Cameron Highlands Tea Plantation, Malaysia

Tuesday, July 31, 2012

Our World - Moscow Kremlin

When in Moscow, it will be hard to miss the Kremlin, which seems to dominate the skyline in every direction. With a handful of history, the place is absolutely enchanting and intriguing with lots of photo ops.

In the heart of the Kremlin lies the Cathedral Square where you can see six buildings: three cathedrals, two churches and Ivan the Great Bell Tower. We didn't have much time there but we managed to spend some time wandering around the square that was filled with imposing architecture and buildings.

The queue at the entrance was not very long but security was pretty strict. Bags need to be scanned and we had to go through metal detector gates like those procedures found in airports. Please note that backpacks are not allowed in but there are lockers where you can temporarily store your baggage just below the Trinity bridge.


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This is the first public park in Moscow, Alexandrovsky Garden which sits along the Kremlin's western wall. I remember how bitterly cold it was when we visited this place in winter. My hands were slightly numb with cold but glad I managed to take some good photos.


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This is the Trinity Tower, also known as Troitskaya Tower which serves as the main entrance to the Kremlin complex. It is the tallest of the Moscow Kremlin's defensive towers. I also discovered that in old times the tower used to be the entrance for patriarchs and the tsars' wives and daughters.


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A glimpse of Kremlin Senate, a late 18th-century Neoclassical structure, which used to house the government during the last century. It currently houses the Russian presidential administration.



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We came upon the Tsar Cannon, a precious item of the Kremlin’s artillery collection located just outside the Cathedral Square. Impressive as it may look, this majestic cannon was cast in 1586 and has never been used in war. Behind the cannon is the Assumption Cathedral which was built at the end of 15th century. The interior of this important cathedral is decorated with fine frescoes, fascinating artwork and galleries displaying holy relics. Sadly, photographs are strictly forbidden inside the cathedral.


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The Cathedral of the Annunciation was the private Orthodox church of the tsars. Weddings, baptisms, and other services were typically held here. I just love the pristine facade and the golden domes of the cathedral which make it a picturesque element to the Cathedral Square.


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Above is a picture of Ivan the Great Bell Tower, the tallest tower within the Cathedral square. The tower was used both as a watchtower and as a bell tower. Twenty-one bells are suspended in the bell tower and at least two dozen bell ringers were needed to set the bells into motion.

Our World

Friday, July 27, 2012

PhotoHunt - Paintings

The Salzburg Cathedral is one of the most wonderful pieces of baroque architecture I've seen in Europe.

One could spend hours in this remarkable place studying the intricate carvings and paintings that depict biblical scenes from the Old Testament. I've written a post about this place previously but I'm pleased to share more photos with you. Happy photohunting and hope you enjoy my photos.


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Gattina's PhotoHunting

Thursday, July 26, 2012

Skywatch - A glorious morning

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Another day in paradise. I was greeted by a gorgeous sunrise as I left for work this morning.


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What a great way to start the day. I hope it makes you feel good too.

Skywatch Friday

Saturday, July 21, 2012

PhotoHunt - Song and Music

This is Joanne Yeoh, world acclaimed violinist entertaining the crowd during a corporate event last year.

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I'm not really a fan of classical music because it can sometimes be pretty slow. Joanne's music is a mix between classical and contemporary music and is spectacular. I was blown away by her performance.


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With her friendly and welcoming presence, she connects with her audience with ease and flow. To our joy and amazement, she explained the history of the pieces and what had inspired her to record them.


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Her passion and enthusiasm are truly inspiring.

I searched YouTube for her performances and found this. These are a couple of songs from her album, Pulse of the Metropolis.
Enjoy!



Sandi's PhotoHunt

Gattina's PhotoHunting

Thursday, July 19, 2012

Skywatch - Scenic Waterfront

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Scenic views at San Diego Bay.

Skywatch Friday

Wednesday, July 18, 2012

Wordless Wednesday - Backpackers in Penang

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Wordless Wednesday

Monday, July 16, 2012

Our World - Greetings from Mozart

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This is an old bronze statue of the world famous composer Mozart, standing majestically in the centre of the Mozartplatz in Salzburg. The Monument was sculpted by Ludwig Schwanthaler and unveiled in the presence of Mozart's two sons in 1842.


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While weathered by years of exposure to acid rain and other pollutants, there's something appealing about a weathered statue. I find that modern memorials just don’t show the same emotion as these vintage figures. Clad in classical style clothing, this imposing statue attracts the attention of many passers-by, appreciating Mozart's great contributions to music.


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I don't know too much about classical music but it's wonderful to know that his music still touches the hearts of many people and is treasured worldwide.

Our World

Saturday, July 14, 2012

Camera Critters - Snail porn

Ever seen snails mate?

This was my first time seeing a pair of snails having an intimate moment, in an unbelievable way, in my front lawn a few days ago.

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It's really amazing to learn that they are hermaphrodites, having both male and female sexual organs. Even so, it still takes two to tango so they've to find another mate to reproduce.


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There is something quite gross and yet at the same time fascinating to watch their extraordinary sex life. lol


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Their heads were circling around each other and feeling one another with their tentacles. They seemed relaxed enough and comfortable but to my surprise, the mating lasts for a few minutes only.


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I think they were fully aware of my presence and even slow- moving animals like them could quickly moved out of position. Together, they crawled away to some hidden spot probably in search of some privacy. lol

Camera Critters

Thursday, July 12, 2012

Skywatch in Moscow

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A wintery view of the Russian Academy of Sciences located along the bank of Moscow River.

Skywatch Friday

Wednesday, July 11, 2012

First Generation

These photos were captured near Cavenagh Bridge in Singapore. As the title implies, it depicts five boys happily jumping into the river during the carefree days of the past.

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Wordless Wednesday

Monday, July 9, 2012

Our World - Hohensalzburg Castle

One of the top tourist attractions in Salzburg is Hohensalzburg Castle, which is one of the largest medieval castles in Europe.

There are two ways to get up to the fortress, you can either walk or take the funicular. Due to the great number of visitors waiting for the funicular ride, we decided to walk up to the fortress albeit steeper route up the hilltop.


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The extensive castle was built in 1077 and further enlarged during the following centuries. We did not visit the interiors of the castle, but spent a couple of enjoyable hours wandering around the surrounding area.


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The walkway was quite slippery and icy in some spots during our visit in March. I think I almost fell a few times.


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This is a view towards Hohensalzburg Castle from Mirabell gardens in far distance.


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Within the imposing fortress, there are great viewing terraces on several different levels.


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We stopped at various points of the journey to take photos and from here, you can enjoy another breathtaking view of the entire city. Something that you shouldn't miss when you're in Salzburg.


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During the early 20th century, it was used as a prison, holding Italian prisoners of war during World War I and Nazi activists (before the Anschluss with Germany) in the 1930s. The fortress was later restored in the 20th century and and today is a tourist attraction in Salzburg. What I found particularly fascinating was it had never been conquered throughout the 900 year history of the fortress although several military forces have tried.


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Aside from the amazing history and beauty of the medieval architecture, I also enjoyed the lovely and peaceful views of the surrounding countryside.


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Another splendid view along the way. The air smells great and refreshing too.

Our World

Saturday, July 7, 2012

PhotoHunt - Zany Workplace

Here is a great collection of zany artwork as seen at Hundertwasser Art gallery in Vienna. The innovative creations by Friedensreich Hundertwasser are definitely well-designed and inspiring. It would be fun and cool to be working in such a zany workplace.

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Sandi's PhotoHunt

Gattina's PhotoHunting

Thursday, July 5, 2012

Skywatch over Universal Globe

For this week's Skywatch entry, I'm featuring a few photos of the famous spinning globe, captured at Universal Studios Singapore.

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Skywatch Friday

Wednesday, July 4, 2012

Wordless Wednesday - Symbol of Love and Peace

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St Peter's Basilica, Vatican City

Wordless Wednesday