Beijing flora

I was lucky to spot this perfect dandelion in front of the Peking University Library. I just had to snap a picture of it before the wind tries to disintegrate the flower...

The sweet Osmanthus was in season when I visited the Summer Palace. The little blooms and sweet fragrance made the trip very memorable.

Fresh dates were in season. They were crunchy and very sweet!









Have you seen gingko nuts on trees before? I haven't till my friend pointed out to me that those were fresh gingko nuts when we visited Tsinghua University - another great campus, full of modern, well laid out buildings, and a beautiful lotus pond.

Peking University

This was my second visit to Peking University. It was established in 1898. Located at a former Qing Dynasty royal garden, it retains some of the beautiful landscape and architecture.





The Weiminghu Lake, or, also known as Unnamed Lake (Yet-to-be-named Lake)







I believe these were parts of the former royal garden.

Melbourne International Flower & Garden Show

If you happen to be in Melbourne while this show is going on, please do visit the exhibits! As I walked into the garden, it was filled with melodious pipe music played by 4 amigos. It was a very relaxing walk in the garden with myriad of flowers on display. There were also short sessions of talks on plant care and horticulture products.

Gastronomical experience in Melbourne

Actually I wanted to go for the Mornington Peninsula trip but was told that it had just been closed for the season. I was really disappointed - but hey, it will be a good excuse for me to visit Melbourne again! ;-p

These are some places I explored by foot and by taking the red City Circle Tram:

• City Museum - spent a day there, very educational
• Chinese Museum - was spooked by the trail I had to follow, a bit too dark for me
• Federation Square - a food and wine festival was going on there
• Old Melbourne Goal - very informative
• City Watch House - educational. I had fun doing role-play and pretending to be 'arrested'. Our Charge Sergeant was a serious looking lady with big hair and long fingernails painted in black...
• State Library of Victoria - love the library building!

Wanted to go to the Immigration Museum but I lost my way... =(

Oh yes, I was supposed to be talking about food here. Well, there is a big variety with representatives from different ethnic groups living in Melbourne. Here are a sample of what I tried. Of course, the meals were even more enjoyable with the company of friends!

Soy Chai Latte and handmade chocolates at Brunetti! If you like chocolates, you must also make a trip to Koko Black at the Royal Arcade. Royal Arcade is worth exploring too. It is a heritage shopping arcade with high glass roof and interesting stores.

Yummy, warm Roti Canai with lamb curry from Little Malaysia


Eating warm, freshly made pizza while enjoying the harbour view at Mecca Bah Dockland...

Fancy scallop fried with macadamia nuts and veges?? Absolutely delicious... not to mention the great taste of the juicy salmon fish. I used to pan fry a small slice of salmon fish for dinner occasionally while studying at ANU. Fresh salmon fish tastes great with just a little salt and pepper.

Interesting food at Chocolate Buddha, Federation Square

Puffing Billy

I signed up for the Puffing Billy trip and had a great time. I made a new friend and the whole experience was simply wonderful! We sat on the window, with our arms and legs sticking out. It got scary when the train was above a busy road. The kids in front screamed and my toes were curling up. Along the way, we waved at people and cars. Haha...

I was thrilled to see crimson rosellas and sulphur crested cockatoos again! Plus a familiar flower I used to see at ANU campus. Someone told me it's a weed. But such a beautiful yellow flower!

Melbourne 2007

I was very happy to be able to visit Melbourne again! Was in Melbourne in the late 1990s. It was a really short trip and I only managed to see the Great Ocean Road, St Kilda beach, watched the water feature at Crown Casino, plus the awesome fire display outside the casino. Of course, being a typical Singaporean, there were numerous trips to the Victoria Market. ^.^
For this trip, it was mainly a free and easy one. Most importantly, I treasure this opportunity to catch up with my friends who are now living in Melbourne. I'm so envious of them!

One of my friends brought me to St Kilda beach and it was nice to visit the place again. I was told to take this picture. It will proof that I've been to St Kilda...














Introducing... Acland Street. Cakeshops, cafes and restaurants lined the streets. It's a feast for the eyes! I'm sorry I didn't take pictures of the cakes. Was too busy ogling at the mind-boggling varieties of cakes on display.

Yonsei University, Korea 2006

If I remember correctly, I also spent a day at the Yonsei University. It has a very beautiful campus. You'll feel like you're walking in a garden, with cicadas singing away and the birds watching you from above the trees...

Can you believe this is part of the campus?













According to the University's website, it is one of the oldest private university in Korea, first established in 1885 by Christian missionaries. Wow!

Korean Food 2006

I was at COEX most of the time during my stay in Korea. It is a very large mall. It's a pity I didn't take time off to explore the Kimchi museum within the COEX building. Hope I'll visit the place again in future.

My favourite food at COEX? Homemade burger... It's delicious!!



This is the usual fare you will get at an eatery. I love those little servings of pickled vegetables. The black beans were really yummy. They were pickled in sweet soy sauce with sesame and sometimes, the black beans came with anchovies. Do not be fooled by the bright red soup. It's not as spicy as you think.



I also went to the famous touristy places: Dongdaemun, Insadong, Namdaemun. They have a lot of bargains and interesting stuff on sale.