We’ve all heard of the famous Stonehenge in the English county Wiltshire which by the way, is one of the sites listed in the UNESCO World Heritage Sites. But have you ever heard of Woodhenge (also preserved by UNESCO) or Seahenge ( preserved by English Heritage)?

- taken from http://dearkitty.blogsome.com/ -

Little people knows about the existence of these 2 ancient monuments. I for one have not heard about them till now. It’s not surprising since they receive less publicity… i assume because it is considered less spectacular than the stone monument. After all, a 25 tons stone poll is definitely more difficult to erect than a 5 tons wooden pole don’t you agree?

- taken from http://witcombe.sbc.edu/sacredplaces/stonehenge.html -

The Seahenge is a monument built in the Bronze Age, off the coast of the English county of Norfollk at Home-next-the-Sea ( There is actually a village with that name. What a name. LOL!) Timber or wood poles are erected in a circular construction trench. Despite the name Seahenge, the monuments does not contain any henges. The timber erected however was built with great details, their split sides faced inwards and their bark faced outwards. One of the trunks on the south western side had a narrow Y fork in it, permitting access to the central area. In the centre of the ring was a large inverted oak stump. Can you imagine all these are done with the bare hands of man using only axes?

- taken from http://circulostres.blogspot.com/2008/04/seahenge-regresa-casa.html -

It is believed that the intricate construction of the site suggest that it was used as a burial ground but who knows? It might possible be a look out post at the shoreline.

I find Woodhenge somewhat more interesting because it is in a way related to the Stonehenge.

- taken from http://www.catkinlodge.fsnet.co.uk/walks.htm -

Woodhenge is a timber circle monument from the Neolithic age located in the Stonehenge Wolrd Heritage Site, Wiltshire, England. Some people simply refers to it as the Durrington Walls after the parish of Durrington. Although it is very near to the Stonehenge, this site is less known. The finding of the remains of a child within the centre enclosure suggest that it is also used as a burial gorund as it is with the Stonehenge. Among other similarity with Stonehenge besides the structure is the Woodhenge have similar solstice alignment (entrances oriented approximately on the midsummer sunrise) and similar diameters of the timber circles.

The Stonehenge Riverside Project had carried out annual excavations at Durrington Walls which let to suggestion that while Stonehenge represents the land of the dead (burial mounds), Durington Walls represents life and the land of the living. The River Avon which connects these 2 sites represents the transition from life to death.

I envy Mr. Bf’s ang moh friend who had the opportunity to visit the Woodhenge.

Did you know there are a total of 69 foreign embassies and 115 hotels in the city of Bangkok, Thailand alone? Impressive huh? It’s no surprise since Bangkok is one of the most visited city visited by tourists (backpackers especially) from all over the continent.

I am pretty excited about my trip to Bangkok and CHiang Mai next February… Well not as much as Bangkok as Chiang Mai actually. I’m not the partying or clubbing kind of girl so Bangkok is a bit too ‘exotic’ for me LOL. I’m kidding. I’m sure there’ll be lotsa interesting stuff do to there.

I got these 2 booklet thingy from MATTA Fair (Malaysian Travel Fair) i attended last week. One is a Bangkok Tourist Map, the other is a booklet about CHiang Mai’s trourist attraction. It’s FOC so i could start planning my 8D7N trip already.

Bangkok, Chiang Mai Tourist Map and Booklet

You know what, i had no idea there are so many interesting places to visit in Chiang Mai. All i know before this is that the place is good for Thai food. Hahahaha! I’m such a pig.

Air Asia is having another round of giving away 1 million free seats. I am jumping up and down in excitement. The promotion will start tommorrow (that’s 26th August 2008) and ends on 31st August. I guest it’s something in conjunction of the Merdeka’s Day or something.

The promotion covers domestic as well as international destinations. Travel period is on April 2009 till July 2009. That’s few months from my Bangkok and Chiang Mai Trip!

I am itching to go somewhere. LOL. Woo hoo!

I want to give Tony a great big kiss! Muacks!

Today i found out about a City named Cork. What a funny name LOL. In fact Cork is the 2nd largest city in Republic of Ireland. The city centre is located on an island in the River Lee that positively hums with life, catering for every taste.

- taken from http://www.ecotec.com/idele/seminars/lisbon/ -

Besides the modern development and infrastructure, Cork City is a place with wonderful buildings from the past such as the Red Abbey, the church tower of Shandon and the City Hall itself among others. Cork also is the home to Ireland’s longest building - the Victorian mental hospital which is now converted to residential used. I can’t help but wonder why the overly large building as a mental institution. The number of mentally challenged in Cork must be darn high. -_-”.

- taken from http://www.flickr.com/photos/jwallace/92545392/ -

Another interesting fact. Cork is also known as “The Rebel County” or “The Rebel Cork” because of its reputation for rebelliousness going back to its support for English Pretender Perkin Warbeck in 1491. I guess the locals must still be very proud of this fact. How cool is that?

There are 2 separate travel fair going on within these 2 months.

The first is the MITM Travel Fair which starts today (15th August 2008). The fair will be held for 3 days ending on 17th August.

MITM Travel Fair

Date: 15th August 2008 - 17th August 2008
FREE Entrance for Senior Citizen & Children below 12
Time : 10am to 9pm
Location:
Putra World Trade Centre (PWTC)
Kuala Lumpur

Next month there will be MATTA Fair which i have been going to every year.

MATTA Fair

Date: 5th September 2008 - 7th September 2008
Time : 10am to 9pm (Not sure)
Location:
Putra World Trade Centre (PWTC)
Kuala Lumpur

Its time to take a break from the hectic work place. This is your chance.

THE day is here! Today we would get the chance to watch the long awaited 2008 (Beijing) Summer Olympic Opening Ceremony. Albeit the opening practice being leaked, the opening ceremony at the already famous Bird’s Next Olympic Stadium, Beijing is sure something to look forward to. One thing to be sure of is that the event would be full of special effects and fanfare. I’m wondering whether there will actually be a portrayal of a flaming phoenix soaring above the stadium. Well, knowing the Chinese, it might even be one of the most spectacular Olympic openings we have ever seen to date. Much grandeur will be involved.

- taken from http://nra402.wordpress.com/ -

As expected, the opening ceremony is going to be launched on 08/08/2008 (which is today) at 08:08:08 pm. 8 being a special significant number to the Chinese which means wealth and prosperity, it is only natural to mark the beginning of the grand event with number 8. Talk about feng shui!

I’m definitely going to camp in front of my tv for the live telecast. To the supermarket for a truckload of chips!

Mauritius doesn’t cease to amaze me. Besides the wonderful Le Morne, Mauritius is home to 2 natural wonders. In the village of Chamarel in southwest Mauritius is where you would find the magnificent Chamarel Falls and the colored earths of Chamarel.

The landscape of Chamarel is truly breathtaking with the neighbouring cascading Chamarel falls and lush vegetation. But what attracts visitor the most is obviously the Seven Coloured Earth of Chamarel.

- taken from http://www.travelpod.com/travel-photo/ -

A winding road leads from Case Noyale village to the coloured dunes of Chamarel: an undulating landscape of different and contrasting shades of colours. The natural phenomenon created by volcanic rocks that cooled at different temperatures are particularly unusual. The erosion of volcanic ash resulted in the different shades of blue, green, red and yellow earth at the hillside.

It is said that one of the unique features of the coloured earth is that if the coloured earth are mixed together, they will eventually settle into separate layers of the original colour strata. Unfortunately for us, the earth are forbidden to be taken back as souvenir. Though there are mini test tubes with artificial coloured earth as souvenir.

- taken from http://flickr.com/photos/reduit/ -

Region around Mount Everest hails from Nepal; the spine of Himalaya, where lama and Sherpa people resides. Spectacular scenery, cultural treasures aside, Nepal is a land of time-worn temples and most important, the best hiking trail on earth. The magnificent mountain peaks is a magical tease to travelers out there.

- taken from http://www.healthline.com/blogs/ -

Nepal is on top 10 list of places i want to visit before i die. LOL. Well, trekking in Nepal is easier said than done. Besides the recent political protest in Kathmandu, there are alot of things to take into account.

Time to hit the gym for a more sculpted calf.

As pointed out by a reader (Kelly), i had made a mistake by saying that MAS Airlines’ Sub-Zero Fare* is only covering South East Asia Route and that it is a promotion instead of a permanent offer. My bad. In fact, MAS Airlines’ Sub Zero Fare* is not a one time promotional stunt but the campaign is for long term. It also covers a number of nearby destinations besides the South East Asia’s countries such as Brisbane, Bangalore and Shanghai.

Everyday low fares!

This is good news to all. However, i do wish that there are more destinations included.

* Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (Matta) raised an issue on the misleading Zero Fare advertisements (in the papers recently) since customer still have to pay for the tax and fuel surcharge. Thus the ticket is not entirely free. I’m not sure if there is any action taken by both MAS and Air Asia. Public MIGHT not see the word “Zero Fare” anymore :).

Most famous for it’s panoramic landscape, especially the Rice Terrace (Terraced Paddy), Friday Escape brings to you the city of Guilin, China a lands of picturesque limestone mountains and formations.

- Guilin - taken from http://www.chinahighlights.com/tour/ -

Located in Guangxai, Guilin is one of the many sites in China a that had made it into UNESCO World Heritage sites, preserving it’s unique natural scenery. There are many spectacular scenic places within Guilin itself that is worth a visit. Just to name a few, Shanjiang - Longshang with it’s Longji rice teracces, Li Jiang river, small city of Yangshuo, the magnificent stalactites and stalagmites of Red Flute Cave, Elephant Trunk Hill with it’s arch resembling an elephant dipping into water, Yaoshan Hillpark for a hike and many more.

- Longshang Rice Terrace - taken from http://www.cnadventure.com/docc/ -