Kuala Lumpur - Palace of the Golden Horses (2009)

Lunch time... display by a single stock of rose in a wine glass standing beautifully in the centre of the round meal table. Quite a pleasant sight when there are dozens of rows of tables with a consistent display configurations.

Took a close-up shot from my table. Then realised something missing. I liked the close-up shot very much but somehow it feels dull. Before the second shot, I sprinkled some water extracted from the wine glass and immediately, the pretty rose sprang to live. Now you should understand why florist sprayed their flowers with water and the fruit guy who sprays water on their fruits. To make them look fresh and pleasant.

I proceeded to take another close-up. This time changing the color to setia. =) BEAUTIFUL!!! I LOVE IT. =)

Kuala Lumpur - Palace of the Golden Horses (2009)

Lift Lobby Lighting Display

Every lift lobby was decorated elegantly with displays like photograph shown above. Warm lightings were used to create a very warm environment.

The potted Orchid plant tastefully placed in the middle give the Victorian theme a tint of Chinese. Very unique combination.

Kuala Lumpur - Palace of the Golden Horses (2009)

Bedside Table Lamp: Bronze horse

(Close-up shot taken diagonally up from the floor)

Table Lamp: Bronze horse

Some where in the hotel which I forgot where...

(Close-up shot taken diagonally up from the floor)

We were at the Palace of the Golden Horses in Kuala Lumpur for our annual church camp this year. Someone asked the receptionist how many horses are there hotel and there are 8888 of them. '8' is an auspicious number for Chinese.

There were many horse figurines within and outside the hotel. But I can't find any 'gold' ones though.

Hong Kong Relaxed (2007)

That is my wife relaxing while reading a magazine and me sipping coffee and looking out for nice shooting perspectives. This final image concludes the series of Hong Kong trip photos.

Coming up next:

A selection of ARPC Church Camp Photos 2009.

Followed by 'Holiday in Taipei' Photos taken in June 2009...

Hope you enjoyed my photos so far.

Hong Kong Ocean Park (2007)

It was Christman period when we were in Hong Kong. The Ocean park wasn't spared with beautiful Christmas decorations that caught my eyes with the brightly colored bear and snowman figures in stark contrast to the greens from the background.

The entire context soothes the eye and creates an unparalleled tranquility.

Hong Kong Ocean Park (2007)

Nice wheel. But didn't get on that one.

That was my time on the roller coaster in Hong Kong. There are two in the Ocean Park. The first ride sent my heart right to the throat. The second ride I sort of figured out a breathing technique so that even when I plunge vertically down or forced a 360, I remained calm and composed. And that worked pretty well. =) The second ride was more fun...

Hong Kong Ocean Park (2007)

Went to the Jelly Fish Exhibit in Ocean Park there housed various species of... Jelly Fish! Colored lights were artificially cast in the tank on the Jelly Fish to enhance and stimulate the visual senses of the visitors. It is enough to spur me on to take a couple of shots. Smile Jelly Fish!!!

Hong Kong Ocean Park (2007)

Walking along the pathway and passing through a building with large white vertical pillars. The backdrop was a very high constrating clear blue sky. That was not the most spectacular thing. Several eagles circled in the sky. Looking through the pillars on the eagles feels like looking out of a window. Managed to snap a decent photo of an eagle soaring pass.

Hong Kong Outdoor (2007)

Other than the sub-way; the every efficient MTRs in Hongkong, there are other very interesting modes of transportation to the various tourist destinations.

To THE PEAK, we queued a loooooooooog time and sqeeeeeeeezed the sweat out to get on the tram en-route to THE PEAK. We could have taken an alternative transport but to miss riding on the TRAM is to render the trip incomplete. I got the photograph from a perspective slightly lower than eye level and included the background watch advertisement and its building to cover the entire image. Overall it has this very earth tonal expression with tones and shades of brown:grey and a timeless feeling.

I think the cable car was when we were on our way to the Ocean Park. Very colourful cable cars and you can hear 'you got to take a shot of us!'. If i remembered correctly, the cable cars were taken when we were off the platform already hanging in mid-air. The relaxed sun-basking effect on the cars triggered my shutter hands to take a shot.

Hong Kong MTR (2007)

Hong Kong is well-known for its efficiency in transportation. Most Hong Kong working class commute to work via the sub-way. It is so well interconnected that there is almost no need for a car. Above many of the stations are shopping malls and within the subway itselfs are mini self-sustaining shopping havens. Basically, what you can find and get above gound, you could find them underground. Apparels, food, groceries, toys & magazines, you name it.

Though crowded and noisy during the peak hours (note: unlike the Japanese subway which is very quiet where no body really talks to each other or over the phone in the name of politeness), when the train cabins are vacated, they are spotlessly clean.

Another thing I love about the Hong Kong train is they have an indicator to show you where you are at any point in time on a map just above the doorway.

I wonder how this simple strategy to get people around and knowing where they are took Singapore so long to notice. The train system is something Singapore can't beat, another is the status of a shopping & food paradize.

Hong Kong Patterns (2007)

Sometimes we eat in restaurants. This time happens to be in a chinese desert restaurant (above image) and a Japanese restaurant (image below). Both have very outstanding wall features that brings out the 'richness' in gold with its warm yellow interior lighting. Very intricate designs that shows their focus on ambience.

Hong Kong Buildings (2007)

Buildings that makes use of glass and reflection facade usually brings out some character out of the structure. Depending on the the angularity of the surfaces reflected light and the colors of its surrounding, it provides the contrast in color and tone of the overall building depite it being similar in color scheme to begin with. It is both a clever and effective way of enhancing the effective aesthetics of a building.

The last one in yellow and cyan tint is the hotel we stayed in called Ibis Hotel. We prefer the one in Bangkok.