Happy Women’s Day to all the lovely women and girls out there.
Mar 08
PRESSPLAY Event Focusing on Travel and Photography
Two passions of my life – travel and photography. I registered for the PRESSPLAY event “#AA: Photographers” wanting to learn from experts in these area.
PRESSPLAY: Photographers
Two different artists sharing their crafts and both have different approaches. Noor Iskandar focused more on sharing his inner thoughts and feelings through using photographs as a media of expression. He intertwined his photographs with poetry to express his inner thoughts. For Yeo Kai Wen, his art is more towards using photographs and videos to share people’s thoughts and feelings.
Both mentioned that to them, travel photography is not just being shutter happy and taking photographs. It’s more of what is the meaning behind the photograph.
With PRESSPLAY coming to an end, for those who are keen to attend events, there’s still a chance to catch a mini night showcase on 19 March called “LASTPLAY” at Central Public Library (Victoria Street) from 9.30 pm to 12.30 pm which is open to all and free.
Feb 29
Photographs of Wildlife Captured at Chinese and Japanese Garden
I hope you have enjoyed the videos of wildlife I’ve shared in my earlier post. Here are some photographs of these animals.
There are a number of monitor lizards in the garden. I think there should be at least three big ones and two small ones at different locations.
Taken on 11 February 2016 at different timings and locations in the morning, I think it might have been the same monitor lizard as there was a brownish patch at its back near the neck area.
Monitor lizard swimming
Monitor lizard swimming
On 18 February, I spotted these cute squirrels playing catching with each other.
Squirrels chasing each other
On 23 Februrary, I saw a few monitor lizards again. I took photographs of this monitor lizard taking a stroll and then taking a dip in the drain.
Monitor lizard walking
Monitor lizard coming out from the drain
On the same day, I spotted this beautiful blue kingfisher chirping away near the entrance of the Chinese Garden (near MRT side).
Kingfisher
There are many herons nesting in the Japanese garden. This particular tree is where they nest.
Tree with herons
Herons on tree
Feb 23
Rediscover Singapore’s Nature Places: The Wildlife of Chinese and Japanese Garden
To kick off the series of posts for the “Rediscover Singapore’s Nature Places” project, what best way then to start to explore the western end of Singapore first, and a garden so close to my home. This is the place where I go for morning exercise. That’s the Chinese and Japanese Garden, next to the Chinese Garden MRT.
Japanese Garden
Located in an idyllic environment, it’s an ideal place for morning exercise. Some people would do taichi and yoga here too. What better way to start the day with a stretch, some gongfu moves or beautiful poses. Om.
This is a haven for bird watchers too. Previously when I came here for exercise, I didn’t bring my phone as I just want to enjoy my time exercising in nature without distractions. But I saw many amazing wildlife here, so I took my camera to capture the action.
If you love wildlife, pop by this place early one morning to enjoy the fresh air, chirping of birds and wildlife in action. It will give you a cheery start for the day.
Feb 19
The Beauty of Sunset
What do you like to do during travel? I find that in my travels, there are several themes that I follow. Nature has a calming effect on me. That is why I love to explore countries why there are many nature places. I could spend hours visiting gardens, national parks, go hiking in the hills and mountains.
I love to take photographs of flora, fauna or the natural environment when I travel. In this post, I’ll like to share some of the sunset photos that I have taken during my trips.
I discovered that sunset attracts me more than sunrise. There is an alluring charm in sunset that is missing in sunrise. Sunrise signifies the start of a new day, with the optimism and hope. For sunset, as the day draws to an end, it gets you into the mood for reflection and has an air of melancholy. It likely sets the mood for introspection. You see, I love sunset so much that even the cover of my first travelogue is a sunset picture.
Besides, the vibrancy of sunset is missing in sunrise. If you have taken photographs of sunrise and sunset, you might notice that sunset pictures are more enchanting than sunrise pictures. I wonder why? Googling, I read that sunset colours are more brilliant than sunrise colours because there are more particles in the air in the evening.
Sunset, on Thai train from Hat Yai to Bangkok
Sunset, from Phousi Stupa, Luang Prabang, Laos
Sunset, on the road from Thailand to Penang
Sunset, Gurney Drive, Penang
Looking at those photographs and dreaming of your next overseas trip now? However, do you know that Singapore has beautiful sunset too? Unfortunately, some of us might still be stuck in office, rushing home on the MRT or bus or to another appointment and miss the beauty that fades in minutes.
Here is a sunset photograph that I have taken right from my HDB flat window. Isn’t the beauty comparable to what we have seen on overseas trips? In our own country, we might missed these “wow” moments because we are just too busy with life. The difference is that during trips, you are in a happier and more receptive mood to enjoy your surroundings.
Sunset, Jurong West, Singapore
Slowing down my pace in life, and starting to enjoy my home country’s own nature places, I discovered that we do have many charming nature places. A pity that some of these places seemed to be underutilised, especially during weekdays when everyone is busy working. I thought it would be fun to start this project “Rediscover Singapore’s Nature Places”. So, in my coming posts, I’ll share some of those tidbits while I go exploring the nature havens in Singapore.
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