I learnt something about Astro On Demand...

...that I can actually switch on the subtitles!

DOH

Bicycles by the Beach

f/6.3 :: 1/500s :: ISO100 :: 38mm

This was taken in Nusa Dua beach, Bali. I spotted these colourful children's bicycles parked by the beach in perfect alignment. They seemed to be speaking to each other while their owners played in the water.

KL International Tattoo 2007

We were fortunate enough to get VIP Grandstand tickets to the KL International Tattoo 2007 last Saturday. Thanks to Datuk for providing the tickets!

We decided to car pool with MJ to Stadium Merdeka. I decided against bringing my DSLR and settled for the compact and very capable IXUS 850IS.

From Stadium Merdeka, I caught a view of the Twin Towers that I normally wouldn't get.

We were treated to a Colours of Malaysia show before the event actually started. We were waiting for the Agong, you see. And what an arrival! With the official announcements, the standing in attention, and the patriotic strains of Negaraku played by the ensemble bands!

Initially had no idea what the Tattoo show was all about. Only knew that it was something to do with the military. Turned out to be all about military. Each invited country's military bands performed outstanding tunes and marching formations to the delight of the crowd! Just take a look at the UK team with their kilts and bagpipes.

A total of 13 countries, including Malaysia, participated in the event. It was truly amazing. There were some memorable performances, and some not so inspiring ones (particularly from France :P). However, performances from USA and Thailand seemed to be more pop-oriented, while the militaristic discipline of the Singapore team was shown in the way they planned their formations. All in all, this is an event that we would not have known of if not for the complementary passes from Datuk. So, thanks again Datuk!

The fireworks display was fantastical. I wonder how much money was spent just on fireworks!

Opening acts by our Malaysian army...

...and Unit Gerak Khas police.

Team Brunei...

...Pakistan...

...France *yawnnn*...

The militaristic Singaporeans surprisingly drew loud applause and cheers.

The Americans sang and played My Girl, among other popular songs.

The Korean "drummer boys" were fantastic, with their swift playing and superb coordination.

Team New Zealand brought Maori tribal performers and did the Haka dance.

The enthusiastic band conductor from The Phillipines.

The charming and hot military girl from Thailand singing "Sabai Sabai"!

Tonle Sap - as wide as an ocean...

f/5.6 :: 1/200s :: ISO200 :: 120mm

This picture was taken by jyon as our boat was riding out towards the center of the lake. We encountered choppy waves and slowly turned around for fear of capsizing. It was then that we saw these boats gracing the waters as if they felt nothing. Tonle Sap lake is truly such a large lake that from this angle, it looks more like an open ocean!

Steps

Steps is currently showing on Astro-on-Demand channel 901. Yesterday was the premier of the first episode. It revolves around an aspiring dancer who ends up in a dancing school after failing to qualify in the Hong Kong Dance Company auditions. I suppose she ends up pairing with the son of the dance school's principal and both of them spark off a wonderful friendship which eventually blossoms into romance (I guess). There will be trials and tribulations but the end should be a good one, as they participate in a professional dance competition (this is from what I saw in the previews).

Anyway, from what I've watched yesterday, I think this is another potentially great series from TVB! Of course, it doesn't hurt that Bernice Liu also looks so adorable ;)

20 episodes for less than RM20, and you get to watch it over and over and over and over and over again. What are you waiting for?

Abundance

f/5.6 :: 1/25s :: ISO400 :: 55mm

Are you craving for some century eggs? Just look at the slick and shiny surface of the eggs. Imagine their succulence as you bite into the flesh and taste the bittersweet wonder that explodes from within.

Lousy service at California Pizza Kitchen?

Ok. Not all aspects of the service sucked. For instance, the seating and ordering and serving was done quite well and in a timely fashion.

However, when the time comes to ask for the bill, it takes ages for anyone to respond. I usually have to wave my hands frantically and repeatedly get someone to hear me request for the bill. It's quite ridiculous actually. I mean, I'm trying to pay you and you hold me up for no reason!

It took me 2 tries to get anyone to bring me the bill. I verified the list and paid with my credit card. It took them 15 minutes to come back with the processed bill, by which time I was fuming mad coz I had to rush to DFP for the Latin Jazz concert. Nobody said sorry, nobody said anything. I left with a sour face after validating the transaction.

Needless to say, CPK better buck up or else lose one customer!

Entrance to Angkor Wat

f/8.0 :: 1/320s :: ISO100 :: 31mm

This was taken inside the compound of the entrance area, just before ascending the staircase to enter Angkor Wat. These stones have withstood a thousand years of nature's beatings, and yet they still stand tall and proud.