Fullerton Arboretum, Fullerton, California

What is a Arboretum? 

According to the US National Arboretum, a arboretum "... is a living museum where trees, shrubs, and herbaceous plants are cultivated for scientific and educational purposes."

It would be interesting to visit the Fullerton Arboretum,  a rewarding experience for nature lovers, especially those interested in trees and plants. The Arboretum is located in Fullerton, California, a culturally rich and diverse city in north Orange County. It is about 25 miles southeast of Los Angeles. 

As a research and community education facility, its focus is on the diversity of the world's plant life and the protection of the earth's plants treasures. The Arboretum has a collection of 4000 plants.

The Fullerton Arboretum's historical links with the California State University at Fullerton (CSU) started in the early 1970s and has continued till today. It is located on twenty-six acres of CSUF-owned land at the north end of its campus.

Passport to the world of plants 

Other arboretums in the US. 

One of the biggest Arboretum in the US is the Holden Arboretum, located in Kirtland, Ohio, The Holden Arboretum, is a combination of arboretum and a botanical garden. Its combined facility has over 3,500 acres (1,376 ha), 600 acres (243 ha) of which are devoted to collections and gardens. The Holden Arboretum's collection includes 9,400 different kinds of woody plants, representing 79 plant families. 

Another reputable arboretum is the US National Arboretum in Washington, DC with over 446 acres. 

Plants do migrate too... from one continent to another?. 

Collections in the Fullerton Arboretum

The Fullerton Arboretum has some interesting collections:

(a) Cultivated collections: rare fruits and herb garden roses the origin of oranges 

(b) Mediterranean collections: chaparral and channel islands 

(c) Woodlands collections: conifers, palms, dedicuous forest, living fossils, redwoods, ombu, figs, cycads 

(d) Desert collection: opuntia and agave.

View them here - some collections and more information.

Cultivated collection -fruits

Cultivated collections - fruits

Cultivated collections - fruits

Desert collections

Desert collections

Information on "AGAVE"

Information on "REDWOODS"

Information on "California Giants"

A Bottle Tree

Information on "AMBU"

Woodlands collections

Desert collections

 

Woodlands collections

Woodlands collections -Bottle Tree

Woodlands collections


References.

Check these out for more information.

a) US National Arboretum
b) The Holden Arboretum
c) Fullerton Arboretum

Tips on personal safety for travelers

Travelling is an important part of our life. For business travelers, you need to reach your business contacts in various cities or locations. For personal travelers, you need to meet up with friends and relatives whom you have not seen for some time. For those on pleasure trips, traveling provides an opportunity to visit places you like to see, or to do things you really like. 

These may be domestic or international travel. Whatever it may be, you want to arrive safely at your destination and on time. You do not want to abort your travel or miss your holidays due to time spent on attending to personal or safety incidents during your travel. 

Though most of us are familiar with basic safety precautions, at times, we may be complacent or careless. The information provided is a refresher and a reminder for all. 

These safety tips are equally relevant to both domestic or international travel. It is extremely important for travelers to be familiar with these personal safety tips before starting a journey. 

(1)   Tips for business travelers. Some simple measures you can consider enhancing your personal safety, avoiding or reducing potential safety and security threats. (From: Forbes.com)

Keep a low profile  

Arriving Incognito


Having a driver pick you up at the airport with a sign that has your name and company isn't always a good idea when traveling abroad, says McCann. You don’t want anyone to know who you are or where you work since scoping out potential burglary or kidnapping targets often begins at the airport. Instead, arrange to have your driver identify you by what you are wearing or the kind of luggage you are carrying.

Achtung, Baby!

Keep Focus on your surroundings

Be cautious when using your cell phone in public - especially when travelling abroad or in surroundings which you are not familiar with. If you’re absorbed in talking on the phone and ignore people around you, you’re setting yourself up as potential victim. “Criminals strike most when people aren’t paying attention,” says a security expert. 

Locked Up

Female business travelers need to be extra cautious since they’re perceived as more vulnerable than men, says McCann. The biggest precaution women can take when they’re on the road is buying an inexpensive portable lock, such as the $20 Door Anchor. This steel safety device attaches to the door's strike plate and secures over the knob, keeping the door in place.

To properly secured your door, when you in your room.

(2)   Tips for holiday travelers.    

 ... from the BBC Health column on "Personal safety while travelling"    

Sensible precautions for holiday travelers:

In most holiday destinations, personal safety is a matter of staying alert, being sensible and taking the same precautions you would at home. The risk of violent assault varies from country to country and you should be aware of the potential dangers. 

Not all destinations you plan to visit is like the scene shown above. Take advice from locals and tour guides about the areas to avoid, especially at night and when alone. 

Make sure you:

• Carry the minimum amount of cash. 
• Don't flaunt valuables, such as cameras, jewellery or video equipment. 
• Dress sensibly, respecting local traditions. Women, especially, should take care not to expose too much bare skin in certain countries. Carry a sarong or T shirt with you to quickly cover up if necessary. 
• Be particularly careful around areas or buildings of religious significance. 
• Being drunk or under the influence of drugs will leave you particularly vulnerable to trouble. 
• If travelling with a group, watch out for each other. 
• Make sure someone knows where you are and what time you are expected back at your hotel or accommodation. 
• Don't resist attackers - if confronted it's usually safer to give up your valuables. 

Health information (issued by National Health Service of UK) 

(3)    Do get in touch with your embassy/consular office. During an emergency, you need to contact them. At least you need to have their hot line, and possibly where they are located. For those staying for a longer duration, it is useful to register with your embassy. Especially for those visiting countries experiencing frequent civil unrest or violent public demonstration.

(4)     More information to check out: 

• Travel.State.Gov  (US Government)
• Travel advice for women 
• Personal travel safety
• Travel planing tips
• Personal security tips for travelers 
• Watch out these scams while traveling
• Hotel safety tips for International Travelers 
• World Nomad Safety Travel
• Travel packing - safety comfort
• Journeywomen

San Diego, California, USA

Jet skiing by the Bay

San Diego is about 125 miles (200km) south of Los Angeles and about 600 miles (1000 km) south of San Francisco

Like San Francisco, San Diego is a City and County in the states of California. San Diego is situated along the shores of a large bay with a beautiful natural harbor. Weather is excellent, with a mild climate throughout the year. 

During the winter, days are usually warm and sunny and the nights are cool. In the summer, a pleasant breeze off of the Pacific Ocean moderates the heat from the tropical sun. You can  watch the beautiful sun-set at various vantage point.

Another beautiful sun set

The summer is wonderful. You can watch the beautiful sun set, from the Bay, at the park, or on board your cruise ship or even your sailing boad. 

San Diego County has a population of 3.09 million (2010). There are at least 18 towns and cities within the County of San Diego. It is a very clean and with extremely low pollution as compared to Los Angeles. San Diego is the largest city within the County of San Diego. It is also the second largest city in California and eight largest in the US. 


Fast facts on San Diego (Source: thebigbay.com) 

• The Big Bay comprises 22 square miles, 34 miles of waterfront and five cities —San Diego, Coronado, Chula Vista, National City and Imperial Beach.
• San Diego Bay has three islands: Coronado, Shelter and Harbor.
• Ten miles of pathways front the Big Bay making the way for walkers, joggers, roller bladers and cyclists.
• The Big Bay has 16 parks, featuring 10 playgrounds that are open to the public 365 days a year.
• There are 250 acres of open space to visit along the Big Bay’s waterfront. 

The Mexican border is close by, divided by very clear border fence. You can have a good view of the Mexican border town, Tijuana. 

Border fence between San Diego stretch and Tijuana town.

Some of San Diego's popular tourist destinations:

a)   Balboa park (see pictures shown below)
b)   Mission bay
c)   Old Town
d)   San Diego Bay (pictures above)
e)   Downtown San Diego
f)    Point Loma, Harbor and Shelter Island
g)   Coronado,
h)   The Beaches
i)     La Jolla 

Pictures taken at Balboa Park.

.

Balboa Park Location Map

Balboa Park is a huge urban cultural park,  with an area of 1200 acre (490 ha). The park was in honor of the Spanish maritime explorer, Vasco Nunez de Balboa.

 

 

  

 

The camera is now shifting to a different scene. 

A different location and scene -

 a graduation ceremony.

Either walk or ride in this coach, leave your car at the parking lot

After this  ceremony - where to party or move on ?

Sharing with friends and relatives

Singaporean Cuisine. Singapore, the Lion City.

"There is no love sincerer than the love of food' - 
George Bernard Shaw (1856 - 1950)

The notion that Singapore cuisine is a combination of original Chinese, Malay and Indian dishes is not totally accurate. Though some dishes may have Chinese, Malay or Indian origin, but much of these dishes are distinctly local, very different from its origins and some dishes are fully alien to nationals of these countries. 

The evolution of a Singaporean cuisine started long ago and may best be described as " ... indicative of the ethnic diversity of the culture of Singapore, as a product of centuries of cultural interaction... The food is influenced by the native Malay, the predominant Chinese, Indonesian, Indian and Western traditions (particularly English) since the founding of Singapore by the British in the 19th century." 

A few examples of typical Singapore Cuisine; hainanese chicken, chilli crab/pepper crab and roti prata. Hainanese chicken rice are very much different from its original version, due to its method of preparation as well as the harmonized ginger-garlic chilli sauce. Very much different from its Hainanese counterpart. Chilli and pepper crab are simply local creations. 

Singapore - Hainanese Chicken Rice- a single serving at home. 

Chili Crab - still steaming hot - for a small party for chilli crab addicts. 

All the pictures shown in this posting were taken from home-cooked, local cuisine as prepared by Chef Amy. She also prepares authentic mouth watering Singapore / nonya savouries and pastries. 

Let's get ready to party - with special dishes from Chef Amy, our host for her home cooked her favorite dishes. Lots of dishes for our guests tonight - varies from sea-food, hainanese chicken rice and more.... Lots of savories and pastries. Bring your own liquor and wine.....?, soft drinks and mineral water provided. 

Hainanese Chicken Rice -  have it at home at least once a month.

 

Singapore's version of Chilli Crabs - messy with your fingers but good to taste.

Sambal Squids & Prawns - maybe  2 chilli level?

Sambal  Prawns - it is finger licking good. Not too spicy?

Bigger portion for more - a group of 6, missed the real Hainanese Chicken Rice ... Where are the chilli, ginger and black sauce? Just on the right side of the dish, outside the scope of the point and shoot camera. 

Fried chciken wings

Shells fried with oyster sauce.

Mixed vegetable stuffed with fish meat - for those who are health conscious.

Tofu with mushroom

A different version- served together with soup

Fried Hokkien Prawn noodles -  definitely a Singapore cuisine

Fried  Mee Hoon  - a real Singaporean dish -but WITHOUT  CURRY POWDER. 

cURR
Singapore Mee Siam - served with steaming hot soup - specially prepared. 

Prawn noddle - separate bowl of soup

Pumpkin Rice

Meat balls what sauce should I dip it in. 

Pulut panggan - what is the brown stripe - it is grilled.

Nonya Chang - what is stuffed inside - special?

Soon Kuey - for health conscious - how many should I have?

Otak Otak - filled with fish meat and charcoal - grilled

Special sio mai - for tea breaks - for lunch.

Fruit Jelly  - for those who loves sweet things.

Kueh Dada - crepe filled with coconut

Ang Ku Kueh - with peanuts filling - is it a turtle shell?

Onde onde - with palm coconut syrup - greenish bomb?

More onde onde - to take home.

Guess the name for this savory? - will have to steam it, before you try it.

Let us know which is your favorite?  If we are around your place - will invite Chef Amy to prepare a special meal for you. 




References:

http://www.singaporefoodhistory.com/sing-main.htm