Travelling Diary

Visit the Birmingham Art Gallery on 12.2.14

2014-02-23T16:50:00.001-08:00

Been told by my lecturer that some famous female artists works are having their in the exhibition at Birmingham Art Gallery which is free admission and it worth every pence to pay a visit. My husband drive me there on Wednesday and we park our car at the China Town in Birmingham and walk to the gallery. The exhibition is held at the side of the Birmingham Art Gallery, walking into the gallery and it is free admission and also allow us to take photos of the artist's works. It is very rare that we can take photos of the artists works.

Good, Good Boy by Artist Barbara Walker

I have chosen a few artists' works which I like the best. Artist Barbara Walker - "Good, Good Boy" base on the world of Ladybird children's books. I love her painting which based on every day life story and her drawing look like illustration paintings which are amazing beautiful works.

Condor and the Mile by Artist Lynette Yiadom Boakye

Artist Lynette Yiadom Boakye - "Condor and the Mile" - base on her imaginative to create her painting and all her drawing base of black women, children and men. Her painting base on 2 black children at the beach the pose are so natural and beautiful.

The Dorothy Series by Artist June Wayne

Artist June Wayne - "The Dorothy Series" base on her visual mother biography. Wayne uses traces of objects to represent her mother at different stages of her life. Simplicity in the abstract artwork and beautifully added in painting to create a series of artwork.

My touch by Artist Hermione Withshire

"My touch" by Artist Hermione Withshire. She uses a range of media to suggest the human body on her artwork. "My touch" is made up of ten fragile glass which protrude from the wall which represent touch, imprint and a person's finger tips. I love the sculpture and when it pin to the wall it create shadows and reflection and it look like a hand with 5 fingers. Beautifully present and display to create extra depth.

Smooth metal body by Artist Alice Channer

"Smooth metal Body" by Artist Alice Channer. A 3-D dimensional rendering of drapery is turned into a distorted 2-D digital print on fabric. On the reverse of the silk, smoke rings are printed to the
approximate height of a person's mouth when standing represent a human body. I simply fall in love with this piece of sculpture, it create a 2-D to 3-D on the drape when you look around it and on the reverse side of the silk where you can see a human body where it is reflected on the fabric. Incredible beautiful work.

Costume for mourning and several of her paintings by Artist Estella Canziani.

"Costume for mourning, Saint Colomban" by Artist Estella Canziani. She imitate the convention of fashion illustration, in the profile on three quarter length formats and focus on the costume. I love her painting especially the details on the costumes are amazing beautifully detailed.

I can't really comment on the artists works, during our this foundation course of art and design we been taught to look into the depth of the painting on how it represent. It is a learning curves and I only able to appreciate the artist works and amaze by their beautiful works.

Enjoying myself at the exhibition and then we proceed to Birmingham Library which my friend, Maggie told me it is a must to have a look as it is beautiful. Amazing beautiful building with 6th level high, every level with shelves full of books. At the 1st floor where the reception and some of the students artworks are display at the gallery from our Sutton Coldfield college. I feel proud that our school student artworks are display in this main gallery.

After taking some photos and it is time to get some food and then head back home. I have a wonderful time enjoying something that I love to do which is browsing the artists work and taking photos.

Place: Birmingham Art Gallery and Birmingham Libaray
Date: 12.2.2014
Photo By: Catherine Suen
Scored: 9 stars

Day Trip - Llangollen Steam Train - on 24.8.2013- with Wicksons

2014-02-21T10:12:00.003-08:00

Our Llangollen Steam train day trip with Wicksons. We meet at the pick up point 8.40 a.m. It took us about half an hour to reach Telford and stop at the motorway cafe for an hour break due to our stream train trip is book for 12.00 p.m.

We reached the Carrog Village at 11.30 a.m. and stop for a cup of tea as it is quite cold around here. The Wicksons had book a carriage for our group of 18 people and we go as a group again and will have to take a train back at 4.00 p.m. at Llangollen station. We only have three and half hour to walk around the city Centre of Llangollen which is not enough time as there is so much to see.

There is 2 sections of the carriage is closed for wedding function and another one carriage section is for a 70th Birthday celebration. The old steam train split from 1st class and economy class and the 1st class section comes with individual rooms and seats. It took half an hour to reach Llangollen station and we alighted the train to take photos in the city centre.

As I try to find the way to the Horseshoe Falls and been directed to follow the River Dee canal and walk all the way up it will take us pass the Chain Bridge then the horse fall. Unfortunately, if we walk up to the horse fall we probable just manage to catch our train back to Carrog. So we decided to walk back to the city centre. There is a walk path from the restaurant where it lead to the limestone where the water flow from the horseshoe falls.

After spending another an hour and half walking at the Llangollen train station. we follow the foot path near the station and came to the back yards of the private house as there is no other walking path and at the back of this house there is a platform which is built by him. We waved and try to get the home owner's attention and hopefully he can let us go over the back garden gate to the front door which the road lead back to the city centre. The kind owner finally came over to speak to us and let us go through his garden to the front and guide us to the correct path again.

We spend another hour walking the centre and went back to the Llagollen station for our train and this time the train which we take is a electric one instead of steam train. It is a good experience and it cost £14.00 gbp per person for this one to and fro trip. It is value for money for a free and easy. Our trip cost £31.00 gbp per person which included the train ticket. I would recommend for anyone whom is keen on the steam train and love a free and easy walk at the River Dee then this is the trip to go for it.

We reached our drop off point at 6.30 p.m. and we went to do some shopping at the supermarkets near my place to shop for food for dinner and end up with a fish and chips meals for the nite. A happy ending for a happy day.

Place Llangollen Steam train
Scored for the Place: 8 stars
Photos by: Catherine Suen
Dated: 24.8.2013
Day Trip Tour: Wicksons

Walking along the canal of Whittington,Lichfield

2014-02-20T17:13:00.004-08:00

When my husband need to go to work for a few hours so that I can follow him for a free lift to Whittington, Lichfield. I love the canal at the Whittington but lack of the time to walk at this beautiful canal. I do not know this place is so beautiful and it full of long boats parking at the side of the canal.

I have no ideas that the walking paths or tracks that leading to Burton and another one leading to Lichfield. My first time, when I took my walk which lead to Lichfield and it about 2.5 miles to Lichfield but unable to complete the walk so I will make it another time.

Today my husband need to go to work so decide to follow him so that I can walk along the canal. Unfortunately, in England it have been raining for a few weeks now and the walking path is muddy and slippery. Due to I did not wear the proper walking shoes and it is a rough walk for me, slipping on the mud but decide to carry on even it is a rough walk.

Walking about 2 hours and have no ideas where this path is leading to so luckily there is a gentleman walking pass and stop ask for direction and been told that this path which I am walking leading to Burton. I took the wrong walking path as I want to go to Lichfield and not Burton. So now I have to walk back again.

Luckily, it is a beautiful day with blue sky and sunset and saw a young man catching a big fish what an rewarding day even with the fall it still deserve it. I will comes again as it is a beautiful canal with beautiful woodland surrounding it.

There are lot of bridges over the canal where I can go over it and stand on it to enjoy the full view of the canal. This place deserve a visit as it is so beautiful along the canal.

Place: Whittington Canal
Scored: 7 stars
Photos: By Catherine Suen
Dated: 16.1.2014

Day trip to Bath - on 21.8.30 with Wicksons

2014-02-14T07:09:00.002-08:00

My friend and her son came to visit in England. So I booked several day trips with Wicksons to visit England.Our first trip is to Bath which is famous for the Roman baths and pump room. It took about 3 hours to reached Bath and we been told that to meet at the car park at 5.15 p.m.

We bought a map of the city and start our walk along the River Avon. follow the the River Avon, we came to the famous Pulteney Weir and the bridge. Enjoying watching the long boats waiting at the docks to release the water and so that they can cruise through the gate. After that we went to look for our lunch.

We had our lunch at one of the cafe enjoying the English breakfast and egg benedict with black forest cakes with coffee and drinks. The meal was expensive but it is worth the money. After finished our lunch we go straight to the Roman baths and pump but the entrance fees cost £13.50 per person which we there are 5 of us so we decided to give it a miss. The Roman baths built over 2000 years ago and unearthed by the Victorians. The Roman Baths are built around a natural hot spring which rises to 46 degrees and yields 250,000 gallons of water each day.

Inside the museum there is a fascinating collection of objects. Today the visitors can visit the pump room which is meeting place in Bath since the 18th century when fashionable society members gathered to sample the spa water. The Bath Abbey worth a visit but we also didn't go in due to the entrance fee. the Bath Abbey is England;s last great medieval church which was dissolved in 1539, today the centre of community and culture life in the city Bishop Oliver King built the sanctuary in 1499. The Abbey is considered to be an outstanding example of perpendicular English Gothic architecture.

From the Roman Baths we follow the fashion museum to visit "The circus" The Circus was designed by John Wood the Elder and was built by his son over a period of fifteen years. The houses adorned with stone carvings and three orders of columns, form a perfect circle After and is the first of the kind in the history of British town planning. The circle is divided into three sections of equal length which means that from any one of the three intersection streets an circular facade can be seen giving the impression of a complete circle. The Earl of Chatham once lived in numbers 7 & 8.

After taking some photos from the Circus and enjoying ourselves sitting on the park in front of the houses. we walk back to the high streets where a wide variety of independents, each with a choice of exciting and unusual merchandise. We walked back to the River Avon and there is a Parade Garden at the side of River Avon . We didn't visit the Garden but walked straight to the railway station. After checking what it cost for us to take a train from Lichfield City station to Bath which cost us £45.00 per person and per way then we walked back to the pickup point to our coach.

A beautiful day spent walking the most beautiful historical city and we on our way back home and it took us another 3 hours to reach home.
It is a value for money day trip to the Bath and would love to recommend any one whom enjoy the day out this is a must and value for money day trip tour to follow.

Place: Bath,
Dated: 21§.8.2013
Photos by : Catherine Suen
Scored: 8 stars

A Happy 2014 to all my friends and relatives

2013-12-30T15:57:00.000-08:00

Times passing faster than I can imagine and now is the end of 2013. I am ready to receive 2014 with both my arms wide open. I can't imagine what I had done in 2013. I did write my travel dairy but unfortunately, I didn't have the time to put them all into my blogger with all the places which I had visited in 2013 due to I have start my new life by going to college to further my education. Hopefully I am able to go into a university in 2014.

A Happy New Year to all my friends and relatives for following my bloggers. I thanks to all of you for your comments and supports. Let 2014 bring you and all your family prosperous and happiness.

When I went for my walk in Autumn at Cannock the beautiful woodland lighted up with beautiful colours. Sometimes the woodlands appeared in gold colour then it change into different colours whenever the sun shone on the trees.

I have always enjoy this time of the year walking in the woodland but unfortunately due to my studies in college which meant I can't travel to North Wales to enjoy the beautiful scenery in there.

It was amazing to be in this woodland at this special time of the year.

When the sun shone on the fern it look like fire on the fern which create a different rich texture to the fern.

I love these tree trunks which covered with colorful leaves to create a wall paper.

The rolling fields surrounded the Chase Park.

This is park for riding and trekking.

I love these rolling fields with new planted seedling ready for new life. it seem to represent a new start in 2014. Let's embrace the 2014 and wish all my friends and relatives a Happy and prosperous New Year.

Photos: by Catherine Suen

Place: Chase Park, Cannock

Dated: 31.12.2013

Walking in the Autumn

2013-12-30T09:44:00.003-08:00

I love my walk into the woodland especially this time of the year the woodland is full of different types of mushrooms which I have not seen before. Not only the mushrooms I can find in the woodland but the different colours of the trees created by the sun was amazing beautiful.

Some of the wild mushrooms grown were found in the gardens of my neighbours and some were from the woodland in Chase Park, Cannock.

These were found in the garden of my neighbour.

I have no idea the name of the mushrooms but just love taking photos of them and keep a record of them.

When I went to college and saw these lot of mushroom grew on the bottom of the tree trunk but it disappeared after I took the photo of them.

This different type of wild mushroom found in the garden of the neighbour. It was not a good experience as I had been told of for not asking permission to take photos in their gardens. I also been asked what happened to me when someone drove passed and saw I am lying on the ground and thought something happened to me.

This is Fly Agric which is poisonous. This mushroom was found in the woodland.

I had no idea what is this mushroom but I love the way it shaped. Found this in the woodland.

I think this will be a Pink Waxcap but I am not sure as I have not seen one of this before.

These lot were the common type which I am able to find in most gardens.

I love these broken mushroom as when the sun shone on it, it look like a duck.

Another of the Fly Agric mushroom which found in the woodland.

For my this post it will be all mushrooms and the colourful woodland will be post in another post. Wish all my friends and relatives a Happy 2014 New year and have a prosperous 2014.

Photos: by Catherine Suen and Robert Suen
Place: Gardens and woodland in Chase Park.

Visual Communication - on 7.11.13

2013-12-02T05:17:00.003-08:00

My first lesson of Visual Communication. I have no idea what is Visual Communication. Our lecturer, Claire told us to draw a mind map of our theme "contrast" will be our theme project for our final project. I have no ideas what my visual contrast will be but will add more as the ideas come into my mind.

Contrast --- shapes >lines > colours>patterns
--- visual >presentation>advertising

--- emotion>signs>signals>symbols
and so on... but will add more into my mind map.

After our session we been taught to use the photoshop to add text and using font to create message on the photo and try to communicate this media to public to get our message through.

I love how the way that by using photoshop tool that can made the photo even more beautiful and using of text and font can illustrate the message that I want to communicate with the public.
Claire taught me how to use the tools and function of the photoshop to illustrate more of my photos so that I able to do more further works with my photos than using other artist pictures or photos and converted into my work.This media using the photoshop to cut and paste, it is harder than by adding text and font but due to time limit and have no chance to do more of this work which I would love to further explore and learn this technique and skill. I am still unable to this media without my lecturer help.

Merging two photos together and adding different defusing on the photo to create a total distorted look. A total utopia look in the photo which create a harsh outlook but in another way still remain it beauty of the certain portion with this media to create a mix look.

I will love to explore further this media with my exploration stage. At the end of this lesson, I still have no idea what is visual communication and been told to research for at least two artists’

Works and compare what I like and dislike of their works.

Photo by: Catherine Suen

Date: 7th November 2013

Subject: Visual Communication

My still life drawing

2013-11-11T14:50:00.002-08:00

I have decided to go back to school to further my education. Tried to register for photography course but unfortunate Sutton Coldfield College does not conduct this course. So been advised to take Foundation Arts and Design. As I have not taken any art course before so I am confused and blurred for the first 3 weeks then from then on I started to understand and picking up as I go along with the courses.

The courses are intense and every 6 weeks we have 6 different topics such as contexture art, drawing. fine art, photography, textile and photoshop. I enjoyed and love all the subjects as we are been teach at the foundation level. I love my drawing as from I can't draw to I can to draw.

Today, we are been told to drawing still life by using Artist David Tress method of drawing. By using different media to make into a artwork. David's painting is landscape but he used different media in his work.

The above painting is David Tress painting. Today the media for still life were leaf, hand made mushroom and shell which is opened in the middle.

I used a A1 white drawing paper then glued it with different types of papers such as black and white tissue papers, brown wrapping paper, tracing paper, black drawing paper, plain brown paper. Some portion of the paper covered with one layer or more layers of different papers while other is just plain without any layer.

I used the willow charcoal to draw the outline of the still life then used the charcoal to paint on it. But unfortunately the charcoal and pastels which I used to paint on the image look very flat and uninteresting. So I concentrate painting on the tissue paper which represent my leaf with acrylic paints.

I applied 1st layer of orange acrylic paint on it first then added another layer of dark brown on it and highlight with white acrylic paint.

This portion is make out of 2 layer of tissue papers. I change the brown/red mushroom by adding another layer of white tissue paper on it. Paint with brown acrylic paint and red then white as highlight. It does look better and not so flat. As for the shell I change the pastel color with acrylic paints then darken with black to give the depth.

Finally, I used the charcoal to shaded the background and use tissue to drip with water and go over the charcoal. As for the table, I used the white chalk to go over the charcoal and the negative spaces. The mushroom needed to darken with brown a bit but unfortunately our half day lesson is over and the paint is still too wet to add another layer on top of it.

I am quite happy with this drawing as it create different depth with the layers with different texture. It give this painting a 3-D effect. Also my friend, Mandy, she is painting the same media as mine but her painting/drawing is totally different from mine.

Mandy's drawing from the same still life display.

I love and enjoy this drawing lesson as every student produce different image from the same still life. It is quite fun and interesting as when we finished our works and look at each other paintings. We gain a lot from our tutor and our drawing sessions.

Photos Supplied : by Catherine Suen
Date: 11.11.13
Drawing: Still Life

Trekking at Aber Falls, Abergwyngregyn, North Wales - 27.8.13

2013-11-07T11:10:00.002-08:00

Our trekking trip to Abergwyngregyn, North Wales. We started our journey at 8.30 a.m. and it took us to reached the small valley of Abergwyngregyn at 11.30 a.m. Follow the A55 and exit at junction 13 by follow the signs to Abergwyngregyn. We left our car in the car park which is free and not far away there is a disabled toilet and on the right there is a small path leading to a small gate. Follow the lane alongside the river, Afon Rhaeadr-fawr is about half a mile.

Cross the old stone bridge, Bont Newyxd, and go through the gate. We follow the National Nature Reserve information boards. On the way there are markers for the North Wales Path into the valley. Along the way there are display board explains the management of the Alder trees and their part in the making of charcoal. Just keep follow the path and it will lead to the falls

Before reaching the falls there is another board explaining the pile of stones at the side of the trail are the remains of an iron age round house probably dating from 2000 -2700 years ago. The remains dated at 2000 B.C.

Passing the ancient site and a short walk up to the bank is one of Wales most beautiful waterfalls and the surrounding hills of Moel Whion, Gym, Bera Mawr, Bera Bach, and Drosgi. The beautiful waterfalls and bridges to cross to the other side. There are big rocks stack at the bottom of the waterfalls to let you walk over the other side. Easy access to the bottom of the pools to enjoy the cool water or right top of the pool where its falls from the top but it is slippery and it is better to tie the string on the rock before venture into the top pool.

From here we carry on with the full walk across the river to the west bank of Afon Rhaeadr-fawr and follow the markers to North Wales Path. We can see the falls from the grassy bank on the right of the falls.

The trail continues west across over the river, Afon Rhaeadr-bach, with more beautiful views and a smaller falls. Follow the path and we can see the grand view of the valley. The trail continues north through sheep filled pastureland and the outlook changes as the Irish Sea comes into view. A panorama view that includes the Menai Strait, Lavan Sands, the south west tip of Anglesey, Beaumaris, the Penmon Lighthouse and Puffin island. From here there the trail is going downward the right is more steeply and short but the right is longer trail which both also lead to the small village of Abergwyngregyn, to our car park.

The total times spent on trekking and taking photos took about 4 hours and covered about 4.5 miles. Amazing beautiful sights of the mountains which normally covered by the mist and only can be view when the weather is hotter and after the walk can enjoy the beautiful milky water from the falls.

We went back by A55 to the look for food and then head home and it took us another three and half hours to travel back home. A beautiful end of the great day and would recommend this place as it worth an visit.

Place: Aber Falls, Abergwyngregyn, North Wales
Dated: 27.8.13
Photos by: Catherine Suen
Scored for the Place: 8 stars

Day Trip -Bristol Balloon Festival- 10/8/13

2013-08-12T16:30:00.002-07:00

We booked a day trip to Bristol Balloon Festival with Wicksons whom a company which supply a coach with a driver to drive to the destination. The Bristol Balloon Festival is held at Ashton Court annually and this year is the 35th year of Europe's largest annual hot air balloon event with a mass of hot air balloons, arena and air display. There were lot of trade stands and caterers with a variety of Entertainment from the Radio Heart Station.

The trip to Bristol is £18.00 per person. Our pick up point was at the pub next to Chase Terrace Technology School. It the driver, Roger about one hour to pick up the day trippers from different up points. We reached the Cotswold Garden Center for one hour to stretch the legs and using the toilets facilities or having a cup of tea at the teashop. The garden center had lot of landscape designs display outside the store where we can stroll around and there is the tearoom with a lake behind it and beautiful gardens but we didn't have time to browse or see all of it.

We were been told by Roger that it will take us about one and half hour to reached Ashton Manor and he was looking at the map for which exits as there were several exit for cars and coaches. The road work on the M-motorway and the crowds at the events caused the traffic jam and it took us three and half hours then expected. We reached there around 3.30 p.m. and we were to be back at the coach by 7.30 p.m.

We followed the crowds walk down hill and it took us about 25 minutes walk to the Ashton Manor and walked to the fair where there is lot of entertainments with fast speeds rides, games and foods stands. The foods and drinks were expensive. The crowd at the park bought their chairs and blankets to sit on the grasses and also having picnic and bbq at the ground.

It was another half an hour walk to the arena where the air displays was on all day. We had see the stunning war planes with aerobatics on top of the plane and wings doing their amazing performance for the audiences. The hot air balloons started to roll in around 6.00 p.m. and all the cars and trucks pulling into the arena to set up the hot air balloons. There is two shows on one is 6.00 a.m another is 6.00 p.m. and another mass lit up at 9.30 p.m.

It took about half an hours to set up and about 6.30 p.m. so of the hot air balloons start to for a mass accent. There will be 109 hot air balloon going on till the night lit at 9.30 p.m. The crowds love were calm by hundred of balloons floating in the air. The atmosphere were swell with spirits of happiness, bond of same love and achievements.

By 6.45 p.m. we only able to see about 20 to 30 hot balloons floating in the air and we had to walk back to gate 9 where the coach was parked. Unfortunately, there is road blocked and we had been walking round and round the arena with wrong directions been pointed by the locals.. It took us about one and half hour to find our way to the coach. We had to walk fast like a crazy women and the big crowds around stop our every move.

We were late by 40 minutes and the other trippers and driver weren't so happy about it. The journey back was delay by traffic jammed due to some of lot of the cars were going out and in and also the M-motorway was closed and the driver had to go by longer way. About 2 hours later, our drive need to change another one driver due to there is law for a driver to drive for a max of how many hours on the rad. It us another four hours for dropping the trippers on different drop off points. I had reached my drop off point at 12.30 a.m. and lucky my husband reached home from work and can't find me at home. So he drove to the drop off point to look for me. At last, a happy ending for a happy day.

This is a good value for the day trip but if you want to see the mass accent and night lit up then it is best to go with your car and camping at there where you can enjoy the whole day and night. It is a most beautiful sights which I had ever seen and will go again the next day as it is too amazing experience to miss.

Place: Bristol Balloon Festival - Ashton Manor - 8th to 11th August
Scored: 9 stars
Tour Group : Wicksons
Photos: By Catherine Suen
Date: 10th August 2013

Visit to Geneva - Day 4 on 27/2/2013

2013-08-07T15:44:00.000-07:00

Today, we woke up at 7.00 a.m., the surroundings which can view from the balcony was amazing and the temperature was minus 9 degrees. We can see the mountains peaks surrounding with fog and the surroundings were very misty. I went out to take some photos around the hotel as my husband was tired due to he can't sleep during the night.

After taking some photos of the surroundings and when the mountains peaks were totally covered by a blanket of white clouds, I went to the nearby houses to take the photos of the birds. Around 5.00 a.m to 6.00 a.m. we can hear the birds singing and today I had caught another 2 different species of the birds.

To take nature photos, now I can understand the patience of the photographers to sit or stand still for hours just waiting to spot the rare species. I have learned to be patience and had been frozen in the cold for 3 hours just able to photos of 3 different type of birdies.

Around 9.30 a.m., my husband found me standing still at the nearby houses gardens taking photos. We went to the Passy Plateau to take photo of the misty surrounding the mountains Alps . After 2 hours later we drove to Chamonix to go to our next destination.

We decided to turn back and go to the hotel in Geneva, instead to Lansanne which take about 2 hours to drive. On our way to Geneva, we bypass Passy. "Wow!!! the scenic views were amazing beautiful. The first night when we drove to the hotel was in the night so we missed most of this beautiful views. We stop for a few minutes at Passy to take some photos.

Reached the hotel around 2.00 p.m. and checked in and left our suitcases at the room to visit the town centre of Geneva. We drove pass some of the beautiful historic town centre, parked our car and went for a walk at the market place. We bought some sweets and grilled chicken for our dinner and spent 30 Swiss Fran. Learned our lesson at the Geneva Airport that they don't use Euro but Swiss Fran and managed to get a money changer in the town Centre. Enjoy the few hours strolling around the town centre, and beware of the market stalls sellers. As we were conned by them by paying more for the sweet than you can get them from the shop.

Our dinner tonight was the grilled chicken and frozen cooked prawns where I had bought at Chamonix. Early night and to catch the flight back home the next day. My only regret was that I have only 1 short day in Geneva where there were lot of branded posh shops here and didn't have the times to visit and it is worth to come back again as this is a beautiful city.

Place: Passy Plateau and Geneva
Scored: 5 stars
Date: 27/2/2013
Photos by: Catherine Suen and Robert Suen

A day visit to Aiguille Du Midi, Chamonix -Day 3- 26/2/2013

2013-07-10T14:42:00.001-07:00

As usual wake up around 7.30 a.m. The sun just up and we drove to Passy Plateau. We reached the top mountains and to our surprise that there isn't any tourists or workers around here yet.

We stay around to take some photos. The temperature around minus 9 degrees. After an hour spent on the plateau, we went back to the hotel as the owner run a small cafe. Enjoying a cup of hot coffee and tea with blackforest cake. What a beautiful morning to enjoy life as free and easy.

While waiting for my husband, so went wandering into the nearby houses and hotels. About 20 yards away from hotel, there were some houses with beautiful gardens. Following the road leading to the back gardens, there were plenty of different species of birds enjoying their foods tied to the trees. I am surprised to find such beautiful nature around this area. I had not notice that I had spent 2 hours busy taking photos of the birds. It was hard to take birds photos as any noise or movements from me seen to scare them away.

After 2 hours of trying to keep still and not to scare the birds away. I am too cold to stay still anymore and it was time to move on to our next destination.

We drove to Chamonix which took about half an hour. Parked our car at the hotel parking and went to queue for our tickets to Aiguille Du Midi. The queue was not long and the cable car fee up to the top peak was $50.00 euro each. The 2 cable cars to reach to the top summit. The first cable car will take us up to 2,317m and it took 10 minutes. the cable car move above the forest and can view the Mont Blanc Massif with the Bossoms Glacier below.

We arrived at the Aiguille Du Midi, the first section. At the Plain de I'Aiguille, the temperature around here was minus 15 degrees. We alighted the cable car and followed the skiers out to the pista where we can enjoy the view. We were allow half an hour out on the mountains plateau. The snow about 2 foots high or higher. We only stay near to the station as some of plains were too risking for trekking or walking. We had an enjoyable times here taking photos and enjoy the nature beauty. Then we took the 2nd cable car to the last leg up to the summit. The temperature drop even further to minus 26 degrees with strong wind.

The altitude for the last part of the summit is 3,842m and it took 10 minutes to reach the top. The journey was a spectacular one above the ice towers and terminal tongue of the Glaciers des Pelerins. The hanging glaciers on the north face of the Aiguille de midi site.

At this level, the temperature drop even further from minus 26 to 29 degree. The cold wind frozen our faces, hands and legs. We had difficulties in breathing and have to walk slowly as our legs and hands were like rubbers and hard to move.

There were another 300 steps to climb to reach the terraces restaurant and cafe. At here we can view 360 panoramic views of the France, Swiss and Italy Alps. At this level, the expert skiers, rock climbers are allow to go out to the Alps but we are not allow out. After 2 hours out in the open terrace taking photos. We were almost frozen. We didn't have any suntan lotion as the sun direct hit on our faces. We bought 2 packet of crisps in out backpack and it burst with a "pop" loud and clear in the cable car due to the pressure of the altitude.

In the cafe, we enjoy a cup of hot tea and coffee with some chips and stay the rest of the day at the cafe as we were knackered. After a few hours later we proceed to take the lift on the central column to to the top of the summit from here we can view Vallee Blanche gondala known as "Panoramic Mont-Blanc" ran over the glaciers over France and Italy. At this level there was a museum showing the experts mountains climbing and skiers enjoying the challenge of the nature. There was a terrace but with plastic glass windows where we can view the top of the mountain Alps in the warm surroundings without suffering from the cold.

When we reached to the top of the summit, we felt at the top of the world. This place totally worth the value they charged. Around 4.20 p.m. the staff inform us that we got the last 10 minutes left to take the last cable car down.

Times passing faster than we notice so we took the lift down to the terrace and have to climb up the 300 steps up to take the cable car. We can see the fog and mist started to form around the mountains peaks.

At the station, we walk around the town of Chamonix enjoying the beautiful sunset on the mountain peaks. We bought some gifts for our friends and relatives. I couldn't stay at the top of the peak to take the sunset but happy to enjoy the beautiful nature beauty.

We have a cup of coffee at the Macdonalds then walk around the town centre looking for our dinner. Tonight dinner at the Chinese restaurant cost us $25.00 Euros and after dinner, drove back to our hotel for an early nite.

Every nights when we drove back to the hotel, we are not aware of the scenic view of the snake like tunnels or roads built to access to Chamonix. It was amazing but scarily when the car drove through the snake pass.

This place was amazing and would recommend to anyone whom is keen in mountain climbers, trekkers or skiers. This just the place to go for it.

Due to having problem with downloading the photos so I only able to posted the above few photos of this beautiful place.

Place: Passy Pateau and Aiguille Du Midi and Chamonix
Date: 26.2.2013
Photos by: Catherine Suen and Robert Suen

Trekking at the Passy Plateau,France - Day 2- 25.2.2013

2013-05-09T11:20:00.000-07:00

This morning the weather was misty until about 8.30 a.m. when the sun shine on the mountains Alps. Beautiful mountains view can be see clearly at the front of the hotel.

After took some photos of the surroundings around the hotel. We went to the cafe for a cup of coffee and tea. We drove to the top of the Passy Plateau where lot of tourists were getting ready for their skiing. The scenic views up to the mountains ranges is amazing beautiful.

The highest Peak is known as Alguile d' Ayeres at 2,610 m. The temperature at this place was minus 9. These alps also catered for small children skiing with instructors looking after the children. We spent 2 hours walking and trekking around the Piste and went to the Natural Reserve Centre. The staff is so kind and show us how to use the telescope to view the mountains peaks. It is free to trek around at this mountains ranges and during Summer there is hiking, trekking, rock climbing and diving to be arranged with guides around at this centre.

After two and half hours on this Plateau, we drove to the Passy National Reserve Park where there are two lakes and a river. These lakes are for special species inhabitant. Happily enjoying my walk around the lakes and then we proceed to Chamonix.

On the way to Chamonix and saw Carefour. We stopped for a while to do some shopping and walk into the centre of Chamonix. Looking for the tourists information centre and been told that it was too late to go for Aiguille de Midi as the last trip up to the mountains is 3.30 p.m. We have to come again tomorrow.

We walk and shop around the town centre of Chamonix, have our dinner at one of the Chinese restaurant and it cost 35.00 euro for the meal of two person. Back to the hotel at 9.00 p.m.

Place: Passy Plateau, Passy National Reserve Park and Chamonix.
Photos by: Robert Suen and Catherine Suen
Scored: 9 stars
Dated: 25th February 2013

A Misty day at Longdon, Staffordshire

2013-04-13T18:54:00.000-07:00

We drove through Lichfield to go to Longdon. Longdon is a small town with only 1 post office in the town. Driving through the one lane road with rolling fields on both sides. The temperature for the day is minus 5 with heavy fog covered around the areas.

We stopped at the one lane road to take some photos and then drove through the Longdon village. We missed the little town and came upon a pub where a canal is directly behind it.

We parked our car at the pub parking area and walk along the canal. It was amazing beautiful around the canal with some long tug boats parked at the side of the canal. The mist covered the surrounding but the water was still with perfect reflections on it.

I enjoyed a few peaceful and magical hours enjoying myself around this canal. Opposited the canal is a heathland but unfortunately I was unable to trek the heath due to it was late around 5.00 p.m. and soon the place was dark with heavy fog.

The canal look magical with the fog and the calm water was a bonus. This is not a famous or a local attraction place but the canal or where this water way leads to I have no ideas. Sitting and enjoying the serenity of this place and the only passerby were the locals taking their dogs for a walk.

Place: Longdon, Lichfield
Photos by: Catherine Suen
Dated: 10th January 2013
Scored for the Place: 5 stars

Travelling to Geneva - Day 1 on 24/2

2013-03-30T12:00:00.003-07:00

My first trip to Geneva. Drove our car to the Trent Valley and leave our car at the garage for a change of cam belt and back on Thursday to pick the car from there.

I didn't booked the train tickets in advance and it was more expensive to buy the tickets at the station. Tickets to and fro to Birmingham International cost 25.40 gbp for 2 persons at the internet. We bought the tickets for 2 persons one way cost 16.00 gbp.

Reached the New Street station and went to the Chinatown for a meal and then took the train to Birmingham International. Arrived at the departure area and it was easy we can just check in without any problem as Easyjet don't have any problem with overseas passport.

Reached Geneva Airport at 6.30 p.m. and took an hour to pick the rental car. Wow! amazingly we were given a new Audi A3 model car as we paid for a cheaper model which cost us 170.00 gbp for 5 days and that included extra insurance coverage.

We booked the hotel room at Passy, France. It took us one and half hours drive to reach the hotel. The hotel is almost near to the mountains where the Passy plateau just a few miles away from the hotel. The scenic view to the hotel is amazing beautiful and the mountains right in front of the hotel. Checked into our room and there is a balcony where we can view the valley and the mountains.

The 2 stars Hotel le Tourisme is clean and need a door code to access the entrance of the hotel. The snakelike roads leading to the hotel are so cool. The charges for the room 3 night at 102.50 gbp. The extras charges such as wifi, city tax and breakfast are not included. The room is big and clean as we arrived here after 19.00 so we need to contact the owner for them to wait for us. We were given an entrance code to key in if we are back later than 9.00 p.m.

The beauty of the French Alps are amazing and can't wait to explore it the next day. Our dinner tonight will be char Sui Paw (roast pork bun) and Chinese donut which bought from the Chinatown. It is snowing at the moment and can't stop myself peeking through the window to look at the grand view of Passy. Tonight will rest early and start my trekking into the Passy plateau in the early morning. Hotel le Tourisme is a bit out of the way even with the local bus it is best to drive if not, this hotel is not recommended.

Place: Passy, France

Date: 24/2.2013

Scored: 9 Stars

Photo By: Catherine Suen and Robert Suen.

This is Stephen's Story

2013-03-14T12:05:00.001-07:00

Today my blogging is not all about my travel but on this charity fundraising which I am helping with Stephen's cause. Stephen is my daughter, Trixiebella high school classmate and during these 3 years every teenagers enjoying life and easy free life styles living but not for this young man, he is fighting his life with cancer.

I have been busy trying to get some company to do cheaper printing of photos for me so that I can donate for his cause and will be donating 10 photos for him so that he can auction in his one of the wanted to do list that is ballroom dinner. Also there is another British photographer, Ashley Vincent whom donated one of his photo for this cause. Ashley is a professional wildlife photograher whom is now living in Thailand and he is the winner of the prestigious Grand Prize Winner of the 2013 National Geographic Photo Contest. His portfolio are at the following link:
http://www.NatureImpression.smugmug.com http://www.500px.com
and http://www.facebook.com/natureimpressions
to view his stunning and amazing beautiful works.

Here is the Stephen's Story.

Stephen is a 18 years old and in the last 3 years he have been fighting cancer in his bowel, leg and pelvis. He have had to undergo surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy. Medical opinion has ranged from him requiring an amputation to now instead being incurable. He is facing a very uncertain, and probably very limited future.

Originally Stephen all he ever wanted to do was study hard and make a difference to the world by becoming a doctor, however in light of his circumstances he decided to be more pragmatic with his time.

This involve utilizing as many short term opportunities as possible to enrich his own life experience and most importantly to try and improve lives of others by fundraising and raising awareness of cancer in teenagers and young adults.

He had 46 items of wanted to do list before this cancer took over his life. He had completed half of the wanted to do list now. He also have hit his target of 10,000 gbp for his cause of raising awareness of cancer in teenagers and young adults. Now he is going for another higher target of 50,000 gbp for his cause of fundraising and if anyone want interested or wanted to do a little to help his cause then here is the link to his Justgiving fundraising page. It also included on the page a write up why he have decided to raise funds for Teenage Cancer Trust:
https://www.justgiving.com/Stephen-Sutton-TCT

Photo: Supplied by Catherine Suen and Robert Suen
Dated: 14.3.2013

Strolling at Lichfield City, England

2013-03-07T08:02:00.001-08:00

We live about 5 miles away from Lichfield city. This city is old and new buildings mix together little city. Strolling around this city and can find the oldest Lichfield Cathedral where the royal families come for regular visit to this church.

There is the market which held on every Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday in the central of the city. Unfortunately, at this moment due to economic downturn there were lot of empty shops in this city due to high rentals and council taxes to survive in this city.

The church is also known as Three Spiral Church as the last 3 remain in England. There is a park near this church and a beautiful lake surrounding it. During the autumn time when the trees turn to different colors and this city brighten up by the colorful trees. In spring, the Beacon Park with acres of rolling fields for children and adult for golf games and footballs and there even a children playground. This park is open whole year round for the locals to visit and enjoy themselves around at this park.

We often visit this city for shopping for household items and foods but due to lot of the local business have closed down and leaving empty shops around the city. The locals living near or around here have to go into Birmingham City to get some of the high street goodies. The council trying to keep the city with activities and hope to woo more tourists and locals into this sleeping city as the tourists from overseas or other cities comes to visit the Lichfield Cathedral and then they able enjoy the stroll in the city with a cup of tea.

Normally, I go shopping around this little city but nowaday, I just bought my camera and strolled at the park and enjoy myself taking some photos of the beautiful scene around and near the lake at Beacon Park.

Place: Lichfield city
Scored: 3 stars
Photos: Supplied by Catherine Suen
Dated: 19.2.2013

Trekking at Castle Ring, Cannock

2013-02-21T18:21:00.001-08:00

It has been snowing heavily in our area which there was an amber alert for it. We were snow in but the winter scene was harsh and amazingly beautiful. Children and adults took this opportunities to sliding on the snow. I took this opportunity to go trekking at the Castle Ring.

We have been to the Beaudesert Park, unfortunately this park is a private park for scouts only. We have enjoyed ourselves walking in this park till the park warden told us off for trespass. We have been told off to leave the property immediately but our car was stalled due to we have forgotten to switch off the lights. It was out of battery and the staff from the park help us to recharge the car so that we can leave the property.

Been told by the warden that any photos from this park must be removed and not be used. After left this park we drove to Castle Ring which is just next to this park. Castle Ring is an Iron Age hill fort and surrounding with wooded forest. Castle Ring is situated at the edge of Cannock Chase, Staffordshire.

Castle Ring is in the village of Cannock Wood, England. The perimeter earthworks of the Iron Age hill fort is still visible but the ground in the ring have been ploughed. This place might have been occupied by the Celtic Cornovil

Castle Ring lies on the heart of England way. It is the highest point in Cannock Chase about 800 feet. We walk around the fort but there wasn't much to be seen in this fort so we trek into the forest. Trekking into few inches of snow and trying to find the lakes in the forest. We can't find any sign board or trail to lead us to the lake.

After about an hour trekking aimlessly into the forest and decided to turn back to the car park. We met a couple with their dog and they happily lead us to one of the lake. We enjoyed ourselves around the frozen lake and the couple gave us some directions for us to go back to the car park.

As the day darken we were lost in the forest and trying to find a way out. Trekking up the hills but no locals out with their dogs walking to ask for directions. So we have to trekked up the hills and hope to find a walking trail to lead us back to the car park at the Castle Ring. After trekking about two hours we finally heard the sounds of children and adults enjoying their times playing in the snow. We were so happy that finally we have managed to find the correct trail back to the Castle Ring as it was getting darker in the forest.

It was freezing cold in the harsh wooded forest and everywhere have been covered by several inches of snow. We can't walk any faster because the snow but at least we have some chocolate bars and cold drink for these few hours trekking into the forest and the hills.

We have an enjoyable day at this wooded forest but will come again as this place is full of rolling hills and fields.

Place: Castle Ring, Connack
Photos by: Catherine Suen
Scored: 5 stars
Dated: 24.01.2013

A visit to Penkridge, Cannock.

2013-02-04T17:32:00.000-08:00

Due to the cold weather in the winter, I can't go anywhere too far where my old car won't be able to take the icy roads. Penkridge is a small village town near Cannock. Penkridge is a market town or market village. The town name is from the River Penk.

This small village is near to Cannock and Stafford. When drove through this village to visit the market we were surprised that the market is near the railway bridge and there is a church directly behind the market place. This market is only open on Wednesday and Saturday.

It is near to the Cannock Chase and Birches Village Forest. Driving through this beautiful village, the village pub where there was a canal in front of the pub. Single car roads leading through the rolling fields make this quiet village even more beautiful.

We had bypass the market place but luckily I saw the arch bridge for the train over a river. We turnaround back to this market place with free parking. Wandering along the river and trying to find another trek to go over the bridge but it seen they were all fenced up.

We had a beautiful sunset over the bridge but didn't get any photo of this view. So we drove by and follow a dirt road which lead to the private farmhouse right on top of the hill. This small village is so beautiful and it worth a visit.

Place: Penkridge
Scored: 3 stars
Photo : By Catherine Suen
Dated: 9th January 2013

Walking at The Chase Golf, Health Club and Spa

2013-01-24T19:02:00.001-08:00

We sent our daughter, Verity to Stafford train station early in the morning around 6.30 a.m. to catch the 7.00 p.m. train. After she reached the train station we drove back home. On our way home we came across the Chase Golf, Health Club & Spa. We were able to drive into the car park so my husband can stay in the car to sleep.

We have a frosty day and the temperature was minus 6 degrees for the last 2 days. With the morning sun shinning around the rolling fields and was surprised to find that there were lot of golfers were at this club to play the early first round of golf. There are 2 lakes at this place and plenty of beautiful landscape grounds for the golfers to enjoy their games. To join the membership to play at this club is £6.27 per week.

There is a main restaurant, sauna, aroma crystal steam room, Ice therapy and gym with the latest equipments. To be the member of the club is £19.99 per month. The main hall in hotel can be catered for wedding and conference.

I didn't spend my time indoor and neither am I playing golf but had an enjoyable 3 to 4 hours walking around the grounds in this place. It was amazing that all the trees, grasses and lakes were frozen due to the cold weather. A crispy frosty shinning day with the sun shinning down on the rolling fields.

I am amazed that I am not been kicked out of this place without permit. I am surprised that had an enjoyable few hours walking around and taking photos of this beautiful beauty spot. Also this spa situated near to Stafford and Penkridge. Would recommend to anyone whom are keen in health, spa and golf this is the best place to go for it.

Place: The Chase golf, Health club & Spa
Scored: 7 stars
Photo: by Catherine Suen
Dated: 11/12/2012

A day at Pillaton Hall Farm for coarse fishing

2013-01-08T21:53:00.000-08:00

Packed and ready to visit Penkridge which is a beautiful country town. Driving through Cannock and suddenly the winter sun was going down. So my husband tried to find a spot where we can parked our car. Drove through an industrial parking lot and then we saw the sign showing this place is known as Pillaton Hall Farm.

We have never come here before and the surrounding farms are so beautiful. So I went to took some photos of this place and tried to ask one of the worker how to go into the Pillaton Hall Farm as they are closed in winter and open in Spring, Summer and Autumn times. Been told that we can go through the gate and walk along the path which lead to the pools.

So we parked our car at the industrial factory car park and follow the path which there is a locked gate to stop passerby walk in without permit. The Pillaton Hall Farm provide a breathtaking views of Cannock Chase and also a backdrop for camping and coarse fishing in Staffordshire.

The campsite has four coarse fishing pools. Ten acres site dedicate to hosting fantastic weekends for all family. The farm has four well stocked with quality fish for coarse fishing and a family friendly campsite.

The entrance fee for caravan without electric is 15.00 gbp and 20.00 gbp with electric hookup. This campsite with well updated toilets and safety site for children playground. Not far from this farm there is a golf park which about 10 minutes away and 500 acres of Cannock Chase for trekking or hiking that is nearby to this farm.

We were so lucky that the staff whom looking after this campsite didn't chase us away as we didn't have any permit and instead he show us the beautiful pools with electric water fountains on. Amazing and well maintain parkland with pools what more do we need with such a peaceful, serene and magical surroundings to fish and camp.

Place: Pillation Hall Farm for coarse fishing and camping
Scored: 7 stars
Photos: by Catherine Suen
Dated: 29/12/2012

Reviewing my works in 2012

2012-12-30T19:54:00.002-08:00

This one year I have spent times to upgrade myself by learning more photography skills and photoshop. Luckily, for my photography at least I can see some improvement in my works but not for photoshop as it is a long process for me to learn.

The bad new is that I have not hit my target of 10,000 readers in bloggers as my daughter set the target for me to reach in 2012. I am happy that at least I have reached 9,000 plus readers so it is not a bad achievement.

In my 2012, I have my first photo published in a book to aid the water grant even though it is not a big deal but I am happy that at least I can do a little bit to help those in need in India.

In year 2013, the charity group where 127 plus photographers have join and they are going to do at least a few more books to aid other charities. So I will be more busy than year 2012 but will carry with my travel dairy blogger to write more on my travels.

At least in 2012, I have crawl out of my shell, and joined a few on line website such as google+, 500px, Flickr, Pixoto and Deviantart and meet lot of great photographers and become friends from all these networks. With their help and supports that help improving my skills within a year. There is still a long way for me to learn and plenty of rooms for improvement in 2013.

Wish all my friends and readers ~~ A Happy 2013 New Year ~~ Enjoy a Prosperous 2013. Cheers! Cheers! Cheers! My friends and welcome 2013.....

Day Trips to Kent University on 5/12/12

2012-12-27T17:37:00.002-08:00

My daughter has a interview at Kent University on 5/12 so I had booked a hotel room at The Inn on the Lake which cost £49.50 gbp for a standard room. We left home a day early and it took us about four hours to reach the hotel. It was about 5.00 p.m. when we checked in so we took a rest for two hours and went out for dinner. I had accidentally booked the night at the hotel about half an hour away from the university. We went to dinner at Gravesend Town Centre. Had an Italian dinner and then we have a little walk at the town but there was nothing much to see in this little town so drove back to the hotel.

As Trixie's university appointment tour start at 10.00 a.m. and we must leave at around 9.00 a.m. to reach the university. As usual I woke around 6.30 a.m. and ready to take some early morning photos of the lakes surrounding this hotel and the natural reserve park that near the hotel. Unfortunately, we have a snow storm early in the morning which created chaos to the nearby airports in London, railways and motorways. I can't go any where further due to the heavy snow storm.

Thanks to one of the staff, whom showed me the way to the hall where it leaded to the lakes and I am able to stay in the hall instead of getting totally wet. I stayed for two hours to take some photos but due to the heavy snow storm so I didn't manage to trek to the natural reserve park. Went back to the room to let Trixie know that it was snowing heavily and we need to make an early start in case there was difficulty to reach the university in time for the appointment.

After Trixie and my husband had their breakfast we drove to Kent University and it took us about half an hour to reach the university. We were able to park our car at the Historic Dockyard car park at Chatham. We went to the students' gallery which is directly opposite to the car park. After handed over the portfolio of Trixie's works then we walk all the way to the University where the talks and tour will be conducted by the lecturers and students. After the talk we went to get some lunch and then Trixie's went to attend her interview and tour and we will wait at the car park for her.

We slept in the car for 3 hours and while waiting for Trixie to be back so I venture out around this Historic Dockyard. This is a beautiful place where there is a lake directly in front of the students' galleries/workshop. Luckily, the sun came out and no longer snowing anymore. Enjoying myself taking photos around the lake and met an old artist enjoying himself with a remote control of a 70 years old sail boat which had been left by his father.

He told me the history of this docks where there were 3 lakes and one river but the government have drained the two lakes and make it to lands for car parks and buildings.

Chatham Historic Dockyard is a maritime museum on part of the site of former royal/naval dockyard at Chatham.

Chatham Dockyard covered 400 acres (1.6 km²) and was one of the Royal Navy's main facilities for several hundred years until it was closed in 1984. After closure the dockyard was divided into three sections. The easternmost basin was handed over to Medway Ports and is now a commercial port. Another slice was converted into a mixed commercial, residential and leisure development. 80 acres (324,000 m²), comprising the 18th century core of the site, was transferred to a charity called the Chatham Historic Dockyard Trust and is now open as a visitor attraction. It claims to be the world’s most complete dockyard of the Age of Sail.

We had waited till about 4.00 p.m. and we still haven't see Trixie. We were getting panic and went around to the university twice, trying to find her but unfortunately, we had no ideas where she was. We had drove around the university and then went back to the car park as been told by the staff that the student will get their portfolio back at the students' gallery/workshop. We drove back to the car park at the Historic Dockyard again and hopefully she will be able to find us there. It was so dark around 5.00 p.m. and we waited for another half hour and she was out with a group of students. I had no ideas that their tour and interview was for one whole day.

We drove to London Leicester Square for our dinner. Enjoyed ourselves with the roast duck noodle and rice. We took a stroll at the Lesicester Square but we didn't linger long as we had another 3 hours journey to drive back home. On our way, we by passed Oxford street and the Christmas decorations were so beautiful. The traffic in London was horrible, it was a long traffic jam and it took us one and half hour to get out of Central London.

Finally after four hours of driving we reached home around 2.00 a.m. in the morning. It was a long journey to travel by car to Kent but at least the petrol cost around £60.00 gbp for to and fro from Kent. It was cheaper to travel by car than by train as train ticket cost £80.00 gbp per person and by coach £40.00 gbp per person. As for food, we spent about £50.00 gbp dinner for 3 persons at the Italian restaurant on the first night but it only cost us £24.00 gbp for 3 persons at the Chinese restaurant in China Town. There is a congestion zone charge of £10.00 gbp in the Central London.

Kent is a beautiful city but we did not have times for sight-seeing. Trixie has been accepted by Kent's University and it now have to wait till her final "A" exam and if she can score the 1 x A and 2 x B there will be a place for her in this university. I love this university for the art students' workplace/shop which surrounded by a lake and the students can use the maritime museum facilities to create their works also.

Place: The Inn on The Lake, Shorne, Gravesend, Kent University, Chatham, Historic Dockyard, Chatham, Lescester Street, London and Oxford.
Scored: 7 stars
Dated: 4/12 and 5/12/12
Photo by: Catherine Suen

Merry Christmas

2012-12-24T07:45:00.002-08:00

A Merry Christmas to all my friends, relatives and readers whom following my blogging. Happy Christmas and enjoying a lovely times with your families.

Attending a photographic lesson at Chase Terrace College

2012-12-20T19:42:00.001-08:00

(Note: The above photography is taken and process by Trixiebella Suen and it is not my work.)

My daughter is taking her "A" level in Chase Terrace Technology College for her final year. Her courses for the AS exam are art, photography and business. I had attended their school arts exhibition and some of the students works are amazing. The standard of works are higher than their level of school year. Unfortunately, during this exhibition the spaces for the arts works displays were quite small and cramp to display 2 years of students' art works.

I had never enjoyed myself in the art's exhibition a year before as I found the students works more on repetitions or too similar to each other works. This year I found that I really enjoy myself with the students works and ideas. Some of the students works are awesome and amazing high standard. Most of all there aren't so many repetitions of same ideas of art works produced by the different students. This exhibitions even been published in the local newspapers twice, which I am not surprise as their works are higher than their level.

To my knowledge that during my daughter 'O' level final year, the art teacher resigned and came a new teacher whom was Mr Marinkovic. When Mr Marinkovic came to teach them the last term of the year, all the course works for the year were to be dumped away and restarted from beginning as he doesn't like any of the works been produced. Trixiebella achieved a "B" for her art in "O" level and I happy for her as she expected to get a "C" with her previous art teacher.

During her "AS" level, Trixie got "A" for her art and photography and "B" for business. I am trying to understand why and how this teacher able to help the students produced such a high standard level of achievements. I asked my daughter to ask Mr Marinkovic to let me attend a lesson on how he teach and guide the students throughout their lesson. Thank to Mr Marinkovic and I am allowed to stay and see how they work in the classroom.

My daughter required 4 to 5 piece of logs and it needed about 4 to 5 ft tall. So I went round the to the wood cutters to get these for her course work. After we got the logs we have to burn the both the top and bottom end. These logs then sent to the school on Tuesday whom Mr Marinkovic help to move these to the classroom then he used nails to hammered the log onto a piece of flat board.

On Thursday, we went to fetch my daughter's friend Beth as she will model for her in this photo shoot. Trixie staying at the classroom to set out all the equipments for this photo shoot. The classroom became a small studio with the standard equipments which was soft box, lighting and black canvas. Camera ready on the tripod and waiting for us. Trixie took a few shoots of her model to get the correct lighting and focus.

After that, Beth was requested to change into a black dress and Trixie started on her makeup and doing her hair styling to suit her shooting. It about half an hour to makeup and styling her hair. Then Trixie started to take photo of her model and requesting the movements and posing which she needed for her photo shots.

Mr Marinkovic came in to check on her work progress and help her by giving some new tips or ideas on the posing or change of lighting and additional makeup to put on the model. While Trixie was taking the photo and doing the makeup for the model, the teacher had another student in another classroom taking photo shoot where he needed to help and monitoring their progress.

(Note: The above photography is taken and process by Trixiebella Suen and it is not my work.)

The photo shoot only took about 20 minutes each but the makeup and styling of hair took about one and half hours. The times spent on back stage work were longer than the actual shooting. Then after all the shooting Trixie had to pack up all the equipments and re-arrange the tables and chairs for the classroom.

In this lesson, I learn that the students not only take photos but make photos. The students ideas were explained to the teacher on how they want their work to be produced and the teacher will help them by giving tips and techniques to help them make the best photos and artworks.

Finished with the photos shoot we went out for our dinner and sent Beth home. After these photos taken Trixie needed to do the final process which involved in photoshop to put layers and layers of different lighting and work on the photos so to make this into another artwork and not just a simple portrait photos.

I have learn a lot from this lesson. The following are points of what I have learn so far.

1.   Students are teach not only take photo but to make photo.

2.    Students are encourage to develop their ideas into work of arts even with pros or cons. Sourcing the pros and cons plus the black stage works are to be done by the students.

3.    Students works or photos must tell their own story and not just composition as we take photos of landscapes.

4.    Makeup artists works also the students' work.

Thanks to Mr Marinkovic for this opportunity and I have learn a lot to improve my skills of photography after attending this valuable lesson. There is also some good new that when we visited the exhibition and lot of visitors wanted to buy the students' artworks but the school can't sell them but now they allow any visitors or parents whom interested to buy the artworks from the students. The commission will be given to the students after deducting out the cost of printing and administration charges

Place: Chase Terrace Technology College
Model: Beth
Scored: 9 stars
Photo by: Catherine and Trixiebella Suen