HONG KONG (View from Victoria Peak)

 I came across this lovely bird at the Hong Kong Park resting on a tree branch.

A rare find; does anyone know the name of this colorful bird?

Let’s see what the rest of the entires at the Round Robin Photo Challenges. 

It was pouring rain in Frankfurt, our group decided to stay in the hotel that afternoon.   I had nothing better to do but to photograph these lovely bottles of water.  I liked them so much that I ended up bringing the taller bottle back to Hong Kong.

Let’s see the rest of the entries from the Round Robin Photo Challenge.

A lone street artist was so indulged in his work; he never looked up to anyone.

The colors, the chilly autumn air, the natural light, a picture perfect setting & the mood; I couldn’t pass up but to capture such a romantic moment in time.

HOLLY has his own blog as well  http://hollyontherun.wordpress.com

If  you see a lone figure standing too close to the edge, too deep in contemplation and ready to jump, what would you do?

Sometimes just a smile and a greeting is all it takes to change the mind of the would-be suicider.

Most people don’t drive over here and I’m no exception (although I miss driving very much).  Nowadays, I don’t even own a vehicle as there is no need to, public transportation is so convenient.  It’s much easier and cheaper to wave down a red Taxicab than finding parking facilities.  Hong Kong has a little more than 16,000 Taxis and as you can see, they are everywhere. 

Hats off to the Taxi Drivers, they have been serving the communities for as long as as I can remember, bringing us from point A to point B safely and most importantly, on time. 

Red Taxi is ‘My Vehicle of Choice’ in this part of the globe.  Let’s see what other choices they have at the Round Robin Photo Challenge.

Karlsruhe is a lovely town not far from Frankfrut in Germany.   I was in this part of the globe to handle some personal matters last October.   As this area is new to me, I spent the first Sunday checking out the town on foot and stumbled across this tiny art studio along the way.

I was so  fascinated by the various colors, the natural morning light coming through the window, and the complete stillness of it all.  Even though the studio was deserted, I could imagine the artists or students painting away as the passersby look on during week days. 

This photograph was taken through a locked glass door.  I couldn’t resist but to press my camera against the glass to capture the image.  My kind of senerity and quietness…..it made my day.

I love to be alone at times, to reflect and hear that inner voice from within.  Let’s see what everybody has to say about ‘Silence’ at the Round Robin Photo Challenge.  

A couple of weeks ago, I signed up to The Round Robin Photo Challenge  for the theme of ‘Wildlife’; but deep down, I just wasn’t sure if I could deliver.  Then one day….

I go to Sydney, Australia nearly every year since 1998; my getaway from the hustle and bustle of Hong Kong and a visit with my brother and his family. 

Watsons Bay is one of my favorite spots; it’s located on the southern head of the entrance to Sydney Harbor.  I often come here to soak in the sun, take in the ocean and listen to the crashing waves; it’s very soothing indeed.  

One summer, as I strolled in the area, this striking sign caught my eyes.  I thought of calling Jim, hiring his boat, seeing the glorious view of the city of Sydney in the distance, sailing into the sunset….

Yeah, I really should have done that.

What a great theme at the Round Robin Photo Challenges this time.   I’d like to share with you these moments on ‘Looking Up’.

Presenting HOLLY, a male Toy Poodle born in December, 2006 and has since been famous for his good looks and mild temperaments. 

HOLLY loves food, he has an amazing appetite and is constantly on guard at the kictchen.  

One of the many smiling faces of Holly.

Isn’t he cute? 

Holly is very playful, loves to be out and about.

On a chilly day, he prefers to choose his outfit.

  Lazing around is his favorite pastime.

 He has grown so much the past few months; stronger and wiser.

You are cordially invited to visit Holly’s personal BLOG:

http://hollyontherun.wordpress.com

If Holly hears from you, he will grin from ear to ear…oh yes, he will.

Arm in arm this charming couple strolled by the sea shore, like a scene out of a movie.  I could hear their distant murmurs and gentle laughs; it was obvious that they enjoyed each another immensely.  

The air grew chill as the sun started to set, I watched with envy and wondered if they would share their Love Story with a stranger?  

Here I am reminiscing the past, sharing with you some of my earlier captures.   

A  freezing January morning at Heritage Park, Calgary, Canada.  Still and serene with temperature down to minus 25 C.  

A change of scenery, the Water Lily Pond at Hong Kong Park.

 A balmy afternoon at Manly Beach, New South Wales, Australia. 

The Twelve Apostles are located along the spectacular Great Ocean Road, Victoria, Australia.  I listened to the crashing waves and stood by the sea in awe of it’s massiveness and it’s brillance.  Praise the Lord for His creation.

A lone branch was afloat at Glenmnore Park, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.

My niece Veonie dipping in the pool on a hot summer day.

A view from Watsons Bay, the Sydney skyline is across the water.

Not to be alarmed….this Shark is at the Sydney Aquarium.

Star Ferry and the Ocean Terminal - Victoria Harbour, Hong Kong.

An unforgettable Sydney Harbour sailing experience.

I’ve always loved the sea, that’s why I moved back to Hong Kong some years ago.  There’s nothing like living near the water, the calmness and serenity keep me sane.

Maybe one day I’ll  learn how to float…I can only hope.

Music, particularly classical, is a great source of comfort to the mind and soul.  I’ve become passionate, engaged and involved in it at an early age.  Over the years, I had listened to many amazing street musicians during my travels.  Most people don’t realize some of the best music is from street performers. 

This solo guitarist played for a huge crowd in Chatswood, New South Wales, a couple of years ago.  He is a very confident player with a natural gift for the instrument.  Listening to him was a real treat.

As I explored the streets of Frankfurt, Germany last October, I stumbled across this young man.  His music stole my heart; I stayed for a long while until the late afternoon rain started to pour.

Two thumbs up to these brass players in Heidelberg, Germany.

Australian Aboriginal music performers at Circular Quay, Sydney.

Once in a blue moon, I do treat myself to High Tea.  I was at this hotel lounge in Hong Kong last week and listened to some very fine classical pieces. 

Munching on afternoon goodies, writing my journal, listening to these great performers played was indeed heaven on earth.  I’m truly Blessed!  

Last but not least, presenting a very talented young girl who is musical, loves to paint and dance as well.   My beloved niece, Veonie.  She will turn 13 comes September, the Gem of the family.

Music – the universal language, a powerful form of expression and communication for all nations.  Let’s continue to play and sing….

Hats off to the Musicians!

Raindrop from my balcony railing…

A misty Saturday morning, we were on our way to the cemetery.   Five years ago today, Dad passed away suddenly.  He would be 80 yrs old if he was still around; I miss him.

The long & winding road leading up to the cemetery was deserted; not a single car was in sight.  In a blink, dark clouds started to roll in, morning drizzle turned to heavy downpour as sheets and sheets of rain fell.  Within minutes, the entire cemetery was engulfed in a thick fog; we could hardly see what’s ahead.

I brought along a bundle of flowers, a good mix of vibrant purple and green. They sure brightened up the gathering gloom.

How time flies, Dad and Veonie (granddaughter) were holding hands during his last Sydney visit in 2003.  Who would have thought….

Rest in peace, I will be back with more flowers and yes, no yellows ones.  I know.

GOD be with you Daddy.