Maenaam Chao Phraya, Bangkok

Meanaam Chao Phraya, Bangkok. It is the most important waterway in Thailand. Boats of all sizes ply this river ranging from huge container ships that berth at Klong Toey Port to small dugouts. Its most recognized water transporters are the rice barges and the long-tail boats. Then there are cross river ferries and the river express boats serving as water-born buses bringing commuters to the city from as far up-river as Nonthaburi. A cruise on the Chao Phraya River gives you a new perspective on Bangkok as you pass by the imposing Prangs of Wat Arun, the majestic Grand Palace and the Temple of The Emerald Buddha. You'll see a different side of commerce as huge lines of rice barges are towed by a small tugboat and other barges carrying cargo as diverse as sand and gravel, even soft drinks and beer

Yameen and Dr Mama waiting for the river taxi

All kinds and sizes of boats ply the Chao Phraya

Most of Bangkok's attraction is accessible through the river

Everything is sold on the jetty stops

Many river taxis ply the river, and efficient too

Gives you a different perspective on City of Bangkok

Locals and tourists alike patronise the river taxis

Many seats and spaces while waiting for the boats

Even the 5-star hotels have it's own pick-up points

It is a very very busy waterway for Bangkok

Short stops, cheap and convenient alternative trasportation

Old houses are still on the banks of the Chao Phraya

Padang, Sumatra

Padang is the capital of West Sumatra. The main sights in the city include Adityawarman Museum (close to the bus station) in a traditional Minangkabau house and featuring a good collection of antiques and the cultural center where we can see traditional dances on Sundays. Padang has several houses built in traditional architecture, including Padang Museum, which houses objects of cultural and historical interest. Small boats can be hired to some small islands nearby: Sirandah, Sikoai, Pagang, Parsumpahan. Padang is a prosperous city and major ports, which has retained the atmosphere of a market town. It is the third largest city of Indonesia with a population of more than 300,000.Dr Mala & Linda, enjoying the scene on the bridgeRobust town, lots of Minang architectureMany boats at the harbourLots of food sold on the bridgeHill side houses next to the harbourOne of the mosque by the riverWell maintained town centreNot as busy as other Indonesian citiesFresh corn, bananas and mineral water soldBoats parks by the quay, in the eveningOld houses next to the harbourHill side with lovely houses

Rumah Gadang, Pagar Ruyung, Sumatra

Rumah Gadang, Pagar Ruyung, Batu Sangkar, Sumatra. There is a very big house that we can call Pagarruyung Palace. This Palace is a symbol of the successful and the glory of Pagarruyung Kingdom in the 13th century. But the palace which we can visit now was rebuilt in 1976. Actually there is no valid information when this big house firstly built. Usually Rumah Gadang has three small buildings in front of it. People call them ‘Rangkiang’. The name of each building are 1) Sitinjau Laut, 2) Sibayan-Bayan, and 3) Sitangka Lapa. Each building has different function but how ever the main function of it is to save the rice field. The philosophy of the Rangkiang is first: the rice saved in Sitinjau Laut is to serve the guests / visitors who come to the area. Second, to feed all family. The third, to eat in crisis.Magnificient BuildingThe group - infront of Rumah GadangThe floors are covered with rattan matsThe 'support buildings' outsideThe grand entrance - up the stairsSuperb interior designedWith the 'kings' uniformLook alike - the former sultanate gloryCarpets and wall covered beautifullyVery well maintained and cleanThe King and IHuge and long hallways

Batu Batikam, Batu Sangkar, Sumatra

Batu Batikam, Duson Tuo (Nagari Limo Kaum), Batu Sangkar, Sumatra. According to historical legend, the stone was trusted with a 'keris' to end the dispute on 'adat' problems. It was trusted into the stone by Datuk Parpatih Nan Sabatang who settled with Datuk Katumanggunan regarding 'adat'. The Batu Batikam can be found next to the busy main road - to Batu Sangkar, from Bukit Tinggi.

Now placed on a pedestal - historical

Sign posted for required information

Batu Sangkar is a busy town

There are other 'support stones' around it

Dr Mala on the streets of Batu Sangkar

Well taken care of - not much maintenance

Edged roof dominate most of this Minagkabau skyline

Pandai Sikek, Sumatra

Pandai Sikek, Sumatra - Nestled in a high valley between the two volcanic mountains of Merapi and Singgalang is the small village of Pandai Sikek, better known as the "Wood Carving Village." The village is south of Bukit Tinggi, the cultural center of the Minangkabau, and east of Padang, the capital of west Sumatra. The terraced rice fields, lush tropical vegetation, cool breezes and abundant water of the Anai Valley have made it an ideal spot for creativity and an inspiration for centuries of wood-carvers. Pandai" translates as "clever" and Sikek, according to one of several local traditions, is a contraction of Si Ikek, the name of a culture hero who introduced wood-carving in the area centuries ago.

Ponds in front of the house is a common sight

The morning mist and clouds made it a sight to behold

Transporting vegetables to the village centre

The pond is used for washing, bathing and vegetable growing

A 'songket' weaver at work

And they collectively spent more than Rupiah 2.0 million
(most probably she will take a week's vacation after this)

The valley protected by 2 scenic mountains

Even the roof is accessible
(Saqief, Me, Iwan & his daughter)

The mountains surrounding the village

Me & Saqief among the vegetable fields

Pointed edge roof - the Minangkabau way

Spend, spend, spend