What a Wonderful World

Bali Long Week-end

2011-10-15T23:02:00.004+08:00

Not much exploring done during our trip in Bali. The day dive at Nusa Penida was rewarding, having seen my first Manta (several huge ones in fact) and Mola-Mola, but otherwise. it's a rest and relax holiday -Good food, spa & shopping- don't really have many interesting pictures to share, the only exception being the wonderful view out of our room at Tegal Sari.

Padi Field View from Tegal Sari

Weekend Getaway at Cameron Highlands

2011-07-31T23:29:00.005+08:00

Thank you Groupon for the wonderful stay at the Cameron Highlands Resort! The 8-9 hours drive from Singapore each way was really tiring, but chilling out in all that Highland atmosphere- Cool weather, relaxing high tea, the beautiful colonial style room, divine complimentary massage session and the beautiful scenery of the tea plantations- make it all worthwhile. An eventful, out of the ordinary weekend, to say the least. Go Groupon, get us more deals - Pangkor Laut resort next?

Palas Tea Plantation

Fun in the Sun at Boracay

2011-05-27T18:22:00.005+08:00

A weekend of Sun, Sand & Sea! White Beach really is a spectacular beach, with clear, shallow waters and powdery, white sand - truly befitting of its "one of the top 10 beaches in the world" status. Don't expect privacy though, especially during sunset, when the hordes of party goers start pouring in. Nevertheless, it was a great getaway for us, paraw sailing with the Red Pirates, Horse riding to the other side of the island, luxurious pampering at Tirta spa, and last but not least, rustic living(no air-con/hot water) at the BalingHai Resort. Nestled among trees on a hill overlooking the sea, staying at the resort was quite an experience. Our spacious huts had spectacular sea views, (Rock House & Bat House) we could enjoy our breakfast at a leisurely pace at our private verandas, and we slept to the sounds of nature. (can be scary at times though) I'm looking forward to my next beach holiday already!

A man and his beach

Waking up to beautiful views at our 'Rock House'

BalingHai Resort: Rock House

Road Trip on the Emerald Isle

2011-04-20T01:00:00.009+08:00

Never thought I'd have a chance to do a road trip with my buds again after marriage, but well, what do you know? We did it! - a glorious week driving around the very very green and oft-times rainy Ireland. Dramatic coastlines, (some of the most spectacular cliffs I've ever seen) ancient/medievil ruins scattered all around the isle, and endless fields in varying shades of green, it really is a beautiful place, when it's not raining of course. Well, they say the grass is always greener on the 'other' side; now I know where that 'other' is...

Itinerary:
Day 1: Bru na Boinne (Newgrange), The Burren (Poulnabrone dolmen), Doolin
Day 2: Cliffs of Moher, Bunratty Castle and Folk Park, Dingle Peninsular Drive
Day 3: Killarney (Muckross Estate), Ring of Kerry, Skellig Ring, Gap of Dunloe, Cork
Day 4: Blarney Castle, Rock of Cashel, Glendalough & the Wicklow mountains
Day 5: N. Ireland day tour: Belfast, Antrim, Giant's causeway, Dunluce castle, Derry
Day 6: Dublin city walk: Trinity College, Guinness Storehouse

Spectacular cliffs along Dingle Peninsular

Ladies' view on the Ring of Kerry

View from Staigue Fort

One of many fine beaches along the Skellig Ring

Same beach, different view (with fort ruins)

Green fields everywhere we go

Gorgeous coastal scenery again

Faint rainbow sighted on the Gap of Dunloe

Well preserved ruins on the Rock of Cashel

Monastic city of Glendalough

Birdies nesting high atop the cliffs

N. Ireland's star attraction - Giant's Causeway

Close-up look at the basalt columns

Amazing how they can form such shapes...

Dunluce castle ruins perched on a cliff

Revisiting old sights during the transit in London

Voluntourism: Phnom Penh

2011-01-19T22:41:00.019+08:00

It's rare for me to make wordy entries in my blog, always having preferred to let pictures reflect the beauty of the scenes captured during my travels, but having been so inspired by the events that occurred during the trip, I have this inexplicable urge to share my experiences...

On our first day we were welcomed with smiles by the children at Sacrifice Families and Orphans Development Association (SFODA) www.sfoda.org Yes many of the children were adorable, but I was never a warm or expressive person, and certainly not what you would call a 'natural with kids'. While some of my more passionate colleagues immediately started hugging the kids or carrying the toddlers in their arms, I was content to just smile back and say 'Hello'. Seeing one of the older kids 'de-licing' a younger boy some moments later further reinforced my restraint. "I'm just not that kind of person," I thought, "Leave it to the others who will really enjoy playing with the kids, I'll make my contribution by doing some of the manual work"

The day passed with some tasks to be done, some basic woodwork, restocking the Library and also to give the classroom furniture a coat of vibrant colours. While we were doing the painting, many of the kids wanted to help, and not wanting to disappoint them, (and also secretly relishing the thought of taking a break) I obliged and sat back, and that was when something magical happened... I started observing: A seemingly ordinary setting of kids and volunteers painting some classroom desks together in a courtyard. No, there was a lot more to it than that. Like how a movie draws and focuses your attention to a particular view, I also started to pick out several scenes, each one a story that came with a revelation...

Object of the elder kids' affection

There was this little girl who looked no more than ten, carrying a toddler around, kissing him and talking to him from time to time as she shifted her attention to and fro the painting work going on. As she paced around, other kids nearby would also spare a moment to fondle the toddler's cheeks or steal a light kiss before resuming their earlier activities.

This, I thought, IS a family. Not one bound by blood ties, but rather by circumstances, and in being so, a lot more admirable. The bonds that they share are a lot stronger than that of many families that I've seen in this developed society of ours. Looking out for each other, taking up the responsibility of looking after their younger 'siblings', I was, in a word, moved.

Srinay and me

Then there was also 11 year old Srinay, who volunteered to paint the legs of the desks yellow. (not an easy task since there were many small surfaces, and she had to be careful not to taint other surfaces painted with a different color) Even after most of us volunteers have stopped to take a break, she was still conscientiously painting, all the time still wearing a smile on her face.

Pure and simple Joy- Of being able to beautify her classroom, of being able to exercise some of her artistic flair, of being able to (forgive the pun) add color to her family's lives. So very different from Singaporean kids, isn't it? Always chasing the news and coolest gadgets, never content with what they already have. Though shabbily dressed and not being at her cleanest, to me, Srinay looked beautiful, her radiant smile exuding happiness...

As the weekend passed, I became more and more intrigued. Interacting with some of the older kids and volunteers gave me a glimpse into their lives, lives telling stories of triumph over adversity, of how having 'graduated' from the orphanage, some have found part-time jobs, scrimped and saved to pursue a university degree, all the while still volunteering their spare time to help at the orphanage.

I wonder who benefited more: Them or us?

These are but some of the beautiful stories that unraveled before me as I watched and learned from my fellow human beings over that long weekend. Not since I was inflicted with this wanderlust when I first went on my first study trip in 2001 have I ever had such an experience.

I am certainly no jaded traveler, as I still enjoy going to new places, wherever it may be, and experiencing a local culture, may it be through cuisine or interacting with the locals, but having seen quite a lot, I certainly did not expect to discover new awesome travel experiences easily, especially not in Cambodia, which I always equated with Siem Reap and crossed out of my to-go list two years ago. Boy was I pleasantly surprised. Yes the temples of Angkor were truly spectacular, but never in all my years of traveling have I been more enriched spiritually than during my time at the orphanage at Phnom Penh.

Many returning travellers say that volunteer travel is a life changing experience, and now I am finally qualified to make a comment: I paid $500 in all to make this three-day trip , but what I got out of it is truly priceless- The joy of knowing that you’ve brought happiness to so many, the time spent bonding with colleagues (now friends) whom you rarely had the chance to talk to, and the new-found sense of humility realising that we are leading very privileged lives. I’ve done much traveling in my life, but none has provided the same sense of fulfillment experienced in this trip.

I don't know when it's going to be, but will I do it again? Yes definitely!

Gift from Srinay

Oh and yes, here are my usual touristy pics, all from the Royal Palace. Enjoy...

五彩云南

2010-11-21T12:00:00.009+08:00

What an eventful trip! If not for the flight delay which led us to the hellish one night stay at the run-down shack in Kunming that China Eastern put us through, it would have been an impeccable anniversary trip. Banyan Tree Lijiang: Perfect! From its gorgeous surroundings to excellent staff, our Garden Villa (free upgrade) stay was truly divine. Lijiang is truly beautiful, with the Jade Dragon Snow mountain set as its backdrop, and there are loads of side trips that can be made from there: trekking at Tiger Leaping Gorge, Tibetan Culture at Shangrila etc. etc. For Mandarin speakers, this is a wonderful trip that can easily be made and at a pretty low cost. Our rough itinerary as follow:

Day 1: Dayan Ancient Town
Day 2: (Shangrila 2D1N trip) Tiger Leaping Gorge, Shangrila
Day 3: (Shangrila 2D1N trip) Pudacuo National Park, Yangtze first bend
Day 4: Jade Dragon mountain - Yunshanping, Baishuihe/Blue Moon Valley
Day 5: Shuhe Ancient Town, Black Dragon Pool
Day 6: Kunming stone forest

丽江大研古镇

美丽的玉龙雪山

黑龙潭公园

大研古镇夜景

虎跳峡

小中甸牧场

香格里拉

藏族小村落

蓝月谷

白水河

玉龙雪山

云杉坪

张艺谋印象丽江

丽江悦榕庄

束河古镇

昆明石林

Fàilte Scotland (+Cambridge)

2010-09-15T22:15:00.022+08:00

This has got to be my longest period of absence on the travel blog - a good 7 months since my last update. God did I work hard during the last six months, had to reward myself with a week in Scotland, (and a beautiful day out to Cambridge) and what a week that was! Our drive in the Highlands was the most spectacular I've ever had- cruising aside heather-clad hills and moorlands, (Aug/Sep only) dramatic cliffs and seascapes, (Isle of Skye especially) picturesque mountains and lakes - this amount of natural beauty should be able to last me till next year. I could go on forever, but I think I'd better let the pictures do the talking...

Rough Itinerary:
* Edinburgh - Borderland Abbeys (Melrose, Dryburgh) - Ayr (Turnberry)
* Culzean Castle - Loch Lomond - Glencoe - Loch Leven - Fort William
* Road to the Isles - ferry to Isle of Skye - Old man of Storr hike

* Dunvegan - Talisker distillery - 3 Chimneys - Fairy Glen - Quirang hike
* Elgol - Loch Coruisk, Black Cuillins - Loch Ness - Glen Affric Dog Falls
* Loch Affric Hike - Glen Morangie distillery - Fairy Glen Hike - Aviemore
* Cairngorms railway - Stirling - Edinburgh
* Cambridge

View of the Three Sisters at melancholic Glencoe

Mid-sized Waterfall at Glen Coe Pass

Perfect setting at the head of Loch Shiel - Glenfinnan Monument

Panoramic views of the seas and Storr Sanctuary

Quirky-looking landscape on the Fairy Glen, Skye

Heather-clad slopes on the Quirang

Remote Loch Coruisk set in the heart of the black Cuillins

Glen Affric - The most beautiful Glen in Scotland

Beautiful twin falls at the Fairy Glen in Rosemarkie

Amazing interior of King's College Chapel, Cambridge

Mathematical Bridge as seen from 'the Backs'

Punts on the River Cam on a bright sunny afternoon

King's College Gatehouse, built in neo-Gothic style

あばよ Business Travel (Part 3)

2010-02-18T16:57:00.004+08:00

Last entry on my business trip excursions... not so much to show for 3 years right? Well - what do you expect? - these are working assignments. Company policy doesn't allow for much free time or trip extentions over the weekend (not that it's any good if Veria can't join me) so the only time I have to look around a bit is when customers cancel appointments at the last minute, which, fortunately/unfortunately does happen from time to time. That's all of now, goodbye business travel, hope to meet your acquaintance some time again in the future...

Sydney Tower overlooking some heritage buildings

Well, it is the most famous landmark in Australia...

One ot the many splendid old Cathedrals in Melbourne City

Dinner cruise along Dubai Creek

Admiring the splendid night scenery

あばよ Business Travel (Part 2)

2010-02-17T15:54:00.009+08:00

Incredible India! The one country that I visited the most throughout my 3 years. (Darn one page Indian visas took up so many pages of my passport) Hot Curries, unbelievable(-y bad) traffic, opulent hotels beside sprawling slums, overloaded trains, beggers vs super-rich people etc. etc. - Achar! I have a pretty good idea of what it's all about now. Can't say whether I love it or hate it though, I can only say it like the tourism propaganda does - It's Incredible! Be prepared for a sensory overload should you go there. For now, I can only offer some pretty tame photos...

Gateway to India - Mumbai

Corner of Taj Mahal Palace and Tower Hotel (before the bomb blast)

It's not the Taj Mahal, it's Humayan's Tomb - New Delhi

Beautiful isn't it - no crowd at all, they're all at the Taj Mahal

Sunset at the Marriot Beach Resort - Goa

Church & Convent of St Francis of Assissi - Goa

Ruins of Golconda Fort - Hyderabad

Front entrance to the fort

Another view of the sprawling ruins

あばよ Business Travel (Part 1)

2010-02-02T09:35:00.009+08:00

After 3 years of business travel, it has finally come to an end. It was nice while it lasted, but well, a man's gotta do what a man's gotta do, and this man's gotta work for money now. It might be quite a while before I travel for business on a regular basis again - Goodbye to 5 star business hotels and fine dining, Goodbye to hotel loyalty or frequent flyer mileage points. Hmmm ... Leisure trips that I make in future with Veria are going to take a dip in the luxe factor from now on. Anyway, putting that aside, this posting is a celebration of all the glorious times that I spent as a road warrior in the past three years - Japan, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Philippines, UAE, Australia, and of course, most importantly - Incredible India. Pardon me for the quality of some of the pics though, they're mostly taken with my lousy Nokia camera phone. Here's Part 1, a tribute to Japan, where my ex-company headquarters is located.

Hanami - Cherry Blossom Viewing, an all-time Jap favourite activity

Sakura - Truly one of the highlights of going to HQ in Spring

Pretty Clouds of Pink - everyone should see them at least once

Japanese Summer festival

Pachinko! - Possibly Japan's favourite vice (or is it porn?)

Cute-sy tap at Ghibli Museum

东北三省 - 寒冷的世界

2010-01-13T00:49:00.007+08:00

Only two words can be used to describe our Christmas/New year trip - Unbearably cold! Yes we wanted to have a white christmas, but this was really more than what we bargained for. -31 degC at its coldest, nothing could prepare us for this. Our bodies were wrapped up like giant bar changs, (rice dumplings) but our feet and hands just couldn't be insulated well enough. Imagine that water vapor could condense on our eyelashes and then freeze into tiny clumps of ice. This was truly the coldest I ever felt though theoretically I experienced similar temperatures at Hokkaido in the winter of 06. They say its because of the Siberian wind that blows from Russia. Also locals say this was the coldest winter they had for a long time, possibly due to climate change. Anyway, here are some of the photos, least I have ever taken on any trip coz my gloves were too thick to control the camera properly and my bare hand couldn't stand more than a couple of seconds out in the cold. Enjoy them, coz I probably will never go some place this cold ever again.

张学良将军's mansion

One of the buildings at 沈阳故宫

Probably China's most Majestic Beast - the Siberian Tiger

One of many Immense Ice sculptures at Sun Island

Same one with a different view

The one reason we put ourselves to the torture - 哈尔滨冰雪大世界

Got to see it to believe it (well we've done it so that's it, enuf)

My favorite piece, The Himeji Castle ice structure

Decadent European Tour

2009-10-23T11:24:00.017+08:00

This has got to be my most luxurious trip ever! - Flying on the A380 with Singapore Airlines both ways, opulent 5-star hotels (even got a room at the Westin with a view of the Eiffel tower), beautiful B&Bs, (including feeling like royalty staying one night at the Chateau des Ormeaux), amazing restaurants, (dined for the first time in a 3 Michelin star restaurant at L'Astrance) private trip in a BMW and also at some point in time cruising around in a 2L volkswagen Jetta. I never thought I would ever spend the money to indulge in such luxuries. Well, I still wouldn't, but with all the accumulated air mileage, hotel loyalty points, and support from our couchsurfer/hospitality club friends, (Thanks Piere & Christian!) it was possible to craft a truly decadent itinerary for my wife and me with a modest budget of $3800 each.

And what a beautiful trip it was! I have always loved France in the first place, having already been there 3 times before, but with my darling wife around, I love it even more - it's a place for Luurrveee... My first time in Belgium, too, was truly memorable, especially when it came to the divine chocolates. How i crave for another bite of Pierre Marcolini's... I'm drooling already. The UK? I used to think that England was a dark and dreary country, cloudy and raining most of the time. Now, after having stayed there for 5 days, I still think the same... BUT ... on the occasional day (2 out of 5) when the sky was clear and blue, the scenery was simply glorious. The pastoral scenery that I saw has to rank as one of the top that I've seen in my entire life. Even though I still love France more, I must say that the English countryside is considerably prettier - cute little lambs grazing on wide open meadows, beautiful little villages within a setting of trees and a little stream or river, quaint little cottages like the ones in Children's picturebooks - classic.

In any case, here are the photos. I've arranged them roughly according to the sequence which we took them, though i did not select pirctures from every place we went to.

France: Paris, St Malo, Dinan, Mont St Michel, Loire Valley

Belgium: Bruges, Ghent, Brussels, Namur, Dinant, Leuven. Liege

UK: London, Salisbury, Bath, Cotswolds, Oxford

Monsieur Gargoyle looking over Paris from Notre Dame Tower

The Classic Black and White photo of the Eiffel Tower

Timber houses in Dinan, Brittany

Probably my last time at the Mont St Michel

Spectacular gardens at Chateau De Villandry

Candes-st-Martin, "one of the prettiest villages in France"

Chateau D'Azay le Rideau- charming from the outside with the surrounding waters

Magnificent Castle town - Amboise

Prince and Princess for a day at Chateaux des Ormeaux

Blois - Yet another stately castle town

Biggest and Grandest of all the Loire Valley castles - Chateau de Chambord

Classic Fairytale town - Bruges, the 'Venice of the North'

The 'Lake of Love' in Minnewater park, Bruges

Ghent - 3rd most authentic travel destination in the world according to NatGeo Traveller

Imposing architecture with intricate details looming over the Grand Place in Brussels

With its Citadel high atop a cliff, the Walloon City of Dinant

Magnificent Town hall in the University town of Leuven

The World-Famous Roman baths at Bath

Quaint Thatched-roof Cottage in Chipping Campden

Another beautiful cottage in the Cotswolds

Another Beautiful scene in the Cotswolds - the lambs must be tasty

The old water mill in the lower Slaughters

The river Windrush running through Boughton-on-the-water

Some nice random house in Bibury

Just can't leave Big Ben out of any Travel Blog that features London, right?

Temples of Angkor

2009-03-01T22:09:00.012+08:00

3 and a half days in Siem Reap makes for a really nice long weekend. I've seen many kinds of ancient architecture and ruins, but still, the temples of Angkor are nothing short of spectacular. Moreover, while the architectural styles bear certain similiarities, they are all uniquely different in some ways - the smiling faces at the Bayon in Angkor Thom, the iconic towers of Angkor Wat, the forest-engulfed 'Tomb Raider' temples of Ta Phrom, the mountain temple of Phnom Bakheng, the splendid and intricately carved motifs in Bantay Srei, and the amazing waterfalls and river-bed carvings at Kabal Spean - Everyone will find their favourite! We(My wife & I, and for the first time, my brother Scott and her girlfriend) also went to Tonle Sap and the village of Kampong Khleang, but seriously, the temples are the highlight!

The Iconic Temple - Angkor Wat at Sunrise

Beautiful anytime - Angkor Wat at Sunset

Happy as always - Khmer King Jayavarman VII

This one's for Angelina - Ta Phrom

Close up of the centuries-old overgrowth

Countryside scenery - Tropical Foliage and water pools

江南五日游

2009-01-10T22:29:00.013+08:00

Once again, we find ourselves in China. Basing ourselves in Shanghai and making day trips to Hangzhou, Suzhou and a visit to nearby watertown Zhujiajiao, it was 5 glorious days of food binging. We did manage to visit some truly pretty sights, but seriously, with all that good food and at much cheaper prices than in Singapore, sometimes I wonder if we're there for sightseeing or just for eating. Need to watch the cholestrol level ...

夜上海，夜上海，你是一个不夜城。。。

远近文明的上海外滩夜景

Unbeatable views from Vue at Hyatt on the Bund

上有天堂，下有苏杭 - 美丽的杭州西湖

中国四大名园之一，苏州拙政园

江南水乡朱家角

The most Beautiful Girl in my Life

2008-12-21T16:17:00.001+08:00

Grand Californian Honeymoon (+Vegas & Grand Canyon)

2008-12-19T21:05:00.011+08:00

Possible the best trip in my life so far, it's our Grand Californian Voyage. (+Las Vegas and the Grand Canyon) 20 days of pure bliss across San francisco, Point Reyes, Napa, Tahoe, Yosemite, Sequoia, Ventura, Santa Barbara, Death Valley, Vegas, Grand Canyon, L.A., Disney Theme parks, Solvang, San Simeon, Big Sur, Carmel and the Monterey Peninsula. From shopping at the outlets (watch her go) to roughing it out in nature (in our trusty rental car mostly), fine dining to thrill rides, livin it large at 5 star premium view resorts to experiencing cheap motels... I think we did it all. Biggest splurge in my life, but oh well - it's our honeymoon, so it's worth it. Too many photos to choose from, the least i could show are these 23. Ok, time to go work my butt off to pay the credit card bills... ...

View of the San Francisco City Skyline from our Hotel at Fisherman's Wharf

Point Reyes Lighthouse - too much fog for an afternoon

Domaine Chandon, Fall Foliage and Golden leaves - NICE!

First Class views at Emerald Bay in South Lake Tahoe

View of Half Dome from Sentinel Bridge

Amazing scenery at Yosemite - Gotta see it yourself, photos mean nothing

Same goes for Hume lake, Sequoia Kings Canyon National Park

A Sequoia Tree - BIG BIG BIG

Hard earned view after trek near Morro Rock

Santa Barbara County Courthouse, Imagine being tried in all that History

Devil's Golf Course - Surreal Landscape in Death Valley

It's Paris, NO, it's ViVaaa Las Vegas!

Venice, NO, ViVaaa Las Vegas!

Mother of all Canyons, the lazy way to name it is to just use 'Grand'

Dusk at Rodeo Drive, Beverly Hills

Going space-age at Disney concert Hall, L.A.

Still the Happiest Place on Earth - Disneyland!

The Magic never ends - "It's a small World after all"

Water World show set, Universal Studios Hollywood

Touristy Solvang - "More Danish than Denmark"

Elephant Seals lazing around at Piedra Blancas

Spectacular coastline scenery at Big Sur

Point Lobos - 'The Greatest meeting of Land and Water in the World'

Visit Indonesia 2008: Dream Island Bali

2008-06-21T23:34:00.005+08:00

Dream Island Bali- every bit as lovely as the travel literature says. Touristy, yes, but nevertheless beautiful and the locals here are some of the most friendly and accomodating around - from farmers to merchants to service staff, most are always smiling and eager to show their lengedary Balinese hospitality. I'll be back, soon i hope.

Sunset over Uluwatu- Watch out for those monkeys!

My favourite Balinese temple - Uluwatu

Photographer's favourite: Terraced padi fields at Tegalalang

Susut, a real Balinese village - Padi field green & blue Sky blue

Tanah Lot- The Legendary break-up temple

Restaurant with a view- "that's where our rice comes from!"

Taman Ayun: One of many evocative temples in Bali

Local Guide San: "Kuta is not Bali!"

Visit Indonesia 2008: Beautiful Central Java

2008-05-21T22:05:00.013+08:00

To many Singaporeans, a holiday in Indonesia means a short holiday in Bali, or possibly a weekend in Bintan or Batam. For so long, we've been missing out lots on what our neighbour is able to offer us, as i have have just found out from this most recent trip to central Java. Other than the famous UNESCO heritage sites of Prambanan and Borobudur, Central Java has some of the most beautiful pastoral scenery i've ever seen in all my years of travelling- A mix of padi fields and other crops set amidst the backdrop of lush tropical jungle and the occasional volcano, it looks a lot more natural then the endless palm plantations in many other parts of South East Asia. Of particular mention is Dieng Plateau, with its dramatic mountains and valleys of terraced fields, cool and crisp mountain air, and ancient hindu temples, it is truly deserving of its name- 'Abode of the Gods'.

Beautiful local restaurant at Solo

First look at Gunung Merapi, one of the most active volcanoes in the world

Sun rising from between Merbabu and Merapi

Telaga Warna - Reminds me of JiuZhaiGou

The magnificent Borobudur Temple Complex - Built 100years befor Angkor

Misty Morning at Borobudur

My personal favourite - Prambanan Temple Complex

Padi Fields near Yogyakarta with Merapi smoking in the background

Vinh Ha long - Bay of the Descending Dragon

2007-12-20T22:46:00.000+08:00

Another long weekend in North Vietnam- we spent 3 contrasting days from cruising along the peaceful waters of Halong Bay to prowling the frenetic streets of Hanoi, which has since made me much more skillful as a jaywalker now...

Our Beautiful luxury Junk - The Lagoon Explorer 2

Romantic sunset over Halong Bay

A quiet moment in the Charming old quarter of Hanoi

4 Nights in Beijing

2007-12-20T21:34:00.000+08:00

Phew! - Though having to pay for a really expensive SQ ticket and squeeze as much sight-seeing as possible over a 4-day long weekend, i must say that it's still really worth it. Every chinese has got to visit the chinese capital and every chinese man has got to climb the great wall, isn't it? Been there, done that!

Beautiful tree-lined boulevards among ancient architecture

Prayer ceremony at the Lama Temple

One of many magnificent structures at the immense Summer Palace

Stone boats build with absconded funds by Empress Cixi

Sections of the Great Wall at Badaling

Forbidden City - World's biggest Palace complex

Throne hall reputed to hide the forged will that made Yongzheng Emperor

Another palace hall, this place is really really huge

Krung Thep - City of Angels

2007-11-13T00:02:00.001+08:00

To all Singaporeans: Bangkok's great for a weekend shopping spree, i know, but there's more to it then that! Check out the amazing sights as well; even with one full day devoted to sight-seeing, we still missed out quite a fair bit like the Royal Barge Museum, Wat Pho, Baan Jim Thompson etc. - an excuse for us to be back again to visit the sights, and of course, to do more shopping...

View of Wat Arun from Chao Phraya Tourist boat

Intricate details adorning Wat Phra Keow

City of angels- Bankok skyline at dusk as seen from Vertigo bar

It's a Beautiful World

2007-09-17T22:29:00.000+08:00

On a Beautiful day ...

... Somewhere in this Beautiful World ...

... ... We shared a Beautiful moment together...

Summertime in Hokkaido

2007-07-28T20:07:00.000+08:00

Finally, a trip to Hokkaido in summer, totally different from the freezing, but nevertheless enchanting winter i spent in Akanko last year. What's more, we covered most of the major spots on the island, making us probably more well-travelled in the province then most of the Japanese themselves. It was'nt all that perfect though, given that some days were either rainy or cloudy coz of the class 4 typhoon approaching Japan, but all in all, it was still great, and certainly most special (I'll reveal more in a later post) to me. In the meantime, please enjoy the pics.

The spectacular night view makes any visit to Hakodate worthwhile

Canals are a dime a dozen in many places, but the one in Otaru is just plain charming

One day i'm going back for the Sapporo Snow festival

A view of Cape Gorota with Mt Rishiri in the background, one of the rewards of taking the splendid hikes in Rebun Island

With Asahidake looking in the background, the Alpine flowers flaunt their beauty

Asahidake with its reflection in one of the snow-melt pools

A sight to behold -The entire Daisetsuzan carpeted with alpine flowers

Neat rows of flowers in the ever-popular Farm Tomita, Furano

Romantic Sundown at Biei

Iconic trees and patchwork fields - a pastoral paradise

Rugged yet beautiful coastline of the Okhotsk Sea, Utoro

Outdoor bath in our amazing hotel overlooking the sea

Eluding me yet again, the mysterious Lake Mashu

Historic Malacca

2007-04-15T23:46:00.000+08:00

Woah, it's been a long time since i updated my travel blog, but well, it's been a long time since i've travelled for leisure anyway. Anyway, here goes: Historic Malacca/Melaka - Just 4 hours away from Singapore by bus, makes quite an enjoyable overnight trip. Some fairly interesting historic sights, a really cool Pasar Malam (that's a night market for people who don't know) that's also one of the most authentic i've seen in Asia in years, and best of all, lots of really good yet cheap food! (i think we ate 6 meals in a day there) Wanton noodles, chicken rice balls, laksa... but most importantly, try the Baba Chendol at the museum cafe and the lok lok/satay celup at capitol satay. (long queue for this one though... go early) Check out the pics:

Great Selection of Nonya deserts and snacks - I love gula melaka!

The Iconic A'Famosa (Porta de Santiago)

One of many tourist trishaws - gimicky but nevetheless pretty

Pearl of the Orient, & Macau

2006-11-09T21:10:00.000+08:00

Never thought i'd go for a shopping trip, but i did anyway. Fortunately, even though i've always preferred places of nature over a sprawling metropolis, Hong Kong is truly an impressive city, and just the views alone contribute much to make it a worthwhile trip. The landscape planning of Hong Kong island is really excellent, and the night scenery nothing short of spectacular. Our day trip to Macau was no less fruitful as well. With all the new glitzy and glamorous buildings built to support the casino industry, i'm beginning to see why it has overtaken Las Vegas as the city which generates the most casino revenue.

Hong Kong, the pearl of the Orient

The Harbour seen from Victoria Peak

Bright neon signboards hang above the busy streets

Little Portugal in China- The Largo de Senado

Admiring a 'picture' of the ruins of St Paul

The upcoming Babylon casino

Macau Fisherman's Wharf & the immense Macau-Taipa Bridge

Underwater Paradise

2006-11-06T14:44:00.000+08:00

Pulau Sipadan- a place that is on every diver's 'must go' list. While october is not the best time to go in terms of visibilty, i was not the least bit disappointed by the spectacular underwater vistas off the tiny limestone island. The vibrant colours of the amazingly rich marine life surpassed almost all of the images that i've conjured of a true underwater kingdom. Swarming whirlwinds of jacks and baracuddas, schools of huge bumphead parrtofish, frequent sightings of sharks and turtles, a myriad of colourful corals and gigantic seafans, i could go on forever. Moreover, it was turtle mating season! Green turtles at every corner, some swimming around looking for a willing partner, some courting, some catching a little rest before their next 'vigorous' session- I even saw a pair actually doing it! Forget the fast and the furious, young things! The adage 'slow and steady wins the race' sums it up here. In fact, i hear it takes up to 24hrs on average. Oh how i envy them...

The Legendary Pulau Sipadan

Can't stop the chorus of 'Under the Sea' playing in my head

World of vibrant colours

one of the barras gasping in astonishment as it saw me

School of angelfish swimmin' by

Whirlwind of Jacks - Cool!

Green turtle in 'mid-flight'- how graceful...

Courting turtles, so cute- how can anyone like turtle soup!?

Sharks' fins- difficult choice...argh, stop messin' my head!

By the way, i found Nemo *smile*

Old World Splendor

2006-09-23T22:56:00.000+08:00

After surviving a stampede in Budapest, an overnight train ride across the Czech border and even snow in the Tatras while wearing a T-shirt and single pullover, Behold!- Eugene I, Prince of Geylang, Heir to the House of Leaw, is finally back to post pics on our 18 day Eastern/Central Europe trip! Travelling from Hungary to Austria, the Czech Republic and Poland before our final destination in Lithuania, this wonderful trip really gave us a good glimpse of the opulance and grandeur of an age where aristocrats and religious leaders ruled empires and held total dominance over all society. With the exception of a few nature stops along the Danube river, the Vtalva and the Polish Tatras, and a good lesson on the evils of humanity at Auschwitz, i think we've easily made a couple of years' worth of visiting splendid castles, palaces, cathedrals and abbeys. There was just so much history coursing through my veins that i could'nt help but hear some classical pieces (Bach?) in my head each time i walk through all the old town streets. Think i need a break from Europe... seen too many churches and too many white people... wanna go see something different like the Pyramids in Giza, or Istanbul, or Angkor Wat, or flower fields in Furano, or a hundred other different places...

Fisherman's Bastion at Buda, Budapest

Hungarian Parliament at Pest, 2nd largest in Europe after London

Close-up shot of the Hungarian Parliament

The immense Hofburg by night, Vienna

Stift Melk, Grandest interior of any religious building i've seen

Baroque Theatre in Cesky Krumlov, Czech Republic

I've got to step in to give a brief explanation at this point, coz this theatre really got me awestruck. Dating from as far back as the 2nd half of the 17th, this is the most well-preserved baroque theatre in the world, with original costumes, props and equipment still intact. Yet, the most amazing thing is the special effects that this theatre is able to deliver given the technology that was available. For one, optical illusion on the stage setup was used to make its depth look very much more than it really is, and to make it even more convincing, kid performers wearing miniature versions of actual costumes act in the background while the real adult performers stay in the foreground. Check out this site for more special effects used in the theatre:- Cesky Krumlov & its unique theatre

Cesky Krumlov with the Vtalva running through- Truly a fairytale town

Romantic Charle's Bridge by night, enchanting no matter how many times u see it

Cloth hall at Rynek Glowny, Krakow

One of the 5 Tarns in the Polish Tatras along the Dolina Piecu Stawow trail

Stalin's Communist Icon- Palace of Culture & Science, Warsaw

Beautiful Lakehouse near Kaunas, Lithuania

The eerie hill of crosses at Siauliai

Journey to the land down under

2006-08-04T15:26:00.000+08:00

Finally, after more than 10 years of knowing each other, the 4 of us buds go for an overseas trip together for the very first time. Australia - the land down under! With 2 free stopovers, some 'local' knowledge from Daryl and 15 full days, we set out to explore 3 very distinct parts of this beautiful island continent.

1) Winter in the red centre- dry yet very very cold. With cloud cover and sparesly-vegetated land stretching as far as the eye can see, this is the place to feel the vastness of Australia. While everyone's here to see Ayer's Rock(Uluru), i personally liked Kata Tjuta(Olgas) better, which should make sense, since the aborogines deem it so sacred that they won't even share the creation stories associated with it like they did with the rock.

Typical outback scenery

Just gotta have this pic

"The Apocalypse is near!"

My favourite rocks

View during the 'Valley of the winds' walk

2) Where the reef meets the rainforest- Strictly speaking, that's just at Cape Tribulation, but there really are lots of sandy beaches and rainforest in this part of Queensland,(Cairns & Port Douglas) not to mention that the Great Barrier Reef is always within reach. My day dive at the reef was cut short by a passenger on our boat suffering from a minor heart attack, so i'll be back again someday, the next time for a real 3day diving expedition at the outer reefs...

"Where the reef meets the rainforest, and ME!"

Sunset over the harbour city of Cairns

Two fascinating underwater lifeforms sighted

Parts of the Great Barrier Reef as seen from a plane

3)Victoria Victoria!- Now i think i understand why Melbourne has been touted as the most livable city in the world. Minus the many ugly tram cables, it's really a beautiful, green and modern city, yet with lots of fascinating heritage buildings and superb restaurants. Better still, nature is never too far away, with sights like the Dandenong ranges, Great Ocean road and Yarra valley vinyards just a couple of hours drive away, and ski-friendly alpine mountains an additonal couple more. No wonder Daryl does'nt want to go home.

Dusk at the Alpine mountains- Most colourful i've ever seen

TarraWarra vinyards, regrettably without the grapes

One of the many beautiful Heritage buildings in Melbourne

Melbourne city skyline

Greece part II: Ancient Ruins

2006-07-09T21:34:00.000+08:00

If there's only one thing that Greece is known for, it's ancient history. No journey to this ancient civilaization can be complete without a visit to the Acropolis or one of the many ancient ruins scattered across the country, and so, here we have it- pictures of rocks, rocks, and more rocks. We spent days after days under the scorching sun exploring many of the 'must-see' archeological sites. There were just too many, so again, i've only selected a few here.

Big daddy of all Ruins - The Parthenon at the Acropolis

The pic does'nt even deliver 1/100 of the awe of seeing the Acropolis under a full moon

Centre of the world - Ancient Delphi

One of the Naxian lions guarding over the sacred island of Delos

Sunset at the Temple of Poseidon, Cape Sounion

Minoan vases at the palace ruins of Knossos, Crete

Greece part I: Cyclades

2006-07-06T17:21:00.000+08:00

Kalimera! Finally back from Greece - it's such a beautiful place we took more than 2000 pictures. Even after a long long time selecting the pics, i still have to do this in segments, so now here's the first part: the Cyclades. Trust me, some of the islands like Santorini and Mykonos are so gorgeous that anyone who even knows how to operate a camera can take picture perfect shots. The architecture of the buildings and the layout of these island villages just have to be seen to be believed. I'm pretty confident about our photography skills, but seriously, check out the pics below, we've got tons more where these came from.

One of the many blue-domed churchs at Santorini

Disused windmill at Santorini

Hotel Katikies- Prettiest and also the most expensive in Oia or even the whole of Santorini

Shops along the winding labyrinth-like streets of Mykonos

One of the views of Paraportiani Church in Mykonos

Residential area in Paros

童话世界九寨沟

2006-04-27T13:22:00.000+08:00

Always wondered why young Singaporeans have an aversion to going to China for holidays, dismissing it as a retiree's destination. I think it's got really gorgeous natural scenery at very affordable prices. Check out Jiuzhaigou and it's amazing scenery- it's got pristine forests, stunning lakes, beautiful waterfalls and majestic snow-capped mountains, all in one place. These pics were taken in mid spring; i'm already quite amazed by what i've seen and yet the locals say it's a lot more pretty in autumn where you really can get to see lots of vibrant colours...hmm, i can only wonder. Oh well, in any case, doubt i'll come here again, as all the locals i've spoken to say there's a place that's a hundred times prettier than Jiuzhaigou. They call it Yading- the 'last Shangri-la', and it's situated in the tibetan region of china. That's where i'll be going in future, just gotta beat the altitude sickness...

Primeval Forests abound

Lots and lots of pretty lakes

Crystal Clear Waters

Maybe it's the Tiger lake

Another lake

卧龙海 Sleeping Dragon Lake

Panda Lake? Long Lake? Too many, i can't remember

Maybe it's the mirror lake?

树正群海 Shuzhen lake group

New Useful Links Section & 'Singapore Chic'

2006-04-07T18:16:00.000+08:00

I've got a new useful links section! 5 new links.

Couch Surfing project, Hospitality Club & Global Freeloaders.com let u stay for free at a member's place when you travel around the world- Cool! Of the 3, my favourite is the Couch Surfing project coz of its snazzy interface and security measures, but the Hospitality club has more members. I just hosted a great Lithuanian couple, Arvydas and Jolita(check out the picks in my new 'Singapore Chic' Blog) through the Couch Surfing project, and am currently hooking up with couchsurfers in Greece for my trip in June. Try it- it's fun and it's a great form of cross-cultural exchange.

Igougo's a website offering independent traveller reviews. I wrote a couple as well. Check them out under 'ExtremeWanderlust'. Also, don't forget to check out my new blog on Singapore.

白い世界 - East Hokkaido in Winter

2006-03-09T12:24:00.000+08:00

Finally, after a long while, pics of my own. Staying in Akanko for 3 weeks really gave me lots of time to explore the many nice places in Eastern Hokkaido and to find just the right time to take photos of them, well, at least most of them. どぞ...見て下さい. I'm quite proud of them, and it's going to be at least 2 months before i can take pretty photos like these again.

阿寒湖 - Pier on Lake Akan

霧の摩周湖 - Mysterious Lake Mashu

屈斜路湖 - Migrating swans on Lake Kussharo

雄阿寒岳 - Mt Oakan

冬の弟子屈 - Teshikaga

タンチョウ（丹頂鶴) - Japanese cranes

釧路湿原 - Kushiro Marshlands

森 - Forest along Akan Lakeside

Note: Eugene in Akan-ko, No pics for February

2006-02-05T17:55:00.000+08:00

Sorry guys... no pics for march. Can't upload my pictures here, i'll put them all in when i'm back in March- just imagine a totally white (and oh so cold) world...

Enchanting 白川郷

2006-01-06T00:11:00.000+08:00

Ying made a trip to Shirakawa-go. As expected of her, she took tons of nice photos(check out her clip)... it's making me really really excited about flying off to Hokkaido. 3 more weeks to go- can't wait. Also, i think i'd better start taking more photos to put on my blog soon; it looks like more than half of all the photos in my blog are taken by everyone else other than me... gee...

Winter Wonderland

Gassho-style thatched-roof houses

The 3 famous cottages

Looking back at 2005

2006-01-02T01:56:00.000+08:00

Dragostea Din Tei

2005-12-09T22:16:00.000+08:00

Let me digress from my theme a bit - My colleagues were crazy over this today and i just can't resist posting this in my blog, so here we go, altogether now! (In case you're asking, it's a Romanian Song)

MA-IA-HI

MA-IA-HU
MA-IA-HO
MA-IA-HAHA

Vrei sa pleci dar nu ma, nu ma iei,
Nu ma, nu ma iei, nu ma, nu ma, nu ma iei.
Chipul tau si dragostea din tei,
Mi-amintesc de ochii tai

Christmas Light-up

2005-12-04T23:47:00.000+08:00

It's Christmas season again! Carols, presents, Christmas shoppin', pretty lights - it's the season to be jolly! Sadly, this year's Christmas light-up at Orchard Road does'nt seem to be all that pretty. Sporting a classic red and green theme, it's really quite lacklustre when compared to the gold or the blue and silver themes in the past years. Moreover, having giant M&Ms wearing santa's clothes just does'nt do it for me at all.

Sigh... it's making me reminisce about the wonderful Luminiari light-up at Kobe that i saw last year. Prettiest Christmas light-up i've ever seen, i think photos can never do justice to it. There's just a certain sense of awe and... and... and magic that overcomes you when you walk under the entire stretch of the brightly-lit street, only to find yourself ending up in an enclave where you're surrounded on all sides with more of the intricately designed lightings. It really is an experience that makes my entire trip to Japan last Christmas worthwhile.

Wonder what it looks like this year- must be just as pretty, if not prettier, i'd reckon.

Luminiari at Kobe - Prettiest light-up i've seen yet

It's a long, long road

loss of words to describe its magnitude - immense?

終わりなくつづく歌

2005-11-27T22:36:00.000+08:00

I'm absolutely hooked on Japanese rock bands now. I think their lyrics are absolutely poetic, and sometimes, they can even get quite graphic as well. When coupled with the amazing guitar riffs, i think they're so darn emotionally charged & liberating that i just want to shout out 'Freeeeddomm' (a la William Wallace)

Voila, a couple of stanzas from 太陽は夜も輝く(the sun also shines at night) by Wino.

この太陽は夜も輝いて　夢を見る
そして急ぐ君の目に　焼き付いてはなれない

終わりなくつづく歌　想いさえ越えてゆく
君の目に映るように　胸の奥開けたまま

No pics this time round; tried to take an artistic shot of my Ibanez, but a black electric guitar with white as a background just does'nt make an interesting pic. If only my house has blood red walls...

Autumn Colours

2005-11-24T00:56:00.000+08:00

Ying took some of the prettiest autumn pics i've seen in a while- Go check out her blog! Here's a sample:

紅葉

Huangshan, China

2005-11-19T21:34:00.000+08:00

Sadly, our trip to Huangshan in April turned out to be quite uneventful. It was really hazy, no blue skies, no pretty colours. Worse still, we did'nt get to see the sunrise, nor did we get to see the famed 'sea of clouds' spectacle. By themselves, i did'nt think our pictures were really nice, so here i am trying to do a little editing, making this one look like a chinese ink painting.

"五岳归来不看山黄山归来不看岳"

Beautiful Philippines

2005-11-06T22:53:00.000+08:00

Somehow or rather, the Philippines just does'nt seem to be a hot spot for travelling to us Singaporeans, even though it's about the same distance away as Thailand. I reckon it's because of the frequent demonstrations, or maybe the riots, the reports on terrorist group activites, social insecurity etc etc... but hey, Shirley did come back, and with some of the prettiest photos i've seen of the South East Asian region.

Fisherman mending nets along the coast of Colong-colong, Aklan

Authentic encounter with the locals - Priceless

Boracay Beach

Field in Kalibo

Beautiful Song by Rie Fu

2005-10-29T22:21:00.000+08:00

Life is like a Boat - Rie Fu

Nobody knows who I really am
I never felt this empty before
And if I ever need someone to come along
Who's gonna comfort me and keep me strong

We are all rowing the boat of fate
The waves keep on comin' and we can't escape
But if we ever get lost on our way
The waves would guide you thru another day

遠くで息をしてる　透明になったみたい
暗闇に思えたけど　目隠しされてただけ

祈りをささげて　新しい日を待つ
鮮やかに　光る海　その果てまで

Nobody knows who I really am
Maybe they just don't give a damn
But if I ever need someone to come along
I know you would follow me, and keep me strong

人の心はうつりゆく　抜け出したくなる
つきはまた新しい周期で　舟を連れてく

And every time I see your face,
The oceans heave up to my heart
You make me wanna strain at the oars,
And soon I can see the shore

Oh, I can see the shore
When will I.... can see the shore?

I want you to know who I really am
I never thought I'd feel this way towards you
And if you ever need someone to come along
I will follow you, and keep you strong

旅はまだ続いてく　穏やかな日も
つきはまた新しい周期で　舟を照らし出す

運命の船を漕ぎ
波は次から次へと
私たちを襲うけど
それも素敵な旅ね
どれも素敵な旅ね

Boats at Redang Beach

Gunung Ledang (Mt Ophir)

2005-10-25T00:11:00.000+08:00

Forest Lessons (abridged)- Jim Willis

I know a place untouched by sorrow,
where leafy bowers wave,
where Man has seldom left his mark,
where memories dwell in caves.

There in verdant pleasures i lose myself,
and ponder thoughts reserved
for quiet times of deep reflection,
where true feelings are preserved.

I contemplate the solitude,

vow to leave my life behind,

recall a primeval innocence,

the joys of a simpler time.

Too soon the dusk approaches,

and we must take our leave,

with backward glances we forge on,

rejuvenated and relieved-

of burdensome, worrisome thoughts,

of clocks and everyday concerns,

but we'll return soon one day,

and of more forest lessons learn.

Wanderlust acting up again

2005-10-16T17:50:00.000+08:00

Exams in a few days time... causing self-denial symptoms again. The escapist in me has now chosen to edit a past photo instead of doing what i must do- study. This is a picture of the Meditarranean Harbour in Tokyo Disney Sea that i took 2 years back. Not that i'm really into Disney now, but looking at it makes me feel like travelling again. 3 more months to go, hang on...

Mediterranian Harbour

Buildings with Old-world charm

2005-10-08T22:05:00.000+08:00

It's been some time since i've last posted and i really wanted to post something today, so... running short on inspiration, i decided to rummage through my picture files, and voila! - Old buildings. I'm quite sick of large cities(having lived in one for 27yrs) and its many imposing skyscrapers; i feel they exude a certain feeling of coldness and indifference, like they're the owners of the people in them and not the other way round. Even with all the activity going on inside, the building itself just seems so lifeless and devoid of character.

On the other hand, old buildings appeal to me somehow; they seem to exude a certain kind of charm, and i feel that one can see a manifestation of its owner's personality through the building itself. I can almost imagine what was going on inside them when they were occupied by their orginal inhabitants ages ago.

Anyway, the two buildings that i've posted are oriental buildings. The first one's a mini calligraphy museum in Lan Ting, a tourist attraction in Shaoxing, China. The second one's a building in Himeji-Jo, probably the most manificent castle in Japan. If i'm not wrong, this building's situated at an area where the samurai commit 'Seppuku', the bushido practice of ritual suicide. I kind of like the dappled patterns formed on the gray walls on these two buildings, i think they look great. I must apologize though, for my 'intrusion' in both of the pics. Like many of you, i initially thought i totally spoilt the rustic charm of the pics with my modern clothes and frivolous 'performance', but hey, seeing it in another way, it sort of reflects a cool contrast, does'nt it? Like the arts/literature students would say, "a juxtaposition of the old and new" ... Deep.

I was thinking of 'Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon' while posing for this one. Can anyone find the one flaw in my picture? I actually attempted to remove a person from the background with my amateur photoshop skills.

The dappled pattern that i was talking about's more distinct here. Truly beautiful, isn't it?

C’est pour vous, Madame Bories!

2005-10-01T02:36:00.000+08:00

Ça fait longtemps que je ne vous ai pas vu ou même contacté, mais ne vous inquitez pas- Je ne vous ai pas vous oublié, pas du tout. Vous avoir rencontrer est l’un des plus beaux moments que j’ai eu dans ma vie. Votre gentillesse quand vous avez invité deux passants chez vous, quand vous nous avez emmenés autour de la campagne, quand vous avez fait le steak haché pour nous, je me souviens chaque détail même maintenant. Comme on dit- Les gens qu’on reconcontre determine combien on aime ses voyages, vous êtes vraiment un des plus importantes raisons pour lesquelles j’aime tant La France.

Les Champs des Tournesols

Alors, ce blog est dedié pour tout ce qui est jolie. Naturellement, c’est tout à fait approprié que je dedie ce ‘blog posting’ spécialement pour vous, Madame Bories- la jolie dame que je n’inoublierai jamais!

P.S. J’ai tant écrié de vous que j’ai oublié de mentionner que Montélimar est belle.

Oh What a Wonderful World

2005-09-26T12:21:00.000+08:00

Despite all the tragic things happening everyday around the world, i still think we live in a wonderful planet. There're still pieces of heaven in many places around Earth, that is, if we know where to find and if we keep our hearts hopeful. This Blog is thus dedicated to all things/places beautiful(in my opinion), and to depict this beautiful world in its truest form, i'll use only photos taken by me or my friends. (no professionally made and edited photos, 'less anyone of my own friends really do become professional)To start off, here are some pics from my Kota Kinabalu hiking trip and one from Ying's Fuji-san Trip.

Here's a view of Low's peak(The one on the right) from the trail up to the top

Here's one taken off Low's Peak on another adjoining peak. (Don't know what its name is) In any case, nothing beats Ying's totally heavenly pic taken from Fuji-san.(below) Sugoii desu ne...