Putrajaya

Putrajaya is a planned city 25 kms south of KL, we decided to take Shrek for a drive to see this city.  We drove all along express ways there passing through a couple of toll gates on our way.  It was quite fascinating.  Itis the Federal Administrative Centre for Malaysia.   First stop was at the Botanical Gardens where I found these seed heads for canna lillies.  They look like something from outer space.

 The locals use this area for taking wedding photos.  This lovely couple blended in with the brick work around them  While leaving here another couple arrived in traditional western wedding attire.

 Looking through the glass panelling made an interesting effect.

 Wherever we go we seem to find a koru design.

 I have no idea what this seed is from or what it will grow into but was impressed with how it was caged as if it would take flight.

 The Pink Mosque was a must visit.  I had to put on a blue gown to be able to go inside and look around at the beautiful tiling and glass windows.  It was then time for a cool drink and to wait for darkness to come so that we could play with our cameras at night time.

  

Penang April 2012

We caught an early flight to Penang to catch up with some dear friends.   This time around we flew from Subang Airport which certainly serves the best coffee of the two airports in KL.  Our lovely friend Mr Chen picked us up at a reasonable hour - 8.15 which meant that we had plenty of time for a leisurely coffee before our flight in a small plane.  We caught a taxi from Penang Airport to 23 Lovelane Hotel which is a little oasis in a backpackers area.  It is a restored hotel situated in the UNESCO heritage city of Georgetown.  It dates back to the 1800's with 5 different architectural eras in the buildings.  We stayed in the Anglo Indian Bungalow and were not disappointed.  The Hotel is situated inside a walled area.  Breakfast at this lovely hotel was superb.  Freshly cooked just for you and tasted delicious.

We had heard about the Blue Mansion (Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion) but had never been to it.  This time Leonie took us for a walk there and wow it was fantastic.  The history behind this place was well documented.  He had a number of wives but his favourite was the last who was just 17 while he was in in 70's.  

 After having a guided tour of the Blue Mansion we took a taxi to Penang Hill and caught the cable car up to the top.  This is always a lovely way to get  up a hill.  It only takes about 7 minutes.  These big cables are what works the cable car.

Looking back down the line and into the tunnel, unfortunately the day was not as clear as it could be but the time we had up there was worth the visit.  We had meals at various places around where we were staying and each meal was lovely.  Penang is known for its good food and we certainly found some.  We will have to go back and be more adventurous to try more food outlets.

The bikes we see around Asia fascsinate me.  The way they use them, the uses they have for them, and the designs they make from and for them.  Such clever and industrious people.

Beautiful coloured garlands hanging and waiting for people to purchase.  They look and smell lovely. 

Looking down and wandering down side streets is a must.  you find all sorts of amazing sights.  This guy is a key cutter and he had such an array of keys hanging that I am sure he would have had any key that was needed.

The Kuan Yin Temple is perhaps the oldest temple in Penang.  It is nestled amongst new buildings and very popular with both locals and tourists.  Each time we have walked past it is very busy.

All too soon it was time to head back to KL and get ready for work.

KL 2012 up till March

We have had such a busy start to the year that I have only just found time to put some more of our photos and jaunts up from around KL.  Chinese New Year hit with a hiss and a roar and we tried to get down to watch the Lion Dances in Centrepoiont but they started early! So much for Malay Time!

The dragons are sitting and waiting to be taken home.

One day while walking in KL city centre we noticed this sign tellingus it was 35 degrees Celsius and it was nearly 3 pm.  And yes it certainly felt like it. 

We took a flight to Langkawi for a weekend and had a lovely time.  We hired a car and stayed at a lovely new hotel .  We drove around to many different parts of Langkawi seeing many different things.  One of the highlights was finding a little fish and chip shop that actually sold fish and chips like home...not wrapped in newspaper but tasted the same.  Here Wayne is sitting  and about to enjoy a cold drink on the beach front.

Our daughter and her partner Stewart came and stayed for a few days and we drove them down to Melacca for the day.Wayne and Sarah are waiting patiently while Duffy and I take a photo of  some tree roots.

We went onto a 'pirate' ship and these were the ropes.  I just love taking detailed photos and these impressed me.

One of the things we had never done in Melacca was to take a river cruise.  We did that this time and found these spiral stairways.  They are fascinating!

Sunsets off our balcony are usually amazing.  I was amazed at how well this one turned out as I was using my macro lens!

One of the biggest frustrations for my year is that the new branch has yet to open.  We are prepared and are waiting and hoepfully we are to open very soon in Empire Gallery.

One of the things we love to do is take our cameras for a walk.  Some people walk their dogs but we walk our cameras.  It is surprising what you see when you do.  The following photos are from a walk in a park at Tumun Tun.  Always a nice and refreshing place to walk

January - and home again for a different reason

 One night we got a very important txt message - Bradley and Jingjing had set the date for their NZ wedding in 10 day time!  It was into fast mode we went trying to organise a way for us both to get home but sadly only one of us could go. This is how the day unfolded.  Congrats guys - we are very proud of you!