How to Wrap a Peking Duck

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Lens to Table Guidelines

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Craving Comfort? The Best Dishes to Order at Mann Hann

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The Best Ways to Prepare Fresh Kiwi

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Holidays and Special Occasions | My Indoor and Outdoor Photography | Restaurant and Hotel Review

How to Wrap a Peking Duck

By on July 31, 2026

Peking duck is a renowned Chinese delicacy celebrated for its crispy skin and tender meat, exemplifying the pinnacle of Chinese culinary artistry and often savored during festive occasions. According to my research, this dish hails from Beijing and has been prepared since imperial times, revered for its distinctive cooking method that produces an exceptionally delicious flavor. The skin of the duck is most enjoyable when served hot and crispy, providing a delightful crunch with each bite.

The Peking duck is in good shape,well-cooked and the aroma is awesome.

The duck was neatly cut into even slices by the server. Started with the breast diagonally towards him holding the wing with the fork and cut through the outer layer of the breast into the joint.

Cutting the breast in thin slices parallel with the breastbone and repeating with the other side.It looks like very easy to cut because the knife is sharp, that’s the secret of cutting it neatly.

The thin flesh was carefully arranged in a circular shape following the edge of the plate on a big white plate with the crispy skin at the center or it work both ways. You can see the difference from the photos up and down. The duck flesh at the center and the crispy skin on the edge of the plate or vice versa.

After the cutting and preparation, the Whole plate of Peking duck transferred to our table along with the tortilla, stalks of spring onions and the sweet hoisin sauce.

At our recent event at Peking Garden, we enjoyed this dish and I managed to take a few photos to share the steps for wrapping a Peking duck.

Lay few strips of Peking duck flesh on a tortilla wrapper, followed by the stalk of spring onions, add a spoon of sweet Hoisin sauce on top.

Finally, gently wrap the tortilla wrapper around the duck and fillings to make it sure it is tightly secured.

Almost done, I’m leaving one end open to show the filling inside.

Following the final wrapping of the Peking duck, I am now prepared to enjoy it. The wrapping process was quite simple, and the flavor is extraordinarily delightful. I find myself unable to resist having a second serving.

I’ve tasted Peking Duck from different restaurants before but these, nothing can equal the flavor, I’ve never tasted like it before. So far, the best among the rest.

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My Indoor and Outdoor Photography | Technology/ Learning Tips

Lens to Table Guidelines

By on July 29, 2026

I’ve been thinking about how much time has changed lately. It’s become pretty common for people to take photos of their food at the dinner table, often making that the top priority instead of saying grace (praying) ,which sometimes gets pushed to the side or even skipped altogether. Lens Before Bread, this shift is evident across both younger and older generations largely due to the prevalence of smartphones and social media. Of course, there are still families where prayer remains a standard practice with some choosing to put their phones away to say grace together

Recently, I attended a formal gathering and observed an intriguing behavior among some younger attendees. As soon as the food was presented, they promptly took out their phones to capture a quick photograph. In some instances, their phones were already prepared and ready to shoot even before the food was served. Upon returning home, they enthusiastically share their images on social media, and due to the appealing appearance of the dishes, they frequently receive a significant number of likes and comments, occasionally even trending.This change shows how capturing moments visually has become more important than sticking to traditional or spiritual practices at the table.

Numerous individuals who cherish the practice of saying grace often do so quietly while others are busy taking pictures, thus preserving their personal tradition despite the surrounding distractions. In some families, one quick photo is permitted, but the phone must be completely set aside before grace is recited and the meal starts. Many people who still appreciate saying grace simply choose to do it.

There should be established rules regarding the use of lenses at the table for everyone.We all need to adhere to some Lens to table rules.

What about you? Is this something you do too?

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Home cooking/ Delicious recipes/Fruits/Desserts/Salad/Decorative Ideas | My Indoor and Outdoor Photography | Restaurant and Hotel Review

Craving Comfort? The Best Dishes to Order at Mann Hann

By on July 28, 2026

It’s Sunday once again and our family eagerly anticipates this day as it offers a break from our work routines. This day serves as a wonderful opportunity for us to bond as a complete family. We attend mass together, and afterward, we enjoy a meal at our favorite restaurant to indulge in dishes that we all love. Dining out allows us to relax, freeing us from the hassle of meal preparation and cleanup. It’s also a time for family members to converse, share positive experiences, and reconnect. This week, after mass, we visited our favorite restaurant, Mann Hann at the Estancia branch. Mann Hann is a well-loved casual dining restaurant chain in the Philippines, recognized for its affordable and comforting Filipino-Chinese dishes. This has been our favorite dining spot for many years, Sometimes, we don’t just go to Mann Hann on Sundays; we visit whenever we crave their warm, comforting food starting with the Mann Hann branch in Megamall, and later trying out the Greenfields branch and Mann Hann in Quezon City. When the Estancia branch opened, we all agreed it was the perfect place to dine, as it’s conveniently within walking distance from our home.

As always, it’s Mann Hann for our Sunday dinner. We are a family of five, and it’s great that this Sunday is so wonderful because there’s no line here. We usually have to wait for our numbers to be called for our turn. This is a rare occasion when the restaurant isn’t full. It can get really boring and frustrating to wait when we’re hungry

The waitress brought us the menu, but as regular customers of this restaurant, we are already familiar with its offerings, even without glancing at the menu. We simply ordered our all-time favorites and decided to add a few more dishes to try. We’ve sampled nearly everything on the menu before; it just comes down to what we’re craving tonight

Here, we have additional courses to enjoy, along with a few more from our usual orders. Some items aren’t quite enough to share among five people. As a family, we prefer larger orders to ensure there’s enough for everyone

House Tea

As a customary in many Chinese restaurants, we commenced our meal with house tea which is a complimentary beverage to initiate the dining experience. Tea is commonly served in many traditional restaurants in Philippines.

Maki Soup

We began our orders with Maki soup, dinner is not complete without soup as the first course. This dish has its roots in Binondo Chinatown and has become a favored item in many Chinese eateries. Maki soup is a rich and soothing soup made with soft pork chunks and egg white.

The soup was first served primarily and divided divided equally into 5 bowls.

Yang Chao Fried Rice

We ordered a second round, starting with Yang Chao fried rice. This particular fried rice is our favorite flavor in comparison to other cooking methods. Yang Chao fried rice is a classic dish featuring a vibrant mix of shrimp, pork, vegetables, and egg. It has a unique flavor, especially when served hot. Sometimes, when our appetite is really strong, one serving isn’t enough, which is why we usually order a machang alongside our first dish.

Machang

Machang is a Chinese Filipino dish made of sticky glutinous rice which is wrapped in leaves and filled with pork or chicken, Chinese sausage, mushrooms, and chestnuts. It is also my personal favorite.

Beef Broccoli

A delectable dish featuring tender, thinly sliced beef and fresh broccoli florets, all combined in a savory oyster sauce. It pairs exceptionally well with Yang Chow fried rice

Fried Squid Head

A well-loved fried squid head is quite renowned in Mann Hann. This savory dish is crispy on the outside and soft on the inside typically served alongside anchovies. If you glance at other tables, you’ll notice they are also ordering this dish indicating it’s a favorite among patrons.

Lechon Macau

Lechon Macau is a super popular Filipino-Chinese dish featuring roast pork belly that’s crispy on the outside and tender on the inside with a beautiful golden brown color.

Oyster Cake

We began ordering this Oyster cake at SM Megmall back when branch in Estancia wasn’t open yet. It was one of the first original items on the menu. Even now, we still adore the same Oyster cake.

Cereal Prawns

A deliciously addictive flavor that everyone enjoys.The prawn was cut along its back which enabled the seasoning and flavor to permeate completely. This is the reason it was so tasty despite the shell remaining intact.

We concluded our meal with a dessert: Mann Hann’s Chilled Taho, which offers a cold, smooth, and sweet treat.

We introduced a convenient meal-sharing option that everyone enjoys. Almost all the food at Mann Hann is delicious. Whatever you order is sure to be a hit. You’ll definitely love the taste.

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Home cooking/ Delicious recipes/Fruits/Desserts/Salad/Decorative Ideas | My Indoor and Outdoor Photography

The Best Ways to Prepare Fresh Kiwi

By on July 27, 2026

Kiwi fruit is also known as “Chinese Gooseberries.” There are two varieties of kiwi: the green kiwi and the golden kiwi. The green kiwi features fuzzy, brown skin and an oval shape. Its interior boasts a vibrant emerald green hue, accompanied by a cluster of black seeds that create a rounded appearance, enhancing its visual appeal. Conversely, the golden kiwi possesses smooth skin and a pointed tip, containing red and black seeds within. The green kiwi is frequently utilized in fruit salads and can also be incorporated into green salads, serving as a refreshing snack. It is versatile enough to be used in shakes, smoothies, sorbets, jams, tarts, baking ingredients, meat tenderizer and sarsa, or as an exquisite dessert for any meal including as a salad topping. Consuming it in its raw form is the most enjoyable way to savor it. Nevertheless, both varieties offer identical nutritional advantages.

I’ve made some salads with kiwis; some are simple, while others are topped with them. I like to cut them into rounded shapes, bite-sized pieces, wedges, or quarters, depending on how I plan to use them. I can also prepare individual servings and simple rounded slices on a plate.

Like other fresh fruits, kiwis are best enjoyed in their natural form.

The advantages of consuming kiwi fruit are notable. It is recommended to eat kiwi in the morning to enhance energy levels, after meals to support digestion, and one hour prior to bedtime to promote better sleep.Try these for a fresh twist every day.

I had a blast getting kiwi fruits and other fruits from my fridge ready for today. By combining various fruits, I managed to whip up a fun mix for something different.The vibrant festive appearance and the bright green hue of kiwi fruit are just as delightful as its flavor. Kiwi fruits as a perfect snacks, good for outings and picnics.

 For a rounded or wheel cuts. An oval piece makes it into 6 slices.

 Kiwi with other fresh fruits

Strawberry fan using kiwi

Grill kiwi alongside some other fruits for a tasty treat

Enhancing a fruit shake with kiwi decoration

Presenting kiwi alongside other fruits, each in its own designated section on a plate

Kiwi cut in half-moon shapes

Note: Kiwis can be stored and refrigerated up to 4 to 5 days.

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My Indoor and Outdoor Photography | Travel and Adventure

Would you dare to snack on these crispy crickets?

By on July 25, 2026

When we visited the Chiang Mai Night Bazaar in Thailand, it was buzzing with energy filled with tourists, the bright neon lights and loud music created a lively atmosphere. People strolled through rows of stalls, picking up affordable goods and local street food. It was definitely a bustling market. In here, you’ll discover vendors with carts brimming with fried insects along the bustling tourist area of Chang Khlan Road.

While wandering through the night bazaar, we stumbled upon these intriguing carts that offered a selection of exotic insect snacks. The vendor informed us that these treats are high in protein and, according to her, they’re quite delicious. I managed to capture a few shots of crickets, grasshoppers, and silkworms, all deep-fried to a crunchy perfection. They are usually sold in bags, depending on the type of insect you wish to purchase.In Northern Thailand, locals have been enjoying these insects as a traditional food for centuries, considering them a healthy, high-protein snack.

I’m eager to give it a shot, but I’m a bit nervous since we haven’t come across this type of snack in the Philippines. I made a strong effort to resist tasting this fried insect. I imagined it would taste like popcorn but I barely managed to hold back. Would you be brave enough to snack on these crispy crickets in Chiang Mai?

Chiang Mai Night Bazaar in Thailand

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My Indoor and Outdoor Photography | Restaurant and Hotel Review | Travel and Adventure

The highlights of Saithong River Restaurant

By on July 22, 2026

During our 10-day family tour in Thailand, one of the planned itineraries included a visit to Ayutthaya to explore its stunning temples and royal palaces. A family friend, who is Thai, guided us to various tourist attractions. The tour commenced in the morning, and we began with the must-see attractions starting with the first temple, Wat Mahathat, followed by Wat Phra Si Sanphet and Wat Chaiwatthanaram. We thoroughly enjoyed moving from one temple to another. we were all exhausted after a long day of walking It was nearly lunchtime when we completed our visit to the three temples, we find ourselves feeling quite hungry and we decided to look for a restaurant where we could dine. Our family friend then brought us to one of the most renowned restaurants in Ayutthaya. The Saithong River Restaurant is a well-known Thai establishment situated on the banks of the Chao Phraya River, famous for its riverside seating and large, fresh river prawns.

In Ayutthaya, Saithong River Restaurant presents a serene waterfront dining experience with options for both indoor and outdoor seating.

The Restaurant is set up around a massive banyan tree and often showcases local musicians playing both Thai and Western hits from Friday to Sunday nights. Known for its genuine Thai dishes, affordable prices, and stunning spot right on the Chao Phraya River, this floating eatery is a favorite among both locals and visitors.

The place offers outdoor seating by the river or a comfy air-conditioned dining room. You can pick what you prefer! While the indoor space is cozy, we opted for the beautiful riverfront seating since it’s much cooler outside. Dining open air is relaxing. What I usually notice here is the river, the water looks a bit murky and there are water lilies drifting on the surface.

As we awaited the arrival of our food orders, I found pleasure in the river view that overlooked the temple near our location, with ferry boats gliding by. It was a truly beautiful and relaxing sight to keep us entertained.


The finest offerings at Saithong River Restaurant

As tourists, we are thrilled to experience traditional Thai family-style cuisine.The waitress presented us with the menu, and naturally, we asked our Thai friend to suggest or recommend the best dishes at this restaurant. We also decided to order the popular specialty of the restaurant.For lunch, we enjoyed about five different courses.

We started with the Giant Grilled Ayutthaya River Prawns. Everyone was taken aback by the prawns which had extremely long claws and their bodies were cut open like a butterfly revealing the rich body fats inside.

Everyone was surprised by the prawns, they appeared to be grilled to perfection and looked incredibly fresh. It was very delicious!

Thai cuisine focuses on balancing spicy, sour, sweet, and salty flavors. The food came promptly and was served steaming hot.

We ordered a spicy and sour Thai soup! It was the first dish to arrive and it came to the table still covered and steaming hot. We wanted a milder dish, so we asked the staff at Saithong River Restaurant to adjust the spice level to match our preference for mild spiciness.

The soup was split into 5 bowls since there are five of us, one bowl for each person.

Ho Mok Thale

This dish is my top pick out of the five served. It’s a spicy, creamy Thai curry featuring a blend of seafood like shrimp, fish, and squid, all mixed with tender young coconut, and steamed right in the coconut shell.

Check out the seafood curry right here.
It looks like this and it was incredibly delicious.

Steamed River Fish topped with Ginger and Scallions

Absolutely delicious! Steamed river fish offers a delightful and naturally sweet flavor emphasizing the authentic taste of the seafood. One of the advantages of steamed fish is that it retains essential nutrients enhances its natural flavors and requires no added oil. This makes it a healthy option.

Crispy Pan Fried River Fish Fillet

An impressive meal showcasing a crispy, golden crust and juicy, tender meat on the inside. I love it!

Here on the table, you can see the three river prawns we ordered. They’re fresh and have a wonderfully delicate taste.

Saithong River Restaurant provided warm service and a delightful riverside ambiance resulting in an excellent dining experience. I will certainly make it a point to revisit Ayutthaya and dine at the same river restaurant when we return to Bangkok. I would be more than happy to come back here to enjoy their specialties again

Whether you’re looking for a romantic dinner or a family gathering, Saithong River Restaurant provides a welcoming atmosphere and exceptional service that will leave you wanting to return.

Thank you for taking the time to read my blog!

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Arts/ Home Ideas | My Indoor and Outdoor Photography | Technology/ Learning Tips

The Craft of Carving Fruits and Vegetables

By on July 11, 2026

Note: The art of carving fruits and vegetables is a skill that combines creativity and precision. This craft allows individuals to transform ordinary produce into stunning works of art that can enhance any presentation

In the past, carving manually was quite a challenge. I relied solely on a small knife to shape fruits and vegetables for decoration. However, this often led to uneven thickness resulting in an unbalanced look. Now, I’ve learned to use the right tools effectively to ensure uniformity in size and proportion. This allows me to create a variety of attractive designs for salads and garnishes with ease.

Fruit and vegetable carving is a creative art that involves turning fresh produce into stunning decorative pieces similar to the examples I’ve shared here. This technique enhances food presentations making them both elegant and visually appealing.

This isn’t my first experience with vegetable crafts where I transform them into animal shapes using carving tools. I’ve already completed two other projects involving Melon fruit bowl and Bittergourd crocodile carvings which I shared earlier for vegetable and fruit art. In the past, I’ve also crafted various fruit carvings, including pineapple boats and bowls, watermelon and melon salad bowls, fruit farm landscapes, hello kitty , bicycles, Pequin eggplants and much more.

I really think that to get to a right level in carving and garnishing, you need the right tools for fruits and veggies which is why I got myself the basic carving tools. I’ve learned from my past carving experiences using the proper tools and techniques with a bit of imagination i can create all sorts of cool designs for my formal presentations. Additionally, the results appear neatly cut, free from any small bits left behind.

I have discovered fantastic ideas for using the right tools, like vegetable peelers, fruit shapers, flower roll carvers, cabbage shredders, and many more. By using multifunctional tools, I can achieve smooth and visually appealing shapes. In addition, the basic tools such as vegetable and fruit shape cutters are perfect for making rosettes and petal shapes that can be combined into various floral designs.

Carving Tools for Fruits and Vegetables,What vegetables are best to carve?

I can also create stunning fruit and vegetable carving from cucumbers, carrots, radishes, and zucchini, which are great for food decoration and garnishing. Before I start carving, to ensure a smooth process without any interruptions. I ensure my table is equipped with all the essential garnishing tools such as knives, various vegetable peelers, cutters and the specific vegetables I intend to carve.

When I work with courgettes, radishes, carrots, and cucumbers, I often peel off strips of skin or scrape the surface using the same tool.


This tool for carving vegetable rolls is truly remarkable, serving multiple functions and allowing for impressive shaping that highlights the essential design.

I also used rolling techniques to craft a complete carrot flower. You can create a fully formed carrot flower in both single and adjustable double flower styles.

Shredding a cabbage with the right tool is ideal for coleslaw and other salads and garnishes. I shredded the cabbage using a string design.

I applied this method to other veggies like potatoes, carrots, radishes, zucchinis, apples, green mangoes, onions, and cheese.

It’s super fun and truly satisfying to see the fruits of my labor.What are your thoughts on my fruit and vegetable creation? You might want to give this a shot! The carving tools are quite affordable and not pricey at all. Plus, you can use them for an extended period.

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Home cooking/ Delicious recipes/Fruits/Desserts/Salad/Decorative Ideas | My Indoor and Outdoor Photography | Shakes, Juices and Smoothies

How to Make a Melon Bowl

By on July 7, 2026

This is one method to prepare melon fruit for an impressive presentation on the table. Typically, I cut melon into standard shapes such as cubes, wedges, or half-moons however, this time I wish to try something different to serve to my guests. My friends have expressed a desire for melon fruit, so I have decided to put in a little extra effort to enhance my presentation. I will share with you how I accomplished this.
Today, I will demonstrate how to make a melon bowl. This process is quite easy and straightforward allowing you to make it at any time. The shell of the melon is relatively soft compared to the tough skin of a pineapple which can be quite challenging to handle. The advantage of using melons is that you can prepare them quickly especially when time is of the essence. This decorative approach will make your serving dishes more appealing and appetizing. It can be served this way for a delicious snack or a fresh fruit dessert for any meal. It looks attractive and presentable on the table.

Let’s get started!

A fresh melon, wash the fruit and dry. Cut melon in halfways.

Use a spoon to scoop out the seed. If you have a double-edged baller, you can use the other side for scooping.

This is my double-edge melon baller, which serves a dual purpose. I use one edge to create balls and the other to scoop out the seeds. I have a set of garnishing tools that includes a zester, channel knife, double-edge melon baller, butter curler, and more. These tools are incredibly helpful for crafting beautiful and neat garnishes. I purchased it for just P800.00 pesos at the supermarket.

To prepare the melon bowl, take a small sharp knife and cut a zigzag edge around the rim. It’s entirely your choice whether to do this or not. Personally, I enjoy creating the zigzag pattern, even though it requires a delicate touch. You need to measure accurately to ensure the melon stands firmly. Also, remember to slice a thin piece of rind from the base so it can stand steadily

Here is the full presentation of the melon bowl. Now, let’s take a look at the other half.

From one half, I scooped out the ball-shaped melon pieces and arranged them to fill my zigzag-patterned melon bowl.

This is the remaining half. I have scraped all the remaining flesh from melon bowl to prepare for making melon juice later .

I consider myself quite resourceful. I dislike wasting anything, especially food. I’ve saved the leftover flesh for my Melon juice later on. It’s a wonderfully refreshing drink, especially on a hot day.

Here’s the end result. It appears very clean and firm, just like this. I’ll keep this shell in the refrigerator until I need it. I can use it for other fruits in the next few days. It stays good for only 3 days in the fridge, so remember to wrap the melon shell before storing it.

Serve melon balls right in a bowl made from the melon itself!

This is the complete Melon Bowl. Isn’t it beautiful?Give this unique presentation a shot.

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Home cooking/ Delicious recipes/Fruits/Desserts/Salad/Decorative Ideas | My Indoor and Outdoor Photography | Technology/ Learning Tips

Totapuri bird shaped Mangoes

By on July 2, 2026

The Totapuri Mango, a fruit that resembles the shape of a bird is smaller in size and easily recognizable due to its prominent upward peak that closely resembles a parrot’s beak. Locally known as “Pico,” a name derived from the Spanish word for beak, it is officially named for its bird-like appearance. These mangoes served as our dessert at lunch. Even though the skin is tough and thick, I was delighted to find it incredibly sweet. Just as I was getting ready to eat, I hesitated to spoil the bird design linked to the mango despite my strong desire for sweet mangoes.

I have taken photographs of several totapuri mangoes that bear a resemblance to a bird. Here are a few images that closely resemble a parrot.

These distinctive mangoes are delightful and exhibit fascinating traits

Some fruits and vegetables naturally take on forms that resemble animals, whether through their growth patterns or botanical types. Additionally, others possess distinctive textures or shapes that often inspire imaginative animal forms. This brings to mind my previous post featuring a radish that resembles human legs.

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Arts/ Home Ideas | Gardening and Garden Insects | My Indoor and Outdoor Photography

Making a Bitter Gourd Crocodile

By on June 30, 2026

During my visit to the vegetable garden, I discovered that bitter gourd was plentiful, climbing across all the trellises and wires. There was more than enough for my cooking and an idea struck me to create a vegetable craft art piece in the form of a bitter gourd crocodile to utilize it. I took my time selecting the best form.

Bitter Gourd Crocodile is a delightful form of vegetable art specifically a popular vegetable carving craft that transforms bitter gourd into a crocodile. The uneven, rough texture and elongated shape of the bitter gourd serve as an ideal natural canvas for depicting a reptile. This is not the first occasion on which I have engaged in vegetable crafts transforming them into animal shapes. Previously, I have also successfully created fruit carvings, such as pineapple boats and bowls, watermelon and melon salad bowls, fruit farm landscapes, beautiful mini fashion dresses, bicycles, Pequin eggplants and many more. I typically pursue this activity during my free time at home particularly while waiting for my beef to cook until tender.

Materials required to make a Bitter Gourd Crocodile:

A long green bitter gourd; I selected a firm, elongated one to facilitate the crocodile shape. A small, sharp paring knife, which I have previously used for my fruit carvings. A small chopping board. A toothpick to keep the mouth open, and instead of using peppercorns, I opted for an old transparent button with a black line around the edge to resemble the eyes of a crocodile. That’s all you need.

I selected the finest gourds to ensure they were suitable for the tail and body. The elongated one was perfect for the tail, while the rounder ones were excellent for shaping the body.The shape was ideal for mimicking a crocodile’s skin and size.

This is the result of my vegetable art crafts, although it does not perfectly resemble a crocodile.

The bitter gourd plant is where I harvested everything needed to create this vegetable crocodile art. It thrived directly under the sunlight.

Creating this type of carved art was a fantastic idea for the day.

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