探索不一样的香江

It has been a desire and a dream to go explore different places and see different things. Have always wanted to check out rural areas of Hong Kong - different parts of Hong Kong. Only place I know thru TVB was Tai-O.
Finally got the opportunity to visit Hong Kong - a different side of Hong Kong. We went trekking seeing the scenic parts of Hong Kong over the hills.  We met only locals - not many though - who trekked and carried with them pocket radios. One particular trek was called the Dragon's Back. It supposed to be tough one for climbers. 
We managed to complete the trek on Day 2 with quite strong wind but still good weather. The trek was quite quiet and deserted - though you still can spot school children or solo trekkers on and off our journey. The view was nice and good for our DSLRs - additional weight for our trekking journey though.
一起远足一起爬山, 一起拍照, 一向是我的梦想.
Some memories collected along the trekking
- Still remember that we chanced upon a snake - quite a big black one along our return leg. We stood still until the snake was gone.
- We got lost trying to find the start of one particular route - using our limited cantonese to figure our way out and up. Being equally stubborn, we didnt give up despite walking for half an hour on a wrong route.
- One local trekker told us about a flat cliff - "big enuff for helicopter landing according to him - it was really a big flat piece of land overseeing the sea and mountains.
- The strange sticky "plants" that stick to our clothings and still sticking till now :P. The fresh air and strong wind.
因为有你, 才有乐趣.

Tai-O - I finally stepped into the village. Didnt know that it isnt an offshore island - but on solid mainland. A typical fishing village - quiet and simple. We passed by a small museum - a house where a group of reporters was interviewing the owner. Basically, the conversation was on conservation. 
Many times many of us overlook places that worth visiting. We tend to visit the well-known places. However, to know a place, it may take some efforts to explore other places - lesser known areas to really understand the country. This was what I did when I went backpacking Sukothai and Macau. The same here in Hong Kong.
认识你, 是缘分. 了解你, 是细心. 爱护你, 是珍惜.
A different side of Hong Kong allows us to know more about the country. Away from tourist-flooded areas, getting closer to nature. Away from rush, getting closer to peace. It is a desire and dream come true. It is a beginning of a journey. The rocks, the steps, the heat, the sweat, the thirst encountered during the journey - they may be tough - but as I have said, we can and have overcome them. When we have the vision, the goal in our mind, we share the carrying of the camera tripod - the heaviest load so far of the journey - and we still reach the destination. It is not only about reaching the destination - it is also about the journey that we went through that is memorable and to be cherished. The travel story of Hong Kong to be told by us is never the same again - it is a special tale for you and me.

Have Childlike Fun - See-Saw

 

It has been a long time since I travelled to Pulau Ubin for ride and photography. Dec is supposed to be a "wet" season but we were very lucky (Thank God) for a good and cool day. This time round, we "bumped" into the Ketam Mountain Bike Trails - a new place that we have not been to.  We have a sweet surprise as we chanced upon a "see-saw". Wonder when was the last time we have "played" the see-saw - even the term sounds so distant and far far away. Of cos, we realised our "childhood" times again while experimenting our laws of equilibrium in the see saw play :P. We "hogged" the see saw for a while before giving it up to another groups of cyclists.

Many times, many of us took much efforts trying to pursue happiness through sophisticated means... Simple things simple ways - you may still be able to discover the joy - or some times the long-lost joy - which you always want to have. Of cos, the company matters... 

Take a look at Ketam Trail http://wildsingaporenews.blogspot.com/2008/05/nparks-launches-ketam-bike-park-at.html

 

Pink Sparks

Nowadays - more sensitive to pink. Not ordinary pink panther - just little bit of pink.

It has been some time since I took out my gear. I always dream of having someone with me who can share the same interest, sweating as we carry the heavy DSLR out in search for creative spots. It is a learning process and relationship - not of teacher or student, just learning. There is so much to learn in photography. It is a journey of discovery - the more you interact, the more you learn. The same goes for relationship.

I like the saying "When you are with different people at a certain place, you see different things with different people around you." Backpacking solo has been what I have done when I "NOT AT HOME". It is a journey of self-discovery - a time to reflect, a time to plan for future, a time to recover and a time to talk to God. It can be lonely at times - at meal times, when you saw beautiful scenes, when you tasted yummy sashimi, when you saw the red maple leaf....

It is great to have someone special - someone who you can stand side by side with you in times of joy and in times of struggles. Someone who you can cherish and someone who you like to plant in her eyes tears of joy. Someone you care about daily. Someone who you want to talk to at any time of the day. When you found that special one, I quote "your face will be beaming with light".

Pousada Macau

A shot which was inspired by a travel brochure

"Pousada" means welcome. Macau is a place rich of heritage - traditional Portugese structures, food, people, culture. It is a place more than casinos. Worth more than a day visit.

Sukhothai Experience

Tuk-Tuk is one of the main transport tools in Sukhothai. It is unique as passengers are seated in front facing the traffic.

Sukhothai (literally means “Dawn of Happiness” ) was the first truly independent Thai Kingdom, which enjoyed a golden age under King Ramkhamhaeng, credited with creating the Thai alphabet. Sukhothai Historical Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a must-see for all travellers.

Sukhothai is located on the lower edge of the northern region, 440 kilometres north of Bangkok or some 350 kilometres south of Chiang Mai. It takes 7 hours on bus ride from Bangkok to Sukhothai

Extracted from:

www.sukhothai.go.th/english/index.htm

Re-discovering Bangkok

It has been full 2 years since I last visited Bangkok with my buddy Kenneth staying at Khao San Road. I went elsewhere like Vietnam, Cambodia & Laos to explore new things, new inspirations. Took up some photography courses this year and aim to re-look at things differently, no longer using old lens. Visited Bangkok, City of Angels again during this year's Christmas - to re-discover Bangkok from a different angle, and also to visit Hua Hin - a place that I want to visit for a while liao....

Life in Hua Hin is simple and less crowded as compared to other popular beaches in Thailand. A five-hour train ride (or three-hour bus ride) brought me there. A small town, friendly people and beach boys and girls. Woke up at 5 am, standing by the sunrise at Hat Hua Hin, strolling to Fishing Port to catch activities of locals. Sand castles - seem to be "missing" from our beaches lately....guess the younger ones back here spend more time in front of squarish box than the nature.

Dogs are many in the streets especially near the fishing port. Gotta to be careful as they look fierce and unfriendly, not like snoopy. I am very wary of pack of dogs grouping at a corner...they have strong sense of territorial boundary, and I dun want to use my camera to defend myself... :P

Flower market has been one key attraction of Bangkok. Again, with my "buddy", I woke up early in the morning (not 6 o'clock), and rushed down to the market to see the local in action. Alighting at Memorial Bridge, I went around the streets, filtering scents from the bouquet of roses, lilies, and early fumes from vehicles. Probably it is still "wee hours", I cant help the urge to crawl back into my bed after spotting a fellow vendor sleeping by his booth :P.

Visiting local ferry piers is also one of my agenda this round. Many piers are well-known to travellers and the classic is Sapan Thaksin - the ticketing station. I decided to stay at other piers to catch sunset of Bangkok along Chao Phraya River. Actually, the views of other piers are quite beautiful too, seeing more of the locals, less of the tourists. It is this experience, the experience of encounter with locals that normally add the extra spices to the memories.

Amusing - I was standing by Wat Arun in the evening, trying to catch sunset from a different view point. I heard a lady (later I know she was Sarah from Croatia) running to and fro finding exit point. After my capture of shots, I realised the entrance/exit points have been LOCKED! So, end up, pairing Sarah finding the way out. We have to meander around the temple compound, asking whoever we have met the way out to the pier. (Take note: The door to pier closes around 1730hrs!!!) I felt like "role playing" computer games (Gosh, cant even remember the names of the Games I played....really), searching the way out with Sarah.



Already said it was supposed to be a Christmas trip in Bangkok...so I will add a Christmas tree to end this blog. "World Trade Centre" at BKK has been transformed since the last 2 years. Can or cant recognise? It was one of my buddies' fav spot when we visit BKK....but it was soon losing its charm to MBK and other centres until lately. Crowds are coming back, I guess, when I compared with the crowd 2 years ago when I was there.
Bangkok, it has been a common travelling place for my buddies and me. We went there many times, the first was with Thomas, Dave, Kenneth and myself, the 2nd was with Alex, Kenneth, Dave and myself, the 3rd was with Kenneth at Khao San Road....and this round it is only me....

Many buddies are married and going to get married (Patrick?), I guess I will still spend some time with my "wife" (my DSLR) before thinking, or really thinking of settling down. Travel Photography is just like a relationship, it takes efforts and much time to understand and observe, and discover the unseen beauty. You need to take care of the tools and equipment and make sure all the batteries and accessories are available in order to take the best shots. By the word "Travel", you need to move around and search....the right spot, the right picture, the right timing, the right ISO..... I like the quote from "Practical Photography" and I re-adapt "When I look at my beautiful girl, I think F8 at 1/125....."
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

十一月的阿里山 云海 日出

Nov 07 - Started my backpack to Taiwan. I have heard that going to Alishan is a must if one wants to announce that he has been to Taiwan.

I only heard of the famous Alishan Song but I have never seen pictures of the forest or even know how to get there. So, I have made it one of my key sites for this tour - have even extended to 3 days 2 nites to ensure I know the story of the famous Alishan.

阿里山, 网路都说要在祝山看日出，要看云海. I determined to catch 2-day sunrise (this means waking up at 4 am daily) in case of unpredictable weather. I was told some people travelled many times but have no chance to see the sunrise and sea of clouds.

A tour guide mentioned the difference about sunrise in Alishan - he explained that the colours of the sunrise are different during the four seasons. I have checked the website and found out that at Alishan " 一年四季日出的地點與時間都不同". Something that strikes me is the comment the guide mentioned. "Why do we want to catch the sunrise in Alishan?". While I was still trying to strain my memory cells on the "reasons" ranging from the Japanese occupation of Taiwan to the common saying of "jumping" sun during sunrise.... I wanted to capture the sunrise, capture what many people have been talking about the Alishan sunrise .......then I realise I am actually following the "crowd".

其实, 要拍好照片，　需要了解要去的地方，有了故事，　才能捕捉一般人看不到的东西．