March, 2014 | Asia Gardens

March 2014

CHINESE CHOPSTICKS

27 March - 2014 / admin / 0 Comments

If you are mad about Chinese cuisine, at the 5-star hotel Asia Gardens Hotel & Thai Spa we have delicious food for you to enjoy.

But, do you know how to use traditional chopsticks according to protocol? Today, in our blog, we will tell you how to do it.

The experts in Chinese culture say that the first chopsticks were not used to eat but to cook with. Some small segments of food were wrapped in leaves and then cooked, and chopsticks were used as tweezers.

Chinese chopsticks have been used for 5,000 years. Even some historians make reference to them in the teachings of Confucius talking about not needing to use knives to cut with in the kitchen or the table.

There is no need to use knives in Chinese cuisine as everything is generally quite small and all of it can be eaten using chopsticks.

There are many different types, materials and sizes, but they all share the same purpose. Chinese chopsticks are often longer than others, and they are not stuck together, as opposed to Japanese chopsticks which were initially used stuck together at the top as tweezers. They later started to be used apart but they are still shorter than Chinese chopsticks.

Another noticeable difference is that Japanese chopsticks are often pointy at the bottom.

There is a protocol to follow in order to use chopsticks correctly and some rules to abide by. For instance, YOU SHOULD NOT USE THEM TO POINT, stick them in food or lick them. Should they fall on the floor while you eat, this will be considered a sign of bad luck for the future.

If you would also like to sample exotic and traditional Asian food, we recommend you come visit us to our 5-star resort Asia Gardens Hotel & Thai Spa, where you can enjoy a wide range of gourmet dishes.

It is up to you to follow protocol and use chopsticks or to use a fork. We look forward to seeing you.

SUBMERGED FOREST LAKE KAINDY

25 March - 2014 / admin / 0 Comments

There is an aura of mystery and legend surrounding Asia almost everywhere you go. There is a place in Kazakhstan called “the blue jewel”, the amazing Lake Kaindy.

Tree ferns and turquoise water in this unexpected haunting paradise in the midst of Tian Shan Mountains in Kazakhstan.

The lake is only 400 metres long but in some areas it is more than thirty metres deep.

What makes it interesting is that it has not always been there. The trunks of trees standing above are proof of it.

Then, how did the submerged forest come about?

Despite rumours and mysteries surrounding the lake, the reality is a lot more simple and easy to explain. The forest is the result of the terrible 1911 earthquake in Kebin.

The earth glided forming a natural dam which elevated the water submerging the “Picea Schrenkiana” trees which grew on the area.

The dead spruce (trees) sticking out of the water is what makes this place so unusual. These trees, resulting from the floods that formed the lake, remain outstandingly intact, as if it by magic.

Diving in the blue waters of this submerged forest is without a doubt one of the most poetic musts a tourist could be lucky enough to enjoy.

The unusual colour of the water is due to the lime scale and other minerals that have filtered ever since the lake was formed a century ago. However, once you are getting close to the lake, the water starts to look as clear as glass and sometimes even the trout that was brought to the lake in 1930 can be spotted.

In order to reach this spectacular place in Kazakhstan, you must travel a rocky road, but for those who want to go through the experience it is well worth it.

Come and experience Asia at the best luxury resort in Spain, the Asia Gardens Hotel & Thai Spa, well worth the trip. You will enjoy diving in the Mediterranean or swimming in our wonderful pools. Come and visit us!

“SHUNBUN NO HI”: VERNAL EQUINOX DAY

20 March - 2014 / admin / 0 Comments

Today, at the Asia Gardens Hotel & Thai Spa, 5-star resort, we are celebrating the spring.

On 20thMarch spring will start. The Japanese call it “Shunbun No Hi”, one of the fifteen holidays in their calendar which can fall on 20th or 21st depending on the year.

This celebration dates back to the “Shunki Koreisai” (Japanese religion which worships “kami”, spirits of nature).

Traditionally, the equinox was when people paid their respect to their ancestors through “Higan”, also a Chinese tradition.

The word “higan” means “the other side of the river” and represents paradise.

The Japanese 1948 constitution eliminated religious festivities in order to divide state and religion, so the “Shunki Koreisai” was rechristened as “Vernal Equinox Day”.

It is said that when day and night are equal is when Buddha comes to Earth to save all lost souls and help them cross the river. That is why visiting deceased relatives is a happy event. People decorate graves with incense and flowers, sometimes they even bring food.

The most traditional food during this holiday is the “Ohagi or Botamochi”, a ball of boiled rice covered with sweet bean paste. Legend has it that they are circular because spirits prefer them that way as they are easier to carry on the journey to the bank of the river.

The harmony Japanese people feel towards nature turns the celebration of the “Shunbun No Hi” into a sign of respect for it as well as respect for all living beings. At this time of the year is when cherry trees blossom and they are at their best during “Hanami”.

If you wish to see cherry trees, come to the Asia Gardens Hotel & Thai Spa, our 5-star luxury hotel.

EXOTIC FRUITS FROM ASIA

18 March - 2014 / admin / 0 Comments

As usual, at the Asia Gardens Hotel & Thai Spa we look out for your beauty and health inside out. With the good weather we feel like having exotic fruit that helps us stay healthier.

These are some of the most exotic fruits that can be found in Asia:

1. RAMBUTAN: This fruit is native to Asia but it can also be found in the warmest areas of Central America. It is rich and reddish, and is covered with fleshy pliable spines.

It has medicinal properties according to some traditions, mainly in Malaysian and Indonesian, it used to be used as hair conditioner, and it was also known to be good on skin as it makes it softer. Its seeds are poisonous and only its flesh should be eaten.

2. PASSION FRUIT: This fruit is native to South America but it is also grown in India and New Zealand as it grows on tropical climates.

Although it is not very appetising looking, inside or outside, it is delicious and healthy as it has plenty of vitamin A, B and C, potassium and magnesium. It is not only healthy but also diuretic and helps on the loss of weight and to lower cholesterol levels.

3. LYCHEE: Native to the south of China where it is also known as “love fruit”. This is a rich and healthy fruit with a high vitamin C content which strengthens the immune system.

This fruit also moisturises skin without turning it greasy, it has anti-ageing properties and UV filters. It also helps reduce puffiness and avoids swelling and damage to skin.

4. STAR FRUIT: This bright yellow fruit is native to Indonesia, India and Sri Lanka and it tastes sweet and sour. This fruit is a very powerful natural antioxidant beneficial for our health.

Like other exotic fruits, it helps lose weight, and improves the condition of the skin as its high content of zinc helps moisturise it deeply.

5. MANGOSTEEN: It has different names, it is also known as “purple mangosteen”. This is without a doubt the strangest and rarest fruit in Asia, as well as one of the most highly valued due to its delicious flavour.

It is a mix of reddish and purple on the outside when it is ripe and its white segments are soft and sweet, a mix between peach and raspberry, although it is also similar to plums and grapes.

6. DRAGON FRUIT: Native to Mexico, and mainly found in China and Vietnam among other countries. It is a very colourful fruit, pink on the outside and white on the inside with black seeds.

It is best eaten first thing in the morning as it releases toxins in the organism.

Come to the Asia Gardens Hotel & Thai Spa and enjoy the treats we have for you. This summer, at our 5-star luxury resort, your health and beauty will make you stand out.

ARMENIAN SCENTED PAPER

13 March - 2014 / admin / 0 Comments

It is said that every country and every continent has its own scent, the scent of culture and history. In Asia, scents are suggestive and varied and, and that is why today, at the 5-star hotel Asia Gardens Hotel & Thai Spa we invite you to use your sense of smell and your imagination as we are going to tell you about Armenian scented paper.

The main feature of Armenian scented paper or “Papier d’Arménie” is that you cannot write on it, you can only burn it. This paper has been used since 1885, and it is used as a natural purifier as it absorbs bad scent and negativity.

Its French name is because it was a French citizen who was travelling in Armenia who discovered in awe that the locals used to burn natural resin with balsamic scent and vanilla, “benjuí”, as a way of purifying their homes

Resin taken from the “benjuí” is taken out of a tree from Laos, “styrax”, and it contains 25% benzoic acid which has antiseptic and healing properties; in addition, the fibre used to make it is 100% natural.

Every Armenian paper book has die cast paper, in total 36 sheets.

In ancient Asia, this paper was frequently used to heal cough and asthma, but it was especially valued because of its esoteric properties which remain today, as it is believed to repel adversity and negativity.

Armenian paper can be used in the three following ways:

– Not burnt: as air freshener in drawers and wardrobes as it has a pleasant scent.

– In water: for steam baths to heal cough and asthma.

– Burnt: similar to the incense we know, it is used to purify and set the mood.

Certain scents are part of memories that bring us back to past times; if you wish to live an Asian luxury experience, we suggest you come to our 5-star hotel Asia Gardens Hotel &Thai Spa, in the Mediterranean, where the scents of our spa will provide you with unforgettable memories.

KATHMANDU: LAND OF GODS AND MOUNTAINS

11 March - 2014 / admin / 0 Comments

Today, at the 5-star Asia Gardens Hotel & Thai Spa, we bring you to one of the most cosmopolitan cities in Nepal due to the number of people that visit it and go there for an unbeatable cultural experience: Kathmandu.

The largest city in Nepal and also the capital; an ancient city where there is a large number of Buddhist temples and palaces, as well as numerous extraordinary spots we should not miss out on.

1. KATHMANDU VALLEY: there are 130 important monuments in this valley, and it is a crossroads of ancient Asian civilizations. Some parts of it have been named Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO.

2. THAMMEL DISTRICT: this is the district with most tourists in Kathmandu, and the largest number of shops and restaurants; it is also the busiest. This magical city is vibrant and a little prone to chaos.

3. DURBAR SQUARE: also known as Basantapur Durbar Square, is where the royal palace is located, and is one of the places named Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO.

The literal translation of Durbar Square is “place of palaces”. It is surrounded by patrimonial buildings representing four reigns (Kantipur, Lalitpur, Bhaktapur and Kirtipur).

4. MONKEY TEMPLE: it is said that the best time to visit this emblematic and popular temple is at dusk. It consists of an ancient building located at the top of a hill. The most important feature of this temple are its monkeys, considered holy, and cannot be disturbed.

5. TEMPLE OF BOUDHANATH PASHUPATINATH: is the oldest and most important temple in the area. It is also the holiest in the country alongside Swayambhu (INCLUIR LINK A ESTE LUGAR). At approximately 7 every morning, a ritual is held. The ritual consists of circling the “estupa” a few times as you say “Om Mani Padme Um”.

6. “GARDEN OF DREAMS” PARK: An ideal place to rest, go for a stroll or have a drink after having been walking around Thammel. It only costs 250 rupees to go in (around 2 euros).

7. NEPALESE CUISINE: There is something nobody should miss out on, the numerous traditional Nepalese dishes, such as “Dal Bath” (boiled rice, lentil, vegetables and potato soup) and “Rotis” (a type of bread) baked in artisan ovens.

Kathmandu is a city where you can lose yourself and live a unique experience. If you wish to live the cultural experience of the Asian continent, at our luxury resort Asia Gardens Hotel & Thai Spa, we will make you feel as if you were there. Come visit us!

TRADITIONAL JAPANESE MAKE-UP

6 March - 2014 / admin / 0 Comments

As you already know, at the Asia Gardens Hotel & Thai Spa we worship wellbeing, relaxation and beauty. And along the lines of last week’s post about “Make.-up in China”, today we would like to tell you about traditional Japanese make-up.

Traditionally, the history of Japanese make up is mainly focused on “Geishas”, as this was the figure that best represented glamour in Japan.

This type of make-up is very difficult to apply and requires time to do it as it focuses on details.

Its main features are: a thick white base, red lips and red and black on their eyes.

The white base used to have lead on it, but when its toxic effects were discovered they replaced it with other harmless ingredients such as rice powder.

White make-up fully covers the face except for two important areas: the hair line, which makes it look like a mask; and neck, in a “W” shape, a very attractive and erotic spot for Japanese people.

In the eye area coal used to be applied with a very fine brush for better eyebrow definition; this continues to be quite a common trait of Japanese beauty.

A small brush is used on the lips. They add crystallised sugar to the colour for better texture. The lips is what makes a “maiko” stand out (apprentice) from a “geisha”, the former can only apply colour to the bottom lip.

As opposed to western make-up, lips are not fully coloured. It is a sign of beauty to have thin lips, making them look like flower buds.

At our luxury hotel in the Mediterranean, we share our knowledge about Asian traditions with you, to help you enjoy the beauty, wellbeing and relaxation that we offer at our resort. Come to visit us, we await your arrival!

THE BATU CAVES MYSTERY

4 March - 2014 / admin / 0 Comments

If there is one thing that makes the Asian continent stand out, that is its legends and traditions. Today, at the Asia Gardens Hotel & Thai Spa we are going to tell you about one of the most spectacular and holiest places for Hindu people in Malaysia, the Batu caves.

They are located 3 kilometres from Kuala Lumpur and they take their name from river “Batu” or “Sangai Batu”. The caves were discovered in 1878 and date back 400 million years. There are three caves 62 metres below ground level, and according to the residents and Hindu believers, Murugan the god of War lives in them.

At the entrance to the caves there is a giant golden statue, a 42.7-metre tall statue of Lord Murugan, built in 2006 which has become very popular for tourists and pilgrims.

These three caves are:

“Temple Cave” or “Cathedral Cave” is the largest of them all. It is 100 metres high and houses Hindu shrines. Visitors hike a steep 272-step stretch to reach it.

“Ramayana Cave” houses a temple devoted to Hanuman and there is a statue of him in it. The story of Rama is imprinted on the uneven walls of the cave.

“The Dark Cave” is a two-kilometre network of caves that remains relatively intact. The stalactites and stalagmites in the caves look like curtains; this is the only cave with restricted access.

In the Batu Caves, the Thaipusam Festival is celebrated. This religious event has been held since the end of the 19th Century on the tenth month of the Hindu calendar (around January or February according to our calendar) and worships Murugan, Hindu god of War.

Legend has it that goddess Parvati gave her son Murugan a spear on Thaipusam to fight against Soorapadam. Since then, Murugan followers around the world, celebrate his victory over evil.

The mystery of these caves is based on this story, and it is said that everyone who goes in and prays to the Hindu god, upon leaving will feel stronger and less sensitive to pain.

At the Asia Gardens Hotel & Thai Spa, temple of relaxation, you can look after yourself and be looked after. Our only secret is the fantastic wellbeing you will experience in our luxury resort in the Mediterranean.