The Balkans

In my previous post, I shared a photo of a signpost with "Italy" pointing to the sea.

That is the Adriatic sea, and I was in Kotor, Montenegro.

 Yes, Italy is just across the water! And Kotor is located on the stunning Dalmatian Coast running parallel to Italy.

Our group photo—all 20 of us (17 from Malaysia and 3 from Singapore).

Bled Castle, Slovenia

We journeyed through the heart of the Balkans, weaving in and out of four countries (Croatia, Slovenia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro) along the stunning Dalmatian Coast.

Our adventure started in Zagreb, Croatia's vibrant capital, before venturing into Slovenia. Lake Bled captivated me with its serene, fairytale-like island and castle, and Ljubljana charmed with its picturesque riverside cafes and green spaces.

Returning to Croatia, we were swept away by the charm of Rovinj with its narrow, winding streets and stunning coastal views, and Pula, where the Roman amphitheater stands proudly as one of the best-preserved in the world. Opatija offered a touch of old-world elegance with its grand villas and beautiful seaside promenade, while Plitvice Lakes was a mesmerizing paradise of turquoise lakes and cascading waterfalls, each turn unveiling another breathtaking view.

Continuing down the coast, we explored Zadar and its unique sea organ, where waves compose nature’s music, then enjoyed the vibrant atmosphere of Split with its ancient Diocletian's Palace and bustling waterfront. Omis provided a thrilling contrast with its rugged landscape, riverside adventures, and medieval fortresses perched high above the city.

Crossing into Bosnia and Herzegovina, we visited Mostar with its iconic Stari Most bridge arching gracefully over the Neretva River. The city’s rich, multicultural history and the sights and sounds of its lively bazaars were unforgettable.

Back in Croatia, we reached Dubrovnik, the "Pearl of the Adriatic." Walking its impressive medieval walls and gazing over the shimmering Adriatic Sea, I understood why this city has become a beloved highlight of any Balkan tour.

Finally, we ended our journey in Montenegro’s Kotor, nestled between dramatic mountains and a fjord-like bay. Kotor’s well-preserved medieval Old Town, lined with cobblestone streets, historic churches, and charming squares, was the perfect finale to this extraordinary adventure through the Balkans.

I'll be sharing more photos and stories from my travels in upcoming posts, so stay tuned for a closer look at the stunning places we explored and the memories we made along the way.

DALMATIAN COAST FUN FACTS

This coastal area stretches from the island of Rab in the north, off the coast of Croatia to the Bay of Kotor in Montenegro in the south, encompassing both rugged mainland and a chain of beautiful islands like Hvar, Brač, Korčula, and Vis.

The Dalmatian Coast is characterized by a rugged limestone landscape, and when seen from above or from the sea, you can notice dark patches of vegetation contrasting with lighter rocky areas. This patchy appearance, with dark and light areas spread across the landscape, is thought to have inspired the naming of the Dalmatian dog breed, famous for its black or liver-colored spots on a white coat. The breed likely has origins in the region, and this unique coastal landscape gave rise to the dog’s distinctive name and appearance.

The Dalmatian breed has a long history of being used as a carriage dog, a guard dog, and even as a companion to firefighters in more recent times. But its name is a nod to its roots in the Dalmatian region, where it shares a spotted appearance with the landscape that inspired its name!

I'm back!

Hi, everyone! 

I just returned from a wonderful vacation, where I had the chance to unwind, explore, and take in some amazing views (I might have a few photos to share soon!). It was such a refreshing getaway, and I totally unplugged from the blogosphere while I was away.

Now that I’m back, I'm looking forward to catching up on all your posts and seeing what everyone’s been up to. I know I have a lot of reading to do, and I can't wait to dive in and make my rounds. Thank you all for your patience—I’ve missed our little community here and am excited to reconnect.

Stay tuned, and I’ll be popping by your blogs soon!

Guess where I was on vacation!  Take a close look at the signpost in the photo, especially the one pointing towards 'Italy.' The surroundings and the direction of that sign might give you a hint! 

Gallimaufry#151

Just a gallimaufry of AI-generated photos, real photos and ramblings 📸

Whispers of history in my hometown Ipoh

The name "Ipoh" is believed to have originated from a local tree called the pohon epau or pokok ipoh (scientific name: Antiaris toxicaria). This tree is native to Malaysia and other parts of Southeast Asia. The sap of the Ipoh tree is poisonous and was historically used by indigenous people, particularly the Orang Asli, to coat the tips of blowpipe darts for hunting.

Haha, looks like Ipoh’s true meaning has been revealed—"Town of Handsome People"!

Here’s the literal translation from Malay:

• I: Ini = This
• P: Pekan = Town
• O: Orang = People
• H: Handsome = Handsome

It's a humorous take, not the actual origin of the city’s name but a playful way to celebrate Ipoh’s charm!

Nostalgia

This quaint, nostalgic shop echoes the charm of Malaysia's past. Large glass jars and vintage tins contain an enticing array of snacks reminiscent of the sundry shops that once flourished, selling beloved biscuits from my childhood.

DINNER—hotpot 

TRAVEL ARCHIVES

Zaanse Schans

There’s just something about Dutch clogs that makes you smile. With their rustic charm and practical design, they’re like little wooden hugs for your feet and heart—and they make for adorable decorations for your home, too!

Ever wonder where those adorable little wooden clogs that friends bring back from the Netherlands come from? Well, it turns out they’re handcrafted by these charming little mice!

CONVOCATION

October 19th marked a proud and unforgettable moment as my husband officially graduated with his PhD in philosophy

Doctors of Philosophy

Gallimaufry#150

Just a gallimaufry of AI-generated photos, real photos and ramblings 📸

Fishing

If you visit a Malaysian blog, chances are you’ll see food photos—it's our way of life. A regular Malaysian grabs takeout for lunch, cooks only once a day for dinner, and eats out on weekends because eating out is affordable, widely available, and reflects our multicultural society, offering a rich variety of flavors from Malay, Chinese, Indian, and other cuisines. 

Dinner—Thai

 

Thai deep-fried omelette

Thai deep-fried omelette, or Khai Jiao (ไข่เจียว), is easy to make, super oily, and unapologetically unhealthy—but totally worth it! With its crispy edges and fluffy center, it’s a quick comfort food often served over rice with chili sauce. Add minced pork or herbs for extra flavor and enjoy every crunchy, golden bite!

Yes, making Khai Jiao involves deep-frying. The beaten eggs are poured into very hot oil, causing them to puff up and develop crispy, golden edges. This technique gives the omelette its signature light, airy texture with a crunchy exterior. While it's more oil-intensive than traditional omelettes, the delicious results make it a popular comfort food in Thailand.

            

THOUGHT NIBBLES

FROM THE TRAVEL ARCHIVES

Souvenir shops in Pyrgos Kallistis

One of the fun things to do when traveling is souvenir hunting. I love wandering through small, tucked-away shops, discovering unique trinkets that capture the spirit of the place. There’s something exciting about finding handcrafted items, like local pottery, magnets, or postcards with scenic views. I especially enjoy chatting with shop owners, learning the stories behind their merchandise, and picking out little gifts for friends and family. It’s not just about buying things—it’s about bringing home memories, each item a reminder of the adventure, the people I met, and the places I explored.

I know, AI mice overload—I can’t help it! The details are so spot-on, exactly how I saw them when I was in Greece.

It’s just like the blue-domed churches, the winding cobblestone stairs, and those quaint souvenir shops brimming with treasures.

From the tiny baskets filled with handmade soups to the vibrant postcards, Mati (evil eye symbol) and sun hats, it all feels so real. It’s like those little AI mice are bringing the same charm and energy I experienced, right down to the lazy cats and the tinkling bells from the donkeys.

UPDATE—MY NEIGHBOURS FROM HELL 😈

The nightmare continues, and my neighbors have officially taken their disturbances to bizarre new heights. What started as obsessive vacuuming has now escalated into all sorts of strange nighttime activities: tools clanging, objects dropping, furniture being dragged, stomping, scraping and rolling noises, loud door creaks announcing their entries and exits, and water gushing at odd hours—often heard after midnight, with their unit shrouded in total darkness.

Here’s where things get really weird: Lately, I’ve noticed the husband leaving the condo at 3 AM with a suitcase and backpack, only to return 20 minutes later. This has been confirmed by our night security guard. 

I shared an elevator with the wife on several occasions and noticed that she was always carrying clothes on hangers, which I assumed were from the cleaners. Once, my husband spotted them both walking to the car—she was hugging a pile of clothes, and he was toting several bags

Honestly, I don't care what they're up to—whether it’s laundry runs, secret missions, or stashing evidence—but their nocturnal activities are wrecking my sleep. The husband isn’t deliberately stomping around (he’s just that heavy-footed), but the relentless clattering, water sounds, and those 3 AM suitcase sprints are driving me to the brink. Every night feels like a game of roulette: Will I get any sleep tonight, or will their antics keep me wide awake?

I’ve tried earplugs, but they give me headaches, and since I have ear eczema and am allergic to certain materials, finding something comfortable is a struggle. The daytime vacuuming is incessant, and I'm starting to wonder—maybe it’s not just OCD… maybe it’s about removing evidence.

So, folks—what do you think? Midnight mules, undercover agents, or just laundry-loving night owls? Maybe it’s just a fetish for doing laundry in the dark. 

Do drop your 2 cents—because at this point, I might need it for some industrial-strength sleeping meds!

Jokes aside, thanks to my neighbors, I now have chronic insomnia. I’m desperately needing your prayers to help me find peace and restore my sleep because I’m starting to feel like a zombie.