Another Sunday

Mag and Viv got up bright and early that morning and headed off for some geocaching on the White Cloud Mountain. The rest of us decided to take it a little easier...

Our day started with a strill along the river bank over to the concert hall and modern art gallery on the island where I live.


Perfect weather for it. Haven't seen weather like this in such a long time.

There are quite a few pieces outside the gallery so there was no need to even to go in. Just enjoying the outdoors was perfect.

Is that a cat giving birth to Ed?

We persuaded Su to do a little posing with these working women...


... Ed of course needed little persuasion to practise some of the moves he's been using for Mag's specialty shots.

We had some pastry and coffee at the French deli next to the concert hall and then headed out to...


... yes! 四海一家, apparently the largest buffet in Asia. Max and Russell joined us for this excursion. Gosh, the crowd we had to fight through to just get the seats we had reservation for... you'd think we were getting it free! Unfortunately, no photos were really allowed inside of the food etc. The intrepid Janes cut it really fine by turning up just before the buffet was closed. So we had to bring a whole bunch of food to lay on the table before they arrived.

All said and done, the fare was only soso. Definitely value for money though. Nevertheless, I won't be back in a hurry.

Surrealism

Mag started taking pictures of this scene and I joined her. The smog of China turned this afternoon to a scene of peaceful morning bliss.

Food Again

We had the chance to try some truly local fare at one of the sites in KaiPing. This was the only restaurant in the AAAA rated Li Yuan (立园). The tofu was excellent. It was only when we were leaving that we realised that they had added a layer of fish paste before frying them. Even those who were not keen on rice enjoyed the claypot rice with eel (黄鳝).

Kai Ping 开平碉楼

These have been called 碉楼 or 碉堡. Could be translated as a sculpted tower or fort. (Wikipedia)

We were not allowed to take any pictures inside. Couldn't figure out why as none of the old furniture or artifacts were protected from the elements anyway. And there was no one stopping those who did.



These buildings are even more amazing when you see them from high up. There are usually quite well spaced from each other and appear out of nowhere. Notice how small the windows are? Wonder if it's for keeping the cold or the enemy out.

Boy, were the koi hungry. Does nobody feed them?



One of these lucky shots that I managed to get. Just pointed the camera and shot from almost ground level. Couldn't look through the viewfinder.



A little afternoon tea perhaps?

Orchid Garden

But not an orchid was in sight.

It's the wrong time of the year. Nevertheless, this garden is still a worthwhile visit. The coffee lounge had a marvelous ambience. Good for a Sunday afternoon get away from it all.


Amidst the hustle and bustle of the city, this was a really quiet respite. But few people seem to know about it.

Weekend Recce

Finally managed to get out to 上下九 (a pedestrian street with older buildings converted to shops) this Saturday. Street food and old restaurants served as a wonderful diversion for our morning.

陶陶居 is over a hundred years old apparently but has been taken over by new owners. However, the ambience was good (old time, loud and sharing tables). I loved the food. Taste was excellent, my favourite char siew pau in the city.

This street leads all the way to the 'antique' street. Lovely walk through older constructions...

Lotus Mountain

On Sunday, we hired an MPV and headed out to 莲花山 or Lotus Mountain. The huge temple on the top of the hill houses the most number of Guanyin statues in the world, at least that's what the write-up says.

Of course the kids had the most fun. A bubble gun each and they were in heaven.

This is also where the largest statue of 观音 may be found, completely plated in gold. We walked around the large grounds of the temple but did not explore the rest of the hill...

...because it was already lunch time. 番禺 (Pan Yu) was nearby and spur of the moment decision was to try the largest buffet in Asia. Alas, that was not to be without a reservation.


渔民新村 stepped up to provide sustenance to the weary travellers.

Sydney

Had the chance for a brief visit to Sydney. When I say brief, I mean brief. Was there on Mon at 11am and left the next morning before 9. It was mostly for work.

Took the train from the Airport Hotel to Circular Quay and spent the entire afternoon there. Lovely weather and fresh air for a change. We had all been to Sydney before, so all we did with the iconic Opera House? Took pictures from afar.

Sydney has got quite expensive, or has it always been that way. I must remember to change money before I go. (No commission at Changi airport for airport pass holders, I think.) A$8 to change S$250? Not worth it!

Relaxing by the Quay, enjoying the fresh air and the sun and the beer... ahhhh...

Family Visit

The family visited me over the Deepavali weekend. First stop was obviously for some local cuisine. I had booked a private room for the eight of us. Minimum spending required was about S$100. Who'd have thought that after ordering more than eight dishes, I couldn't make up the amount...



That evening, we went on a river cruise that took us down the Pearl River. The weather had cooled down and a light sweater was actually required. This country does not stinge on the lighting required to make an evening cruise interesting. As as the countdown to the Olympics continue, various signs are visible to remind us of the impending event.

Day Trip to Italy

Had the chance to pop over to Macau to check out the new casino, the Venetian. Feels almost identical to the one in Vegas, except it's much bigger. We were told there are three as compared to the one canal in the Vegas property. All I can say is, "It's huge and overflowing with opulence." Well worth a visit though.