24 Oct 2009. Make a stand. Take an action - using the number 350!
Why 350? In a brief, 350 is the number that leading scientists say is the safe upper limit for carbon dioxide—measured in "Parts Per Million" in our atmosphere. We have actually already exceeded that number. Climate change affects everybody, and so, everybody has a responsibility to help lower that number. Check out the video below :
Of course, there's alot more to this issue of climate change. To find out more, check out 350.org.
Below is an "Action Map" of the world, where there are actions organised by concerned people in their respective countries.
View Actions at 350.org
For those in Singapore, after zooming in, you'll find 7 entries. Check out the mass activities at Padang and SMU (The Wacky Walk and the Human Tidal Wave)! Join in if you have the time!
Thursday, October 22, 2009
Thursday, October 15, 2009
Blog Action Day 2009: Climate Change - Glaciers
Glaciers are wondrous sights. Formed when fallen snow compresses into large bodies of ice, what is so special about them is that they move! Think of them as rivers of ice, although the flow is relatively slower. They shrink and expand as well, depending on climate changes. But with the world population growing and greenhouse gases increasing, the world is heating up. And this can only mean the glaciers are shrinking.
Will the future generations see the sights I see? Nobody knows.
As part of the Blog Action Day 2009: Climate Change goal,
here's sharing some pictures of glaciers I've seen and taken on my travels. I hope I can still see more, and that everyone would have a chance as well. Take care Mother Earth!
Passu and Batura Glacier, Pakistan
Ultar Glacier, Pakistan and MingYong Glacier, Yunnan China
Athabasca Glacier, Canada and Fox Glacier, New Zealand
Will the future generations see the sights I see? Nobody knows.
As part of the Blog Action Day 2009: Climate Change goal,
here's sharing some pictures of glaciers I've seen and taken on my travels. I hope I can still see more, and that everyone would have a chance as well. Take care Mother Earth!
Passu and Batura Glacier, Pakistan
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Ultar Glacier, Pakistan and MingYong Glacier, Yunnan China
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Athabasca Glacier, Canada and Fox Glacier, New Zealand
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Saturday, October 10, 2009
ClubMed Ria Bintan
Usually, I wouldn't spend S$500++ to go to Bintan. But it's a ClubMed. So when I had the chance to go at a subsidised rate, I jumped at it! :)
ClubMed Ria Bintan is one of many resorts run by the French corporation (Club Med is short for Club Méditerranée, according to Wikipedia). It has an all-inclusive concept, so basically, my 3D2N package includes my return ferry tickets between Singapore and Bintan, lodging, insurance, ClubMed membership, almost round-the-clock food and drinks, and most activities. The resort is run by an international staff known as GOs or "Gracious Organisers". They are a bunch of energetic people who handles everything from your room and ferry logistics, to guiding and overseeing the activities in the resort.
My take on the resort :
For those who wants a really fuss-free, slightly upmarket vacation for the family, ClubMed seems to have it right (of course, depending on your own economic outlook). For more pictures, check out my gallery!
ClubMed Ria Bintan is one of many resorts run by the French corporation (Club Med is short for Club Méditerranée, according to Wikipedia). It has an all-inclusive concept, so basically, my 3D2N package includes my return ferry tickets between Singapore and Bintan, lodging, insurance, ClubMed membership, almost round-the-clock food and drinks, and most activities. The resort is run by an international staff known as GOs or "Gracious Organisers". They are a bunch of energetic people who handles everything from your room and ferry logistics, to guiding and overseeing the activities in the resort.
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My take on the resort :
- Aside from some items like champagne and spa massages, everything else is free; so it's really a fuss-free and relaxing holiday.
- Family oriented as there are activities catered for the children, and the parents can be free to relax on their own of they choose to.
- Free lessons of water sports activities like windsurfing and sailing, although it is noted that they are available only at specific times, and when the resort gets crowded, you may not be able to get a time-slot!
- Food and drinks are free-flow, with several restaurants and bar-counters available. Food is international, good (but not fantastic) and drinks include wine and other alcoholic concoctions.
- There are different performances every night, by the GOs themselves (really a bunch of talented people), although depending on what you like, you may not enjoy all of them.
- The beach is great! Clean and only for ClubMed members.
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For those who wants a really fuss-free, slightly upmarket vacation for the family, ClubMed seems to have it right (of course, depending on your own economic outlook). For more pictures, check out my gallery!
Saturday, October 3, 2009
Marina Barrage
Marina Barrage, one of the newer icons in Singapore, is a reservoir built across the Marina Channel. Opened during end 2008, Marine provides 3 primary functions : water supply, flood control and a lifestyle attraction.
Being a reservoir, it is projected to meet 10% or more of Singapore's water needs. It is also the first reservoir to be built right in the heart of the city. The dam at the mouth of the Marina Channel not only keeps out seawater, it provides flood control with a series of dam gates and water pumps that releases excess water out to the sea when needed.
And at the site itself, it has become one of Singapore's hot recreational spots. Not only does it support water-based activities like boating and canoeing, the top of the reservoir building structure provides an excellent open space for picnics and kite-flying. Every weekend, dozens of colourful kites in all manner of shapes and sizes don the skies at the Barrage. And when the sun sets, the view across to the Singapore skyline with our upcoming casinos and the Singapore Flyer is great for photography!
Details on how to get to the Marina Barrage, as well as its opening hours can be found here. Consider your next family or friends picnic outing at the Marina Barrage!
Being a reservoir, it is projected to meet 10% or more of Singapore's water needs. It is also the first reservoir to be built right in the heart of the city. The dam at the mouth of the Marina Channel not only keeps out seawater, it provides flood control with a series of dam gates and water pumps that releases excess water out to the sea when needed.
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And at the site itself, it has become one of Singapore's hot recreational spots. Not only does it support water-based activities like boating and canoeing, the top of the reservoir building structure provides an excellent open space for picnics and kite-flying. Every weekend, dozens of colourful kites in all manner of shapes and sizes don the skies at the Barrage. And when the sun sets, the view across to the Singapore skyline with our upcoming casinos and the Singapore Flyer is great for photography!
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Details on how to get to the Marina Barrage, as well as its opening hours can be found here. Consider your next family or friends picnic outing at the Marina Barrage!
Monday, September 21, 2009
Volunteer Tourism
Volunteer tourism, voluntourism, community-work-cum-travel, call it what you like, but it's definitely getting more popular. Essentially, what you get is combining travel with certain amount of volunteering or community work. So does leisure really mix well with "work"?
Judging from the number of agencies and organisations organising it, it seems to have gained a following. I guess there are a number of reasons for it.
I guess to add to the overall increased interest in volunteering work, events like the 2004 tsunami and the 2008 Sichuan earthquake have put it into the spotlight. Recently, there is even a TV program on Channel U, "Stars for a Cause", where each week, a celebrity joins one of the many voluntourism programs out there, and they share their feelings and experiences. With all these publicity, I'm sure the general public is made more aware of the availability of such travel cum volunteering programs.
From the various feedback from the participants (and apparently, those celebrities as well), most of them felt that the "work" they do is minute compared to the joys they've achieved. In today's hectic and cold world, these "feel good" experiences are certainly "leisure" to the soul. While I have only joined one such program, I too have positive feedback. Perhaps in your next travel idea, do consider volunteer tourism!
Check out this forum for links to volunteering opportunities!
http://www.sgtravelcafe.com/index.php?board=16.0
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Judging from the number of agencies and organisations organising it, it seems to have gained a following. I guess there are a number of reasons for it.
- It is more memorable, as it is completely different from the usual tour package style
- It provides more interaction with the local common folks
- It provides those who are leading a comfortable life to have a chance to "sample" a little "hardship"
- It provides more satisfaction spiritually - a feel good phenomena
I guess to add to the overall increased interest in volunteering work, events like the 2004 tsunami and the 2008 Sichuan earthquake have put it into the spotlight. Recently, there is even a TV program on Channel U, "Stars for a Cause", where each week, a celebrity joins one of the many voluntourism programs out there, and they share their feelings and experiences. With all these publicity, I'm sure the general public is made more aware of the availability of such travel cum volunteering programs.
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From the various feedback from the participants (and apparently, those celebrities as well), most of them felt that the "work" they do is minute compared to the joys they've achieved. In today's hectic and cold world, these "feel good" experiences are certainly "leisure" to the soul. While I have only joined one such program, I too have positive feedback. Perhaps in your next travel idea, do consider volunteer tourism!
Check out this forum for links to volunteering opportunities!
http://www.sgtravelcafe.com/index.php?board=16.0
Saturday, September 12, 2009
Tanchos - Japanese red-crowned cranes
Situated on the eastern end of Hokkaido Japan, lies Kushiro Shitshugen National Park. The park is known for its wetland ecosystem, rich in rare animals and plantlife. In winter, it is also home to one of Japan's "treasures" - the tanchos.
Also known as red crowned cranes, these Japanese cranes are designated as a special natural monument of Japan as, at one point in time, they were almost extinct. They are migratory birds that spend their winters in rivers and marshes in Japan, China and the Korean Peninsula. The Japanese have long considered these cranes as a symbol of longevity, auspiciousness, and even fidelity in marriage. Now, you can see many Japanese tourists coming to this park in winter to view them.
And what a sight! These cranes dancing on the snow is a sight to behold! They use this dance routines for courting as well as communication. They also raise their heads to make some sort of "unison call" between the male and female before getting into the dance sequences. And when they take flight, their grace and form against the winter background is like a Japanese painting, simple, pure but artistic!
Kushiro Shitshugen National Park is accessible by public bus from Kushiro town. Of course, with private vehicle, you would have more flexibility, else if you're like me, you would be at the mercy of the limited bus schedule, esp in winter! Nevertheless, limited time or not, a trip well worth making!
Also known as red crowned cranes, these Japanese cranes are designated as a special natural monument of Japan as, at one point in time, they were almost extinct. They are migratory birds that spend their winters in rivers and marshes in Japan, China and the Korean Peninsula. The Japanese have long considered these cranes as a symbol of longevity, auspiciousness, and even fidelity in marriage. Now, you can see many Japanese tourists coming to this park in winter to view them.
And what a sight! These cranes dancing on the snow is a sight to behold! They use this dance routines for courting as well as communication. They also raise their heads to make some sort of "unison call" between the male and female before getting into the dance sequences. And when they take flight, their grace and form against the winter background is like a Japanese painting, simple, pure but artistic!
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Kushiro Shitshugen National Park is accessible by public bus from Kushiro town. Of course, with private vehicle, you would have more flexibility, else if you're like me, you would be at the mercy of the limited bus schedule, esp in winter! Nevertheless, limited time or not, a trip well worth making!
Saturday, September 5, 2009
Muang Ngoi, Laos
Looking for a out-of-the-beaten-path place to visit in Laos? While Luang Prabang is an excellent laidback place to chill out, it is still the most visited place for travellers to Laos. For a less frequented destination, check out Muang Ngoi.
Muang Ngoi is a wonderful idyllic village, set on the shores of Nam Ou (one of the tributary rivers of the mighty Mekong). One of the reasons it is less visited is because, the village is only accessible by boat! From Luang Prabang, a 3-hr minivan ride will bring you to the village of Nong Khiaw, whereby you will then transfer to a passenger-cum-goods boat. After another 1-hr of boat ride, you will then reach Muang Ngoi!
However, once you get through all that effort, you will be transported back to time. Bamboo mat huts, chickens digging and clucking outside, children squealing and running around; the whole ambience and atmosphere is that of a "kampung" of days gone by. Amenities is really basic, and the room that I had consists of only a bamboo mat bed with a mosquito net and a candle! Electricity is available only from 7pm to 10pm via a generator, and even then, supply is dodgy. But for only US$1.50 a night, there's little I can complain!
There is some simple hiking that you can do around the village but other than that, it is just the place for you to get away. Of course, some of the items in the cafe menu in the village may be alittle western-influenced, but that may actually make the overall experience more palatable after all!
Muang Ngoi is a wonderful idyllic village, set on the shores of Nam Ou (one of the tributary rivers of the mighty Mekong). One of the reasons it is less visited is because, the village is only accessible by boat! From Luang Prabang, a 3-hr minivan ride will bring you to the village of Nong Khiaw, whereby you will then transfer to a passenger-cum-goods boat. After another 1-hr of boat ride, you will then reach Muang Ngoi!
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However, once you get through all that effort, you will be transported back to time. Bamboo mat huts, chickens digging and clucking outside, children squealing and running around; the whole ambience and atmosphere is that of a "kampung" of days gone by. Amenities is really basic, and the room that I had consists of only a bamboo mat bed with a mosquito net and a candle! Electricity is available only from 7pm to 10pm via a generator, and even then, supply is dodgy. But for only US$1.50 a night, there's little I can complain!
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There is some simple hiking that you can do around the village but other than that, it is just the place for you to get away. Of course, some of the items in the cafe menu in the village may be alittle western-influenced, but that may actually make the overall experience more palatable after all!
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