Cambodian dance is the countries most precious art form. More than 1,000 years ago classical dance was established as a bridge between the gods and the kings, the spiritual and the natural world.
When the Pol Pot Regime took over the country, classical dance performances, education, and religion were prohibited. It is estimated that 90% of all Cambodian artists perished between 1975-1979. Today, dance continues to define the cultural identity and legacy of the Cambodian people.
The movements require a command of techniques, which demand flexibility, accuracy, and control of movements. With fingers curved backwards, an arching spine, bent knees, and toes flexed upwards, the fully grounded dancer moves with precise balance and divine grace.
Although songs for each dance are different, there are certain motifs that are used in every song that illustrate entrances, exits, and characteristic movements like crying, flying, or walking, etc.
Physical style, story-line, and costuming are ...
Koh Kret เกาะเกร็ด is a small island in the Chao Phraya River in Nonthaburi Province, Thailand. It is around 3 km long and 3 km wide with an area of over 4.2 square kilometers. It has seven main villages, the largest and most populous being Ban Mon. The island is best known for Thai-Mon people who make pottery for a living. The island is only accessed by ferries.
Koh Kret was originally a meander located on the Chao Praya river. Due to Chao Praya river's curvy path, ships would take longer to reach Ayutthaya, Siam's capital at the time.
During the reign of King Thaisa, the king wanted to reduce shipping time and improve the kingdom's economy. He planned a canal which would bypass the meander and act as a shortcut for maritime transport. The canal was dug in 1722, requiring around 10,000 men and taking over a month to complete. After the canal was dug, shipping to Ayutthaya became faster and the canal was called "Klong Lat Kret" by locals. As time passed, the canal became ...
Ershawan Fortification (Ershawan Battery) 二沙湾炮台 or better known as Tenable Gate of the Sea 海門天險 is a battery emplacements camp in Zhongzheng District, Keelung Taiwan.
It was built during Taiwan's Qing era and was the site of combat between the French and Chinese forces during the Sino-French War. It was the command post of Liu Ming-chuan, who was later appointed by Qing court as the first governor of Taiwan, when he was charged with the defense of Keelung during the war. It lost its military value under Japanese rule and is currently listed as a class one national historical monument.
The battery was first constructed in 1840. It was originally located by the sea and was used by the garrison to fend off British assaults during the Opium War. It was part of the Taiwan Seventeen Fortification Plan 台灣十七口設防圖說狀.
The fortification that exists today is not at the seaside. When the Sino-French War broke out in 1884, Liu Ming-chuan, who was in charge of defense ...
Cijin Island (旗津島) is a beautiful little island just a 5-minute ferry ride from Kaohsiung’s Gushan Ferry Pier Station.
Cijin Island (also spelled Qijin) packs a punch with its mix of historical sights, quirky outdoor installations, sweeping views, epic black sand beaches, and legendary sunsets.
Exploring Cijin Island can be a delightful experience, with its beautiful coastline, black fine sand beaches, and scenic photo spots.
The island is small and can be easily explored by renting an electric bike or walking, with many attractions such as Cihou Fort, Cihou Lighthouse, and the Seashell Museum. Visitors can also enjoy the island’s seafood, stroll along the beach, and take in the stunning views of the Kaohsiung harbor.
With its many amenities and activities, Cijin Island is an ideal destination for a half-day or full-day trip, offering something for everyone to enjoy.
It’s a short 5 minute ferry ride from the mainland that costs 30 NTD per person. It’s a great place to...
