A mix of square and broken tile pieces seen at Hundertwasser Village in Vienna.
Also in Vienna, pretty doors decorated with square design panels.
This shot was taken in Shanghai. Square tiles brightly lit up creating a dazzling display of lights.
Friday, April 29, 2011
PhotoHunt - Square
A mix of square and broken tile pieces seen at Hundertwasser Village in Vienna.
Also in Vienna, pretty doors decorated with square design panels.
This shot was taken in Shanghai. Square tiles brightly lit up creating a dazzling display of lights.
Thursday, April 28, 2011
Skywatch - A glimpse of sky
A street shrine framed with stone and surrounded by trees in Salzburg. The caption on top to the shrine says "Jesus Christus in Ewigkeit, Amen!". I don't know too much about shrines, but I find it very intriguing. I'd like to know the story behind this place, but unable to find information about it anywhere. If anyone knows, I would appreciate if you can can shed some light on the image inside this shrine.
Skywatch
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
My World - Basilica Cistern, Istanbul
A visit to the Basilica Cistern was an unintended visit, but glad we decided to go at the last minute. The underground cistern is a short distance away from the Blue mosque and it was built in the 6th century. It used to store water for the city, but was forgotten and left unattended until the Ottomans conquered the city. The cistern was rediscovered in the 16th century and then used to water the gardens of Topkapi Palace.
There are 336 marble columns, compose of 12 rows of 28 columns each and it has the capacity of of holding 80,000 cubic metres of water.
The place is dimly lit, slightly eerie and very dramatic in a delightful way. The sounds of soft classical music and the constant water dripping sends shivers down our spines but trust me, it's still worth a visit.
Even though the walkway seems to be quite dark, I was glad to be able to take a few good shots under low light conditions. I discovered that some scenes from the James Bond movie 'From Russia with Love' were filmed here too.
It's also interesting to see fish swimming in the shallow water beneath the walkways. And at the end of the tour you can also throw a coin or two and make a wish .
Whilst walking along the walkways we came across the bases of two columns blocks carved with the face of Medusa. One has been placed upside down and the other in side way.
I bet most of you have heard legendary stories of the Gorgon Medusa. She had snakes on her head and everyone who looked at her would turned to stone. I guess the heads placed in this manner could have provided protection from her evil glare! There's more to the legend, or Greek mythology, but it seems like the stories of Medusa are often contradictory, so it's difficult to tell which myth is correct.
We spent around 30 minutes wandering around taking pictures. And it's a refreshing change from the usual tourist hotspots that we've visited but the only thing to beware of are the signs warning you about the slippery steps and they're not kidding!
That's My World
There are 336 marble columns, compose of 12 rows of 28 columns each and it has the capacity of of holding 80,000 cubic metres of water.
The place is dimly lit, slightly eerie and very dramatic in a delightful way. The sounds of soft classical music and the constant water dripping sends shivers down our spines but trust me, it's still worth a visit.
Even though the walkway seems to be quite dark, I was glad to be able to take a few good shots under low light conditions. I discovered that some scenes from the James Bond movie 'From Russia with Love' were filmed here too.
It's also interesting to see fish swimming in the shallow water beneath the walkways. And at the end of the tour you can also throw a coin or two and make a wish .
Whilst walking along the walkways we came across the bases of two columns blocks carved with the face of Medusa. One has been placed upside down and the other in side way.
I bet most of you have heard legendary stories of the Gorgon Medusa. She had snakes on her head and everyone who looked at her would turned to stone. I guess the heads placed in this manner could have provided protection from her evil glare! There's more to the legend, or Greek mythology, but it seems like the stories of Medusa are often contradictory, so it's difficult to tell which myth is correct.
We spent around 30 minutes wandering around taking pictures. And it's a refreshing change from the usual tourist hotspots that we've visited but the only thing to beware of are the signs warning you about the slippery steps and they're not kidding!
That's My World
Sunday, April 24, 2011
Today's Flowers - Happy Easter!
In the spirit of Easter, I'd like to wish everyone who is celebrating the special occasion a blessed day and may this day be filled with lots of love, lots of fun and do enjoy your time with family and friends!
This is a giant Easter egg displayed at the courtyard of the Baroque Schonbrunn Palace in Vienna.
A closer look at Easter egg decorated with primrose
colourful and wonderfully decorated Easter eggs. It's a feast for the eyes.
Today's Flowers
This is a giant Easter egg displayed at the courtyard of the Baroque Schonbrunn Palace in Vienna.
A closer look at Easter egg decorated with primrose
colourful and wonderfully decorated Easter eggs. It's a feast for the eyes.
Today's Flowers
Saturday, April 23, 2011
PhotoHunt - Dusty
While visiting Dubai last year, we were caught in a sudden sandstorm and the air was not only dusty but extremely dry. It was definitely an unpleasant experience for everyone and it would really be tough for kids with allergies or asthma.
PhotoHunt
PhotoHunt
Thursday, April 21, 2011
Skywatch - Happy Earth Day
In honour of Earth week, I'm featuring a compilation of my favourite shots of nature's wonders. It reminds me of just how beautiful the earth is, and how important it is to to protect and preserve the environment. I think Earth Day should be everyday and it shouldn’t be seen as just another day in our calendar.
We should always go green, recycle, use less plastic and avoid pollution to combat global warming. Let's get conscious about our planet a little bit more so that these same wonders will be here for our children and future generations to enjoy.
Skywatch
We should always go green, recycle, use less plastic and avoid pollution to combat global warming. Let's get conscious about our planet a little bit more so that these same wonders will be here for our children and future generations to enjoy.
Skywatch
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
Sunday, April 17, 2011
My World - Venetian Masks
A wide variety of beautifully designed masks on display at shops and stalls in Venice. Not my kind of thing but they are perfect for carnival and masquerade parties.
Are you a mask lover? Do you collect masks?
That's My World
Are you a mask lover? Do you collect masks?
That's My World
Friday, April 15, 2011
PhotoHunt- Road
There is lush greenery all along the roads in Penang and I love it.
As part of on-going efforts to enhance the city's greenery ambience, the City Council has adopted various concepts and carried out numerous activities in its greening efforts along walkways and roadsides in Penang. With all the towering buildings and the construction works going on in the city, it's great that these trees add a nice touch to the roads and environment.
PhotoHunt
Thursday, April 14, 2011
Skywatch - Sunset Silhouettes
Here's how the sky looked like when I arrived home from work a few days ago. What a lovely way to end the day. Sweet dreams.
Skywatch
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
Monday, April 11, 2011
My World - Chinese All Souls' Day
It has been a yearly tradition for Chinese community to pay respect to their ancestors during the QingMing Festival also known as Chinese All Souls' Day. The festival falls on April 5th every year but the ritual can be conducted 10 days before or 10 days after the date.
We gathered at the Unique Memorial Park in Kedah to offer prayers and to pay homage to my late father-in-law last week.
Specially prepared dishes, fruits and dumplings were being offered to the soul of my father in law. The food offerings are later shared among family members.
I don't know how true this can be but some Chinese believe paper money and material possessions are burnt to enable the departed to live comfortably in the afterlife.
I know burning incense papers is not environmental friendly but it has been a Chinese religious practice that has been handed down through centuries.
While prayers are being conducted, I take a leisurely look around the wonderful landscape.
Divided into several zones, the park is decorated with Chinese-inspired architecture, lovely setting and an environment that evokes peace and relaxation.
We're pleased with the quality service of the memorial park and we feel really good about his final resting place. It made a difficult time in our lives easier. I know my father in law is happily resting here too.
That's My World
We gathered at the Unique Memorial Park in Kedah to offer prayers and to pay homage to my late father-in-law last week.
Specially prepared dishes, fruits and dumplings were being offered to the soul of my father in law. The food offerings are later shared among family members.
I don't know how true this can be but some Chinese believe paper money and material possessions are burnt to enable the departed to live comfortably in the afterlife.
I know burning incense papers is not environmental friendly but it has been a Chinese religious practice that has been handed down through centuries.
While prayers are being conducted, I take a leisurely look around the wonderful landscape.
Divided into several zones, the park is decorated with Chinese-inspired architecture, lovely setting and an environment that evokes peace and relaxation.
We're pleased with the quality service of the memorial park and we feel really good about his final resting place. It made a difficult time in our lives easier. I know my father in law is happily resting here too.
That's My World
Friday, April 8, 2011
PhotoHunt - Angsana trees in bloom
Many parts of the streets have come alive in a burst of scent and colour after the angsana trees started blooming along the roads in Penang.
They have been putting on a show for us over the past few weeks and they show no signs of stopping just yet.
Some trees have already flowered and finished, but I also noticed that some trees were just beginning to flower, or on the downside of flowering but with tons of blossoms left.
They bloom unexpectedly for just one day, then fall the next morning, showering sidewalks with a carpet of flowers.
The blooming season begins from February and ends in May but I wish the blooming period could last longer so we have more time to enjoy them.
I absolutely like the intoxicating smell of the flowers, and it's kinda sad when they finished blooming.
Here's a close up of some Angsana flowers.
PhotoHunt
They have been putting on a show for us over the past few weeks and they show no signs of stopping just yet.
Some trees have already flowered and finished, but I also noticed that some trees were just beginning to flower, or on the downside of flowering but with tons of blossoms left.
They bloom unexpectedly for just one day, then fall the next morning, showering sidewalks with a carpet of flowers.
The blooming season begins from February and ends in May but I wish the blooming period could last longer so we have more time to enjoy them.
I absolutely like the intoxicating smell of the flowers, and it's kinda sad when they finished blooming.
Here's a close up of some Angsana flowers.
PhotoHunt
Thursday, April 7, 2011
Skywatch - Night views of Shanghai Bund
Every time I visit Shanghai I would paid a visit to the Bund which is one of the most recognisable symbols of this spectacular city. It is not only impressive in the day time, it's also a great spot to enjoy Shanghai's night life when the buildings sparkle and shine with hundreds of flashing lights.
The Bund houses dozens of historical buildings of various architectural styles lining the Huangpu River.
Together with the locals and tourists, we stood on the waterfront promenade overlooking the Huangpu River and marveled at the multi-coloured lights of Pudong on the other side of the river.
Standing tall above the rest is The Oriental Pearl Tower that is quintessentially Shanghai. The night was quite foggy but I like the misty atmosphere I captured in this shot.
While gazing across the river, we noticed different cargo vessels, tourist ferries and even small locals boats passed by the Bund. I think that adds to the charm and beauty of the entire area.
I took all these shots without a tripod, just hand held, holding my breath and I like the way they turned out. Hope you like them too.
Skywatch
The Bund houses dozens of historical buildings of various architectural styles lining the Huangpu River.
Together with the locals and tourists, we stood on the waterfront promenade overlooking the Huangpu River and marveled at the multi-coloured lights of Pudong on the other side of the river.
Standing tall above the rest is The Oriental Pearl Tower that is quintessentially Shanghai. The night was quite foggy but I like the misty atmosphere I captured in this shot.
While gazing across the river, we noticed different cargo vessels, tourist ferries and even small locals boats passed by the Bund. I think that adds to the charm and beauty of the entire area.
I took all these shots without a tripod, just hand held, holding my breath and I like the way they turned out. Hope you like them too.
Skywatch
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
Sunday, April 3, 2011
Spring blossoms
There is nothing like a touch of spring when everything comes to life with a burst of colours . I hope these pretty blooms will brighten your day and put a smile on your face.
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