Kinta Riverfront, Ipoh #1 - Sightseeing

I have been wanting to visit this place for quite some time and last week I had a chance to do so. On that particular day, my hubby was free to accompany me and after our breakfast in town, we stopped by at this lovely place. 

I like this place, it is well kept and clean and it is also very quiet. The whole place comes alive with lighted multi-coloured trees, lanterns and also from the many lighted stalls along the riverside.

Our car was parked besides the road parallel to Selasar Istana, a short distance from the Kinta Riverfront Hotel & Suites. 

This bridge takes the walkers across to the other side of the river. 

Took this lovely view from the bridge.  

In the evening the coloured trees will be lighted up. 

This is on the other side of the river.

The tall building is the Kinta Riverfront Hotel & Suites. 

A lovely day to enjoy a walk and take photos. 

Taking a walk along this concrete pathway. 

A lovely open area under these shady trees, suitable to hold functions.

The concrete floor was still wet from the early morning rain.

Came back from the other side of river. This is facing the distant bridge on Jalan Raja Musa Aziz and D.R. Seenivasagam Park on the right. 

Came down from bridge. 

These red and blue buildings caught my attention. They were all closed in the day but I did get some lovely photos for my next blog post.

While walking in front of the red and blue buildings, I took a photo of the second bridge over the river. That bridge leads to another interesting place. 

Spider lily plant (Hymenocallis Latifolia)

I love plants, I just need to snap some photos of them.

Mexican Fan Palm (Washingtonia Robusta)

Elephant Ear Plant (Colocasia Esculenta)

Took this from the place we parked our car.

Do come back for more interesting photos in my next post.

Her branches will spread out as beautiful as olive trees,

fragrant as the forests of Lebanon.

Her people will return from exile far away and rest beneath my shadow.

They will be a watered garden and blossom like grapes;

they will be as fragrant as the wines of Lebanon.

(Hosea 14:6, TLB)

Dinner At Restoran J.J.Fatt, Lawan Kuda Baru, Gopeng, Perak

Last Sunday night, our friends came to pick us up from our house and we had a leisure ride to Lawan Kuda in Gopeng. We started about 6 pm and to avoid the after office peak heavy traffic on the main road, our friend drove through the kampung (village) roads. It is the longer route but we didn't mind as we were not in any hurry and it was a nice cool evening.

Our friends have tasted the Snakehead fish herbal soup and they enjoyed it very much and they invited us to try out the dishes at this restaurant. Thanking LCK & wife for a yummy dinner and good fellowship.

We ordered one fresh Snakehead fish for cooking 2 dishes.

Dish #1 - boneless fish slices stir-fried with ginger slices and spring onions.

Dish #2 - after removing the meaty part, the rest of the fish was used to cook herbal soup in a clay pot. This dish was advertised in the local Chinese newspaper.

My bowl of herbal fish soup.

Steamed Yam with Pork Belly dish (kau yoke).

Stir fried sweet potato leaves with garlic.

While waiting for the food, many customers took advantage of the free wi-fi.

Newspaper cutting pasted on the outside wall near the entrance.

Two air-conditioned shop lots.

This was taken just after we got down from our car. The sky looked like threatening to rain. It started to drizzle after our dinner.

This photo was taken from the back seat where I was seated while the car was moving. I love the tall swaying coconut trees.

All the trees of the field will know that I the LORD
bring down the tall tree and make the low tree grow tall.
I dry up the green tree and make the dry tree flourish.
I the LORD have spoken, and I will do it.
(Ezekiel 17:24, New International Version-NIV)

Growing Pandan (Screwpine) Leaves And Its Medicinal Uses

Pandan or Screwpine plant is a very common aromatic plant and can be found in most garden because of its many uses. Its scientific name is Pandanus Amaryllifolius and it belongs to the Pandanaceae family.

Pandan is a tropical plant and it is easy to grow. It can be grown in most types of soil.  It is a hardy plant which does not need much care or any fertilizer.

Pandan plant has long, narrow blade-like leaves. The leaves are dark green and have tiny saw tooth along the edges of the leaves. So far I have not seen any pandan plants bear flowers. There is claimed that the flowers have aphrodisiac value. If I want to see how the pandan flowers look like, I will have to allow the plant to grow really mature and hope it will bloom.

Pandan leaves are widely used in cooking because of its aromatic properties. The leaves are usually used fresh but in places where the plants are not available, dried leaves are also used. The leaves are usually used in cooking in Asian countries. The leaves are also used to wrap meat or food to be fried or steamed.

Leaves can be cut or tied in knots as cockroaches repellent and as deodorizer in drawers, cupboards, wardrobes and in cars. Leaves are cut in small pieces and used in potpurri to freshen wardrobes, rooms or even washrooms.

Many have claimed that pandan leaves has many medicinal uses. The fresh leaves are tied in knots and:-

• Cooked together with the food e.g. when cooking rice or sweet drinks (tong sui in Chinese).
• Boiled in water and drink to strengthen weak nerves, to lower uric acid and as tea to reduce fever.
• Boiled in water and bathe to treat skin problems.
• Extracts from leaves to treat wounds, fever, relieve indigestion and flatulence.
• Extracts from leaves can be used as food colouring and as pandan essence.
• Pulp of leaves can be used to treat dandruff and promote healthy scalps and hair.
• Chewing of leaves to heal gum pain, to promote healthy gums.

Propagation of Pandan Plant is through cuttings. It will be easier to grow when you choose those with new roots and plant them in soil, water them regularly and very soon it will grow well and healthy. And very soon you will be able to enjoy the aroma and fragrance of the pandan leaves and also its many uses.

Pleasing is the fragrance of your perfumes;

your name is like perfume poured out,

No wonder the maidens love you!

(Song of Songs 1:3, New International Version-NIV)