Sleeping Beauty

Long ago there lived a King and Queen who said every day, "If only we had a child!"  But for a long time they had none.

One day, as the Queen was bathing in a spring and dreaming of a child, a frog crept out of the water and said to her, "Your wish shall be fulfilled.  Before a year has passed you shall bring a daughter into the world."

And since frogs are such magical creatures, it was no surprise that before a year had passed the Queen had a baby girl.  The child was so beautiful and sweet that the King could not contain himself for joy.  He prepared a great feast and invited all his friends, family and neighbours.  He invited the fairies, too, in order that they might be kind and good to the child.  There were thirteen of them in his kingdom, but as the King only had twelve golden plates for them to eat from, one of the fairies had to be left out.  None of the guests was saddened by this as the thirteenth fairy was known to be cruel and spiteful.

An amazing feast was held and when it came to an end, each of the fairies presented the child with a magic gift.  One fairy gave her virtue, another beauty, a third riches and so on -- with everything in the world that anyone could wish for.

After eleven of the fairies had presented their gifts, the thirteenth suddenly appeared.  She was angry and wanted to show her spite for not having been invited to the feast.  Without hesitation she called out in a loud voice,

"When she is fifteen years old, the Princess shall prick herself with a spindle and shall fall down dead!"

Then without another word, she turned and left the hall. The guests were horrified and the Queen fell to the floor sobbing, but the twelfth fairy, whose wish was still not spoken, quietly stepped forward.  Her magic could not remove the curse, but she could soften it so she said,

"Nay, your daughter shall not die, but instead shall fall into a deep sleep that will last one hundred years."

Over the years, the promises of the fairies came true -- one by one.  The Princess grew to be beautiful, modest, kind and clever.  Everyone who saw her could not help but love her.

The King and Queen were determined to prevent the curse placed on the Princess by the spiteful fairy and sent out a command that all the spindles in the whole kingdom should be destroyed.  No one in the kingdom was allowed to tell the Princess of the curse that had been placed upon her for they did not want her to worry or be sad.

On the morning of her fifteenth birthday, the Princess awoke early -- excited to be another year older.  She was up so early in the morning, that she realized everyone else still slept.  The Princess roamed through the halls trying to keep herself occupied until the rest of the castle awoke.  She wandered about the whole place, looking at rooms and halls as she pleased and at last she came to an old tower.  She climbed the narrow, winding staircase and reached a little door.  A rusty key was sticking in the lock and when she turned it, the door flew open.

In a little room sat an old woman with a spindle, busily spinning her flax.  The old woman was so deaf that she had never heard the King's command that all spindles should be destroyed.

"Good morning, Granny," said the Princess, "what are you doing?"

"I am spinning," said the old woman.

"What is the thing that whirls round so merrily?" asked the Princess and she took the spindle and tried to spin too.

But she had scarcely touched the spindle when it pricked her finger.  At that moment she fell upon the bed which was standing near and lay still in a deep sleep.

The King, Queen and servants had all started their morning routines and right in the midst of them fell asleep too.  The horses fell asleep in the stable, the dogs in the yard, the doves on the roof and the flies on the wall.  Even the fire in the hearth grew still and went to sleep.  The kitchen maid, who sat with a chicken before her, ready to pluck its feathers, fell asleep.  The cook was in the midst of scolding the kitchen boy for a mess he'd made but they both fell fast asleep.  The wind died down and on the trees in front of the castle not a leaf stirred.

Round the castle a hedge of brier roses began to grow up.  Every year it grew higher until at last nothing could be seen of the sleeping castle.

There was a legend in the land about the lovely Sleeping Beauty, as the King's daughter was called, and from time to time Princes came and tried to force their way through the hedge and into the castle.  But they found it impossible for the thorns, as though they were alive, grabbed at them and would not let them through.

After many years a Prince came again to the country and heard an old man tell the tale of the castle which stood behind the brier hedge and the beautiful Princess who had slept within for a hundred years.  He heard also that many Princes had tried to make it through the brier hedge but none had succeeded and many had been caught in it and died.

The the young Prince said, "I am not afraid.  I must go and see this Sleeping Beauty."

The good old man did all in his power to persuade him not to go, but the Prince would not listen.

Now the hundred years were just ended.  When the Prince approached the brier hedge it was covered with beautiful large roses.  The shrubs made way for him of their own accord and let him pass unharmed.

In the courtyard, the Prince saw the horses and dogs lying asleep.  On the roof sat the sleeping doves with their heads tucked under their wings.  When he went into the house, the flies were asleep on the walls and the servants asleep in the halls.  Near the throne lay the King and Queen, sleeping peacefully beside each other.  In the kitchen the cook, the kitchen boy and the kitchen maid all slept with their heads resting on the table.

The Prince went on farther.  All was so still that he could hear his own breathing.  At last he reached the tower and opened the door into the little room where the Princess was asleep.  There she lay, looking so beautiful that he could not take his eyes off her.  He bent down and gave her a kiss.  As he touched her, Sleeping Beauty opened her eyes and smiled up at him.

Throughout the castle, everyone and everything woke up and looked at each other with astonished eyes.  Within the month, the Prince and Sleeping Beauty were married and lived happily all their lives.  

i love indonesia because...........

Indonesia

 

1. Locals

After visiting over 40 countries, I must say that the locals in Indonesia are super friendly. Unlike other places in Asia, the Indonesians are incredibly genuine without wanting something in return.

They are hospitable and treat everyone with respect (as long as you give the same respect back), and they do their best to make you feel comfortable and enjoy their country.

Even the border control personnel smiled and welcomed us, despite the fact that we needed help with the visa. They were helpful and not grumpy as many other border controls can be.

2. The food

Indonesian food is known for its many flavors and great range. Some well-known favorites that one shouldn’t miss are the Chicken Satay, Nasi Goreng, Mie Goreng, Rendang, Soto mie, and Nasi Kuning.

Moreover, the food is cheap, and whether you choose street food or restaurant, you will get high-quality dishes with flavors you’ve never tasted before.

3. Exciting culture

Since Indonesia is a big country, there are plenty of different cultures to experience, and there are plenty of various dances and musical styles. No matter where you go in Indonesia, you can be prepared to meet a new and exciting culture.

4. Thousands of islands

Bali, Komodo, and Gili islands are some of the most famous ones, but the fact is that Indonesia is almost entirely made up of islands in various sizes.

Each island has its own charm and experience to offer.

5. Cool temples

Indonesia is home to lots of temples in different styles. You’ll find both Buddhist temples and Hindu temples from various eras. Some of the most famous are located in Bali (Besakih Temple) and Java (Borobudur and Prambanan Temple).

6. Nature

Did you know that Indonesia has a fantastic nature with a rich flora and fauna? Several species and plants are endemic. If you feel like sunbathing and swimming, there are also plenty of paradise beaches, both wild and more touristy beaches. Indonesia is also home to a vast rainforest (the largest one in Asia).

7. Affordable

Last but not least. Indonesia is a cheap and affordable destination. It is cheap to go by taxi, guided tours, transport, and accommodation. The standard is also higher than in many other Asian countries, giving you more value for money.

All this combined makes Indonesia a wonderful destination. It is not as touristy as other places, and you’ll get a more authentic experience.

The history of batik, Indonesia.

Batik

When talking about batik, we are talking about one of the traditional art forms in Indonesia that has existed for centuries. Indonesia is basically a country that manages to develop the art by creating different kinds of patterns, designs, and variants. There are lots of different kinds of batik based on the method of creation and based on the area it is created from. The history of batik has undergone lots of changes and also long journey in existence.

The word batik came from the word ambatik, which means cloth with tiny and little dots. But the word might also come from tritik, a Javanese word, which means the resisting dying process, where it has to be tied to a certain area. Batik wasn’t originally exclusive to Indonesian area only. Its existence could be traced back to about 1,500 years ago from the samples found in the Middle East, Egypt, China, India, Japan, and even West Africa. If seen from the textile patterns that exist on stone statues on Javanese temples – such as on Prambanan or Borobudur temple, it is easy to assume that batik had existed in Indonesia since the ancient time. However, there are no conclusive proofs or findings that saying that the patterned designs on the stones were truly batik.

Most experts believe that Indonesian Javanese batik is one of the most intricate designs that are ever created. Based on the data and the findings, this kind of batik design possibly existed after the creation of finely woven cloth, which had to be imported from India around the 1800s. It is only logical that after the similar cloth was also imported from Europe around 1815, the creation of such intricate design could start.

Some people believe that batik was a part of Javanese royalty’s life because some patterns were created only to be worn by the noble people. It is also possible that the royal life inspired the creation of the design and pattern. Since the noble families were also recognized as the patrons of the traditional arts, the development and the creation of many designs and patterns of batik managed to flourish. Not only these noble families protected the batik, they also protected the leather puppets – or the wayang kulit. The leather puppets were often painted in various designs to create nice illusion of clothing, so the common people or rakyat back then used to buy the puppets to imitate the clothing pattern.

Rendang is the best food in the world

Rendang

Rendang ( hot and spicy beef curry) is a signature dish from Padang, a region in West Sumatra Island, and has become a traditional cuisine in Indonesia, especially during Eid-al-Fitr (end of Ramadhan) celebration. Oftentimes, each region adds different ingredients to season the rendang. However, the main spice ingredients are the same.

Rendang is often served with steamed rice, ketupat or kupat (a compressed rice cake), and lemang (made from glutinous rice, coconut milk and salt, and cooked in a hollowed out bamboo stick lined with banana leaves), accompanied with other side dishes such as opor (a chicken curry), sambal goreng ati (chicken liver and gizzard in spicy coconut milk), tumis kacang panjang (long bean stir fry), and of course, topped with sambal bajak (a very spicy but sweet chili).

Directions

1.    Cut meat into 20 1-inch pieces.

2.    Pour in the coconut milk into a pan/wok, and then add the spice paste (ground spices), lemon grass, “asam kandis,” turmeric leaves, and kaffir lime leaves into a pan/wok.

3.    While stirring, bring to a boil, and then reduce the heat to medium-low.

4.    Stir occasionally until the meat is fork-tender.

5.    Should the sauce take longer to thicken, remove the meat.

6.    Continue to stir to make sure the sauce does not burn or stick to the bottom of the pan/wok, and take out the “asam kandis” (gamboge tree”, “egg tree”, “sour magosteen”, “conchin-goraka”).

7.    After the sauce thickens and is dark brown and oily, put the meat back into the pan/wok.

8.    Stir the meat and the sauce until well-blended, and take out the “asam kandis” (gamboge tree”, “egg tree”, “sour magosteen”, “conchin-goraka”).

9.                  Continue cooking until thickened to your liking, dry or a little bit wet, and then remove from the heat.

Note:

o    To make a good “rendang”, you need 1500 ml coconut milk from mature coconuts. Make two batches. For the first batch, make 500 ml of fresh coconut milk, no water added, from the grated coconut, and put it aside. Then, make a second batch, adding water to the rest of the grated coconut, to make another 1000 ml of coconut milk.

o    If you use canned coconut milk, sautée the ground spices first.

o    Use beef tenderloin if you want to cook faster and to have rich and tender “rendang” meat.

o    In several areas of West Sumatra, it is optional to add Indonesian curry paste.

o    If you want, you can add ½ to 1 tablespoon of Indonesian curry paste (to taste).

Easy Fried Rice

How To Make Fried Rice

An easy and delicious fried rice that will go perfectly to any chinese dish!

Ingredients

·      3 cups cooked rice *

·      2 Tbs sesame oil

·      1 small white onion, chopped

·      1 cup frozen peas and carrots, thawed

·      2-3 Tablespoons soy sauce (more or less to taste)

·      2 eggs, lightly beaten

·      2 Tbsp chopped green onions (optional)

Instructions

1.    Preheat a large skillet or wok to medium heat. Pour sesame oil in the bottom. Add white onion and peas and carrots and fry until tender.

2.    Slide the onion, peas and carrots to the side, and pour the beaten eggs onto the other side. Using a spatula, scramble the eggs. Once cooked, mix the eggs with the vegetable mix.

3.    Add the rice to the veggie and egg mixture. Pour the soy sauce on top. Stir and fry the rice and veggie mixture until heated through and combined. Add chopped green onions if desired.

Notes

* For the rice they suggest day old rice. I usually cook mine in the morning or night before and refrigerate. It will still taste great if you are not able to do this.

Justin Bieber - Biography

JUSTIN BIEBER

Justin Bieber is a Canadian pop star who was discovered via YouTube.

“My world got very big, very fast and based on a lot of sad examples—people expect me to get lost in it.”

—Justin Bieber

Synopsis

Born in 1994 in Stratford, Ontario, Canada, to a single mother, Justin Bieber took second place in a local talent competition at a young age and later turned into a YouTube phenomenon. He signed a record contract with Usher and became the first solo artist to have four singles enter the Top 40 before the release of a debut album. His album My World has gone platinum in several countries, though he later experienced a ton of media exposure resulting from offensive activity. He nonetheless made his comeback in 2015 with his first No. 1 song, "What Do You Mean?"

Childhood

Born on March 1, 1994, in the small town of Stratford, Ontario, Canada, Justin Bieber was raised by a single mom. Bieber, whose debut album, My World, hit stores in November 2009, is a true overnight success, having gone from an unknown, untrained singer whose mother posted YouTube clips of her boy performing, to a budding superstar with a big-time record deal, all in just two years.

Bieber always had an interest in music. His mother gave him a drum kit for his second birthday and, as he tells it, he was "basically banging on everything I could get my hands on."

YouTube Sensation

But it was an obscure talent contest in his hometown, in which the 12-year-old Bieber finished second that put him on the road to superstardom. As a way to share his singing with family, Justin and his mom began posting clips of Bieber performing covers of Stevie Wonder, Michael Jackson and Ne-Yo on YouTube.

Within months, Justin was an Internet sensation, with a large following of fans and an eager manager arranging for the teenager to fly to Atlanta to consider a record deal. There, Bieber had a chance meeting with Usher, who eventually signed the young singer to a contract.

Fix You lyrics

Fix You – Coldplay

When you try your best, but you don't succeed

When you get what you want, but not what you need

When you feel so tired, but you can't sleep

Stuck in reverse

When the tears come streaming down your face

When you lose something you can't replace

When you love someone, but it goes to waste

Could it be worse?
Lights will guide you home

And ignite your bones

And I will try to fix you
High up above or down below

When you too in love to let it go

If you never try you will never know

Just what your worth
Lights will guide you home

And ignite your bones

And I will try to fix you
Tears stream down your face

When you lose something you cannot replace

Tears stream down on your face

And I..
Tears stream down your face

I promise you

I will learn from my mistakes

Tears stream down on your face

And I..
Lights will guide you home

And ignite your bones

And i will try to fix you

Top 4

4 Places I Want To Visit

1.      Venice, Italy

I don’t think I have to explain why I want to go to Venice as it is one the most magical places in the world. Given my love for Italy, I just know how much I would love Venice. It would be the perfect spot for the honeymoon we never had.

2.      Alaska

I’ve heard that there is no place like Alaska. You can imagine how it would be but once you see it, it creates such a powerful feeling; the natural vastness, the way of living… It really peaks my curiosity.

3. Tokyo, Japan

Japan interests me. I like the people and I love the food. I would love to experience some authentic, underground, Japanese food, and I would love to go during Sakura season. I can imagine how being surrounded by the pink colored rows of trees would make me feel happy inside. I’d like to submerge myself in the local culture, tea ceremonies, markets, and temples. I am always in the mood for traveling (caught the travel bug long time ago and can’t seem to be cured of it), but after writing this and looking at tons of stunning images of these places I’m really in the mood for traveling.

4. Patagonia, Chile/Argentina

I have never visited my Hispanic neighbors in South America, and though there are many places I’d like to visit, Patagonia is in the top. Patagonia is a region comprised of both Chilean and Argentinian territories including a big part of the Andes, deserts, and both the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans on the coasts. I’d specifically love to visit Tierra del Fuego, the southernmost tip of South America. Once again, the natural vast beauty int his area is something I’d like to experience.

Story Telling: Malin Kundang

Long time ago, in a small village near the beach in West Sumatera, lived a woman and her son, Malin Kundang. Malin including a smart kid but a bit naughty. After growing up, He thought to make a living in the country side in hopes of later on when returning home, he was already a wealthy man, so he said to his mother, “Mother, I want to be a rich man, so I want to go to the country side. Please release me.” His mother was originally less agrees with Malin Kundang, but she finally agreed though with a heavy heart. His mother said, "My son, if you have succeeded , don't you forget about your mother and this village, son,"

In country side, he worked diligently. With tenacity and perseverance in work, Malin gradually managed to become a wealthy man. It has a lot of merchant ships with men of more than 100 people. And then, Malin Kundang marry a girl to be his wife.

After a long time, Malin and his wife went to his village. His mother recognize him and then hugged malin and said, "Malin Kundang, my son, why did you go so long without sending any news?". But do you know what happens then? Malin Kundang immediately release her mother's arms and pushed it down. "Hey woman! How dare you claim to be my mother. Don’t you see? I’m a rich man, and you? You’re just an old, poor, and dirty woman!" said Malin Kundang to his mother. Malin Kundang pretended not to recognize his mother, embarrassed by her mother was old and wearing tattered clothes. "Is she your mother?",asked his wife. "No, she was just a beggar who pretended as my mother to get my property," said Malin to his wife.

She is very sad. She is not expected Him to be a rebellious child. And then, she said while crying, "Oh God, if he is my son, I curse he became a rock". Suddenly, a thunderstorm came. Not long after that, Malin's body slowly becomes stiff and eventually finally shaped into a rock.

And the lesson in this story is, as children, we must respect to our parents. Because every word that our parents say is a prayer for us.

Imagination lyrics

Imagination – Shawn Mendes

oh, there she goes again,
every morning it’s the same
you walk on by my house
i wanna call out your name

i want to tell you how beautiful you are
from where i’m standing
you got me thinking what we could be ’cause

i keep craving, craving, you don’t know it but it’s true
can’t get my mouth to say the words they want to say to you
this is typical of love
can’t wait anymore, i won’t wait i need to tell you
how i feel when i see us together forever

in my dreams you’re with me
we’ll be everything i want us to be
and from there, who knows?
maybe this will be the night that we kiss for the first time
or is that just me and my imagination?

we walk, we laugh, we spend our time
walking by the ocean side
our hands are gently intertwined
a feeling i just can’t describe

all this time we spent alone, thinking we could not
belong to something so d*mn beautiful
so d*mn beautiful

i keep craving, craving, you don’t know it, but it’s true
can’t get my mouth to say the words they want to say to you
this is typical of love
can’t wait anymore, i won’t wait i need to tell you how i feel when i see
us together forever

in my dreams, you’re with me
we’ll be everything i want us to be
and from there, who knows?
maybe this will be the night that we kiss for the first time
or is that just me and my imagination

imagination
imagination

in my dreams, you’re with me
we’ll be everything i want us to be
and from there, who knows?
maybe this will be the night that we kiss for the first time
or is that just me and my imagination?

i keep craving, craving, you don’t know it, but it’s true
can’t get my mouth to say the words they want to say to you