Kindly Yours

Mr. Spencer Westmacott OBE, 1885 - 1960. The Great Adventure, that is how it is referred to at the Museum of New Zealand - Te Papa - to commemorate, reflect and remember  the great and deep sacrifice made by individual New Zealanders joining British another troops from the Commonwealth in the Great War from 1914, particularly at Gallipoli, Turkey.   In a remarkable set up at Te Papa, Te Aro, on Wellington's waterfront, are three bigger than life size recreations of three selected players of a real life saga - a supporting medic, a sniper in action  and a waiting digger.   Dr. Percival Fenwick, 1870 - 1958. The Maori Regiment, New Zealand Engineers and the Mounted Rifles have their efforts and trials embedded in history.   Visitors can examine in confronting detail the lapels of uniforms, the dust on shoes and the expression on realistic recreated skin of the exhibits.  Rousing and yet haunting music play in the background, whilst vi...

Tanjung Katong in Singapore has had its original shoreline moved as a result of land reclamation.  It once fronted a seaside, has a distinguished history of settlement by an eclectic mix of races from both Europe and Asia and is now touted as a hub of the surviving Eurasian and Straits Chinese culture and tradition in the modern day Republic. Not far from Changi Airport, on the eastern side of Singapre Island, Katong offers a cuisine and culture that stands out depute the multiculturalism and fusion that is today's Singapore. Who does recognise these very intimate items from a hair dressing table from  20th century Singapore? Front beaded slip-ons.   The stitching is an art form that requires patience, a good eye and a creative sense of patterns. Variety of snacks that echo fusion in preparation styles and use of local ingredients, drawing from on practices and recipes from South-east Asia, Southern China, Portugal, Holland and Britain.  There are...

The Victoria Falls with mid-volume flow on a September afternoon. Our skillful and young pilot. Mist spray and thundering sounds are still evident from above. Take off with anticipation and expectation. The bridge that straddles high above the Zambezi also marks the border between the two nations of Zambia and Zimbabwe.  The town of Livingstone is Zambian, whilst Vic falls is on the Zimbabwe side. Rising above like a bird, with views of the Zambezi River and the beginnings of an ox bow lake, in the way the great river takes a bend.   The sun is at its height for the day. Behind every great person is a wife or husband or partner or mentor.  Behind the success of each child is the unseen unrelenting effort of each parent.  The Victoria Falls can be seen as the outcome of a great flow of water, natural topography and good rain fall. Just before taking off. Gr...

The staff are attentive for the dawn hour, conscious of your need and to ensure that your hot beverage of choice is always with you.  The tables can be packed close when filled up on a busy time but with table cloths of white and an extensive array of cutlery, guests know that are being pampered.  The variety of the breakfast choices is generous, especially for the breads, fruits and hot food.  Quality preserves are from the Stellenbosch area,  walnuts and cashew nuts are available and the eggs are meticulously prepared for customers according to their whim and fancy.  The coffee pouring waiter may seem to be a bit more serious that day but otherwise everyone else feels so relaxed and may not want to leave.   The breakfast starts as early as 630am if I am not mistaken and goes on till 10am.  Presentation, presence and peacefulness - those are the hallmarks of the Clipper. Fruits, nuts and croissants galore early in the morning. Single se...

You want to take a drive with your loved one along a scenic coast and surprise her or him with a relaxing meal.  You want to feel the breeze in your face and that of your special someone.  It is the weekend. You want to get out of the urban centre but not too far, maybe you both shall stay over night. Both of you love ocean views and the harvest of the sea.   You look forward to delightful ways of cooking with lobster, fish, prawns and shellfish.   You love retro architecture and heritage surroundings.  You prefer local produce. Welcome to the Black Marlin, located in the Southern Cape,  with interfaces with the southern Atlantic waters, beautifully located.  You are welcomed with cuisine influences from both Europe and Africa  - grills, pasta, curry, steaks and pudding!   There are also other activities you can join pre and post meals. At nearby Boulder's Beach. Fishermen in boats are working just outside the b...