TANKS Travel Tales - a travelogue.......

Translated literally, Neve Tzedek means "Abode of Justice". Located in the south-western part of Tel Aviv near to the Old City of Jaffa, the Neve Tzedek of today is a cosy neighbourhood with many art shops and cafes, both modern and quaint.  Walking around this neighbourhood on a weekend, I was visually attracted to its unique sights and sounds. Interesting walks almost always result in interesting finds and this beautiful wall mural was one of the sights that stopped me in my tracks. That moment was captured in the photo below with my handy iPhone 7 Plus. Wall mural of two Squirrels and several Thrash Bins, Neve Tzedek, Tel Aviv, Israel (2017)

Bali offers so much in terms of relaxation and tranquility that it is not a surprise that this is one of my favourite destinations for a short vacation. I love the ways the locals blend nature into their everyday lives. Even in the resorts, nature has been successfully intertwined with the facilities; providing those amazing moments when one can sit and relax in a luxurious holiday resort and yet is able to enjoy nature just at the doorsteps. Here is a photo of a paddling of ducks as they swam happily in a large pond at the Grand Hyatt hotel in Nusa Dua. Ducks swimming at one of the ponds of the lush gardens of the Grand Hyatt hotel, Nusa Dua, Bali, Indonesia (2015)

Chinatown is a busy and colourful part of Singapore. More so during the Chinese New Year Periods. This article highlights the sights and sounds of Chinatown getting ready for the annual spring festival! Lion Heads of the types used in traditional Lion Dances, Chinatown, Singapore (2017) History and Geography Singapore's Chinatown is located in a very central location. Its local name is loosely based on its historical past where bullock carts were used to transport water to residences and businesses in the area back in the days of colonial Singapore. A Hindu Temple in the area highlights Singapore's multi-cultural diversity, Chinatown, Singapore (2017) Getting There The area is well-served by public transport. The local subway (a.k.a. metro) systems include several different stations in and around the area from at least 3 different service lines. These are the East-West Line (Outram Park Station of the Green-colored Line), Downtown Line (Chinatown St...

A very busy January coupled with the Chinese New Year festivities has resulted in me being very late with this article. More than 2 weeks late actually, based on my self-imposed publishing schedule! ;-) The beginning of every calendar year is usually accompanied by the arrival of spring. This is usually the period of of the year when everything seems fresh and promising.  Even in countries where there are no distinct seasons to differentiate the different times of the year, there will almost always still be plenty of festivities to mark each period as the year progresses. In Singapore's busy Chinatown, the period leading up to the Chinese New Year is usually an occasion of colours, celebration, energy and goodies! This year was no different. Based on the Chinese Zodiac Calendar, 2017 is the Year of the Rooster. As the new year was welcomed in joyous bursts of celebrations, the areas around Chinatown were decked out in decorations featuring beautiful lanterns and colourful ...