你是否會忘情在一個越夜越美麗的九份山城嗎？
Showing posts with label Travel. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Travel. Show all posts
Friday, 4 January 2013
Friday, 28 December 2012
Wednesday, 26 December 2012
Thursday, 4 February 2010
Retreat at Aloka (Aus)
Went to Australia for a short retreat at Aloka Meditation Centre in Jan. Over there, it was probably one of life's most enriching experiences and lessons gained.
My gratitude to Sister for inviting me to go on a retreat. Over there, she provided me with much guidance on Dhamma and about facing some of my innermost self that i turned away from subconsciously.
Not only that, there were times when Bhante gave small talks which i found both humorous and quick witted and yet at the same time, they were filled with messages that were full of wisdom and insight. Messages that will benefit one for a lifetime to come.
I also like to thank the residents, namely Angelina, Sudhamma, Catherine, Su Liang, Emily and Auntie as they made the extra effort to take care of my special diet as there were lots of stuff that i'm not able to take.
Many people have misgivings about retreats. Some think its lots of fun and enjoyment while some think its all strict and tough. I suppose it depends on the sort of retreat you are attending but the bottom line of a retreat is to get in touch with yourself, to hear yourself, to be mindful of the present moment, to be truly here and now, without any or as little distractions as possible.
Most time, there's morning and evening chanting sessions and thereafter, its individual time for practice with occasional interviews with Sister for guidance. Of course, we also help out with the household chores. Everyone do their part to maintain the place which serves everyone. Most importantly there, we learn to do mindful walking, mindful eating, mindful breathing and just live in the present moment, the true art to living in the present.
Its quite funny how Qin told me what she imagine a retreat will be like and when i relate to her my experience, its like worlds apart and we both had a good laugh out of that.
Oh by the way, i managed to get some shots of the Stupa there with a very blue sky adorning it. Its really quite a sight. Will post them once i'm done with the editing =)
My gratitude to Sister for inviting me to go on a retreat. Over there, she provided me with much guidance on Dhamma and about facing some of my innermost self that i turned away from subconsciously.
Not only that, there were times when Bhante gave small talks which i found both humorous and quick witted and yet at the same time, they were filled with messages that were full of wisdom and insight. Messages that will benefit one for a lifetime to come.
I also like to thank the residents, namely Angelina, Sudhamma, Catherine, Su Liang, Emily and Auntie as they made the extra effort to take care of my special diet as there were lots of stuff that i'm not able to take.
Many people have misgivings about retreats. Some think its lots of fun and enjoyment while some think its all strict and tough. I suppose it depends on the sort of retreat you are attending but the bottom line of a retreat is to get in touch with yourself, to hear yourself, to be mindful of the present moment, to be truly here and now, without any or as little distractions as possible.
Most time, there's morning and evening chanting sessions and thereafter, its individual time for practice with occasional interviews with Sister for guidance. Of course, we also help out with the household chores. Everyone do their part to maintain the place which serves everyone. Most importantly there, we learn to do mindful walking, mindful eating, mindful breathing and just live in the present moment, the true art to living in the present.
Its quite funny how Qin told me what she imagine a retreat will be like and when i relate to her my experience, its like worlds apart and we both had a good laugh out of that.
Oh by the way, i managed to get some shots of the Stupa there with a very blue sky adorning it. Its really quite a sight. Will post them once i'm done with the editing =)
Tuesday, 15 November 2005
Perth - Day Seven
This post will conclude the days i spent in Perth. Of the seven days i spent in Perth, this is the day that something struck me more deeply than anything else during my days in Perth. Will relate why as you read on.
Like to give thanks again to Dy for ferrying and accompanying me around for the whole day. =) Dy had been most accomodating during the period of stay.
Began the day with a simple lunch of fish and chips with Dy and guys. Noted that the locals really like their chips well salted. Or maybe it's just coincidental that all the chips i had were well salted. Haha, really have no idea...
Went back to Perth City for some shopping. Looked for some stuff to bring back home. Did a bit of gocery shopping with Dy as well. Haha, don't get it wrong - i didn't fly any gocery back to Singapore. It's just along the way, so Dy bought some daily necessities. Guess supermarkets are a proven and established concept. Haha, they all looked the same! =)
Anyway, the main part of the day wasn't spent in Perth City but in our next destination, Sunset Coast! Dropped off at Hillary Harbour for a cool ice-blended fruit drink. Seems that the fruity ice drink is getting a real warm response from the locals. Maybe you have guess it by now, the drink ain't the main star but the SUNSET that i going to witness and shoot at !
It's Sunset Coast and it lived up to its reputation! You can really get an excellent sunset view from the various lookouts along the beach. Though i didn't get a big red yolk (as it was fairly cloudy) but the view was still just as breathtaking! =) Haha, you should have heard the way Fe was exclaiming about the sunset when Dy showed it to Fe through their mobile. Good gracious but Fe was really excited. Btw, Fe, thanks for the dinner you cooked if you happened to read this! Trust me, your cooking isn't all that bad. =>
After that, it's dinner time. Slacked for a while and it was really for quite a while. It was around 1 a.m. or so before we got active. Made a trip down to Burswood Casino. It's the first time i've been into a casino. You can say, curiousity got the better of me. Just had to take a look how it looks like. Within the casino, it was a big contrast to the quiet outside surroundings. It was bright, vivid and lively.
Just as we left, i happened to spot an old couple, likely to be in their late sixties or early seventies. Nothing uncommon you might say. What really struck me was that they were withdrawing cash from the atm located near the entrance of the casino. How it made my heart ached... Sigh... Maybe you can empathise what i felt at the moment?
Like to give thanks again to Dy for ferrying and accompanying me around for the whole day. =) Dy had been most accomodating during the period of stay.
Began the day with a simple lunch of fish and chips with Dy and guys. Noted that the locals really like their chips well salted. Or maybe it's just coincidental that all the chips i had were well salted. Haha, really have no idea...
Went back to Perth City for some shopping. Looked for some stuff to bring back home. Did a bit of gocery shopping with Dy as well. Haha, don't get it wrong - i didn't fly any gocery back to Singapore. It's just along the way, so Dy bought some daily necessities. Guess supermarkets are a proven and established concept. Haha, they all looked the same! =)
Anyway, the main part of the day wasn't spent in Perth City but in our next destination, Sunset Coast! Dropped off at Hillary Harbour for a cool ice-blended fruit drink. Seems that the fruity ice drink is getting a real warm response from the locals. Maybe you have guess it by now, the drink ain't the main star but the SUNSET that i going to witness and shoot at !
It's Sunset Coast and it lived up to its reputation! You can really get an excellent sunset view from the various lookouts along the beach. Though i didn't get a big red yolk (as it was fairly cloudy) but the view was still just as breathtaking! =) Haha, you should have heard the way Fe was exclaiming about the sunset when Dy showed it to Fe through their mobile. Good gracious but Fe was really excited. Btw, Fe, thanks for the dinner you cooked if you happened to read this! Trust me, your cooking isn't all that bad. =>
After that, it's dinner time. Slacked for a while and it was really for quite a while. It was around 1 a.m. or so before we got active. Made a trip down to Burswood Casino. It's the first time i've been into a casino. You can say, curiousity got the better of me. Just had to take a look how it looks like. Within the casino, it was a big contrast to the quiet outside surroundings. It was bright, vivid and lively.
Just as we left, i happened to spot an old couple, likely to be in their late sixties or early seventies. Nothing uncommon you might say. What really struck me was that they were withdrawing cash from the atm located near the entrance of the casino. How it made my heart ached... Sigh... Maybe you can empathise what i felt at the moment?
Sunday, 13 November 2005
Perth - Day Six
Went to Caversham Wildlife Park (CWP) on my sixth day in Perth. It's not really far from Perth City but taking public transport there can be quite a hassle. Took bus service 60 to Morley bus station and changed to service 336, dropped off at Whiteman Park.
CWP started out small but today, it has become one of the premier development of Western Australia. It houses about 2000 head of animals. The main attraction for most visitors is that you can touch or feed some of the native animals in their replicated natural habitat. These animals include kangaroos, koalas and wombats. =)
CWP started out small but today, it has become one of the premier development of Western Australia. It houses about 2000 head of animals. The main attraction for most visitors is that you can touch or feed some of the native animals in their replicated natural habitat. These animals include kangaroos, koalas and wombats. =)
Not only that, you can also get up close with some of the feathered friends as well. Of course, you will not be able to touch them as they are relatively shy. But if you move quietly, you can get real close as the vsitors are actually allowed into the enclosed area of these friendly birdies. Haha, falcons and eagles not included. =P
Funny incident of the day - a couple of singaporeans and i got trapped in the enclosure for farm animals. They stick really close to people, probably in hope of getting food.. Thanks to one of the park keepers for coming to our rescue. She scattered some food and the animals got distracted, allowing us time to get out. =)
Saturday, 12 November 2005
Perth - Day Five
How can i not go to the Perth City itself when i'm in Perth itself. Sigh... wasn't much for me though... at least not in terms of photography opportunities...
There are a few places of interests within the city such as St Mary's Cathedral, Barracks ' Arch, Parliament House which i visited. These are buildings that remained from the old colonial days in Australia. As they are fairly well distributed over the city, i did quite a fair share of walking. Heehee...
I do recommend a trip down to Bell Tower which is located right along side of Swan River for fresh air and a great view. A better view will be from the opposite bank of the river. From there, you will be able to view Perth City in its full glory. Brilliant view if you can go there in the evening. Best time will be from 6 to 8. =)
Hmm, it was a good thing i came back to the city area again in the next day. Otherwise i would have missed the various museums located near Northbridge (in the opposite direction of the business district). These are the real gems of the city! A pity photography are not allowed within museums. Quite a standard rule though, so nothing much to lament about.
The museums i recommend - Perth Institute of Centemporary Arts & Art Gallery of Western Australia. Thumbs up esp for PICA!
There are a few places of interests within the city such as St Mary's Cathedral, Barracks ' Arch, Parliament House which i visited. These are buildings that remained from the old colonial days in Australia. As they are fairly well distributed over the city, i did quite a fair share of walking. Heehee...
I do recommend a trip down to Bell Tower which is located right along side of Swan River for fresh air and a great view. A better view will be from the opposite bank of the river. From there, you will be able to view Perth City in its full glory. Brilliant view if you can go there in the evening. Best time will be from 6 to 8. =)
Hmm, it was a good thing i came back to the city area again in the next day. Otherwise i would have missed the various museums located near Northbridge (in the opposite direction of the business district). These are the real gems of the city! A pity photography are not allowed within museums. Quite a standard rule though, so nothing much to lament about.
The museums i recommend - Perth Institute of Centemporary Arts & Art Gallery of Western Australia. Thumbs up esp for PICA!
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