Cameron Highlands Tea Plantation, Malaysia

Thursday, May 31, 2012

Skywatch - Good morning Salzburg

I'm sharing a couple of skywatch photos of Salzburg, Austria. Walking around the University Square, our eyes are attracted to so many different style of buildings that frame the square and here is one of them. I can't remember the name of this building but the architecture is absolutely amazing and looks wonderful against the morning sky.

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Here's a closer view of the steeple.

Skywatch Friday

Wednesday, May 30, 2012

Wordless Wednesday - Okhotny Ryad Shopping Mall

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Moscow, Russia

Wordless Wednesday

Monday, May 28, 2012

Our World - National Garden of Athens

We made our way to the National Garden in the evening after visiting the Acropolis of Athens. It may not be as impressive as other parks across Europe, yet still it is a place of history as it once served as the garden of the Royal Palace which was created by Queen Amalia, the first Queen of Greece and her German gardener between 1838 to 1840. The garden is filled with plenty of fascinating gems but we couldn't stay long enough to explore everything due to time constraints, so I only managed to take a few photos here.

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Located at the entrance of the garden, this wonderful monument portrays Hellas and Lord Byron, a famous English poet.


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We also encountered other fascinating sculptures but have no idea what they represent.


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As we moved along, we came across this neoclassical Zappeion building which is used as a conference and exhibition center for both public and official purposes. The building was used in the Olympic Games in 1896 for the fencing championships, and again during the Olympics of 2004, it was served as the press and events center.


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This was my first time seeing bitter orange trees. There were endless rows of such trees spreading out as far as the eye could see and the bitter-sweet smell was definitely intoxicating.


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After a long day of walking, nothing beats the soothing sounds of a fountain in the midst of the beautiful garden.

Our World

Saturday, May 26, 2012

PhotoHunt - Famous Places, Creative

The world famous Kremlin is one of the most important historic complex and is easily recognized around the world as a symbol of Russia and the seat of its president.

It's really big, bigger than I ever imagined. There are four palaces, four cathedrals and 20 towers that make up the remarkable Kremlin and a massive wall that surrounds the area.

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The incredible kremlin which means fortress in Russian, also overlooks two more of Moscow's most famous sights, Red Square and St Basil's Cathedral. For years it had been our dreams to visit these exquisite places and we could not contain our excitement when we reached there. They look fabulous in postcards and on TV but they're even more impressive up close.


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Here's a view of the Spasskaya Tower at night, which holds the iconic Kremlin clock


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The history of Moscow Kremlin goes back to old times. During the Middle Ages, the Kremlin served as an administrative and religious center and also provide protection against enemy forces. When the city was under attacked, the civilians were encouraged to seek immediate shelter within the complex.


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Apart from the historical monuments, it's quite common to find Russian nesting dolls sold everywhere in the city. They are wooden painted dolls that come in creative styles and different sizes. I bought a few sets of these unique dolls and gave them as souvenirs to my family and friends.

Sandi's PhotoHunt

Gattina's PhotoHunting

Thursday, May 24, 2012

Skywatch - Shanghai skyline at night

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Skywatch Friday

Wednesday, May 23, 2012

Wordless Wednesday - Silence of the woods

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Wordless Wednesday

Monday, May 21, 2012

Our World - Universal Studios Singapore (Transformers: The Ride)

If you’re a fan of the Transformers movie franchise, there's every reason to visit Universal Studios Singapore. This is where you'll find the next-generation 3D thrill ride that blends fiction and reality. The main character of this adventure is an Autobot named EVAC created for the attraction, that escorts visitors through the experience.

Even though it is nothing like a roller coaster, there're lots of fun twists and turns in this ride, so if you're prone to motion sickness be warned.

The queue was extremely long when we visited but worth the wait, especially if you’re a diehard fan of the series. It really does feel like you're right in the middle of the ultimate Transformers war zone between the Autobots and Decepticons. We enjoyed every moment of it.


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Here's Bumblebee perched atop the entrance greeting visitors.


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From the moment we stepped inside, we were completely immersed into the robotic world of Transformers.


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A series of exclusive video screens, artifacts are located within the waiting area.


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A view of the AllSpark element from the Transformers franchise


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Transformers Supply Vault


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A glimpse of one of the EVAC ride vehicles ready for dispatch. As soon as the passengers are securely fastened, the real adventure begins and you are literally thrown into the middle of a robot battle. Bam! Wham!

Our World

Saturday, May 19, 2012

PhotoHunt - Cityhall, Magical

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The City Hall is one of the most photographed buildings located at the Esplanade in Penang. I've walked passed this historic structure countless times but funny that I have never been inside there.

Built in 1903, it is a magical colonial building from the heyday of the British Empire. It was originally called the Municipal Office, Penang but later it was renamed City Hall when George Town was granted city status in 1957. Currently it houses the licensing and urban service department of the Penang Municipal Council.

Sandi's PhotoHunt

Gattina's PhotoHunting

Thursday, May 17, 2012

Skywatch - Scenic countryside

Following up with my previous post, here are some photos captured during our train trip from Innsbruck to Salzburg. Throughout the ride, I couldn't take my eyes off the breathtaking views. The weather was very co-operative on that day which makes skywatching much more enjoyable.

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Skywatch Friday

Wednesday, May 16, 2012

Wordless Wednesday - Postcards from Italy

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Wordless Wednesday

Monday, May 14, 2012

Our World - Beautiful memories

One of the best things I love about photography is capturing good memories that you can remember forever.

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Santorini, Greece

Friday, May 11, 2012

PhotoHunt - Children

Children are a lovely bundle of joy. They bring happiness and laughter to all of us.

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Gattina's Photohunting

Thursday, May 10, 2012

Skywatch - An evening to remember

Penang scenic skyline as seen from Eastern and Oriental Hotel recently. A perfect end to a perfect day. Happy skywatching!

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Skywatch Friday

Wednesday, May 9, 2012

Wordless Wednesday - Harley shop window

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Marina Bay Sands, Singapore

Wordless Wednesday

Monday, May 7, 2012

Our World - Innsbruck Railway station, Austria

I think this is one of the most beautiful railway stations I've seen but I only had a few minutes to take photos of this place. My hubby and I were literally racing against time to catch our train to Salzburg.

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As we hurriedly walked past, this empty track with gorgeous mountains in the distance caught my eye and I couldn't resist a shot.

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Here is another perspective showing the arrival of a train and the buildings.


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I was really glad I had just enough time to take one more photo before we hurried on board.

Goodbye Innsbruck!

Our World

Friday, May 4, 2012

PhotoHunt - Advertising, Zap

Shanghai, like many big cities, comes alive with a riot of multi-coloured lights when night falls. Here are a few night scenes captured at Nanjing Road.


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The entire road is filled with LED advertising signs, billboards and huge TV screens.


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It brings colorful life to the storefronts of Shanghai's busiest shopping district.


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I spent a lot of time wandering around the streets starting from East Nanjing pedestrian street, heading down the Bund and ending at People's Park and that absolutely zaps my strength and energy.

Sandi's PhotoHunt

Gattina's PhotoHunting

Thursday, May 3, 2012

Skywatch over Petronas Twin Towers

A late morning view of the majestic Petronas Towers in Kuala Lumpur captured a few years ago. This is my entry for Skywatch Friday.


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Wednesday, May 2, 2012

Wordless Wednesday - Bare Bum

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I was quite shocked and bewildered the first time I saw this but it's quite common for bare butt babies and toddlers running around the streets in China. It appears that it's socially acceptable for them to squat whenever and wherever they want to do their business. Not a pleasant sight but that's life in China. From Shanghai to Chengdu to Beijing to Xian, most kids simply don’t wear pants and diapers at all.

Wordless Wednesday