When it comes to food, an inexpensive selection and extremely varied choices are available here from the Malays, Chinese and Indians. The best Malay dishes are spicy and fragrant - curries, rendangs, nasi lemak, and sate can be tried out by any Malaysian. These mouth-watering delights can be consumed anywhere; be at food stall, coffee shops, or restaurants. The same goes for the Chinese and Indian food. The Chinese are famous for various styles of cooking, such as Hokkien or Szechuan, whereas the typical Indian food like "Roti Canai" and "Capati" are all very familiar to fellow Malaysians and foreigners alike. This wide selection of culinary delights is often served at functions and festivals.

Undeniably, Malaysia is truly a land of a thousand dollars in festival, which are celebrated on a large scale basis throughout the year. Hari Raya Puasa is celebrated by the Muslim community, the Chinese New Year by the Chinese, Deepavali by the Hindus, and Christmas by the Christians. Although Islam is the official religion of the country, the people of Malaysia enjoy religious freedom. Christianity, Buddhism and Hinduism are widely practiced here. The festivals are colorful and they seem to be having one going on at any time of the year. This is again a result of a multi-cultural character. Their uniqueness is their diversity of culture and this is continuously growing closer as each of the cultures plays a great influence on the other.

The hospitality of Malaysians is often seen during a festive season, especially when there is an open-house party. For instance, an open-house party during Chinese New Year, people from all walks of life although some of them are not that well acquainted with the host, are still welcomed with open arms and are entertained with a friendly and generous reception. The guests will be served a variety of delicious mouth-watering cookies and other dishes selected for their auspicious names, like "fatt choy" as it sounds like growing prosperity. The hosts will then give out red packets which are called "let si" or good luck gifts in China to the guests. The "ang pows" are traditionally given by married couples to the young and unmarried. As a token of appreciation, in return of the host's hospitality, it is also a tradition for visitors to bring Mandarin oranges or "kum" when visiting on the festive day. The same thing goes during the Hari Raya Puasa festival. Open houses are visited by not only the Malays but also the Chinese and Indians. There will be flocks of people of all races during the open house made by the Muslim prime ministers and other cabinet members. It has become a country's tradition for the leaders. Authentic dishes such as sate, rendangs of all types, ketupat and lemang are among those that are served.

It is also astounding that even in this materialistic society, where everybody seems obsessed with making money and succeeding at the expense of everything else, the people of Malaysia are still supportive of each other where a deep sense of warmth and togetherness prevail. Although they are different, the ability to understand and accept each other has brought them to where they are today. Because of this, we enjoy a wide array of world class plays in English - such as Phantom of the Opera, traditional Indian dances, Malay programs and Chinese opera. What could once only be seen in four different countries is available in a single city itself.

Although different societies evolved differently, the people are fully aware of each other's customs and traditions. For instance, when a Chinese is invited to a Malay home for dinner, he or she will follow their customs such as eating with hands or sitting down on the floor. The same applies with the Malays or Indians when they visit a Chinese home. If the host uses chopsticks to eat, the guest will follow suit without any reserves. Thus, they are not only gradually becoming closer and closer to each other's cultures but they are also learning to appreciate the beauty in each other. In Malaysia, you may well see a Chinese legend interpreted into an Indian dance, and Indian legend interpreted in Chinese or even the "wayang kulit", a Malay traditional entertainment performed by the Chinese using traditional instruments like "erhu", "yang qin"(guitar) or "gu-zheng"(harp).

Among the audience, too, you will find a mixture of cultures. Many of them may not understand the language of the performance but they are appreciative nevertheless. Even the VIPs invited to grace the occasions are reflective of the unique Malaysian culture who can be of any race. Yet again, Malaysians enjoy a close rapport with each other and are always a delight to the tourists.

What is distinguishing about Malaysia is that so many diverse cultures can co-exist in peace and harmony. Even though there are attempts to arise sensitive values among the people, it seems that those attempts never actually experience any success. The people still seem to appreciate the unity and thrive not to jeopardize it. Mixed marriages are a normal thing in Malaysia, and it is nothing unusual to find your neighbors made up from all kinds of races. Therefore, the Malaysian home is truly a veritable melting pot. They are proud of this and this is what makes them distinctive, and special.

From the moment you walk in you're surrounded by history. Buildings of many shapes and size with various backgrounds will welcome you to learn about life in early 19th century rural New England.

My first trip to this living history museum was in the 5th grade. An assistant teacher styled the girls hair in 1830's fashions and we piled into the big yellow bus and watched in excitement as we pulled into the parking lot. We got the chance to try on clothing, make marbled paper, and tour the village.

Now over ten years later I am now a volunteer and dancer at Old Sturbridge Village. I started out as a greeter smiling warmly and offering directions to locations within the village. After becoming costumed in 1830's attire including reproduction dresses, petticoats and bonnets, I was able to become a docent and work in the Towne House.

This house has an interesting history. Its owner, Salem Towne Sr. came from a poor family. His father died during the French and Indian war. His mother eventually remarried to a lonely farmer and later would follow in his step-fathers footsteps. At the rough age of 20, Salem purchased ten acres of land and taking on the position as a land surveyor. He later would purchase and sell pieces of land making a profit and acquiring more land as time went on.

In 1796, three years after he married his third wife, Salem had the Greek revival home built in Charlton, Massachusetts. After his death 1925 the house would be passed down to his son Salem Towne Jr., Salem Jr.'s wife Sally and their ten children. By 1830 the family owned 400 acre's of land was considered the wealthiest family around gaining this status by progressive farming. Their wealth can be shown by the hallway that extends the entire length of the house that is fully carpeted. Another tell-tale sign of wealth is the elaborate sideboard placed in the hall. The house has three floor, a cast iron stove (the newest amenity in those days) and a pleasure garden.

As and Old Sturbridge Village dancer I am able to participate in 1790's to late 1830's style dancing. With skirts twirling and white gloves on you can imagine how elegant it must be to cast off in Jefferson and Liberty or circle six hands round in White Cockade. Dancing in those days was sometimes seen as scandalous but was also romantic as this was possibly the only chance you might have to touch the hand of the person you fancied.

Within the village you can also see three different mills (Saw, Carding, and Grist) that are run off of water power and are the start of the industrial revolution in this country. There is a tavern, tin shop, shoe shop, district school, pottery shop, bank, parsonage, and several farms with cattle and other animals native to this country during the 19th century. You can also grab an ice cream, watch as sheep are sheared, or taste freshly made butter.

So, if you every find yourself in search of experiencing history in a different way then Old Sturbridge Village is the place to go. You won't be disappointed.

Believe it or not, this Island exist but as part of Australia. The population is about 3000 people live in various areas called the “Settlements.” The main ethnic population in the island is Chinese (70%) and the Europeans make about 20% and the Malay people make about another 10% of the population. The majority of the people practice Buddhism, followed closely by Islam and Christianity. This Island is relatively close to the Sunda Islands of Indonesia. This Island is perfect for birdwatchers and nature lovers since about more than half the Island is a national park.

Cocos Islands

Yes, yet another Island owned by Australia in the Indian Ocean but these Islands are significantly lower with about 1000 people living on these Islands. Majority of the people are either European or Cocos Malay with English as the major language spoken and Sunni Muslims making up 80% of the population. This island also uses the Australian Dollars are its official currency and is a close neighbor of the Christmas Island. The total number of Islands in the Cocos chain is about 27 Islands with only 2 Island inhabited. Europeans on one Island and the native malays on the other Island.

Comoros

The Union des Isles Comoros or the Comoros Island Union lies above the Madagascar Island near the entrance of the Mozambique channel. Even though Comoros gained independence in 1974, the people chose to stay with the French until 2004, where conflict led to the creation of 3 capitals with its own presidents and government systems. Currently about 700,000 people live on these 3 volcanic islands with Arabic and French as the major languages spoken. The religion composition of the Island is 98% Sunni Muslim and 2% Catholics. The main capital is Moroni and even through the civil strife is over, much of the country remains poor and is only a minor exporter in agricultural products.

Maldives

This island nation composed of over 1200 mini Island chains (202 Inhabited) is Asia's smallest nation and remains as one of the poorest nations in the world. About 400,000 people live in Maldives with South Indians as the largest ethnic group along with Arabs and Sinhalese. The major language is English with a dialect of Arabic and majority of people are Sunni Muslims. Maldives is working closely with its largest neighbors - India and Sri Lanka. At one point, Indian troops were deployed in these Islands to stop a coup against the government. The Islands are marred by violence and they have has only 1 president since 1978 because political parties are banned and only 1 candidate runs for the “elections.” Thus Abdul Gayoom is still the president of the Maldives with little to no progress with regards to political freedom or human rights issues.

Mayotte

Mayotte still remains are a territory of France with 200,000 people living in the largest two Islands. The main language is still Swahili dialects and French with 97% of the people as Muslims. The ethnic group is made up of a mixture of Bantu, Arab and African populations.

Reunion

The Island of Reunion is a volcanic Island with over 800,000 people living under the French rule. However, recently there has been talk of the need for independence but this country relies heavily on French foreign aid for survival. The unemployment rate is extremely high and the country if poverty stricken. Creole and French remains the major language with Roman Catholics as 86% of the population. The country uses the Euro for its currency needs and has a wide variety of ethnic groups including French, Indian, Pakistani, African and Chinese.

Seychelles

This is a Island chain that has four large islands, 36 small islands and a variety of other small islands. Overall, 14 islands are inhabited by people and there are 82,000 people in these Islands. The government is a republic style government with Creole and English as the most spoken languages, Roman Catholics make up 82% of the population and the ethnic groups is as variant as the island of Reunion. The currency used here is called the Seychelles Rupee. Both Britain and France has ties to this nation historically.

Curious about what Triund looks like, I gathered all articles and pictures in the internet to find out what it is. I used Google, Yahoo, Flickr, Answers, among others and I arrived at the materials listed below.

I provide impressions on the picture or article and place the links associated with it.

1. Triund is a scenic place the peak of which is like a Bermuda grass garden with stones all over it. I'm wondering, however, why the photographer has to include the tents in the picture if the intent is to show it as a scenic place.
2. Lakes are famous tourist destinations in Dharamsala where Triond is found. The author of this article , however, says that the highlight is definitely the Triond. It is a three hour walk uphill where one will see the snowy peaks. Probably tired of climbing or found the place nice to stay a while, many travelers stay there for several days in a forest rest house near one side of the hill. The author said the more adventurous travelers pitch their camps in a cave or a tent. That's the reason why there are tents in the picture above. The description of Triond is found midway of the article.
3. I typed “Triund” in Flickr and saw three pictures taken along the way to Triund showed a herd of goats with three tourists at foreground, a shepherd with the goats and two people posing for the camera.

Well, it's quite difficult getting information about Triund, the place in the Himalayas. I wish those who have been there can contribute more information about the site where we get our contents published.

How about Triond sponsoring a free trip for two lucky writers for a free trip to Triund in the Himalayas to make a comprehensive description?

International restaurants brands like KFC, Mc Donald's, Pizza Hut and Dominos have their franchised branches operational there. A local brand Al-Bake restaurant is also operative on the lines of KFC, its branches are present in both the cities and its rates are also cheaper as compared to KFC while the service and quality of food is almost the same.

As far as variety in the food is concerned, almost all Pakistani restaurants offer a hefty quantity of dishes on their menu cards and are also reasonably priced as well. In Saudi Arabia bread (called Rotti in Urdu) is provided free of cost with curry, normally with one packet of curry three loafs of bread are provided, and extra, if required, can also be provided without any charges at few hotels. I found that mutton meal was cheaper than beef meal and beef BBQ products were more costly than chicken BBQ products. There one can easily buy a full BBQ or roasted chicken for just ten rayals where as a packet of beef / mutton curry would cost six rayals. Quantity of curry in a single packet is enough to serve three persons. At different shops and snack bars, fast food is also available and for a change in taste one can try Burgers (Beef/Chicken/Mutton), Fish and Chips, Shawarma (Arabic Dish), Milk Shake and Sandwiches.

As far as sweet dish or dessert is concerned Sweet Rice (Zarda) and Milk Rice Sweet (Kheer) are available at all Pakistani or Indian restaurants. I also found Pakistani sweet-marts in both the cities. One can do self-cooking as well if time is available, fresh vegetables and all qualities of meat are available in the markets at affordable prices and almost all hotels also provide the facility of electric stoves with each room or suit.

All types of 250 / 300 milliliters (ml) juices packs and cold drinks canes are sold at the rate one rayal each irrespective of the brand name. Fresh curd drink (called Laban there) is available at two rayals for a pack; during peak heat hours this curd drink not only gives a refreshing taste it also keeps the drinker cool. Best quality freshly packed milk is available at two rayals a packet and the packet is of five hundred milliliters. Smaller or larger packets of milk are also available in the market at different prices. Ice cream and packed cooked custard made with pure milk is also available in plenty at all grocery and general stores, shops and marts.

This packed custard is very helpful in feeding children who sometimes refuse to eat regular meals and is also available in different flavors, mostly at all shops I found it chilled. Drinking water is available at the rate one liter bottle for two rayals, two liters bottle for three rayals and five liters bottle for five rayals. We only bought bottled water for cooking food for our son or for making tea; otherwise we used Zamzam water for drinking purposes throughout our stay at Mecca and Medina Munawarra.

Dates are an essential gift that one should take along home after departing from Saudi Arabia. Mostly different qualities of dates are available at both the holy cities but the rates of dates are much reasonable at Medina Munawarra as compared to Mecca. Dates with prices ranging from five rayals a kilogram to eighty rayals a kilogram are available in almost all markets. Special individually packed dates, chocolate-coated dates, almond or pistachio centered dates, dried dates, dates coated with cashew nuts and date sweet-dish (Halwa) are also available in the markets.

Most expensive dates available in the market are Ajwa and Amber having price ranging between sixty rayals to eighty rayals. Ajwa date is good for health particularly heart and heart related diseases. Even the seed of this date, after grinding, is used as a medicine for curing certain heart related health problems.