What are you reading?

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Books that I’m reading at the moment:

1. Leo Africanus by Amin Maalouf. Originally in French; translated by Peter Sluglett.

The story follows the footsteps of a Granada-born Muslim Moor who lived at the intersection of the Ottoman, Isabella-Ferdinand and Roman empires, travelling through the greater Mediterranean world, the Sahara and Timbuktu, converting to Christianity – and then back to Islam again. Guest stars in the story include a Sicilian pirate, Pope Leo X, and apparently the artist Raphael (I haven’t reached Italy yet). The opening of the book was enough to set me started:

I, Hasan the son of Muhammad the weigh-master, I, Jean-Leon de Medici, circumcised at the hand of a barber and baptized at the hand of a pope, I am now called the African, but I am not from Africa, nor from Europe, nor from Arabia. I am also called the Granadan, the Fassi, the Zayyati, but I come from no country, from no city, no tribe. I am the son of the road, my country is the caravan, my life the most unexpected of voyages.

2. After the Golden Age: Romantic Pianism and Modern Performance by Kenneth Hamilton.

A book about the history of piano performance, and how supposed “traditions” weren’t always part of history. Was inspired to read this book after reading the illuminating programme notes written by Hamilton himself for his recitals in Singapore some months back, and his witty introductions to the pieces he performed.

3. The Independence of Miss Bennet by Colleen McCullough

Yup it’s the Bennet from Pride & Prejudice. Mary Bennet to be precise, and 20 years after where Jane Austen left off P & P. So far this book is a romping hilarious read. Don’t get me wrong, I’m a fan of P & P. But readers with an idealistic view of Elizabeth and Mr Darcy shouldn’t try to touch the book.

Am also reading a technical book for work purposes. Which makes me wonder what category do the books above fall under. Leisurely reads? The Reasons Why I Still Have to Get Prescription Glasses?

Enough rambling from me. What are you reading?

In search of nostalgia in Bali

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Bali.

Large malls & chain shopping centres have sprung up more than my memory of Bali could recall. The constant traffic jams around popular tourist areas is such a chore. Still, the skies are sunny. The frothy foamy waves enticingly beckon. The foliage remains luscious. The terraced rice fields still doesn’t fail to marvel as I savour every grain of rice on my plate. The volcanoes still majestic. And the Balinese culture still as fascinating as before.

Lotus, the super plant [Smell the roses #3]

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The lotus is such a marvellous, versatile plant. The way it looks is already a miracle of nature: its quirky-looking seed cup resembles a shower spout, its large leaves billow like women’s skirts and its flower is just such a gorgeous bloom. There’s something rather resilient about the way it grows too: its roots are firmly grounded in the muddy bed below waters, and yet it stems steadfastly above in embrace of the sun. As the Chinese saying goes, it grows from mud and yet it is untainted.

Lotus seeds are great both as snacks and as ingredients for making wonderful pastries & desserts. The rhizome root when cut up looks odd, with so many holes, but is a source of nutrition & dietary fibre and is used in many Asian cuisines. The giant leaves are a great wrapper for steamed rice, adding both presentation and flavour. In Myanmar, we saw the fibre of its stems being painstakingly extracted to make thread and then fabric. Seriously is there any part of the plant that cannot be put to good use?

Happy Earth Day!

*Photos taken during a recent trip to Bali.

Glorious morning on U Bein’s Bridge

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Amarapura’s U Bein’s Bridge was named after the engineer who designed it in the 19th century and is supported by sturdy teak posts. Straddling the Taungthaman Lake, U Bein’s Bridge is today, still an important commuting channel for pedestrians (technically, cycling on the bridge is prohibited)  between the western and eastern shores of the Lake. We woke up at 5am to travel from Mandalay to Amarapura to catch sunrise.

The early morning mist dreamily lingered above the placid lake as the scraggly tamarind trees stood proudly on lake shore in the cool morning air. The warmth of the rising sun gradually radiated, dying the sky in gorgeous hues of purple and pink, and U Bein’s Bridge comes to life with commuting villagers, monks and morning-exercising senior citizens. Not far away, a farmer herds a flock of quacking ducks that waddled noisily along the shore, fishermen set about their morning catch as their boats glided on the lake and ladies headed off into the fields as they begin the day’s work.

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Let’s eat! In Myanmar

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The long tail boat docked firmly against the mud-caked bank of Inle Lake. We climbed out of the boat and scrambled along the mud bank to Taung Tho where the tribal market is already right in the thick of things. Bullock carts and resting bulls linger on a spacious patch, while the owners busily tend to their stalls of vegetables, spices and other wares. A lady sits in between two stalls selling gorgeous home made Shan tofu. Immediately, last night’s meal comprising a simple yet delicious Shan tofu salad comes to mind. We sat down at a stall and tucked into a bowl of warm noodles – meeshay - splashed with chilli oil, vinegar-based sauce mix, coriander and a generous pinch of salt. After that meal, I had to learn how to say “salt, a little” in Burmese. But still, we wiped our mouths happily with a smile.

In Myanmar, mohinga seems to be a common breakfast food. It’s a soup-based vermicelli dish eaten with chickpea fritters. The dish is a combination of earthy fish broth, tangy lemongrass, mild spices, ginger and lime added to one’s taste.

Sitting on the border of India – and once ruled as part of the Indian empire during British colonial days – Myanmar’s population consists of quite a number of people of mixed or Indian descent. Chappati, thosai/dosa, parata and briyani also feature quite a fair bit amongst Burmese street eats. Absolutely delicious. In the rising temperatures of early March, we slurp on copious amounts of banana lassi, avocado shake and fruit juice. Burmese cuisine is also very influenced by Chinese and Thai cuisine.

Another typical Myanmar meal is curry-based mains with rice and side dishes which usually come for free. The curries are generally milder. Another common thing found on restaurant tables is the pickled tea leaves ( lahpet) and fried beans combo which is apparently a national favourite. It can be eaten as an appetizer or as a complement to the main meal.

And fruit lovers will get plenty of chances to gorge on the abundance of mangosteens, avocados, watermelons, grapes, mangoes (although not quite in season when we went). In Yangon, the sight of heaps of giant avocados spilling on to the streets sent me into a trance.

One of the greatest joys of travelling is the opportunity to enjoy food. Adventures of the palate rival thrilling rides across spectacular landscapes. More than that, feasting is a far more sensory and raw experience. Two strangers who eat and enjoy the same cuisine share an inexplicable bond of the palate that transcends class, status, origins and language barriers. What do you think?