under the coconut tree

Tuesday, December 30, 2003

Ice scream!



After Saas Grund, we headed for Kandersteg - an alpine village well-known to hikers, cross country skiers and ice-climbers.

We were based here for 3 days, one of which was spent strolling to the picturesque Lake Oeschinen. At 1578m above sea-level, the lake was completely frozen on the surface. And smack at the centre of the lake were a group of men ice-fishing, literally digging a hole through the ice. Curious, KL and I tried to approach them, but each step gave way to scary sounding groans and creaks from the frozen layer, icy waters filling each footprint. Not keen on falling thru the ice, we prompty tip-toed our way back to solid ground!!!

I hope to get down to posting the pictures at a later date. ... watch this space! ;)


Kandersteg is a haven for ice-climbers. We were lucky enough to be there for the World Ice-climbing championship. Here, KL's having a go at 150m-high frozen waterfall. Posted by Hello


I gave up after the first pitch - my arms & legs were aching, so was quite contented being the photographer for the day. KL seems to be hanging pretty well up there! Posted by Hello


Full view of the water fall. Can't wait to get home for my mug of hot swiss chocolate! Posted by Hello

Tuesday, December 23, 2003

White Christmas


Ideally located in the Saas Valley of Switzerland, we set up home in the quaint little Chalet Stadel for a week. Posted by Hello



Thus begun our daily grind - lugging skis and 'mama'-sized boots up 3,100 metres for our skiing lessons. With a panaromic backdrop of snow-capped peaks we were soon in our element, zig-zagging our way through fresh powder snow. (We will, of course, not mention the numerous jack-and-jill-tumbling-down-the-hill-in-a-totally-embarrassing-fashion scenes! :P) Posted by Hello





We ended our days with a gentle ski all the way down to the valley.



Monday, July 07, 2003

Paris in black and white

We didn't take that many pictures this time, as we've took our fair share of photos during our last trip. But, thought I'll add these few in cos I thought KL did a very good job in composing the photos. Me? Hehehehe.... I was enjoying a 'continental' experience - siesta on a bench around the corner.


The Lourve Posted by Hello


Eiffel Tower


Another one..Posted by Hello

Saturday, May 10, 2003

Barcelona


Barcelona Market smack in the centre of the city - colourful and vibrant Dried chillies- work of art. Posted by Hello


The legs of cured ham(''jamon") dangling from the market stall. It's usually thinly sliced and taken with bread. It's rather tasty, though it looks deceiving. Posted by Hello


Sagrada Familia - brainchild of controversial architect Antoni Gaudi - UNESCO Heritage site Posted by Hello



The familiar Gaudi curves and mosaic work. Posted by Hello

Thursday, May 08, 2003

Gardens of Spain


A lone rose in Generalife gardens, Alhambra. Posted by Hello


Lilies dancing in the wind at the gardens of Alcazar de los Reyes Cristianos (Fortress of Christian Kings), Cordoba. Posted by Hello


Water lilies in full bloom. Posted by Hello

Sunday, May 04, 2003

Within the walls of Alhambra

The Alhambra, a UNESCO world heritage site, is an ancient palace and fortress of the Moorish monarchs of Granada, in southern Spain.


 Posted by Hello



Palacio de los Leones (Lion Courtyard), symbolises Muslim paradise. At the centre of the courtyard, lies a fountain supported by 12 lions. Posted by Hello



Patio's gallery is supported by 124 beautifully carved marbles. Posted by Hello



The ceiling, a wonderful work made of cedar wood, represents the seven heavens of Islamic religion.

Note of advice, if you are planning a trip to Alhambra, make sure you get your tickets way in advance or you'll be disappointed. Also, start your day early as you've got a lot of ground to cover and get the audio guide. It's worth every Euro! Posted by Hello

Saturday, May 03, 2003

Around Valencia


We were heading to El Palmar, a village surrounded by rice fields and lagoons from our camp site when we came upon this onion patch. Coudn't resist not taking a picture of it! Isn't it itchy looking?! Posted by Hello



A picture of the village, in view of fishermen boats overlooking the rice-fields. This place is the birthplace of paella. Posted by Hello



The mouth watering seafood paella (Spain's most famous dish), it's as yummy as it looks. Though you can't have much of it as it's too rich and creamy, like nasi lemak and the texture is somewhat sticky - albeit like 'bakchang' (glutinous rice) Bet my cousins (ie. karchengs must be drooling by now!) Posted by Hello



The nature reserve of La Albufera in sunset. It consists of the lagoon of La Albufera itself, the wetlands around it and the adjacent shoreline. Breath-taking isn't it? Posted by Hello