Spinach + Olive | Blog

Tiny House Getaway

noreply@blogger.com (Spinach+Olive) — Fri, 29 Jan 2021 07:05:00 +0000

While most of us would rather forget 2020 and spent much of the year cooped up at home, back in October 2020, when things were slowly returning to normal due to easing of restrictions, I, along with two friends headed out for a much awaited and much needed getaway.

Tiny House

Our home away from home for the three day trip was the Tiny House – what looks to be a repurposed shipping container, but don't be fooled by its stature, not only is it self sufficient but it has all the things you may need for a comfy stay. The Tiny House is located in O'Connell, about three hours drive outside of Sydney, to get to the house itself you must manoeuvre down a narrow, bumpy (if not in a 4WD) dirt road, but once there you are surrounded by nature; with views to the nearby lake and sunsets over the hills beyond. We had the place to ourselves, secluded, tranquil and surrounded by nature, but best of all to see the sun descend over the hills was truly magical!

Sunset at the Tiny House

View from the Tiny House

To spend time with friends, enjoying simple food under the stars, toasting marshmallows over the bonfire and waking up to the sight of Kangaroos was exactly what I needed, after spending almost eight months working from home. But that wasn't all we did.

Our road trip took us to Orange via Bathurst, where we hopped out for a quick snap of the famous race course, unfortunately the track was closed to the public as it was the weekend before the Bathurst 1000. Once at Orange, we decided the best way to spend the afternoon was to head to Mt Canobolas, the highest mountain in the region and take a leisurely hike up to Pinnacle Lookout for stunning views of the city below. Though we were short on time for some wine tasting, we weren't about to leave Orange without paying a visit to the local bakery Racine Bakery for some goodies and a visit to The Sonic to pick out some gifts.

On our last day, we spent the entire day exploring the vast grounds of Mayfield Garden in Oberon, and this time I got to see the private garden and worked our way through the maze. No matter which season you choose to visit, it is always full of colour, but especially during September-October, the golden canola fields in the distance provide the perfect backdrop for any photo. If you've never been to Mayfield Garden, it is definitely worth a visit!

A Sea of Yellow

Tip:

- If you've got some extra time, pay a visit to Millthorpe, a historic, heritage-listed village with plenty of personality.

This was my ONLY trip for 2020, how have you coped with 2020? I know for some of you, lockdowns and/or tough restrictions are still part of daily life, and who knows how 2021 will unfold, but to be in the company of friends and family, be it physically or via the internet can give us much needed love and support during these trying times. Stay well!

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2020 – A Year of Reading

noreply@blogger.com (Spinach+Olive) — Fri, 29 Jan 2021 00:39:00 +0000

In my post titled 2017 – Reading List, I had quite the plan to read all those books. However, regretfully and I'm rather embarrassed to admit it, I only finished The Trial by Franz Kafka and for the past two years, hmm, I probably only read two books. Yep. I'm sure you've all heard the excuses – work got the better of me, didn't have time, just too tired etc, that pretty much was the past two years for me. Apart from work, I wasn't motivated at all to do anything else, instead I passed my time watching Youtube videos.

Sure, videos are entertaining but I realised it was a completely unproductive way to spend my free time and I often returned to work still stressed and not in a good mood. Something had to be done! I know I can do it because I've done it before, when I dedicated time to reading I end up reading over a dozen books in a year, and it is only through reading that I'm truly able to de-stress and take my mind off things.

Since most of us have been cooped up at home for the good part of 2020, it is all the more reason to get back into reading. So, picking up where I left off, I'm thrilled to be sharing with you my 2020 reading list; a list of books I've actually read during the year.

The Help – Kathryn Stockett

The scene is 1962, Mississippi. Where segregation is part of the norm, and where black maids look after white children. It took me a while to get stuck into this book because it took a while to establish each character's storyline; each maid's relationship with their white employers as well as the relationship among the white women themselves. But as the story progressed, I felt compelled and absorbed by the women's stories and their courage.

♥ Wild Swan – Jung Chang

I put off this book for a long time, perhaps because I've heard stories from my family members about the suffering and turmoil they've experienced and witnessed during that chaotic period in China's modern history. This is a thought-provoking and heart-wrenching book. ever more so as it is told through the eyes of the author – the countless horrors and hardships experienced by her and her family is a reflection of the social and political climate under Mao. It is difficult to imagine let alone comprehend some of the events described in the book, which makes this book even more worthwhile reading.

Crime and Punishment – Fyodor Dostoevsky

This wasn't the easiest to book to read, reasons being that there are quite a few characters, each with their own back story, their names weren't the easiest to remember and their relationship with one another, and most importantly with the protagonist Raskolnikov weren't apparent at first. The book is an exploration of humanity, psychology and nihilism through the eyes of Raskolnikov, who is a proud young man and despite his own destitution has a general disdain for those around him. It's focus is not on the actual act of murder, nor the eventual punishment but what lies in between, as we witness Raskolnikov's decent into delirium, fear, despair and torment. Another character I found quite interesting is Svidrigailov, whom in Raskolnikov's eyes is a villain and yet his final moments in the book to me is one of the highlights.

♥ Call Me By Your Name – André Aciman

I must admit this has been sitting in my one day pile for a while, cannot believe I put off reading this book for so long. It can be described as a coming of age romance between the precocious 17 year old Elio and his deepening desires for the American doctoral student during an Italian summer, which goes on to have profound impacts on their lives. The story is told through Elio's eyes and captures the heady desires, sexual angst and endless self doubts typical of a blossoming romance, but more importantly through the beauty and intensity of their dialogue, what we got to share is the intimacy between the two main characters and the heartbreaking knowledge that despite their love, they were both unprepared and that their lives were never on the same trajectory. The movie is just as beautiful and I could spend hours talking about it, it is a must watch!

Find Me – André Aciman

I dived straight into this sequel and like many of you I'm sure; I just couldn't wait to find out what happened to Elio and Oliver. But much of this book is centred on Elio's father, Samuel – his new life and love with a much younger woman, and I was left more than a little confused since not much was said about his separation from his now ex-wife, and I wasn't aware of any underlying marriage issues in the first book, so the story felt disjointed right from the beginning. Though you now have a deeper understanding of Elio's father, but that's not what I was after. It really isn't til the latter half of the book that we get introduced to Elio, now as a young man and his burgeoning relationship with an older man, whom he met at a concert. The last and shortest chapter in the book finally introduces Oliver, who is now in love with some other people. So I read through this entire book, hoping for a glimpse of Elio and Oliver, not asking for a happy ending but a further exploration / development to their story but I felt I was reading three compartmentalised stories with little of the chemistry and captivating desire we got a taste of in the first book. It will be interesting to see the movie adaption though.

♥ Brokeback Mountain – Annie Proulx

This short story surrounding the life long love between the two protagonists, Jack Twist and Ennis Del Mar is complex, captivating and emotional, it is set between 1960s-1980s and captures the social attitudes towards cowboys, homosexuality and homophobia of the time. The atmosphere throughout the entire book is restrained, if not repressed, especially Ennis as he struggles to come to terms with his sexuality, his feelings for Jack and at the same time upholding society's expectations of masculinity. Jack, on the other hand is accepting of his sexuality, yet at the same time is trapped; trapped because he is unable to forget Ennis, trapped because if anyone suspects them, it would mean certain death. If you don't read the book, at least watch the movie, it's a must in my books.

The Sorrows of Young Werther – Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

This short novel is said to have influenced the Romantic movement and even Bonaparte himself took the book with him on his campaign, and if I remember correctly it was referenced in André Aciman's Call Me By Your Name. I must admit, I'm a little disappointed and not quite sure what to make of the book. It read unlike a tale of unrequited love but like one's infatuation and utter decent into delusion, depression and ultimately death. Werther's passion for Charlotte to me was unconvincing and thus his mood swings was unrelatable. It is more a story about Werther's decent into madness due to his unhealthy obsession over Charlotte, which makes the story somewhat tragic but a modern audience may find it hard to comprehend Werther's state of mind.

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So that wraps up my reading for 2020, not an extensive collection by any means but a step in the right direction. In 2021, I intend to set aside a little time each night for some reading, what yourselves?

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The Australian Botanic Garden | Mt Annan

noreply@blogger.com (Spinach+Olive) — Mon, 07 Oct 2019 07:11:00 +0000

Hello hello! I know, it has been a while; eight months since my last post to be exact. Times flies, as they say when you're having fun, but to be honest, I haven't been up to anything much during my hiatus, anyway enough about that.

The visit to The Australian Botanic Garden – Mt Annan was a bit of an impromptu one, as I wondered where to spend the October long weekend. I didn't want to go somewhere too far, and since the WA paper daisies were in bloom at the garden, which was only about an hour's drive away, well why not? To err on the side of caution though, I got there about 10am to avoid the long weekend crowd, find parking and also time to find some good photo spots!

Western Australian Paper Daisies

The spring daisy display is located near the visitor centre, by the time I arrived there were already a few small groups scattered amongst the display, taking their best IG shots. Entry is free, so if you want to get an IG worthy photo, make sure to be there as early as possible. Unfortunately, there were also areas where the daisies have been trampled, it's not hard to guess why. I know these days we all like to get that IG shot, but it is also important to respect the work of others; a lot of work has gone into the paper daisy display, so respect it by not standing in the garden bed, so it can be left for all to enjoy.

Bloom en masse

Paper Daisies in black and white

There is still a few weeks left to catch sight of the blooms, the display is till the end of October.

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Great Ocean Road #2 | 12 Apostles

noreply@blogger.com (Spinach+Olive) — Sun, 17 Feb 2019 10:30:00 +0000

Having spent the night in Port Campbell, we were right on the doorstep of Port Campbell National Park and the world renowned 12 Apostles. I was excited to see the towering limestones stacks once again, even though there are only about seven or eight of them remaining due to erosion, but they are still a magnificent sight to behold.

It is also worth getting to the 12 Apostles early to avoid large crowds and find the best photo spots and whilst you're in the national park, you're also just a short drive from other natural attractions such as, Loch Ard Gorge, Tom and Eva Lookout, Bay of Islands and more, so allow at least half a day to enjoy them at leisure.

Limestone stacks of the 12 Apostles

12 Apostles

Gibson Steps is also well worth a visit, just a 2min drive from the 12 Apostles, the vast stretch of beach is open to the full brunt of the Southern Ocean with stunning views towards the limestone stacks of the 12 Apostles. The steps were carved into the cliff face by early settler Hugh Gibson, whose homestead, coincidently offered refuge to Loch Ard George shipwreck survivors Tom and Eva. Speaking of Loch Ard Gorge, it is 3 minutes drive west of the 12 Apostles and the site of the above-mentioned shipwreck. The small bay is especially tranquil, a direct contrast against the windswept shore of Gibson Steps Beach, the water is exceptionally blue here and the surrounding sandstone cliff faces are a warm, golden sand, like a scene out of a movie.

Gibson Steps Beach

Loch Ard Gorge

Tom and Eva Lookout is a lookout named after the two shipwreck survivors mentioned above, and the Razorback, another limestone formation in the vicinity has been withered to form a sharp, jagged ridgeline. In fact, signs of erosion are commonplace, sights like London Bridge once had a central arch but today the midsection has collapsed.

Tom and Eva Lookout

London Bridge

I'm sure there are places that I've missed, hidden gems as there is just so much worth seeing in Port Campbell National Park, but I definitely saw a lot more than my first trip more than a decade ago and crossed off many things on my to-do list. We left in the afternoon filled with wonderful memories and mesmerised by the beauty of the natural landscape. What are some of your favourite lookouts in Port Campbell?

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Great Ocean Road #1 | Lorne to Port Campbell

noreply@blogger.com (Spinach+Olive) — Sun, 27 Jan 2019 10:11:00 +0000

The Great Ocean Road is probably on many people's bucket list and it certainly has been on mine for a long time. Since my aim is to travel more domestically, it was the opportunity to cross this one off my list – finally!

My first visit to the 12 Apostles was when I was a teen and that was about it. But in actual fact, there are so many more sights to explore in Port Campbell and along the Great Ocean Road, so if you're thinking of taking the #GOR road trip, take the opportunity to explore as many places as time permits, you won't be disappointed. Below are just some of the places I thoroughly enjoyed along the drive.

Lorne – Apollo Bay

We started the trip from Avalon Airport, passing through Torquay, Anglesea, Aireys Inlet before making our first stop at Lorne, a popular surfing spot and where the Memorial Arch marks the official beginning of the GOR and a must stop for a memorial snapshot. The weather wasn't the best, by the time we reached Teddy's Lookout it had started sprinkling, then as we reached Lorne Pier I had to make a dash in the pouring rain with my camera to take some quick shots of the pier, I guess it all goes to make a moody shot.

Teddy's Lookout

Lorne Pier, in the rain

This part of the GOR to Apollo Bay is perhaps one of the most scenic drives, as you wind your way along the coast with the vast ocean on one side and the Great Otway National Park on the other, definitely a drive to remember! Our next stop was Apollo Bay, and a short drive to our next lookout – Marriner's Lookout. From the carpark, it is a rather steep 15mins walk to the top, but we were rewarded with panoramic views of Apollo Bay below, though there was still a light drizzle, but it meant we had the place to ourselves, plenty of time to take in the stunning view. That's what is also fantastic about the GOR, there are many places along the route that are beautiful yet quiet and free from tourist groups.

View of Apollo Bay from Marriner's Lookout

From Apollo Bay, we made a detour to the Californian Redwood Forest, about an hour's drive inland on windy, narrow, unsealed roads. We weren't too sure what to expect as the weather weren't exactly in our favour, but it turned out to be one of the highlights of the trip. I'm don't know about you, but I love discovering places that aren't necessarily postcard destinations/sights, often they are a little more secluded, quiet yet just as beautiful, and this place was exactly that!

There was a light, misty rain as we entered the forest, which made the whole surrounding even more atmospheric and magical – like a scene out of a Grimm's fairy tale. We were alone, amongst the Redwoods, which all as tall as one could possibly tilt their head back.

Californian Redwoods

The first leg of the GOR for us ended at Port Campbell, the perfect place to rest the night as it is only a stone's throw away from the world-renowned 12 Apostles, well that'll be in the next post. There are just so many wonderful sights along the GOR, too many to capture in a single post, so stay tuned for more! In the meantime, what are some of your favourite road trips?

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Two Days Hong Kong Stopover Must See

noreply@blogger.com (Spinach+Olive) — Sun, 23 Sep 2018 01:35:00 +0000

A few days ago, when going through my photos I stumbled on photos taken when I was in Hong Kong. It was a short trip on my way back from Japan, I had only two full days but I managed to cross a few things off on my bucket list. So if you're thinking of a quick trip to the Pearl of the Orient or have a few days to spare, here are my must-sees!

The Peak

A trip to Hong Kong won't be complete without a visit to The Peak, and like any good tourist, I was well out the door before peak hour to allow plenty of travel time. Now, many would just take The Peak Tram but a Hong Kong colleague of mine suggested to take Bus 15 up and then the tram on the way down, not only to avoid large crowds but you also get a different experience. Oh, the benefits of knowing a local. As it turned out, I enjoyed the bus ride a lot more, though it took longer, you get to see more of the cityscape as it winds its way up and you also meet more locals, instead of just a car full of tourists. For me, this is the best way of seeing a city, instead of rushing from point A to point B, sometimes taking a slightly longer and less popular route can offer you a different experience.

Peak Circle Walk

Once you arrive, pay a quick visit to The Peak Tower and the circuit starts at Lugard Road near The Peak Tower. In the morning, the circuit had only a few locals going about their morning exercises, so most of the time I was left to enjoy the view all on my own, the whole loop took me no more than 1.5hr at a very relaxed pace, taking my time to enjoy the panoramic view, take photos and also rest from the humidity, even though it was May, it was rather warm compounded by high humidity, which made the air was quite sticky and visibility poor.

It is along this walk, you will see the iconic views of Victoria Harbour and beyond; skyscrapers and residential high-rises as far as the eye can see, all tightly packed together like matchsticks. It really dawned on me just how dense Hong Kong really is, and I thought Shanghai was crowded. On your way back, take a rest at the Lion Point View Pavilion where you can take in even more stunning views before the journey down. The early start definitely paid off, as the tram on my way down was almost empty yet the people lined up at the tram terminus below trying to get up overflowed onto the street outside.

Lugard Rd Lookout

View of Victoria Harbour from Lugard Rd Lookout

View from Lions Point Pavilion

Tip:
- If you're staying in Kowloon, you need to make your way to Hong Kong island first by taking the MTR
- You can catch Bus 15 which takes you to The Peak from the Exchange Square Terminus. Don't get confused with Bus 15C, which only takes you to the Peak Tram Lower Terminus.

Victoria Harbour

Symphony of Lights

This light show is something I've been hearing about long before my visit to Hong Kong, and so at around 7:30pm I made my way to the harbour on Kowloon side and as expected it was already crowded with visitors, all trying to find that perfect spot to view the show. Hong Kong's skyline is quite amazing as it is, yet seeing the buildings on Hong Kong Island light up with the fading light and all the hustle and bustle on the water, it is like signaling the start of the city's nightlife.

The wait felt like hours as everyone tried to find a good vantage point along the promenade outside the Hong Kong Cultural Centre, but before I knew it, it was all over in about 10mins but do stay behind for a bit till the crowd disperses.

Victoria Harbour

Before the show begins

The Big Buddha/Tian Tan

The Big Buddha or Tian Tan Buddha is in Ngong Ping, Lantau Island, I took the MTR to Tung Chung Station, then hopped on the cable car to Ngong Ping. Again, as one of the most popular attractions in Hong Kong, the lines for the cable car can get quite long, so make sure you get there as early as possible to avoid large crowds. Although there are buses available, the cable car offers you panoramic views and glimpses of the Big Buddha as you approach Ngong Ping.

Once you disembark, you arrive at Ngong Ping Piazza signified by its ornamental archway, follow the central walkway, also known as the Bohdi Path which will lead you to the Big Buddha. For a small fee, you can climb the 300 steps staircase to the base, where you can get a closer look at the Buddha and also sweeping views of the surrounding mountain. Like the Buddha in Kamakura, Tian Tan Buddha is also constructed out of bronze but has its right hand raised in a gesture to deliver blessings to all. The statue sits on 3 tier base which greatly resembles the structure at the Temple of Heaven in Beijing.

Ngong Ping Pai Lau

Tian Tan Buddha

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Four Days Aussie Outback Trip 2 | Kings Canyon

noreply@blogger.com (Spinach+Olive) — Sun, 05 Aug 2018 07:12:00 +0000

Following our adventures in Uluru, we made the 3hr drive to Kings Canyon and camped overnight at the Watarrka National Park (Kings Canyon). Though the facilities at the bush camp aren't as great as those at Uluru and had zero signal, it was actually a great way to switch off and get to know the rest of your campmates over the bonfire, marshmallows and a cuppa. To be honest, I had never heard of Kings Canyon prior to this trip and didn't know what to expect other than it was going to be the longest hike I've ever been on!

Kings Canyon Rim Walk

Again, it was a 5:30am rise in order to start the walk just before sunrise. The air was crisp and I was excited; yet I had some doubts about whether I was able to last the 6km walk, especially when the first obstacle to tackle on the walk was aptly named – Heart Attack Hill. yep and came equipped with a defibrillator up top too! But first, a little about Kings Canyon itself. The canyon formed as cracks in the sandstone walls eroded over millions of the years, leaving sheer rock faces towering almost 300m over the chasm below. The rugged, red sandstone rock formations is a stark contrast to the dense vegetation on the canyon floor, home to many local bush plants.

Heart Attack Hill

The photo above of Heart Attack Hill, taken with my Canon EFS 10-18mm ultra-wide angle lens fails to convey the actual steepness of the hill, as it makes things appear farther than they are when in actual fact, the hill comprises of around 500 steps that are cut into the rock face. Luckily, the ascent is broken into several sections, where there are rest areas for one to catch one's breath and also to take in the magnificent panoramic views. And what a view it was–looking down over the valley and seeing the sun creep slowly over the horizon, it was well worth it! Like our guide said, once over the hill, the rest was easy.

Sunrise over the canyon

Priscilla's crack

The walk is broken into several sections, each with its own unique landforms and vistas. Most Aussies would be familiar with the iconic movie Priscilla: Queen of the Desert and first up on the walk is what is known as Priscilla's Crack, a V-shaped formation made famous by scenes from the movie. The sandstone domes here tower above you shaped almost like giant hives, they are both eerie and magnificent in the cool morning light. Throughout the walk, our guide pointed out particular bush plants that were once used by the Aborigines for food and hunting purposes, and many take on rather sculptural forms.

Once you reach the rim, you're offered magnificent, panoramic views of the canyon and the grandeur of its sheer sandstone walls and the chasm beneath becomes apparent. I think this is the moment I've been waiting for, nothing can quite describe the feeling of seeing the canyon in its entirety as you walk from the north wall to the southern side. For some rest and snacks, we headed down to the waterhole, also known as the Garden of Eden, where a shady pool surrounded by sandstone walls and cycads offered us some well-needed rest before making our way back up and out.

Sandstone domes

The rim

Garden of Eden

What a way to end the trip! I must say, the Rim Walk was definitely one of the highlights and anyone with average fitness can tackle, just take it slow and take breaks when needed.

Tip:
- It can get quite windy during the walk, so bring a hat or beanie
- Make sure you have at least 2L of water for the Rim Walk
- The facilities at the bush camp aren't as good as those at Uluru, make sure you have all your things.

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Four Days Aussie Outback Trip | Uluru – Kata Tjuta

noreply@blogger.com (Spinach+Olive) — Sun, 08 Jul 2018 10:55:00 +0000

If you scroll through my travel posts, you will notice that they were mainly international destinations, such as Japan or China. This year, my travel goal was to see more of Australia, because there is just so much this country has to offer and like a lot of people, I was intrigued by the Martian-like landscape of the Aussie outback, and boy it certainly didn't disappoint! My friend and I opted for a four-day camping tour (both of us were not confident about driving), though the days were long and packed full of activities, it was all well worth the 5:30am starts!

Kata Tjuta/The Olgas

Our adventures began straight after meeting up with our guide outside Ayers Rock Airport, and it was a short drive to our first cultural landmark – Kata Tjuta (The Olgas), meaning 'many domes/heads' and like Uluru, it is a sacred site for the local Aboriginal Anangu people. There are many walks to choose from but since we arrived in the afternoon, we chose the Walpa Gorge Walk which is about 1hr, leaving us enough time to head to the Uluru sunset viewing area.

The walk itself is over rocky terrain which rises gently, it follows the natural creek between two of the tallest domes. In the afternoon light, the rugged sheer walls of the gorge was a deep ochre red and made for a dramatic photo composition. I was amazed at the abundance of vegetation at the base of the walls and just the vastness of the landscape. Luckily for us, the flies weren't much of a problem, however, if you're visiting during the warmer months, be prepared.

The Olgas

Rocky track of the Walpa Gorge

In between the domes

Uluru sunset/sunrise

The day ended with sunset viewing of Uluru while sipping on some chilled sparkling wine and munching on crackers and dips. It was an awe-inspiring sight; watching Uluru change with the fading light and surrounded in silence.

Uluru sunset viewing

But we were in for a treat the next morning as we got up well before dawn and headed out of camp at 6:30am to make it to the base of Uluru right before first light. The Kuniya Walk is around 1hr at a leisurely pace, starting at Kuniya Piti and ending at the Mala carpark. To witness sunrise over Uluru at such closeness, see it change from a deep reddish purple to a vibrant ochre as the sun slowly rises was truly a magical and rather spiritual experience. No wonder this place is famous for its spectacular sunrise and sunsets! This is a must!

Sunrise

Uluru at dawn

Uluru at sunrise

If you have time, I would also suggest taking the shorter Mala Walk, where you will see some of the sacred sites used by the Aboriginal people for ceremonies, teachings and food preparation. It is best to opt for a guide, this way you will not only learn about the land and its stories but also of the various bush plants and their uses.

Tip:
If you're unsure about camping but is also budget conscious:
- opt for a tour package that offers permanent tents (including beds, blankets, and pillows)
- bring your own sleeping bag and make sure you test it out before your trip

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Batemans Bay Day Trip

noreply@blogger.com (Spinach+Olive) — Sun, 25 Mar 2018 02:15:00 +0000

It was a very long day; up at 4am for a 4+ hour drive down the south coast to Batemans Bay, and after an 8+ hour work-related site visit, I didn't get back home till 12am. But all in all, the scenery down south and the township of Batemans Bay was worth the long drive and thank goodness for all those coffee breaks!

Batemans Bay

The township of Batemans Bay lies within the Eurobodalla region, it unfolds along the banks of the Clyde River and is surrounded by forests, waterways and National Parks, it is also a popular holiday destination for Canberrans. As a first time visitor, I knew very little about this quiet, seaside town, but I've long heard about the iconic Batemans Bay Bridge and its oysters and oyster farms (I was told not to leave Batemans Bay without trying the oysters), and the atmosphere of the township is relaxed; fishing village vibes with residential properties as well as holiday homes.

Batemans Bay from the northern foreshore (1/100 sec at f/11)

View of Batemans Bay Bridge from the northern foreshore (1/800 sec at f/5.6)

Waiting pelicans (1/200 sec at f/8.0)

Clyde Street, Batemans Bay (1/160 sec at f/11)

Batemans Bay Bridge
The bridge is a well-known and loved icon by the locals, it is a lift span bridge which allows larger marine traffic to pass beneath and was quite an engineering feat for its time. Today, it is still a vital link for both pedestrians and vehicles crossing the Clyde River, and worth a walk across to inspect the steel truss structure

For the return trip, a detour to Pebbly Beach, Jervis Bay was a great spot to chillax before the long drive back, and if you time, hang around till sunset for the Kangaroos to come out onto the beach.

View along the northern foreshore (1/1000 sec at f/5.6)

Lifting span (1/125 sec at f/11)

Pebbly Beach

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Beijing's Forbidden City and Summer Palaces

noreply@blogger.com (Spinach+Olive) — Sat, 24 Jun 2017 11:18:00 +0000

Beijing has been on my bucket list for a long time, and as a history nerd it is a great starting point for delving into China's imperial past and its ancient traditions. So after a few days in Shanghai, I spent a good week in the capital taking in some of its most renowned historical sights. If you're thinking of visiting Beijing and it is your first time, be sure to check them out!

But first a little history about Beijing. Beijing has been the capital city of China since the Ming Dynasty, after the third Ming emperor moved the capital from modern day Nanjing to Beiping, which he later renamed to Beijing, meaning northern capital. Thus most of the imperial architecture and imperial gardens are remnants from both the Ming Dynasty and the subsequent Qing Dynasty. Almost every local I spoke to had a story of Beijing passed down from their ancestors; stories about the Imperial family, lost treasures and much more.

Yuanmingyuan Park

Jianbi Pavilion, Juchi Lake.

First stop is Yuanmingyuan Park or the Old Summer Palace. It was the Imperial garden of the Qing Dynasty from Emperor Qianlong and his successors, and also a place where the Emperor conducted state affairs, received foreign dignitaries and held various ceremonies. The entire park consists of three main gardens:

- Garden of Perfect Brightness (Yuanmingyuan)
- Garden of Eternal Spring (Changchunyuan)
- Elegant Spring Garden

Ever since I was a child, I heard stories about the grandeur of the Yuanmingyuan gardens, its collection of both Chinese and European-style gardens and perhaps its most famous attraction – the Western-style mansions/palaces and fountains in the Garden of Eternal Spring, hence it was once known as the 'Versailles of the East'. However, very little of the original architecture survived after British and French sackings during the second Opium War, which led to the eventual burning of the entire park that lasted up to three days.

What survived the great fire of Yuanmingyuan are the stone ruins of the Western-style mansions and pieces of what once were magnificent fountains and labyrinths. Though little remain, it still inspires and instils a sense of awe and pride in the Chinese people today.

Ruins of Dashuifa Waterworks, Xiyang Lou.

Ruins of Haiyantang, Xiyang Lou.

The Summer Palace

The Summer Palace, also known as Yiheyuan was originally built by Emperor Qianlong in the mid 18th century to celebrate his mother's birthday and mainly served as a place of leisure. Befittingly, the entire palace houses many grand temples, halls, pavilions, towers and bridges, all overlooking Kunming Lake. It is so large that it almost feels like it is never ending, and there is some serious leg work involved as one has to climb over Longevity Hill to make their way to the lake.

The fate of The Summer Palace is similar to that of Yuanmingyuan Park, it was burned down by Anglo-French Forces in 1860, then damaged by the Allied Forces in 1900 and was only rebuilt in 1902. There are many styles of architecture within the Summer Palace, such as Along the way, you will pass the Four Great Regions, which is a group of Buddhist structures built in the Tibetan style architecture. These were rebuilt in 1980 based on the original design.

The Four Great Regions, The Summer Palace.

Marble Boat, The Summer Palace.

Perhaps the most iconic sight has to be the marble boat, also known as the clear and peaceful boat. It is situated on Kunming Lake and was originally built in 1755. It has a hull made out of stone slabs, which supported a traditional Chinese-style pavilion. Unforuntaltey the original timber pavilion burnt down in 1860 and the Empress Dowager Cixi had the pavilion rebuilt in a distinctly Western-style, with its stained glass windows and coloured bricks. Today, it remains the only Western-style structure in the Summer Palace.

The Forbidden City

My most anticipated visit was to the one and only – The Forbidden City; once the residence of the Imperial family. I've watched countless documentaries about its colourful history and its priceless treasures, and now I can finally walk the same path as the Emperors once did...along with thousands of other keen tourists.

In order to get to The Forbidden City, also known as The Palace Museum, you have to pass through Tiananmen or Gate of Heavenly Peace, which has been the main entry into the Forbidden City since the Ming and Qing Dynasties. These days, the square outside is full of tourists from all over the country and overseas and security is tight, so make sure you allow ample time. If you like, you can go up Tiananmen to take in panoramic views of the square before heading to the palace.

Meridian Gate - Entry to the Forbidden City, Beijing

The only entrance into The Forbidden City is through Meridian Gate. Once inside, The Forbidden City is divided into two main courts; the outer court and the inner court. The outer court was where the Emperor once carried out formal duties, whilst the inner court was his private quarters and where all the Imperial women resided.

Three great halls form the outer court:

- Hall of Supreme Harmony

- Hall of Central Harmony

- Hall of Preserved Harmony

all of which lie on the central axis of the entire palace complex. From their names, it isn't hard to tell that harmony was central to the Imperial rule and paired with the many gates that surround the Forbidden Palace which contains the word peace (Tiananmen being one of them), the balance of Peace and Harmony is therefore achieved.

Everything from the architecture to ornate decorative details were designed with a single intent of conveying Imperial power and the rule of the Emperor ordained by heaven. The three main halls all sit on multi-tier terraces lined with dragon heads, not only are dragons considered auspicious but they act as a drainage system.

Hall of Supreme Harmony, The Forbidden City.

Dragon heads line the multi-tier terraces.

Dragon carvings adorned door and window frames.

The Gate of Heavenly Purity divides the outer and the inner court and is the entry to the Emperor's private residences. A pair of bronze lions stands guard at the gate, with their ears down-turned and long eyelashes covering their eyes signifying that once you enter the inner court, do not listen to what you're not supposed to hear, nor see what you're not meant to see.

The inner court consists of two main palaces:

- Palace of Heavenly Purity

- Palace of Earthly Tranquillity

Bronze lion guard The Gate of Heavenly Purity.

It takes about two hours to visit the main halls and palaces of both the outer and inner courts, most of which are on the main axis of the Forbidden City. You exit the Forbidden City via the Gate of Divine Prowess, and from here it is only a short walk to Jingshan Park, where you can look back and take in panoramic views of the entire Forbidden City. It is only then you realise its sheer size and that what you've only seen is only but a tiny piece of the puzzle.

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Architecture on The Bund | Shanghai, China

noreply@blogger.com (Spinach+Olive) — Sun, 16 Apr 2017 10:52:00 +0000

The Bund (Wai Tan)

The Bund, also known as Wai Tan (Outer Beach) to the locals is a key Shanghai landmark. Though there is no sand and surf, its diverse architectural tones reflect the rich history of this cosmopolitan city. It is one of the city's most iconic locations, simply put – you cannot mention Shanghai without mentioning The Bund.

Architecture on The Bund

Even though I'm proud to call Shanghai my hometown, I knew very little about the history of The Bund, instead, like many visitors I was always captivated by the skyscrapers dominating the skyline across the harbour in Pudong. So on this trip back, I made sure to spend time walking down the iconic boulevard and learning its rich architectural history. After all, these heritage buildings are a testament to the city's diverse history.

Looking down Zhongshan Dong Road, the architecture is distinctly European. This is because the area was once within the Shanghai International Settlement, which comprised of countries such as the UK, US, France, Germany, Netherlands, and Japan only to mention a few. The buildings lining the Huangpu River were designed by various western architects and reflect the various architectural styles from Neoclassical to Art Deco. By the 1940s, they housed major financial institutions and trading houses from these countries and The Bund became a major financial centre.

Heritage architecture along The Bund.

Today, most of these heritage buildings have retained their former use, others now house international fashion brands, luxury hotels and restaurants. Though most buildings are off-limits to the public but if book yourself a meal at No.1 Waitanyuan, the former British consulate and you may get a quick look through its grounds.

No. 1 Waitanyuan.

View towards Garden Bridge.

Visible from the gate of No.1 Waitanyuan is the iconic Garden Bridge, one of Shanghai's most iconic heritage structures. It was the first steel truss bridge of its kind to be erected in the city and its construction was completed in 1907. On either side of the bridge are two distinct buildings; one being the Art Deco style Broadway Mansions Hotel and the other being the Russian consulate with its vibrant red roof tiles, The bridge has been featured in countless films and is also a popular spot for wedding photography!

Recommendation:
If time allow, definitely visit The Bund at night as well! The entire boulevard as well as Pudong comes alive with an endless display of neon lights.

Pudong

If modern architecture is your thing, then Pudong – Lujiazui Financial and Trade Zone is a must-visit! The latest addition to Shanghai's ever-changing skyline is the Shanghai Tower by Gensler and is currently the tallest building in China. Its neighbours also include the World Financial Centre, Jin Mao Tower and the Oriental Pearl Tower, and most are open to the public with the purchase of a ticket to the sky deck that offers panoramic views of the Huangpu River and the harbour.

Shanghai skyline – Lujiazui

Wai Tan is a must-see in Shanghai, even though I've been back countless times, its beauty never ceases to amaze me. Whether you're interested in history, architecture, food, shopping or simply just enjoying the view of the Shanghai skyline, The Bund has it all!

If you've been to Shanghai, drop me a comment and let me know some the places you've visited.

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Chinese Soy Braised Beef

noreply@blogger.com (Spinach+Olive) — Sun, 05 Mar 2017 04:13:00 +0000

Chinese soy braised beef.

Not long ago, as part of a company lunch, we were asked to bring a dish each, I went home and asked mum (as you do in these situations), she, in turn, made her signature dish and one of my favourite – Chinese soy braised beef. Everyone at work loved it and asked for the recipe. Once again, thanks to mum it is a dish that is not only tasty but as it turned out it was also easy to make, with only a handful of ingredients. Best of all, it can be prepared in advance and served either at room temperature or as a cold dish.

Chinese Soy Braised Beef

Ingredients

- 1kg beef shank
- 2 red onions, sliced
- 2~3 slices of ginger
- 1 star anise
- 1½ tbsp dark soy sauce
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 10~15g rock sugar*
- pinch of salt

*Rock sugar is used in Chinese braised dishes as it caramelises well and adds a mild sweetness to the dish. It is just crystallised sugar that is pale yellow in colour and comes in large, irregular chunks. If you aren't able to find rock sugar, any regular granular sugar will do.

Soy braised beef - ingredients.

Instructions

1. Rinse meat and then in a large pan/wok, add cooking oil and lightly sear meat over medium heat.
2. Add cold water til meat is submerged. Add dark soy sauce, soy sauce, ginger, star anise and a pinch of taste. Bring to boil.

3. Add onions and rock sugar. Cook over high heat for 10mins. Then lower heat and gently simmer for 1hr with the lid on.

4. Remove lid and reduce remaining sauce over high heat. Keep basting the meat in the sauce.

5. Set aside to cool before slicing and serving,

3. Adding the onions and rock sugar.

4. Reduce the sauce and basting the beef.

There you have it!. Chinese soy braised beef. Accompanied with some rice and greens, there's a meal. Delicious! If you have any recipes that you would like to share, drop me a comment.

Happy Cooking!

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2017 – It's About Setting Goals

noreply@blogger.com (Spinach+Olive) — Sun, 29 Jan 2017 04:24:00 +0000

2016 was a challenging year; professionally and personally but thankfully it was also a rewarding one. On the downside, my creative pursuits such as this blog and photography have taken a hit, especially towards the latter half of 2016.

The culprits (unsurprisingly) were a lack of time and motivation but also because my goals for 2016 were too broad, looking back on my Photography Focus 2016, it was more about exploration rather than specific tasks or projects, which meant I lacked direction and what I was out to achieve. Comparatively, my 2015 One Year, One Lense project was much more effective and rewarding.

Lesson learnt! No. giving up is not an option!

Photography 2017

Looking back on 2016 and my photography, I realized that I didn't accomplish much; not because I didn't take any photos but like I said above it was because my goals were too broad and so for a newbie like myself it was difficult to set tasks and what I actually wanted to learn or achieve. Sure, I wanted to delve into black and white photography but didn't have a strategy.

So for 2017, I would like to take a more task or project orientated approach to photography and hopefull, through those set projects I will branch out to learn new techniques and develop my creativity. Luckily, I do have a few fantastic resources to use as guide and inspiration, so if you want to know what I have planned for 2017, head over to my post Photography Focus 2017, maybe you will also find a helpful idea or two to start your own photography journey!

Reading

For most part of 2016, I felt overwhelmed with work and often just binged on Netflix or Youtube in my free time. Though I did manage to read several books, I didn't feel a sense of accomplishment nor did I find them to be thought-provoking or particularly engaging. The problem was, I wasn't picking books that I wanted to read but more just reading whatever was on my bookshelf so that I may clear up some space. Bad move!

But for 2017, I'm going to take reading more seriously. I know that having no time is merely an excuse so I'm using a new technique – the Pomodoro Technique to help me set time aside each day to focus on my reading. More importantly, I've selected a list of books for 2017, so head over to my post 2017 Reading List. I'm a slow reader, so I try not to be too ambitious in the number of books I read, instead focus on consistency.

By the way, if you have any book suggestions, drop me a comment!

Blogging

Blogging in 2016 was sporadic and I didn't set time aside to really focus on my blog. No doubt, blogging takes a great deal of time to produce quality content but the issue here is also consistency, and because this blog is an extension of my photography when that slows it affects the content on this blog.

But it is certainly something I wish to improve upon through 2017 and going forward because I didn't start this blog out of boredom but as a personal project that I would like to see it to fruition. I'm still working out the details such as scheduling etc but I have a few general areas of focus:

➸ Produce high-quality content.

➸ Consistency in the frequency and type of blog posts.
➸ Learn Google Analytics

➸ Improve traffic and reach of posts.

These are my work in progress goals for 2017, for details about my reading list and photography project in 2017, just click on the links above. Last but not least, what are some your goals for 2017?

Here's to a rewarding 2017! Stay focused!

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Photography Focus 2017

noreply@blogger.com (Spinach+Olive) — Sun, 29 Jan 2017 04:12:00 +0000

Towards the latter half of 2016, my photography lost a bit momentum. In my post 2017 – It's About Setting Goals, I pointed out that aside from work commitments, it was largely due to a lack of planning as to what I wanted to learn and achieve throughout the year. But for 2017, I'm excited to get my photography back on track and have found some interesting photography projects from some of my favourite photography resources.

You never know, maybe they will inspire you to embark on your own personal photography project!

Photo Assignments – Art of Photography

If you've read my post Four Photography Resources You Need To Know, you will know that I've been watching Ted's videos ever since I embarked on my photography journey. I've never been someone that believed you need the most expensive gear or be technically perfect in every shot to enjoy the photo-taking process, certainly not starting out anyways and through his videos, I've discovered many great photographers, such as the late Fan Ho.

I'm a bit late on the bandwagon but nonetheless excited to begin this series of photo assignments. I think the most important thing to keep in mind while doing photo assignments is not to be too self-critical, let yourself have the freedom to explore and learn, if the images aren't perfect, well they are not meant to be. Just enjoy the learning process.

2017 Photography Challenge – The Photo Argus (TPA)

I thought I also throw in something from The Photo Argus, it is a subject based photography project spread over 52 weeks (of course, you don't have to stick to the 52-week program if you don't want to), the subjects are a guide or inspiration, I certainly see some room for creative exploration.

Perhaps it is a little ambitious tackling two photography projects at once, but I don't think they clash but rather one may serve as inspiration for the other in terms of subject choice.

Happy Snapping!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

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2017 Reading List

noreply@blogger.com (Spinach+Olive) — Sun, 29 Jan 2017 03:44:00 +0000

In my post 2017 – It's About Setting Goals, I'm keen to pick up reading again and more importantly selecting books that I actually want to read as opposed to just reading to clear up shelf space if you know what I mean.

So to kick off my year of reading, I've selected a mix of classics and modern literary works; both fiction and non-fiction. I'm sure some will be well-known and loved by you guys as well, of course, I will be adding to this list other discoveries throughout the year and perhaps do a short update on my progress and a book review in six months. Be sure to check back!

Here we go.

Crime and Punishment – Fyodor Dostoyevsky

In Praise of Shadows – Junichiro Tanizaki

Madam Bovary – Gustave Flaubert

Sorrows of Young Werther – Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

The Female Eunuch – Germaine Greer

The Help – Kathryn Stockett

The Silence of the Lambs – Thomas Harris

The Trial – Franz Kafka

If you're like me, who gets nauseous while reading on buses. cars or any other moving vehicle, but would still like to enjoy a book or two, I have a great Podcast for you! Best of all, it is free!

The Classic Tales Podcast

by B.J. Harrison

Every week, this award-winning narrator bring you stories from around the world spanning a wide variety of genres. Some are well-loved timeless classics like Pride and Prejudice, while others I'm not so familiar with, but I've enjoyed his weekly episodes regardless! His narration is professional and story-telling is superb which makes listening to books all that much enjoyable.

So, what are you planning to read in 2017? What are some of the books that made it onto your list?
Do you know of any other Podcasts? Let me know.

Happy Reading!

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Travel Japan – Kyoto's Five Must-See Sights

noreply@blogger.com (Spinach+Olive) — Sat, 24 Dec 2016 02:21:00 +0000

View of Shoin Drawing Room, Tenryuji Temple, Kyoto.

After spending two nights in Takayama, Gifu Prefecture, I finally made my way to Kyoto; the ancient capital of Japan. This is my first time visiting this historic city, so there were quite a few iconic sights to cross off my checklist and I wasted no time after arriving late morning.

Tenryuji Temple & Arashiyama Bamboo Grove

Tenryuji Temple is a world cultural heritage site, located in the Sagano district of Kyoto. It was converted to a Zen temple from a villa and its garden – Sogenchi Garden is one of the oldest in Japan.

Like many ancient timber constructions, the temple has been ravaged by fire many times and thus most present day buildings dates back only to the Meiji period. Entry to the garden costs extra, but it is well worth it. The Main Hall and lake as well as the surrounding gardens are grand yet serene, and if you follow the path to the northern entrance, it leads straight to the Bamboo Grove.

Tenryuji Temple garden, looking towards Main Hall.

Not much needs to be said about the Bamboo Grove, it is perhaps one of the most popular and most photographed sites in Japan. The path itself isn't long but unsurprisingly is full of local and international tourists, so if you're looking to take photos without a crowd, you may have to wait a while or head in real early.

Arashiyama Bamboo Grove.

Tip:
The streets surrounding the Temple are filled with vendors selling snacks and souvenirs, so make sure you check them out and leave some room for mochi skewers and takoyaki!

Kyoto Imperial Palace

In my post Travel Japan – Tokyo Imperial Palace, I wasn't able to tour the palace being on a Sunday. Well, this time I was fortunate enough to book a free guided tour of Kyoto Imperial Palace. The entire palace complex covers an area of approximately 27 acres, and consists of various buildings constructed in many distinct architectural styles such as the Shinden, Shoin and Sukiya styles.

View of Shishinden from Nikkamon Gate.

Shishinden, is perhaps the most important and symbolic building within the Palace complex. It is constructed entirely out of timber with layers of Japanese Cypress bark covering its roof structure, it was once used for important ceremonies such as enthronements. In the forecourt, a Cherry Tree is planted to the east and a Mandarin Orange Tree is planted to the west.

My recommendation:
If you're into history and traditional architecture, this tour is a must! If you want to step inside an ancient Japanese castle, Nijo-jo Castle is only about 15mins bus ride away.

The Golden Pavilion

The Golden Pavilion.

There's no mention of Kyoto without mentioning The Golden Pavilion or Kinkakuji, its name is synonymous with the city itself and its rich history. Unlike other Japanese temples, The Golden Pavilion is actually a Buddhist hall housing the relics of Buddha. Its surrounding garden and buildings were said to represent the Pure Land of Buddha in this world. The pavilion itself is constructed in the Muromachi period architecture, with gold foil covering the upper two levels and crowned with a golden phoenix.

Tip:
Make sure you get there early! By 9am, the line can be seen extending all the way out to the street. The area in front of the lake is rather small and crowded with people, so make sure you stake a good vantage point!

If you have time, The Silver Pavilion or Ginkakuji is also worth a visit. Though if you're expecting a building decked out in shining silver, you may be disappointed, however, its more humble architecture and surrounding gardens are worth a visit.

Fushimi Inari Shrine

Last but not least is Fushimi Inari Shrine or Thousand Torii Gates located in southern Kyoto. It is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the god of rice – Inari. It is quite a spectacle to behold as you first enter the Torii gate covered trail to begin your 2-3 hour ascent up Mount Inari, so be prepared! Upon closer inspection, you will notice that the gates bear inscriptions of its donors ranging from private citizens or organisations. Along the trail, there are also many fox statues as they are believed to be messengers of the god Inari.

Thousand Torii Gates.

Of course this is just but the tip of the iceberg, for Kyoto is a city steeped in history and culture. There were countless temples and shrines I visited on my trip and there are many more I would like to visit. Until next time...

If you've been to any interesting places in and around Kyoto, drop me a comment!

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Travel Japan – Takayama Old Town, Gifu

noreply@blogger.com (Spinach+Olive) — Sun, 30 Oct 2016 08:22:00 +0000

The last of the Cherry Blossoms, Takayama.

Moving on from the hustle and bustle of Tokyo, I went in search of some Old Town vibes, and if you're like me who prefers a bit of tranquillity accompanied by some great scenery, history and local cuisine – Takayama, Gifu Prefecture is a must!

Takayama Old Town

Takayama is a city in the mountainous Hida region, about 4.5 hours (one way) from Tokyo. Though the trip may seem long, it is a scenic one, especially on the JR Hida Limited Express from Nagoya bound for Toyama, the train winds its way through river valleys offering panoramic views of the countryside.

Takayama city itself is relatively easy to navigate, it has a series of bridges along the Miyagawa River, each in its own district. The Nakabashi Bridge in Kawaharamachi is the most recognisable and one of the main bridges leading into Old Town. I was fortunate enough to catch the last of the Cherry blossoms in full bloom along the river's edge and along many of the quiet side streets where you can get a glimpse of the locals as they go about their day.

Nakabashi Bridge, Takayama.

Old Town, however, is a hub of activity, from tourists to local merchants selling anything from souvenirs to locally brewed sake. The narrow streets of Old Town (Sanmachi Suji) is lined with traditional timber buildings and houses dating back to the Edo period, and once served as a merchant town of Takayama and hence it is also known as 'small Kyoto in Hida'.

My recommendation:
Grab yourself some fried Hida beef patties or grilled mochi skewers and stroll the length of Old Town. You can also sample sake and miso soup from local vendors.

Shop lined streets of Old Town, Takayama.

Grilled mochi skewers.

Takayama Jinya

Takayama Jinya.

Not far from Old Town is the Takayama Jinya, a one-time branch office of the Edo government from 1692-1868. If you're interested in a bit of Japanese history and traditional architecture, it is definitely worth a visit since it is the only remaining building of its kind in Japan.

As you wander through many of its rooms and along the well-worn timber walkway, you get a good sense of how its inhabitants once moved along those exact corridors as they went about their daily business. The Japanese-style garden is the focal point within the complex, though visitors are not permitted to set foot inside the garden, but they are more than welcome to sit along the timber walkway and take in the tranquillity of this Edo period garden.

Many of the buildings were restored in the mid-90s, however, the rice storehouses, conference room, front gate and entrance hall are still original. Unlike many other popular tourist spots, you can really take your time wandering through the halls of the Jinya.

Hida Beef

For me, Takayama really turns on its charms after sunset. when most of the tourist groups have moved on. The streets of Old Town are quiet, lanterns outside restaurants are lit and only a few scattered tourists here and there looking for places to eat, it makes you realise and appreciate why it is referred to as 'small Kyoto in Hida'. Many of the restaurants in and around Old Town are home-run, and if you peer through the lattice windows, the interiors are simple yet full of warmth.

Takayama at night.

A must eat when in Takayama is Hida beef, a specific name given to beef from Japanese black-haired cattle raised in the Gifu Prefecture for about 14 months, It has beautiful marbling and can be enjoyed either thinly sliced in Japanese sukiyaki or grilled with miso paste. If you can't decide, just have both for they are both very different dining experiences!

Hida beef.

For more pictures of Takayama, check out my Instagram and Flickr page.

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No.1 Tip to Improve Your Photography

noreply@blogger.com (Spinach+Olive) — Mon, 03 Oct 2016 08:41:00 +0000

Not long ago, I published a post about some of my favourite photography resources. Today, I would like to add one more to that list – you. Yes, you.

By that, I mean learning from your own photos. Here's what I've been doing:
1. Select a photo
2. Analyse the photo by looking at elements of composition, technique and post-processing; and
3. Identify areas of strength and areas that can be improved

Below is a photo I took earlier in the year at Waverley Cemetery. It was a windy and extremely bright day. By getting down closer to the ground, I was able to capture the quick moving clouds overhead and used the classic rule of thirds by placing the cross on the right side of the frame. But looking at the image, perhaps what jumps out the most is the blown out highlight in the middle of the sky.

A reoccurring weakness in my images (one which I will improve upon) is the lack of people. I use to think having people in images distracts from the subject. However, it is not always the case. Looking back at my images, many of them could greatly benefit from having a human element in the foreground or background. Such is the case below, if I had a person walking along the path on the left-hand side, it would immediately give a sense of scale and build on the story of the image.

Strengths:
- Rule of thirds composition
- The use of leading lines
- Black and white post processing heightens the sense of drama
- Retained distortion, in this case it helps to lead the eyes into the image and again heightens the sens of drama

Weaknesses:
- Blown out highlight in sky
- A figure in the foreground would provide a sense of scale
- A tighter crop

Taken with Canon 70D, EF-S-10-18mm-f-4.5-5.6-IS-STM

Compositionally, as a newbie I'm also prone to bad cropping. I'm not talking about cropping in post-processing but poor composition in camera and as a result you end up with parts of the foreground or background elements cropped off; awkwardly.

Take the image below of Tokyo Station, the taxi at the front is cut off awkwardly that only part of the side mirror is in the frame. Also the top of the building in the background is also cut off. These make the image look incomplete, and that the cropping wasn't intentional but a mistake.

Solution?
If I only took a few steps back! It is just that simple, I would have solved both problems. The result would be a better-composed image.

Taken with Canon 70D, EF-S-10-18mm-f-4.5-5.6-IS-STM

There you go, I've just demonstrated how I analyse my images by identifying its strengths and weaknesses. It has highlighted areas that I definitely need to improve on and taught me to be a little patient when I compose a shot.

Hope this will help you also, and if you have any tips that you'd like to share, let me know!

Keep shooting!

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Travel Japan – A day trip to idyllic Kamakura

noreply@blogger.com (Spinach+Olive) — Sun, 14 Aug 2016 11:08:00 +0000

Great Buddha, Kotokuin Temple Kamakura

While I was planning my Japan trip, I was tossing between whether to spend a day in Nikko or Kamakura. In the end, I decided to go with Kamakura, and what a great day that turned out to be! If you're looking for a day trip destination not far from Tokyo, read on as I will show you what Kamakura has to offer!

History of Kamakura

Kamakura is just a little over an hour from Tokyo on the JR Rail. It is a coastal city steeped in military culture and was the birthplace of Japan's first Kamakura Bakutu or military government, it was also once a political capital along with Kyoto and Nara. It wasn't until the 19th Century that Kamakura flourished as a temple town and became popular for its beaches and resorts. Today, when people tell you about Kamakura, I'm sure there will be no shortage about the Great Buddha of Kamakura, and that was precisely my first stop on the list.

Great Buddha, Kotokuin Temple

I chose to walk from Kamakura JR Station to the Great Buddha, a good, solid 30mins walk but a rather scenic one through quiet neighbourhoods with blooming Wisterias.

The Kamakura Daibutsu or the Great Buddha of Kamakura is in Kotokuin Temple. The temple gate holds a plaque with the temple's official name – Daii-san and also two Nios or guardians that are commonly found in Buddhist temples. Entering the temple grounds, the giant bronze statue of the Amida Buddha dominates the scene, it dates back to 1252 and is today a National Treasure. It is definitely the main attraction and draw in large crowds from devout Buddhists to tourist and even local students. For an extra 200 yen, you can peek inside the statue itself, though space is fairly cramped inside.

Kotokuin entry gate with two Nios.

Walking around the temple grounds, there were many large, nonuniform stone slabs dotting the garden used by me as a bench to rest my feet. They are actually the cornerstones once used in the construction of the hall that originally housed the Great Buddha, today they are used as garden stones or water basins.

Tip: At Kamakura Station, ask station staff for a city map and my recommendation is there is no better way to explore the city than on foot.

Great Buddha.

Hasedera Temple

Not far from the Great Buddha and only about 10 minutes walk from Kotokuin is Hasedera Temple. I actually didn't have any other planned temple visits in Kamakura, but because they're in clusters, it makes it easier to visit a few within a day, and also just explore to your heart's content.

Hasedera Temple is situated half way up Mt Kamakura and is designed on two levels including an underground cave. In total, seven buildings make up the temple complex with smaller halls, tourist facilities, and a beautiful garden on the ground level then winding its way up through garden paths lined with summer blooms to reach the main hall – Kannon-do Hall and the observation deck on the upper level.

Kannon-do Hall

The main hall houses the statue of Hase Kannon or more commonly known in English as the Buddhist Goddess of Mercy, but strictly speaking it is neither masculine nor feminine. Unfortunately, photos are prohibited inside the hall but it was quite a sight to behold. The statue is gold-leafed and stands over nine metres, it has 11 faces each with its unique facial expression, symbolising that the deity listens to the wishes of all people.

To rest your feet, outside the Kannon-do Hall is the observation deck. Grab a 'dango' (sweet rice cake skewers) from the nearby snack stall, sit under the wisteria pergola and take in the panoramic view of Sagami Bay below. As you make your way down, dotted along garden paths and amongst plantings are small Jizo statues that are all so cute and endearing. These statues are there to comfort the souls of unborn children, hence why so many of them are adorned in bibs and charms. Don't forget to visit the Benten-kutsu Cave, where Benzaiten and 16 children are chiselled into the rock face, but steer clear if you have back problems for you are unable to stand up straight once inside the cave.

Kannon-do Hall, Hasedera Temple.

Panoramic view from observation deck.

Jizo

Food

Seafood is abound in this coastal city and one of the most popular meal choices is the Shiso Rice Bowl Set. The rice is topped with salmon roe, raw shiso (white bait), shredded egg, seaweed, grated ginger and wasabi for an added kick. Paired with miso soup and pickles on the side, it is both filling yet light-weight, with no fishy after taste at all!

The main street leading from the station is lined with shops, selling everything from souvenir, to apparel to local snacks. Speaking of snacks, Kamakura is also famous for its biscuits, especially the Half Moon biscuits, so don't pass them by.

Shiso Don.

Kamakura is definitely worth a visit or perhaps even an overnight stay, because there are just so many temples and shrines to visit. Some will lead you through quaint neighbourhoods while others take you along train tracks, your feet may be sore at the end of the day but it is all part of the adventure!

For more photos from the trip, head to my Flickr page!

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Four Photography Resources You Need to Know

noreply@blogger.com (Spinach+Olive) — Sun, 10 Jul 2016 10:42:00 +0000

It has been a while since my last photography related post (Be The Master of Your Own Photography Journey) and also just blogging in general. So I thought I get back into the swing of things by sharing with you some of my favourite photography related resources.

As a photography newbie, at times it is hard not to feel somewhat overwhelmed by the plethora of information that is out there from gear, lighting to photographic composition. But where do you start? Well, below are my top four picks that I turn to all the time for knowledge, technical know-how, tips and inspiration. They are by no means the be all end all of photography resources, they are just what I found to be helpful and the topics they discussed have resonated with me. If you have any photography resources that you'd like to share, drop me a comment! Now lets get to it!

Digital Photography School – I've been a long time reader of Digital Photography School and finally subscribed when I decided take photography more seriously. It is a treasure trove of information suitable for beginners as well as more advanced photographers. If I have a particular question be it composition related or camera related, chances are I can find it on the website.

The weekly newsletter provides a variety of helpful articles across all fields of photography from landscape to food and not to mention they also have frequent sales at affordable prices of photography literature and photo editing bundles.

Gina Milicia – Gina is a celebrated Australian celebrity portrait and lifestyle photographer, I'm a subscriber to her photography podcast So You Want To Be A Photographer hosted by her friend and journalist Valerie Khoo. I enjoy the light-hearted, conversational style of the podcasts and love how Gina explains photographic techniques and theory in simple, easy to understand terms. The podcast covers a range of topics from how-tos to ideas and stories that Gina herself encountered through her career. There's never a dull moment when you're listening to them two talk, also if you're a subscriber to her website, she will regularly send out free Lightroom presets.

B & H – This Youtube channel is where I go to learn and be inspired. Their talk series such as Event Space and Optic features celebrated photographers from all fields and is filled with tips and tricks. For me, the talks have provided not just the how-tos, but more importantly an understanding of photography as a way to observe the world. The talks provide a glimpse of how successful photographers see and interpret the world and what photography means to them, so I come away every time with a little more understanding about the world of photography and just a bit more inspired. Definitely worth checking out!

Art of Photography – Last but not least Ted Forbes' videos are a pleasure to watch, not only are they great quality but they touch on some important issues that face every photographer today. What I particularly enjoy is the Artist Series; a series of short films on a particular photographer focusing on their art and also his videos looking at life and work by celebrated photographers such as Fan Ho (my favourite), Ansel Adams and Henri Cartier-Bresson. His videos are really about what the title says – the art of photography.

So there you have it, my favourite four photography resources, hope you guys will enjoy my recommendations and find them to be helpful and inspiring like I have. As always, if you have any photography tips and tricks, let me know in the comments!

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Travel Japan – Harajuku + Meiji Jingu

noreply@blogger.com (Spinach+Olive) — Sat, 28 May 2016 07:34:00 +0000

Kazaridaru.

After spending most the morning exploring the vicinity around Tokyo Station and Imperial East Garden, the afternoon was dedicated to visiting one of Tokyo's most popular area and shrine – Harajuku and Meiji Jingu.

Harajuku + Meiji Jingu

Harajuku, an area that is famous for its youth culture, fashion and shopping. Not surprisingly it was filled with people as soon as I stepped out of the station, unlike the CBD around Tokyo Station, Harajuku definitely has a more trendy, edgy vibe with international retailers and boutique cafés lining the streets, not to mention the streets themselves were filled with a great mix of people from tourists to students.

If you have some spare time, the backstreets of Harajuku such as Takeshita Dori is a great place to immerse yourself in Japanese youth fashion. For the architecture enthusiast, the area around Harajuku has the Yoyogi Stadium and Omotesando Hills designed by Tadao Ando.

Outside Harajuku Station.

If you're searching for a bit of tranquillity, right next to the hustle and bustle of Harajuku Station is the Shinto shrine Meiji Jingu, dedicated to Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken. The forest surrounding the shrine is made up of 100,000 trees donated for the establishment of the shrine and the tranquil setting is a sharp contrast to the trendy, shopping district of the surrounding area.

Meiji Jingu.

From the giant Torii gate, it is a decent 15mins walk til you reach the main shrine. Along the way, there are displays of shrine offerings in the form of decorative sake barrels or 'Kazaridaru' and also barrels of wine to be consecrated at the shrine from Bourgogne, France. In the courtyard of the main shrine are three sacred trees, one of which is surrounded by 'ema' or small wooden plaques on which you write your wishes/prayers. Directly opposite are the remaining two trees with a connecting hemp rope, couples offer their prayers in return for a blessed relationship.

Torii gate.

Prayer boards.

Sacred trees outside main shrine.

The shrine is popular with both locals and tourists, but the atmosphere is still one of tranquillity and reflection, coupled with its forest setting, Meiji Jingu is definitely a gem hidden amongst Tokyo's hustle and bustle. With Harajuku right outside the Torii gates, you can have the best of both worlds!

What are some of your favourite shrines in Tokyo? More posts on my recent adventures in Japan to come, make sure you subscribe so you won't miss out.

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Travel Japan – Tokyo Imperial Palace

noreply@blogger.com (Spinach+Olive) — Sun, 15 May 2016 06:21:00 +0000

Tokyo Imperial Palace – moat and Palace wall.

Continuing on from my Tokyo Station Architecture Walk, if traditional Japanese architecture and garden is your thang, then Tokyo Imperial Palace and the Imperial East Garden is just a short walk from the station.

Tokyo Imperial Palace + Imperial East Garden

The current residence of the Japanese Imperial family, the Palace is situated on the former Edo Castle site and consists of the Imperial Palace and the Imperial East Garden. Unfortunately, being a Sunday guided tours weren't available, so the garden and the plaza in front of the Palace were my best options. The weather was also quite bleak (misty spring rain) which made photography challenging, but as they say, you can't control the weather.

From the plaza, two bridges both adorned with ornamental lamps are visible and lead to the Imperial Palace private residence. Though both bridges are strictly off-limits to the public, they are however extremely popular with tourists. The first and perhaps the most famous bridge in Tokyo is the Nijubashi or Imperial Palace Main Gate Stone Bridge and the is second the Tetsubashi or Imperial Palace Main Gate Iron Bridge.

Interestingly, when I Google mapped the bridges, the Iron Bridge is actually labelled as Nijubashi, which caused me a great deal of confusion and it was only after doing a little digging around that I found out historically Nijubashi was the nickname of the present day Iron Bridge. When the original bridge was replaced with the iron structure, Nijubashi then became associated with the now famous Stone Bridge. A bit of a brain twister...but I think that's how the story went in short.

Nijubashi.

Tetsubashi.

Just a stone throw away is the Imperial Palace East Garden, part of the inner palace area and open to the public year round and best of all – free! Some of the guardhouses, stone walls, gates and moats still remain today. Being just the end of the Cherry Blossom season, parts of the garden was covered in fallen blossoms and with the misty rain gives the garden an ethereal feel.

Imperial East Garden – Guardhouse.

Falling blossoms.

If you're not on a tight travel schedule and are blessed with bright blue skies, the garden is a great place to spend the day, given it covers quite an extensive area, there are plenty of meandering paths to explore.

If you've been on a guided tour of the Tokyo Imperial Palace, let me know, love to hear from you! More posts on my recent adventures in Japan to come, so make sure you subscribe so you don't miss out.

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Travel Japan – Tokyo Station Architecture Walk

noreply@blogger.com (Spinach+Olive) — Mon, 09 May 2016 06:28:00 +0000

View of Tokyo Station.

My first trip to Japan was more than 10 years ago ( I know, that's a very long time) and it was such a disappointment that it has turned me off tour groups once and for all. So ever since, Japan has been sitting high on my to-do (again) list and this time, I'm doing it solo. I'd say if you had to do it alone, Japan would be one the top destinations.

Tokyo Station Architecture Walk

Arriving fairly early in Tokyo, my exploration started right away, well after finding my way out of the multi-storey labyrinth that is Tokyo Station. The red brick façade of the Tokyo Station Marunouchi Building is an iconic structure that dates back to nearly a hundred years. During the Edo period, Marunouchi was home to many of the feudal lords, and today is the CBD with many global financial firms setting up headquarters in the area. Beyond its heritage exterior is a vast expanse of commercial districts filled with shops, cafes, gallery and even a hotel. A maze...

Not far from the station is another red brick building – Mitsubishi Ichigokan Museum. The building today is a reconstruction of the original design by Josiah Conder in 1894 and uses part of the original plans as well as building materials. Unfortunately, the Museum isn't open on Sunday but it is home to modern art exhibitions and houses its own contemporary collection of Western artworks from the late 19th Century.

A bit further down is the Tokyo International Forum, the largest convention and exhibition centre in Tokyo. The main lobby is housed in a glass atrium-style building designed by Rafael Viñoly and apparently resembles a boat on the exterior. But what I find interesting is the sweeping curves of the steel trusses which makes it an exceptionally interesting and photogenic interior.

Tokyo Station Marunouchi Building.

Mitsubishi Ichigokan Museum.

Tokyo International Forum.

Have you been on any architecture walks around Tokyo? Drop me a comment, I'd love to know! More posts on my recent adventures in Japan to come, so make sure you subscribe so you don't miss out.

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Exploring Waverley Cemetery

noreply@blogger.com (Spinach+Olive) — Sun, 27 Mar 2016 10:00:00 +0000

Headstones in Waverley Cemetery.

One of the great things about learning photography for a homebody like myself, is the opportunity to be outdoors more often; leaving the comforts of the house, soaking up some sun while exploring one's surrounds and in the process you become more aware of your environment and also are more appreciative of the beauty that exists in even the mundane things. Since starting photography, I've been to many beautiful places like Blue Mountains Botanic Garden, Balls Head Reserve and more recently Barangaroo Reserve, but I think this has to be one of my favourite discoveries of the year!

Waverley Cemetery

This Easter Sunday, my friend and I decided to do a photography day out to the historic Waverley Cemetery (another Instagram inspired visit). A short bus ride from Bondi Junction train station, Waverley Cemetery is perhaps one of Sydney's most beautiful and historically significant cemeteries with many Edwardian and Victorian era headstones and also the graves of many prominent Australians such as Sir Edmond Barton and Henry Lawson.

Situated on cliffs overlooking the ocean, the cemetery covers a vast expanse of land with headstones as far as the eye can see. It is one of the most tranquil, sombre yet beautiful places I've been to, a kind of serene beauty that stops one in its tracks. Though the weather was a bit unpredictable, but the grey clouds only enhanced the dramatic scale of this place and made for some really interesting black and white photography.

But the best was yet to come.

Procession.

I'm your angel.

Bronte to Clovelly Coastal Walk

To our surprise, as we reached the cliff side we were struck by the rugged sandstone cliffs and the crashing waves, not only was the cemetery perched atop the cliffs but it also led onto the Bronte to Clovelly Coastal Walk, a coastal boardwalk with stunning views back towards the historic Waverley Cemetery and rock platforms. I think the transition between the tranquil beauty of the cemetery to the stunning cliffside boardwalk makes this place unique, and definitely worth another visit!

Looking towards Waverley Cemetery.

Clovelly Beach.

Where have you been with your camera recently? Love to hear about some your discoveries.

For more photos, please check out my Flickr feed or subscribe for more of my outdoor meanderings!

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Be The Master of Your Own Photography Journey

noreply@blogger.com (Spinach+Olive) — Thu, 24 Mar 2016 05:06:00 +0000

You don't make a photograph with just a camera. (Kenting, Taiwan)

“You don't make a photograph just with a camera. You bring to the act of photography all the pictures you have seen, the books you have read, the music you have heard, the people you have loved.”– Ansel Adams

I've been intending to write this post for a while, a kind of reflection of my photography journey so far, especially to share with you guys some of the comments I've received from the people around me and the attitudes I've encountered. Ever since embarking on this learning experience and completing the One Year One Lense personal project, I'm starting to develop a deeper understanding and appreciation of photography both artistically and technically.

Interestingly, when I tell people that I'm learning photography most are supportive and intrigued but at the same time they somehow think they are entitled to give you their opinion and in some situations even tell you how it should be done. Have you ever been in a similar situation? I'm all for learning from others, but most of the time the people telling me what to do aren't professional photographers nor are they even passionate about photography, it is simply because they own a camera.

The Gear Hog

"If it is not full frame, it is not photography" – This probably won't come as a surprise for anyone who is into photography, even as a beginner most comments I received were gear/equipment related, something along the lines of "any lense under $1000 is a waste of money" or "The only way to learn photography is by using full frame". Why? Because it is the belief that only expensive gear can give you a good photo.

What Makes A Great Photo?

Are you only artist if you use only the most expensive drawing pencils? Are you a good driver only if you drive a Porsche? Then why do people think that you can only be a photographer if you have expensive gear? Now, don't get me wrong I'm all for investing in quality equipment that both suit your need and budget, what I'm trying to stress is that gear is only part of the equation, what's more important is – you!

Be Your Own Master!

Yes, You. Perhaps why so many people think that gear is the most important when it comes to photography is that they overlook the person behind the lense. It may look simple enough just pressing a button, but I' sure you'll agree that a lot of work goes into that decisive moment; your thought process, your creative vision, your technical skills all come together to form that one image. While quality equipment can better help you to capture and deliver that final image, it certainly cannot replace your photographic vision.

“It is an illusion that photos are made with the camera; they are made with the eye, heart and head.”– Henri Cartier-Bresson

Be Your Own Master

Everyone's photography journey is different but it's always personal. Only you know what is best for you! So next time someone tells you "your camera takes great photos", why not hand them your camera and let them have a go?

I will also be sharing some photography resources that I have found to be tremendously valuable as well as entertaining. So be sure to come back and check it out!

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