Bottle Art Museum : Pattaya, Thailand

Bottle Art Museum Pattaya, is Thailand apparent in a ample air-conditional hall, you can see more than 300 admirable miniatures in the bottles. This is belong to Mr. Pieter By De Lej from Holland and Mrs. Prapaisi Thaipanich from Thailand. The museum successfully some unique things all organized in a large air-conditioned hall. The miniatures displayed in the bottles are all fascinating. Bottles kept in the museum are in different colors with different types of lights reflecting on their walls. These bottles add a kind of magnificence to the place. All bottles contain models of interesting places in the world. The tourists get greatly inspired by the concept of bottling up things. Many of them try to do it by themselves when they reach home. The concept has found great appreciation among the people. This museum is located at km145 off Highway No. 3 Pattaya, the museum is open daily from 09:00 am to 08:00 pm

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Hallyu and Kpop : Silence Tourism Machine for South Korea

I can't deny the fact that one of the influences for Korean madness comes from Hallyu and Kpop. According to Wikipedia: "The Korean wave or Korea fever^[1] refers to the surge of popularity of South Korean culture around the world since the 21st century, especially among the Millennial Generation. While popular throughout the Asian continent, its influence is strongest in East Asia, especially dominant in China, Japan and Southeast Asia, spreading to India,^[2] the Middle East,^[3] Central Asia,^[4] Iran,^[5] Israel,^[6] Turkey^[7] and Russia.^[8]"

Without realizing it, Hallyu or Korean wave has become a silent tourism machine from South Korea. Most of my friends would at least know one of the singers/actors/actress/groups from the entertainment. Since Malaysia only has one channel KBS from Astro, so basically that would be the main source. Otherwise, internet has become the main point connecting us nearer to others culture and either way it is as if I'm staying in Seoul even though I'm not. You gain latest updated news of your favourite Hallyu artist on your fingertips. I check them mostly from Youtube.

These are among my top 5 favourite singers based on talent (especially not looks..hehe):
1. G-dragon from Big Bang (* Not really a singer, I just like him cause he's a genius!)
2. Kim Hee Chul from Super Junior (He's just crazy, crazy, crazy and wicked! hehe..)

Kim Hee Chul
Picture courtesy of Style Hapaa

3. Epik High
4. FTTS - Fly to the sky (duo consisting of Brian and Hwanhee
5. Hwayobi, Gummy, Ji sun - ex-singer of Loveholic and Lynn

My 5 top favourite drama:
1. My name is Kim Sam Soon
2. My attic cat
3. Thank you
4. I'm sorry I love you
5. Full house

My 5 top favourite movie:
1. The art of fighting
2. My Sassy Girl
3. A moment to remember
4. Wolves temptation
5. My tutor friend

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Hanbok: Korean traditional clothes

Hanbok and its root

Pictures courtesy of jø°'s photostream.

Hanbok's modern style is so pretty and somewhat similar to Malaysian's Baju Kurung. The roots might come from different origins but the style is conservative and often used during ceremony or major formal occasion.

From Wikipedia: Hanbok (South Korea) or Chosŏn-ot (North Korea) is the traditional Korean dress. It is often characterized by vibrant colors and simple lines without pockets. Although the term literally means "Korean clothing", hanbok today often refers specifically to hanbok of Joseon Dynasty and is worn as semi-formal or formal wear during traditional festivals and celebrations. Modern hanbok does not exactly follow the actual style as worn in Joseon dynasty since it went through some major changes during the twentieth century for practical reasons.^[1]

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30 suggested souvenirs from South Korea

Every time I travel, I wish I could prepare everyone a souvenir; that's what I thought. However due to budget, I wouldn't be able to (my dearest friends, please understand..hehe). However, after doing some research from Flickr, Youtube, Google search and Trip Advisor here are few worthy souvenirs that I wish to check on in Seoul, South Korea:

1. Mink (artificial) - blankets or robes
2. Korean lamp
3. Korean chess set - Janggi (Korean Chess-like game) , another one, another one and finally
4. Traditional Korean mask
5. Korean T-Shirt
6. Kimchi candies
7. Packed kimchi and another one
8. Dried seaweed snacks
9. Fashion accessories - hair pins/ bands
10. Korean Makeup
11. Scarves
12. Korean dolls
13. Handphone accessories
14. Wooden wedding ducks
15. Key chains with the Korean flag
16. Pouch
17. False eyelashes
18. Phone accessory
19. Hangul Stamp
20. Hanbok
21. JejuAir Hello Kitty
22. Rice Cake , another one and another one
23. Ceramics
24. Paper fan
25. Korean drum (miniature)
26. Kimchi chocolate - eat at your own risk..hehe
27. Korean tea
28. Korean tea cup
29. Hallyu Kpop Souvenirs
30. Hoodies

There is a Seoul Tourists Souvenir in Insadong where you may browse through.

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Kimchi in the making.

Making kimchi seems like an easy feat. Unfortunately, it is not everyone forte. Just like mine, I tried to make it but always seem like over salty, over spicy and everywhere is in the 'OVER' region. Hahaha. I'm not a good cook, I agree. I'm not shameful to confess on this one of my 'amazing' qualities.

There's one good website where I stumbled upon the video from youtube called Maangchi.

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Introducing Gumteo : Grilled fish restaurant

Picture courtesy: ZenKimchi

A considerable chain-restaurant based on its price. Why am I always stressing on food? Hahah..I love food but I'm always curious about Korean food. How does it compare to Malaysian food?

As I browse the web today, I came across this restaurant called Gumteo. I wish I could understand what it means though. Their forte is grilled fish. I love fish!!

The price for standard meal is between 5,000 to 10,000 won- which is between MYR15 to 30. Cheap right? Ok? I hope it will taste good and yummy and tasty.

Arghh..I'm hungry!!

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Koh Larn : Pattaya, Thailand

Koh Larn is located about 7km from Pattaya Beach. The Island is about 4km long and about 2km wide and has about a thousand residents most of whom live in the main village called Naban. There are about six beaches on the island that boast white sand and clear blue water. Koh Larn is a lush green tropical island which has an abundant amount of rain fall each year during monsoon. The terrain is mostly mountainous which is covered in most part with heavy vegetation, jungle if you will. Monkeys naturally inhabit the island as well as other wildlife. Infrastructure here in most part consist of narrow roadways covered with brick pavers.

There are many activities here for visitors to enjoy, some include para sailing, snorkeling, jet ski, banana boat, swimming in tropical waters, and there is even a shooting range located here. Because the island is mountainous there are also some spectacular views for those that like to take a few snapshots. Koh Larn is also very suited for bicycling and hiking, many bicycling events have been held here. Then there are the places to eat many right on the beach, serving up fresh, catch of the day sea food. Many visitors come to stay their entire vacation on Koh Larn and return year after year, kind of a home away from home for some.

Koh Lan is 45 minutes from Pattaya beach by boat or 20 minutes by long-tail boat. Most of the tour boats make anchor to take advantage of the foodshops and stalls along these beaches. Facing Hat Thong Lang are coral ranges. Visitors can choose glass-bottom boats and surface-diving. Hat Samae is located to the southwest while Hat Ta Phan is to the west of the island.

Ferries leave South Pattaya Pier daily from 10:00 to 18.30, the one-way fare being 20 Baht. The return ferry leaves Koh Lan’s Na Ban Beach at 12:00 and 14:00.

Source : http://www.kohlarn.com/

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Sanctuary of Truth : Pattaya, Thailand

The Sanctuary of Truth is a gigantic wooden construction which covers the area of more than two rais. The top point of the building is about 105 meters high. It was constructed to withstand the wind and sunshine on the seashore at Rachvate Cape, Tumbon Naklea, Amphur Banglamung, Pattaya, Chonburi province.

The building was constructed according to ancient Thai ingenuity and every square inch of the building is covered with wooden carve sculpture. The purposes of decoration with wooden carve sculptures are to use art and culture as the reflection of Ancient Vision of Earth, Ancient Knowledge, and Eastern Philosophy. With in this complex, visitors will understand Ancient Life, Human Responsibility, Basic Thought, Cycle of living, Life Relationship with Universe and Common Goal of Life toward Utopia.

To go to The Sanctuary of Truth is easily by bus to Naklue Soi 12. nearby the Loma Circle intersection.

Source : http://www.sanctuaryoftruth.com/ Tel. +660-3836-7229

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