Turtles

There are 2 red eared slider turtles in my house. My Mil bought it when her grandchildren came to visit us a few months back. Since then, they live in various types of 'accommodation'. The very first one we had was a plastic tank that measures approximately 20x10cm. Then we placed them a 2 litres plastic container after they started fighting. (After reading in a blog that animals kept in small areas have a greater tendency to be stressed and aggressive.) Thereafter, we purchased an Ikea storage box for them, and they had ample space to move around. However, without a proper filter system, we have to change the water on a daily basis.

Last weekend, T and I visited an aquarium and decided to purchase a complete tank system. For $83, we got a glass tank, an electric filter system as well as a lamp - which will be useful for the turtles to "sunbath". Now, our turtles enjoy a cleaner home and have more space to swim and rest. Hopefully, they wouldn't grow in size too soon. Else, we'll have to source for suitable accommodation again.

Manado

Manado is the capital city of North Sulawesi, Indonesia which is famed for it gorgeous marine life, emerald mountains, flora and fauna, delectable cuisines, etc. I was thrilled when I was posted to Manado for my latest work trip!

Conceirge at Formosa Hotel

Upon arrival, we took a hour's ride from the airport to Formosa Hotel, which overlooks Manado Tua Island. Hotel Formosa generally has mediocre ratings and reviews, but I absolutely love it's centralized and convenient location. The hotel is surrounded by eating places and a supermarket where you can replentish travel supplies easily. The first dish that I tried in Manado was Pisang Goreng - Fried Bananas. It is a 'staple' for the locals and it is cooked in various styles, often accompanied by spicy condiments. Throughout my stay, each Pisang Goreng that I tried had different tastes and textures.

View from Hotel Formosa

Pisang Goreng

Every nook and corner of Manado was pictureques and beautiful. We spent the 2nd day visiting Lake Tondano and Lake Linow. Afternoon tea was served at Lake Linow - choice of coffee/tea accompanied by 2 coconut biscuits. The locals had their tea/coffee with Pisang Goreng :)
In the evening, we headed to Citra land to see one of the largest Jesus statue in the world. For dinner, we headed to one of the local restaurants for barbeque fish. It was absolutely delicious! We spend an average of SGD5-10 on meals everyday. We were told that Manado locals are like Chinese. They consume almost anything. In the local markets, you could easily purchase exotic game and meat.

The subsequent days were spent in Bahowo village, situated in Bunaken Marine Park.

Lake Tondano

Cafe at Lake Linow

Lake Linow

Afternoon tea at Linow

Jesus statue at Citra Land

Ikan Bakar (BBQ Fish served with kecap manis)

Piglet at Bahowo village

Bahowo village