Christmas; “Tis the season to be jolly”. As the lyrics of Deck The Halls go. Christmas is a time when fellow Christians gather together to commemorate the birth of Jesus Christ. It is celebrated as a religious and cultural holiday. As most of us are aware, Christmas is celebrated on the 25^th of December all around the world (according to respected time differences, of course). Often, it’s associated as a day for exchanging gifts, caroling, attending mass at church, the beautifully decorated christmas tree and of course, the family feast.

The iconic mythical figure that’s concomitant with this day is non-other than Santa Claus. A man who dons a red robe with a thick black belt, who rides a sleigh with help of eight reindeers and has a signature fluffy white beard. He’s the bearer of gifts and slides down the chimney of your home (not in Malaysia of course) and places your gifts under the tree. The realistic version of Santa Claus depends on who buys you your gifts. In most cases, it’s usually the parents who play Santa Claus.

What makes this holiday what it is today? Well, we believe that Christmas is a time for family and friends to spend time with one another and appreciate what we have with us. The presents don’t really matter (but if you receive them -plus point!). It’s not about who has the prettiest tree or who’s going to have the best party, it’s really just to bring you closer to your loved ones and appreciate what you have for one another. A time for laughs, full stomachs and merry behaviour. Not only is this holiday celebrated by Christians, it can be celebrated by anyone! That being said, the team @ Live & Inspire would like to wish all of you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Here’s a very cute video that we found

REM – Shiny Happy People

REM is a band that believes in making music sorely through emotions and feelings, and the song “Shiny Happy People” is one of REM’s popular tunes. It’s cheery, lovely and the accompaniment of Michael Stipe’s vocals and a cute banjo riff makes it the ultimate song of happiness of the Gen-X era.

Anh Do on Thank God You’re Here

Thank God You’re Here is Australia’s contribution to the improv-on-TV landscape. People who appear on the show walk through a door into a particular situation — say a French restaurant or a police raid — and have to convincingly bluff their way through the scene alongside professional improvisers. It’s consistently giggleworthy, and the shining star is comedian Anh Do. Here he is making stuff up as a chef at a fine dining restaurant.

Inside The Actors Studio – Conan O’Brien

Late Night Comedian Conan O’ Brien gave an interview for a show called “Inside the Actor’s Studio” and it’s possibly one of the most funniest, most engaging interview i’ve seen and is a testament to his experience as a well known stand-up comedian.

TED Talks – Rory Sutherland

Rory Sutherland gives us a hilarious yet insightful talk on the advertising industry. An ad man, he talks about how advertising works and how ideas like “intangible value” are practised. Truly one of the funniest things to come out of an ad man.

Cromartie High – Episode 1

Finally, we end with something from Japan. Cromartie High is a Japanese Animated Cartoon about a bunch of High School Delinquents who do…..nothing. No, seriously. That’s about it. Instead, you get hilarious and intelligent talks between these delinquents which also includes a monkey, Freddie Mercury and a robot. I always watch this before I go out to work and It always lift me up for its hilarious absurdity. Each episode has made me laugh and I think it will make you laugh too.

Sometime earlier this year, I headed to Kuching, south west of Sarawak for some work. A recommendation to stay at this unique hotel came about, and I thought I’ll give it a try. I checked-in and thought it was an awesome concept featuring the elements of Batik. The hotel just turned one recently in March 2011. I thought I’d talk to the lady who founded and conceptualized this vibrant space. Her name, Jacqueline Fong (Jackie.)

1) What inspires the theme of your hotel? What type of batik is featured in the overall look of the hotel?
Whilst living in Jakarta, I had a mild obsession with batik fabric. The batik-inspired theme echoes my affinity for the art of printing, wearing and shopping for batik. The batik theme and name was ideal for our setup because firstly, batik is indigenous to Malaysia and hence, people will be able to associate the name to a brand that is homegrown and ethnic. Secondly, batik prints and patterns are versatile and easily manipulated to deliver the right effect – here, we want to be contemporary yet classy yet playful. The batik pattern (I must humbly admit) is a computer designed image…the idea is to represent the tree of life. Did you get it?

2) I’m sure getting to where you are now wasn’t easy. Who or what was your inspiration in striving towards achieving the goal of opening a hotel?
I stayed at a hotel once in Istanbul and was amazed at how the owner of the hotel could accummulate so much knowledge, speak so many languages, have so many friends and yet does not often leave the premises. I was inspired by Mike – the fact that he meets all sorts of people from all over the world, and they all come to him. This is the truth

3) What made you decide on opening a hotel?
The hotel idea was idling for a while after my Istanbul trip. I entertained it only sporadically when yet another potential location was brought up. After all, my idea of a hotel means that the hotel would have to fit in with its surroundings. My friend and I were sitting drinking herbal tea in the middle of the night one night…there was a ‘for rent’ banner in front of a dark and decrepit property across the road. Batik Boutique Hotel was conceived that night. A little more than a year later, the Batik opened its doors.

4) Would you say your dream has been achieved by opening this hotel?
I would say that this project is gratifying beyond my dreams! I enjoy this business more and more each day.

5) What are your plans for Batik Boutique in the next 3 years?
Batik Boutique Hotel, Kuching shall continue to provide classy chic cozy stays to its guests. My plan is for Kuching, really. Kuching currently has a vibe that no other city in Malaysia has – it’s refreshing and friendly and doesn’t overwhelm. In 3 years’ time, we hope to see more interesting establishments in this city to identify Kuching as naturally the best place to be!

For the Batik brand, the nuts and bolts are in play to set up another classy chic cozy accommodation offering. Watch this space! For more information about Batik Boutique Hotel, visit www.batikboutiquehotel.com

Klapperys (Coconut Ice). By Marissa H.
Behold the kerkbasaar (church fete). Tables as far as the eye stretches packed full of cakes, knitted toys, secondhand goods, and tiny sets of clothes for all the little girls’ dolls. Lucky draws (the so-called ‘tombola tafel’), the heady aroma of pancakes (crepes) sprinkled liberally with cinnamon and sugar, the sizzle of vetkoeke frying in hot oil and the comforting flavour of a good old kerrie (curry) wafting in the air. Served alongside generous spoonfuls of sliced bananas, desiccated coconut and Mrs Balls chutney of course.

And what basaar (fete) is complete without a table (or two!) groaning under the weight of homemade sweets? Marshmallows rolled in toasted coconut, creamy fudge and sweeter than sweet klapperys (coconut ice). The familiar two-tone colouring is like a beacon for the under 10 year-old set, who seizes upon the cellophane-wrapped packets before handing over their silver coins. The pretty ribbon will land unceremoniously on the floor, the cellophane will be pawed at greedily to get one’s hands on the pink and white delight that is inside. Sugary sweet beyond belief with that rich coconut-y taste, it’s all too easy to pop one, two and even three into your mouth within a matter of mere minutes.

Many years after my 10th birthday, I still go crazy at the sight of these tempting little bites. Even if they aren’t as firmly entrenched in the South African culinary history as I would’ve liked to believe. Yes, coconut ice actually originates in post-war England, when sugar was once again in abundance and palates were eager to indulge after the war time restrictions. There are two versions of this recipe, one has you boil sugar and water to create a syrup before mixing in the desiccated coconut, while the other is a shortcut, using condensed milk and icing sugar in lieu of the sugar syrup.

Truth be told, I prefer the condensed milk recipe both for convenience, flavour and texture. It is much less crumbly than the first version and consequently has a much more pleasant mouth feel and smoother appearance. And how can the sweet flavour of creamy condensed milk ever be bad? Word of warning though: these are super sweet. Let me repeat that: they are sweeter-than-sweet. So unless you’re a true blue sugar addict, you might want to give these a skip. Or give them to someone who truly appreciates full-on sugary goodness. You know where to find me.

We’ve heard and seen cars that are powered by batteries, alternative fuels, and solar power over the last two and a half decades or so, as certain establishments and individuals in the automotive industry try to produce and promote cars and vehicles that are better for the environment. Years ago before most of us were even born, there came about a now popular American cartoon called the ‘Flinstones’ that was set during a so-called ‘civilized-stone-age-time’ where vehicles in this cartoon were human powered, with the cartoon characters using their legs and feet to move the cars or vehicles they were in, notably the main characters in the ‘Flinstones’ cartoon, Fred Flinstone and his best friend Barney.

Recently it has come to our attention that a car that is powered by a human, or humans, though not immobilized into movement and motion through the use of human legs, has been created by an innovative American engineer. This American engineer has put his wits together for over four decades to create and developed a car that can run purely on people power and reach speeds of up to 60mph, or 100kmh, which is quite impressive to say the least.

Known as the HumanCar Imagine PS, the odd looking vehicle which resembles a child’s car is operated by hand cranks. Unlike the ‘Flinstones’ cartoon where Fred Flinstone and Barney operate and move their cars through the use and movement of their legs, the driver and passengers in the HumanCar Imagine PS operate crank levers in a back and forth motion with the use of their hands to generate power that propels the car. It can reach an impressive hand-powered top speed of 60mph or 100kmh on flat grounds, and 30mph or 50kmh up hills and slopes, though this depends on the stamina and strength of the HumanCar Imagine PS’s driver and passengers.

The HumanCar Imagine PS can accommodate up to four passengers and it’s a case of the more the merrier, and the more then there’s more power, and there’s less strain on the driver as more human bodies equals more power where the HumanCar Imagine PS is concerned. There is also a back up electric battery to boost power when there are less or no passengers so that if the driver is alone the driver does not suffer and tire out too much due to fatigue.

This revolutionary and innovative vehicle is the brainchild of American engineer Charles Greenwood, who has been developing it for over 40 years, in fact from the time when the ‘Flinstones’ cartoon first hit the screens of the ‘idiot box’, the television. He began the project way back during the ‘Flower Power’ and ‘Hippie times’ in 1968, as a way to reduce exhaust pollution and make lazy drivers healthier by moving about and being able to have a good workout at the same time.

The HumanCar Imagine PS is due to go on sale next year after four decades of development and research, and is expected to cost about £10,000, which is equivalent to the price of a base model Perodua Myvi and Proton Saga BLM, which is costly actually as the HumanCar Imagine PS costs that much without an engine, stereo, air-conditioning, a roof and windows, as well as creature comforts such as power steering, power windows and comfortable seats. The HumanCar Company claims that the general American public has responded quite well to the HumanCar Imagine PS, as it has already received 100 pre-orders.

A roof is being developed for production cars of the HumanCar Imagine PS as it is needed and necessary for protection against the hot sun, especially with the current global climate changes that has witnessed rising temperatures and searing heat, and there are plans to add a touch-screen satnav system and airbags as the HumanCar Imagine PS does have a rather fast top speed of 100kmh.

The HumanCar company has a long-term business plan, inline with the fact that it did take forty years to develop this hand-powered car, and it intends to market the HumanCar Imagine PS in developing countries, possibly even in Malaysia and probably the South East Asian region. Though if it is sold here and in other places where the weather is hot and humid, then it is strongly suggested that the HumanCar Company should include an air-conditioning system in the HumanCar Imagine PS, just like how development and studies are being carried out now to include a touch screen satnav system and airbags for the near future. If this hand-powered car does become well received, to the point of being the next best thing to happen in the automotive industry, then this could spell the end for designer gyms and weight-loss establishments, and not forgetting reality weight-loss programs and shows, as people in general would be able to keep fit and keep the fats at bay simply by moving about in the HumanCar Imagine PS. Full production of the HumanCar Imagine PS by the HumanCar company is slated to begin when the company has received 800 pre-orders, but the HumanCar Imagine PS has already been certified as road legal in the United States.

Contributed by Azdee Amir

Photoblog: Symbol of Peru – Machu Picchu. By Nellie Huang of Wild Junket

A symbol of Peru, there is something about Macchu Picchu that makes everyone so drawn to it. A sense of mystery, a secret location in the midst of steep mountains, or its Inca origins – it remains an enigmatic magnet that attracts many to Peru each year.

Travelling overland from Bolivia to Peru, the landscape changed drastically and so did the air. Green pastures surround us at Macchu Picchu, contrasting with the bright multi-hued traditional costumes of the locals. Llamas graze the land, swaying their brown bosoms in the historical ruins.

How to get to Macchu Picchu
To get to Macchu Picchu, we chose to book a private bus trip (US$80 including 1 night’s stay) in Cuzco. There are no roads that lead to the nearest city, Aguascalientes, where most travelers are based at. The bus actually brings you through winding and unpaved mountain roads, leaving you at Hidroelectrico to catch the train to Aguascalientes. The bus trip itself was quite a funny adventure, with many passengers throwing up as we hit the winding roads.

Alternatively, the more popular option is to catch a train direct to Aguascalientes from Ollantaytambo, just 2 hours from Cuzco. It’s quite an attractive little town where few backpackers also choose to spend the night at. From here, it’s a costly but short train ride to Aguascalientes.

Our adventures
Waking up at 3a.m. like every other traveler, we were racing up to the peak to see the ruins by 4.30a.m. The entrance to Macchu Picchu opens at 5a.m., but everyone is eager to get the first peek. It was a mad dash as everyone raced through the ruins to get into the Wayna Picchu line. Many talk about the panoramic view atop Wayna Picchu, the taller mountain standing next to Macchu Picchu. Only a certain number of tickets are given out for the 10am climb, so many backpackers race to grab the tickets. Absurd as it sounds, it was almost like the Amazing Race, except you didn’t get to win $1million.

What amazes me about Macchu Picchu is its location on the peak of a mountain. Walking through the ruins involves lots of climbing steep slopes. The entire area sprawls across the mountaintop, but the area can be rather narrow. From the edges, take a look down and you can see the foot of the mountain in the far distance. A fall would definitely be fatal.

We found llamas wandering around the foot of the ruins,  and it was quite an experience mingling with them and just getting to see these animals upclose and personal.

~~~ About the contributor ~~~

With an eye for adventure and a love for the unknown, Nellie Huang is a Singaporean travel writer whose work has appeared in National Geographic IT blog, CNN Go, Luxury Travel magazine, Travel+Leisure Asia and Jetstar in-flight magazine. From volunteering in East Africa to writing a guidebook in Guatemala, she has traipsed continents to find home in Spain. She blogs about her adventures on Wild Junket www.wildjunket.com.

Chili Con Carne. By Marisa H.

When I’ve had a really crappy day, I usually don’t feel like cooking. In fact I don’t feel like doing anything more than curl up into a little ball and cry my eyes out. Fortunately I’ve learned through experience that, while crying your heart out is immensely satisfying, you usually only end up with a stuffy head and red eyes to show for all your efforts. Not a great prospect. Releasing my frustrations in the kitchen however has always led to positive results. The chopping, mixing, frying and tasting seems to have a calming influence on me. Especially when paired with a glass of wine and a listening ear in the guise of TheHusband.

So it happened that I was not in the best state of mind when I started cooking this chili. Actually that’s putting it mildly. I won’t bog you down with the details, but suffice to say, I was not a happy camper. And it might’ve been due to my fragile emotional state that TheHusband eyed the cacao powder tin I was clutching maniacally next to the simmering meat on the stove with such trepidation.

As I’ve mentioned on numerous previous occasions, I’m a chocolate addi firm lover of all things chocolate. Especially of the Lindt Fleur de Sel persuasion. I’m also a firm lover of mixing it up. Of pairing the unexpected up. With (usually) delicious results.

So it stands to reason that I wasn’t going to be able to resist a savoury dish with cocoa powder as one of it’s flavouring agents. And I won’t lie, the cheese on top definitely also swayed me. I am a badge-toting member of the #cheesesluts club after all.

I am happy to report though that it turned out swimmingly. That is both my mood and the food. Although I suspect there aren’t many things that a comforting bowl of chili con carne won’t solve. The cocoa powder lends a depth to the chili that would otherwise be sorely lacking and the spices join together in perfect harmony to create a rich and flavourful meal. And while I can’t promise that your sorrows will be a thing of the past, they will definitely be forgotten for a few indulgent moments. Tried-and-tested.

Chili Con Carne
Inspired by Simply Delicious’ vegetarian chili
Serves 5 – 6

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tsp minced garlic
• 1/2 green pepper, chopped
• 1 red pepper, chopped
• 500g lean mince (ground beef)
• 4 tbsp tomato paste
• 2.5 tsp coriander seeds, finely ground
• 6 allspice berries, finely ground
• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 2 tsp smoked paprika*
• 1 1/4 tsp dried red chili flakes
• 2 tbsp unsweetened best-quality cocoa powder
• 4 tsp brown sugar
• 3.5 tsp salt
• 1 tin (410g) peeled chopped tomatoes
• 1 tin (410g) butter beans, drained
• 1 tin (410g) red kidney beans, drained
• 1 tin (410g) sweetcorn kernels, drained
• grated cheddar, to serve
• avocado, to serve (optional)
• chopped fresh coriander (cilantro), to serve (optional)
• sour cream, to serve (optional)

1. Heat oil in a large saucepan over medium-high heat. Add garlic, sauteing for a few seconds, then add red and green bellpeppers. Saute a further 2 – 3 minutes before adding the ground beef. Cook until browned.
2. Now add some flavour to the meat – tomato paste, coriander, all-spice, cinnamon, smoked paprika, chili flakes, cocoa powder, sugar and salt. Cook, stirring for 2 -3 minutes over high heat, then add tinned tomatoes. Stir through, bring to the boil, then reduce heat and allow to simmer, covered, for approximately 10 minutes.
3. Taste and adjust seasonings if needed, then add the rest of the ingredients: butter beans, kidney beans and sweetcorn kernels. Gently heat through, then serve, topped with cheese, your choice of condiments and warm bread.

If you can get hold of something like cheese & onion bread I would strongly suggest you get it as it tastes phenomenal with this chili.

* If you are unable to find smoked paprika, I would suggest that you substitute with an equal amount of paprika and up the chili flakes to replicate the increased heat from the smoked paprika.

** If you’re able to get hold of peppadews, they add a deliciously sweet and tangy edge to the chilli. Just chop finely and serve alongside the rest of the condiments.

Nutritional info (per serving): Calories 460.8 , Total fat 23.1 g, Saturated fat 8.1 g, Polyunsaturated fat 1.1 g, Monounsaturated fat 10.1 g, Cholesterol 68.2 mg, Sodium 2,269.3 mg, Potassium 620.1 mg, Total carbohydrate 40.9 g, Dietary fiber 9.2 g, Sugars 11.6 g, Protein 25.4 g
Good source of: Vitamin C 108.6 %, Vitamin B12 35.5 %, Zinc 25.8 %, Niacin 25.7 %, Selenium 22.9 %, Iron 21.4 %

~~~ About the contributor ~~~

MarisaH is an internet junkie and passionate about food!  Her blog, The Creative Pot is about her love of exploring different cultures through their food. Proudly South African, she shares with us her recipes and wonderful pictures that make us salivate!

8 Ways to Spice Up Your Travels, by Nellie Huang

Since travelling became a significant part of my lifestyle, I’d come to realize that a conventional travel itinerary was just not enough to feed my thirst for complete cultural immersion or adventurous endeavors. It was time to ditch the guidebook and delve a little deeper, to get to know my destination inside out. Slow travel (usually means spending more than a month at a place) definitely does the trick, but if you haven’t got the time, here are some other ways to help spice up your journey and make it more than just travel.

1. Volunteer
Over the past ten years, voluntourism has gained popularity, especially among young travelers. Many people include a short volunteering stint in their travel plans. I personally volunteered at an education office in a small village in Tanzania two years back – the emotional ride was one of the best times in my life. Programs such as the Peace Corps assign volunteers to places that need help. Many organizations require a program fee, so do your research before signing up.

2. Hop on a Cruise
I’m not talking typical Caribbean party cruises. Think mid-sized cruises that bring you through the isolated Norwegian fjords or the massive icebergs in the Arctic and island-hopping in the Galapagos. Cruising offers a different perspective, especially in remote and secluded areas like the North Pole. They allow us to get to territories that cannot be visited otherwise. Discount cruises can be an interesting way to travel and even a cost-cutting one.

3. Learn A Skill
From culinary classes to meditation courses, there are plenty of learning opportunities that gives you the chance to know the local culture better. Traveling to China? Take a tai-chi class or a kung-fu introductory course and you’ll leave with more than just photographs. In Japan, you can take a class from a veterangeisha to learn about their traditional ethics and behavior. Many embark on culinary tours around Italy and Spain to dig deeper into their gastronomy, learning to whip up typical Mediterranean dishes and sample local wine.

4. Couchsurf
The trend is here to stay: couchsurfing is now used worldwide, where members contact locals who are willing to offer them a couch to crash in or just meet up for a coffee. I personally have tried couchsurfing several times and have had amazing experiences every single time. It’s the perfect way to meet locals, understand their lifestyle, cultural habits and customs.
5. Book an Adventure Tour
Whether you are climbing icebergs in the Patagonia or trekking through the Amazon Jungle, an adventure tour definitely gives you the thrills of travel. It challenges you to your limit, gives you an adrenaline-pumping experience and allows you to explore a part of the country you might not be able to on your own. A tour usually takes up a chunk of your travel budget, but hey, no pain no gain. It’s often cheaper to book the tour at your destination rather than through the internet.

6. Pick Up a New Language
Another popular traveling option is language immersion: the most typical being Spanish classes in Guatemala, Argentina or Spain. Latin America is a top choice for language courses thanks to the low cost of living, rich culture and wide range of options available.These days, Mandarin is becoming the hottest language – so why not head further afield to Beijing? English is not commonly spoken, so you’ll definitely get plenty of practice.

7. Homestay
Most study-abroad programs consist of homestays where local families host you in the comfort of their homes, cooking you typical meals and speaking to you only in their language. Those who have had first-hand experience only have good things to say about this. Many build strong relations with their host families and often keep in touch after returning home. Even if you’re not a on study-abroad program, there are still many opportunities to go on a homestay. For instance, accommodation in Cuba is often in the form of homestays. They are cheaper and a better choice for many.

8. Get a Part-time Job
Work as diving instructor, teacher, chef, au-pair or cruise crew, there are thousands of working options available. For many countries, being a native English speaker gives you the advantage to find work easily. In Spain, you can easily find work as a teacher in an English summer camp. Depending on your skills, short-term work not only allows you to earn an extra income, but also gives you the experience of living and working in a new country.

~~~ About the contributor ~~~

With an eye for adventure and a love for the unknown, Nellie Huang is a Singaporean travel writer whose work has appeared in National Geographic IT blog, CNN Go, Luxury Travel magazine, Travel+Leisure Asia and Jetstar in-flight magazine. From volunteering in East Africa to writing a guidebook in Guatemala, she has traipsed continents to find home in Spain. She blogs about her adventures at Wild Junket.

The spirit of safari comes alive at Ngala Private Game Reserve, the first private game reserve to be incorporated into the well known Kruger National Park in 1992. Spanning 14,700 hectares (36,300 acres) of game-rich wilderness, respect for nature overtakes human activity and development. From the minute we entered the Timbavati control gates into the national park, we were given strict instructions to travel not more than 40km per hour as animals roam free. My travel partner and I mused in delight as we spotted our first pair of giraffes munching on leaves and then a herd of impalas staring intently at our vehicle.

Ngala Private Game Reserve shares an unfenced boundary with the world renowned Kruger National Park, South Africa’s largest wildlife sanctuary allowing the free movement of wildlife along natural corridors. The private game reserve is formed by a three way partnership between the private sector, the state and a non-governmental organization (&Beyond, South African National Parks and World Wildlife Fund (WWF) in hopes of controlling poaching and protecting the diminished number of animals in the park.

“Reinstating nature to make it valuable, that is the approach we (&Beyond) took. It’s all about educating the locals about the value of their backyard,” Les Carlisle, group conservation manager explained. Poaching has since stopped within the private game reserve. Whilst demands for ivory, horns and sorts still continue in Asia, the locals have learned to respect and protect nature for what it is.

On arrival at Ngala, we were greeted with a friendly welcome of homemade lemonade and chilled towels by a host of friendly staff and then ushered to our cottage. Tucked away under large tamboti and mopane trees, 20 classic thatched cottages are well spread out within the vicinity. Tastefully designed, each cottage has its own private verandah. Cobbled stone pathways lead you from the cottages to the expansive dining area with rugged chandeliers and an elegant buffet table with fresh flowers.

The familiar hectic city life is long gone as you step into the spacious sitting decks decorated with plush Victorian sofas overlooking thick riverine woodlands and a watering hole. Jameson who greeted us at the reception told us to keep a lookout on the watering hole as elephants, cape buffaloes and impalas would frequent the natural pool for a gulp.

Ngala prides itself in the intimate and personalized service the staff extends to each guests. From arrival to departure, our needs and wants were taken care of regardless of how much effort or time it took. Our butler Patrick was always on his toes with a big smile on his face. The lodge manager willingly helped with clearing the dishes and rangers go beyond game drive conversations as they spend evening dinners with guests, getting to know them better.

Patrick chimed, “We are a community at the staff quarters. We play soccer and get along like family. We have a great chef and excellent food too. Sometimes I have to skip meals because I eat too much!” After much conversation with the staff, I soon realized that the sincerity and warmth that exudes from each staff member stems from the fact that their needs are well taken care of by the management.

Up to ninety percent of the staff at Ngala comes from the nearby village call Welverdiend where the local Shangaan tribe lives. Ngala has provided vast employment opportunities for the community at the Welverdiend, developed computer centers in several schools, and empowered individuals to set up small businesses to improve income levels.

Les Carlisle explained, “Our strategy is to work with communities, not for communities. That way partnerships between us are stronger and we work hand in hand, not one ahead of the other.” Building long lasting and trusting relationships with people of the land has proven testament to their success in sustaining community partnerships.

Safari Experience
Our ultimate wish was to spot the famous African Big 5; lion, buffalo, elephant, rhino and leopard. At 4pm, guests gathered around the spacious open deck for afternoon tea and bite-sized pastries and fruits. Our ranger, Mike Robertson introduced himself and briefly explained the history of the game reserve and what we would expect from the game drives.

Within the reserve, only a limited numbers of vehicles are allowed at a sighting and rangers are well aware of their boundaries between the animal and the vehicle. We were given prudent instructions not to make animal calls while on game drives and to respect the privacy of the animals in their natural surroundings.

We hopped onto our open 4×4 safari vehicle where our tracker, Elvis greeted us. Elvis spent most of his life in the bush. The national park was his backyard and as a child he would follow his father hunting for rhinos and buffaloes. Today, hunting is not his game, instead he finds pride and satisfaction in showing guests around his backyard.

Mike turned the engine on and turned around to ask us, “What would you like to see today?” Instantaneously we replied, “Lion.” He nodded and we were off on our first game drive. It was soon learned that ‘Ngala’ means lion in Shangaan and the reserve lives up to its name, as we spotted several prides of these majestic cats in wide open plains and on the dirt road catching a few winks before the sun sets. The spectacular diversity of wildlife that moves through this immense wilderness was truly awe-inspiring. During our three hour morning and evening game drives we spotted elephants, spotted hyenas, buffaloes, hippos, white rhinos, giraffes, impalas, zebras, kudus, warthogs and wild cats.

Our game drives were always punctuated with a break at a chosen stopover; either a watering hole or in the wide open grasslands. Safety is always a priority as the ranger and tracker kept a close eye on the surroundings. We savoured the sights and sounds of the wild whilst sipping on wine, juice or a hot cup of coffee. Being on foot in the wild offered a different experience as we watched the elephants and buffaloes waddle in water just a few feet away. Our senses became more sensitive to the slightest of sounds; birds chirping, cicadas whistling and the scent from the tiny aniseed plant.

Most of our evening game drives lasted through sunset and into the night. This was when nocturnal animals like the bush babies, owls and termites come out to play. As the skies transformed into a black velvet blanket filled with glittering stars, Mike, our knowledgeable ranger stopped the vehicle and unraveled a dozen stories about the constellations, Greek legends and astronomical wonders.

African Culture through a Gastronomical Affair
At Ngala, it is all about guest experience. Having stayed three nights at the lodge, not one of its dinners were at the same location. From the elegant candlelit dining hall to the romantic glow of the courtyard around the blazing bonfire and the lamp-lighted open deck with a choir of dancing Shangaan women, dinner was an anticipated affair.

Meals are created to give a wholesome and traditional flavour with choice ingredients, fresh produce and locally sourced meats bought from the local village or the nearby White River town.

Lettuce Mokoena, head chef of Ngala Lodge greeted me at the lunch buffet table as he explained his quite recent passion in cooking. Before he became the head chef, Lettuce started as a security guard at &Beyond lodge. He applied for a position as a waiter and soon found joy in serving guests. He soon tried his hand as a kitchen staff and found that his skills in cooking blossomed quickly. Now 8 years after, Lettuce is one of the most respected and well-loved chefs among the &Beyond family, of which Ngala Lodge is a part of.

“I love my job and it gives me great satisfaction serving guests an unforgettable meal,” says Lettuce. Attention to detail is the key to this mouthwatering experience. Lettuce and his team give extra attention in picking only quality ingredients and sticking to precise cooking methods.

One of the ways to ensure this is by growing and harvesting vegetables from their own ‘shambar’ or garden. Vegetables such as carrots, beetroot, onions, spinach and pumpkin are homegrown and tended with care.

Hearty breakfasts and healthy lunches feature traditional Pan African flavours such as slow roast pork, ‘Bobotie’ -a curried mince meat dish covered with an egg based topping, ‘Pap’ – a traditional porridge made from ground maize, ‘Boerewors’ – homemade sausages, butternut pumpkin soup and ‘Melktert Pudding’ – a custard based tart topped with cinnamon.

We had a wonderful experience in South Africa’s famous wildlife sanctuary and hope many others can enjoy it too. We have full confidence that it will continue to thrive for the simple reason that sustainability takes precedence over profitability. &Beyond’s model ‘Care of the Land, Care of the Wildlife and Care of the People’ is a wholesome cycle that protects, respects and sustains the ecosystem.

As light fell over the safari, we caught the glare of a lion before it flicked its tail, turned and walked into the horizon. I realized without a doubt that the reality of this experience is not only in the viewing of big game, but the simple magic of building unforgettable connections with those who have served you and our mutual love and respect for nature and wildlife.
All photographs courtesy of Deborah Chan.

~~~ About the contributor ~~~

Wild Asia, www.wildasia.org, is a social enterprise based in Malaysia, aiming to inspire and create positive social and environmental change. Unlike charities, we do not depend on donations but derive our income from services we provide. Wild Asia has worked exclusively in Asia and has built up a wide experience base in dealing with the complexities and challenges of promoting sustainability in this part of the world.”

Let’s face it, traveling in Europe blows a big hole in your budget. A 6-month sojourn in Europe often takes up triple the amount of money you would have otherwise spent traveling in S.E.Asia or South America. Now that we’re back in Spain, trying to maintain our travel funds is proving to be a real challenge. Staying at home all weekend isn’t gonna solve the problem, so we’re still taking regular trips within the region, but keeping in mind budget-tightening measures. Here are 8 tips for shoestring travelers like us to explore Europe but without the hefty costs.

1. Choose Your Destination Wisely
If you’re tight on money, then try to avoid expensive countries in the north, such as Norway, Sweden and Denmark. Expenses in Scandinavian nations are extremely high, with the cheapest meal – a hotdog – costing around 7euros. Instead, venture out to Eastern Europe – countries in the Balkans such as Bulgaria, Montenegro and Croatia are extremely interesting and yet relatively cheap to visit. Equally attractive in terms of nature, beaches and historical monuments, the Balkans is one part of Europe that is relatively unexplored and definitely worth a visit.

2. Hunt for Cheap Accommodation
Cheap hotels and hostels are definitely the most important way to save money, since majority of travel expenses usually go to accommodation. Besides doing a search on hostel websites, it’s wise to check with friends and fellow travelers who have been to your destination for the best area to stay at and the hostel with best value for money. For big and expensive cities like London and Barcelona, it’s especially important to bear in mind that cheap hotels might be far from the city center.

3. Research for Free Things to do
If you look hard enough, there are tons of free attractions to visit and free activities to engage in. Most museums are free to visit on specific days of the week, parks and gardens sprinkled all over Europe usually have no entrance fee. These sites allow you to learn more about the city and its history. Other free things to do include watching street performers, strolling through antique markets  and vibrant food markets.(Check out my previous post on free things to do in London.)

4. Couchsurfing
A brilliant concept that brings travelers from around the world together, exchanging culture and experiences, and a free place to stay. The uninhibited can just sign up for free, do a search for locals living in your destination, write them an email and if they say yes, voila! – you have a free night’s stay on their couch! I personally adore couchsurfing, having done it a couple of times and always had an excellent experience.

5.  Make friends with Locals
There are thousands of social media sites in today’s world – twitter, facebook etc. Give a shoutout when you’re visiting a particular destination to get the lowdown on what’s good and what’s not. The locals will know the best value places to eat, the fastest and cheapest ways to travel, and  at times extend their hospitality by showing you around. At the end of your travel, you get a good understanding of the place you’ve just visited, you’ve shaved a considerable amount off your travel expenses and you’ve just earned yourself a new friend.

6. Find Temporary Work or Volunteer
Although it can be rather tough to find a job that pays, you can usually nab one that gives you accommodation and food in exchange for a few hours of labour each day. Start with the hostel you’re staying at or ask around. Other opportunities such as WWOOFing – volunteering on a farm – is also a great opportunity to experience living in  the countryside and saving some pennies.

7. Cook Your Own Meals
Although sampling a country’s gastronomy is a large part of traveling (and often is one of the most important for me), eating out tin Europe can be pricey. Making your own meals doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice on sampling local food. Instead, visit the local food market (which can sometimes turn out to be an awesome experience) and try out whipping up some local dishes in your hostel. Or are you tempted to splurge on that gorgeous restaurant poised above the city center? Try to find a quiet spot right next to it, and bring a picnic with you to enjoy the same views for a fraction of the price.

8.Fly Budget Airlines
These days, with strong competition among budget airlines, air travel within Europe is getting cheaper than train travel. A Ryanair flight can cost  as low as 5GBP if you’re luck enough to snap it. Make sure to check out every airline and last-minute travel deal when booking your trip, and compare prices between land travel and budget airfares.

~~~ About the contributor ~~~

With an eye for adventure and a love for the unknown, Nellie Huang is a Singaporean travel writer whose work has appeared in National Geographic IT blog, CNN Go, Luxury Travel magazine, Travel+Leisure Asia and Jetstar in-flight magazine. From volunteering in East Africa to writing a guidebook in Guatemala, she has traipsed continents to find home in Spain. She blogs about her adventures at Wild Junket.