Archive for March, 2009

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Butterfly Haven, Pulilan, Bulacan


2009
03.30

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Framed Dried and Preserved Butterflies

Framed Dried and Preserved Butterflies

 

Butterfly Haven is a miniature Eden for different species of butterflies. It is located in the town of Pulilan in the province of Bulacan, Central part of Luzon in the Philippines. As a butterfly enthusiast it was such a thrill to be close to a breeding habitat of this fascinating creature.

 

Before the tour starts, we watched a video presentation on the life cycle of the butterfly and then only the guide took us around the garden, showing us the various stages and types of butterflies. After the guided tour, we got to explore the lush greenery. We then strolled around, sat on the bench and just watched the butterflies flutter their little wings. We sat there in awe as they displayed their colorful wings and moved gracefully. It was just feast for the eyes!

 

The habitat also has a man made fall and a small cave that serves as a butterfly nursery. The haven houses different species of orchids and ornament plants. Other attractions include an antique house which gave glimpse of the era that had gone by. This is the ancestral home of the Andan-Caleon clan, the owner of the haven. The area also has a small observation room which displays photographs of butterflies bred at the haven. Visitors are also welcome to dip on their swimming pool after a wonderful experience in the garden. And if you wanted some souvenir they have a store for that too. The place includes a beautiful courtyard for functions. Just call them up in advance for reservations.

 

The best experience was feeding the butterflies, luring them with a piece of mashed banana in our fingertips then letting them fly afterwards. It was simply amazing. I won’t mind visiting again.

 

How to get there?

 

Address: Pulilan Butterfly Haven

San Francisco St

Pililan, Bulacan

Philippines 3005

 

From North Expressway Balintawak Interchange

1.     Drive north on the Expressway till you reach Pulilan exit.

2.     Turn right and follow the Pulilan highway (You’ll pass Nestle Phils, Purina and a small chapel)

3.     Upon seeing the small chapel (right side), turn left into Sandico Street and drive about a block till you reach San Francisco Street.

 

 

 

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Mamallapuram, Tamil Nadu


2009
03.28

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Mamallapuram meaning “the town of Mamalla, the great wrestler” also known as Mahabalipuram meaning “the town of the great king Bali” it is a town located in Tamil Nadu in the SE India. The place is known for its magnificent temples, shrines, and various historic monuments built between 7th and 9th century.

 

From Bangalore, we started the journey at six in the morning by car. The distance was close to 350 kilometers to Chennai or Madras (old name) then the next day a 60 kilometers journey to Mamallapuram.

 

Our main goal was actually to go to Chennai and the trip to Mamallapuram was an added bonus. We didn’t get the chance to roam and visit the rock-cut and monolithic architectures, which is the most important part while visiting Mamallapuram! But we did get the chance to meet a very talented sculptor.

 

It is believed that this place served as a school for young sculptors. And we were lucky to have met one. The lodge we stayed at was the owner and also a talented sculptor, Mr. Natesan. His works are displayed in his garden at Hotel Surya. Below are images of some of his works.   

 

Lord Shiva as Nataraja

Lord Shiva as Nataraja

 

A sculpture of the Hindu God Shiva “Auspicious God” as Nataraja, Nata meaning dance and raja meaning Lord. The dance represents creation and destruction. The image represents balance of the opposite world.

 

Buddha

Buddha

 

 

Other amazing sculptures in the garden.

 

sunsetinmycoffee

 

 

sunsetinmycoffee

 

 

Nataraja “The Cosmic Dancer”

Nataraja “The Cosmic Dancer”

 

Lord Krishna playing flute for Radha

Lord Krishna playing flute for Radha

 

Lord Krishna is the most popular incarnation of the Hindu God Vishnu, the protector and the restorer of moral order. And Radha was the incarnation of the Goddess Lakshmi, the Goddess of Wealth and Prosperity. When Krishna plays the flute, all the deer, cows and birds would be enchanted and just listen to Krishna’s divine music.

 

If you’re interested to see his other works, you’ll find it in his museum and I am sure he will proudly take you there to have a look at his most recent creations.

 

By accident on our way home we got the chance to see also the Marina Beach.  It was a nice day, blue sky and cool weather. We decided to pull over, rolled our pants and just wet our feet, sit on the sand and just feel the wind while listening to the waves.

 

Marina Beach

Marina Beach

 

 

 

marinabeach_waves_sunsetinmycoffee

 

Then on our way back to Bangalore, a snap of the beautiful Sunset on the Chennai-Bangalore Highway.

 

Sunset at Chennai-Bangalore Highway

Sunset at Chennai-Bangalore Highway

 

 

TIPS:

1.     If you’re driving from Bangalore-Chennai Highway, bring cash for toll fee. I think we paid 5 to 6 toll along the way, the road was good so it was worth it.

2.     If you’re driving by car, bring some water and snacks (of course) although you can have a stop over at Vellore like we did to order in for food.

 

 

 

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De Longhi Pump Driven Espresso/Cappuccino Maker


2009
03.24

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De Longhi Pump Driven Espresso/Cappuccino

De Longhi Pump Driven Espresso/Cappuccino

 

We are new in making home made Espresso and Cappuccino, for a novice like us, we found that it is easy to use. It was matter of trial and error to come upon the best ways to make a good cup till we’re happy with the cappuccino or espresso it makes. It does a fine job of steaming milk. For effectively frothing the milk, use a small metal pitcher that can be bought under $5. Huge coffee mug won’t go under the spout as this is a small machine. So we bought cups that will fit, but if you already have a favorite mug then another trick would be putting the small metal pitcher under the spout then just pour the coffee into your cup.

                    

 

Small Metal Pitcher

Small Metal Pitcher

 

 

The only problem with the machine occurred on the first few days we used it, we found it was leaking through the steam wand and the drips tends to get under the machine. We thought we should give it back. Then we discovered that the trick to prevent this is to tighten the steam valve when steaming is not in use. It solved the leaking!

 

We are pleased with this purchase and find it reasonably priced. With today’s living expenses, it can save and cut cost from buying at expensive coffee shops.

 

 

Pros: Relatively cheap and makes decent cappuccino/espresso.

Cons: Good to brew max 2 cups as it brews small amount, it is cumbersome if you wanted to make more. The length between the steamer and the base is quite narrow.

 

Rating: 4 out of 5    

 

 

 

 

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Sunset Crater Volcano, Flagstaff


2009
03.22

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The colorful cinder cones were formed by series of eruptions between 1040 and 1100. A final eruption made the originally black upper portion of the cone to dusky red-orange patches, giving its name.

Sunset Crater

Sunset Crater

 

 

 

Lava Flow Trail

Lava Flow Trail

 

Hiking is prohibited to the top of the crater because of its continued erosion, but the visitors can still explore the Lava Flow Trail, a self-guided loop walk through the hardened lava flows and cinder fields at the base of Sunset Crater.

 

Cloud above the Sunset Crater

Cloud above the Sunset Crater

 

 

Bonito Lava Flow

Bonito Lava Flow

 

 

The Bonito Lava Flow is a basaltic flow, which means the lava is jagged or sharp.

 

Close image of the hardened bonito lava flow

Close image of the hardened bonito lava flow

 

 

 

Splotches of greens and yellows on the surface

Splotches of greens and yellows on the surface

 

 

These splotches are actually lichen. Lichen are part fungus and part plant (an algae) living together to function as a single organism.

 

 

Partiallyrevegetated_sunsetinmycoffee

 

Amidst the hardened lava varieties of wildflower, shrubs and trees spout up.

 

 

scatteredpine-trees_sunsetinmycoffee

 

Ponderosa Pines on the slope.

 

The Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument is now being maintained by the National Park Service.

 

Location: North of Flagstaff in US State of Arizona

Directions:

From Flagstaff, take U.S 89 north for 12 miles (19km), turn right on the Sunset Crater – Wupatki Loop road and continue 2 miles (3km) to the visitor center.
Hours Open:

November – April      9:00 AM – 5:00 PM MST
May - October         8:00 AM – 5:00 PM MST

Open all year except Dec 25

Entrance Fee:

$5 per individual, valid for 7 days. Free for kids that is under 16.

For more info call the Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument Visitor Center (928) 526-0502

 

 

 

 

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Het Steen, Antwerp


2009
03.20

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Het Steen or The Stone is a medieval castle, built around the year of 1200, the oldest building in Antwerp. What you see today is just a small part of what it used to be. The castle used to control the access to the river Schelde and also served as a prison between 1303 and 1827 and became the museum of archeology in 1890 and in 1952 annex was added to house the National Maritime Museum. You’ll also find a war memorial to the Canadian soldiers in WWII.

 

 

Het Steen or The Stone

Het Steen or The Stone

 

 

Old Vessels

Old Vessels

The Maritime museum also displays several old vessels.

 

The Lange Wapper - Antwerp version of the Boogie man

The Lange Wapper - Antwerp version of the Boogie man

The giant in the entrance to the Steen Castle is Lange Wapper, a Flemish folklore legend. He is a mischievous shape shifter who can change from a small child to a giant. He terrified children, uses tricks to approach women to get their breast milk, and likes to leap at houses at night then peeps into houses to taunt his victim. Folklore has it that he especially dislikes drunkards.

 

 

 

 

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Maple Leaf Candle Holder


2009
03.20

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maplecandleholder_sunsetinmycoffee

 

I’m a fan of maple leaves, so when I saw this candle holder, I just have to buy it. And you know what? I got this from a dollar store! Yes, a really sweet deal :)

 

 

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Zucchini with Shrimps


2009
03.19

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zucchini-with-shrimps

 

 

I came to love zucchini because of a very close friend, Shubhra. While staying at their place I learned some tricks on preparing tasty vegetable meals. Originally prepared without the shrimp and tomato paste but for a different twist I added it. Try it and I hope you’ll like it too.

 

 

Ingredients:

 

1 tbsp. oil

1 onion, sliced

½ tsp. coriander powder

¼ tsp. chili powder

¼ tsp. turmeric powder

1 yellow and 1 green zucchini, sliced

10 to 15 pieces Peeled Shrimps

1 tomato, sliced

1 tsp. tomato paste (optional)

7 tbsp. water

Salt to taste

 

top: tomatoe and shrimps center: zucchini bottom: onions and combined powder of coriander, turmeric and chili

top: tomato and shrimps center: zucchini bottom: onions and combined powder of coriander, turmeric and chili

 

 

 

 

Method:

 

1.                Heat the oil in a preheated pan. Fry the onions till golden brown.

2.                Add the coriander, chili and turmeric powder. Stir for few seconds.

3.                Put the zucchini and stir for 3 minutes. Add the tomato, water and paste. Add salt and simmer for 10 minutes or till zucchini is cooked.

 

 

Serves 2-3 Persons

 

 

Enjoy! :)

 

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Juan Jaime’s Tacos and Tequila


2009
03.19

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juan_james_tacostequila

 

Cuisine: Mexican

Location: 2510 W Chandler Blvd., Ste 1 Chandler, AZ 85224

 

We were actually looking for a certain restaurant and after circling the area twice, we found that it was closed already at that time. Then on the way to look for an alternative place, we saw Juan Jaime’s Tacos and Tequila. We decided to check it out. Outside they have a spacious patio then bar and dining inside. It was game night at that time, a loud “YES!!!” echoed, as the game just ended and the states football team won. It felt good to see such a spirited crowd.

 

We decided to sit on the dining area, the guys seated facing the large TV screen (sports was on the channel) and ordered beer and tequila, we ladies ordered house margarita each. It was surprising to see a great selection of tequila on the menu! They have lots to choose from. The lady who served us was nice and accommodating; she patiently explained and answered our curiosity. The tacos were great and the salsa too although it was not that spicy (one of our friends dig real spice) so we asked if they could serve something more spicy. The staff gave us a variety of small bottles of spices to add into it. After few minutes, one gentleman, probably the manager/owner gave us a green salsa which was a real hot! Definitely, they wanted to make sure that the customer is happy and surely we felt like a regular from our first visit itself. It’s worth visiting again. I recommend it especially if you just want to hang out, have a beer and eat light snacks with friends.

 

Rating: 5 out of 5

 

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