Word: flora
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Dates: during 2000-2009
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With a unique ecosystem of high-altitude forest (or shola) and grassland, India's western Ghats are home to several species of endangered flora and fauna. Notable among these is the Nilgiri tahr (Hemitragus hylocrius)?a primitive species of wild goat whose only viable population breeds in captivity at Munnar's Eravikulam National Park. But the real standout is the rare and beautiful Neelakurinji plant (Strobilanthus kunthianus), which grows in abundance in and around Munnar and is best enjoyed from Top Station. This exotic shrub's flowerings are few and far between?only once every 12 years, in fact...
After ascending the stairs, restaurant-goers enter an intimate dining area tastefully decorated with white Christmas lights and Thai artwork. Figures of two women carved from teak appear to dance on large black spoons that dangle from the wall. Fresh flowers decorate each table and larger displays of bright flora emerge out of flowerpots crafted from bamboo and twine. Animated images of Asian children wearing clothes straight from The Flintstone era adorn the walls, and piped in pop music plays softly in the background. Of course, the relaxed atmosphere isn’t the main draw of Smile?...
...take the resort's boat to the uninhabited islands nearby for some of Malaysia's best diving and snorkeling. There is also a resident naturalist, former Malaysian special-forces soldier Captain Mat, who leads jungle and beach tours and prides himself on an encyclopedic knowledge of the region's flora and fauna. And from May to September, visitors can take a hotel van southward for an hour to see hawksbill turtles trundle on shore to lay their eggs. Thousands of massive leatherbacks used to haul themselves onto the beach right next to the Tanjong Jara to do the same. Sadly...
...possible to hike entirely alone?without a guide or a porter?but it's a false economy. Kamal was a font of knowledge about local culture and the unique flora and fauna I would have otherwise overlooked. He showed me how to crack open a type of mud-color river stone to reveal ancient fossils. He also pointed out ragged scars on the mountain flanks caused by landslides that not only destroy villages but take out trekking parties as well. Altitude sickness is another potential killer. I chafed at Kamal's exhortations to go slower, but soon came to heed...
...Authors who stick with the Chinese language, such as Hong Ying and Ma Jian, are able to get Western exposure thanks to diligent translators. Ma's girlfriend, Flora Drew, and Hong's husband, Henry Zhao, are their avid advocates and translators. Ma stubbornly defends his unwillingness to read or write in English: "I believe one might benefit from reading great works in English. But I haven't tried to learn English at all. I'm a genius. I write because of my talents and inspiration. I don't need another language...