G-`FerRo Fotoworks

HONG KONG | Streets in Monochrome

2011-10-13T18:00:00.000+08:00

Just some quick uploads, along the street of Hong Kong.

MACAU | One of the Landmarks

2011-10-11T07:00:00.000+08:00

One of the many Landmarks of the once Portugese "era".

MACAU | Back Alleys

2011-10-03T21:52:00.000+08:00

As always, someway or another, we did not take the normal tourist route, but instead the route less travelled by the tourists.

JAPAN | ASAKUSA II

2011-09-22T20:00:00.003+08:00

Some more photos of Asakusa

JAPAN | ASAKUSA

2011-09-16T22:42:00.000+08:00

It has been awhile I have not post anything, been very busy with work, nevertheless, that those not hinder my passion for photography.

There are still thousand and thousand of travel photos yet to be processed and to be shared, unfortunately got no chance to really sit down and processed them all, some say just use jpeg mode, but I still prefer .raw 'coz after traveling thousand of miles and spending a fortune on your travel, u don't wanna mess with your treasured moments, so that's a good tip for those travel photographer, if you treasure your moment, do not compromise in your photo storage, capture it as "raw" as possible.

With that, as to keep this blog back on the feet, I present Asakusa, one of the many districts in Tokyo.

HONG KONG | The Trip

2010-11-13T19:00:00.002+08:00

A recent trip to Hong Kong, just a few photos preview.

CHINA | Sneak Peak

2010-11-12T16:00:00.004+08:00

Just a quick preview during a recent trip to China.

MACAU | 57th Macau Grand Prix 18-21 Nov 2010

2010-11-11T17:38:00.000+08:00

This weekend will be the last race for F1 2010, which will decide the WDC 2010 title, and next F1 will only starts some time around March 2010.

Anyhow, this 18-21 Nov 2010, it will be the 57th Macau Grand Prix, quite a tight street circuit.

Just some photos of the arena taken last few weeks.

The venue is just a stone throw away from the ferry terminal.

The colourful seats for the spectators.

A glimpse of the pitstop area.

Info & Parking area.

The pitstop area, the surface is being scrapped off, to make way for new layers of tarmac.

Temburong Waterfront

2010-09-21T21:35:00.000+08:00

It's been a while I have not posted nor even taken any photo with a proper camera gear, due to work commitments, which made it quite difficult or awkward rather, to bring my DSLR, because, otherwise I might overshadow or steal the thunder of the official photographers... Huahahahaha

Anyhow, still, I can't help shooting photos via the lo-res mobile phone camera, but due to the shutter lag, "the moment" usually left me behind.

Nevertheless, what made me thankful despite the hectic work schedule, is during lunch time, I think we have one of the best, if not the best, view from our office's canteen.

And, hopefully, if everything goes well, insya Allah, you will see new changes to the waterfront, there is already a new project in our pipeline.

Temburong Waterfront, I tried to upload a larger image, unfortunately, everytime I tried to upload the image, it will be reduced automatically, Oh well, at least there is something.

mBLOG | No Food No Shoe Sign

2010-02-26T15:23:00.000+08:00

BOSS: Hey Bob, I can no longer tolerate the cleanliness of the bouncer that we rented out, so can you put a notice in front of the bouncer.

BOB: eer, boss what should I put?

BOSS: ... hmmm... just put NO FOOD NO SHOE sign.

BOB: OK, consider it done boss!

BOSS: BOOOOOBBBB!!!

CAMBODIA | The Artist within the Ruins

2010-01-22T05:30:00.000+08:00

One can see so many inspiring artist within the site of the ruins.

This is an art on its own, the reddish sandstone plus the green moss had turned this facade into an art.

Just look at those paintings, yeap, paintings, hand painted on site, those are no photos, no, not that guy on the left, those thing on the canvas on the front right that is.

Look at this sketch, or doodle, or call it whatever you want.

Another close-up, by a different artist, inspect those details.

Another artist seeking for inspiration?

But, what I found more interesting is the photo below, perhaps an engraving done hundred of years ago, by some inspiring artistic lovebirds.

Maybe someone could decipher this coded encryption.

SIEM REAP | Banteay Srei

2010-01-09T05:00:00.000+08:00

Banteay Srei is about an hour journey by tuk-tuk from Siem Reap, passing thru the local villages, experiencing the lush greens of the countryside.

Banteay Srei means, citadel of the women, or citadel of beauty.

The facade is bit reddish due to the material used for the structure, i.e. red sandstone.

Banteay Srei is famous for it's meticulously detalied workmanship, just as shown in the photo, just to show a sample.

A close-up of one of the remnants.

SIEM REAP | Along the way ..

2010-01-04T05:00:00.001+08:00

The first Monday in the first week of 2010, schools re-opened, new and not so new students will be going to school and colleges.

Roads will obviously be busier than usual.

But when I was in Siem Reap, Cambodia, I don't think there is such a heavy traffic jam. As most of the road users are either on two-wheeled or three-wheeled vehicles, hence they can just manoeuvre easily on the road.

Just look at the gas station above, it's almost deserted, but I like this "aura" looks like those in the film. This photo was taken whilst on a moving tuk-tuk (3-wheeled vehicle) along the bumpy and dusty road here.

Some might prefer riding those cosy air-conditioned tour buses. But at this time around I prefer the local tuk-tuk, feeling the cool air brushes your faces, smelling the fresh aroma of the countrysides's air, and hearing those bells and whistles of Cambodia.

After about an hour or so on the bumpy road, you then reached the destination with a gleeming smiles from the local traders.

One of the hand painted signage, I think it says something about WC or thereabout.

BRISBANE | The City Centre

2010-01-01T23:15:00.003+08:00

To start off the new year, here are some photos of Brisbane's City Centre.

A pedestrian passing by one of the well-known kiosk in the city centre, also known as the meeting point area.

One can get lotsa stuff here, from newspaper to magazine, mobile top-ups to travel card top-ups and also lottery tickets etc.

A modern looking building with a clear blue sky in the background.

Get your healthy dose of snack here, get some juice or you can even just get the fresh fruits.

Hungry Jack's can be found located at one of the premises in the city centre, and you do not want to disturb Jack if he's hungry, not to mention Jack's uncle, nor Jack's grandpa nor Jack's house mate nor Jack's cousin's schoolmate's next door neighbour's nephew!

Now, something that colours up the city centre with a fancy balloon sculpturist. They can bend and squeeze the balloons into beautiful art, but not for those with fainted heart, who cannot stand to hear the popping of the balloons.

BRUNEI | Golden Domes Aplenty

2009-12-31T09:25:00.000+08:00

Just a random photo for the last day of 2009.

Gold on Blue.

One of the many golden domes of the Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque in Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei Darussalam.

NOTE: This website is undergoing a major facelift. Will try to make it as simple as possible, and photos will be larger. Due to technical difficulties, some usual links would be missing, would try to update as much as possible.

GF COMIC | Am I an Aunt or Uncle?

2009-12-14T04:00:00.000+08:00

A true incident, yet the actual event and persons will be kept anonymous.

*Click image for a larger version.
** Feel free to copy and paste, for non-commercial purposes only, but please do not alter in it anyway.

It is a fact isn't it?

If you are an uncle, you will still be an uncle to your niece or nephew.

SINGAPORE | within Bugis Street

2009-12-01T06:00:00.000+08:00

Walking along the vicinity of Bugis Street.

For those who love accessories, than this is a great place to be.

And if you walk outside of the market area, you will come across this building full of "jewels" on the facade.

And on the wall of the market, one can find this, graffiti on the wall.

And next to it, is this old fashion blinds.

But what I found nice is this colourful spiral stairs.

SINGAPORE | Bugis Street

2009-11-29T06:00:00.000+08:00

Walking around in Bugis Street.

It is not like walking along Orchard Road, or those air-conditioned mall like Vivocity, but this is a street market, thou covered, but non-airconditioned.

A busy place it was, even if you stop to look at stuff, you can not avoid to be brushed aside from the fast flowing pedestrians.

Not only they sell clothes, but they also sell fruit, Durians even!

Persimmon is also in abundance. Good fruit, sweet and juicy.

More durians, quite cheap, only $2 each!

$2 crackers (keropok) vs $2 durians, it's your call!

SINGAPORE | The Mosque in Chinatown

2009-11-25T06:00:00.000+08:00

Another interesting landmark in Chinatown.

Masjid Jamae (Chulia) is the name of the mosque.

For a more detailed history of the mosque, feel free to read it on the plaque.

A glimpse of what is inside the mosque, cool, got vending machine some more what.

An overview of the mosque, squeezed among the shophouses.

SINGAPORE | Multi-Culture in Chinatown

2009-11-23T06:00:00.001+08:00

What I found quite interesting in Chinatown, was the multi cultural diversity there within, multi belief and faith.

There I saw one Temple and also a Mosque.

Pagoda Street is one of the alley in Chinatown.

The temple was still under renovation, so just manage to get a peek of what is inside.

There was a wedding ceremony held at that time, and these young women have prepared themselves with their colourful traditional dresses or also known as sarees.

Decorative flowers used as part of their belief.

Not only there were multi culture, but the product sold in Chinatown are also diversified.

SINGAPORE | Chinatown Heritage Centre

2009-11-19T06:00:00.000+08:00

Still walking along the area.

This way to the Heritage Centre.

But first, have to pass thru this passage.

Some old ship's instrumentation for sale.

And some seller trying to market their products.

And here you are, the Chinatown Heritage Centre.

SINGAPORE | Chinatown Walkabout

2009-11-18T06:00:00.001+08:00

During a recent trip to Singapore earlier this month, manage to mingle amongst the crowd.

The place was flooded with people, walking around, doing their own stuff, or even just sitting along, feasting their eyes with people watching.

Chinatown could be found in almost every major cities around the globe, usually marked with it's traditional huge red gate.

In Singapore, the Chinatown, can't be missed by it's many bright red lanterns.

One of the many entrances to the main street.

A typical scene in Chinatowns.

Taking his own sweet time.

A mobile vendor moving his cart to a different place.

Another view of the packed street.

*All images taken with the Canon G10

F1 | Mercedes GP vs. McLaren 2010

2009-11-16T21:47:00.002+08:00

Mercedes has confirmed the buy-in of Brawn GP, hence for F1 2010 Mercedes will have its own team, yet, Mercedes has agreed to supply engine for McLaren til 2015.

So now the questions are, will Button be paired with Hamilton in the McLaren, hence the all-British team, and Mercedes GP might be having Nico Rosberg as one of their driver.

But what will happen to Kimi?

Some questions need to be answered soon.

From the earlier image of Mercedes GP, it looks like they might retained their silver look livery, whereas McLaren might be back to their orange livery, but all of these yet to be confirmed.

F1 2010, seems to be an interesting one, with Korea as a new add-on track, and the Montreal, Canada is back on the calendar.

Who cares about Ferarri! By mid-season Alonso and Massa might have their rift, just like Hamilton & Alonso, when they were together at McLaren.

Lewis Hamilton's helmet, side by side with the McLaren-Mercedes F1 steering wheel. If you look carefully on the bottom left of the steering wheel, there is a white button for drink, yeap, they do "drink" and drive, or drink and race, rather!

SABAH | Orang Sabah bah ni ..

2009-10-31T05:00:00.000+08:00

Kota Kinabalu, Sabah is a small yet a fast developing nation.

I think the last trip to KK was in 1990, and the only major shopping centre was the Centre Point Mall at the left, this is one of the main road, leading to the Airport.

Free shuttle bus to 1Borneo from the city centre, in front of Warisan Square.

Atkinson Clock Tower, is one of the oldest, if not the oldest standing structure in Kota Kinabalu, built out of wood without any nails in memory of Francis George Atkinson - the popular first District Officer of Jesselton during colonial times in 1902. It is functional till this day.

If you are wondering, where the clock is at, it is actually removed and sent for repair, so they just use a small digital clock, eermm, nope, not really, actually, the clock face is on the opposite side, I was in a hurry, it was still raining, and I only managed to get thru the other side of the clock tower.

The boardwalk on the Waterfront.

SABAH | Land Beneath the Wind

2009-10-29T05:00:00.000+08:00

Sabah, is also known as the Land Beneath the Wind, or Negeri Di Bawah Bayu.

But, the signboard says, The Nature Resort City.

The Waterfront.

A quick capture from inside a fast moving vehicle, The Shuttle Bus, anyway, that tall building is the Menara Tun Mustapha, which formerly known as the Sabah Foundation Building.

When it was comeplered in 1977, this 30 storey steel and glass structure, was one of only three such buildings in the world. There is an auditorium, two mini-theatres, exhibition foyer, gymnasium, kindergarten, research library and a revolving restaurant on the 18th floor.

Street view of the city centre. It was raining, hence the water droplets.

SABAH | Singgah di Kota Kinabalu

2009-10-27T05:00:00.000+08:00

Kota Kinabalu, KK, is the capital of Sabah, located on the northern part of Borneo Island, and the home of the great Mount Kinabalu, and several island famous for snorkeling.

The trip to KK was a short one, and due to transportation constraint, we only manage to wander within the city centre.

Unlike from my previous excursion, this time, I only managed to get a handful of photos, the memory card in my camera was not even half utilised.

Almost all of the photos were taken with the Canon G10 and on moving vehicle!

Some of the shops that one can find in 1Borneo Hypermall, captured from the bus.

1Borneo is about a good half an hour ride to the city centre, and the taxi fare from the airport is RM50, but there is a free shuttle bus to/fro 1Borneo to the city centre.

A glimpse of the minarets of the City Mosque, built on a 2.47 acres site at the Likas bay, the Kota Kinabalu City Mosque is situated near the sea. This majestic white mosque boasts similar features to the Nabawi Mosque in Medina.

As the signboard says, this is the Pasar Besar Kota Kinabalu, or the Big Market of KK.

SINGAPORE | Kampong Glam - Part IV

2009-10-25T05:00:00.000+08:00

The last part of the current series.

Bussorah Pedestrian Mall, view from the mosque.

A family passing by one of the shops. There are many textile shops within the vicinity, if you are looking for any particular textile, feel free to browse around.

Slim yet headless models, displaying the textile on sale.

Close-up of some of the items on sale, and these are head gears, worn by men.

And this is a unique historical sculpture, made on display to show the cost of the goods on sale, errrm, nope, not really, this is just some random corrugated cardboard that I found, and just capture it for my photo collection.

SINGAPORE | Kampong Glam Walkabout

2009-10-23T05:00:00.000+08:00

The journey continues.

A kite dangling on the under the window ledge.

Even 7-Eleven have a local feel to it.

Walking along the street of yesteryear.

Singapore Souvnier (.sic) on sale, 1 for SGD4, 3 for SGD10.

The shophouses in colours!

SINGAPORE | Jalan-jalan in Kampong Glam II

2009-10-21T05:00:00.000+08:00

Jalan-jalan is the Malay word for walking around or walkabout.

Continued from previous post, here are some more photos.

Enjoying coffee along the sidewalk.

The old architectural window style are still keep intact.

Ayam Penyet, one of the specialty dishes could be found among the shop lot.

Little Shophouse, literally.

No, Stop! This is not in Iraq, Baghdad Street is in Kampong Glam.

SINGAPORE | Jalan-jalan in Kampong Glam

2009-10-19T11:49:00.004+08:00

It has been awhile since I have posted a proper decent post.

I used to post daily, but with only one photo per post, some like it as it is updated daily, but some say why there is only one photo, hence I posted several photos every other day, yet some still say that the photos are still too little.

Oh well, now I will just post whenever I feel like it.

During a previous visit to Arab Street of Kampong Glam, due to some technical problem I did not manage to get to capture the central plaza.

Kampong Glam might not be considered to be a glamourous place in Singapore, but for those who wanted to try something different, this is it.

According to Wikipedia, the area's name is derived from two Malay words, Kampong, meaning "village" or "settlement", and Glam (or Gelam) referring to a variety of eucalyptus (Melaleuca leucadendra) which grew in the area.

Its bark was used by boat builders in the village to caulk boats while its leaves provided cajuput oil (from Malay: minyak kayu puteh, or white wood) which could be used to treat muscular aches and pains, as well as respiratory problems

Bussorah Pedestrian Mall at Kampong Glam, and at the background is the Masjid Sultan (Sultan Mosque).

MAG, Malay Art Gallery, the facade of the building are mainly like this, like those in the black and white movie.

People flocking to buy the goods on sale.

A lone bicycle, just like the classic old movie.

Some row of shop houses.

mBLOG | MATERNITY SAFETY DRIVER

2009-10-14T20:40:00.003+08:00

Some people might think that having those "yellow sign" in their car is cool. But some signs have mistakes which instead made the driver looks silly.. Just like the "Angle in Car" .(.sic)

mBlog | Happy Aidilfitri

2009-09-20T20:09:00.002+08:00

Wishing you a very Happy Aidilfitri

Maaf Zahir Batin

mBLOG | KLCC Early Morning

2009-09-13T08:39:00.002+08:00

Easy like Sunday morning

GF COMIC | Talk No Use ...

2009-09-03T06:00:00.000+08:00

Another everyday observation.

*Click image for a larger version.
** Feel free to copy and paste, for non-commercial purposes only, but please do not alter in it anyway.

In the midst of the Flu A H1N1, everybody seems to be taken some precautions, by getting some sanitisers, face mask and such, so one day during lunch, some time before the fasting month, saw this guy wearing face mask, but ironically, there is a lit cigarette on his hand!!

And despite, the Non-Smoking in public areas By-Law, still saw many patrons puffing those toxic fume, especially in those al-fresco dining, and the fumes is equally harmful to those non-smokers sitting next table!

So Please, look at the man in the mirror.

MALAYSIA | Dataran Merdeka

2009-08-31T22:39:00.003+08:00

31 August 2009, is Malaysia 52th Independence Day.

Dataran Merdeka is usually the place to celebrate the countdown to midnight, because on 31 August 1957, this is where the national flag, Jalur Gemilang, was first hoisted.

Many important events were held in Dataran Merdeka, even the 1st Amazing Race Asia was flaged off here.

The Plague stating the history of Dataran Merdeka i.e. Merdeka Square.

Overview of Dataran Merdeka, overlooking the reknown Royal Selangor Club.

One of the iconic landmark within the vicinity, the clock tower of Sultan Abdul Samad Building.

A different view from the water fountain.

One of the historical landmarks near Dataran Merdeka.

The large flag on the 95m flag pole on Dataran Merdeka.

Jalan Raja, the stop you need to go if you wanted to visit this historical places.

GF COMIC | BRIDal EXpo?

2009-08-19T23:11:00.004+08:00

Well, every now and then, we do encounter humour as part of our daily life, either you are talking with someone you know, or might just overheard people talking about it at the cafe or the likes.

When not holding my camera, I will try to inject some kind of everyday humour in this site.

BTW, do not comment on the "stick figure", I know, it is crap, as I never did well in my art classes, but what I wanted to bring out is the message behind it.

And if there is good responses, I might bring out more.

Hope you guys like it ;)

*Click image for a larger version.

** Feel free to copy and paste, for non-commercial purposes only, but please do not alter in it anyway.

Well, it (BRIDEX) does really seems like a BRIDAL EXPO, loads of people I know think the same.

ANNUAL PHOTO DAY 2009 | 350D vs G10 vs K850i

2009-08-15T23:00:00.000+08:00

The Annual Photo Day in 2007 was about photos from various corners of the world.

Photos from a 1.3MP phone's camera was concept for the Annual Photo Day in 2008.

Now, The Annual Photo Day 2009 is about the same subject taken from 3 totally different cameras of different genre i.e. CANON DSLR EOS 350D, CANON PowerShot G10 and the SONY ERICSSON K850i phone's camera.

What I am trying to bring about is, usually it is hard to tell which photo was taken with what camera.

The Petronas Twin Tower a.k.a. KLCC is one of the most photographed structure in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, and the challenge obviously is how to get a fresh angle.

But in this post, I don't bother to get very creative, (may be for another future post) as I just merely wanted to point out that, it does not really matter what camera you are using, but how you compose the subject.

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

9.

If any one of you know how to distinguish, or wanted to know which photo was taken from which camera, do leave a comment on this post.

We will see how it goes from there on. So anybody dares to take this challenge?

BRISBANE | Off to Indooroopilly

2009-08-13T22:00:00.000+08:00

The "funny" thing about the shopping area within this area is they closed early, around 5pm, except on Thursday night, when most of the shops open til 9pm.

So if you want to experience some late night shopping, you can just go to the suburb.

King George Square Station, one of the major stations in the city centre.

Make sure you have the exact change for the fare, or you can just buy those travel card.

If you feel bored sitting in front, go change your seat, change your seat in every stop if you want.

Indooroopilly, why so many double letters, just like they spell kaangaarroo, no, it is really just kangaroo.

A nice big shopping area, adequate for your necessities. If you are up to it, shop till you drop, if you want to, or otherwise, just sip some coffee, and enjoy watching the people shopping.

It is time to go home now, and this is the bus, and the wheel on the bus go round and round, go round and round, round and round, go round and round, round and round .......

Oh no, the bus is moving, I missed the bus, lousy song that round and round, made me miss the bus.....

BRISBANE | Harbour Town Gold Coast

2009-08-11T21:20:00.000+08:00

Factory outlets are usually located quite faraway from the city centre, and Brisbane is one of them.

Harbour Town is en route from Brisbane city centre to Gold Coast.

Make sure you are wearing a comfy shoes, and remember to bring some cash, or credit cards if you have any.

"Don't be afraid, I'm part of the family", Sigourney Weaver Alien 3, there are quite a number of such stars, if you a bored after those shoppings.

Can't help taking those contrasting colours.

Or if you are tired of shopping or window shopping, grab your camera and capture something "useless", like this worn rope.

Waheeey, what to some might be just a useless junk of steels erected and coloured, but to others this is art.

BRISBANE | Off to the Sunday Market

2009-08-09T19:57:00.003+08:00

It has been awhile since I have updated this site with a proper post.

Today is Sunday, so what else better to do than going off to the Sunday Market.

It was such a perfect day, with the sky so blue, and clean fresh air.

And off we go via the City Cat or in other word, the public transportation.

Arriving at the scene, expecting a busy crowded market like those in the local scene, but I was wrong, the area is located at those modern architectural advances.

I thought I was at the wrong place, so I had to use this telescope to make sure I was at the right one, and boy, you would be surprised what you can see thru this machine. ;)

So this is it, the Market, if you are interested to sell off some stuff, feel free to inquire within.

Whilst traveling, I do enjoy the scene i.e. pause viewing the area thru the viewfinder, and "breath the fresh air", thus I did not captured many photos from this market.

But what did impressed me was that, the variety of item that are being put on sale, going from one booth to another, you will find different products, from locally hand made child's toy, to herbal products, to local handicraft from clothes handbag, local t-shirts, local ornaments, foodstuffs, musical performance and many more.

But it seems that this much love market, are soon to be changed.

mBlog | Keeping Pace.

2009-07-19T23:41:00.001+08:00

Just a quick post about the calm within the rush.

BRUNEI | HM 63rd Birthday

2009-07-15T12:40:00.001+08:00

Daulat Kebawah Duli Tuan Patik

mBlog | Alif Aziz

2009-07-11T21:49:00.001+08:00

Look at The artist, no, not that on stage, that's Alif Aziz, but look the one in the foreground.

BSB | The Zero Milestone

2009-07-06T22:35:00.001+08:00

Just a quick post about the Zero Milestone mark at The capital of Brunei.
It is nice to see and indulge oneself with the shower of lights, but for the driver it is very confusing as it is quite difficult to distinguish between the traffic and the neon lights!
In fact, even to locate the traffic light itself is not an easy feat!

SEOUL | Camera Friendly City

2009-06-28T21:42:00.004+08:00

Been traveling to quite a number of places with my camera gears, Japan, Australia, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand and Cambodia just to name a few, but one of the most camera friendly city that I came across is Seoul, Korea.

What make I said that, "camera friendly city", you might asked, well some of the factors that need to be considered are: You can take photo of almost anything easily without getting those strangely looks from other people, especially the locals, (as long as you are within the photographers' ethics); You can take, lugged around your camera gears without being afraid of it being "taken away", (as long as you don't wander off the off-beaten tracks), You won't feel awkward shooting photo with your huge SLR, as most of the people are using one! There are many camera shops around, new and used, compact and SLRs, digital and film; There are so many photo opportunities, even just by seating in one corner! + many other factors.O

One of the photographers, viewing the day's shot from his professional Canon EOS 1D body.

Just look at the photographers, having a classic film SLR for each of them.

A yuppie sharing the pros and cons of his Nikon DSLR.

There are even loads of woman photographers around, shooting with their DSLR, I guess woman prefer huge DSLR rather than those smaller compact point and shoot camera, or is just a hype nowadays?

Just look at those huge, long lens, see, I told you, one will not feel awkward tagging along their huge SLR for a walkabout in Seoul, but do know your limit and ethics. :)

SEOUL | Hello, Phone Booth?

2009-06-25T22:27:00.003+08:00

Just some random photos of various public phone booths in Seoul.

The simple tin-can on the wall type of thingy.

These are just simple glass walled phone booth, yet practical, complete with stainless steel bench, good idea, so that, people will talk more.

Pedestrians passing by the red phone booths at the vicinity of Seoul Museum of History.

A phone booth is also a good place to meet up, why call on the phone when you can just meet up?

Speaking of phone, remind me some of The Simpsons' quote:

Homer: "... Operator! Give me the number for 911!"

Chief Wiggum: Uh, no, you got the wrong number. This is 9-1…2.

Moe: Yeah, Moe's Tavern, Moe speaking.
Bart: Is Jacques there?
Moe: Who?
Bart: Jacques, last name Strap.
Moe: Uh, hold on. [to everyone in the bar] Uh, Jacques...Strap...Hey guys I'm looking for a "Jock strap". [laughs from all] Oh... wait a minute...Jock strap?!... It's you isn't it, ya cowardly little runt? When I get a hold of you, I'm gonna gut you like a fish and drink your blood!

Bart: Is Mister Freely there?
Moe: Who?
Bart: Freely, first initials I. P.
Moe: Hold on, I'll check. Uh, is I. P. Freely here? Hey, everybody! "I pee freely"! [the customers laugh] Wait a minute... Listen to me you lousy bum. When I get a hold of you, you're dead. I swear I'm gonna slice your heart in half!
Homer: You'll get that punk someday, Moe.
Moe: I don't know. He's tough to catch. He keeps changing his name.

BRISBANE | Interesting Signages

2009-06-18T20:00:00.000+08:00

Just some signs I found along the way.

20 km/h moonwalk speed limit! I didn't know Michael Jackson is a frequent visitor here, that they have to erect a signpost to limit the speed of people doing moonwalk!

Just a simple yet interesting poster pasted on some rubbish bins.

Some big boy toys, that are forbidden on the footway unless one wants to get a penalty.

So what is so interesting about this? Only a few would know.

AUSTRALIA | Wheel of Brisbane

2009-06-16T20:00:00.000+08:00

The "Really Big Wheel", a.k.a Ferris Wheel is almost everywhere nowadays.

There's that one in London, then in Singapore, Kuala Lumpur also have one, Manchester also have one, and some other wheel in various part of the world.

Yet, not they wanted to re-invent the wheel, but there is a newly erected wheel in Brisbane.

The 60m high wheel was erected to commemorate the 20th Anniversary of the World Expo 88 and 150th Anniversary of the State of Queensland (1859-2009 Celebrations).

It was painted white because if it was to be painted blue, it will be the same colour as the sky, and nobody can see it, helicopter pilot might miss it and birds will just fly straight to it! (No, not really, I just made this one up).

There are about 42 capsules so the wheel, and the ride is about quarter of an hour long, or in simple term, it lasted about fifteen minutes.

AUSTRALIA | What's on, South Bank

2009-06-14T21:12:00.002+08:00

South Bank, is one of the places to be if one happened to visit Brisbane, Australia, and yeap, those who are very familiar with England, there is also a place in London called the South Bank.

So what about South Bank, Brisbane?

What's On? What's not? What's off? What's under?

The directory of South Bank so that you will know your way around, and at the background you can see the "big wheel".

The view of Brisbane city skyline, from South Bank, some old photos of Brisbane dated back to 1965 and even 1835.

Brisbane City Council permanently etched on a steel plate.

BRISBANE | Fun Graffitis

2009-06-12T22:20:00.002+08:00

Moving away from the sadness of the prison, here are some interesting signages and graffiti in the city.

First, is this cute bunnies, pink bunny and blue bunny, painted over an electrical distribution box.

Then, found hiding in a same complimenting brightly coloured garbage bins is this girl in bikini, also painted over the electrical box.

And this is really something, some sort of reminder, sheeps in suits, or is it really fox in a "sheep's clothing?

Just like an "ethical hacker", these are some of the "ethical graffiti", conveying some sort of hidden message in every art.

PHOTOLESS | Something to Think About ...

2009-06-01T15:14:00.004+08:00

1. Despite having no photo, some do still read this post, thanks.

2. Mass Media plays an important roles in our daily life nowadays, that we can not escape from encountering them even for a day, unless you are living in those remote area, then that is another story, but otherwise, you will not be reading this.

3. Because of this, people, especially those "marketing people" will try to promote their product via radios, TV, newspapers and magazine, etc.

4. But what I found annoying is the type of advert that I have to listen/watch everytime I wanted to listen/watch a good program,( I know the TVs/Radios need the advert and well I don't mind those good ones.)

5. What I'm trying to stress about is some of our local adverts on the radios, did you realise that, most of adverts are all about LOANS! KAIN (Clothes)! BUFFET! STUPID CRAZY RIDICULOUS MIDNITE BACK TO SCHOOL, BACK TO UTANG SALE! (Which I think the "ridiculous" one is those who bought and paid $10 for a $5 item which they don't really need), and what does it all show you? orang kitani kuat berutang? kuat membali kain? kuat makan? Dunno, pikir tah sendiri.

6. When you look at the adverts of other countries, you won't find 90% of their adverts of such product, but instead, adverts about coffee, tea, detergent, holidays, medicine, perfumes, watches, toys and such.

7. "Dad, you still remember your promise?"
" What promise?"
"You promised me to buy me a spanking new-girl-in-Gadong-grabbing-attention sports car once I entered Uni"
"But you have already got a car, and it is still in good working condition?!"
"Yea, true but you did mentioned I could get a new one"
" Well ok, go and find some resonable price one"

"Oh yea, dad, I just remembered this financial institution is having some sort of a garbage eh a garage sale, where you can just trade in the old one with a "new" second-hand one"

I bet for those local radio listeners, you are very familiar with the above adverts (obviousl it was in malay, and I just exaggerate a 'lil), but yeap, my point is that, are we trying to promote a community for spending, loan community, people who just care about their wants instead of their needs?

8. Furthermore, the quality of some of the adverts, are ridiculous and annoying, I know those advert makers would say, " but it did attracts your attention and you remember it".

9. Well yeah it did, but it is just because we have no choice, in other countries, if a production house, produce a rubbish adverts, no one would ever come back to you, producing something rubbish, annoying and no meaning is totally different from those meaningful, heart touching adverts/ promo. (Good neighbouring example is the TM and Petronas ads esp. during the festive seasons)

10. Can we make something which is meaningful? Something that can touch you "there"? or at least make a good quality ads/promo, as for those who have parabola, Indonesia have thousand of creative ads, go study.

11. Just something I wanted to share, did you know how the guys in NISSAN promote their new flagship super car i.e. GT-R? Well, Mr Ghosn, the President/CEO of NISSAN called his office worldwide to discuss about their marketing strategy of the new GT-R, and he specifically said no promo in Mag, TV or the likes, so one of the guy from Nissan UK made a suggestion of promoting it via Manga (anime) and GT3 or in the layman terms, video games & comics! Brilliant!

KUALA LUMPUR | Pudu Jail Haunted?

2009-05-26T20:00:00.003+08:00

Pudu Jail a.k.a Pudu Prison a.k.a Pudu Goal was used to house criminals including drug offenders and was also the location for administering corporal punishment.

The main gate, showing the year it was "established", 1895.

One side of the painted mural on the wall, "Death, that's the mandatory sentenced for any drug trafficker in Malaysia"

These murals were painted by the prisoners, who used over 2,000 litres of paint to accomplish the task

The Malaysian's flag hung on the prison's concrete wall.

There are rumours that Pudu Prison is haunted. There have been reports of a strange Indian man walking the halls of the prison and disappearing around the corner. Supposedly, screams have been heard from rooms where hangings have taken place, and there are certain areas of the prison that are far colder than others

Whilst I walked along the area taking photo, suddenly I tripped onto something and I nearly felled, when I turned back, I realised I stumbled upon a risen manhole! Daaaanngg! Why did they not flush it with the pathway.

MALAYSIA | Jalan Pudu

2009-05-23T23:30:00.000+08:00

I bet, most people who went to Kuala Lumpur will definitely spend most of their time within the busy shopping malls of the Golden Triangle, i.e. Bukit Bintang area.

But those area does not actually attracted me as much as those "off the trail" area.

So where did I go?

Jalan Pudu was one on my lists.

The concrete wall at the background is the Pudu Prison (Penjara Pudu), which is no longer in used.

Built during the British Colony in 1981 to lock-up about 600 inmates.

Access to the outside world was of course very limited.

High walls with barbed wire were built surrounding all the perimeters. All that can be seen is the sky.

In 1985 recored the highest number of inmates, which were around 6,550 inmates, which the inmates have to be put into shift for their sleeping time!

There are many more interesting stories about Pudu Jail, which is yet to be told.

MALAYSIA | Titiwangsa to KLCC

2009-05-21T04:00:00.000+08:00

Just some random photos of a recent journey.

Nope, this is not in Delhi, India, this is in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

KL Monorail, Titiwangsa Station is where the monorail starts, or ends, depending how you see it.

The sign says it all, KLCC, so how to capture one of the most photographed structures in the world, well I hope I manage to get a different perspective.

BRISBANE | Story Bridge & the vicinity

2009-05-18T19:21:00.003+08:00

Here is a story about a bridge in Brisbane.

That bridge, yea that bridge, it is called the Story Bridge.

And now, these are some buildings, that can be found within the vicinity of the Story Bridge.

Closer look at the yachts docking within the river.

So, well, if you wanted to know more story, or history of the Story Bridge, you can just googled about it, and dig up as much as you want. ;)

The End.

BRISBANE | Constructions to Developments

2009-05-12T20:20:00.001+08:00

Many signs of more developments.

Heavy loading cranes, here and there.

Another steel bridge nearing completion.

My architect friends would love to be here, admiring all those stunning structures.

So, where else to go to enjoy those lovely scenery, if not the "Eye on Brisbane".

AUSTRALIA | Brisbane Square to UQ

2009-05-10T22:00:00.003+08:00

Now bringing you in full glorious colour, uhm, well not really, just but the sky is nice, clear and blue thou.

Starts off from here, Brisbane Square.

And as for direction, just look at the sign posts, and then determine your mode of travel.

The University of Queensland, UQ, stop if you desire.

AUSTRALIA | Farmers Markets & Such..

2009-05-08T12:00:00.001+08:00

For those who want to get their fresher than fresh food, come along the Farmers Markets.

You can get your local fresh produce here.

Somewhere within the vicinity.

A rail station in the suburb.

AUSTRALIA | Heritage Trail

2009-05-06T22:41:00.002+08:00

It's been awhile since the last update, been occupied with some stuffs.

Anyway, I managed to capture many new stuffs as well.

Heritage Trail markers, for those heritage lovers.

A building with a pre-modern architecture.

A building with a typical local design.

mBLOG | now to ...

2009-04-21T21:51:00.001+08:00

... the "mountain", after the Street Beach.

MBLOG | gferro.com goes ...

2009-04-19T20:06:00.001+08:00

... where?

MBLOG | gferro.com goes...

2009-04-18T22:49:00.001+08:00

...where?

PHOTOLESS | Ingin-ingin Atiku Saja...

2009-04-10T22:27:00.005+08:00

1. When I took my photos, it will usually depends on my mood.
If I don't feel like taking it, the outcome will probably be just a "normal" shot.

2. The same goes in posting articles on this website, it will usually depends on my mood, if I'm in a mood to write heap of stuffs, then the write-up will be lengthy, and vice-versa, (thou I know that people only visit this site just for the photos and not for the write-up), who wanna read a lengthy grammatically incorrect article by the way.

3. Well, as for this post, and some future posts, I just decided not to post up any single photo, because I just don't feel like it.

4. So, what am I going to write up if there is no photo?

5. Whatever it is I feel like writing, (or typing rather,) our everyday life, journey along the road, social observations and such.

6. For those F1 fans, the hot topics now is the KERS, Diffusers "loophole" and also the McLaren "lie-gate".

7. Idiots, who put the Jokers for the lousy fellows in managements.

8. For those football fanatics, they all knew that, sometimes to "buy" or to "delay" the time, the players will "lie"/ "pretend" (or what ever they called it), that they are experiencing bodily injuries, leg cramps, stomach cramps or any imaginable injuries, so isn't that a lie? Is that acceptable? And not to mentioned WWF/ or WWE as it is known now.

9. Everybody knows about the controversional Argentinian Maradona's famous "Hand goal", during Argentina vs England in 1986, but even after knowing the thruth, does the result change? It was very controversional alright, but, Nope, the result did not change, Argentina still won 2-1.

10. But during the Melbourne 2009 F1, Trulli (3rd place then) was out of the race track, I repeat OUT OF THE RACE TRACK, imagine if YOU were in the 4th place would you follow him out of the race track? Would you stop?

11. You would be a Joker to follow him out of the race track, obviously, you will continue, hence that was what Hamilton did and soon after that, the safety car's out, so no overtaking during that time, but hey, funny enough, Trulli still has the gut to overtake Hamilton to get back his 3rd position.

12. So you would think it would stop there, as the race ended, who cares, who's 3rd who's 4, but no, now those Jokers in F1 management think that Hamilton i.e. McLaren team have lied, and "misleading" the stewards and might be penalised heavily because of that, ( Hamilton was totally disqualified for the Melbourne race, and to know more about the "scandal" just google it out), and the case are still pending, and can only be known after the extra-ordinary meeting on the 29 April 2009! Lousy Fellows! Get back to the real racing will ya!

13. Imagine McLaren being banned, there will be a drastic drop in the number of fans watching F1, TV viewers will decrease, race-goers on the race tracks will drop, and imagine the impact on loss of revenues, advertisement and such, the management will be at loss!

14. On a different note, congrats to DPMM FC for winning against Gombak FC, 2-1, hence gaining top spot in the S-League 2009 standing.

15. On the local scene, what I can't understand, is how some drivers unethically just overtake other people when coming to the merging lane, can't they just queue up? Especially, if they wanted to drive thru the entry lane to the highway, yet on the highway, they drove very slowly, and what annoys me most is, driving slowly on the right side of the lanes! Lousy Fellows!

16. Sometimes you wonder, despite no accidents, the road are still jam-packed with very slow moving vehicles, why?

17. Well the reasons, are the frequent brakings and then move again, then brake again, then move, what the ????. Did you know that, if the motorists just drive in a constant speed, of say, 70kmh, we will have a smooth traffic flow! As what have been researched in the UK.

18. There are still more that I want to type, but I don't know who wants to read this lengthy post, well, may be next time.

GINZA | Master Zeng Said...

2009-04-07T19:01:00.008+08:00

Just wanna post some night photography photos.

Just outside Ginza Station of Tokyo Metro.

So, how am I going to cross this street?

A small booth on the street walkway, selling some local stuffs.

Speaking of technology, even their "ordinary" bust-stop have LCD screens for displaying information.

Happy couple back from work (it was about 2200 hours, yet still look fresh), walking along the under the railway bridge.

Yea, you got me there, Hait, Konbawa, Arigato gozaimashta.

Tokyo equivalent of Brunei's Nasi Katok cafe?

Master Zeng Said;

Every day I examine my character in three respects;
am I disloyal in my designs for others,
am I untrustworthy in my dealings with friends,
have I failed to practise what has been passed on to me.

JAPAN | Ginza St.

2009-04-03T10:40:00.002+08:00

Ginza, Tokyo is one of THE places to be when in Japan. The area is really happening in the evening, and also during the weekends.

Ginza showered with colourful neons.

Beautiful designs + neons.

Also the place to see posh cars with designer boutiques along the street.

Driving topless in a classic ride.

Passing Tiffany & co.

No, not the coach as football coaches nor coach in transportation, this is the Coach in designers.

Apple store can also be found in Ginza, as can be seen reflected on the glass window.

Look at the huge Chanel building, imagine all those designers handbags, apparels that you can have.

Ito Ya, get all your office/school stuffs here.

Ginza Street sign.

You can see how heavy the traffic are along the street.

Despite the hectic street life, it is still relaxing to have a stroll with the young ones along the street.

SIEM REAP | Kamasutra?

2009-03-26T06:00:00.001+08:00

Siem Reap is full of colours, from the item they sell to their various kind of food.

From their colourful signages,

To their colourful buildings, and errm nope, the signs and the buildings are not coloured coded.

While this is the place for Funky Munky with the monkey!

And speaking of those international franchise store, there are also some "recognisable" brands.

First, is this local "Mothercare".

Then, there is this local "IKEA".

And, this is their local "7-11", or locally known as the Seven Quick or Quick 7?

While walking along the street, I saw this "official" Playboy vehicle, imagine those bunnies riding in this ride, for sure they will attract attention.

This is obviously the local Kamasutra, and the fine dining is a bonus, perhaps, the actual action is inside?

Or, if you need to enhance your knowledge, you can grab those books along the street, by gaining more inside in the Life of Pi, (who/what is Pi? All I know Pi is 22/7 or 3.1415?), or in time of emergency and assistance, you can delve into the book of Emergency Sex (and other desperate measures)!

And if all fails, no worries, as Art Will Save The World!

SIEM REAP | Templed Out? Why Not?

2009-03-22T10:10:00.002+08:00

After exploring those temple ruins, one will really need some break.

So what I did was, I walked the Siep Reap town area thru, and was amazed by their amusing yet creative signages.

Here sharing with you are just a few of them.

When you are out in the ruin, stumbling upon "Lara Croft" might be a dream come true, but stumbling with 3 "Lara Crofts" in the town?

And after those major temple exploration, no one should miss the most famous temple.

No argument here, the Famous Temple of all!

Or otherwise, you can go and hang-out at the Boom Boom Room! Heya Heyo, shakey boom-boom vroooom.

This one I found quite creative, I assumed combining the ancient name of Cambodia i.e. Kampuchea with cappuccino, or perhaps Kampung (village) + cappuccino i.e. a traditional village's coffee, hence Kampuccino.

As Cambodia was once under the Pol Pot regime, thus for does who wanted to feel how it is like to eat inside a prison, you can experience dining within the jail/ prison bars, and no worries, no criminal records will be kept here.

But of all, this is the "coolest" place to dine-in, as the name says, Cool Corner Pizza Restaurant.

So Why Not? Plus Hotsports!? WiFi!

Such bill as above are ubiquitous. Land for "sell", sometimes it made me confuse, whether to sell or for sale?

Otherwise, if you are tired of having coffee or such, you can go online at this eer, Potential Computer School, well they have got potential, but still unproven, or this is not a computer school, but it has a potential to be one, depending on how you interpret the sign thou.

But never be worried, technology is everywhere, even if it is in the rural villages, under the coconut tree, with a bare dirt ground floor, technology can be seen taking off.

So, Why Not?

BRUNEI | The Empty Street

2009-03-16T19:16:00.001+08:00

Captured and uploaded straight via camphone, the photo shows one particular moment when one of the main streets in the capital is free from any vehicles nor people. Some large cities also do experience such occurence at times. Just like human, do feels empty sometimes, despite being surrounded with the busy, noisy, bustling people packed cities.

BRUNEI | Maulidurrasul 1430

2009-03-09T09:54:00.001+08:00

Live feed from the capital of Brunei. As like other Muslim around the world, HM the Sultan of Brunei joins the crowd to celebrate the birthday of prophet Muhammad pbuh.

SIEM REAP | Masjid Neakmah

2009-03-06T14:50:00.006+08:00

Masjid Neakmah, or Neakmah Mosque, is the main mosque in Siem Reap, Cambodia.

Before coming to Cambodia, I have made a research of the whereabout of the mosque, and my first day out in town, I have asked the tuk-tuk driver to bring me to the mosque, and even the driver himself was not sure of the place, and never heard of the mosque.

But I persuaded him just to drive ahead, and Alhamdulillah, after all those winding and bumpy ride we managed to get to the place.

Masjid Neakmah, also written in arabic, and their local alphabets.

The residents of this kampung or village, are mostly of Melayu-Champa or Cham Malay.

Located in one of the Malay Villages in Siem Reap, the road connecting it from the town area is quite a bumpy, non-asphalt dusty road, hence without determination, one might be hindered in detouring away from the town area.

When I arrived at the mosue, the doors were closed, so I only manage to capture the photo of the outside.

There is a Champ-Malay Halal restaurant next to the mosque, (the one with the red roofing).

I still remember vaguely, during my high school's History lesson, mentioning about the Cham Malay, whereby living in ASEAN, most of the nations were having more or less the same language, which predominantly is Malay.

There are many similarity in the Malay Languages, be it in Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, Phillipine, Singapore, not to forget the major Malay speaking country of Malaysia, Indonesia and Brunei Darussalam.

Example of the words in Cambodia that I can relate to the standard Malay is Psar (Pasar) meaning market, Kampung = village just to name a few.

Also next to the mosque is a Madrasah, or a religious school, the green signboard stated "Madrasah Qamaruddin Al-Islamiah, Kampung Stenmai, Siem Reap" , and it also stated the building as a Gift of Excellency Sieng Nam, 23.04.2002.

With that, I leave you with the overall view of the mosque.

BRUNEI | SAMBUTAN HARI KEBANGSAAN | Part III

2009-03-01T17:00:00.000+08:00

This time around, I did not take a lot of photos, all in all, roughly less than 2 GB, or barely just a hundred photos only, as we were indulging ourselves with the celebration. Anyway, perhaps, these are the last set of photos.

The "infamous" girl photographers? Looking for their Romeo Razali?

Chimping over her LCD screen, making sure everything is in.

Everybody is busy doing their own thing, rushing here and there.

A heavy argument?

Some of the sponsored balloons.

One of the lady participants.

Time like this is considered to be a feast for the flyers/adverts distributers, sticking their pamphlet everywhere especially the car's wipers. If only they stick their flyers on Knight Rider, for sure they will be smooth talk by KITT.

Another ingenious way to place their adverts, "sure read one meh", as it is placed on the driver's
door.

Finally, I'll leave you with this photo, are we ready for change? or Have we change? Can we accept changes? It is quite easy to instill new ideas to the infants, but can the senior citizen change their mindset?

As what the wiseman says, Change is inevitable, except from a vending machine.

And what I like to say," Hujan Emas Di Negeri Orang, Hujan Batu Di Negeri Sendiri, Ambil tah dulu emas di negeri orang, udah atu bawa balik ke negeri sendiri!"

It doesn't need a scientist to figure out what I meant by that, but if you really look deep into the sentence then you will agree with what I said.

BRUNEI | 25th NDP 2009 | Part II

2009-02-27T11:13:00.003+08:00

Some more photos of the day.

Slippery when wet.

The Young "Luke Skywalker" ?

Rations for breakfast.

Anxious for the big event.

Exchange of items.

Getting ready to walk the walk.

I thought this painted plastic bottles were famous, aren't they?

The participant before entering the stadium.

Some uniformed participants.

SM Mentiri, one of the secondary schools taking part in the event.

BRUNEI | 25th National Day | Part I

2009-02-23T14:07:00.003+08:00

23rd February 2009, Brunei celebrated the 25th National Day.

I bet, all of the local webpages will be posting about today's celebration, and I hope, you can find something here which is not available else where.

Different people have different view in contributing their share during this day, for us, this is one of our ways to contribute, by sharing the celebrate moment with all of you out there.

Having a quick breakfast before the big show, as they said, do not miss your breakfast.

Last minute adjustment of the attire.

The "coach", making sure the participants are in order.

A great bunch students, all of them are prefects, from MD, as they said, the hostellites are requested to participate in the field performances, where as the non-hostellites were asked to participate in the flag waving.

Well, well, well, no prize for guessing who they are. Great gears Mister!

Another participants, doing his last minute touches. Rugged you atu Mister!

Some of the participants from the Ministry of Culture, Youth & Sports, MCYS.

The contingent from the People with Special Needs, having a chat with their Head of Contingent.

One of the many Zones, get your zones right, make sure you are either the Twilight Zone, Boyzone, "Zonas" Brothers!

Some pretty ladies who cannot resist to see me in gear, asking to capture their sweet pose.

Happy 25th National Day.

Seoul | Twosome in Apgujeong

2009-02-18T19:00:00.000+08:00

Apgujeong besides being famous for its row of boutiques, it is the place to be seen, or to see celebrities.

Armed with the Canon video cam, the Crew members of Star Sports caught filming for their next show.

Then at another corner, saw this crew with their abundance of clothes, and that guy with the yellow shirt carrying a professional Canon DSLR, perhaps trying to do a model shoot.

And at a cafe at the corner I saw a Korean Celebrity, or maybe not.

Another interesting thing about the Seoul's Rodeo Drive is their modern antiques and their architectural style, just like the one reflected from the mirror.

And this interesting parking style, just like those in the Fast and Furious, Tokyo Drift.

Plastic Surgeons could also be found here.

And finally, a place for someone, not threesome, but TwoSome.

SEOUL | Apgujeong a.k.a Rodeo Drive

2009-02-13T15:13:00.002+08:00

Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills, USA, needs no introduction, but the obsession of this stretch of place for Korean made them built an identical area in Seoul.

Apgujeong a.k.a. Rodeo Drive, in Seoul also housed various designer boutiques, and this is also the place to be seen and to see various artists.

Indulge yourself in new handbags and accessories at the Coach boutique.

Or some new designer apparels like GA, and only those special customer can park their car in front of the boutique's door.

The huge label of DKNY could be seen from afar.

It is quite a walk, many smaller alleys could led you to their local designer's boutiques.

And if you need new shoes for your aching sole, Jimmy Choo's is at your convenience.

But I know, most of the ladies could not resist to get their hands on the new Speedy at Louis Vuitton, and just look at the size of their boutique!

I don't wanna mentioned about their Gucci's, Balenciaga's or the rest, if you want more, you need to come and experience it yourself!

SEOUL | On the Street 01

2009-02-08T23:15:00.003+08:00

Just some random photos of people on the street of Seoul.

1. The guy with the broom.

2. Early stories.

3. Hands together.

4. Shopping with the ladies.

5. Happy moment.

6. Walk on by.

7. Passing-by.

8. Unrehearsed pose.

Ta Phrom | Do U See What I See?

2009-02-02T19:32:00.004+08:00

WARNING: Do not read this if you are alone at night! You've been warned!

Exploring more of the Ta Phrom ruins.

Tourists admiring the huge root "hugging" the ruins wall.

A wider view of the area where Lara Croft's did her action.

A different mystic view of the entrance, effect done in-camera.

Exploring inside the ruins. At times, there are no one in-sight, as I will try to avoid the typical touristy routes, hence I do came across some empty and eerie spot you might say.

Getting closer with the antique artifacts, sometime I do imagine that does "what if?" Just like those in the movie, which can gives you a crypt.

And finally, "something" came up, tell me what you see inside the trunk of that tree?

CAMBODIA | Ta Phrom a.k.a. The Tomb Raider's

2009-01-28T23:18:00.007+08:00

A visit to the Angkor Thom area is not complete without stepping your feet to Ta Phrom.

As you can see from the above photo, tourists are flocking their way to Ta Phrom, it is quite difficult to capture a tourist free photo.

What is so unique about Ta Phrom if you may asked, besides the delicate carving on the walls?

Obviously, carvings can be seen everywhere, done in meticulous fashion.

But what actually stands out in Ta Phrom, are the huge tree roots that seems to hug the structure.

The tourists are captured in this photo to show the size of the tree roots!

And this is the infamous doorway where Angelina Jolie passed through in the film Tomb Raiders, as the ultra sleek Lara Croft.

WORLD | Happy Chinese New Year

2009-01-26T12:25:00.003+08:00

Chinese communities all over are celebrating Chinese New Year.

In Brunei, as usual, the main attraction early in the morning is at the Chinese Temple at the capital.

Red is considered to be a part of the tradition, and Gold as the icing of the cake.

Playing around with the Chinese character, writing it upside down, rearranging their orientation, characters, and such are an art that are mastered by few.

Even the grilles are painted red, not surprising, some part of the world the town are painted red.

To those celebrating the Chinese New Year, Gong Xi Fa Cai!

ANGKOR | Warning! Climbing at your Risk!

2009-01-23T23:10:00.006+08:00

The structures within Angkor are mostly tall with ultra steep sides.

Just by looking at the above photo, you can see the very steep gradient of the staircase (if you can call that a staircase!)

Obviously, warning are everywhere, Climbing at your own risk! But how come that guy on the warning sign seems so relax climbing the stairs?

So the question is, will you dare to climb it or just put your feet on the ground and just watch the people climbing their way up.

I must admit, it was a tough decision, after spending your dosh and time, traveling thousand of miles to come here, and to make this decision is quite tough, climbing is risky, but not climbing it might make you lost you sleep, regretting it.

There is a story of why the steps were built as such.

After so much thought, and after watching the other tourist doing their acrobatic stunt climbing, securing all of my belonging tightly to my body, especially holding tight to my priceless camera equipments, I finally decided to give it a go, balancing myself on the steps, and taking photo, thank God I made it to the top.

Hence what is on top you may ask, well, just some wild plants and ruins of course! No, kidding, actually, you can see the breathtaking view of the surrounding.

But what I wanted to share with you, is how the stairs or the ultra steep steps look like from above, well folks, this is how it looks like!

How scary is that?

And when I was on top, I said to myself, why did I "punished" myself climbing to the top, now, how do I go down?

JAPAN | Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building

2009-01-18T20:00:00.001+08:00

Tocho, or Tokyo city Hall is the other name for this 248 meters high Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building in Shinjuku.

Costing about USD 1 Billion, it was declared as the 2nd tallest structure after Tokyo Tower, when it was completed in 1991, and has observatory decks on the 45th floor of both towers.
One can choose either the South Tower or the North Tower, and one needs to join the queue to go up the observatory deck.

Once on top, one can see the exhilarating view of Tokyo.

Although it was a sunny cool day, but it was also foggy.

According to the View Guide, on a clear day, Mt. Fuji can be seen from here, as you can see from the photo marked number 10.

Zooming closer to the ground, I saw this interesting colours.

Looking at a different side, one can see the lush park within the city area.

The building on the very right is the other observation deck, designed as such by the architect Kenzo Tange, which was designed to look like a computer chip.

Watching people watching other people.

Another interesting thing I saw was how the flyover meanders in between the tall buildings, brilliant piece of engineering in this earthquake prone country.

TOKYO | Halal Food Guide

2009-01-12T21:59:00.004+08:00

Unlike Seoul, Halal food cannot be found near the Tokyo Mosque, (I have asked the Imam/ Mosque's Official regarding this), hence they gave me option to go to a Halal restaurant in Shibuya & Shinjuku.

So I would like to share some places of Halal eateries within Tokyo, but in no particular orders.

Hilal is one of the recommended Halal eateries by the mosque's official, located just a walking distance from the Shibuya station. But due to time constraint, I have no opportunity to eat there, but I just walk around it, to know the whereabout.

The next one recommended by them is the Kebab Ye, a small, but cozy fast food like Halal eatery located in Shinjuku.

Just a glimpse of the interior of Kebab Ye, good Turkish food, good service, price wise is quite affordable, and I can give my personal recommendation.

Then another corner of Shinjuku, one can find Taz Mahal.

What I noticed about Taz Mahal or Taj Mahal is, theye are "everywhere", I think I saw one in Seoul and there is also one in Siem Reap, (might post Halal guide in Siem Reap in future post), but I doubt that they are franchise eateries.

If you are in Roppongi, step inside the Aladdin, do not expect any magic flying carpet ride, you need to climb the stairs, and do not ask for the magic lamp, the only lamp they have is the electrical wall lamp! Thou the ambience is quite nice.

So, how about Ginza you might ask, well, there are also quite a number of Halal eateries within Ginza Five area, such as the Rasa Malaysia and the Gandhara. I have tried both of them, and they are quite alright. Unfortunately I did not manage to get any photo of the eateries.

By the way, these are just a few, there are probably more that I have not been to, feel free to share with the others, anyway, enjoy your trip!

CAMBODIA | Sowree & Friends Go to School

2009-01-09T09:01:00.001+08:00

Hi all, Sour Sdei, Happy New Year 2009!

Traditionally, education were offered by the wats (Buddhist temples). Then in 1975 when Khmer Rouge regime came into power, education systems were abolished, destroying learning materials and schools. But in 1979, the new Cambodian Government came into place, and soon after that modern education came into order.

And this is my short humble story.

My name is Sowree*, I am a year 3 student in Cambodia. My parents said that, if I study hard, when I grow up, I can become a succesful entrepeneur, and helps to improve the live of our family and also to better improve the living quality of our country.

I know most of my friends around the world started their new school term last week, and now I would like to share our daily school day in where we live.

We have a very small wooden school in our village, it only have a single clasroom, and we have to take turn to use the area for our study.

Not all children are able to study, my friend Sokha, is still not eligible to study, but he always come to school, watching and observing what the student are learning.

These are two of my friends, Samay and Channe. Samay feels sad because this is the first time he attended the class and the first time being away from his family.

This is what we are learning today, and on the board is our alphabets. That is our teacher, Ms. Rom Chang. We love our teacher because, our teacher have taught us how to read and write.

Mr. Montha is also one of our teachers. He is a very humble guy, and when we are sad, he always entertained us with his magician skills and his joke, although his jokes and magics were sometimes lame, but we just laugh with him as not to hurt his feeling. (Don't tell him that, that is our secret.)

This is when my friends were shown one of our workbooks, and they were praised of having a good high marks. I am proud of them.

Breaktime is one of our favourites. We can eat our food. The food are usually prepared at home by our parents, so we eat it and share it with our friends.

Oh, I have not actually mentioned the whereabout of my school.

This is our school. It is actually a floating school. I was informed that some of my friends in Brunei also have lots of schools built on the water, and some are connected via jetties.

Unfortunately, we do not have jetties connecting from one school to another, as each individual establishment are built on its own boat or barrage. So how do we get to school?

This is how we get to school, by human powered paddle boat. That is my friend, Prak, rowing the boat to school, carrying along his small sister, Veatta. It will get more interesting if it is a rainy day. Although at times we wanted to just swim to school but the teacher do not allow us, because it will wet our school uniforms.

Now, I will also share with you, how my other friends living on land travel to their school.

For those lucky few, they are sent to the school by their father on motorbike.

Otherwise, we just cycle to school. A good form of exercise to keep ourselves healthy, who knows we might represent the country for the Olympics!

And for those who cannot afford to get a bicycle, we just walk to school, mostly in groups, comes rain, comes shine, despite not having those fancy footwears, we just walk ahead, because we wanted to gain knowledge and change our living condition.

And even with having no footwear at all does not stop us from coming to school! For the sake of knowledge we will walk all the way to the peak of success.

So my friends, I hope we all should not waste our resources, be thankful of what the government have been providing for us. Some are lucky to be chauffered around in an airconditioned vehicle, yet some have been denying the privileges of schooling on their own accord, like escaping from school, being lazy and such.

Please my friends, do not quit school, they are many more unfortunate children who are longing to have a proper school environment, as opposed to writing from the "ink" of the dark forest roots, and writing on the dried papyrus leave.

*NOTE: All the names are fictional.

SIEM REAP | The Town in B&W

2009-01-04T20:00:00.000+08:00

It was a bright sunny day in Cambodia. A nice weather to explore the town of Siem Reap.

Bicycles for rent were available almost at every corner, but thinking of inconvenience (parking, bike safety and such) so I decided to ditch the idea and just explore the town on foot.

At every corner one can find something to buy for souvenir, be it postcards, used books, all those small fancy items, could be bought at a bargain.

There are also loads of peddlers, people selling stuff on wheels. Eventhough the local currency is Riel, but US dollars are widely used, hence you do not need to change from the US currency to their local's.

One can also venture into their market to experience their market ambience.

And after those bustling and haggling, one can just walk along the river park, to get away from the busy town traffics.

The sun's setting down, it's time to slow the pace down, back to rest for awhile, to be continued for the upcoming posts.

No Parking

2009-01-02T16:17:00.001+08:00

Posted live via mobile

GREETINGS | Happy New Year 2009

2009-01-01T00:00:00.001+08:00

Greeting Earthlings.

Happy New Year to all.

photo: The Empire Hotel & Country Club, Brunei Darussalam

CAMBODIA | Siem Reap Town

2008-12-29T22:22:00.006+08:00

Siem Reap is not the capital of Cambodia, as what many people have thought. The capital is actually, Phnom Penh.

Nevertheless, Siem Reap is the 2nd largest after Phnom Penh, but out of the two, I think it is more worthed to visit Siem Reap due to its historical sites.

Siem Reap town centre itself is not that huge, one can easily cover the whole town within one day, unless you hop in and out at each shop, then it could take you days, but for me, I did manage to cover it in half a day.

The town is easily explored on foot, as it is still developing, it is quite an interesting walk. Walking around the town is an adventure of its own.

If you are expecting those huge luxurious shopping mall, then you have come to the wrong place. If your main intention is to go for those type of shopping, then coming here will only make you frustrated, perhaps maybe the next 5 - 10 years, but not now.

As you can see, it is still developing, and hence the infrastructure is obviously as what you can see from the photos, even the road is quite dusty, expecially during the dry season, for those having asthmatic problem, you better be prepared.

Bicycles, motocycles, tricycles or any two-wheeled vehicles are the most popular mode of transport in Cambodia, as one can carry almost any type of goods on the vehicle, table set, huge TV, livestocks, fruits and even lots of passenger! One need not go to the reknown Cirque de soleil just to watch a circus balancing act, just sitting along the road would gives you the same kind of amusement.

And this is called the "tuk-tuk", the most convenient way to chauffeur you around the town, easy, convenient and you can smell the fresh air! But make sure you confirm your fare before making any journey, and if it suits you, you can hire one with driver throughout your stay in Cambodia.

Well, this is another fascinating scene.

No, they are not selling fake Jack Daniels or cheap booze along the street, but these are in fact petrol to fuel their motorcycles, as filling station is not that common within the town.

As mentioned earlier, the town area is still developing heavily, so such scene is quite common within the town centre, so one of my many tips, wear your most comfortable footwear, those which can easily be cleaned later but not those prize ones, and enjoy your trip.

CAMBODIA | Bayon

2008-12-27T23:55:00.004+08:00

Actually, the number of photos taken during the trip to Cambodia is more or less the same with the number of photos taken during the recent trip to Seoul & Tokyo combined!

It was very interesting to know that, within such a "small" community in Cambodia, they are tens of thousand of photo opportunities, well from my perspective that is.

Despite about 80% usability rate of the photos taken, thou I would love to share them all, but I might not be able to post each and every one of the photos here, some might be printed and some might just be kept in my archive for future references.

An overview of the Bayon, no, not the one withthe maroon sarong, its the rocky structure on the left.

Constructed in the late 12th century during the reign of King Jayavarman II, this has been one of the recognisable images connected to classic Khmer art and architecture.

Thou to some degree, this was considered to be an architectural muddle, in part, it was constructed in a somewhat piecemeal fashion for over a century.

The surrounding tall jungle makes Bayon a bit dark and flat for photographer near sunset and sunrise.

There are about 37 standing towers.

But who the faces represented is still a matter of debate.

What I found also amazing is how they manage to carve the huge stone so tastefully, with their antique piece of equipments and mechanism!

Just look at those architectures and wonderful workmanship, without any help from any modern tools, like computers, AutoCAD and such.

A glassless window.

Just can't help shooting at this contrasting image, where those soft moss covering the hard rock wall.

SIEM REAP | Bayon in Monotone

2008-12-26T01:01:00.002+08:00

Just a quick upload, of some photos within Bayon area.

Bayon is also greatly known as the temple with the many faces, and this photo seems so surreal.

It is also kinda ruined, well, which sites are not? Considering they are hundred of years old.

A sculptured head on the wall.

A more detail view of one of the many carvings on the wall.

Each carving or wall bass portrays some sort of a story during their era, and this photo just trying to compare the sizes of the carving.

A "real-life hidden face" within the historic wall.

Sneak peek behind the column.

A wider view of the site.

Siem Reap | Entering the Angkor Thom

2008-12-21T14:00:00.001+08:00

As mentioned in the previous post, it is quite hard to capture photos without any people in it, unless you barricade the area then it is a different story, thou it is not advisable nor plausible.

Tourist trying to capture the site, capturing the same thing, the same view, so I just captured this moment.

The weather was quite hot, despite wearing a cool hat, visitors still prefer to stand under the shade, and looking this as a good opportunity, with the flare of the sun, I captured the moment in photo.

Yeap, flares, most photography magazines or tutorials will advise you use lens hood to avoid capturing those flares, and you will also encounters some tips to lower your ISO to reduce noises, but hei, so what about flares and noises?

What is so bad about them? Bend the rules, incorporate them into your photos, if flares and noises are problems why do they add them for filters in Photoshop and other photo editting softwares???

As it was hot and dry, and looking at the dusty area, changing one lens is a "nightmare", you can either have a less superior all in one zoom lens, or good prime lens or zoom lens, and risk of trapping dust in your sensors, or otherwise miss a good photo angle by reluctantly not to change lens, despite all those money spent and thousand of miles traveled to come here! It is your call!!

The many heads "guarding" the gate.

"Look at that interesting head! Seems so real! And Smiling even!"

Well it is interesting indeed, if this is what they meant. Not so solid rock head. A beautiful head amongst the hard rock heads.

More details of the hard rock head.

A photo opps not to be missed.

After the photoshoot, taking a rest amongst the ubiquitous tuk-tuk

Siem Reap | South Gate

2008-12-19T11:30:00.002+08:00

Siem Reap, Cambodia is now one of the sought after places for those adventure seeking traveller, as well as one of those must visit places for photographers.

This is where the world known historical and archaeological site is located.

Angkor Wat, part of AngkorArchaeological Park, and listed as one of the sites in UNESCO world heritage is one of the reasons why million of visitors are coming to Siem Reap nowadays.

The South Gate, is one of the major entrances to Angkor Thom.

It is quite huge, as compared to the already huge elephant.

Trying to get a decent photo without any people surrounding the gate is a very tough challenge, as visitors are frequenting the place every minute.

The gate is identified for its many sculptured faces.

A different view of the gate.

A close-up detail of one of the many sculptures.

A different perspective of South Gate.

SINGAPORE | SITEX 2008

2008-12-16T19:56:00.001+08:00

Singapore is now trying a different approach in luring "tourist" to the country. By organising international seminars, forums, meeting and expo, thus indirectly can attract many organisations to take part hence attracting quite a wide range of tourist.

SITEX, is an exposition which showcases different arrays of electronic gadgetry, ranging from small TV to the huge LCD, computers and its accessories, car electronic gadgets, mobile phones, camera, home theatre to personal entertainment, just to name a few.

Situated at one of the largest exhibition centres, which have its own MRT terminal, attracted nearly a million visitors last year during its 4 days expo, and this year are no difference.

Products on displays are often those of newly launched, with mostly hugely discounted prices, and even they are of the same price as those outside retail stores, usually, they are bundled with numerous additional gifts.

And to top up the cream of cake, non-ICT related expo will also runs concurrently, just to get some shares of the number of people coming to the area.

What I found interesting is the amount of additional "free" gifts that are thrown away as part of the bundled price. It could be anything, from a simple gadget, complimenting the actual item to some ridiculous stuff.

For example, buying a mega huge LCD TV, one can get an additional smaller LCD TV + DVD + laundry token + free cola, or buying a new PC, one will get additional standing fan + raincoat + pillow + cat food!?!

Yeah I know, I might exaggerate a bit, but you get my drift.

People are everywhere, in front of you, behind of you, left, right, down (sitting down exhausted), and even people when you looked up!

Yeap, you got that clear, up!, The sales promoter will do anything, just to grab the visitors attention, they scream, they sing, they dance, they will do anything just to get a second of your attention, thus buying their products.

There are almost no place to rest, because soon as you try to stop walking, and try to browse the product in more details, you will be shoved off, it is literally one huge massive jam of people.

Some just go there to browse new products, some have done their homework and spend the right amount, some just walk-in, thinking of nothing to buy, but ended buying thousand of dollars of worthless items, thou I have been longing for the LCD TV like the awesome huge Sony Bravia LCD X/ ZX-Series, but hei, I just keep on thinking that, I just want it, but I don't need it, unless I have extra dosh, or I won it from some sort of lucky draw or the likes, then woohooo!

But then again, even if you got your desired items during the fair, the queue to pay for the goods can be more than 100 metres long with about more than 200 people waiting in-line!

Well, if in the end, nothing have induced you in buying any of the stuffs, then go back to the train terminal and look up the ceiling and admire their beautiful modern abstract motifs.

FUTURE POSTS TEASER | Another Wordless Intro...

2008-12-14T17:59:00.000+08:00

FUTURE POSTS TEASER | Wordless Intro...

2008-12-12T19:45:00.000+08:00

TOKYO | Walking Along the Street..

2008-11-29T21:47:00.001+08:00

Just random photos while walking along the busy street of Tokyo Metropolitan.

A typical scene in the subway of any major cities, people exhausted after a long day at work, or even after a long trip from home to the office.

Then above ground, the younger generations are full of energy. Entertaining themselves, and entertaining the passer by with their antiques.

Whilst some trying to feed themselves with more knowledge, a different type of peddlers, not the usual fruits or food sellers, but instead selling "food for the mind", for those who are hunger for more information and knowledge.

Or otherwise, one can go to the real knowledge bank, The Asahi Shimbun, one of the major newspaper agency in Japan.

Then perhaps, you can go here, the Tokyo Central Post Office, tell me which country have no post office?

On the opposite site of the city, walking under the bright neon lights, the busy traffic, the noise of people chit-chatting, and various other noises within.

I thought she was turning around to have a second look at me, but I was wrong, she was just doing it to exercise her hip, coz her hips don't lie.

These type of name are not uncommon in the fashion street of Tokyo.

SEOUL | The Walkabout Extended ...

2008-11-24T19:26:00.000+08:00

Just walking ahead, and stopping only at the designated area.

Which otherwise, it would be a non-stop journey.

Journey through a sometimes twisted narrow alleys.

Or even coming across a guy with a huge head staring right into your eyes.

Well, not really, it was just a sculpture of two men, or two head eating a biscuit, i.e. Eating a Biscuit Together, which was built strategically in front of an art gallery.

Locals passing-by the out of the city centre area.

SEOUL | The Walkabout Continues...

2008-11-21T23:51:00.000+08:00

Still doing my walkabout, away from the city centre, trying to walk along the locals, and be amongst the locals, (well some locals do speak Korean to me, thinking that I was one of them).

Perhaps a typical scene in the daily life, and that guy on the right, is just enjoying himself, dancing with the sound of "nature".

The route that I walked thru was at time empty.

And sometime, I have to climb quite a long and steep gradient of road.

But I managed to see many local and traditional architectures, which otherwise I would miss, if did not venture out of the city centre.

Local people and the local grocery shops.

Just some pipes and their meter box.

Their local brews.

But there are still a pinch of urbanization within the surburbs.

SEOUL | The Walkabout I

2008-11-19T22:40:00.000+08:00

I have mentioned in earlier posts that, one of the best ways to explore a city is to walk the not so routine or touristy route.

So I decided to venture out of the way of the busy downtown area, and moved out of the city centre.

A human powered cart is one of the signs that you are beginning to get away from the heavily traffic city centre.

A typical housing area outside the city centre.

A sight of relief, seeing a cafe within the suburb, Cafe Julie, unfortunately there was no sexy Julie in-sight, perhaps I was not looking thorough enough. But the view from here was breathless.

Walking pass the narrow alleys, remind you of those traditional Korea movie/drama, I was informed that, some of the infrastructures within these area were left untouched, and some even goes back to about 100 years old!

Walking thru these "ancient" route, I passed by numerous museums, The Han Sang Soo Embroidery Museum is one of them, they do have museums for everything I presumed, even for embroidery. I think Brunei should also have these kind of museum, Baju Manik Gallery, Baju Katok Museum, Nasi Katok Museum, Gallery of Unclaimed Baju Raya or some sort.

Gahoe Museum, where you can find load of artworks of the everyday life of Seoul in yester years.

And there is also the Institute of Korean Royal Cuisine, with a short inside story of their works, if you want to know more.

A glimpse of the inside of the institute.

SEOUL | Thomas the Tank Engine for Real?

2008-11-18T22:54:00.000+08:00

On my way out of the Yongsan Station to the Electromart, I happened to see the railway tracks and the train depot, which reminds me of Thomas the Tank Engine.

There you go, Thomas and his friends, and what I found interesting is that, if you try to search for Thomas in YouTube, you will be amazed at the numerous remixes there are, which includes remixes with, Eminem, Snoop Dogg and the others!

Up close of one of the railway signal. During the old days, where no electronic signals nor communication was the easily available, the Railway Master will pass some sort of a railtrack baton/switch to the train driver, which means that, only a single train can pass thru the railway track, and if another train wanted to pass/ use the railtrack, the driver will then hand over the baton/switch stick to the other driver via the Railway Master!

Also in the ol' days, in order to signal the other station, a signal was then passed thru the wire, thus the invention of the telegraf, and to switch the railtrack, a huge lever will then be operated in sequence, and if it was to be done not in sequence, then it will not work, and only now everything can be done electronically, via computer and real time tracking, thus eliminating or at least reducing human error.

Oh by the way, along the way on the street, I saw this "Thomas the Tank Engine" tricycle, for those who don't really know who Thomas was.