D-Brief Edition 21 - National Monuments

D-Brief

Edition 21

National Monuments

D-Brief Bangkok, 30 May 2012

Dear Partner, This edition of D-Brief explores the architectural gems of the region, loosely described as National Monuments. Visiting the region, we have selected our choices for each of Diethelm Travelâ€&#x;s 13 countries and are happy to share our favourites with you.

Being Asia, naturally the majority of these are ancient Buddhist religious monuments, namely Taksang Monastery, Angkor Wat, Wat Arun, Wat Xieng Thong, Polonaruwa and Shwedagon Pagoda. Each one is totally unique. Others have been chosen for their sublime architectural fame, including of course the Taj Mahal and Great Wall of China, whilst a few can be classified as heritage or contemporary monuments.

Whilst discovering all of these monuments, the chance to observe and interact with the local people makes the experience even more special.

We hope that this edition of D-Brief inspires you to come and marvel at our stunning monuments.

Sincerely,

Your Diethelm Travel Team

National Monuments A national monument is a building or structure that may have inspired a nation or alternatively been a legacy of its past.

Some of Asiaâ€&#x;s most beautiful iconic monuments are the very reason we travel to the continent.

Bhutan

Cambodia China Hong Kong

In this issue of D-Brief, we select our choices around the region, revealing facts, insider information, the best time of day to be there and various secrets or tips about these magnificent monuments.

Some need no introduction, such as the Taj Mahal, Angkor Wat or the Great Wall of China, but others are likely to be less familiar.

Click on the country to read more on our chosen monuments.

India Laos Malaysia

Myanmar Singapore Sri Lanka Thailand Vietnam

Taktsang monastery Bhutanâ€&#x;s most renowned and without doubt, most photographed monastery, Taktsang, is located in the Paro valley, Western Bhutan. Its unique location, perched on a narrow cliff ledge 900 meters above the valley, has added to its mystique.

Taksang Monastery, is also known as "Tiger's Nest" because the highly venerated Guru Rimpoche is reputed to have flown here in the form of Dorji Drolo, mounted on a tigress. On arrival, Guru Rinpoche meditated in a cave for three months and it is on this spot where the Monastery was subsequently built. The cave is said to be the origin of Buddhism in Bhutan.

Best time of day to visit: The Monastery is open to tourists daily, except during lunch time, which is from 1300-1400 hrs.

Best time of year to visit: The ultimate time to visit Taktsang Monastery is on the 10th day of the 5th month of the Bhutanese calendar (for 2012, it is on Friday 29th June) as this is the birth anniversary of Guru Rimpoche and an annual large ceremony is held.

Visiting Tips What to wear: We advise wearing long trousers, a long-sleeved shirt, hiking shoes and carrying a fleece and bottle of water.

Best photo spots: One of the best spots for photographs is from the cafeteria viewpoint; ideal for those who do not have the stamina to continue the upwards trek.

The most rewarding point for photographs is just opposite the monastery, where you can get the classic close-up of Taktsang Monastery, its prayer flags fluttering in the wind set against its awesomely dramatic and precarious location.

How best to get there: There is no road to the monastery and from the base of the hill, it is about a 2 -3 hour steep uphill hike to the best view-point. Ponies are optionally available but the trek is a wonderful way to experience the forests and scenery. The trip is best saved until the end of the tour, when you are better acclimatized and fully able to appreciate what will be the highlight of a trip to Bhutan.

Angkor Wat When Angkor Wat was built by the GodKing Suryavarman II in the early 12th century, the Angkor Empire extended over much of what is known today as Cambodia, Thailand, Laos, Myanmar and Malaysia. Angkor, the capital of this huge empire, was the largest city in the world and may have had a population of up to 1 million.

Built as Hindu temple dedicated to the god Vishnu, it later became a Buddhist temple. It has never been completely abandoned since its foundation and with its moat providing some protection from encroachment by the jungle, is the best preserved temple of the park and has become a symbol of Cambodia, appearing on its national flag.

An extensive irrigation and drainage system, still visible today with the Barays (water reservoirs), allowed extensive agriculture, with two or three harvests per year.

The worldâ€&#x;s largest religious building is unlike most Angkorian temples, as it is oriented to the west. This led to some scholars concluding that Suryavarman built it as his funeral temple.

The Angkor Archaeological Park, declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1992, stretches over 400 square km and contains more than 200 temples; out of these magnificent remains, Angkor Wat is certainly the most famous.

Visiting Tips Best time of day to visit: With its orientation to the west, this temple is said to be best visited in the afternoon, but all times of the day reveal a different light or charm of this magnificent temple. Midday is best avoided.

Best time of year to visit: The best time of the year to visit Siem Reap and its temples are the months of November to February when the weather is dry and the temperatures are coolest but these are also peak months with most visitors.

June to October is the rainy season with the least visitors and with rains usually only at the end of the afternoons. This can be a beautiful time with iridescent green vegetation and dramatic light and clouds.

Angkor Wat has two entrances, one in the west and one rarely used by visitors to the east and this is the entrance we would like to share with you.

What to wear: Built on three levels, the third and most sacred storey is restricted to 300 visitors at a time and is not accessible to the public once a week on holy days. The dress code of “long pants/skirts and covered shoulders� is strictly enforced for this level, but not for other parts of Angkor Wat or in general for the temples. However, as all the temples are still considered holy places by the Cambodians, we recommend this dress code for all visits – it also means that you also will be better protected from the sun!

Best photo spots: The best photo spot is to your left when you enter Angkor Wat from the western entrance. Here you can take a photo of the 5 towers of the temple reflected in a pond of lotus flowers.

Take a helicopter over Angkor Wat to get the most fantastic view imaginable of the jungle and scale of the ruins. The tethered balloon also gives an interesting aerial perspective and is considerably cheaper!

The Great Wall The Great Wall of China was first ordered constructed by Emperor Qin (221-206 BC) to defend his kingdom against marauding nomadic tribes and its construction continued throughout successive Chinese dynasties. This amazing feat of engineering stretches 8851 km along the southern edge of the Inner Mongolia border, snaking up and down across deserts, grasslands, mountains and plateaus.

While some sections of the Great Wall north of Beijing and near tourist centers have been preserved and even extensively renovated, in many locations the Wall is in disrepair. These sections may serve as a village playground or even as a source of stones to rebuild houses and roads. Join in the inevitable hoardes of tourists and enjoy an experience that is unbeatable in China.

There are 4 popular sections to view the Great Wall from Beijing; Badaling, Mutianyu, Simatai and Jinshanling.

Badaling is the nearest point to Beijing and unless time is of the essence, best avoided due to the crowds. The Simatai section is currently closed.

Our recommendations would be either Mutianyu or Jinshaling, both accessible by cable car up to the highest viewpoint.

Both offer iconic views of the Great Wall and its watchtowers leading into the far distance and winding across craggy mountains. Mutianyu is 70 km northeast of Beijing and is very well maintained; for those seeking a little more solitude, it is well worth the extra drive to Jinshaling 125 km northeast of the city and continuing to the wonderful Imperial Summer Residence at Chengde.

Visiting and Trekking Tips Best times of year to visit The best times to visit are May, September and October when it is usually sunny, with cooler temperatures.

Avoid the first week in May and October if you donâ€&#x;t like crowds, as these are national holiday weeks.

What to wear With large temperature variations between day and evening or sun and cloud, layers are the solution. A loose cotton T-shirt and baggy trousers with a lightweight fleece is perfect. Shorts are acceptable during the summer and warm clothes are necessary if staying overnight near the wall.

The most important item of course, is a good pair of walking shoes.

Hike the Wall Tips A great way for those who enjoy walking is to trek a section the Great Wall. This allows more time to take in the incredible magnitude of the Wall and the wonderfully mountainous scenery it snakes across.

Take some snacks and water along as there are no shops on the Great Wall except at Badaling.

However, do not drink too much water for there are no washrooms midway!

Starting at Gubeikou, a 3-hour drive from Beijing, begin a fantastic 3-hour trek, stopping for a picnic lunch enroute. This is an ideal part of the Wall to appreciate its unrestored sections and trekking towards Jinshaling, admire the watchtowers and defensive structures.

Be warned – the path has lots of steps and steep uphill and downhill sections!

The Peninsula Hong Kong Hong Kong doesnâ€&#x;t have any national monuments as such; however, there are a number of historical icons or landmarks built during the colonial period.

The Peninsula Hotel Located on Salisbury Road in Tsimshatsui near the Star Ferry terminal, the Peninsula Hotel opened in 1928 and its history is very much intertwined with that of Hong Kong. The hotel combines colonial and modern elements, and is notable for its large fleet of Rolls-Royces painted in distinctive green. This iconic hotel was built with the idea that it would be "the finest hotel east of Suez." On 25 December 1941, the British officials, led by then Governor of Hong Kong, Sir Mark Young, surrendered in person at the Japanese headquarters on the third floor of the hotel. The property was subsequently renamed East Asia Hotel, and rooms were only reserved for Japanese officers. It was restored to its original name after Japan was defeated and the British regained control of the colony.

Expanded in 1994 to its current size, nowadays it is renowned for being the place to be seen having afternoon tea in the lobby or dinner at Felix.

1881 Heritage The Former Marine Police Headquarters, now 1881 Heritage Also in Tsimshatsui, the former Marine Police Headquarters Compound, constructed in 1884, was declared a national monument in 1994, by dint of it being one of the four oldest surviving government buildings in Hong Kong. Next to the Time Ball Tower is a typhoon mast where signals were raised manually during typhoons. The Kowloon compound was occupied by the Marine Police from 1884 until 1996 and together with the Old Kowloon Fire Station was re-developed and renamed as 1881 Heritage.

This colonial building now houses a heritage hotel (Hullett House), several food and beverage outlets and designer retail outlets.

The Taj Mahal The Taj Mahal is one of the most famous buildings in the world and the unchallenged masterpiece of Mughal architecture. No matter how many times, what month of the year or time of day it is visited, it remains simply sublime and never disappoints.

The mausoleum and its garden were originally part of a vast complex, in which funerary architecture was linked formally and functionally with utilitarian buildings, bazaars and caravanserais. Today, the Taj Mahal complex stands almost by itself on the bank of the river Yamuna.

The Emperor Shah Jahan commissioned this, the grandest of all Mughal mausoleums, for his favourite wife, Mumtaz Mahal. The tomb has since become synonymous worldwide as a monument of love.

Whilst visiting the Agra and Taj Mahal, do not miss the opportunity to visit the exquisite “Baby Taj”, better known as Itimad Ud Daulah. An early style of the Taj Mahal, its walls and white marble are adorned with “pietra dura” inlay work and the semi-precious stones of jasper, onyx, topaz and lapis lazuli. Often quieter than the Taj Mahal, its gardens are a wonderful place for reflection.

Reputedly taking 20,000 artisans twenty years to complete, the Taj Mahal is built with white marble, exquisitely inlaid with semi-precious stones; inspiration was sought from Persian architecture to produce a monument of perfect proportions and with an almost unreal floating quality about it.

Visiting Tips Best time of day to visit: The best time to visit Taj Mahal is undoubtedly either in the morning or late afternoon, with the morning having relatively fewer people. The grounds are open from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m daily except for Friday.

Best time of year to visit: The best time of the year to visit Taj Mahal is between October and March with November and February being the ultimate months with lovely temperatures and gorgeous sunshine.

What to wear: There is no dress code for the Taj Mahal, but as December and January can be chilly, taking something warm is advisable. For visiting at sunset during the warm months, insect repellent is useful.

Best photo spots: As much of the Taj Mahalâ€&#x;s beauty is related to the interplay between light and shade, the points halfway through the garden, diagonally across from the main monument are the best points to take photographs. The Taj is built in such a way that, at no point in time, is the whole of the building in sunshine.

The vibrant colours of the Indian saris make a brilliant contrast to the simplicity of the colour of the marble.

For a totally different perspective, head across the river in the late afternoon light to Mehtab Gardens.

This gives a totally unobstructed view of the Taj Mahal with nothing except the river and reflections in the foreground.

Wat Xieng Thong Wat Xieng Thong is the oldest temple in Luang Prabang dating from 1560 AD and built by King Setthathirat, a patron of Buddhism. Scenically located on the banks of the Mekong River where the Nam Khan, a smaller river which runs into it, Wat Xieng Thong is also one of the most important monasteries in Laos.

Until 1975, when the Communist Party gained control over Laos, Wat Xieng Thong was a royal temple, supported by the royal family and where the former kings of Laos were crowned. During the 1960s, Wat Xieng Thong was completely renovated and redecorated, becoming the splendid temple we see today.

The roof was repaired, the entrance gilded and the interior and exterior walls covered with black, glossy lacquer and decorated with figures and symbols in gold leaf. On the back wall a large flame tree, a tree of life, was set in coloured glass mosaics.

Visiting Tips Visitors can experience the spirit of the Buddhist religion, feel a sense of the royalty in this ancient town, admire the traditional style of buildings and also learn about life in a monastery.

There are over twenty structures within the grounds including shrines, pavilions and residences, in addition to ornamental shrubs, trees and flowers.

Wat Xieng Thong is not only a “national monument”, but visitors can spend their time in the temple to “breathe” the sacred atmosphere or to witness the life of the monks as they go about living, studying and praying in this beautiful temple.

One of the most memorable experiences will be the chance to chat with a young monk and to learn about life in a Wat and about the Buddhist religion.

Petronas Towers If you come to Kuala Lumpur grab your chance to visit the tallest twin towers in the world! These 452m high twin towers are an architectural masterpiece with their modern high tech glass and iron frontage, created by the worldâ€&#x;s leading engineers. Visit the sky bridge which connects the two towers on the 41st level for a unique experience and have a breathtaking view from the observation deck at level 86. Book in advance to get one of the limited tickets to visit the Petronas Towers, which became the landmark of todayâ€&#x;s Malaysia – standing for its cultural heritage, progress and the future development of this newly industrialized country.

The towers are open for public visits from Tuesday to Sunday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. (Friday closed between 1 p.m. - 2.30 p.m.).

Best photo spot: In the evening, sip a cocktail at the Traders Hotel open air rooftop bar whilst taking one last shot of the illuminated Petronas Twin towers.

Kuching - Cat Statue Visit Kuchingâ€&#x;s famous cat statue which is located at the entrance of the Chinese Padungan Street and is dressed according to the many different festive seasons. With its left hand raised, the cat statue greets people as they enter the city.

Kuching, or rather Kucing, is the Malay word for cat and thus this city is known as the Cat City according to legend.

Whilst enjoying our Kuching heritage walking trail, see how many different cat statues you can spot throughout the city.

If this is not sufficient, visit the Kuching Cat Museum, which exhibits 2,000 different artifacts, ranging from a mummified Egyptian cat to porcelain cats. Kitsch yes, but it does have some serious exhibits!

Shwedagon Pagoda Shwedagon Pagoda is undoubtedly one of the world's most spectacular religious monuments and to spend a few leisurely hours here is one of lifeâ€&#x;s most magical experiences.

The “Mother of all Pagodas� is on Singuttara Hill 58 meters above sea level and the platform covers over 5 hectares.

The golden dome of the Shwedagon Pagoda rises 98 meters above its base and is covered with 60 tons of pure gold.

The Pagoda is believed to be 2,500 years old, successively renovated and rebuilt many times over the centuries and the central stupa is surrounded by dozens of intricately decorated buildings and statues.

The golden orb on the summit is studded with more than 4000 diamonds.

The most sacred pagoda for the Burmese, legend has it that it houses 8 sacred hairs of Gautama Buddha. These made their way to Yangon by 2 brothers, Taphussa and Bhallika, who travelled to India to receive the teachings of Gautama and on leaving were given the hairs in an emerald casket.

Best time of day to visit Early morning or late afternoon. The Pagoda is particularly scenic at the time when candles are lit at night and at sunset. Open daily from 05:00 a.m. to 21:00 p.m.

Best time of year to visit November to March is the coolest time, but any month is fascinating. Particularly during March/April, you may be lucky enough to witness a Novitiation ceremony in process.

Visiting Tips Tips Donâ€&#x;t rush – spend at least 1½ to 3 hours simply sitting letting time pass by, whilst watching the Burmese people come and pray. Everyone comes to Shwedagon for a different reason; a pilgrimage, to make a wish, pray or to gaze upon its magical shrines; there is no fixed pattern to any visit, and this adds to its charm and charisma.

Visit the shrine applicable for the day of the week of your birth and make your own wish. There are 8 shrines with images of Buddha and guardian animals for the planetary posts, as Wednesday is divided into morning and afternoon.

Stay for sunset, as the whole ambience changes.

The east side entrance has the advantage that you can start at the bottom and enjoy the walk through the market where many religious items are sold (decorations, donations, gold leaves, monks dress, candles, gongs etc). The staircases give ample opportunity to talk to people and purchase flowers and incense sticks.

Tips Make sure to see the daily sweeping around 5 pm.

Usually 30 – 40 women stay in line and walk together while sweeping in front of their feet. Great photo scenes.

Always walk around the pagoda in a clockwise direction, with the stupa on your right side. The marble platform floor is slippery in the monsoon!

Groups can enjoy their own candle lighting ceremony at sunset.

What to wear Shoes and socks or stockings must always be removed. If you depart at the same exit, you can leave your shoes in the car. Alternatively, you can either keep them with the shoe keeper at the bottom of the stairs for a small donation, or you can carry a plastic bag and carry them with you. You might exit at a different entrance.

Ladies should not wear shorts or bra-less t-shirts.

Shoulders and knees have to be covered.

Thian Hock Keng Temple Thian Hock Keng Temple is the oldest and most important (Hokkien) Temple in Singapore. It was built on the site, where in around 1820, early Chinese immigrants prayed in a Joss House for their safe passage after crossing the dangerous South China Sea. In 1839, the main temple was built and is dedicated to Mazu, the Taoist goddess of the sea and protector of all seamen. Much of the materials used were recycled from Chinese junks such as timber, stone and tiles with mosaic or pottery pieces being placed on the temple roof to create dragons and birds.

The temple was built in the traditional southern Chinese architectural style and the entire structure was assembled without nails.

A second temple at the rear is a Buddhist Temple, dedicated to Kuan Yin, the bodhisattva of mercy.

Thian Hock Keng was listed as a national monument in 1973 and the 1998 restoration project won 4 architectural awards.

Raffles Hotel Named after Sir Stamford Raffles, the founder of modern Singapore, Raffles Hotel was founded in 1887 by the four Armenian Sarkies Brothers. Their 10-room colonial bungalow was on Beach Road; the original location by the sea was the most modern building in Singapore. As the hotel expanding during the following years, it entered its heyday during the 1910‟s-1920‟s, becoming synonymous with glamour and colonial elegance. The hotel survived the Great Depression and World War II, even becoming a transit camp for prisoners of war.

In 1987, the government declared the hotel a national monument. Two years later it closed for a major renovation, re-opening to reveal its former glory.

All rooms are now beautiful suites with teak-wood floors, handmade carpets, and high ceilings. The Singapore Sling was invented at Raffles‟ renowned Long Bar, frequented by Ernest Hemingway and Somerset Maugham. It was relocated from the lobby to an adjoining shopping arcade.

Anyone interested in the hotels history should visit the museum.

Sigiriya Sigiriya Rock, meaning the Lion‟s rock, is an ancient rock fortress situated in Matale District. It is one of the eight World Heritage Sites in Sri Lanka.

This magnificent complex was built by King Kashyapa and initially used as a Buddhist monastery until the 14th century. The rock rests on a steep mound that rises abruptly up to about 370 metres from the flat plain surrounding it.

How to get there: Situated about 175km from the city of Colombo, it is about a 4-hour drive to reach this site.

From the vehicle park it is a flat one kilometer walk to the base of Sigiriya Rock, passing the outer moat, ramparts and Archeological Museum. Having arrived at the site, climbing the rock is up steps with railings with the odd flat platform to get your breathe back.

Take it steady! The narrow iron steps just below the summit are not great for those who have vertigo, but otherwise the views from the top make it all worthwhile! For those who don‟t wish to climb far, it is worth trying to make it as far as the wonderful frescoes or Lions‟ Paw. Prime time of day to visit: Sigiriya is open to visitors between 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. However, it is recommended to start as early as possible to avoid the heat (the rock is very exposed) and the crowds that build up during the day.

Sigiriya Rock Fortress Best time of year to visit: Visitors come to this site throughout the year. However, during the rainy season, from about October to January, the steps may be slippery or harder to climb if wet.

What to wear: As the walk up the rock takes about 2 hours, wearing cotton attire, a hat and sunglasses are advisable; the rock is directly exposed to the sunâ€&#x;s rays.

Special spots to photograph from: Visitors can take photographs of all the key attractions. However, flash photography of the Sigiriya frescos is prohibited.

Gal Vihara, which means the Stone temple, is a Buddhist Temple in Polonnaruwa. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and depicts the most perfect specimen of Buddha statues hewn out of solid stone and crafted during the reign of King Parakrabahu.

Gal Vihara consists of four cave shrines with sculptures hallowed out of a granite rock.

Gal Vihara How to get there: Situated about 250km from Colombo, it is advisable to use private transportation for the five and a half hour drive to Polonnaruwa.

Best time of day to visit: This site is open any time of the day. However, it is best to visit during the morning hours for the best light and coolest temperatures.

Best time of year to visit: Visitors come all year round. October to December are the wetter months for those photographers amongst us.

What to wear: As this is a religious place, covered attire that reaches down to the knees is advisable.

White clothing is recommended due to the heat.

Special spots to photograph from: Visitors can take photographs of all the statues in this location.

However, please note that as a sign of respect, posing in front of the statues is strictly prohibited.

Wat Arun Rajwararam Also known as “The Temple of Dawn�, this complex lies on the Thonburi side of the Chao Praya riverbank and is always a highlight of any Bangkok tour.

Named after Aruna, the Indian God of Dawn, Wat Arun is one of Thailand's most famous monuments, with the Tourism Authority of Thailand choosing it as its current logo.

The initial construction was started during the reign of Rama 1, the first King of the present Chakri Dynasty, and is over 220 years old. During the reign of Rama 2, its eye-catching pagoda, built in a former Khmer style, was extended to its current shape of 70 meters and covered with colourful porcelain and glassware.

It is believed that the porcelain used originated from Chinese traders doing business with the former Siam Kingdom during the Ayutthaya period, as their ships passed the current location upstream on the Chao Praya River.

Visiting Tips Best time to visit and best spot to photograph from: The best way to experience Wat Arun‟s grandeur would be an early morning boat crossing of the “River of Kings”. Walk up the steps to the second terrace, where you will not only have an amazing view of the temple complex but also see the four statues of the Hindu God Indra. The sun reflects in the various glass and porcelain pieces and guarantees a great picture.

What to wear: It is recommended that out of respect, you should not wear short skirts, backless tops, and/or high heels.

Tips After visiting Wat Arun, finish the klong tour at the Deck Restaurant at Arun Residence. This restaurant, located directly opposite Wat Arun, is part of a Sino-Portuguese River house. The 4th floor opensided bar is the best place in Bangkok from which to enjoy the temple at night whilst sipping a cocktail. The restaurant serves extremely tasty food for lunch and dinner.

Hue Royal Citadel Spanning a large area on the northern bank of the Perfume River, the Royal Citadel of the Nguyen Dynasty in Hue deserves to be the prime historical monument of Vietnam. Chosen to be the capital city by the Nguyen Lords, its construction was initiated

by Emperor Gia Long in 1805 and completed under the reign of Emperor Minh Mang in 1832.

The Royal Citadel was built with three circles of ramparts and as the seat of the royal family, has perfect „feng shuiâ€&#x;; facing south, the feng shui conditions consolidate the well-being of the royal family amongst many other designs and features that contribute towards this perfection. The structures inside the Imperial City were badly damaged during the numerous wars that took place in Vietnam throughout the 20th century but have been restored.

Best time of year to visit Hue and the Citadel are best visited from February until the end of April when the weather is most likely to be dry, yet not too hot. This is also the period when the City holds the bi-annual Hue Festival.

Visiting Tips What to wear: The Citadel has limited shelter and so layered clothing is recommended. On very sunny days bring an umbrella for shade.

Best time of day to visit: Hue Citadel opens daily from 7.30 a.m. to 5.00 p.m.

The best way to reach the Citadel is by cyclo passing some of the interesting street life enroute.

Best places for a photo; The „golden geomancy‟ or „feng shui‟ factors can best be viewed when standing on the Phoenix pavilion at the Noon Gate (the main gate to the royal citadel). If you are more than just a „happy snapper‟, you can get a great angle to capture the 9 Urns in one single frame by standing slightly to the left of the first urn and running your lens across all.

Don‟t forget those all important „through the window‟ and „through the door‟ shots to capture some great framing of the landscapes and buildings outside!

Yam Som Oh (Pomelo and Prawn Salad) Ingredients (serves 4) For the dressing: • 1 big red dried chilli, toasted • 2 shallots, chopped • 3 cloves garlic, minced • 3 tablespoons palm sugar • 3 tablespoons fish sauce • 3 tablespoons tamarind juice For the salad: • 1/2 pomelo, segmented with no pith • 100g prawns, steamed and sliced thinly • 30g toasted coconut flakes • 40g peanuts, toasted and chopped • 2 shallots, sliced thin and fried until crispy • 1 big red chilli, sliced • 2 kaffir lime leaves, julienned • 5 sprigs coriander, chopped

Recipe and picture source: www.taste.com.au

Deliciously light, crunchy and healthy, pomelo salad can be served as a starter, light lunch or as part of a Thai meal.

Preparation Method Preparation time: 10 minutes Cooking time: 10 minutes 1.

For the dressing, pound the chilli, shallots and garlic in a mortar until a smooth paste is formed.

2.

Transfer to a small pot with the palm sugar, fish sauce and tamarind juice. Bring to a simmer and cook until reduced to a thick liquid. Cool.

3.

In a bowl, toss together the pomelo, prawns and dressing. Add the coconut flakes, peanuts and fried shallots. Mix well.

4.

Garnish with the red chilli, lime leaf and coriander. Serve and enjoy.

Recipe

Monthly Festival: Hemis Festival, Ladakh – 29 to 30 June 2012 The remote region of Ladakh has many festivals but one of the most popular, due to the fact that it takes place during the summer, is the two-day festival at Hemis. Located 40km from Leh, Hemis is the wealthiest, best-known and biggest gompa of Ladakh and the festival celebrates the birth anniversary of Guru Padmasambhava.

The courtyard of Hemis gompa is the stage for Lamas performing splendid masked dances and sacred plays to the accompaniment of cymbals, drums and long horns. The underlying theme of the festival is good triumphing over evil.

The local Ladakhis dress up in their finest traditional clothes, boots and hats for the occasion and a colourful fair, displaying some beautiful handicrafts, is an additional attraction.

Diethelm Travel India would love to arrange your visit to the Hemis Festival and Leh is easily accessed by direct flight from Delhi.

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