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Chinese Herbal Medicine: Mysteries From Hong Kong

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Chinese herbs
Mysterious Chinese herbs in the traditional medicine shops of Hong Kong

Chinese Herbal Medicine: Hong Kong

Chinese herbal medicine is not based on mainstream Western principles or practices. Chinese herbal medicine uses a variety of herbs such as Chinese herbal medicine uses a variety of herbs such as astragalus, ginkgo, ginseng, green tea, and Siberian ginseng  in different combinations to restore balance to the body. A body out of balance, is a disease waiting to happen. Herbal blends, in the hands of a competent practitioner, can prevent and heal many ailments. They are said to prevent and treat hormone disturbances, infections, breathing disorders, and a vast number of other ailments and diseases.

The beginning of Chinese herbal Medicine is the herb garden. Simple garden  herbs  can help ease the side effects of radiation  treatments, control pain, improve quality of life, and strengthen the immune system. There has even been  some cases, where simple herbal combinations worked to slow or stop tumor growth. Chinese herbal medicine is the use of over 3,200 herbs, 300 minerals, and 400 different formulas  to restore health and balance to the body.

The long use of many of these  herbs has led some to think that they are always safe. That is not correct. Any herb can cause allergic reactions in people who are sensitive to them. Those who are allergic to certain plants or plant-based foods may also react to herbs. As with anything new, it is good to introduce it in such a way, that you can quickly see if you have a reaction.

The more herbs you are able to safely introduce into your everyday cooking and use, the healthier you will be. A simple beginning is the humble herb garden. A few simple herbs that almost anyone can grow in a few pots are turmeric, ginger, garlic, onions, cilantro, parsley, teas, ginseng, and ginkgo. I personally use each of these daily. Others that I try to use at least 3 times a week are sage, oregano, basil, mint, thyme, and lemon grass. Even the leaves of fruit trees can often be used to control or prevent common issues. The humble fig leaf is my favorite example. A tea from the  fig  leaf can many times help in the control of diabetes. It is also helpful in weight control. There are hundreds of herbs waiting for you to discover their magic. What are you waiting for?

If anyone thinks my small herb garden of 50 herbs is overwhelming, venture into to a traditional medicine shop in Hong Kong. There you will see hundreds of mysterious herbs just waiting for you to use with knowledge. Never use something unknown to you without proper teaching and instruction. Herbs are a natural medicine and if used wrongly, they can be fatal.  Herbs plus knowledge and instruction can mean a long quality of life. So come on over to Hong Kong and wander through a traditional medicine shop. They are mysterious! They are a delight! To a person with herbal knowledge, they are of more value than a candy store, to a child. Grab your passport and pack your bags. Come spend time in Hong Kong, learning the art of Chinese Herbal Medicine. It is never to early to book your next Hong Kong vacation.

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Blue Swimming Crabs: Filipino Delicacy

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Blue Swimming Crabs
Blue Swimming Crabs

Blue Swimming Crabs: Filipino Delicacy

Blue Swimming Crabs are some of the sweetest crabs available. They also are known by many names. Portumus Pelagicus is the official scientific name, but they are known as the flower crab in most of Asia. In the middle east they are known as the manna crab. Head on over to Australia and they are called sand crabs. Whatever the name, this is an excellent crab for eating! Demand is extremely high world-wide for the Blue Swimming Crabs. Not only are they good to eat, but they are beautiful.

Almost 90% of the market is in the United States. They are considered a delicacy and can be pricey. African, Asian, and Middle Eastern countries are also major importers. Australia and New Zealand make up the balance of the importing countries for Blue Swimming Crabs.

The male Crabs are a bright blue with white spots. They are simply gorgeous! The female crab is a duller greenish-brown. She is not nearly as stunning as her male counterpart. Male or female, they are a hot commodity. They spend most of their days buried under the damp sand or mud. Rarely do they come out during daylight or winter. They are excellent swimmers and do not survive long out of the water. At night you will find them swimming in the estuaries, as they search for food and shelter.

So, the next time you are in the Philippines, have a local delicacy for dinner. If you like crab, these are some of the best. So gather your passport and pack your bag. Make this the year you discover the world of the Blue Swimming Crab. A seafood banquet is waiting ….in the Philippines.

For more information on the Philippine Islands and places to go, see our websites:

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Nipa Huts in Philippines: Traditional Filipino Rural Living

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Nipa Hut in the Philippines
Traditional Filipino Nipa Hut

Traditional Nipa Huts in the Philippines

Nipa Huts are a living symbol of rural life in the Philippines.  It is the home of yesterday that has changed and survived even until today. Nipa Huts or Bahay Kubos are an icon of Philippine rural living. They are built differently in different areas, according to the conditions and circumstances of the area. Nipa Huts are a living Pilipino icon.

There is no real definition of how a Nipa Hut is made, but there are several things that most have in common. The conditions in the Philippine lowlands have led to some basic similarities. Most of these huts are built-in three layers. Depending on whether they are in or near water. Most Nipa huts are built on stilts. Since most of the island has water to deal with, usually the bottom part of the hut allows the water to freely go under the hut.  This is true especially near the coast and in boggy areas. There are a few exceptions to this rule in modern times, but it is followed even today in most areas. Only some of the materials have changed. Today, often the stilts are simple concrete cinder blocks rather than the traditional hardwood. Regardless of the materials used, the benefit to this style is protection from floods and also it keeps small animals out of the living area, such as rats.

nipa-hut-philippines-old-house-wooden-houseAbove the stilts is the living area or the tagalong. This area is accessed by a ladder. It is built open and is well ventilated to help keep the home cooler and to allow natural light to penetrate the home. They often have bamboo slats for floors, which allow the cool air to come up from the silong. The Philippines is very hot and humid, so the traditional Nipa hut allows for cooling. There may or may not be a ceiling. Often times the ceiling is not built to allow the hot air to rise and leave through the roof.

The roof is usually tall and steeply pitched, creating a space above the living area for the hot air to go. They are built with thatch, a material that is readily available. This gives the hut a cooling effect in the long hot humid summers.  These roofs also were the reason many of these small huts survived the ash fall from the Mt. Pinatubo eruption. Many more modern homes succumbed to the weight of the ash and collapsed.

While modern Nipa huts have changed, the design has stayed basically the same. The walls are often built with bamboo rods or mats to allow the house to be cool in the hot summers and warm in the rainy season. They are still built-in a square shape and are left open for light and coolness.  The windows are large to help give light and often are held open with a long bamboo rod, to allow for air flow. This is the modern Nipa hut—an icon that has survived and adapted over time.

On your next trip to the Southern Leyte, Philippines, take a trip to the rural areas and see living Filipino history. History is alive in the Philippines, so pack your bag and grab your passport. Make this the year you explore the Southern Leyte, Philippines.

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Asparagus Shrimp Soup Of Taiwan

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Asparagus and Shrimp soup
Asparagus and Shrimp soup

Asparagus Shrimp Soup Of Taiwan

Asparagus Shrimp Soup is a Taiwanese specialty. Taiwan is a small island and there is no way the Taiwanese could have enough beef and pork to meet their needs. The Taiwanese for centuries have been looking to the sea for its protein. Asparagus Shrimp soup is fantastic!  It is healthy! It is delicious!

The sea provides a steady and  fresh supply of tuna, grouper, sardines, shrimp, anchovies, squid, cuttlefish and more. The Taiwanese fisherman go out daily and return with fresh seafood for the markets and restaurants. What a delight it is, to see your seafood alive until it is time to cook. Many dishes are prepared right at your table. Hot pot is one of those dishes. Everything in Taiwan is fresh! It is amazing!

Asparagus Shrimp Soup is absolutely delicious. I love soups, so I often experiment and change-up things. You can make it with all vegetables! No Shrimp, no problem, just add Sardines or Salmon. It is good to make it the traditional way the first time. The options are many! No matter what fish you add, it will be delicious. It is extremely nutritious! It is fresh…straight from the sea.

For those of you who want to try a little healthy Taiwanese cooking, I have included a simple recipe to get you started. Asparagus Shrimp Soup is easy to make.  It will get your creativity going. It never hurts to delve into the cruise of the country you hope to visit. This recipe comes to us by the Food Network. Enjoy the soup!

Asparagus Shrimp Soup

Recipe Courtesy of �Michelle Urvater
Total Time:
40 min
Cook:
40 min

Yield:4 servings
Level:Easy
Ingredients

1 tablespoon vegetable oil
2 tablespoons minced shallots
6 cups water
Bouquet garni including: the stems and roots of a bunch of cilantro, bay leaf, smashed peeled garlic clove, 2 red chili
peppers
1 pound asparagus, peeled, trimmed and cut into 1/2-inch rounds
1 pound peeled and deveined shrimp, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
1 cup canned straw mushrooms or fresh enoki mushrooms or sliced domestic mushroom caps
3 to 4 tablespoons fresh lime juice
1/2 cup (packed) cilantro leaves, coarsely chopped
Salt and crushed red pepper
Directions

Heat the oil and add the shallots and saute. Add the water, bouquet garni and bring to a boil and simmer, covered for 10 minutes. Add the asparagus and simmer 5 minutes or until tender; add the shrimp and simmer just until the shrimp turn pink. Add the mushrooms, and simmer to heat through (if too much liquid has evaporated, add more to keep level constant).

Remove the soup from the heat, remove the bouquet garni and stir in the lime juice to taste and cilantro. Adjust seasoning with salt and crushed red pepper.

Recipe Courtesy of �Michelle Urvater

Read more at: http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/asian-shrimp-and-asparagus-soup-recipe.print.html?oc=linkback

Now, that you have tried your hand at a little Asian cooking, you can add other things. It is quick! It is easy! Now, you are ready to make it your own. Asparagus Shrimp Soup is just the beginning of what you will see in Taiwan. The soups are endless! The variety is unlimited! There seems to be no limit to the vegetables and fruits that grow on the island. They are abundant! They are fresh! It is easy to have a salad with every meal. You will love the freshness of everything. Nothing was prepared yesterday! Make this the year you discover Taiwan. For added tourist information, see our website at:

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Taipei, Taiwan: The City Seems To Rotate

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Taipei
Taipei taiwan

Taipei, Taiwan: “Good Feng Shui Rotates,”

Taipei, Taiwan is the city of change. There is a Chinese proverb that says:”Good Feng Shui Rotates.” This is true of Taipei, as the best of the city seems to change each time you arrive. There is so much to do in and around Taipei! It is good to plan several days and then you will just scratch the service.

Almost a constant for first place is the Lungshan Temple. It is located near the Danshui River  west of the city. The building is over three centuries old and accommodates several Buddhist gods, including the goddess of mercy. Rich and poor come here to pray for protection and wellbeing. The temple is seldom empty, but on the 1st and 15th of every lunar month it is extremely busy. Be sure and notice the intricate hand carved details on this building. The temple has been restored and is a historical building in Taiwan. Fill your plate with Taiwanese history at the Lungshan Temple.

Be sure to take a walk along the underground shopping street in the Lungshan Temple MRT station. There are many quaint shops on this lower level shopping area. You will also see many fortune-tellers along the street. Temples and fortune tellers play a large role in Taiwan. Both the temples and the fortune tellers shape the culture of this island nation. In Taipei you will notice that every district has its own temple on the coroner.

In the same area is Snake Alley. You will find it on Huaxi Street. This is one of the strangest of the night markets. It is a very unique market with lots of living history. Snake meat, snake soup, and shots of snake blood are sold here. You might want to be careful what you buy! Years ago it was the location of the famous red light district and a place for gangsters. Now it is a modern night market and a tourist destination.

The Taipei 101 is always a top tourist location. Taipei 101 has 101 floors above ground and 5 floors underground. The architecture of the building is modern and has much symbolism. It has one of the best views in the city. It is in the Xinyi District of Taiwan. There is an awesome restaurant in the building. It has the best desert bar and it is so good. Taipei 101 is a tourist’s delight! Check out an earlier article on Taipei 101. http://explore1.wpengine.com/taipei-101-taiwan/

Eat local while in Taiwan. A personal favorite is the Beef Noodle Soup. You will find it all over Taiwan in every night market. There is also many variations of a Vegetable Soup. It is delicious! Another awesome dish is the Hot Pot! You can choose what you want in it and it is cooked at your table.  Many people seem to like the bowls of  Vermicelli Noodle Soup with oysters or braised pork intestines. It is topped with black vinegar, garlic and coriander. It also can be found in any night market. I personally did not try this local delicacy, but from the looks of the lines, it is a favorite.

Here is an earlier article on the Hot pot. http://explore1.wpengine.com/hotpot-taiwanese-style/?doing_wp_cron=1421945819.0956850051879882812500

For a look at the Night Market:  http://explore1.wpengine.com/taiwan-night-markets/?doing_wp_cron=1421946505.9046499729156494140625

For ease of movement in Taipei, there are bikes for rent all over the city. Check out the website for more information. www.youbike.com.tw  The MRT Train will get you most places you need to go and there are also city buses. https://guidetotaipei.com/article/taipei-mrt-rapid-transit-subway-%E5%8F%B0%E5%8C%97%E6%8D%B7%E9%81%8B

That is todays top five things to do in Taipei. But things rotate in Taipei and tomorrows list would be different. There is so much to see and do in Taipei. Make this the year you discover Taipei. Pack your bags and grab your passport. There is excitement waiting in Taipei, Taiwan.

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Xinwu Mazu Temple: Xinwu Township Taiwan

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Xinwu Mazu Temple
Xinwu Mazu Temple overlooking the Sea in Xinwu Township Taiwan

Xinwu Mazu Temple Overlooking The Sea

Xinwu Mazu Temple is called Our Lady Of Heaven in English. It is believed by many that Mazu is a goddess. This goddess is believed by her followers to be the protector of the people by the sea. It is said that ,”she shelters the people to protect the country.” The temple is overlooking the marina so that she may guard and keep the fisherman when out to sea. Mazu is believed to be the protector of Taiwan.

Xinwu District is about 7% of the land area of Taoyuan County in Taiwan. It is the largest township in the county. This is a small farming and fishing community. Approximately 90% of the residents of Xinwu are Hakka Han. The Hakka Han people are descendants of the Han Chinese of Central China and speak the Hakka Chinese language. The Hakka Han have a separate identity that distinguishes them from the Cantonese people. The Cantonese are Han Chinese whose ancestors came from the Guangdong area of mainland China. The Hakka Han and the Cantonese are some of the friendliest people I have met.

This area is home to some of the most beautiful gardens in the world. Here are three of the best well-known gardens. There are also many smaller gardens that you will see as you visit the area. The Taiwanese love their gardens.

When in the area, plan to tour the Jiudou Mulberry Garden. There are many different species of the Mulberry Tree world-wide. See them all at the Mulberry Garden. There are many teas that are made from the different Mulberry Trees around the world. If you have access to a Mulberry Tree that is not sprayed, pick and wash the leaves. You can make the teas from the fresh leaves or you can dry them in the sun or in any area of low heat for later use. I personally like to combine them with pecan leaves and fig leaves. This is an awesome tea.

The Jiudou Lotus Garden is another lovely garden. The Lotus comes in many different colors and is thought to be a flower of extreme good luck or prosperity. Enjoy an earlier article on all the meanings of the many Lotus Plants at: http://explore1.wpengine.com/lotus-flowers-asia-beautiful/?doing_wp_cron=1421773469.8363249301910400390625

Another beautiful garden is the Sinwu Flower Leisure Park. Take a leisurely walk and enjoy all the many flowers that flourish in the park. It is a perfect outing for the family. What better place to have a picnic?

Xinwu is a beautiful township with many rivers. There are five major rivers that flow through the town. What an awesome place for a bicycle ride, or a leisurely walk. When in Xinwu, be sure to enjoy the many walking paths by the rivers.

Make 2015 the year to enjoy the many sights and sounds of Taiwan. Enjoy the awesome architecture, and the gorgeous scenery.  There are  fantastic fruits everywhere. They are delicious!  There are many Asian vegetables just waiting to be tried. The food is wonderful! There is no end to the adventure that is waiting, in Taiwan. Today is the day to book your Taiwanese vacation. What are you waiting for? Grab your passport and pack your bags. See you in Taiwan.

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https://www.pinterest.com/exploretraveler/i-love-taiwan/

 

 

 

 

 

 

Yolanda Village Good Bye’s In Tacloban, Philippines

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Yolanda Village Taclobam
Yolanda Village Taclobam

 Yolanda Village: Saying Goodbye

Yolanda Village grew out of the desperation and determination of 16 million people to survive the worst Typhoon ever recorded. Tacloban and surrounding areas of the Philippines were totally devastated in November 2013 by Super Typhoon Haiyan. Super Typhoon Haiyan is known locally as Super Typhoon Yolanda. Yolanda ripped through the Southern Leyte! She totally destroyed everything in her wake. Villages were flattened. Thousands died and many are still missing.  Farmers were left homeless! Coconut plantations  had been ripped up. Their life’s work had disappeared over night. The working poor in Tacloban were now, the new city homeless. They had no jobs in sight. Fisherman were not only homeless, but they had no boats. Without boats, they can not fish! Many large operations saw their ships washed up to sit on hills. The area around the ships was a no build zone. People soon built a shanty town in the wake of the ships. Fisherman wanted to be as close to the water as they could get. Shanty towns were erected. Shanty towns quickly became the “new normal.” Yolanda Village was born!

January 2015 and things are changing. The Philippines is on the road to recovery. Now, they are in the rehabilitation and reconstruction stage. Three hundred families are leaving Yolanda Village for their new  homes. The government used the aid to purchase building materials and to hire contractors. The people have been doing the sweat equity. New concrete block homes are being built with corrugated roofs. Recovery is always slow, but after only one year, 300 families are saying goodbye to Yolanda Village. Many are thankful for their new permanent home! It is their home! It is the work of their hands! The determination and will to survive made it happen. Others are moving into their temporary homes. They will begin to help build their new permanent homes. This scene is scheduled to be replayed throughout the year of 2015 and beyond. One day there will be no one left in Yolanda Village. All the shanty towns will be gone.

What is happening to these huge ships that call Yolanda Village home? They are being dismantled one by one! The material is being sold as scrap metal and reclaimed lumber. The ships are on their way out! There is a new normal in sight for this southern Leyte region. Tacloban City has seen about 50% of their essential services and business restored. People,once again, have running water and electricity. Farmers are clearing their lands of the giant fallen coconut trees and planting rice. They only make about 50% of what they did with their plantations, but it is money coming in. Many work on the side elsewhere, as they try to pay off the loans made against last years failed coconut harvest.  Many fishermen still have no boats, but many of them now have homes. Some fisherman are back on the water, due to donated boats.  All  are thankful for what 2014 brought. It is yet another step toward recovery.

The year 2015 is all about the hope and determination of 16 million people who have made the choice to move forward. It is a new day! With the aid coming into the country, more building materials will be bought. Farmers will clear fields and replant. Fishing boats will once again be at work. The residents of Yolanda Village are on their way home! Plantation owners are becoming rice farmers! The fisherman dream of a day when they can once again fish. This is the New Norm in the Southern Leyte. It is one of hope! It is one of progress!

https://www.bangkokpost.com/world/423651/philippines-to-spend-nearly-4bn-rebuilding-after-haiyan

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Peter’s Dive Resort Philippines

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PETER’S DIVE RESORT
Scuba Diving in Sogod Bay in the Philippines

Peter’s Dive Resort Philippines

 

Peter’s Dive Resort has welcomed the divers of the world since it opened in 2000. It’s Southern Leyte location makes it easy to explore the many marine sanctuaries surrounding Leyte, Philippines.  In Leyte you will find world-class diving in pristine waters. The reefs are a mixture of both hard and soft corals of every color imaginable. These beautiful virgin reefs are home to over 2,000 species of fish. Here you will discover the Pygmy Seahorse and perhaps even spot a Whale Shark, as it is feeding in Sogod Bay. Whale Sharks are usually spotted from October to May. The rich plankton provides an excellent feeding ground for these magnificent sea creatures.

Whaleshark 2 is the backbone of Peter’s Dive Resort . It has the reputation of being one of the strongest seaworthy boats in the area. It is extremely spacious and is a convenient wet weather boat. It has a 100% safety record. All dives are accompanied by experienced dive guides. Your comfort and safety are of extreme importance. Whaleshark 3 is a smaller boat and is an excellent back up for the busy times. It also has a 100% safety record.

The service at Peter’s Dive Resort  is excellent. Among the many amenities are wi-fi and a safe deposit box that is located in the office. There is a spacious indoor pool, dive Shop, and a well equipped gym. The restaurant is air-conditioned and has a full service cocktail bar.  Enjoy the local cuisine of the Philippines. The food is excellent and the fish is fresh! There is nothing like a feast after a dive!

For those who want to get out and explore the island there are motorbikes for hire by the day, including insurance. Peter’s Dive Resort makes all the local arrangements for you, and if you have extra energy but want to stay on site, you will find table tennis and darts in the pool area. For those who come back from the dive a little tired, in-house massages are also available.

There are many different types of accommodations at Peter’s Dive Resort. You can choose houses, cottages, or luxury rooms. No matter what you choose, they are clean and the service is excellent. For those who prefer to save their money for diving, Peter’s Dive Resort is  the only resort in the area to offer dormitories for the divers. You will find a description of all the types of accommodations on their website below.

Peter’s Dive Resort accepts USD and EURO foreign currency at their own exchange rate. They also accept most major credit cards. Discounts are offered to those buying 10 dives or more. Divers are given a discount on their room accommodations. Group rates are available.  Contact the resort for information on groups. There is a contact form on their website. If you prefer, you can also call or write the resort at the address or phone number below.

http://whaleofadive.com/

Peter’s Dive Resort
Barangay Lungsodaan
6602 Padre Burgos, Southern Leyte
The Philippines
Mobile: +63917-791-0993
+63915-437-7560

Make this the year you discover the Southern Leyte, Philippines. Peter’s Dive Resort is an excellent choice for the diver and the snorkeler alike. There are even classes for those desiring to get Padi Certification.  For other information on the area, see our website at Exploretraveler.com. 

 

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Fo Guang Shan in Taiwan

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Fo Guang Shan in Taiwan
Fo Guang Shan in Taiwan

Fo Guang Shan Is The Fastest Growing Buddhist Organization In Taiwan Today

Fo Guang Shan –What is it? Why is it growing so fast? The purpose of the article is to simply let the reader know what Fo Guang Shan is about. I give no opinion of my own. Fo Guang Shan is the fastest growing Buddhist Organization in the World today.  Its moderate approach appeals to the masses. Fo Guang Shan was founded in 1967 by Hsing Yun. The International Headquarters of this new movement is located in Kaohsiung, Taiwan in the Dashu District. It is known as Buddha’s Light Mountain. It is widely believed that from this mountain goes out light to each of the 5 continents of the world. The order is known world-wide as the International Buddhist Progress Society. The society promotes a more humanistic form of Buddhism than other Buddhist Orders.  This order has a major emphasis on humanism and charity. It is also better known in the world, as a whole. This is due to its teachings, lectures, and workshops world-wide.  They also give many lectures within the many correctional facilities worldwide. They are also extremely active in the large Asian factories. They have large-scale lectures on both television and radio within Taiwan. They are world-wide. Devotees are encouraged to make yearly pilgrimages to Buddha’s Light Mountain.

This Giant Buddha statue
This Giant Buddha statue

There are four major objectives in Fo Guang Shan.

(1) To spread Buddhist teachings through cultural activities throughout the world. They are active on             every continent.

(2) To encourage talent through education. They run many colleges and Universities.

(3) To benefit society through charitable programs. They are best known for their programs for children          in need and the elderly who are destitute.

(4) To purify human hearts and minds through Buddhist practice and pilgrimage.

The official motto of the Fo Guang Shan is:  “May the Buddha’s Light shine upon the ten directions. May the Dharma stream continuously flow towards the five great continents.”

The following four major beliefs or goals  are set forth. They are a guide to each believer in Fo Guang Shan.

(1) May kindness, compassion, joy, and equanimity pervade all Dharma realms;

(2) May all beings benefit from our friendship and kindness;

(3) May our ethical practices of Ch’an and Pureland help us to realize patience and equality;

(4) May we undertake the Great Vows with humility and gratitude.”

There are four major working principles set forth for members.

(1) Give others confidence.

(2) Give others joy.

(3) Give others hope.

(4) Render service to others.

The emphasis is on giving, not only money, but of yourself.

Sources: https://books.google.com/books?id=TWJjMCxUUWMC&pg=PA107&lpg=PA107&dq=BLIA+guidelines&source=bl&ots=hWa12HYVGd&sig=XoTppWfUH_D2tjZ4IudLm7Y-_CU&hl=en&sa=X&ei=uhe0VOOiDdG0sATz2YK4DA&ved=0CEsQ6AEwCA#v=onepage&q=BLIA%20guidelines&f=false

The Fo Guang Shan Order has many free medical and social programs that serve the remote villages and the poorest of the poor. They also have many annual food and warm clothing drives. In Asia they have Children’s homes and homes for senior citizens. They are active in wildlife conservation.

Throughout Asia you will see many Temples and monasteries belonging to different Buddhist Orders. Like Christianity and Judaism, they have many denominations and sects. As we admire the many architectural delights in Asia, it is good to remember that these are places of worship. While we do not dwell on how they serve their gods, it is good to understand what they stand for. Knowledge helps us to have understanding. Understanding breeds respect. Respect is good among people.

For other Asian travel ideas and monuments, see our website:

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Malacca Malaysia–Where History Is Alive

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Malacca Malaysia
Malacca Malaysia

Malacca Malaysia–Where History Is Alive

Malacca, Malaysia is one of the most charming cities in Malaysia. It is a 4-5 hour drive from Singapore City. It is a delightful escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. Malacca is a world heritage site that is rich in multicultural heritage. Its many rich festivals highlight  its Portuguese and Dutch colonial years. It is living history in the streets of Malacca. Malacca, also spelled Melaka, is a rewarding and fun town to explore.

Klebang Beach is a favorite beach and is the site of kites flying through the air. Arrive at the beach and buy a kite and then relax and enjoy all that the beach has to offer. The sunsets in Malacca are amazing and where better to see them, than Klebang Beach. 

http://lurvethelife.blogspot.com/2012/12/klebang-beach-malacca.html#.VK_P-tLF-n0

Another interesting tour is the Malacca Duck Tour. Ride on an old military amphibian vehicle as you see the sights of Malacca. What fun that is!

Cruise the Malacca River in a 45 minute ride up and down the river. Especially awesome at night, as you see all the lights as you pass. The fountain is all lit up at night and the boat cruises past many sidewalk eateries. Adventure waits on the river! http://melakarivercruise.com/

Panorama Melaka is an exciting bus tour. The view from the double-decker buses is delightful. There is nothing you can not see from the upper deck. Sit on the upper deck that is open and feel the air, as you cruise around the city, London style. http://panoramamelaka.com.my/

In Malacca, you can really eat your way through the different cultures. Each ethic group has its own favorite dish or cuisine. If you like hot, spicy food, the Portuguese make an awesome Devils Curry. It is my favorite and I serve it over rice. This is an easy dish to make, no matter where in the world you might be. This is perhaps one of the oldest recipes handed down through the generations from mother to daughter. It takes about 30 minutes to prepare and is considered spicy to some.

Ingredientsu

How to make it

  • 1. Heat oil and fry the ground ingredients till fragrant.
  • 2. Add chicken and salt and fry over high heat for a few minutes.
  • 3. Mix the chilli powder and turmeric powder with a little water to form a smooth paste.
  • 4. Add it to the meat.
  • 5. Stir well, add a little water and cook over low heat.
  • 6. When just about cooked add in the mustard, sugar and vinegar.
  • 7. Stir and simmer for another 10 minutes.
  • 8. Serve with steamed rice.
    Note: this recipe is taken from Grouprecipes.com with my comments in parenthesis.

Let Malacca be your vacation destination. Grab you passport and pack your bags. Adventure awaits!
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