Sign
Victory Gate of Vientiane
10/10/09
The Patuxay or Victory Gate
of Vientiane was built in 1962 and
commemorates those who lost their lives in wars. It
is the Arc de
Triomphe of the East to many people. Some also
refer to it as the vertical runway
because the monument is said to be built with the US
fund meant for airport construction. Most
unexpectedly, the official signboard (scroll down for
Picture 3) actually compares the prominent landmark
in the Laotian capital to a Monster of
Concrete. This level of modesty
is unusual and it certainly does not do justice to
the Patuxay. The Victory Gate was formerly known as
the Anaosavali, which
apparently means “memory” or “monument”, before 1975
during the monarchy era.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE PICTURES OF VIENTIANE
Related links:
CLICK HERE FOR MORE PICTURES OF VIENTIANE
Related links:
- Wikipedia: Patuxay
- LaoVoices: Patuxay Monument is
expected to draw big crowds
- Vientiane Life: Vientiane Attractions
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Durian and Mangosteen
14/08/08
Reporting from Malaysia, it's durian and mangosteen
season now! To those who are unfamiliar with the
fruits, the King (durian) and Queen (mangosteen) of
Fruits are very popular in Malaysia and the rest of
South East Asia.
Thorny (duri = thorn in Malay) in appearance, durian is about the size of a honey dew and very pungent. Getting the flesh (wraps over a large seed) can be tricky but to me the reward definitely worths the effort!
Mangosteen is unrelated to mango and called "manggis" in Malay. The fruit is about the size of an apple and contrary to durian, first-time tasting of a mangosteen should not require much courage.
Durian and mangosteen are definitely my personal favourites, not everyone shares the same passion though...
Related links:
Thorny (duri = thorn in Malay) in appearance, durian is about the size of a honey dew and very pungent. Getting the flesh (wraps over a large seed) can be tricky but to me the reward definitely worths the effort!
Mangosteen is unrelated to mango and called "manggis" in Malay. The fruit is about the size of an apple and contrary to durian, first-time tasting of a mangosteen should not require much courage.
Durian and mangosteen are definitely my personal favourites, not everyone shares the same passion though...
Related links: