Poland -- Video on Krakow Festival of Jewish Culture

by Ruth Ellen Gruber

I found it a bit slow getting into this video which was made from last year's 20th edition of the Festival of Jewish Culture in Krakow -- and it focuses a bit too much on the music at the outset, rather than the comprehensive variety of workshops, performances, exhibits and other events. But there is some good footage and there are some interesting interviews.

20th Jewish Culture Festival in Krakow, Poland from Jewish Culture Festival on Vimeo.

Bunaken Marine Park Tourism Underwater Paradise

If you want to enjoy an earthly paradise, you do not need all the way to go to different parts of the world. In Indonesia you can find it, namely in tourism park Bunaken.

An area with several small islands in Manado, North Sulawesi, lay a variety of beauty is very remarkable. From the beauty of the islands, the beach is gorgeous, and the beauty beneath the sea is very fascinating.

Tourist Park
The total area attractions that are under the Bunaken National Park Bunaken is quite broad. It lies about 75 miles from Manado Beach is geographically divided into northern and southern parts. In the northern part there are 5 islands and on coastal Wolas-Wori. 5 island is the island of Bunaken, Manado Tua, Siladen, Nian and Mantehage. From the islands, Bunaken is the most crowded island that is because it has a natural beauty that is more complete.

While in the southern coastal area of Arakan cover-Wawontulap. On the southern coast covers around 22 villages with a population of 35 thousand souls. Not a few residents in the region that helped earn a living by working in the field of tourism and open a business park Bunaken enliven this.

World Heritage
To get to the tourist area of Bunaken's not a difficult thing to have available a variety of means of transportation. Both from Jakarta or from Denpasar, travelers can use a direct flight to Manado. So also from Manado to Bunaken heading can be reached by boat or a boat with about half an hour.

Tourist area which was established in 1991 has been recognized as a world heritage site by Unesco since 2005, and recorded as the world's first marine park. Bunaken not lose to Bali. Even the number of foreign tourists to visit these attractions are not small. Year 2009 was approximately 50 thousand tourists came to visit. Year 2010, through the campaign for the 2010 World Tourism Manado City, targeted about 100 thousand foreign tourists will visit the theme park Bunaken.

Attraction
The main attraction is the tourist area of Bunaken underwater scenery was remarkable. If you do not have diving equipment, not to worry because it has available places that rent various equipment to enjoy the grace of God. Under the sea is wide enough you can enjoy sharing the beautiful panorama of the sea floor. From the pristine coral reefs, diverse fish and marine animals are colorful will make you wonder.

After quite tired and satisfied with tourist dive, you can enjoy a full menu of food served restaurant or restaurants in the vicinity. Especially while eating a meal you can see the beauty of sea and green trees on the island. Bunaken Park is presenting a panorama tour like heaven very charming.

Nusa Lembongan Island the other side of the beauty of bali

Bali Island is known as one of the best tourist island in the world. Various awards obtained by the island of Bali as the island the best and most favorite place to travel around the world. The island became "The Best Exotic Destination". Therefore, many beautiful places in Bali developed into tourist attractions. One of the new tourist area which is now widely known is the charm of the beauty of the island of Nusa Lembongan. What are the enchanting beauty of Nusa Lembongan?

Nusa Lembongan
Nusa Lembongan is one of the small island of a row of three islands located in the southeast of Bali, the Nusa Penida and Nusa Lembongan Nusa Ceningan. Nusa Lembongan Island is the best of the other two islands. This island belonged Klungkung regency and its location is separated by Badung Strait from the island of Bali. Although only a small island, Nusa Lembongan can deliver a variety of recreational facilities. On the island is almost squashed with Nusa Penida and Nusa Ceningan that we will be greeted by a white sandy beach with crystal clear sea and various kinds of colorful fish and beautiful coral reefs and colorful.

Tourism Object Nusa Lembongan
Environmental conditions that are still beautiful and has several facilities, ready to pamper you to enjoy the beauty of this island. Such as hotels, bungalows, restaurants, arts venues, until the tourist sea to dive and see the beauty of the coral reef in it.

There are several points common location that can be visited in Nusa Lembongan, such as villages and craft markets. There are also some resorts that are available in Nusa Lembongan. In Nusa Lembongan there are also villages where seaweed cultivation. Most of the population in Nusa Lembongan is a seaweed farmer. So when we visited the island of Nusa Lembongan, you'll see a lot of seaweed that is dried in the sun. In addition, the island is inhabited by about 4,000 people, choose a famous tourist attraction of Goa along the Gala.

Nusa Lembongan Island is also quite popular for the surfer or surfers. For the divers, a view of coral reefs around the island of Nusa Lembongan so riveting. You can also do snorkeling and diving here. There are also a variety of supplies and equipment for conducting diving or snorkeling and diving which can be in the lease.

Towards Nusa Lembongan
To get here, tourists can use a motor boat from Sanur Beach is about 2 hour sail to Nusa Lembongan Jungutbatu. Another alternative that is from Benoa Harbour around 1.5 hours drive. From Benoa Harbour to Nusa Lembongan tourist area that is now the mainstay of Bali, there are two cruise ships are ready to take the Bounty and the Bali Hai Cruises Cruises that depart from Ponton.

Furthermore, to explore the island of Nusa Lembongan through land route can be used car facility. Ground transportation facilities on the island can be quite good because the course is paved. During the trip down the island of Nusa Lembongan, you can see local people's homes and places hall meeting on the island. Not infrequently there are also foreign tourists who ride a motorcycle to explore the island. You can hire a motorcycle or bicycle in Jungkutbatu to travel around and scour the island of Nusa Lembongan.

Poland -- Danny Ghitis' photos of Oswiecim

A cozy cafe in Oswiecim. Photo (c) Ruth Ellen Gruber

By Ruth Ellen Gruber

Danny Ghitis is a talented young photographer who has taken a great series of pictures about Oswiecim -- the living town in southern Poland outside of which is the infamous Auschwitz death camp. I'm delighted to see that a selection of them is featured on NPR. Before World War II, most of the residents of Oswiecim were Jewish.

Many tourists come in buses to Auschwitz for the day and may not notice the people who live in the surrounding towns. "Those who do notice," Danny Ghitis writes on his website, "a nearby shopping mall, high school sweethearts holding hands, nicely dressed families are headed to church — are faced with an impossible question: How can life exist in the aftermath of such overwhelming evil?"

Ghitis, Brooklyn-based photographer and grandson of a holocaust survivor, was plagued by that question, and spent some time in 2010 exploring the psyche of Oswiecim — as well as his own. "I was aware of my own strong biases," he writes in an e-mail, "but as a journalist I knew the reality of this town had to be more complex than is often painted."

Years ago, I wrote a long, long essay about being snowbound for three days iat Auschwitz and exploring the town of Oswiecim and how the looming shadow of the death camp affected the town -- it formed the final chapter of my book Upon the Doorposts of Thy House: Jewish Life in East-Central Europe, Yesterday and Today. The book is out of print -- but it's still a good read!

Austin Hills Golf Resort before Christmas 2010, Johor Bahru

We visited the Austin Hills Golf Resort (N1 33.689 E103 45.949) before the Christmas of 2010. The Resort was decorated with full of lighting and the Christmas atmosphere was pretty good!

The Christmas trees at the entrance of the Resort

We were having drinks at the restaurant area, and I like the lighting very much!

The Christmas Decoration at Austin Hills Golf Resort

My brother in-law and his family were putting a night at the Resort, and he took a Suite room for his family. Let me share some photos of the room...

Once you enter the Suite room, you will see the Living Hall (with TV) separated from the bedroom, beside the living hall there was a small dining area.

The Living Hall of the Suite Room of Austin Hills Golf Resort

The bedroom come with a King size bed and the bathroom was on the right...

The bathroom was spacious! You can see from the photos below...

The bathroom for the Suite Room

On our right, there was the shower and toilet area...and the Jacuzzi pool was located on the left...

The shower and toilet area

The Jacuzzi pool on the left...

The 29" TV was not working during our visit...

Well, the room was spacious enough for the kids to run around...they were really enjoyed their fun over here! All of us had a nice and fruitful night at the Austin Hills Golf Resort, Johor Bahru.

Austin Hills Golf Resort

Lot PTD 58061, Jalan Mutiara Emas 8,

Taman Mount Austin, 81100 Johor Bahru.

Tel: +607 3524300   Fax: +607 3538500

Website : http://www.austinhillsgolf.com/

Location map of Austin Hill Golf Resort at Johor Bahru

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Day Trips to the Crater at Mount Tangkuban Perahu

Mount Tangkuban Perahu, or also commonly referred Tangkuban Parahu is one of the largest mountain plateau Parahyangan. Nature Park Mount Tangkuban Perahu in the northern city of Lembang, north of the city of Bandung. Cool weather, the spread of tea gardens, valleys and tall pine trees to accompany your journey toward the gate area Tangkuban Perahu.

Tangkuban Perahu have two road craters that exist on this mountain. The first street or road longer by road conditions more difficult to pass and will normally be closed after the rain or when deemed dangerous to pass. The guard booth will give clues to past the new road which lies further to the top if the road was closed. Before the ticket payment in the first street, there are cottages for rent for a place to stay.

Passing through the new road, paved roads facilitate travel of your vehicle. On the street side there is winding trumpet flowers and other trees that will soothe your trip. Tangkuban Perahu mountain in the region there are three craters of interest to visit. Domas Crater is a crater, Crater Queen and Upas Crater. The largest crater between the three and most visited are Queen Crater. With a few hours walk away, you can even round the Queen is so wide crater while enjoying the beautiful panorama of Mount Tangkuban Perahu.

Queen Crater
If you come by bus, there is a special bus parking lot before reaching the crater Queen. The journey continues with ELF car that will get you into the crater of the Queen. However, if you use a private vehicle, you can continue to use it up to the crater Queen. Parking is available across the vehicle in this crater, so without going through the difficult terrain and spend a lot of energy, you can see this crater. It may also be one reason, most visitors in this crater.

Queen Crater directly visible from the top with a wooden barrier fence to prevent visitors falling. Looking inside the crater, the walls of the crater and smoke is still out of the crater it creates a thrilling sight. Soil around the crater Queen mostly white with some yellow brimstone. Rocks and the atmosphere was dry and arid in this crater. You can try to climb to higher ground if you want to see the Queen Crater region as a whole.

In this place a lot of simple shops selling various souvenirs such as scarves, skullcaps hats, bags and fur hats, various displays of wood and various other accessories. There are also sellers of food and warm drinks such as boiled noodles, and other bandrek. You can also ride horses to round some of these craters. This activity is usually favored children.

Upas Crater
Upas Crater Crater is located next to the Queen. But, to be able to see this crater must go through dangerous terrain, you must pass through the sandy road to reach the crater. So, very rare visitors who come to see this crater. The form is different from Upas Crater Crater Queen. Upas crater is more shallow and flat.

Domas Crater
Domas Crater Crater is located further down than the Queen. If you come through the new path, you'll find the gateway to Crater Domas Crater first before heading to the Queen. If the crater Queen you will only see the crater from a distance, the Domas crater, you can get closer to the crater. In fact, you can try to boil eggs by putting it in the crater. If you want to see past the Domas Crater at 16:00 pm, you are required to use the services of tour guides.

Manarasa
Trees are much visible around the crater is a tree called by local people with the name Manarasa. The leaves of this plant will be reddish in color if the leaves are old. Red leaf that had to be eaten with guava leaves taste like with a little sour taste. These leaves can treat diarrhea and is believed will make the youth. Perhaps this leaf is trusted by the local community is always eaten by Dayang Sumbi are ageless in the legend of Mount Tangkuban Perahu.


Tangkuban Legend Boats
The core story of the legend of Tangkuban Perahu is a young man named Sangkuriang want to marry a woman named Dayang Sumbi beautiful. They fell in love. However, after finding the scar on his head Sangkuriang, Dayang Sumbi Sangkuriang is that they found out his son. Sangkuriang go first because he felt annoyed with her anger. Dayang Sumbi angry because Sangkuriang killing their pet dog when it fails to hunt deer for his mother.

Knowing Sangkuriang is his son, Dayang Sumbi Sangkuriang not want to marry. So, to reject the application Sangkuriang, Dayang Sumbi asked for a boat besarta lake within 1 night. Sangkuriang who ask for help from the magic genie to fulfill the desire Dayang Sumbi.

Viewing Sangkuriang almost completed its work, Dayang Sumbi intend blew it. Thanks to his prayer, the chickens crowing. Jin-jin who helped Sangkuriang running scared because he thought it was morning. As a result of work to make the boat and the lake is not completed. Sangkuriang who was furious because it failed to complete his work kicked homemade boat. The boat is then fell face down and there was Mount Tangkuban Perahu. When viewed from the city of Bandung, the mountain resembles an inverted boat.

The beauty of the crater of Mount Tangkuban Perahu and some spots around it also became one of the places for potential brides to do outdoor wedding photos. The beauty of the craters of Mount Tangkuban Perahu can become one of the destinations if you're visiting the city of Bandung. You can bring the kids to see this natural beauty.

Ban Heong Seng Restaurant at Johor Bahru

Ban Heong Seng (万香城) Restaurant (N1 29.018 E103 43.282) is located at Jalan Tahar, Johor Bahru. Which is opposite the Danga Bay and beside the Singgah Selalu Food Court of Johor Bahru.
This restaurant is special with their Beggar Chicken or Duck and you cannot just walk and dine in, you have to pre book the place and your dishes at least 1 days in advance. Because they're operate in the old single storey bunglow house, and they only have about 4-5 tables...

Ban Heong Seng Restaurant

We did our order for the foods for our Saturday dinner. Once all of us there, the dishes continuously served on our table...

The Signature Dish : Beggar Duck (we tried the duck instead of chicken)

Beggar Duck of Ban Heong Seng Restaurant

Follow by the Deep Fried Boneless Fish...
Actually they made the fish became the fish cake and put it back nicely. So it was boneless!

Deep Fried Boneless Fish

 

Forgot the name of the soup above, some kind of melon soup...

 Vegetables

Signature Dish - Bean Curd (Taofu)

It was a Nice dinner! The Beggar Duck was Delicious! The Fish was special and nice! The Melon Soup was just right for the taste, vegetables was average and the Bean Curd was Crunchy & Yummy!
Overall, I like the Herbal taste of the Beggar Duck very much!

Beside that, we were having our dinner peacefully in the restaurant even it was a residential because we were the Only table that moment and others were left...

Some of the dishes were cooked for 8 hours and that's one of the reason we need to order in advance.

The Damage : MYR140.00 for 5 adults and 2 children included drinks. Reasonable isn't it?!

Rated : 4.7/5
We will be back again!

Strongly recommended if you want to taste the Beggar Chicken or Duck.

Ban Heong Seng Restaurant

34-B, Jalan Skudai, Batu 3 1/4,Off Jalan Tahar,

Johor Bahru.

Tel : +607-2375194 / +6016-7571887

Location map of Ban Heong Seng Restaurant at Johor Bahru

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