Showing posts with label night scene. Show all posts

Lights & fireworks during Sri Lanka�s �Festival of Lights�

Location: Central Colombo, Sri Lanka (6�54'58.10"N 79�51'18.61"E )
Date: 17 May 2011, 7.40pm
Camera: Samsung Galaxy Mini phone camera

Vesak Day is a Buddhist holiday commemorating the birth, enlightenment and death of Gautama Buddha. It is celebrated on different days by different countries due to the diverse nature of Buddhist cultures around the world. In most South East Asian countries, it is a public holiday. On Vesak day, Buddhists will visit monasteries to offer their prayers and to attend sermons. In Sri Lanka, a Buddhist-majority country, Vesak is celebrated over a week, though there are only 2 days of public holiday. Here, it is not only a religious holiday but also a cultural festival, dubbed the �Festival of Lights�. Alcohol and meat are not sold for at least 2 days (the public holidays) during this period. There will be brightly-lit pandols called toranas erected all over the major cities such as Colombo and Kandy. One will often see long queues of people at food stalls called dans�las, set up by Buddhist devotees providing free food and drinks. There will be fireworks in Colombo. The week is the brightest-lit and most festive everywhere in Sri Lanka.

This fountain �earns � 3,000 euros a day!!

Location: Trevi Fountain, Rome, Italy (41� 54' 3.15? N, 12� 28' 59.4? E)
Date: 2 April 2005; 7.40pm
Camera: Canon 300D with kit lens

There are many fountains in Rome; however the most visited and famous of all is probably the Trevi Fountain. The fountain is thronged by tourists day and night. One reason may be that it has featured in a few movies before. The key figure of the fountain, in front of a large niche, is Neptune, god of the sea (this go is common in many Italian fountains such as Bologna�s Neptune Fountain). He is riding a chariot in the shape of a shell, pulled by two sea horses. One of the common sight that one will see around the fountain is coin throwing by tourists. There is a legend that visitors throwing coins into the fountain are ensured a return to Rome. It is estimated that 3,000 euros in coins are thrown into the fountain each day. The coins collected had been used to subsidize a supermarket for Rome�s needy.

New York is special

Location: Time Square, New York City, USA (40� 45' 27.83? N, 73� 59' 8.55? W)
Date: 9 February 2006; 8.15pm
Camera: Canon 300D with kit lens

Generally I dislike visiting cities when I travel. I only stay in cities when I cannot avoid it; exceptions are historical cities with immense history and heritage such as Beijing, Delhi, Rome, Florence, Paris and so on. However I enjoyed my time tremendously in one city with lesser historical heritage- (by comparison) New York. I guessed I felt familiar with the city due to seeing some of its sights while watching American TV programs and movies. However the city is so vibrant and full of life that it is absolutely fun to wonder around. In fact it is very unique with its rich blend of variety of peoples, languages and cultures. One observation that really struck me when I visited the city about 5 years ago was the prevalence of Spanish language and the influence of the Latino culture. I mean, I realize that there is now a huge Latino population in America, but I was absolutely unprepared by the reality and extent of the demographic shift of the country (I saw the same while visiting San Francisco). I have been following the TV program, CSI New York and saw many more interesting bits of New York that I did not see the last time. I want to go back there again!

Singapore�s night skyline gets better and more exciting��.

Location: Marina Barrage, Singapore (1� 16' 53.22? N, 103� 52' 21.58? E)
Date: 18 September 2009; 7.10pm
Camera: Canon 400D with Sigma 17-70/f2.8-4.5

Singapore�s night skyline used to be rather boring compared to the other cities in the region such as Kuala Lumpur. This has changed in the last few years with the transformation and moving of the Central Business District to the new Marina Bay area. New iconic buildings are being added and more are still being built. This development reflects the changing focus of the government from being paternalistic to one with a more open global perspective. However Singapore�s night skyline still has a long way to go before it can rival that of Hong Kong. But it is getting more exciting.

Singapore�s new landmark- the 3 Towers of Marina Bay Sands

Location: Marina Bay Sands, Singapore (1� 17' 4? N, 103� 51' 21? E)
Date: 18 August2009; 8.50pm
Camera: Canon 400D with Sigma 17-70/f2.8-4.5

As posted previously, Singapore is busy changing the face of its CBD plunging billions of dollars in building up and transforming the new Marina Bay area. One of the latest addition to its skyline and possibly considered a Singapore landmark is the new Marina Bay Sands Integrated Resort. This comprise of casino, hotels, shopping and conference facilities built and owned by the US-based Vegas Sands. It was opened in April 2010 though construction of a few of its sites is still in progress. This is supposedly the world�s most expensive standalone casino property. Foreigners are warmly welcome (to lose money) in the casino while Singapore Residents are discouraged to visit the casino by having to pay a hefty entrance fee of S$100 per visit.

Arc de Triomphe de l'Etoile, the triumphant arch of Paris

Location: Arc de Triomphe de l'Etoile, Paris, France, (48� 52' 25.68? N, 2� 17' 42? E)
Date: 2 March 2006; 9.30pm
Camera: Canon 300D with Sigma 70-200/f2.8

The Arc de Triomphe de l'Etoile is one of the most famous monuments in Paris (and Paris is full of monuments). It stands on a busy roundabout in the heart of Paris with 12 avenues leading to it. It is the world's largest triumphal arch, built by Napoleon to honor those who fought for France, particularly those during the Napoleonic Wars. Subsequently the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier was added underneath the Arch after WW1. The Tomb is sheltered and an eternal flame, which is rekindled every evening at 6.30pm commemorates the fallen of the two World Wars. The Arch is an impressive sight with beautiful carvings on its walls; these were added at different times. One can access to the roof of the Arch (admission fee required) for a spectacular panorama of Paris. Together with the Eiffel Tower and Louvre, it is one of the �must-see� of Paris.

Despite changes, Qing architecture stays in Beijing

Location: Qianmen Metro Station, Beijing, China (139�53'36"N 116�23'30"E�)
Date: 20 December 2009; 6.10pm
Camera: Canon 400D with Sigma 17-70/f2.8-4.5

The world�s weather is going haywire these days. I was in Beijing at the end of December amidst its coldest winter. I flew from a warm 32C of Singapore and landed in the freezing �16C of Beijing five hours later. However it was not as cold as it sounds. Somehow when one is psychologically prepared, the effect is softened. Beijing is changing every day. When I visited the city the first time back in 1999, it was still in the first phase of development where all the skyscrapers along the main commercial road, Chang�an Lu, are just starting their foundations. The whole road is like a war zone with building materials, rubble all spilling into the main road. Fast forward nine years later in 2008, Beijing is a modern sparkling city, rivalling the best anywhere on Earth. This time around, the city feels like somewhere in USA in the winter but very much feeling like Hong Kong amongst the fashionable crowds and high-rise in the Central Business District, especially at night when all the buildings are lighted up.

Singapore Flyer, world�s largest Ferris wheel so far

Location: Singapore Flyer Singapore (1�17'21.53"N 103�51'47.03"E)
Date: 22 February 2010; 8.10pm
Camera: Canon 400D with Sigma 17-70/f2.8-4.5

Singapore is in the midst of transforming itself, physically, socially as well as economically. Socially by encouraging more immigration of skilled and professionals, dubbed �foreign talents� into the country to counter the low birth rate of Singaporeans, economically by restructuring and encouraging local companies to grow bigger regionally as well as intensified training of its workforce and physically by developing more iconic landmarks as well as improving and redeveloping existing localities. One of the newer attractions on the island is the so-called Singapore Flyer, which is supposedly the largest Ferris wheel in the world. The attraction had been in operation for about 1.5 years but is struggling to attract visitors.

Romantic Venice at Night

Location: Venice, Italy (45�26'N 12�19'E?)
Date: 6 March 2005; 9.45pm
Camera: Canon 300D with kit lens

Venice is a nice place to take photos. There are photo opportunities in the daytime as well as at night. Most of the well-known buildings are lighted up at night and they look quite pretty. The best period for photographing Venice is probably during the Carnival of Venice which falls in the month of February every year. The Carnival is a major tourist attraction with people dressed up in medieval costumes and adorning masks made of either leather or papier-mache. One will have to book accommodation way ahead foe the festival.

The changing face of Singapore especially the new CBD

Location: View from Marina Barrage, Singapore (1� 16' 50? N, 103� 52' 16? E)
Date: 20 July 2009; 8.20pm
Camera: Canon 400D with Sigma 17-70/f2.8-4.5

The only certainty in Singapore is perhaps change. The skyline, retail facades and residential skyscrapers of the island is constantly changing. Many of the buildings, be it commercial or residential and retail facades that were around 10 years ago were either refurbished, renovated or plainly demolished to make room for newer, better and taller ones. The country is also in the midst of remaking its Central Business District (CBD) by relocating and building new office towers around the new Marina Downtown area. The picture at the Downtown area today (above) is distinctly different from two years ago. The Singapore Flyer in the photo (Ferris wheel) was only operational in early 2008. The so-called Integrated Resort named Marina Bay Sands Resort, which is in effect a huge casino complex represented by the three towers at the left of the picture, is scheduled for completion by year-end. A couple of other projects are in the pipeline to maintain the change momentum.

Location: Birrarung Marr, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia (37� 49' 6? S, 144� 58' 21? E)
Date: 20 May 2008, 8.40pm
Camera: Canon 400D with Sigma 17-70/f2.8-4.5

Melbourne was named this year as the 3rd most livable city in the world by an annual survey done by The Economist magazine. Melbourne is quite an interesting city to wonder about at night. It is fairly lively and I believed one of the reasons for that is the large number of colleges and hence, students in the city area. There are also lots of activities along the Yarra River- with many pubs, clubs, arts and cultural centres and not forgetting, casino. The city also has a number of public parks and gardens. One of the more interesting and newer parks is Birrarung Marr. The distinguishing feature of the park is the Federation Bells- a collection of 39 inverted temple-style electronic bells of various sizes mounted on steel poles. The bells are controlled by computers and play seven different tunes composed by Australian composers, three times a day, with each tune lasting five minutes.

Technorati Tags: Birrarung Marr,Federation Bells,Melbourne

Location: Yarra River, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia (37� 49' 5.08? S, 144� 58' 0.52? E)
Date: 20 May 2008, 8.10pm
Camera: Canon 400D with Sigma 17-70/f2.8-4.5

The Yarra River runs right through Melbourne, the capital of Victoria State. The river is the focal point of outdoor activities and events as well as the concentration of its skyscrapers at Federation Square. Immediately next to it is the city's central railway station, Flinders Street Station right beside the river. The station built in 1864 and expanded over the years covers two city blocks. The Southbank across the river from the station is a pleasant place to walk in the evening with great night views of the city lights. Melbourne, as with most, if not all of Australasian cities, is a safe city to wonder around alone at night.

The Romantic City of Light along the Banks of the Seine- Paris

Location: Banks of the Seine, Paris, France, (48� 52' 0? N, 2� 19' 59? E)
Date: 27 February 2006; 7.05pm
Camera: Canon 300D with kit lens

Among the many nicknames of Paris (Romantic City etc), the most famous and the one I find most appropriate is the "City of Lights". It is known as such owing to its fame as a city of learning and ideas as well as its early adoption of street lighting. And the city is really all attractively lighted at night especially along the River Seine. I guess it is also this beautiful ambience along the river that earns it the romantic tag.

Technorati Tags: City of Lights,Seine

Neptune Fountain, Bologna, Italy

Location:Neptune Fountain, Piazza del Nettuno, Bologna, Italy (44� 30' 27? N, 11� 21' 5? E)
Date: 19 March 2005; 7.05pm
Camera: Canon 300D with kit lens

Bologna, the "Red City" is home to the oldest university in the Western world, "Alma Mater Studiorum", founded in 1088. It is also one of the most pleasant cities I visited in Italy. Its cuisine is simply, heavenly. It is widely known as the Red City because most of its buildings are of a red hue and also its left-leaning political tradition. The city is also full of fabulous monuments and buildings including this Neptune Fountain built in 1563 and Bologna's very own leaning tower- which is taller than the Leaning Tower of Pisa and it is still leaning.

Technorati Tags: Neptune Fountain,Bologna

Location: Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, Milan, Italy (45� 27' 56? N, 9� 11' 24? E)
Date: 8 March 2005; 8.11 pm
Camera: Canon 300D with kit lens

Milan, the economic and fashion powerhouse of Italy; the fashion powerhouse of the world, perhaps. A Ferrari or some other sports cars can be seen every 10 minutes when one walks on the streets of Milan. Every chick seems to be a leggy model- especially the sales assistants at the boutique/fashion retailers. There's just so much to feed the eyes!

Milan is also probably the only city (oh, Manchester as well) in the world that has two top football clubs, AC and Inter Milan. The city is also well endowed with historical and beautiful architectural gems including the second biggest Roman Catholic cathedral in the world, the Duomo di Milano and this upmarket shopping arcade, Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II.

Technorati Tags: Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II,Milan

Location: Hong Kong skyline from Victoria Peak (22� 16' 60 N, 114� 9' 0 E)
Date: 14 November 2004; 6.36pm
Camera: Canon 300D with kit kens
One of the major attractions of Hong Kong is undoubtedly its packed and beautiful skyline. I believed the best place to enjoy that is from Victoria Peak (the Peak). Most people will just take the tram either to the upper Peak Tram station, below and east of the summit and take a few quick photos and peek, then off they go. This is a pity because the best views are actually along a walking circuit that circles the hill. Part of the circuit passes through scrubs and woodland- a bit like a nature trail. A portion of it is built on supports overhanging the side of the hill. One can see different views of the city and harbour along the walk. The easiest way to get on the circuit is to head right along Lugard Road from the Upper Tram station.
Nowadays a view like this photo may be rare as it gets buried under dense blankets of smog drifting from South China.

Technorati Tags: Hong Kong,China,Victoria Peak

Location: Petronas Tower, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia (3� 9'28.24"N, 101�42'41.43"E)
Date: 3 February 2003; 8.25pm
Camera: Canon G1
Petronas Towers used to be the tallest building in the world. It is no longer so and I am not sure which building currently holds the honour because I read another new tallest building is either being build or built every now and then. Whatever it is, Petronas Towers may not be the tallest any more, it is definitely one of the most iconic one. It is also one of the brightest objects in the night sky of Kuala Lumpur.

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Lights & fireworks during Sri Lanka�s �Festival of Lights�