Cameron Highlands Tea Plantation, Malaysia

Saturday, March 30, 2013

PhotoHunt - Something green, wind

I love to spend my weekend mornings here in Penang Hill getting some cool fresh air and enjoying the beautiful green landscapes.

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It took us approximately 15 minutes to get up to the peak of Penang Hill via the funicular train.


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Once at the top of the hill, it is impossible not to feel refreshed and rejuvenated when surrounded by lush greenery.


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I enjoy watching the trees swaying gently in the wind. Moments like these uplift my spirits.

Sandi's PhotoHunt

Gattina's PhotoHunting

Thursday, March 28, 2013

Skywatch - Sensational sunset

A sunset view from my wonderful getaway in South Korea last year. Such a peaceful scene in  late evening. Happy skywatching!

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Skywatch Friday

Wednesday, March 27, 2013

Wordless Wednesday - French Embassy in Vienna

Monday, March 25, 2013

Our World - Incheon Airport

This is one of my favourite airports besides Changi and Hongkong airport. What an incredible design and I like the modern layout.

For seven years in a row (2005–2012), South Korea's Incheon Airport was rated the best airport worldwide by Airports Council International and awarded the full 5-star ranking by Skytrax. This luxury airport offers a golf course, spa, private sleeping rooms, ice skating rink, a casino, indoor gardens and a Museum of Korean Culture.

With comfy places to relax and interesting things to do while waiting for flights, I don't mind being stuck in the airport for several hours so I can enjoy it a bit more.

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Our World

Thursday, March 21, 2013

Skywatch - Scenic countryside

A glimpse of Athens lovely countryside in late afternoon.

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Skywatch Friday

Wednesday, March 20, 2013

Wordless Wednesday - Korean cuisine

Friday, March 15, 2013

PhotoHunt - Footprints, Watching sunset

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I took these sunset shots while holidaying in Port Dickson a few years ago.

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It's one of the perfect spots to make a trail of footprints while spending a quiet moment watching a sunrise or sunset.

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While taking a stroll on the beach, I came across a couple of beautiful seahorse sculptures with some footprints next to them.
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Sandi's PhotoHunt

Gattina's PhotoHunting

Thursday, March 14, 2013

Skywatch from above

One of my greatest pleasures when boarding a plane are watching magical landscapes and clouds from the window. Everything looks different from above. These photos were captured while heading to Seoul from Jeju Island last year.

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Skywatch Friday

Wednesday, March 13, 2013

Wordless Wednesday - For the Sweet tooth

Monday, March 11, 2013

Our World - Tzu Chi Annual Blessings ceremony

During the Chinese New Year celebration, I was invited to  the annual Blessings ceremony of Tzu Chi Foundation at Penang International Sports Arena. With a crowded venue, I was glad that we arrived early for good seats.

I was first introduced to Tzu Chi Foundation a few years ago where my ex-boss was actively involved in many community projects. This non-profit organization provides help to local communities by delivering food and warm clothes to the homeless, recycling and protecting the environment, providing relief to the victims of international disaster, offering weekend schooling for young people and providing medical support to the less fortunate.

Pictured here are some of the highlights of the event. There are about 1,600 volunteers who had dedicated themselves to this ceremony.

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Some of the activities include sign language performance, inspiring documentaries, choir singing, stage drama, dharma drum and verses of incense praise.


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One can also view and admire the lights that popped all over the place in a spectacular way.


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It amazed me seeing all these Tzu Chi members who had worked so hard to participate in this activity, hoping to inspire people to be grateful for the past year, and to welcome the year ahead with great love.


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As can be seen on the big screen, The Great Awakened of the Universe is the depiction of Buddha of Tzu Chi Foundation. Within the statue, Buddha is letting the world witness his enlightenment. While I don't obtained deep knowledge in Buddhism, I was deeply touched by the story of hope and strength of Tzu Chi's dedicated efforts.


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Together with thousands of other attendees we light candles and pray for world peace, happiness, and harmony of humankind.


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The attendees went home with happiness and our prayers continue for a better world and hope the end of all suffering.

A heart full of love is the most beautiful thing in the world.
- Master Cheng Yen, Tzu Chi.

Our World

Friday, March 8, 2013

PhotoHunt - Sports in Monochrome

I'm not good at any sports but there are various sports that I enjoy watching. Featured below are some go-kart enthusiasts having a great moment at the race track in South Korea.

I took these photos originally in color and switched it to monochrome in Picasa.

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Sandi's PhotoHunt

Gattina's PhotoHunting

Monday, March 4, 2013

Our World - Dol Hareubang of Jeju Island

Anyone who has been to Jeju Island would noticed these large mushroom-like statues.   They are absolutely everywhere and hard to miss. These 'dol hareubang' also known as the 'grandfather statues' are considered to be gods offering both protection and fertility and are often placed at entryways. Dol means "stone" while hareubang being a Jeju dialect of 'grandfather'.

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They are made out of volcanic rock as Jeju is a volcanic island, and most of the rocks there are porous basalt or rocks made from limestone. Some of their distinctive features such as mushroom-shaped hats and large, bulging eyes are attention grabbers.


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Our tour guide told us that many couples would touch or rub the nose of the statues and they would be blessed with a son. Such superstitious beliefs are still widespread even today. I guess these 'grandfathers' must have gotten used to tourists rubbing on them.


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Here is another view of 'grandfather' sitting in silence as we passed by. Amazing how nature take its course.


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Replicas of these statues are widely available here and I thought that this pair of miniature fridge magnets were the most fitting souvenir to bring home.

Our World

Friday, March 1, 2013

PhotoHunt - Action Shots

A kayaking event taking place along the scenic waterfront at Singapore Boat Quay.

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 Gattina's PhotoHunting