Pink Water Lily @ Alokarama

Beautiful pink water lily found at the Alokarama's Naga pond. There were so many blooms in the pond. What a serene sight to behold!

ABC Wednesday - 'O' is for Orchard

Durian trees

Duku Langsat tree

Pineapple plant

Today's theme for ABC Wednesday is 'O' and I have picked 'Orchard' to be featured for the theme. This is the orchard where Alokarama retreat centre is set up. It is a 22 acres piece of lands with fruits, vegetables, flowers and herbs planted in its compound.

Visit what everyone has posted for the theme 'O' at the ABC Wednesday portal!

A Weekend at A Fruit Orchard

Ever stay in a fruit orchard? Well, I did!! The above is photo of a durian tree with 3 durians hanging on the branches.

Last weekend, my friends and I joined the Green Thumb Workshop organized by the Aloka Foundation. It's a workshop held in Alokarama, a retreat centre located in Asahan, Melaka. That's a two-hour drive for us from Subang Jaya. We learnt about planting herbs, the benefits of the various herbs found in Alokarama's Herb Garden, nutritional food intake and each of us was even given an iridology check-up by the speaker who is also a nutritionist by profession.

I got a bit nervous when I was told that I have an acidic body ~ meaning I am prone to cancer. My pancreas is overworked ~ meaning I have been taking too much of sugar (that includes carbohydrate). I have been advised to take a teaspoon of lemon juice daily to help reduce the acidity and also to reduce simple carbohydrate intake. It's like a wake-up call for me. The iridology test is not absolute, of course. It would be better to include a medical test. However, it helps me to work towards a wellness level of health.

We are also encouraged to ensure there are 5 colours of food served during our meals. This is to ensure that we eat variety of food and have variety of nutrients for meals. These are just a few of the many good nutritional lessons that I gained from this workshop. I am so glad that I attended it. Now I am making sure my household have healthy meals served daily.

Today is my 501th posting on City Daily Photo. It is also a posting for That's My World Tuesday's meme. Please visit it to find out what is happening to other's world!

Night View - Palace of Justice

It was a Saturday night after viewing the Hot Air Balloon show that I drove around Putrajaya looking for nice scene. I arrived at the Palace of Justice and found many people still hanging around here despite it was almost midnight.

I have shot the Palace of Justice during the day time. The building looks impressive both day and night.

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I am away in Melaka attending the Green Thumb Workshop. In this workshop, we will learn more about organic gardening. In conjunction of the Earth Day celebration on 22 April, many green activities are being carried out in Malaysia this weekend.

What have you been doing in order to protect Mother Earth for our future generation?

Love Mother Earth!!

The above picture shows the Unofficial Earth Day flag,
by John McConnell featuring the Blue Marble on a blue field.
[Source: Wikipedia]

Sky Watch Fri - Stormy Sky @ Sekinchan

Sekinchan, a fishing village in Selangor, is a great place for a photography outing. There are villages, beach, fishing boats, jetty, paddy field for one to enjoy shooting away. The seafood is so delicious and yummy. We had Buddha Jump Over the Wall soup for only RM15 per bowl. This is an expensive soup with expensive ingredients such as shark fin, abalone, sea cucumber, chicken in it. I don't mind going there again despite the 2 hours drive!

Happy Sky Watch Friday everyone!

Fresh Fish at Sekinchan

During our visit to the jetty in Sekinchan, we were lucky that a fishing boat has just arrived awhile ago with its bountiful catch from the sea. Seen here is the lady boss with baskets of pomfret. Each of this pomfret cost RM30 only. In a restaurant, I may probably be charged double or more for a steam pomfret of this size.

I bought one and steamed it the Teochew way (with Chinese dried mushroom, salted vegetable, tomatoes, pickled sour plum, soya sauce and sprinkled with some fried minced garlic). It tasted so fresh, tender and delicious. There's no fishy smell at all!

ABC Wednesday - 'N' is for Napping

After a busy wedding ceremony, the priest decided to catch a brief nap under the watchful eyes of the devas.

Today's theme is the letter 'N'. Check out what the others are posting at ABC Wednesday's meme.

Funeral - A Reunion

Last weekend I was back in my hometown, Melaka, for my eldest aunt's funeral. She passed away at the age of 80. If not for the stomach cancer that she was having, I believe my aunt would live to a very old age.

Her wake and funeral was a reunion for the big family and friends. Relatives whom we have not met for over 20 years came from afar to gather in memory of my aunt. Children who have not been on good terms came together in good spirit for their mom. Grandchildren who are separated from the family due to their parents separation came back to offer final prayers for their grandma. I am sure my aunt was happy to witness all these taking place. My niece and nephew who were in overseas and not able to return for the funeral, joined us virtually to witness the whole event via Skype.

I just hope that the brotherhood bonding would not just end after the funeral. I hope the family ties will continue to stay strong despite the passing away of the family matriach.

To my aunt, may you rest in peace. May you be blessed with a good rebirth. We will always cherish the beautiful memories of you and your love for all of us. We love you always!

This posting is my participation for That's My World Tuesday's meme. Today's photo featured the funeral procession through the street of Melaka.

Sekinchan - Fishing Boat

We took a 1.5 hour drive up north to the coastal fishing town of Sekinchan on a Sat two weeks ago. Our intention was to feast on its local seafood and the well-known Buddha Jump Over the Wall soup. The trip was really worthwhile. Not only we had good food, we also visited the jetty, beach and most of all, it was my first trip to a paddy field! Here's a monochrome photo of the fishing boat at the jetty.

Happy Monochrome Monday! Do visit Monochrome Monday's site for more photos.

Beauty & The Bloom

It was another visit to Kayangan that brings me lotsa joy. Last Sat, with some friends we volunteer to clean up the bamboo grove in Kayangan. Of course, I brought along my camera to capture the beautiful plants there.

Here is a beautiful flower by the pond. Sorry, I don't know the name of this flower. If anyone know the name, please drop me a comment.

I was so lucky that a butterfly decided to stop by this beautiful bloom when I was clicking on my shutter! Wouldn't you call that lucky?

Sky Watch Fri - A Storm Brewing

We were at the beach in Sekinchan and saw the gloomy sky turning darker and the rough waves of the murky sea water. After a brief moment, it started to drizzle.

For more photos of Sky Watch around the world, please stop by the portal.

Qing Ming - All Soul's Day

This year's Qing Ming (similar to the Catholic's All Souls Day) fell on 4th April 2009. For Chinese, this is the time when family members gather together to clean and pray at the tomb of their ancestors. The usual practice is to visit the tomb 10 days before or after 4th April.

For my family, it's a day of love and respect. Our young nieces and nephews join the adults in the family to pay respects at my late father and grandparents gravesites. We offered prayers by burning joss sticks, lighting up candles and burning offerings made of papers. We shared stories of our Dad and grandparents with the children. Reminding them how our ancestors had brought us up with care and joy, despite the hardship that they had to go through.

I would like to dedicate today's posting to my dear aunt, the eldest sister of my mom. She passed away peacefully yesterday in Melaka after suffering for a few months from the pain of stomach cancer. I wish her a good journey ahead and may she has a good rebirth. May she be well and happy always. We are going to miss you, aunt.

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My last year's posting for Qing Ming: Remembering the Departed

ABC Wednesday - 'M' is for Melaka & Menu

For today's theme of 'M', I am posting photo featuring my hometown Melaka (Malacca, in English) & Menu.

This photo shows a quaint little cafe located at an old part of Melaka town, i.e. on Jalan Hang Kasturi. While I was in primary school, my class teacher used to stay in this building that used to be a grocery shop. But now it has been taken over by this cafe. It looks cosy and makes me wonder how is it like inside.

If you look at the menu carefully, apart from serving food & drinks, it also provide services for travellers, e.g. outing, CD burning, internet access and etc. A very enterprising management!!

Today's posting is for the ABC Wednesday meme, with the theme 'M'.

My World Tues - Batu Caves

Recently I have been visiting Batu Caves very often for photo outing. Batu Caves has 3 caves. Two caves are located high up on the hill. One has to conquered 272 steps to reach the biggest cave, called Temple Cave. The smaller cave is about 200 steps above ground. I love the challenge of climbing up all the steps without taking a short break in between!! Ha ha...I know that is rather challenging. However, after visiting it 2 times, the 3rd time was much easier!

The huge golden statue of Lord Murugan at the ground level is the biggest in the world. The statue can easily be seen as one drove past Batu Caves along the highway. Lord Murugan is widely worshipped by Hindus in Malaysia who hailed from southern India.

There are many beautiful photography opportunities at Batu Caves. It is a favourite site especially during Thaipusam celebration. A fellow photography enthusiast from Subang Jaya, Paul Choo, whom I met at one of our USJ.com photo outing, had posted some beautiful photos taken during Thaipusam in 2008 & 2009. Hope you would visit his blog and view those breathtaking shots and experience what Thaipusam in Batu Caves is like!

Please visit That's My World Tuesday portal to view photos posted around the world!

Monochrome Monday - A Traditional Baba Nyonya Wedding

I captured this frame of a black & white photo last weekend in my hometown, Melaka. It shows the bride and groom of the Straits-born Chinese, known as Peranakan or Baba Nyonya, in their traditional wedding costumes. This photo was taken 50 years ago on 26 April 1959. The bride is the Nyonya lady that appeared in the video of this posting: 'My World Tuesday - Packed Wonders'.

These days, not many young Baba Nyonya couple who wear this traditional costumes for their wedding. A Baba friend of mine busies himself with promoting the Baba Nyonya culture to ensure that this heritage will continue with the young generations.

This is a posting for Monochrome Monday's meme. Check out the world in black and white at this portal.

Playful Clown

I love taking photos of clown. Here is another one taken during the Pantai Medical Centre's Breast Cancer Awareness Walk held last year. Look at the little boy gazing at the clown with keen interest! And I love the colourful attire of this clown!

Clowning Around

Caught this photo during the recent USJ Residents Association's Family Day.

I have posted a photo of the spelling bee contest during this event earlier.

Sky Watch Fri: Sunny Blooms Against Stormy Sky

I was at a loss of what to post for today's Sky Watch. Fortunately I took this photo at a friend's place after lunch today, when the storm sky is brewing. After I left her place, the drizzle started. So, here are some beautiful sunny blooms against a stormy sky for all of you.

Hopefully the weather at your place is sunny and bright. Happy Good Friday to all. And a lovely Easter Sunday too!

Do visit the Sky Watch portal for more inspiring photos of sky around the world!

A Common Phenomenon

Traffic jam is a daily phenomenon of city life in Klang Valley. It gets worst when it rains, as seen in the long queue of cars in this photo.

I hope our public transportation systems can improve so that less people will drive to work and rely more on our public transport network. However, I am sceptical that this will happen in the near future. It would either take a loooooong time to come true, or may not even materialize! How sad!

ABC Wednesday - 'L' is for Lines

Today's theme for ABC Wednesday is 'L'. I have chosen 'Lines' as posting for today's theme. This is the railway lines at Subang Jaya Commuter Station.


This is a posting for ABC Wednesday's meme. Do visit the portal to see what has been posted for the theme 'L'.

My World Tues - Packed Wonders

Nasi Lemak is a popular food in Malaysia. Nasi means rice and Lemak means fat. The fat is derived from coconut milk that the rice is cooked in. Thus, nasi lemak means rice cooked in coconut milk.

A typical Melaka Nasi Lemak comprised of rice cooked in coconut milk, served with fried/hard-boiled egg, fried anchovies, cucumber, blanched water convolvulus (kangkung) and chilly (sambal). Some also additional items to their nasi lemak, such as fried chicken or chicken curry, cuttlefish cooked in sambal and etc.

Nasi Lemak is my favourite choice of breakfast. I love my nasi lemak served in banana leaves. One will get a whiff of banana leaf smell as one unwraps the packet of nasi lemak. And this smell plus the fragrant of the rice cooked in coconut milk is heavenly!! You must give it a try!

Below is a video showing the Nasi Lemak being packed.

This is a posting for That's My World Tuesday's meme.

Monochrome Monday - Reflection of A Bicycle

Have you ever felt that being caught in a rain is a blessing? I had.

It was yesterday noon when I was out to take photos when a sudden downpour took place, despite the sky was all sunny and bright! While taking shelter, waiting for the rain to stop, I noticed some photography opportunities, e.g. reflection on wet ground and how people dashed around to find shelter from the rain. Today's photo is a result of what I captured yesterday.

So, friends, never felt down when the rain comes while you are out for your photo shoot. There is always another door that opens up with other opportunities!

Today's posting is my participation for the Monochrome Monday's meme. Come visit the world of black and white at Monochrome Monday's portal!

Flowering Cactus

A flowering cactus to be shared with all of you today.

Do you like cactus?

Lottery Seller

We can hardly see lottery sellers with his own stand like this. Usually they are mobile vendors that go from one coffee shops to another to sell their tickets.

I am going back to my hometown for Qing Ming this weekend. Wish all of you a lovely weekend!

Sky Watch Fri - Clear Day in Genting Highlands

We were so lucky to enjoy such clear view in Genting. Usually it is misty in the morning. I wish all of you would be lucky too and have a great weather this weekend! Happy Sky Watch Friday!

For viewing photos of sky around the world, please visit Sky Watch Friday's portal.

Gan Wan Chean

Gan Wan Chean, is the name of the singer featured in today's posting. She is the Champion of our local cable tv's singing contest last year. She won the contest at the age of 18. I was lucky to be invited for an award presentation dinner by my neighbour. Wan Chean was performing then.

I find shooting photos during concert is quite tough. Out of 30 shots that I took, most of them were out of focus. Anyone has good tips on how to capture good shots that are sharp and if possible, without flash. Appreciate it if you could share with me.

ABC Wednesday - 'K' is for Kites & Theme Day: Yellow - Orchids

Today's theme for ABC Wednesday is 'K'. I am choosing Kite as my subject for today's theme. Feel free to visit the ABC Wednesday portal to find out what others are posting for today's theme!

Here is a photo featuring beautiful, colourful kites of various designs sold at a kiosk at Sepang Gold Coast.

Today is also April Fool's Day. Wishing everyone a fun day!

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The photo of these yellow orchids is posted on April 3rd. I forgot about Theme Day's posting!!! My apologies to all who visited and must be wondering why I posted the letter 'K' theme instead of the 'Yellow' theme. Here's my posting for Theme Day!

Click here to view photos of participants for City Daily Photo's Theme Day!