30 September 2009

3 days in Australia


Went to Australia for a site job. Everything was such a rush, one day in Perth, two days at site and back. Too bad I cant stay longer but I think there are two more trips coming up...hehe. Thanks to Andy, my australian "tour guide", I was able to visit a few places during my very very short trip. I am very grateful for his hospitality and his help during the three days.

This is the view from my hotel for my one night stay in Perth. Great view of the swan river. After checking in, its straight to sightseeing. I only have 3 hours. First stop, Andy drove me to King's Park. I really love that place. Great view of Perth City and its such a great place to relax, picnic, or just take a walk.

View of Perth City from King's Park.

Perth City
The King's Park War Memorial. Look at the green space...lovely place. Next is a quick visit to the Fremantle Port Beach.
Lots of people fishing here. Beautiful place to watch the sunset.
Last is Fremantle Market and Wharf. Sadly, its the long weekend and most of the shops are closed. No shopping for me. But the wharf was bustling with people there for dinner. There are many restaurants selling fish and chips. Heard its rather famous. I must try it the next time!
People actually park their yacht there just to have fish and chips.
Sunset at Fremantle. Next is off to Andy's place for dinner. Its so gracious of him to invite me to his place for dinner. I get to experience suburban life in Perth. After dinner, its back to the hotel for a good night sleep. Next day, I woke up at 4:30am to catch the flight to Karratha. 2 hrs flight north of Perth. Thats where I will be going.
Thats me! I am on the newly built jetty. Behind me is a jackup rig.
Thats the jetty I was on. Its about 20 m above sea level. After a hard day work, Andy drove me around Karratha for a little sightseeing.
This place is like Jurong Island in a desert.
The red rocks are rocks broken by exfoliation in situ due to years of expansion of contraction due to the desert heat. Its an amazing sight. There are so many of them around the area.
This beach is very usual as its not made of sand...but ...
Shells....Millions of them.
As the sun sets, we went back to our accomodation at Pilbara Holiday Park. Thats our bungalow for the night. I love this place. Its so much better than our chalets in Singapore. I was sitting at the porch area chatting with Andy and looking at the stars...no lights...only lights from the moon and the stars...absolutely amazing.
There are many other families in the park. Some in their caravan enjoying the peace and quiet.

The next morning, it was like a mini road trip. 200 km drive into the wilderness towards Port Hedland.
At the halfway mark, there is a famous resting place called the Whim Creek Pub. Its a Pub/Hotel in the middle of nowhere.
The vastness of the desert.
A short break along the way.
Finally after two years, we reached Port Hedland. Its an industrial area, iron ore mining, salt mining. You can smell the iron dust in the air. All the vehicles there are covered with a layer of red dust. Lol...After having a quick lunch, its another 2 hrs drive back to the airport. Such a short trip but I had such a great time.

14 July 2009

Sunset

Was attending an event at Jurong East when I noticed this beautiful scene behind me...

Sports Climbing

After many years of procrastination, I finally went for a one day sports climbing course last month. The course was conducted at Toa Payoh Safra. It was great fun! I thought I wouldnt be able to climb but I actually managed 5 climbs ..i think. lol. It was really tough but its a great workout for the body. After the course, you can really feel that all your energy was drained from every part of your body.

After the course, I got my certificate to certify that I have understood the basics of sports climbing and the technique of belaying. I think I want to continue this, maybe find a group to do this on a routine basis. Anyone interested?

The Bellagio

Found two videos I took 2 years back in Las Vegas while I was organising my files...The musical fountain of the Bellagio. Its really an amazing experience standing there watching this. Hope I got another chance to go there again.



13 July 2009

Stefanie Sun Concert

Went to Stefanie Sun concert last saturday. Its her first concert in 3 years and its my first time attending her concert...was so excited about it.

The stadium was almost fully occupied. She performed so many of her songs that night..and was especially witty and funny. Really enjoyed her performance, she is sooo good. The costumes, the stage and the effects are really great. Below are some pics and videos i took.

















台北最后一天

在台北最后一天,一定要去泡温泉。早上我们先去了淡水。淡水给我的感觉好像是一个纯朴的小镇。人们生活节奏比较慢。很悠闲,很舒服。

淡水的小巷
淡水的菜市场。挤满了买菜的人。。
George Leslie Mackay的肖像
淡水渔人码头



离开淡水前,我们到了著名的红毛城。这是殖民地时代的建筑。



最后我们到了北投温泉博物馆
这是很久以前的温泉池。现在只是个展览区
地热谷aka Hell's Valley
在北投享受完泡温泉的滋味,也为我的台湾之旅画下句点。真的很喜欢台湾,不论是风景,文化,食物还有台湾人的热情都让我留下深刻的影像。有机会一定再回来。