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

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

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

Wordless Wednesday - Shop windows in Florence

Wordless Wednesday

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.