USA West Coast - one week vacation

The annual company summit in HQ (Boston) allows me to spend a week of vacation in USA West Coast (LA and Vegas). A week of vacation is short but allows me to make a trip to Grand Canyon which I wanted to visit for a long time. Photos below are all taken by iPhone4S camera.

Photos of LOS ANGELES

2013 Lunar New Year - Year of Snake

My 10th visit to Shanghai was on the Chinese Lunar New Year holidays (9-17 Feb 2013). As usual, The Yu Garden is the spotlight during the festival as it showcases miscellaneous beautiful lanterns. Even the weather was cold (near 0C), the place was crowded with locals and tourists.

My hometown has got HRC

Melaka (Malacca in English)- Unesco World Heritage Site, has got a Hard Rock Cafe now. Situated along the Malacca River, the cafe is becoming a popular dining and drinking spot for locals and tourists.

The Golden Color of GOLD

Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep (Thai: วัดพระธาตุดอยสุเทพ) is a Theravada Buddhist temple in Chiang Mai Province, Thailand. The temple is often referred to as "Doi Suthep" although this is actually the name of the mountain it is located on. The temple is located 15 km from the city of Chiang Mai and is a sacred site to many Thai people. From the temple, impressive views of Chiang Mai can be seen and it remains a popular destination of foreign visitors.The temple is said to have been founded in 1383 when the first chedi was built. Over time, the temple has expanded, and been made to look more extravagant with many more holy shrines added.

We hired a motorbike (as many foreigners did) for 50 baht a day (excluding petrol) and rode to the temple. The entire journey was great as the mountain side is very cooling and the scenery is excellent. We didn't actually wait for sun to set and temple lights on, because rain is coming. On the way back (downhill), we still caught in the rain and have to ride real slow for safety.

The beauty of Pura Bratan - Bali

Pura Ulun Danu Bratan, or Pura Bratan, is a major Shivaite and water temple on Bali, Indonesia. The temple complex is located on the shores of Lake Bratan in the mountains near Bedugul. Water temples serve the entire region in the outflow area; downstream there are many smaller water temples that are specific to each irrigation association (subak).

Built in 1663, this temple is used for offerings ceremony to the Balinese water, lake and river goddess Dewi Danu, due to the importance of Lake Bratan as a main source of irrigation in central Bali. The 11 stories of pelinggih meru dedicated for Shiva and his consort Parvathi. Buddha statue also present inside this temple.

Lake Bratan is known as the Lake of Holy Mountain due to the fertility of this area. Located 1200m above sea level, it has a cold tropical climate.

Frankfurt am Main

From Boston, en-route to Frankfurt for another week of technical training. The Sunday I arrived in Frankfurt, it was a rainy day.

Harvard University & Boston

During a recent company training in Boston, my colleagues and I managed to spend an afternoon visiting the city and the prestigious Harvard University.

Sunrise of Sanur - Bali

During end of Sep 2012, we spent a few days in Bali. The first 2 days we chose Sanur, a beach area facing east.

Beer Time - Sunset at Jimbaran Bay, Bali

What will be better than having a cold beer while admiring a splendid sunset ?

Alms Giving

The hotel we stayed in Chiangmai organizes (every Wednesday) alms giving session at 7.30am to local monks. Hotel guests are welcomed to take part. It was a good experience indeed.

A week of vacation in Thailand - land of smiles

After taking up a new job in January, my busy work schedule has given me a tough life. Luckily my wife has won a prize during her company annual dinner lucky draw contest. The prize included a 5 star hotel stay in Bangkok and some travel vouchers. This has given me the opportunity to sneak out from hectic work life and enjoy some really relaxing time in Bangkok and Chiangmai, Thailand. Below are some shots taken by my iPhone 4S.

Chiangmai is a cool place to lay back and enjoy. Friendly people, great outlets for food and handicraft shopping, night markets, temple visits, all are fascinating. I will definitely return for another good break. Will upload more photos from my DSLR when I get the time.