The Many Faces of St. Nicholas in Kotor

While wandering through the charming streets of Kotor’s Old Town, I couldn’t help but notice the abundance of St. Nicholas figurines in souvenir shops. Some were elaborately decorated, while others had a more rustic charm. But why is St. Nicholas so prominently featured in Kotor’s souvenirs?

Kotor has a deep connection to St. Nicholas, who is the patron saint of sailors, merchants, and travelers—a perfect match for a town with such a strong maritime history. Before setting sail, Kotor’s sailors traditionally lit candles and prayed for his protection, believing he would watch over them at sea.

One local legend tells of a Kotoran ship caught in a fierce Adriatic storm centuries ago. The terrified crew prayed to St. Nicholas, and just as their ship was about to be destroyed, a mysterious figure in a bishop’s robe appeared on the waves, calming the storm. When they miraculously made it back to Kotor, they dedicated a silver icon of St. Nicholas to a local church as a token of gratitude.

St. Nicholas Church 

Yes! St. Nicholas is the historical figure who inspired the legend of Santa Claus. He was a Christian bishop in the 3rd and 4th centuries, known for his generosity and kindness, especially toward children and the poor. Over time, his story evolved, blending with folklore and traditions from different cultures.

• Dutch Influence: The Dutch brought the tradition of "Sinterklaas" to America, which eventually transformed into "Santa Claus".
• Christmas Connection: While St. Nicholas' feast day is December 6th, his association with gift-giving led to his connection with Christmas.
• Modern Santa: The red-suited, jolly Santa we know today was popularized in the 19th and 20th centuries, thanks to literature, Coca-Cola advertisements, and evolving holiday traditions.

So, while Santa Claus is a more modern, commercialized version, his roots trace back to the real-life St. Nicholas.

Interestingly, did you know that in France, Saint Nicholas is accompanied by Père Fouettard, which translates to "Father Whipper"? His role is to punish naughty children while Saint Nicholas rewards the well-behaved ones. Père Fouettard is often depicted as a sinister-looking man dressed in dark robes, carrying a whip or a bundle of sticks. His legend dates back centuries, with various tales explaining his origins, including one where he was a repentant butcher forced to assist Saint Nicholas as punishment for his crimes.

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Stumbled upon this scene—a quiet, simple interaction between human and nature.

Monitor Lizard

Fun Fact

Monitor lizards can get quite large—some species, like the water monitor (Varanus salvator), can reach lengths of up to 2-3 meters (6-10 feet). They are impressive reptiles and definitely among the larger lizards in the world.

ZONGZI SEASON IN FULL SWING

Spotted this vibrant stall at our local pasar malam (night market) prior to the Dragon Boat Festival on May 31st. There were so many delicious varieties of zongzi to choose from, all beautifully wrapped and full of festive flavour. 

Amid the stacks of zongzi, the tiny mouse helpers worked their magic—carefully wrapping and tying each one with delicate precision.

Dinner - Tonkatsu

Tonkatsu is a popular Japanese dish made of breaded, deep-fried pork cutlet—usually pork loin (rosu) or fillet (hire). It's coated in flour, egg, and panko breadcrumbs for a crispy finish, then sliced and served with shredded cabbage, rice, miso soup, and a tangy-sweet tonkatsu sauce.

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DALMATIAN COAST

Makarska Riviera

Happy Father’s Day to all the amazing dads out there!

 Wishing you a day filled with love, laughter, and appreciation for everything you do!

Manduševac Fountain: Where Romance Meets Mystery

In Zagreb, it seems like every statue, fountain, and monument has a story to tell. These landmarks aren't just decorative—they're steeped in history, culture, and often, a bit of folklore. One such place is the Manduševac Fountain, tucked in the heart of Ban Jelačić Square. Behind this charming fountain lies a story of love, legend, and a touch of the mystical, making it a fascinating spot for both romantics and history enthusiasts.

The Love Story of Manda and the Soldier

The Manduševac Fountain is most famous for its romantic tale. According to local legend, a beautiful young girl named Manda would often draw water from the spring. One day, a weary soldier stopped by the fountain to quench his thirst, and as he drank, he and Manda fell in love. Over time, this love story became intertwined with the fountain, and the spring was named Manduševac, a blend of "Manda" and "voda," which means water in Croatian. The fountain, therefore, has come to symbolize both the heart of Zagreb and the timeless connection between the city’s past and its people.

A Darker Twist: Witches and Curses

But the Manduševac Fountain isn't only known for its romantic associations. During the period of witch hunts, the fountain was also said to be a gathering place for witches, known as "coprnice," who were accused of practicing dark arts. The fountain became part of Zagreb's eerie folklore, where some legends claim that it was cursed by a local witch. According to one tale, the curse caused the fountain to dry up, only to be restored once the curse was lifted, allowing the waters to flow once more.

This connection to witches has only added to the fountain's mystique. It’s not uncommon to hear stories of how the spring was once used in rituals and dark gatherings. Today, the Manduševac Fountain still stands as a central symbol of both romance and mystery, bridging the gap between love stories and the darker, more haunting legends of the past.

The Fountain Today

Despite its ancient origins and the eerie tales attached to it, the Manduševac Fountain remains a beloved landmark in Zagreb. It is often featured in themed tours, such as the "Witches of Grič and Their Scary Tale" tour, which explores the haunting history of Zagreb's Upper Town.

Though it's now mostly a decorative fixture, the fountain still holds a special place in the city’s life. It’s a popular spot for photos, particularly for couples, who visit the fountain to capture the magic of the love story that has endured for centuries.

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Brahminy Kites

Nasi Lemak

More than just a meal, nasi lemak is a symbol of Malaysian identity. With its fragrant coconut rice, fiery sambal, crispy anchovies, peanuts, egg, and cucumber — all wrapped in a humble banana leaf — this dish unites Malaysians across all walks of life.

Served at roadside stalls or high-end restaurants, nasi lemak proudly holds its place as Malaysia’s national food.

Ipoh's famous caramel custard

Ipoh's famous caramel custard might seem like an unlikely addition to a kopitiam menu, especially considering its fancy French roots. Originally a crème caramel or flan from France, this dessert made its way to Malaysia during colonial times when Western influences started mixing with local food. A kopitiam is a traditional Chinese coffee shop, known for its no-frills atmosphere and simple, comforting food like kaya toast, soft-boiled eggs, and, of course, strong local coffee—often referred to as kopi.

Unlike the polished and upscale vibe of a fancy cafe, kopitiams are unpretentious, often small, bustling spots where locals gather for casual meals and drinks. In the early 20th century, Chinese-run kopitiams in towns like Ipoh, a booming tin-mining hub, began serving these Western desserts alongside their everyday offerings. What's ironic is how a dessert with such an elegant French pedigree ended up in these humble, laid-back settings. Over time, the locals gave it their own twist, and today, caramel custard is a beloved treat in these cozy shops, served with smooth custard and rich caramel sauce. It’s a perfect example of how global flavors can find their way into the most unexpected places, turning a once-fancy French dessert into a cherished local comfort food.

Haha! Would you expect crème caramel in a humble kopitiam like this? But here we are, where even French desserts get a local twist!

FROM THE TRAVEL ARCHIVES

Three ducks enjoying a peaceful moment by the water's edge. 🦆🦆🦆

The Cloister of Salisbury Cathedral

The cloisters of Salisbury Cathedral are a stunning example of medieval craftsmanship. Built in the late 13th century, they are the largest cloisters in England (58m x 190ft square) and feature beautifully arcaded walkways surrounding a tranquil garden. Originally, the central space was likely a simple grassy square, but today, it is adorned with a grand tree and carefully managed as a garden.

The cloisters serve as a peaceful retreat, offering breathtaking views of the cathedral’s towering spire—the tallest in England. They also house the Chapter House, which contains one of the four surviving original copies of the Magna Carta.

I’d like to believe that the mice at Salisbury Cathedral have been quietly tending the cloister lawns for generations—donning their little hats at dawn, pushing their squeaky mowers in perfect rows, and taking immense pride in keeping the grass  immaculate.

Pump Tales

Tucked away in the stone alleys of Kotor, this old water pump caught our eye.

Imagine the stories it could tell...

Such pumps were once vital communal lifelines before modern plumbing.

In the days before faucets and plumbing, village water pumps were more than just utilitarian spots—they were lively social hubs, places where stories flowed as freely as the water. But nestled among the daily chatter are some surprisingly enchanting legends of damsels at the pump…

💧 The Water Witch of Wiltshire
In an English village near the Salisbury Plain, an old legend tells of a mysterious young woman who always appeared at the village pump at dusk, drawing water with a silver pail. Locals whispered that she never aged and that her presence ensured the well never ran dry, even during droughts. She was dubbed the “Water Witch,” not out of fear, but reverence. Farmers left coins and flowers by the pump, hoping for good harvests.

💧 The Whispering Pump of Provence
In the south of France, it was believed that if a maiden whispered the name of her beloved into the water pump handle on the eve of Midsummer, she’d dream of him that very night. Many young girls, hearts fluttering with hopes of romance, would line up at the village square pump, giggling as they took turns whispering their secrets to the iron spout.

💧 The Danish Damsel and the Hidden Prince
One folktale from rural Denmark tells of a nobleman’s daughter disguised as a milkmaid who used the village pump to fetch water while hiding from enemies of the crown. The villagers, unaware of her true identity, protected her out of kindness. Years later, she returned as queen and had a decorative pump installed, inscribed with the words: “Where water flows, loyalty grows.”

I couldn’t find these tales on the internet, but they were stories told to us by our tour guide during our visit. They could be based on local oral traditions or embellished versions of older folklore—many such tales aren't officially documented online or in books, especially if they’re passed down through generations or shared informally by locals and guides.

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SHADOW SHOTS

Found some unexpected shadow shots on my phone—little surprises from moments I didn’t even realize were being captured. Funny how the camera sometimes sees more than we do. Accidental art?

I use the voice-activated option to take photos, and sometimes a loud sound triggers it without me realizing. It’s funny how the camera can capture those spontaneous moments I don’t even notice—feels like little surprises and unexpected art in the making!

I’d love to believe that those tiny AI mice were the ones behind the camera, capturing these moments with their little paws.

"The clearest way into the Universe is through a forest wilderness." – John Muir

ANTS CLIMBING A HILL

The Chinese dish , Ants Climbing A Hill,  has a vivid and imaginative name that perfectly describes its appearance. The dish consists of glass noodles (vermicelli) stir-fried with minced pork in a savory, spicy sauce. When served, the small bits of meat cling to the noodles, resembling tiny ants crawling up branches or vines—hence the poetic name.

THE STORY BEHIND THE NAME

One popular folk tale explains how this dish got its name:

Long ago, a poor woman in Sichuan province wanted to prepare a hearty meal for her family, but she only had a small amount of ground meat and some dried noodles. To make the dish seem more substantial, she cooked the noodles with the minced meat, stirring vigorously so the meat clung to the noodles. When she served it, her family noticed how the tiny pieces of meat looked like ants climbing up thin strands, and the name Ants Climbing a Hill was born.

Another possible reason for the name is that Sichuan cuisine is known for its poetic, metaphorical dish names, often drawing inspiration from nature and daily life.

STICKS BEATING THE COW

Yes! The dish is called Sticks Beating the Cow or Poles Whacking the Ox in English. The name comes from the visual similarity between the long yardlong beans (which resemble sticks or poles) and the act of beating the beef as it's being stir-fried.

It's a classic Cantonese stir-fry where the beef is tender and juicy, paired with the slightly crunchy texture of yardlong beans. The dish is often cooked with garlic, soy sauce, and sometimes fermented black beans for extra umami.

Chinese cuisine is full of dishes with funny or imaginative names like this. Instead of straightforward names, they often use humor, vivid imagery, or wordplay to make dishes more memorable and colorful. It’s part of the culture’s love for creativity in everyday life — even when it comes to food!

FROM THE TRAVEL ARCHIVES

Spotted at Fétiche Patisserie in Ljubljana: the stunning Buruberi (€7.90) — a blueberry-inspired dessert that looks more like modern art than something you’d eat.

Christmas magic that never clocks out