I think this sums up 2011 for us!

What a fun-filled year! I treasure every moment I get to spend with my family (including my dog)! There were lots of exercise that came about from regular weekend badminton sessions ... but Wendy's ice-cream got the better of me and I didn't lose any weight! sigh... temptation...


While I cut down on food but never seem to lose any weight... (yes, even attempted a low-carb diet at night!) my wife seems to have developed a much bigger appetite but never seem to put on any kilos... this world is so unfair!


Key highlights for the year has to be:


1. Our 2 weeks' visit to Singapore and Cambodia in November - see my earlier posts on Cambodia... what a fine destination!
2. "Look see" visit to Detroit Michigan, ok much of it has to do with the tonne of shopping we did in that place... not much else!


I think 2012 will be a significant year for Pearly and I. I would like to visit Yellowstone National Park & Disneyland in LA one more time! ok... and maybe visit Times Square for the 2012 year end count down.... and Niagara Falls... 

Another photo I took in Detroit...

Ok, I am counting down... less than 30 days to go.

Get ready... here I come!

So much to do but so little time...

RWS - am I missing something?

A recent visit to Resort World Sentosa has left me perplexed... on one hand, I was proud of the achievement of Singapore as a nation and how it was totally transformed from a developing country to a first-world nation in little over 40 years. On the other hand, this visit to Sentosa was to fondly re-live some of my childhood memories - for which I found none. 


You see - the island of Sentosa was so totally transformed that it almost seems "foreign" to me. I remembered the Fort Siloso beach... the cycling tracks, the World War II bunkers filled with sparrows and scorpions, the camping trips, the SAF bungalows that I used to holiday in. There was definitely a "rustic" beauty about the Sentosa of old which I now sadly miss.


Interestingly, I had tempura in a Japanese restaurant yesterday. Sitting next to me was a very pleasant Australian couple... we spoke of of travel experience in Japan. Then he asked me if I had grown up in Melbourne, I promptly responded that I am from Singapore. "Ah... Singapore." he said. "There is a lot of changes in that city state...." he followed, "Everytime I visit that country, I see drastic changes in the city's skyline." 


I smiled and nodded in agreement. Then, I was swiftly reminded of my experience in Sentosa... Yes, I was missing something. I have missed the country that I once remembered...

Comerica Park - Home of the Tigers

It was a "sunny" day by Detroit's standard in winter... well, at least there were some rays of sunshine in the city, so we decided to explore the real Detroit city. After taking the people mover away from Renaissance Center... approximately 6 stops later, we chance by the Comerica Park (it's the home ground of the Detroit Tiger - a US major league baseball team). There was no one around except for 3-4 tourists like ourselves outside the park... I took out the 5D and started snapping away. For a stadium that is built in the city of Detroit... this place feels very quiet (really, there was no activity). Perhaps it was because the holidays season is near and most office workers are on annual leave or because it's just the wrong time of the day... Coming from Melbourne Australia, the quietness of the Detroit during the day took a bit of getting used to, had it been Melbourne at this time of the day, the streets will be filled with office workers, tourists and street buskers.


I find it mind boggling ... the effect of Detroit's bad rep (high crime rates) on me - I only dare to take out the 5D on limited occasions when there is no one near me (when I felt safe to do so),,, so I had taken only a handful of shots. In contrast... I felt safer to walk around the streets of Siem Reap (Cambodia) with the 5D on my hand. There was really no real signs of danger on the streets of Detroit... yet I cannot find a logical explanation for feeling safer in a developing country like Cambodia compared to Detroit, USA.

Detroit - is there hope for you?

Almost everyone I've spoken to lately acknowledged that Detroit has a general negative rep - while Michigan is beautiful, few go past the high crime rates & high level of unemployment in Detroit. Over the past few months, I have been reading a great deal about Detroit ... the evolution of the American Motor Industry, the downfall that some have blamed on the automotive unions, recent arts development in the city...


I have been to some online forum (of course, not everything you read in public forum is correct) and have seen folks in the forum trying to promote the city of Detroit... giving it a good rep. However, I think its hard to change the public perception if the locals in Detroit also preach the same "doom & gloom" message. Eg. on more than one occasion when we are paying at the cashier, the cashier asked me for my zip code - I answered "We are here for holidays from overseas..." before I could finished my sentence, the usual response would be "why would you come here for holidays? nobody comes here for holidays."

Sunset in Bayon

Most people travel to Siem Reap to catch a sunrise in Angkor Wat... sure sunrise is truly spectacular in the Everest of temple, but I think there is a comparable beauty in the sunset in Bayon. With not many tourists around, there is a quiet serenity in this place.


The temple is located in the vicinity of the famous Angkor Thom... a collection of ancient Angkorian temples and ruins. It's roughly about a 15min drive from Siem Reap city centre. 

The Cambodian Painter

This photo was taken in a Cambodian night market. What caught my attention was the brilliant art work in this store. I spoke briefly with the artist in the picture & understood that he was the resident painter and everything in the shop was painted by him. It takes about a day to complete a piece and they sell for between US$30 to US$100 per piece. I asked him how was life as a painter - he smiled and said "I don't earn much"... "but... I am happy."

An Explosion of Colours

I love this picture! Night bazaar is not a foreign experience for me growing up in Asia... however, I have never once not been impressed by the explosion of colours in the night market! There is always something colourful & interesting round the corner. It's breath-taking... the colours... doesn't it makes you want to celebrate? dance?

Fish doctors - nibbling away

So this is really weird for me... really weird.

After walking around Phnom Penh the whole day, visiting the Royal Palace, Phnom Wat, FCC Phnom Penh etc... we finally end up in the Phnom Penh night market. It was a warm day ~31 degree celcius - so I was sweaty throughout and my feet was soaked in perspiration and dirt. These fishes are like combfishes - they only consume the affected and dead areas of the skin, leaving the healthy skin to grow, with the outdoor location of the treatment bringing beneficial effects.

The reason why I said this is weird for me is because (1) my feet were so dirty that I would definitely not share it with anyone else in a foot bath; (2) the opposite is also true... I don't think I would like to share a foot bath with people I do not know who could possibly have dirty feet!; (3) what's worse... feeding my stinky feet to the fish - plain disgusting!


Having said that... seems like others aren't really bothered, they probably even enjoyed it! It's a big world out there - who am I to judge.

Phnom Penh Night Market - mass massage!

This is such an interesting experience. From the moment I stepped into the night market, I have been swamped by the locals... "Massage sir?" I respectfully responded "No thanks...". "But it's cheap sir..." I quicken my steps to make sure my intentions are known.


Yes, the massage is really cheap... it costs no more than US$5 for an hour's foot reflexology. If you're there with a group of friends... I think the best thing to do is to buy a mug of beer & maybe some peanuts... then, just lift up your feet & then relax on the reflex and then chat away! Seems like the people in this photo are really enjoying the casual reflexology along the streets. Cool!


Me? Ahmm... I prefer massage in a "proper" massage parlour... the relaxing music, air-conditioning and a nice cup of traditional Khmer tea.

Five things I learnt about Cambodia

Having visited Cambodia made me realise that:

1. Lemon grass & palm sugar can be used in every meal

2. When stuck in heavy traffic at a cross junction - just close your eyes and go

3. USD is the functional currency (of tourists) in Cambodia

4. Always slash prices by at least 50% when bargaining - don't be shy!

5. Learn basic Khmer (if u're Asian) - at tourist locations pretend to be a Cambodian & you'll get free access.

The jungle temple - Ta Prohm

This is a place that gave me the "wow" factor from the get go. My local driver told me that Ta Prohm is also known as the jungle forest and the place was made famous by the movie "Tomb Raider". It's really easy to see what Hollywood has chosen this to be the setting for the Lara Croft movie - the whole temple is shrouded in dappled shadow yet extrudes a sense of calmness and serenity - exotic. 


The extensive root system dug deep into building structures creating a manicured look that reminded me of a bonsai plant - except that in this case the trees are "life-size". While the trees and its muscular root system is a definite highlight of this place, there is no doubt that its these roots that are slowly destroying the temple consuming & breaking it down with the age of time.


Along the way into the temple you'll see many kids and teenagers who would offer to be your guide. What's surprising is that most of these kids speak really good English without any hint of local accent. Some were so good that I wouldn't be able to tell them apart from the foreigners... These kids are extremely street-wise and have probably been trained in their early days to survive in this real world. So if you are feeling generous, there's no harm letting one of them guide you through the temple for a small fee... (always agree on a price before you start with them).


Pearly told me that this is her favorite place in Siem Reap.

The magic of Angkor Wat

Ok, on arrival in Siem Reap, Cambodia, this is the place I most eagerly wanted to visit - of course... who wouldn't?


Angkor Wat is world-renowned (although two of my good friends in Singapore have never heard of it?), it is one of the 7 wonders of the world and listed in the UNESCO heritage site. What's more important to me is that I have seen countless numbers of fantastic photos of this place and after many months of planning, it was finally time for me to take some photos of my own.


Angkor Wat struck me as a place that was "lost in time". The temple looked more like a walled city from outside and surrounded by a moat. As I stood outside the main entrance, I could almost picture it in its fullest glory in the olden days.


This picture was taken during sunrise. This is my first sunrise shot... I guess I just never had the discipline to wake up that early in the morning to catch the sunrise. I still recall scheduling  morning call at 430am with the hotel... and telling myself "I hope this is worth the early rise". Pearly and I reach the temple at around 530am, this is when the first light occurred. When we were at the temple, there was already hordes (over a thousand) of tourists lining by the pond to catch a shot of the sunrise. With much apologies... we managed to "squeeze" pass the crowd to get to the edge of the waters. I went straight to a spot where a number of tripods were set up... why? Simple... (a) photographers are usually more accommodating than the usual tourists & don't usually mind sharing a spot with other photographers - so long as you don't bump into their tripods (b) they have probably arrived early to survey the land and noted that this is the best spot to get good photos.


The moment was magical... as the light came up, the sky turned into a deep purple before lighting up with an orange glow. It was a sight to behold... and the early rise was all worth it! (click on image to see full size)

Banteay Kdei - small but wonderful

I like the shots taken in this temple. 


3 reasons:

1. We had a photo guide who speaks immaculate English & knew all the right places to take a shot... we did have to pay him ~US$8 at the end of the 45mins.
2. It was beautiful! There was a lot of action in the clouds.
3. Most importantly - THERE WAS NO TOURIST!

Compared to the surrounding temples in Angkor Thom, Ta Prohm and Angkor Wat, Banteay Kdei is small. The temple measures no bigger than a football field, yet it feels very complete and has no lack of great sights compared to it's bigger siblings. The temple is surrounding by 4 concentric walls with 4 entrances (each decorated by carvings of Garudas) and the at back of the temple is a small pond which completes its tranquil settings.


This place is definitely worth the visit ... the light tourist traffic is a real plus - especially when you are taking photos! (click on photos to see full size image)

Lest we forget... Capitol Theatre

Growing up in Singapore, I always have fond memories of the Capitol Theatre. The place reminded me of a time (when life was carefree) during my teenage years. I have always admired the structure of the building - in particular it's uniquely shaped ceiling which I believe to be representative of a neo-Classical era. 


The building was originally used as a cinema and screened shows by the Shaw Organisation - however, after screening it's last movie in 1998, Capitol Theatre was left on its own (unoccupied) for about over a decade. During the interim period, it seems that the Singapre Tourism Board had intended to use the theatre for Arts group - however, that did not eventuate. The doors of Capitol Theatre was henceforth shut to the public and while the rest of Singapore has evolved over the next decade, it slowly deteriorate through the passage of time & lack of upkeep.


In my recent trip back to Singapore, one of my "must-see" destination was the Capitol Theatre. Firstly, to jolt some good old memories of my teenage years... Secondly, I had heard that there is a development project to restore the theatre and I wanted to catch a shot of the "original" theatre before it's makeover. 


The way in which the photos was taken was an adventure in itself. Firstly, the theatre is currently under construction so all areas were condone off to the public. On arrival at the theatre, the first thing that one would see is a big "All visitors must report to the guardroom" sign. Well, I thought I should do the right thing & do what the sign says... but after waiting for about 5 mins outside an unmanned guardroom I figured that I should have a look around the building to see if I might be able to get some help from the workers on-site. I then came across a friendly (foreign) construction worker and asked him if he knew how I could go into the theatre... I think he understood my question and promptly pointed me to what seems to be the only open door into the building (all other entrance were locked or sealed off).


Normally, I would hesitate & not enter into a building that is under construction without proper authorisation but (I guess) curiosity got the better of me and I entered into the premise... it was a sight to behold! Without wasting any time (as I know that I'll have to leave once someone sees me), I promptly set up my tripod and camera & went on a series of rapid fire with my trusty 5D. As expected after about 4-5 shots, a gentleman (who appears to be the foreman) entered the building & proceeded to give me a earful. I still recall that while he was lecturing ... I was still trying to stall time for my last bracketed shot to complete. 


Here's the result of my 30 mins adventure in Capitol theatre... (impt: click on the image to see full size pic)

Colour and texture - Turkey

Oh Christmas is almost here again - my fav time of the year! Prepare the turkey for the feast!

London Bridge - Great Ocean Road

Ok, this is the fourth time I have visited this spot. The last 3 times - I have either not really taken up photography or have forgotten to bring my camera along. So when my family arrived - I thought.... let's do a trip that allows me to take some photos & show them the natural wonder of Victoria! That's two birds with one stone... win win!


When I arrived, I almost didn't manage a shot as the sky was gloomy and threatening to pour forth wet blessings on me! Fortunately, I managed a few shots on my camera before it all came down!

Kyoto - in front of the temple gate

Tori gates are a big thing in Japanese culture. Almost at the front of every shrine or temple is one or more of these Tori gate. It's usually painted in bright red (this one isn't) & some has interesting craving on the pillars.

Churches and cathedrals are such beautiful place

I mean the painting on the walls and the stain glass windows are such a display of artistry! It can take me hours to just sit down and go through the paintings on the wall tile by tile... I am amazed by the intricacies - every little detail, every tone. This experience in the church has left me in awe!

Near Federation Square

This photo is part of a series of 6 that I'll be sharing taken from a recent night out in the city of Melbourne. The next time I'll be out doing a night shoot in the city will be on New Year's Eve. Hopefully, I'll be able to grab some shots of the New Year's fireworks. 


I must say that I counted myself really lucky to be able to do this on a night full of clouds... sure, at some stage during the shoot it seems like the rain will not hold out. But it did! I recall leaving the city around 930pm and the minute I stepped into the car... the heavens opened and it was raining heavy! Not sure whether I've mentioned this before, for those of you who are visiting Melbourne, be sure to check out this place! Heaps of cools restaurant and personally, I think the National Gallery of Victoria (you can see this place in the background) is one of the best museum in Australia... their exhibits changes frequently and most of the exhibits are free to see... additionally, there are usually cool performances on weekends.

The Most Iconic Building in Melbourne

Yes, you guess right. The most iconic building in Melbourne for me is the Flinders Street Train Station. I liken it to the Sydney Opera House for Sydney. 


Despite its old and colonial looks, it holds certain sentimental values for me - I still remember the first time I stepped into the train station and boarded the train. It was crazy... people all around me, confusing platforms... waiting for the train that never seem to arrive... or after it arrived... it took forever to leave. That was my initiation to Melbourne!

Rugby World Cup - Federation Square

Some of my colleagues and friends are from NEw Zealand ... and yes, you guess right, the past week was "hell" for me, there was an incessant mentioning and bragging of how superb the All Blacks performed at the Rugby World Cup that ended last weekend. 


When the All Blacks were playing the French team... I was busy taking photos in the city near Federation Square. The moment was electrifying... eyes pierced on the big screen - it was intense. I figured, while no one's looking I'll try to capture the moment!

Finally - after close to 3 years

This photo reminds me of a conversation I had with a colleague of my who lives in Australia... yes, she might have grown up in Brisbane and recently moved to Melbourne but that is no excuse for not knowing where Chadstone Shopping Centre is!! I mean, it's Chadstone SC - I remember having it on my wife's list of "must do" when we first arrived here 3 years ago.  In fact, I remember that it was on her top three list of to do!

Come to think of it, I am no exception. Ever since picking up photography, I have always wanted to do a night shot of Melbourne City. Well, like they said "the greatest intention is smallest than the smallest deed". I just never got to do it... yes, there was once I nearly managed to do a night photowalk in the city... but when the rain came down that night, it was all over!

Thankfully, my understanding wife allowed me to do my night photography last weekend... we started in the late afternoon and stayed until about 930pm! 

Nik Software Silver Efex Pro - now I am addicted

Black and white conversion has never been much fun for me, for some reason I just find it difficult to get the mono right. Too bright, too much contrast, too structured etc... for those that are regular readers to the blog know that I don’t do a lot of mono. I find it extremely difficult to get the mood and structure I want to bring out in a photo perhaps its got to do with shooting with B&W in mind… I see things in a very colourful and "as is" way, and I’ve spent a long time training myself in this technique that helps bring this to photographic reality.

I am sold on Silver Efex Pro... and now know why others swears by it.

My wife's photo - taken in NYC

This shot was taken by my wife when she was in NYC. For a fairly new photographer, I actually thought that the composition was really really good. I really like the colour and mood of the photo. So, I took the photo, gave it a crop and some level adjustments ... here's the result.

Queen of self-portraits

"Zi Pai" - that's what most people do (including my wife) whenever she gets her hands on the Canon G12. With the folding LCD screen, self portrait photography has never been easier.

Wilsons Prom - What a day!

Ok, I expected the weather to be so so... in fact weather in Melbourne has an uncanny ability to turn from sunny weekdays to gloomy weekends. Why? Beats me... Something that is extremely irritating for weekends photographers like myself - who can only afford a day or so on weekend to pursue my photographic hobby. 


Anyhow I had originally planned to make a trip to Philip Island this weekend - bad plan! Guess what... I only found out that there is a Motor Grand Prix in Philip Island on Friday... so change of plans... Let's go to Wilsons Prom instead... something that is fairly logical. 2.5 hrs drive from Melbourne - lots of nice scenery ... water, sand, sea... mountain, trees - The Lot! 

Melbourne City View

Back to Outpost Restaurant - I had to try the pork belly again!

I must admit...


I'm not the risk-taking type... in fact when it comes to food - I'm risk-adverse.


Once I found a restaurant that serves really good food... I tend to keep going back for more.


About a month ago, my family chance on this restaurant, my sister ordered pork belly - I took a few bites. It was the best pork belly I've tried. Fancy finding a restaurant of such quality in the middle of Gippsland (for those not living in Melbourne, it's a rural region part of Victoria about 1-2 hour's drive from the city).  Now I am back for more - not sharing this time! I've a whole plate of pork belly to myself. The quality is still good - except I wish the chef did not pour the gravy over the crispy skin.


Also, this time, I brought my tripod - set it up and took these shots.

Polly Woodside

Part of the reason why I enjoy visiting Southbank is because you tend to find something interesting every time you turn a corner. Polly Woodside is now a tourist attraction - you'll have to pay to go onboard. Observing from a distance is completely free! Ah nice!

Flinders Street Melbourne

Walking down Flinders Street - I thought it is simply wonderful that there is a bit of "history" retained in every modern city. These walls are true tell-tale signs of what the city has endured through the passage of time.

Jacky Cheung - part 2

Jacky Cheung in Concert

Ok, first of all... I have some personal opinion to express re planning capabilities of the people who build Hisense Arena. One would imagine that if you build an indoor stadium with a sitting capacity of ~20,000 to 30,000, you would probably build a carpark big enough to match. Nope - there was no carpark near Hisense that can provide sufficient space for a capacity crowd. I mean seriously!


Glad I finally got that out of me. 


Now onto the concert, just some "distanced" observation since I am seated really really far away. (1) Jacky seems a little un-interactive... would have liked a bit more interaction with the crowd. (2) Crowd seems a bit reserved... there isn't the wild & dancy type around, so we sat down the whole night. (3) I still prefer Jacky's old numbers. (4) Pay the extra $50 & sit right in front!

GM Holden Footy (Part 3)... my last post on this event!

I was worried that it would rain on the day, thankfully the weather held up & the sun was beaming! Admittedly, I am not much of a sport photography person - so when I was asked to cover the event, I sort of made it my first real attempt in taking photos of people in sport. Fair to say, there were moments where I stood at one side of the ground waiting for some "action" to happen only to see it on the other side. After a bit of "to and fro" I finally decided to stand in the middle of the ground not sure if it was the right thing to do ... but for me its a somewhat a logical thing to do... yes, I'll probably not be close to the real action... but this was somewhat compensated by the zoom len I brought with me (I am thinking... if only I have the 2x adaptor).


After about 2 hours in the sun running (rather messing) around with my heavy gear... my most important lesson for sports photography ... I'll bring a monopod next time. no wonder those pro sports photographer always have a monopod attached (I had sore arms... towards the end of the event, I almost ran out of motivation to lift my camera). This is seriously the most important gear for sports photos... that way your eyes can see through the viewfinder throughout the entire game - capturing every moment that counts.


Having said that... I still have questions re whether I should use the "one shot" mode or switch to "al servo"... I find that one shot is better at focusing - but provided I am fast enough.


In all, I think it was a fun day... I learnt some practical tip from just being on the ground.