Posted some of my Travels

Just recently updating my website gallery at www.apples-studio.com/gallery.html and added some of my more recent ~ well, last year travels. Feel that its good to be able to ensure I share these up as I think some of it is really a nice place to visit, especially with such affordable air fares now! And since food is my second love, you will see that it features prominently in my photos.

Was pretty fortunate to have been able to go to Macau and Taiwan last year. Macau is really a happening place, and food was great.

Taiwan, which was spent mainly around Taipei, I still can't forget all the night markets and its fantastic coast line. Will be heading there again this year in November and can't wait. This time will be a much longer trip and really looking forward to it!

Some of my favourite shots below:

The very very very old hotel/motel that we stayed in. Haha, what an experience. But it was cheap and right at the heart of the city. Sanya Hotel it is.
The street where we stayed. Probably one of the oldest preserved historical streets around
BBQ meat. The variety here is endless, and taste very good
One of the many fried pork buns, best is still in Taipa "Tum Chai"
Streets around Taipa
The famous crab porridge in Taipa "Tum Chai". Really good
A road side stall selling all things beef. Too bad I can't try
Around Leal Senado Square. So many people here.
One of the many casinos. This is the Lisboa.
The morning market that we stumbled upon. Its just at the backlane
Our breakfast. Porridge with "Yau Cha Kuey"
Around the famous ruins of St Paul. Me & my lovely wife.
This was near the temple... of Goddess of A-ma
Scene at the local market. Wax meat.
Fresh Vegi...
Kuan Yin statue. Just beautiful.
I think this was at MGM...
Claypot sea eel! Wow!
Just love these kind of night street scenes
Just a scene from my hotel....
Breakfast again, porridge. This is one of the best pork porridge I have ever have. Located at a very small back lane, and packed with people.
Around the Fisherman Wharf.
Inside the Venetian Casino
This is the famous "Hak Sa" Black Sand beach at the south of Macau. Really is black sand!
This stall served a very nice lamb stew in claypot! Superb.
Taipei!
First stop, Shihlin night market. Endless stalls of food and small stalls. Cheap and good!
Colours!
Big signboards everywhere
Food at the Regent Hotel where I stayed. Breakfast was excellent
One of the many dishes we had for lunch, clams! Yummy!
Danshui, this is at the North of Taipei. Watch the sunset there :)
What a sunset...
The night market
The coast, Beitou. Went on a hike with my very good friend Sam & his family. I have never seen such a beautiful coastline, and was told its even better in the east!
Crystal clear water.. enviousAt the top of the trail. Looks like those scene from an ancient movie...
Ximending ~ the crowd here is crazy, alot of shops and things to see
A all you can eat japanese restaurant ~ only about NT500 per person

Actual Day ~ 28 June 2009

28 June 2009 ~ Wedding Reception of Hari & Kithmini

1 week after their gold smelting ceremony, Hari & Kithmini held their wedding reception at the very elegant Prince Hotel located at Jalan Conlay, opposite The Pavillion. It was a really nice place, excellent ballroom and I must say the food was excellent.

It was a pretty rush affair for their portrait shot before the dinner as there was some roadblocks, but luckily, we still managed to catch the light from the sunset.

All in all, it was a very enjoyable reception and I believe everyone had a fun time. Enjoy the snapshots and as always, leave any comments! Cheers to you both!

Actual Day ~ 21 June 2009

21 June 2009 ~ Ponnurukku (Gold Smelting) Ceremony of Hari & Kithmini

Hari is the brother of Prema. Thats how I got to know him :) I first got to know the family when I photograph their dad's birthday party last year. But anyhow, this blog is about Hari's big day.
This is a very special occasion which is called Ponnurukku or Gold Smelting. The family has their culture from Sri Lanka. Thank goes for Internet research capability.
Today, Hari will have a gold coin smelted to be made into the thaali - the bridal pendant for his bride, Kithmini. In the ceremony, the bride is not there and they are not suppose to see each other till at the wedding!
After this ceremony, there is also the Kanni Kaal Planting, basically the planting of the sacred tree to signify fertility and prosperity. A cutting of the thorny plant (not sure the name) was taken and before planting, a few pieces of precious metal was put in the soil. Then it was planted and various seeds/grains, flowers and milk and prayers was made by various members of the family! This was carried out at the grooms home and also the brides.
It was certainly a very interesting and new wedding for me and appreciate hari for having me for their wedding! Thanks alot and look forward to your reception next weekend.
Cheers and enjoy some previews... do feedback any comments