Sights of Rompin

From my archive: some of my favourite sights when I was in my hometown Rompin, sometime ago. Probably because of the coastal area, I've always loved the scene of swaying palm trees, the sandy beaches, the blue skies and blue ocean. One of the reasons why I like to go back to Rompin, the atmosphere feels different because it is more laidback, and somehow charming with a blend of Rompin old town and new town.

On the way to Rompin town via Pekan - Nenasi - Lanjut

Bridge at Nenasi with the boats docking. When I reach here on my journey, I know that Rompin town is not far off, probably another 20 minutes or so.

When we were little and travel back to Rompin from Kedah or Kelantan or wherever we may be, my parents always makes it mandatory to stop and stay a night at this rest house - now called Puteri Inn

This is the landmark for Bandar Rompin - watermelon! Unable to get a good shot as this was situated at the junction.





Another thing Rompin is famous for is the udang galah because it is near the Sg Rompin. About RM45 per kilo for Grade A type udang galah. 

View in front of Tok's house

This is me inside looking out the scenery just from the front door

Close-up of the scenery - with this kind of scenery, you would feel relaxed and feel green

Nasi dagang wrapped in daun simpul only in Rompin! As opposed to most nasi dagang Terengganu which is wrapped in banana leaf

Nasi dagang with lauk ikan tongkol

Rompin old town where mak used to live with her family when she was little until the shoplot burned down (left side of the road)

Best roti canai in town, still soft even after a few hours. It was reported that Jalan-Jalan Cari Makan came here to report and cover about the roti canai, many many years ago

Cape Sounion, Greece

I was very inspired by Cape Sounion when I wrote this blog. So here goes..


Therein in Cape Saunion lies a temple which was dedicated to Poseidon, the God of sea by offering gifts, prayers and sacrifices to avoid misfortune. One can't help but feel that the people of Greece really love their ancient Gods and value the rich history that makes Greece what it is today.

Our journey to Cape Saunion started around 5pm in the afternoon on a hot summer's  day. The journery  by coach took about 1.5 hours out from the city. It is a pleasant drive with scenery of beautiful people, houses, and the sea....the sea is the best view of all, as it is clear blue, fresh and slightly cold as it is just the beginning of summer. The sea follows us all the way from Athens to Cape Saunion. On the way, we saw many people parked by the roadside to take a swim in the sea, some are private beaches, some are public beaches, the Greeks do love their sea.

From far the temple sits atop a hill overlooking the Aegean sea

As we inched closer to Cape Sounion, we could see the hill with the temple on top. The bus driver obligingly stopped for us to take some pictures while the guide was giving us some background story of the temple. Even from far, it is beautiful. We continued on till we reached the foothill. There was an entrance fees of 6 euro. Then we climb up the hill which has a breath taking view below where there's a resort and a private beach which would be full come summer. For now its idyllic with just the occasional visitor.

 

Breath taking view of the Aegean sea as we climb up the hill to see the temple

The Temple of Poseidon

It was said that this temple was where Zeus stayed during the day and at night he would travel back to Athens to preside over. I can see why Zeus wanted to stay here during the day. The air is fresh and breezy, the view is breath taking with maybe a 100 foot drop down the sea and the sun set is just magnificient. I don't know how Zeus traveled and I would imagine being a God, he would be able to fly or in a blink of an eye just traveled back and fro Athens and here just to catch the sunset. The Greeks believed that the gods are immortal, could change shape and can travel anywhere instantaneously.

Don't know what is this phenomenon, but looks like the cloud is eclipsing the sun as it inches down to set

 

We waited till sunset to enjoy the view

The trip to Cape Saunion is one of the most memorable trip in Greece. Not because the temple was so magnificient but because of where it is situated made you feel like you are on top of the world - here to enjoy God's creation. Historically, the temple also served its purpose as a watch tower over the sea for invading troops as it has a vantage point for lookout.

Greece: The Land of Gods & Myths

Ok so this is a really overdue post for me. This trip was done in Summer of 2012. I may have some facts incorrect but these are my personal recordings.

So Greece. When I was there, the economic situation that hit Greece was at its peak. Eeverywhere i go around Athens, a lot of the shops were closed. People were jobless, it was a hard time for Greece. Nonetheless, tourists still flocked to Greece.

What strikes me most about Athens is that there are ruins everywhere. The city is a living ruins of days past. Its an amazing feeling to walk around in the living museum, as though being part of history. Some pictures below are just random as and when the tour bus stopped on our first outing in Athens, Greece:

Olympic stadium



Athens Archeological Museum

On our way to the Acropolis Museum

Fridge magnet is a must...only Euro1 each

Acropolis Museum



Acropolis of Athens

A ruin at the Acropolis Museum

Shops around Athens

Greek stuff on sale - herbs & spices

Odeon of Herodus Atticus

Yours truly in front of the Caryatid porch of the Erechteion, Athens

View of Athens city from the top


Athens is a lovely city and I had a good time absorbing all the sighs and history of Athens. My only regret was not reading up more about it as there were so many interesting history about Greece...