Spring is finally here
Niel and I had a wonderful day today - starting with an early rise, some breakfast and then we were off to the Chengdu Panda Research base on the outskirts of the city. The great thing about being one of the day's first visitors to the massive base, is experiencing the early morning quiet, only broken by the sweeping sounds here and there where the cleaners were busy with their chores. Birds everywhere in the undergrowth, and brilliant lit streaks of sunlight through the thick bamboo that covers most of the off-path areas. An added bonus was the active Pandas - they are usually very docile and are only relatively active in the early hours. They were playing, climbing, tumbling head over heels and munching away at the bamboo. We saw about 5-6 babies - the cuddliest little teddy bear lookalikes you'll ever see.
After spending the whole morning traversing the base, we finally headed home, but decided in the taxi to stop at the Science & Technology museum - we hadn't gotten around to it yet and both wanted to see what's inside. it is a kids heaven, with 4 floors of displays about everything you could imagine, from massive models of arteries and red blood cells, to experiments, stargazing, astrology, China's foray into space and their rockets and even the 3000 year old irrigation system's construction methods.
All in all a great day, finished by me baking an italian bread for dinner (with some pesto pasta). I had some wonderful opportunities for nice shots, please look at them and let me know what you think.
After spending the whole morning traversing the base, we finally headed home, but decided in the taxi to stop at the Science & Technology museum - we hadn't gotten around to it yet and both wanted to see what's inside. it is a kids heaven, with 4 floors of displays about everything you could imagine, from massive models of arteries and red blood cells, to experiments, stargazing, astrology, China's foray into space and their rockets and even the 3000 year old irrigation system's construction methods.
All in all a great day, finished by me baking an italian bread for dinner (with some pesto pasta). I had some wonderful opportunities for nice shots, please look at them and let me know what you think.
Year of the Snake 2013: Happy Chinese New Year :)
Back in China for the end of the lunar new year's celebrations
Bali holiday photo album
What a perfect holiday destination. Bali has it all - warm weather and sunny days to fill with swimming, reading, eating and relaxing. We had a wonderful time meeting with locals, enjoying cocktails and seeing the sights and sounds of this incredible place, full of rich and vibrant history and smiling, happy people. Bali will see us again!
Spring is around the corner in Chengdu
Panorama selection
Huanhuaxi Park & Temple
Niel and I visited this beautiful park in Chengdu - a real treasure in the middle of this vibrant city. Busy streets, pedestrians and vehicles are soon forgotten once inside the gates. Thick with mist and the perfume of incense, we were able to peek into the religious lifestyle of so many chinese. Candle-lighting ceremonies and touching statues abound, we were fascinated with the different deities and their stories. A day well spent, and a real touch of china :)
On my way to Chengdu, China
After what feels like 23 hours on a plane to Chengdu from Johannesburg, I see this at the Hong Kong airport. The end is in sight...
Fog, fog and more fog every day...
Chengdu is known for grey weather - this is what I've been seeing from 9-5 every day.
Across the road
First panorama pic with iPhone :)
Night river
and 4 degrees C