minalism travel

Holiday birthday drinks and a spectacular view of Bangkok's stunning skyline from The Sky Bar @Lebua State Tower , April 2010 – Photograph by minalism  Moving to Thailand brought a very necessary calm to my already provoked senses, bringing the balance that I had been seeking. Bangkok being Thailand's hub of commercialism, classism, wealth, tourism and modern culture, like any big city it can certainly be quite a bitch at times. Admittedly, I have more than often escaped Bangkok craving the serene and peaceful ways of life that other parts of Thailand endlessly boasts. But even amidst all the madness and chaos, Bangkok still serves up a daily hum that cannot be replaced in this region of the world, with its comparatively free, liberal and hedonistic society. Bangkok's city skyline from The Sky Bar @Lebua State Tower , April 2010 – Photograph by minalism The first day that I ever set foot in Bangkok at none other than Khaosan Road , April 2010 – Ph

Women enjoying cycling, circa 1900 – Photograph by Cycling History Blog "[Bicycling] has done more to emancipate woman than any one thing in the world. I rejoice every time I see a woman ride by on a whe el. It gives her a feeling of self-reliance and independence the moment she takes her seat; and away she goes, the picture of untrammelled womanhood." Susan B. Anthony (1820-1906) was a prominent 19th century American civil rights leader and women's rights activist during the emergence of a women's suffrage in the New World. Back in Susan's day the idea and sight of a woman peddling a single seater bicycle must have indeed been tremendously empowering, and a monumental statement for society. But today, when I read this lovely quote of her's, all I can think of is,         "... and away she goes, the picture of untrammelled womanhood. Until someone comes along in their bus, van, car, motorbike or bicycle and smacks that woman right off her se

Some friends invited me over to their new abode for a house warming slash Chinese New Year dinner. Delighted, off course I accepted the invite to an evening of Chinese culinary perfection which surpassed any of my expectations, and left me at the end of the night wishing that I had asked for a doggy bag to take home. All the ingredients were bursting with fresh flavours. And most importantly, all ingredients were traditionally Chinese. Having a home cooked Chinese meal was a new experience for me and definitely something I would not pass up if I ever get the chance to have it again! Simply... the Menu (my interpretation of the menu at least. Apologies for any mistakes!) A variety of mushrooms including oyster, enokitake, dried shitake. Oysters. Sea cucumber. Freshly steamed chicken. Steamed fish. Sweet and sour pork with peppers and onions. Fish ball strips with green leaves sautéed in garlic. Grilled king prawns in a sweet soy sauce. Plain white rice.

The walkway between Hong Kong and Central MRT stations during rush hour – Photograph by minalism  It's m y second day back in Hong Kong after my winter vacation. I'm eager to get back into my routine, so I immediately throw myself back into work, also  throwing myself back into the crowds of Central and Hong Kong MTR stations. All or nothing, straight into the deep end. Within a week I'm reacquainted with Hong Kong rush hour manic walking. Bad walkers to put it lightly. Anyone who has lived in Hong Kong will know what this expression means. Walking on pavements, around the many shopping malls, in MTR stations, strolling in parks, around sports fields, walking to the supermarket, walking through the many back and side streets, running for a bus.... bad walkers everywhere! If you're like me, most of the time you remember these moments with a smile and have a chuckle about it. But when you're trying to get to a destination at a particular time, BEWARE! Add at

My CABE 'Urban Beauty' competition entry: 'Where The Troll Lives', Bethnal Green, London. I just want to pass a few quick thank you's to the following blogger's and photography supporters who were kind enough to mention my "Urban Beauty" photograph entry on their own individual web pages. My photo was short listed for the CABE photography competition themed "Urban Beauty in the UK" November 2010. It was also featured on the BBC website! Thank you  Ray Garrod ,  Moonlightwrite ,  Tek 14 ,  zabort.ru .  The support of good people like yourselves is not only heart warming, but also inspirational!   If you would like to see more of my photos featured on my flickr page you can click here .  ᐂ

My secret patch of grass land. Thank goodness I found this place. If you know me well, you'll know that I need grass to survive! It calms me down when I'm feeling stressed, it helps me memorise and cram before exams or presentations, it grounds me in those moments of confusion and helps me connect with the Earth. It is my zen. So this was a big find for me, already feeling claustrophobic with all the grey, black and white of a concrete jungle. This is going to be my secret go-to when I'm feeling a bit anxious, or want an escape from my concrete neighbourhood. Although, I must say the grass is really itchy to lay on... but whatever, I can deal with it. A small cost to pay for a big reap!  ᐂ

It was a Wednesday afternoon and I was walking back to my apartment from the Mid-Levels, thinking about what to do for the rest of the day when I stumbled upon this place. Tucked away in an almost out of sight location, I had been walking past this a few days every week wondering what could be behind the wall of trees, thinking I should venture and explore someday. And so by doing that today, I couldn't believe what I found. Swings! Chess board like structures engraved onto solid stone block tables. Cute little seating areas dotted all around a tiny playground... The playground didn't really interest me much as it didn't have any slides big enough, and was missing a see saw. But still, this was a precious find! And, delightfully deserted during the midday. Aside of a few maintenance staff, I was completely alone in this secret little garden. I must have been a sight, as the ladies sweeping up the grounds had stopped in their tracks, staring at me,