Japanese Garden

Singapore

So, I was back in Singapore to attend friend's wedding, but I also want to go around and see what has changed in a year since I left it.

Out I go to visit my old haunts; The Botanic Garden is one of my favorites, where people seem to have life. Where they have enjoyable talk with friends, lover, or their dog, while appreciating nature... or so I thought. The reality is, at this rate, not much private space left for an individual. A lot of foreign workers are sprawling across the place. Quite understandable really, given that they have no other means of entertainment. But still, its quite annoying when you want to take photo, a lot of people is in the way. I spot a couple photo ops, few wedding photoshoot, among other things.

For a while, Singaporeans have deemed their fellow countrymen as not creative. Without a quiet place to think, its not that surprising. That's why I look for quaint, sometimes rustic cafés to read and ponder. But at $15 for a latte and a slice of cake, I'm afraid I'd soon be broke before even producing a substantial work. Some of the nice place to relax is Tiong Bahru Bakery in Raffles City, but get there before lunch hour, preferable from 10-11 am.

What is disturbing is the fact that even in a vacation, I find myself quite busy. I'm not sure what was the cause. Inadequate public transportation, or just lousy planning on my side? But I did wait an hour for a bus when half the island was flooded. And lets not forget its raining the whole time I was there. That made me think that I took the right decision to leave. Is this modern day lifestyle, which must be paid in hefty sum, worth it?

But its not all in vain, I did get a few good photos, discover interesting places, and experience a unique wedding procession. I found some old trading companies still doing business in the middle of the modern city state, along Hong Kong St road. They still trade spices, grains, and a bunch of other things, run by middle aged people.

Another area of interest is Mohamed Sultan Road, the place is teeming with cafes and restaurants. I did try a few places, but like I said above, I couldn't afford it too often. After all, its in the posh area of the city, surrounded by high class private apartments. But there is a small Thai restaurant which name I can't remember now (sorry!). For $8, you can get an olive fried rice, with fish cakes and tom yam soup. You won't be disappointed. 

My place to go list:
- Europe : French rural area, Italy, especially Tuscany and Lake Como area. Switzerland, and the eastern Europe.. Greece.. um.. well.. basically the whole Europe
- Japan : Osaka, Kyoto, Shirakawa, Tokyo and the Hokkaido
- America : national parks like Yosemite, Zion and Yellowstone
- China : exotic remote places

And it will be nice to have friends to go along.. although for some places they'd be a lil bit older when I finish taking pictures..

River Ouse, York

This is one of the popular pictures from my UK travel. Maybe because it pictures the image of typical European old cities with a river in the middle of it :)

Happy New Year!

Wishing you a Hopeful New Year!

Major events in 2010
- Went to Turkey, my first 10 hours away holiday!
- Found out mom is sick.
- I got baptized! On 26th December no less! (after years of hesitation)

I still try to get my act together though.

This year realized that I have to set a clear goal, and work hard on it. Otherwise I will not achieve anything in my life.
So my 2011 goals would be :

- More travel.. Japan, Italy or London.
- Better job, the one that I can use my talent in
- Get a wife maybe? :P *cross fingers*

And the three years Oracle ERP project implementation will not go live this year. It might as well canceled. Millions of dollars have been spent so far. So now I understand why those 'Change Agents' get paid pretty well, and why change management is hot.

Anyway.. welcome 2011!

Impressionist Style
Credit to FotoSketcher

More of Turkey

One thing that strikes me about Turkey is its water. I'm baffled why the guide recommend us not to drink from tap water, even after boiling it. But I think now I know why. Turkey depends on its agriculture sector to be self sustained, hence the widely used fertilizer.. or pesticide can affect the underground water system. No amount of boiling can get rid of the chemicals.

Turkey is a beautiful place with nice people.. (and beautiful too).

Hierapolis

Cappadocia

The most breathtaking hot air balloon ride in the world! (until I get on something more exciting :D)

Turkey

Not the one you have on your plate :)
Just got back from overseas trip with some wonderful people. And have learned a few lessons in taking pictures too.
The most important one : Go with a friend, preferably a pro photographer! So you have a good pictures of youself! LoL


I find DSLR metering is a little bit unreliable, I prefer the Live View system, because human brain is still the best tool there is out there.

Kaiser Wilhelm Fountain

The Blue Mosque

Topkapi Palace

Ephesus
Yeah.. so 'touristy' I know ;p

Sultanhani Caravanserai

Too much picture in one post.. I'll continue later :)