Ballindalloch Castle

I'm off to Scotland tomorrow for a visit to my homeland ... my own "Balik Kampung" so here is an image to get in to the spirit of the trip. 

Ballindalloch is one of the most beautiful and renowned castles in Scotland. Known as the Pearl of the North, it is located in the heart of Speyside, near to the famed local whisky distilleries of Cragganmore, Glenlivet, Glenfarclas and Glenfiddich. Surrounded by majestic hills, and with the tumbling waters of the Rivers Spey and Avon flowing through the grounds, the setting is truly magnificent.

A much loved family home, Ballindalloch is one of the few privately owned castles to have been lived in continuously by its original family. The Macpherson-Grants have resided here since 1546.

Snake & Scorpion Whiskey

In a few Asian countries, notable Vietnam, Thailand, Laos and Cambodia you can find a rather special whiskey being sold.  This special whiskey is infused with a real farm raised Cobra snake, black scorpion, ginseng roots and herbal seed pods. The whiskey is steeped for several months, which then imparts a unique flavour into the whiskey, and is quite an acquired taste (no shit!). TIt is said to be a very strong aphrodisiac and it also has many medical uses, such as the treatment of back and muscle pain.

The Selangor St. Andrew's Society Annual Celebration

The Selangor St. Andrew's Society held their Annual Celebration on 28th November, 2009 at The Royal Lake Club, Kuala Lumpur. Attendance was approximately 150 and the evening comprised of pre-dinner cocktails, toasts to the Agong and Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth, entry of the haggis, country dancing performed by pupils of Alice Smith school, buffet main course, display by St. Johns Institution Pipe Band, toasts to St. Andrew and guests, speech by guest speaker Mahbob Abdullah, dancing to The Gary Innes Band, dance instruction by Charlie Chong, cheese and biscuits, more dancing and of course plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration.

More photos can be viewed here.

Video can be viewed here.