Our World - Penang Kek Lok Si Temple

Chinese New Year (CNY) celebrations are in full swing at Penang Kek Lok Si Temple to welcome the Year of the Dragon.

Kek Lok Si is also popularly known as Temple of Supreme Bliss and it is apparently the largest Buddhist temple in South-East Asia.

We made our way to the temple on the 4th day of CNY again after our last visit in 2009.



Red and yellow lanterns are among the many decorations at the temple.



A circular pond with seven-tier ornamental pagoda and a statue of the Buddha inside a gazebo graciously greets visitors who passed by.



This is the Ordination Hall and the Water Pavilion can be seen from a distance complete with shimmering lanterns and colourful lights.



One of the main attractions of the temple is the Pagoda of 10,000 Buddhas. There are four dragons that are being assembled at the temple to usher in the Year of the Dragon. Here is one of them, the green-coloured dragon measuring at about 36.5m (120ft) in length, standing guard over the temple’s famous pagoda.



Like other enthusiastic shutterbugs, I took tons of pictures of the imposing pagoda from all different angles. The pagoda’s architecture combines a unique mix of culture - a Chinese octagonal base, Siamese middle and a Burmese roof.



From another perspective, I also love the ornate rooftops which are dazzled in multi-coloured lights signifying happiness, hope, and prosperity to the people.



At any given day, the place is full of devotees offering prayers and seeking blessings for prosperity.



Even though I'm not a devout Buddhist, I've been captivated by the glowing Buddha statue since I was small. The details and beauty of the Buddha's peaceful face was truly inspiring.

During normal days, the visiting hours of the temple are from 8.30am to 5.30pm. However, the opening hours are extended until 12.00 midnight during the CNY festival. Many locals, tourists and community leaders turned up to watch the spectacular sight during this period where the temple is illuminated with a beautiful array of lights for 30 days following CNY.

I don't go around with a tripod so most of my night shots are hand held. Thanks to my trusty Nikon D90 camera, I'm quite pleased with the results. :) I hope you enjoy my photos too.

Our World

Happy Chinese New Year!

May the year of water dragon brings you an abundance of health, wealth and prosperity.




Queensbay Mall Penang

Photohunt - Animals and Bliss

Orang Utans enjoying their blissful moment at Singapore Zoo.



And here's a colourful mandarin duck swimming in bliss at Stadtpark Vienna.

Sandi's PhotoHunt

Gattina's PhotoHunting

Skywatch - Rome's Tiber River

This is one of the many bridges crossing the Tiber River in Rome. Glad the weather cooperated nicely giving us a rain-free, beautiful cloudscapes with gentle breezes. These are a few late afternoon views of the Tiber in spring looking towards the Vatican City and Rome.

Skywatch

Wordless Wednesday - Cookies for angry birds fans

Wordless Wednesday

Our World - Year of the Dragon

According to the chinese zodiac, the Year of the Dragon begins on 23rd January 2012 and ends on 9th February, 2013. This is also an auspicious year where a baby boom is expected in the year of dragon in anticipation of good luck.



In contrast to European dragons, which are considered evil, the chinese dragon is a symbol of power, great achievement and enormous wealth.



My son was born in the year of Dragon twelve years ago but it was just a cool coincidence. It was not an intentional pregnancy to join the dragon baby boom. I don't really pay much attention to any astrology predictions. While things like these are fun to read from time to time, they're not always accurate and I don't take them seriously. I like to believe that I'm the one who is in control of my life.

Our World

PhotoHunt - Circular & Joy

A circular fountain of Baroqoe design at Residentsplatz in Salzburg. Being a huge fan of 'The Sound of Music', I find great joy to be able to visit one of the movie locations where Julie Andrews sang "I Have Confidence" as she made her way to the Von Trapp residence for the first time.



Flower beds always bring me joy with their diverse colours, textures, and fragrance.



A sign of a famous Italian espresso coffee store spotted in Vienna. A good joy for coffee lovers.

Sandi's PhotoHunt

Gattina's PhotoHunting

Skywatch over Fullerton Hotel

One late evening at Fullerton Hotel Singapore. This is my entry for Skywatch Friday.

Wordless Wednesday - I miss snow

Moscow, Russia

Wordless Wednesday

Our World - Belvedere Palace

For this week's Our World entry, I'm taking you to Belvedere Palace in Vienna. Every aspect of my journey to Austria was a delight and I'm pleased to share with you another memorable series of photos from my trip.

Although not as huge in size as the Schonbrunn Palace, the Belvedere is still majestic in its own way. Its surroundings breathe with so much beauty and history and the architecture is also another splendid style of the Baroque era. I envy the Viennese for having such a grandeur place.


The extensive palace was built in the 17th century as a summer residence for Prince Eugene of Savoy and now is home to the Austrian Gallery.



There are actually two palaces separated by a symmetrical French style garden. The Upper Belvedere houses the collection of the 19th and 20th centuries Austrian painting collections.



The Lower Belvedere contains the Museum of Medieval Art and the Baroque Museum. Aside the paintings, the Lower Belvedere has impressive rooms, like the Marble Room, Marble Gallery, the Gold Cabinet, and the Hall of Grotesques.



We did not visit the interiors of the palaces, but spent a couple of enjoyable hours wandering around the impressive gardens.




This is the majestic wrought iron gates, the entrance leading to the Belvedere Palace. At the top-side of the gates are two powerful lions guarding a plague and crown. And with all such exquisite details, I think this gate looks charming and fit for royalty!



These two sphinxes sat in silence as people passed by. If only they could speak, I'm sure they'd certainly have great stories to share.



I also enjoy the stunning sights of the mythological figures and cherubs. Each cherub represents a month of the year that adorn the fountains and stairways in the middle of the garden.



Throughout the garden, there are also benches to sit and relax. A great place for some peace and tranquility when the noise of the city gets too much!

Our World

Camera Critters - Creepy bugs

Cockroaches of any kinds give me the willies but I find them fascinating to watch behind a glass display.




Here are a few of Madagascar Hissing Cockcroaches, happily enjoying their delicious meal at Singapore Zoo.


Camera Critters

PhotoHunt - Bling & Tree Branches

A sparkly bling mannequin striking an elegant pose at a store window display in Straits Quay Penang.



And here is a creepy looking tree with long dangling branches taken during our visit to Athens.

Sandi's PhotoHunt

Gattina's PhotoHunting

Skywatch - New day, new beginnings

May the coming year bring you peace, blessings and new beginnings. Thank you again for your friendship, inspiration and the kindness you have so generously shared with me. I have truly enjoyed meeting all of the people who visit, read and leave comments on my blog. I am looking forward to another great year with all of you.



Santorini, Greece

Skywatch

Wordless Wednesday - A feast for the eyes and stomach

grilled salmon with veggies and rice


Beef stew with rice



salmon and mushroom with cream sauce over spaghetti


spaghetti and chicken with bolognese sauce

Pepper Lunch, Singapore

Wordless Wednesday

Happy New Year!

When in Singapore, do not miss the Songs of The Sea, an award-winning show featuring a spectacular display of live cast, pyrotechnics, water jets, laser show and flame bursts.

It was my first attempt at photographing water-fire works show with my DSLR and I thought it would be appropriate to share these photos with you to welcome a brand new year.

I love the beautiful bursts of lights and cascading stream of colours. The above shots are some of my favourites that came out pretty well. Hope you enjoy them too.

Here's wishing you and yours a happy and blessed New Year.

Our World