-touristy adaptations of Balinese Theatre. It was also difficult to fit a Balinese show into my packed travelling schedule.  Luckily, on the last day of my visit in Bali, I was able to fulfil this wish of mine. I watched a short snippet of Balinese traditional theatre in Garuda Wisnu Kencana, a private cultural park on the Bukit Peninsula at the southern end of the island. Although the performance was modernised and adapted for tourist flavour, I was able to get a feel of what traditional Balinese theatre would be like if it were performed properly. I loved the vibrant colours of the costumes, especially the colourful makeup on the ladies. Many of the masks the actors wore were inspired and personifications of animals such as hogs and monkeys. Although this performance I watched was tailored for tourists, the performance was very pleasurable and I enjoyed watching the precise dance routines that the performers executed superbly. 
  
  Last summer I went to visit Jeju Island, South Korea. I had a lay over in Gyeongju city so I took some time and explore the city. I went to a temple called Bulguksa, which is is located on the slopes of mount Toham (Jinheon-dong, Gyeongju city, North Gyeongsang province, South Korea). It is a head temple of the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism and encompasses seven National treasures of South Korea, including Dabotap and Seokgatap stone pagodas, Cheongun-gyo (Blue Cloud Bridge), and two gilt-bronze statues of Buddha. The temple is classified as Historic and Scenic Site No. 1 by the South Korean government. In 1995, Bulguksa was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List together with the Seokguram Grotto, which lies four kilometers to the east. The temple is considered as a masterpiece of the golden age of Buddhist art in the Silla Kingdom. It is currently the head temple of the 11th district of the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism.  The construction of the temple was begun by Prim Minister Gim Dae-seong in 751, the 10th year of King Gyeongdeok, and completed in 774, the 10th year of King Hyegong. The temple served as a center of Silla Buddhism and of prayer for the protection of the country from foreign invation. The entire temple was burnt down by Japanese invaders in 1593, the 26th year of Joseon King Seonjo, because the temples was used as a base of the volunteer militia.  Though the main hall and a few other principal buildings were rebuilt, it was not until 1969-72 that it was completely restored after thorough research, investigation and excavations of the ancient temple site. Important cultural properties from the Unified Silla period located on the premises include the two stone pagodas, Seokgatap and Dabotap pagodas, Yeonhwagyo and Cheongungyo bridges, Anyangmum gate, the seated gilt bronze Amitabha statue enshrined in the Geuknakjeon hall, and the seated gilt bronze Vairocana statue in the Birojeon. All these works and other Buddhist relics attest to the flowering of Buddhist art and culture of Silla. In 1995, along with Seokguram grotto, the temple was designated as the world cultural heritage by the UNESCO. 
         Yum Cha is a restaurant contemporary Chinese Restaurant that added a playful twist to the traditional Southern/ Cantonese Chinese cuisine. Yumcha in Chinese means 飲茶, the translation means 'drinking tea'. It is because tea and food plays an equally important role in Yumcha and many believes that the tea balances or neutralizes the oily dim sum. In this style of dining, people would usually order what is called the dim sum, 點心. Dim sum is not just one type of food but it means a variety of small delicacies. Dim sum are usually served in small bite-size portions and it is usually steamed or fried. It includes both savoury and sweet foods. People would usually order the savoury food before the sweet, similar to Western style of dining (main course before dessert), but it may not be the case. There is no strict order of savoury food must come before the sweet, so sometimes people may eat a mixture of savoury and sweet dim sum at once. Time of day to Yumcha: Many Cantonese restaurant offers 'Yumcha' in the morning till late afternoon, which substitutes either breakfast, brunch or lunch. There are very few restaurants that would offer dim sum at night. What is special about this restaurant, Yum Cha? This restaurant created dimsum that are not just tasty but aesthetically pleasing. It does not treat Cantonese food not only as a pleasure for taste but also for the visual. As you scroll to the photos below, you will see buns that resembles animals and multicoloured,  Pineapple pastry that shaped like sparrows and was served in a 'bird cage'.   Hot Custard Bun that has eyes on top of them. When I bite into it, I created a cute animated character that look shocked. This bun is a cute version of the traditional Yellow Custard Bun(爆漿流沙奶皇包). Good custard bun should have golden sweet liquid coming out of the bun once the bun is broken. The picture on the left is what a traditional custard bun look like.
  BBQ Piggy Bun. This bun is a contemporary version of Steamed BBQ Pork Buns,Char Siu Bao (叉燒包). The bun is filled with juicy and flavourful barbecue pork inside. The picture on the right is what the traditional Char Siu Bao look like.   Shrimp Rice Noodle Roll/ Cheung Fun (蝦腸粉) Rice Noodle Roll is a thin sticky rice sheet wrapped around filling. The dish we ordered above is a shrimp filling one. Some other typical fillings for cheung fun are barbecue pork, beef and deep fried dough. The image on the left is what the it would typically look like.
Egg white and Ink Seafood Fried Rice. This Fried Rice was full of flavour and the texture of the rice was just right, not too soft or too dry. I really enjoyed eating this dish.  Shrimp Dumpling, Har Gaw (蝦餃). The shrimp dumpling in Yum Cha is a multicoloured version of the traditional one. The traditional dumpling usually wrapped shrimp filling in a half white half translucent paste. But this one shown above and below has pink, orange and green hue on it topped with a brush of gold paint on each dumpling. The image on the left is what a traditional 蝦餃 would look like.   Shrimp Dumpling, Har Gaw (蝦餃). The shrimp dumpling in Yum Cha is a multicoloured version of the traditional one. The traditional dumpling usually wrapped shrimp filling in a half white half translucent paste. But this one shown above and below has pink, orange and green hue on it topped with a brush of gold paint on each dumpling. The image on the left is what a traditional 蝦餃 would look like. 
Yum Cha puts a lot of attention to details, the menu and the cutlery are just as visually pleasing.   Overall, Yum Cha is a innovative dim sum place that changed my view on how I see dim sum. Since childhood, I see Yumcha as a traditional dining experience that involves a lot of talking with the elders, tea drinking and food of course, a place where family gather. But now I see it as a place where I can dine with friends and new dining experience that emphasis on the visual. I would definitely recommend for those in Hong Kong or are visiting to give it a try. (But do try to make a reservation or go early or expect to wait for a while)
Addresses: 1) Tsim Sha Tsui: 4/F, 20-22 Granville Road, TST, Kowloon, Hong Kong 2) Central: 2/F, Nan Fung Place, 173 Des Voeux Road, Central, Hong Kong Opening Hours: 11:30am to 11pm Phone: +852 2751 1666 Website: http://yumchahk.com/ (This is not a sponsored article.)  Your righteousness is like the highest mountains, your justice like the great deep. You, Lord, preserve both people and animals. (Psalm 36:6)  God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging. (Psalm 46: 1-3)  Me and my friend Amy taking a picture at the name plaque of the Giant's causeway.  And I will call upon Your name, keep my eyes above the waves. When oceans rise, my soul will rest in Your embrace. For I am Yours, and You are mine. (Oceans by Hillsong)   Hexagonal shape rocks The hexagonal shaped rocks at the Giant's Causeway is what this nature wonder is famous for. The Giant's Causeway is one of the UNESCO world heritage's sites that are popular for both local and international visitors in Northern Ireland. It is located in Antrium and takes around 1.5 hours drive from Belfast. A legend stated that the rocks were formed by two giants fighting, between the Irish giant Finn McCool and Scottish giant Benandonner. For geographic/ scientific reason*: The rocks of Giant’s Causeway was formed from the aftermath of volcanic crashing, burning and cooling. The causeway has an epic 60-million-year-old legacy to lava with over 40,000 basalt columns. This mystical site got me pondered on how amazing the earth and its creation is. Also just how small and tiny I am in this big world. The earth, although tiny comparing to the rest of the universe, is the only planet (we know so far) that is teemed with abundant life. All I need to do is never stop discovering and to stand in awe.    You call me out upon the waters, the great unknown where feet may fail. And there I find You in the mystery, in oceans deep my faith will stand.   Beautiful Windmills  Beautiful Windmills    Dutch lady selling cheese
Colourful Cheese Blocking  Colourful Cheese Blocking  Wooden Clogs  A presentation on how clogs are made  Different clog designs
 Me trying on Dutch Clogs   Old Dutch Man playing music  Village kids on their bicycles   windmill chocolate store
  Dutch vintage shop
interior of Dutch vintage shop  
Bread making tools   the view of the Dutch windmills    For more information about Zaanse Schans, please visit their website:
http://www.dezaanseschans.nl/en/  Sun-dried salty fish Here are some photographs I have taken in Hong Kong a few years back at an island call Tai O'. I wanted to share these images because it is not the typical images one might think of when one think of Hong Kong... Hong Kong is a place rich in culture, there are so many things you can see and know that is not related to Hong Kong's image of being the famous international financial centre .  Lazy cat lounging  A shop gate with calligraphy on it   Acrylic painted wall   Dishes(left to right): A Pasta Soup, Steamed Pierogi topped with Chive, Fried Pierogi topped with Chive Drink: The drink is a summer special berries compote (bottom of the picture)  Me enjoying a refreshing summer berries drink  A stuffed pancake baked on cast iron  This is a Polish Spelt pancake that was wrapped with sautéed mushrooms stuffing. I choose a tomato sauce to pair with this pancake. The pancake was warm and fluffly with a chewy texture that matched perfectly with the mushroom stuffing. This dish is rich in flavour and texture, and it gave me a cozy feeling as the warm, comforting food meander its way into my belly. (One thing to watch out is to not make any contact of the hot plate underneath!)   Pieczona Polska Golonka- Polish Roasted Pork Knuckle The dish above 'Pieczona Polska Golonka' is a Polish style of roasted pork knuckle. The dish uses pig's front knuckle is cooked by slowly roasting in the oven, which apparently retains a lot of protein, iron and vitamins B. The method of slow roasting also helps the meat to remain tender and the skin to be soft. Underneath pork knuckle is pillow with roasted sauerkraut, which is type of fermented finely sliced cabbage that is found as a staple in Eastern European countries and Germanic cuisines. The main dish can be paired with bread and an apple salad.  Pierogi in Polish, which translates to dumplings in English is the signature of this restaurant,Zapiecek. Pierogi can be found in East European origin. It is not just popular in Poland but also in Russia, Slovakia, Ukraine, Latvia, Lithuania etc. where they could be known as other local names.The picture on the very top of this blog post shows two types of savoury dumplings, one steamed and one fried. The pictures of pierogis shown above and below are sweet ones, as dessert. There are different types of stuffing for both the savoury and sweet dumplings and the choices are endless. The one shown on the picture below is with the stuffing of poppy seeds, which is very sweet and spiced with the taste of cinnamon to compliment the unique taste of poppy seeds. As a family, we tried quite a few of the savoury ones. I really liked the mushroom stuffing pierogis. My family prefer the friend pierogis over the steamed one because it adds a crunch to it, whilst I prefer the steam ones that resembles more like the texture of pasta.    During my travel in Poland (Warsaw), as a family, we were looking for an authentic restaurant that is representative of the Polish cuisine. Having a younger sister that is fervor about food and with her fantastic google skills, we came to the conclusion that we must try 'Pierogi', which is Polish stuffed dumplings. In this foreign place, we were very confused as to where to find such food and being illiterate in Polish did not help. Luckily, we were approached by some very friendly locals, who recognised our distress and gave us a lot of advice about Warsaw and where to dine in very fluent English. The Polish we met highly recommended a restaurant called Zapiecek. We managed to find one in Stare Miasto, old town area of Warsaw and later we found out that this restaurant is a chained restaurant that is very popular with both locals and visitors. We were no exception. As a family, we were enchanted by its delicate and rich flavoured dishes, we needed to go back for more the next day because of the addicting taste. Not only were the food well made, the interior design and atmosphere also attracted us for seconds, Zapiecek possesses a homey feeling that allows the customers to feel right at home. Overall, I would highly recommend this restaurant for potential Warsaw visitors and get a taste of Polish flavour and hospitality.
 'lolani Palace  'lolani Palace  'lolani Palace Some pictures taken from the USS Arizona Memorial: 
The USS Arizona Memorial is to commemorate the death of marines and sailors of the USS Arizona during the tragic attack of Pearl Harbor, O'ahu by the Japanese imperial forces. The attack on Pearl Harbor and the island of O'ahu was the action that led to the United States' direct involvement in World War II. The memorial was dedicated in 1962.  
 Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve  Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve  Taken on top of a watch tower  Beautiful Sunset   Tree Sculptures These tree sculptures are placed right in the courtyard of the entrance of Burlington House, Royal Academy of Art before the entrance of the building into the exhibition. The sculptures reminded me of the scary forests in Snow White but they also have a peaceful look to them. If you look closer to them, they actually have quite smooth edges.  Marble grass and baby pram.  Surveillance Camera in Marble.  This is one of the wall paper at the exhibition, which reflects on how the government monitor social media/ internet in China.  'F**k the Government' wallpaper. Middle finger graphic created into 'Romantic' motifs.  Wooden benches made into a sculpture.  Wooden benches made into a sculpture.  In this piece of work, the glass jars are filled with dust that was crushed from antiques pottery and normal ones. Wei wei tries to make the point that from dust we come, and dust we return.  Many times it is the story behind how the artwork is made or the intention instead of the final product. This artwork (images above and below) consists of more than thousands of metal bar that was used for construction buildings. Wei wei acquired these metal bars from Sichuan, a province that suffered a tragic earthquake that killed many in China. Because the earthquake happened in the daytime when many students are at school, many children and adolescents were killed from collapses of their schools. Many has speculated that the reasons the buildings in that province collapsed were because of poor infrastructures and there may be corruption in between building time, where government officers may have pocketed some of the money. Despite not having enough evidence, Ai weiwei was determined to find out the amount of students that were killed through this incident. The metal bars seen in the photograph were actually crooked before but AIweiwei and his team straightened the metal bars out into its original forms, before it was used for construction to make a political statement about the government and perhaps its corruptions. In this room, the walls are filled with names and age of the students that were killed from this earth disaster.    Bicycle Chandelier   Being questioned Because Ai Weiwei's artwork is very political and directly criticising the Chinese government, there are times when he was locked up and questioned. The images here are sculptures that he made to document his experience.  Being watched 24/7, even when sleeping.  Being watched even when going to the toilet.  Me being too excited to see this master's work    Tip of the iceberg  Work flow.  I spy a Ferris Wheel   Framed   Lunch Break     Above, are some photographs I took of the busy central of Hong Kong during the lunch hour. This set of photographs are the first of a series of pictures I will take of Hong Kong (central). In this collection, most of the photos are of architectures, which I found beautiful and interesting, in the way they carefully arranged themselves poetically next to each other.
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Welcome JetsettersHi Jetsetters, welcome to my blogisphere. I am Esther, your guide for today! I hope you will enjoy this tour of my visual travel diary. @jetsesther on instagram
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