tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31089020418973420462024-03-13T23:46:06.534+08:00Half a pound of treacleJust a blog that rants about nature, culture, detours and things that seems pointless in life...or maybe not.Sean Lhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13400996355742861145noreply@blogger.comBlogger217125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3108902041897342046.post-64217822967747351422018-08-25T21:04:00.001+08:002018-08-25T21:10:27.493+08:00Flanders - an easy to root fig from cutting.<div style="text-align: justify;">
If you want to try rooting fig cuttings, and have no experience, then a good variety to start off with is Flanders. With little care, and keeping the medium just moist, they root quickly and with less fuss than some other varieties.<br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lKqtE22X-4o/W4EcLWKs8YI/AAAAAAAAD5o/mZYD-a2gViUtpeJjU3wk-zriXiIdT0dlACLcBGAs/s1600/20180825_165135.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lKqtE22X-4o/W4EcLWKs8YI/AAAAAAAAD5o/mZYD-a2gViUtpeJjU3wk-zriXiIdT0dlACLcBGAs/s640/20180825_165135.jpg" title="Flanders fig" width="320" /></a></div>
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The plant pictured is a Flanders fig about 37 days from cutting, rooted in purely cocopeat. The roots have literally filled the cup and the plant now sucks all the water dry in a day. I usually plant them in a different medium, but this was tried with 100% cocopeat and the plant does well rooting in this too.</div>
Sean Lhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13400996355742861145noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3108902041897342046.post-145640964831685382016-12-12T22:15:00.001+08:002016-12-21T07:39:39.080+08:00Thekkady Kanthari and Polycotyledon seedling<div style="text-align: justify;">
I love collecting chilli varieties from places that I go to. For me these chillies represent the food and spice culture of the region. On one of the trips to India, I managed to get my hands on this bird's eye chilli from a village in Thekkady, Kerala, India. The bird's eye chilli or Kanthari as they call it, comes in many size forms. I was told that the smaller the fruit, and the more intense the heat, the better the Kanthari is.</div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jRhC1rw6GGY/WE6Wm3S2eXI/AAAAAAAAC-Q/cO01HElRfhgE4Ngul-P7IUCu9IkAM-6aQCLcB/s1600/_DSC2695a%2Bcili%2Bpadi%2Bthekkady%2B%2528web%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jRhC1rw6GGY/WE6Wm3S2eXI/AAAAAAAAC-Q/cO01HElRfhgE4Ngul-P7IUCu9IkAM-6aQCLcB/s320/_DSC2695a%2Bcili%2Bpadi%2Bthekkady%2B%2528web%2529.jpg" title="Thekkady Kanthari bird's eye chilli - C. frutescens Thekkady Kanthari" width="238" /></a></td></tr>
<tr align="justify"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The bird's eye chilli collected from Thekkady.</td></tr>
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So this Thekkady Kanthari (I like to call it Thekkady Tiny Atomic Kanthari) that I picked up from the local is a tiny, thin fleshed but explosively hot type. They also dry it and use as a dried spice. Whilst the fruit is a juicy berry when ripe on the tree, they can dry out if are left on the tree since the fruit walls are thin. I found that when it was grown here, the fruits will eventually dry on the plant, if the weather is good and no birds get to them. The fruits are at most 1.5cm long, but usually shorter, thus looking very much like a rice grain, only larger. Perhaps that is why we call those chilli - cili padi (rice grain chilli). This <i>Capsicum frutescens</i> variety is small-fruited, but boy do they pack a lot of heat, for one is enough to make a bowl of tom-yam soup spicy hot!</div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ODY3vg0I-40/WE6XPCG0ypI/AAAAAAAAC-c/p-FmLZct6zIrJE8SvhPl_sgwYlSROrs5gCLcB/s1600/_DSC3211a%2Bthekkady%2Bcili%2Bpadi%2B%2528web%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="215" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ODY3vg0I-40/WE6XPCG0ypI/AAAAAAAAC-c/p-FmLZct6zIrJE8SvhPl_sgwYlSROrs5gCLcB/s400/_DSC3211a%2Bthekkady%2Bcili%2Bpadi%2B%2528web%2529.jpg" title="Birds eye chilli from Thekkady Kerala India" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr align="justify"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The little fruits are plentiful and will dry on the tree if left alone.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Yz3j_G92HKY/WE6XOBalJHI/AAAAAAAAC-Y/-rpBU0HB0oQ2xZz3MpmijVyzeOyIGAgtgCLcB/s1600/_DSC3216a%2Bthekkady%2Bcili%2Bpadi%2Bfruits%2B%2528web%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Yz3j_G92HKY/WE6XOBalJHI/AAAAAAAAC-Y/-rpBU0HB0oQ2xZz3MpmijVyzeOyIGAgtgCLcB/s400/_DSC3216a%2Bthekkady%2Bcili%2Bpadi%2Bfruits%2B%2528web%2529.jpg" title="Home grown Thekkady Kanthari" width="375" /></a></td></tr>
<tr align="justify"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Thekkady Kanthari from the balcony - the longest is only 1.5cm long.</td></tr>
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On this batch seeds sown, I managed to get a polycotyledon seedling. Polycotyledon in Capsicum are controlled by three non-allelic genes, that is why you seldom see them expressed. In tomatoes, the polycotyledon trait is associated with abnormal flower parts and inflorescence, and hence poor fruit production. This is apparently is the same for chillies. However, one grower in The Hot Pepper forum had polycotyledon chilli that produced more yield than normal ones. So I am keeping this seedling to see how fruit set and yield are affected by this trait.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Y2tuqRPo95s/WE6tgR6v8yI/AAAAAAAAC-w/c1ewy6kqK9ci16Rmr4etqSwHAbHN7gBswCLcB/s1600/CSC_5037%2Bthekkady%2Bkanthari%2B%2528web%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Y2tuqRPo95s/WE6tgR6v8yI/AAAAAAAAC-w/c1ewy6kqK9ci16Rmr4etqSwHAbHN7gBswCLcB/s200/CSC_5037%2Bthekkady%2Bkanthari%2B%2528web%2529.jpg" title="Polycotyledon seedling of C. frutescens Thekkady Kanthari" width="250" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: justify;">The odd quadruple cotyledon seedling. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PbHqhQggHAI/WE6tfhCNftI/AAAAAAAAC-s/H9wd-TmMZ0kULPUlLrVHlZbmPAeWbe3NwCLcB/s1600/CSC_5034%2Bquad%2Bcot%2Blabels%2B%2528web%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PbHqhQggHAI/WE6tfhCNftI/AAAAAAAAC-s/H9wd-TmMZ0kULPUlLrVHlZbmPAeWbe3NwCLcB/s200/CSC_5034%2Bquad%2Bcot%2Blabels%2B%2528web%2529.jpg" title="Polycotyledon Thekkady Kanthari seedling" width="250" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: justify;">The first leaves are also twisted to one side.</td></tr>
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Sean Lhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13400996355742861145noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3108902041897342046.post-83363797201626016342016-12-11T11:58:00.000+08:002016-12-11T12:10:59.461+08:00Cili Api Centil - Local Bird's Eye Chilli<div style="text-align: justify;">
Most of the bird's eye cili (<i>Capsicum frutescens</i>) you get in the supermarket in Malaysia are from Thailand, the dark green, slim and rather long ones. Whilst they are hot, the heat isn't that intense and is considered to be on the lowest rung for bird's eye chilli varieties. There is another variety that is also common locally, and spicier than the Thai version - this is the Cili api Centil. It is also marketed as Cili padi Kampung. <br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dMY6h6mgcQI/WEzMF2Xvt5I/AAAAAAAAC94/ovQby_lbOykO4ofZsfQrz7vND_jdB41aQCPcB/s1600/CSC_5030%2BCentil%2Bchilli%2Bwith%2Btext%2Bwatermark%2B%2528web%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dMY6h6mgcQI/WEzMF2Xvt5I/AAAAAAAAC94/ovQby_lbOykO4ofZsfQrz7vND_jdB41aQCPcB/s400/CSC_5030%2BCentil%2Bchilli%2Bwith%2Btext%2Bwatermark%2B%2528web%2529.jpg" width="370" /></a></div>
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The fruit of Centil is usually 1 - 1.5 inches long, but can go up to 1.8 inches long and they are about 0.5 inches wide at the base and tapers to a point. This gives the chilli a pyramidal bullet-shaped appearance. The unripe fruit are a light, shiny green and matures to a slightly darker green before turning brownish (red plus green) and then to a bright red colour when fully ripened. They are supposedly a productive variety but susceptible to leaf curl disease caused by viruses.</div>
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Sean Lhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13400996355742861145noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3108902041897342046.post-44431763102339851692016-11-15T14:01:00.002+08:002016-11-15T14:01:45.087+08:00Some things are pretty in pink - Pink Crinums<div style="text-align: justify;">
I saw these lovely pink Crinums at Victoria Park in Nuwara Eliya, Sri Lanka. they were planted in the park on areas that are wet (like edges of streams and ponds). Crinums as a genus have fruits that are adapted for water dispersal and many species can stand being inundated with water for some time. Too bad we don't see many of these being planted here, probably more suited to cooler climes.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-X9RpxcAX1fc/WCS7s6W3jLI/AAAAAAAAC7U/yekHhBorK_QIhAjR7LCGVi363GU6FvYAgCLcB/s1600/_DSC9572a%2Bpink%2Bcrinum%2Bcrop%2B%2528web%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="263" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-X9RpxcAX1fc/WCS7s6W3jLI/AAAAAAAAC7U/yekHhBorK_QIhAjR7LCGVi363GU6FvYAgCLcB/s400/_DSC9572a%2Bpink%2Bcrinum%2Bcrop%2B%2528web%2529.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr align="justify"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The pink flowers are sweetly fragrant.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-idQzSYeU2TE/WCS7tSq3eaI/AAAAAAAAC7Y/b1Poslvv0ZsHnkKL8heBbIFjhcZS8b8VQCLcB/s1600/_DSC9605a%2Bpink%2Bcrinums%2B%2528web%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="228" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-idQzSYeU2TE/WCS7tSq3eaI/AAAAAAAAC7Y/b1Poslvv0ZsHnkKL8heBbIFjhcZS8b8VQCLcB/s400/_DSC9605a%2Bpink%2Bcrinums%2B%2528web%2529.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr align="justify"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pretty in pink - they were grown in spots where the ground was moist and somewhat muddy.</td></tr>
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Sean Lhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13400996355742861145noreply@blogger.com1Victoria Park, Badulla Rd, Nuwara Eliya, Sri Lanka6.9690563 80.768204500000024-18.5529782 39.459610500000025 32.4910908 122.07679850000002tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3108902041897342046.post-28850571437318489232016-10-01T22:30:00.000+08:002016-10-02T16:28:43.807+08:00Ampang is alive with the Nine Emperor Gods Festival<div style="text-align: justify;">
The festival is here, and with the invitation of the Nine Emperor Gods, the Nan Tian Gong Temple at Ampang is bustling with devotees and curious visitors. For the attraction here is not only the devoted, but also people looking for strange, new and hippest things around in the market.</div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zl0MDhhVaPE/V-_J8CYkDeI/AAAAAAAAC4g/PASMi5GSKb0-BaVKlEJajeXN0nl66bxrgCPcB/s1600/_DSC2004a%2Bsedan%2Bleaving%2B%2528web%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img alt="" border="0" height="206" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zl0MDhhVaPE/V-_J8CYkDeI/AAAAAAAAC4g/PASMi5GSKb0-BaVKlEJajeXN0nl66bxrgCPcB/s320/_DSC2004a%2Bsedan%2Bleaving%2B%2528web%2529.jpg" title="The Nine Emperor Gods palanquin" width="320" /></a></div>
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This year, let me introduce two 'hot' vegetarian food items found at the Ampang Nine Emperor Gods temple fair to you:</div>
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<li>Pokeball ice-cream: With all the fuss about Pokemon Go, it isn't surprising that there were at least two stalls selling Pokeball ice-cream. Basically ice-cream in a Pokemon ball, with a cute little Pokemon inside, hehe.<div style="text-align: left;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Egrq6h_RvBk/V_DDEkAdytI/AAAAAAAAC48/TvK1YxWKuooDd7AiMW39MFreX5j7AjzGwCLcB/s1600/_DSC2292a%2Bpokeball%2Bicecream.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="266" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Egrq6h_RvBk/V_DDEkAdytI/AAAAAAAAC48/TvK1YxWKuooDd7AiMW39MFreX5j7AjzGwCLcB/s400/_DSC2292a%2Bpokeball%2Bicecream.jpg" title="Pokemon Ball Ice-cream" width="400" /></a></div>
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<li>Mushroom buns: These shiitake mushroom lookalikes are actually buns with a cream of mushroom and cabbage filling. Priced at RM4 each, they are surprisingly delicious albeit a little pricey.<div style="text-align: left;">
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-v6aC9F3EEmI/V_DDgYKU6MI/AAAAAAAAC5A/hO7l40p9LJ8sJ41fu8iPZMCKHXKhPeyNQCLcB/s1600/_DSC2284a%2Bmushroom%2Bbun.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="293" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-v6aC9F3EEmI/V_DDgYKU6MI/AAAAAAAAC5A/hO7l40p9LJ8sJ41fu8iPZMCKHXKhPeyNQCLcB/s400/_DSC2284a%2Bmushroom%2Bbun.jpg" title="Mushroom buns with cream of mushroom filling" width="400" /></a></div>
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So if you are free over the weekend, do drop by and get ready to be hit by the Pokemon craze, try a mushroom or two (perhaps you will grow big or maybe small) and be swamped by the usual swarm of people, smoke and sounds of the festival this year.<br />
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Sean Lhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13400996355742861145noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3108902041897342046.post-23013902974883879872016-09-30T14:39:00.002+08:002016-09-30T14:39:49.864+08:00The Nine Emperor Gods Festival 2016<div style="text-align: justify;">
The Nine Emperor Gods festival has begun at Ampang Nine Emperor Gods Temple with the raising of the lantern pole just now. Tonight they will go out to 'invite' the Emperor Gods from a 'secret' location before the lanterns are lit.</div>
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<tr align="justify"><td class="tr-caption">Testing the lanterns on the lantern pole.</td></tr>
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<tr align="justify"><td class="tr-caption">The edict and invitation that informs the gods that the temple will host the festival</td></tr>
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<tr align="justify"><td class="tr-caption">Rushing to put the joss-sticks in at the lantern pole altar.</td></tr>
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Sean Lhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13400996355742861145noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3108902041897342046.post-50395901114045318392016-09-27T16:59:00.000+08:002016-09-29T08:58:55.518+08:00Nine Emperor Gods Festival 2016 is drawing near<div style="text-align: justify;">
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2piub8RXLFY/V-o22G5g40I/AAAAAAAAC3M/DygRzV-SSeIvdc2wSQU_5RYReLCnxdl3gCLcB/s1600/_DSC5250a%2Bsedan%2Bchair%2Bver%2B2%2Bnarrow.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2piub8RXLFY/V-o22G5g40I/AAAAAAAAC3M/DygRzV-SSeIvdc2wSQU_5RYReLCnxdl3gCLcB/s320/_DSC5250a%2Bsedan%2Bchair%2Bver%2B2%2Bnarrow.jpg" title="Ampang Nine Emperor Gods Festival" width="172" /></a></div>
I know, I know, it is that time of the year again... The funny turtle buns, eating stinky tofu, buying tooth-decaying candy from the stalls that are synonymous with the Nine Emperor Gods Festival, which will run from 1st Oct to 9th Oct 2016. In terms of blogging, this year I will do a slight change in the way I blog this festival.<br />
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In this blog, I will post the usual events and daily happenings of the festival that I visit, whilst in <i><b><a href="https://photoculturetravelogue.blogspot.com/search/label/9emperorgods+Festival" target="_blank">Photo.Culture.Travelogue</a></b></i>, the content will be more of a photo-blog. So to kick off the year's countdown, let me show you snippets of photos that I have posted as countdown for the Nine Emperor Gods Festival 2016.<br />
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For more info on the happenings and schedule of the famous Ampang Nine Emperor Gods Festival, click on to <b><a href="http://cheryljhoffmann.com/category/9emperor/" target="_blank">Cheryl Hoffmann's site on Nine Emperor Gods Festival</a></b> where she has meticulously listed down the daily events for Ampang Nan Tian Gong Nine Emperor Gods Temple. Don't forget also to take a look at her stunning and emotionally touching photos of this festival.</div>
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<i><b>Nine Emperor Gods Festival 2016 Countdown - 1 More Day</b></i><br />
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Or you can click on this link <i><b><a href="https://photoculturetravelogue.blogspot.my/search/label/9emperorgods+9emperorgodsfestivalcountdown" target="_blank">Nine Emperor Gods Festival Countdown 2016</a> </b></i>to view all of the post in the countdown series in the Photo.Culture.Travelogue blog.</div>
Sean Lhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13400996355742861145noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3108902041897342046.post-13044566993252085362016-08-31T10:59:00.001+08:002016-08-31T10:59:29.965+08:00Happy Independence DaySelamat Hari Merdeka ke-59<br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UcUOzN0WXHo/V8ZHxv9na6I/AAAAAAAACyo/0tTJ8hoMCqwlqTaJfq8iCJMERDpz35x0gCLcB/s1600/_DSC6337a%2Bmerdeka%2Bfireworks%2B%2528web%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UcUOzN0WXHo/V8ZHxv9na6I/AAAAAAAACyo/0tTJ8hoMCqwlqTaJfq8iCJMERDpz35x0gCLcB/s400/_DSC6337a%2Bmerdeka%2Bfireworks%2B%2528web%2529.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />Sean Lhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13400996355742861145noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3108902041897342046.post-53193222260994268622016-07-06T13:25:00.001+08:002016-07-06T13:28:02.145+08:00Selamat Hari Raya Aidilfitri<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EQy--pOiJ_w/V3yViUvBE6I/AAAAAAAACw4/BJQ4mw29uIAe2Eqf10B7IaAKYmzklQZAQCLcB/s1600/_DSC8867a%2Badenium%2Btaipe%2Bred%2Brose%2Braya%2B%2528web%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="272" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EQy--pOiJ_w/V3yViUvBE6I/AAAAAAAACw4/BJQ4mw29uIAe2Eqf10B7IaAKYmzklQZAQCLcB/s400/_DSC8867a%2Badenium%2Btaipe%2Bred%2Brose%2Braya%2B%2528web%2529.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Adenium Taipei's Rose, a three-layered dark red bloom with black picotee petals.</td></tr>
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Salam Aidilfitri to all Muslim friends and happy holidays to all. Weather has been crazy over here but Adeniums are loving the heat and blooming well.</div>
Sean Lhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13400996355742861145noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3108902041897342046.post-49107557765889381592016-05-26T12:39:00.000+08:002016-05-26T12:47:35.730+08:00Coming soon... Royal Floria 2016 Royal Floria 2016 is coming up, running from 27th May to 4th June 2016 with the theme “Magical World of FLORIA”, and featuring the Chrysanthemum as the theme flower. We went to see how a friend was setting up the exhibit and had a chance to see how they set things up. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RlsAcjKsOEg/V0Z3nOFceuI/AAAAAAAACuc/132QKW7A9W89RPCneaWC2GFlP-X6T13RwCKgB/s1600/CSC_4287.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RlsAcjKsOEg/V0Z3nOFceuI/AAAAAAAACuc/132QKW7A9W89RPCneaWC2GFlP-X6T13RwCKgB/s320/CSC_4287.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chrysanthemums - theme flower for this year's Floria</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IfJTVxyBKpw/V0ZyywKgksI/AAAAAAAACs0/pxLyygHSmAU9XcqBFhvKW0MwmdVUK0KQwCKgB/s1600/CSC_4265.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IfJTVxyBKpw/V0ZyywKgksI/AAAAAAAACs0/pxLyygHSmAU9XcqBFhvKW0MwmdVUK0KQwCKgB/s320/CSC_4265.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Main walkway with 'kites'</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9w14hTptT9I/V0ZzTRPzKHI/AAAAAAAACs4/m82lMNe3vfsO9ACewhGJN5uVB-n9u2OYACKgB/s1600/CSC_4270.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9w14hTptT9I/V0ZzTRPzKHI/AAAAAAAACs4/m82lMNe3vfsO9ACewhGJN5uVB-n9u2OYACKgB/s320/CSC_4270.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Quirky garden themes on one of the exhibit</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/--FmF7lhCBfU/V0ZzIs4JahI/AAAAAAAACs4/KguDy4wbzx88JQabVw-Zu59NUOtCXMBIQCKgB/s1600/CSC_4269.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/--FmF7lhCBfU/V0ZzIs4JahI/AAAAAAAACs4/KguDy4wbzx88JQabVw-Zu59NUOtCXMBIQCKgB/s320/CSC_4269.JPG" width="214" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Painting the Gingerbread House</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TszfrZFDuQ4/V0Z42mYg5WI/AAAAAAAACuk/rhpAsbd9BZIdhemHQPojDG5vJjSVU_CmQCLcB/s1600/CSC_4276.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TszfrZFDuQ4/V0Z42mYg5WI/AAAAAAAACuk/rhpAsbd9BZIdhemHQPojDG5vJjSVU_CmQCLcB/s320/CSC_4276.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Adding touches to the display inside the Floral Pavilion </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-U8dnrn8ya4g/V0Z1smLeP7I/AAAAAAAACtU/s57UyeaG3YkJ_9I7jKJ7PuwQrglEgmLYQCKgB/s1600/CSC_4274.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-U8dnrn8ya4g/V0Z1smLeP7I/AAAAAAAACtU/s57UyeaG3YkJ_9I7jKJ7PuwQrglEgmLYQCKgB/s320/CSC_4274.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lights and twilight.</td></tr>
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This year, the Magic of the Night returns to the site of Floria (ie no longer at Marina Putrajaya), which will make it easier for people to see it. The dancers were busy practicing their moves for the event in the evening.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/--XJfI2NcMpU/V0Zy_BQVj3I/AAAAAAAACs4/T42N7msZ3egaMs3_KrEw77Y8ineGijz3wCKgB/s1600/CSC_4266.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/--XJfI2NcMpU/V0Zy_BQVj3I/AAAAAAAACs4/T42N7msZ3egaMs3_KrEw77Y8ineGijz3wCKgB/s320/CSC_4266.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Magic of the Night at Floria... Yippy</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9yvXbw3q4NY/V0Zy1sEgAGI/AAAAAAAACs0/Ak6jG8YgD6kvJEZT_GykSCoq7aZzSp3uQCKgB/s1600/CSC_4268.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9yvXbw3q4NY/V0Zy1sEgAGI/AAAAAAAACs0/Ak6jG8YgD6kvJEZT_GykSCoq7aZzSp3uQCKgB/s320/CSC_4268.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Istana Budaya dancers getting their moves right for Magic of the Night.</td></tr>
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We manage to see work done on the Candy Courtyard, which is one of the large exhibits in Floria. The work done on the display is amazing. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xvUtdXSap3Y/V0Z2mVb80uI/AAAAAAAACt4/z-W79Uh6tgYohfHdg_F542mmIBdH4mWowCKgB/s1600/CSC_4281.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xvUtdXSap3Y/V0Z2mVb80uI/AAAAAAAACt4/z-W79Uh6tgYohfHdg_F542mmIBdH4mWowCKgB/s320/CSC_4281.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View of the Candy Courtyard.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VtlPjyu0O2M/V0Z2yn5qGKI/AAAAAAAACuA/q1J3Z27nEhA1yQg7Ybf5yvYm-Hxn_WyhQCKgB/s1600/CSC_4282.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VtlPjyu0O2M/V0Z2yn5qGKI/AAAAAAAACuA/q1J3Z27nEhA1yQg7Ybf5yvYm-Hxn_WyhQCKgB/s320/CSC_4282.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Love the train covered in Chrysanthemums.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0yNBOx3aR5g/V0Z285FMaPI/AAAAAAAACuI/1uTny4M0hFktyIGtX9wFfO4DF90NLANzgCKgB/s1600/CSC_4283.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0yNBOx3aR5g/V0Z285FMaPI/AAAAAAAACuI/1uTny4M0hFktyIGtX9wFfO4DF90NLANzgCKgB/s320/CSC_4283.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pink elephant at the Candy Courtyard</td></tr>
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Another new thing for this year's Floria is the bonsai exhibition and competition by the Malaysian Bonsai and Suiseki Society. Many lovely specimens of bonsai will be on display at the Malaysia-China Friendship Pavillion.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GNwPBfF7sv4/V0Z17tX4X0I/AAAAAAAACtI/Kz_rg5IMcr4r_dieNgbqR2dyH-DYsAl7QCLcB/s1600/CSC_4271.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GNwPBfF7sv4/V0Z17tX4X0I/AAAAAAAACtI/Kz_rg5IMcr4r_dieNgbqR2dyH-DYsAl7QCLcB/s320/CSC_4271.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bonsai exhibition and competition</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5KRy-RpL6w0/V0Z2Hz3wDnI/AAAAAAAACtM/wBxOZCGSpvUNDd8H9MSjAKbNkYaPKR4TQCLcB/s1600/CSC_4278.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5KRy-RpL6w0/V0Z2Hz3wDnI/AAAAAAAACtM/wBxOZCGSpvUNDd8H9MSjAKbNkYaPKR4TQCLcB/s320/CSC_4278.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It ain't heavy, it is a bonsai...</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Hu23Pj6rnWE/V0Z1xJT_0BI/AAAAAAAACtE/otLdp1VP34ACGM1dLPxyVDsajpon7_hbQCLcB/s1600/CSC_4273.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Hu23Pj6rnWE/V0Z1xJT_0BI/AAAAAAAACtE/otLdp1VP34ACGM1dLPxyVDsajpon7_hbQCLcB/s320/CSC_4273.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lovely bonsai are on display</td></tr>
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So make a date to go to Royal Floria this school holiday season. There are many things for every member of the family. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-08IJC9RilXQ/V0Z2SIB3IfI/AAAAAAAACtQ/vZaPbuUQIbEEX2Lh1kUWE2eCo65zJrODACLcB/s1600/CSC_4279.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-08IJC9RilXQ/V0Z2SIB3IfI/AAAAAAAACtQ/vZaPbuUQIbEEX2Lh1kUWE2eCo65zJrODACLcB/s320/CSC_4279.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jom.... Penang state pavilion being set up.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PIH1cgnsBKQ/V0Z2dQbmqDI/AAAAAAAACtY/6e780ZVWyVMJEzjv5hlkoM_BEfPKa0xTgCLcB/s1600/CSC_4280.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PIH1cgnsBKQ/V0Z2dQbmqDI/AAAAAAAACtY/6e780ZVWyVMJEzjv5hlkoM_BEfPKa0xTgCLcB/s320/CSC_4280.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Working hard to get the flowers in inside the Floral Pavilion.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WL7HTpn_ypk/V0Z3Gth5-9I/AAAAAAAACt0/IXBVpnpBqZsX4I-Zv3CHnCu3ZAhyXaS8QCLcB/s1600/CSC_4284.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WL7HTpn_ypk/V0Z3Gth5-9I/AAAAAAAACt0/IXBVpnpBqZsX4I-Zv3CHnCu3ZAhyXaS8QCLcB/s320/CSC_4284.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sunset over the bridge at Floria... but work still in progress</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5BCs9kPHjXM/V0Z3g30H8XI/AAAAAAAACuE/Y2ZleyZ5Bm8Gd95BvsNezysyaT0_Kb9NgCLcB/s1600/CSC_4286.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5BCs9kPHjXM/V0Z3g30H8XI/AAAAAAAACuE/Y2ZleyZ5Bm8Gd95BvsNezysyaT0_Kb9NgCLcB/s320/CSC_4286.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">More work in progress...</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vWKj5jPrt0I/V0Z3SPvjVCI/AAAAAAAACuY/TQF67RwfTXsOL07G2hcyWvp_z6_lFG3QwCKgB/s1600/CSC_4285.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vWKj5jPrt0I/V0Z3SPvjVCI/AAAAAAAACuY/TQF67RwfTXsOL07G2hcyWvp_z6_lFG3QwCKgB/s320/CSC_4285.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And even more work in progress to bring you Royal Floria 2016...</td></tr>
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Sean Lhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13400996355742861145noreply@blogger.com2Anjung Floria, Presint 4, 62000 Putrajaya, Wilayah Persekutuan Putrajaya, Malaysia2.9128341 101.67891239999994-22.6092004 60.370318399999945 28.4348686 142.98750639999994tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3108902041897342046.post-73323779822369128212016-02-29T00:07:00.000+08:002016-03-01T13:52:06.269+08:00Feed you Desert Roses<div style="text-align: justify;">
The current weather in Klang Valley since mid February has been hot days and possible showers in the evenings. This hot and dry during the day and the then cooler nights are ideal time to feed your Adeniums or more commonly known as Desert Roses. If they are actively growing, AND the potting media is free draining, make sure they have moisture all day long and your Adeniums will grow like mad.</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Q_ezOm7BXc8/VtMYSHP0YcI/AAAAAAAACrw/VOzV58LYX50/s1600/_DSC4007a%2Bthong%2Byod%2B%2528web%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Q_ezOm7BXc8/VtMYSHP0YcI/AAAAAAAACrw/VOzV58LYX50/s400/_DSC4007a%2Bthong%2Byod%2B%2528web%2529.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr align="justify"><td class="tr-caption">Adenium Thong Yod. The blooms are actually pretty large when they are well-fed and happily blooming</td></tr>
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A good feed of fertiliser now and then will guarantee strong blooms, especially when they are actively growing and the air isn't too damp to bring about fungal diseases. Mine has been blooming like mad, though keeping up with the watering has been tough, since the potting mix that I use are too porous and doesn't hold water. Having a good run of flowers from my Adenium Thong Yod, Raspberry Freeze, Vietnam Love, Rose Beauty, Princess Fragrance, Sup Somboon, and even my friend's Black Swan II on loan for grafting.</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dlIk-08IPic/VtMZjjslX_I/AAAAAAAACsA/YYFkPvaf1BQ/s1600/_DSC3964a%2Braspberry%2Bfreeze%2B%2528web%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dlIk-08IPic/VtMZjjslX_I/AAAAAAAACsA/YYFkPvaf1BQ/s400/_DSC3964a%2Braspberry%2Bfreeze%2B%2528web%2529.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Raspberry Freeze - love the almost fluorescent colour.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-R-GU9OiDm5Q/VtMZZllANvI/AAAAAAAACr8/vWCkm9oq9sY/s1600/_DSC3985a%2Bblack%2Bswan%2BII%2B%2528web%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-R-GU9OiDm5Q/VtMZZllANvI/AAAAAAAACr8/vWCkm9oq9sY/s400/_DSC3985a%2Bblack%2Bswan%2BII%2B%2528web%2529.jpg" width="295" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Black Swan II - thanks MK for the loan. Working on making it more beautiful, hehe.</td></tr>
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So time to feed your Adeniums if you haven't done so.... they will surely reward you with pretty blooms.</div>
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Sean Lhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13400996355742861145noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3108902041897342046.post-45976022561991362932016-02-09T23:44:00.000+08:002016-02-14T19:19:11.792+08:00Penang Hot Air Balloon Fiesta 2016<div style="text-align: justify;">
This was my first time seeing the<a href="http://www.penanghotairballoonfiesta.com/index.php" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> Penang Hot Air Balloon Fiesta</a> as I missed the inaugural year it was held due to other commitments, So deciding to make full use of the day, I choose to go at 7am in the morning. Parking was not an issue as there were many areas that were designated parking lots, and all within comfortable walking distance to the venue which is Padang Polo.</div>
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When I arrived, the balloonist were in the midst of inflating the
balloons. It is amazing to watch this process of transformation; from a
crumpled, indistinguishable bundle of fabric and lines they blossomed
into love balloons, some with interesting shape such as an alien rocket,
ice-cream, three wise monkeys and an oversized zebra head! Entrance to the grounds is FREE but tethered rides and cold-inflation balloon envelope walk-in are ticketed but are very reasonably priced (<a href="http://www.penanghotairballoonfiesta.com/balloon-activities.php" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">click here for pricing</a>).</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pCkNk9UVAUk/Vr_3HOR6-II/AAAAAAAACqU/1Dfd1HouTZc/s1600/_DSC6605a%2Bhot%2Bice-cream%2B%2528web%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pCkNk9UVAUk/Vr_3HOR6-II/AAAAAAAACqU/1Dfd1HouTZc/s320/_DSC6605a%2Bhot%2Bice-cream%2B%2528web%2529.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Firing up the ice-cream balloon.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1YTlK0iuV2Y/Vr_4qOzMdkI/AAAAAAAACqw/MV609KS-64A/s1600/_DSC8476a%2Balien%2Brocket%2B%2528web%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1YTlK0iuV2Y/Vr_4qOzMdkI/AAAAAAAACqw/MV609KS-64A/s320/_DSC8476a%2Balien%2Brocket%2B%2528web%2529.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Alain Bard firing up his Alien Rocket Special Shape Balloon.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NnFA374Kqqw/Vr_4ukA5dgI/AAAAAAAACq0/jdBTs_30MPg/s1600/_DSC8816a%2Bpilot%2B%2528web%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NnFA374Kqqw/Vr_4ukA5dgI/AAAAAAAACq0/jdBTs_30MPg/s320/_DSC8816a%2Bpilot%2B%2528web%2529.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Errr.... I think there are aliens looking at us.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lV1ggbEc1AE/Vr_3J-azNbI/AAAAAAAACqY/f4MPQ-_eT_g/s1600/_DSC6791a%2Bfiring%2Bup%2Bmarty%2B%2528web%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="207" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lV1ggbEc1AE/Vr_3J-azNbI/AAAAAAAACqY/f4MPQ-_eT_g/s320/_DSC6791a%2Bfiring%2Bup%2Bmarty%2B%2528web%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mr Z must be feeling all hot inside</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Cp0skMonRr0/Vr_3KVojH7I/AAAAAAAACqc/1P1OmYk_CV4/s1600/_DSC6977a%2Bpeekaboo%2Bzebra%2B%2528web%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Cp0skMonRr0/Vr_3KVojH7I/AAAAAAAACqc/1P1OmYk_CV4/s320/_DSC6977a%2Bpeekaboo%2Bzebra%2B%2528web%2529.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mr. Z the oversized zebra head.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QLtTYSiMhds/Vr_3XPnJyvI/AAAAAAAACqg/3oZ4_s9wYvo/s1600/_DSC7014a%2Bballoons%2B%2528web%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QLtTYSiMhds/Vr_3XPnJyvI/AAAAAAAACqg/3oZ4_s9wYvo/s320/_DSC7014a%2Bballoons%2B%2528web%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The middle one is the three wise monkey balloon, which was very popular with visitors.</td></tr>
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The balloons were then deflated at around 9.30pm due to the weather, and I spend some time browsing the stalls and looking at the various items for sale around the show grounds. Only the tethered rides balloons were still up and looking great with Penang Hill as the backdrop. Alas, the tethered rides were sold out whilst I was busy taking photos of the inflation process, so I made up my mind I will come back for the Night Glow show.</div>
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The evening started with the balloons being re-inflated whislt we waited for the VVIPS to arrive for the official opening of the Penang Hot Air Balloon Fiesta 2016. After some stage performances, the long awaited night glow really swept visitors breath away, with the balloons putting on the burners that illuminated the balloons beautifully. This was definitely something worth waiting for. To cap it all, there was a fireworks display at the end of the Night Glow show.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0od7EWMjfSc/Vr_5d9y1VpI/AAAAAAAACrI/PMLQg8h_kX0/s1600/_DSC7478a%2Bballons%2Bat%2Bnight%2B%2528web%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0od7EWMjfSc/Vr_5d9y1VpI/AAAAAAAACrI/PMLQg8h_kX0/s400/_DSC7478a%2Bballons%2Bat%2Bnight%2B%2528web%2529.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr align="justify"><td class="tr-caption">On the back row from left to right the special shape balloons are: the Montgolfier replica balloon, Mr Z the oversized zebra head, Alien Rocket, Orange, Three Wise Monkey (only partly visible) and Ice cream.</td></tr>
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So for those who missed it on the first day, there is still tomorrow (10th February). My advice is to wither go early, watch them inflate and be exposed to how they do it, and then enjoy the other activities on site, or go lin the evening and stay for the night glow. If possible, do both, and get the best out of this well-organized event. It is worth your time to catch it.<br />
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Kudos to the organizer AKA Balloon, the Penang state government and all involved, for this is a very well put together event and I think everyone in Penang should not miss.<br />
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Sean Lhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13400996355742861145noreply@blogger.com1Padang Polo, George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia5.4185714838638059 100.307343006134035.416595483863806 100.30482150613403 5.4205474838638059 100.30986450613403tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3108902041897342046.post-84002337980130442162016-02-07T11:19:00.000+08:002016-02-14T11:21:17.120+08:00Happy Year of The Monkey<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NBHJ_j3yZas/Vr_x95VYVnI/AAAAAAAACqA/rBGq2ow-6NA/s1600/_DSC6311a%2BAdenium%2BD25%2BAdam%2Btext%2B%2528web%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="288" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NBHJ_j3yZas/Vr_x95VYVnI/AAAAAAAACqA/rBGq2ow-6NA/s400/_DSC6311a%2BAdenium%2BD25%2BAdam%2Btext%2B%2528web%2529.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Happy Year of the Fire Monkey to all who celebrate the Lunar New Year and happy holidays to my Malaysian friends. Will be off posting for a while as there are many events and festivals in my hometown for the Lunar New Year festival and will take a while to sort it all through.</div>
Sean Lhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13400996355742861145noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3108902041897342046.post-23330583155720487452016-01-01T11:25:00.000+08:002016-02-14T11:26:38.130+08:00HAPPY NEW YEAR 2016<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FYXdg6owWrM/Vr_zFOajaLI/AAAAAAAACqI/o2_dD8FXDLs/s1600/DSC_4189a%2Bfireworks%2BKL%2B%2528web%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FYXdg6owWrM/Vr_zFOajaLI/AAAAAAAACqI/o2_dD8FXDLs/s400/DSC_4189a%2Bfireworks%2BKL%2B%2528web%2529.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Happy New Year 2016 to all my friends. One more year.... hopefully this year would be a better year ahead for all of us. Thanks to Johnny and friends who invited us for a party at a rootop unit in town, as the fireworks display from KLCC was amazing seen up close.</div>
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I will reorganize the blog content this year, and probably make drop menus to separate them into gardening, events/festivals and photography. So bear with me whilst the blog gets reorganized, posting will be slower.</div>
Sean Lhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13400996355742861145noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3108902041897342046.post-75882478861562780572015-11-28T10:51:00.000+08:002015-11-28T10:51:47.498+08:00Adenium Premsup Yellow - pretty, easy and showy<div style="text-align: justify;">
Adenium Prem Sup Yellow (or Yellow Prem Sup) is a Thai Adenium hybrid that has been around for some time. This is an Adenium hybrid that I feel every Adenium lover should have. They are tough, floriferous, have amazing colours and always blooms in a cluster of three or more flowers. </div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-feHyl5fkWCA/VlkVzwBw9RI/AAAAAAAACpw/1zjNnxIXIik/s1600/_DSC2907a%2Badenium%2Bprem%2Bsup%2Byellow%2B%2528web%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="266" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-feHyl5fkWCA/VlkVzwBw9RI/AAAAAAAACpw/1zjNnxIXIik/s400/_DSC2907a%2Badenium%2Bprem%2Bsup%2Byellow%2B%2528web%2529.jpg" title="Adenium PremSup Yellow" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lovely Adenium Prem Sup Yellow.</td></tr>
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The blooms start off as a light canary yellow, which quickly takes on a blush pink edging in the tropical heat. Over the days that it blooms, the flowers acquires more blush pink tones until the flower is somewhat pinkish with yellow undertones at the end of bloom lifespan. So you can get two colours in one with this Adenium hybrid. Contrasting well with flowers are the glossy, green leaves with prominent white veins.</div>
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They are easily available in South-East Asian region as Thailand mass produces them for export. However one should be vary of Thailand's mass produced Adeniums as plant sanitary practices are not so well practiced, thus some plants may be virus infected.</div>
Sean Lhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13400996355742861145noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3108902041897342046.post-55022418133114296832015-10-16T12:10:00.000+08:002015-10-19T12:29:44.468+08:00Ampang Nine Emperor Gods Festival 2015 - Feeding of the Heavenly Army on Day 3<div style="text-align: justify;">
Day 3, 6 and 9 sees the feeding of the Heavenly Army at Ampang Nine Emperor Gods. This is where they put buckets of food out for the Generals and Heavenly Army of the five directions. On the 3rd day, they will also plant the five directional flags on the perimeter of the temple, signifying the Heavenly army and their generals standing guard over the temple at the four corners and in the centre.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vgSoUfr8lbU/ViRr3I40uxI/AAAAAAAACpY/YUON245d8L8/s1600/DSC_1144-web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vgSoUfr8lbU/ViRr3I40uxI/AAAAAAAACpY/YUON245d8L8/s400/DSC_1144-web.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The medium in a trance self-immolates and overseas the feeding of the heavenly army with the Taoist priest.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-w4DjkLZ92mg/ViRrgXqvwsI/AAAAAAAACpQ/DNNn9k5uQJk/s1600/DSC_1216-web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-w4DjkLZ92mg/ViRrgXqvwsI/AAAAAAAACpQ/DNNn9k5uQJk/s320/DSC_1216-web.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr align="justify"><td class="tr-caption">No, he is not going to issue you summons for parking haphazardly - the medium going around the temple inspecting the temple ground and getting rid of any 'evil' influences that might have sneaked in</td></tr>
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After a short break, the medium trancing the Nine Emperor God will also make an inspection round of the entire temple. The fun part is to watch him inspect the dorms (where we had no idea which way he would come in or out from - kinda like a guessing game) and also of the opera stage, where he does a little twirl at centre stage.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Py38Kg7FqsY/ViRrg7X5k-I/AAAAAAAACpU/807LmBKXudo/s1600/DSC_1246%2Bweb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Py38Kg7FqsY/ViRrg7X5k-I/AAAAAAAACpU/807LmBKXudo/s320/DSC_1246%2Bweb.jpg" width="188" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Emperor God and his royal entourage of priest, assistants and RELA personnel. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IXnBO86Ivn0/ViRsJKkeELI/AAAAAAAACpg/5Hs0QEfgxWw/s1600/_DSC6969a-web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IXnBO86Ivn0/ViRsJKkeELI/AAAAAAAACpg/5Hs0QEfgxWw/s320/_DSC6969a-web.jpg" width="207" /></a></td></tr>
<tr align="justify"><td class="tr-caption">Presenting the Ampang Nine Emperor Gods production of.... the Nutcracker Suite.... NOT. The Nine Emperor God dances as he goes through the opera stage.</td></tr>
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<b>LINKS:</b><br />
<ul>
<li><a href="http://up-your-toot.blogspot.my/2015/09/coming-up-nine-emperor-gods-festival.html" target="_blank">Coming Up... Nine Emperor Gods Festival 2015</a></li>
<li><a href="http://up-your-toot.blogspot.my/2015/10/nine-emperor-gods-festival-2015.html" target="_blank">Nine Emperor Gods Festival 2015 - the Preparation</a></li>
<li><a href="http://up-your-toot.blogspot.my/2015/10/the-nine-emperor-gods-are-here.html" target="_blank">The Nine Emperor Gods are here - Invitation ceremony </a> </li>
<li><a href="http://up-your-toot.blogspot.my/2015/10/first-day-nine-emperor-gods-festival-2015.html" target="_blank">Nine Emperor Gods Festival 2015 - First Day @ Ampang</a></li>
<li><a href="http://up-your-toot.blogspot.my/2015/10/ampang-nine-emperor-gods-festival-2015-day-2.html" target="_blank">Ampang Nine Emperor Gods Festival 2015 - Day Two</a> </li>
</ul>
</div>
Sean Lhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13400996355742861145noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3108902041897342046.post-73776328614061134642015-10-15T16:46:00.000+08:002015-10-19T12:31:30.713+08:00Ampang Nine Emperor Gods Festival 2015 - Day Two<div style="text-align: justify;">
The second day of Nine Emperor Gods Festival sees the invitation of the Finance Minister at Ampang Nan Tian Gong temple. This procession mirrors that of the Nine Emperor Gods invitation ceremony on the 12th of October, with the difference being the Finance Minister, Tian Fu Yuan Shuai is the deity invited this evening.</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Intlaj5-C-w/ViCwtUAR05I/AAAAAAAACoI/YbVSZZpk3Qg/s1600/_DSC6043a%2Bfishies%2B%2528web%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Intlaj5-C-w/ViCwtUAR05I/AAAAAAAACoI/YbVSZZpk3Qg/s320/_DSC6043a%2Bfishies%2B%2528web%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fishy... Chinese love their fish. Here there are many fishes and a phoenix flying to the temple.</td></tr>
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The other difference to this procession compared to that of the first one is that the energy levels seemed to be very high, and everyone seemed to be anxious to get the Finance Minister back to the temple. Well, who wouldn't want to be in the good books with the money guy? Especially in times of economic hardship, everyone must be praying hard that Tian Fu Yuan Shuai will bless them with money and more money...</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DfDrhyrTj_g/ViC3mNROcNI/AAAAAAAACoY/bxgNAiWmGOI/s1600/DSC_0893.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DfDrhyrTj_g/ViC3mNROcNI/AAAAAAAACoY/bxgNAiWmGOI/s320/DSC_0893.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sushi or shashimi...</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ClgQAmPKSUA/ViC3nPHOqhI/AAAAAAAACoc/UDIOsLUrqZY/s1600/DSC_0961.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ClgQAmPKSUA/ViC3nPHOqhI/AAAAAAAACoc/UDIOsLUrqZY/s320/DSC_0961.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The cutest dragon and dragon dancers in town...</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2YSR2__kWkg/ViC3n8Z7KDI/AAAAAAAACok/pIv1TGMU_1M/s1600/DSC_1047.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2YSR2__kWkg/ViC3n8Z7KDI/AAAAAAAACok/pIv1TGMU_1M/s320/DSC_1047.jpg" width="226" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The palanquin leaving the temple.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3WFDczCwL9s/ViC3pFcqX7I/AAAAAAAACow/Ur3dD90a9DA/s1600/DSC_1052.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="227" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3WFDczCwL9s/ViC3pFcqX7I/AAAAAAAACow/Ur3dD90a9DA/s320/DSC_1052.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The outriders for the gods do not have sirens nor flashing lights, just these plaques.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NoxY9EKh648/ViC3qOY7o1I/AAAAAAAACo0/OOuzJz6-nE0/s1600/DSC_1062.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NoxY9EKh648/ViC3qOY7o1I/AAAAAAAACo0/OOuzJz6-nE0/s320/DSC_1062.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hi ho, hi ho.. is off to the invitation we go. The ladies trooping down the road at the start of the invitation ceremony.</td></tr>
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The number of visitors were much more too, due to the public holiday, as well as photographers, making it a mad dash for the best spot to see the happenings in the temple. So for those who prefer to see the procession at Ampang Nan Tian Gong Temple with less maddening crowd, the invitation ceremony for the Nine Emperor Gods is a far calmer, more restrained and regal in a way as compared to the invitation of the Finance Minister.</div>
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<br />
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<b>LINKS:</b><br />
<ul>
<li><a href="http://up-your-toot.blogspot.my/2015/09/coming-up-nine-emperor-gods-festival.html" target="_blank">Coming Up... Nine Emperor Gods Festival 2015</a></li>
<li><a href="http://up-your-toot.blogspot.my/2015/10/nine-emperor-gods-festival-2015.html" target="_blank">Nine Emperor Gods Festival 2015 - the Preparation</a></li>
<li><a href="http://up-your-toot.blogspot.my/2015/10/the-nine-emperor-gods-are-here.html" target="_blank">The Nine Emperor Gods are here - Invitation ceremony </a> </li>
<li><a href="http://up-your-toot.blogspot.my/2015/10/first-day-nine-emperor-gods-festival-2015.html" target="_blank">Nine Emperor Gods Festival 2015 - First Day @ Ampang</a></li>
<li><a href="http://up-your-toot.blogspot.my/2015/10/ampang-nine-emperor-gods-festival-2015.html" target="_blank">Ampang Nine Emperor Gods Festival 2015 - Feeding of the Heavenly Army</a> </li>
</ul>
</div>
</div>
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Sean Lhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13400996355742861145noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3108902041897342046.post-58664869354486295452015-10-14T16:30:00.000+08:002015-10-19T12:27:50.437+08:00Nine Emperor Gods Festival 2015 - First Day @ Ampang<div style="text-align: justify;">
The first day of the festival at Ampang Nan Tian Gong Nine Emperor Gods temple started off as a quite day immersed in prayers and offerings. However, the mood became very festive after 6pm, probably due to the next day being a public holiday in Malaysia for Awal Muharram. By 8pm, the crowds were surging in, the opera blaring away and incense smoke pouring through the vents and doors of the temple.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Kl_BjUinlKk/Vh4OfAN8y0I/AAAAAAAACnI/zbq84UOoLac/s1600/_DSC5361a%2Bpraying%2Blady%2B%2528web%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Kl_BjUinlKk/Vh4OfAN8y0I/AAAAAAAACnI/zbq84UOoLac/s320/_DSC5361a%2Bpraying%2Blady%2B%2528web%2529.jpg" width="219" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Devoted to her prayers... she is a picture of calm in the sea of moving devotees in the temple.</td></tr>
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Then a heavy downpour came and somewhat slowed everything down. It was more of a gridlock scenario as devotees crammed into whatever sheltered space available to avoid the rain. The crowd then slowly thins out as the night passes.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1ArOt0XQPCU/Vh4OfoyKaNI/AAAAAAAACnM/0-FyC21U8H4/s1600/_DSC5332a%2Bpeace%2B%2528web%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="199" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1ArOt0XQPCU/Vh4OfoyKaNI/AAAAAAAACnM/0-FyC21U8H4/s320/_DSC5332a%2Bpeace%2B%2528web%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Peace (ie safety) wherever you go... a LED sign hanging from one of the stalls outside the temple.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AocwXOrFNvw/Vh4Oe3LxtpI/AAAAAAAACnE/u6howWJHx3Y/s1600/_DSC5337a%2Bpraying%2Bto%2Bnine%2Bemperor%2Bgods%2B%2528web%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="195" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AocwXOrFNvw/Vh4Oe3LxtpI/AAAAAAAACnE/u6howWJHx3Y/s320/_DSC5337a%2Bpraying%2Bto%2Bnine%2Bemperor%2Bgods%2B%2528web%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Reciting prayers to the Nine Emperor Gods.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tAVSey2rSgA/Vh4RVZi3VPI/AAAAAAAACn8/OkNzPZkQ8KU/s1600/DSC_0852.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tAVSey2rSgA/Vh4RVZi3VPI/AAAAAAAACn8/OkNzPZkQ8KU/s320/DSC_0852.JPG" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yes or no.... the lady was throwing divination blocks to obtain an answer from the Nine Emperor Gods.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xR6f7rhJ3SQ/Vh4OhBns3oI/AAAAAAAACnU/2OQIPhzwjM8/s1600/_DSC5365a%2Btortoise%2Bbun%2B%2528web%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="224" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xR6f7rhJ3SQ/Vh4OhBns3oI/AAAAAAAACnU/2OQIPhzwjM8/s320/_DSC5365a%2Btortoise%2Bbun%2B%2528web%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tortoise buns with lucky lottery number - a popular offering in this festival.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YvHRfp1cL2A/Vh4OiYAv1sI/AAAAAAAACnc/emaKekVtnU0/s1600/_DSC5376a%2Bblue%2Bhour%2Bfirst%2Bday%2B%2528web%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YvHRfp1cL2A/Vh4OiYAv1sI/AAAAAAAACnc/emaKekVtnU0/s320/_DSC5376a%2Bblue%2Bhour%2Bfirst%2Bday%2B%2528web%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The atmosphere of the temple at 7pm was rather quiet, as can be seen from this shot.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Q1wKHm41A5Q/Vh4Oj1q7IOI/AAAAAAAACno/xJ0ebAFot-U/s1600/_DSC5646a%2Bcrowd%2Bafter%2B8pm%2B%2528web%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Q1wKHm41A5Q/Vh4Oj1q7IOI/AAAAAAAACno/xJ0ebAFot-U/s320/_DSC5646a%2Bcrowd%2Bafter%2B8pm%2B%2528web%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The crowds came around 8pm... you could hardly move through the road without elbowing someone.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RR2mkg-lTkg/Vh4O12EyX0I/AAAAAAAACn0/DD5A_n7bxYU/s1600/_DSC5486a%2Bbad%2Bwardrobe%2Bday%2B%2528web%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="209" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RR2mkg-lTkg/Vh4O12EyX0I/AAAAAAAACn0/DD5A_n7bxYU/s320/_DSC5486a%2Bbad%2Bwardrobe%2Bday%2B%2528web%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A costume's equivalent of a bad hair day - Chinese opera actors and actresses were performing on stage.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YEzUU3Pcs9k/Vh4OlcwdpbI/AAAAAAAACns/VbNZIrvRD7A/s1600/_DSC5750a%2Breflections%2B%2528web%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="204" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YEzUU3Pcs9k/Vh4OlcwdpbI/AAAAAAAACns/VbNZIrvRD7A/s320/_DSC5750a%2Breflections%2B%2528web%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr align="justify"><td class="tr-caption">Reflections - after a heavy downpour. It didn't dampen the spirits of the visitors and they continued on despite the wet ground full of puddles.</td></tr>
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The second day will probably be more festive and crowded as there will be a procession at 7pm to invite the Finance Minister, Tian Fu Yuan Shuai.</div>
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<br />
<b>LINKS:</b><br />
<ul>
<li><a href="http://up-your-toot.blogspot.my/2015/09/coming-up-nine-emperor-gods-festival.html" target="_blank">Coming Up... Nine Emperor Gods Festival 2015</a></li>
<li><a href="http://up-your-toot.blogspot.my/2015/10/nine-emperor-gods-festival-2015.html" target="_blank">Nine Emperor Gods Festival 2015 - the Preparation</a></li>
<li><a href="http://up-your-toot.blogspot.my/2015/10/ampang-nine-emperor-gods-festival-2015-day-2.html" target="_blank">Ampang Nine Emperor Gods Festival 2015 - Day Two</a> </li>
<li><a href="http://up-your-toot.blogspot.my/2015/10/ampang-nine-emperor-gods-festival-2015.html" target="_blank">Ampang Nine Emperor Gods Festival 2015 - Feeding of the Heavenly Army</a> </li>
</ul>
</div>
Sean Lhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13400996355742861145noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3108902041897342046.post-78594871534804112082015-10-13T23:54:00.000+08:002015-10-19T12:26:41.126+08:00The Nine Emperor Gods are here<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HGI-HQXaW00/Vh0putRM9qI/AAAAAAAACmI/xSRkX9kurM4/s1600/_DSC5250a%2Bsedan%2Bchair%2B%2528web%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HGI-HQXaW00/Vh0putRM9qI/AAAAAAAACmI/xSRkX9kurM4/s320/_DSC5250a%2Bsedan%2Bchair%2B%2528web%2529.jpg" width="206" /></a></td></tr>
<tr align="justify"><td class="tr-caption">It ain't heavy, it is the Emperor Gods.... the palanquin that is supposedly used by the deities were being carried out for the ceremony.</td></tr>
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On the 12th of October, the Ampang Nine Emperor Gods temple went out to invite the Nine Emperor Gods from a nearby river. The invitation ceremony and procession started at 7.35pm and the palanquin returned with the urn around 10pm. And so the festivities start... Huat ahhhh!</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QGaAAH7CuiA/Vh0qaanABGI/AAAAAAAACmY/a6AhVI5Nj38/s1600/_DSC4413a%2Bplaying%2Bfire%2B%2528web%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QGaAAH7CuiA/Vh0qaanABGI/AAAAAAAACmY/a6AhVI5Nj38/s320/_DSC4413a%2Bplaying%2Bfire%2B%2528web%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fire, fire... - dragon joss sticks being lit with kerosene whilst the guy smokes.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xst28-UIUCs/Vh0rNWtNgOI/AAAAAAAACmg/cVO9j08zNpE/s1600/DSC_0605.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xst28-UIUCs/Vh0rNWtNgOI/AAAAAAAACmg/cVO9j08zNpE/s320/DSC_0605.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr align="justify"><td class="tr-caption">Dragon ball... Dragon dances were performed as part of the ceremony and the procession to invite the Nine Emperor Gods - photo by Bob.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Gzl-ZG5USlQ/Vh0sJyXv4_I/AAAAAAAACmo/aNgLPxf7HiE/s1600/DSC_0823.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Gzl-ZG5USlQ/Vh0sJyXv4_I/AAAAAAAACmo/aNgLPxf7HiE/s320/DSC_0823.JPG" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Taking out the plaques that announces the presence of the Emperor Gods - photo by Bob</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QSi0hYOouLs/Vh0pt3aG6QI/AAAAAAAACmE/eFhaZgjH9DU/s1600/_DSC5143a%2Bsedan%2Bchair%2B%2528web%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QSi0hYOouLs/Vh0pt3aG6QI/AAAAAAAACmE/eFhaZgjH9DU/s320/_DSC5143a%2Bsedan%2Bchair%2B%2528web%2529.jpg" width="248" /></a></td></tr>
<tr align="justify"><td class="tr-caption">Rock - a - bye Emperor Gods - the palanquin rocking to and fro as they move it from the temple. Devotees believe that the rocking indicates that the deities are present in the palanquin.</td></tr>
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There will be another procession on Wed night (14 Oct 2015). However be prepared for a major crowd and traffic jam as it is a public holiday. Even now at 12am, the traffic is backed up to Spectrum at Ampang.</div>
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<b>LINKS:</b><br />
<ul>
<li><a href="http://up-your-toot.blogspot.my/2015/09/coming-up-nine-emperor-gods-festival.html" target="_blank">Coming Up... Nine Emperor Gods Festival 2015</a></li>
<li><a href="http://up-your-toot.blogspot.my/2015/10/nine-emperor-gods-festival-2015.html" target="_blank">Nine Emperor Gods Festival 2015 - the Preparation</a></li>
<li><a href="http://up-your-toot.blogspot.my/2015/10/first-day-nine-emperor-gods-festival-2015.html" target="_blank">Nine Emperor Gods Festival 2015 - First Day @ Ampang</a></li>
<li><a href="http://up-your-toot.blogspot.my/2015/10/ampang-nine-emperor-gods-festival-2015-day-2.html" target="_blank">Ampang Nine Emperor Gods Festival 2015 - Day Two</a> </li>
<li><a href="http://up-your-toot.blogspot.my/2015/10/ampang-nine-emperor-gods-festival-2015.html" target="_blank">Ampang Nine Emperor Gods Festival 2015 - Feeding of the Heavenly Army</a> </li>
</ul>
Sean Lhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13400996355742861145noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3108902041897342046.post-9137769627165436732015-10-11T10:07:00.000+08:002015-10-11T10:13:00.963+08:00Nine Emperor Gods Festival 2015 - The Preparation @ Ampang<div style="text-align: justify;">
The Nine Emperor Gods Festival is just around the corner, and many temples are no doubt, in the process of getting ready for the festival that starts on October 13th this year. At Ampang, the temple staff were busy cleaning up and getting things up and ready for the festival. So whilst there were many old things that were being spruced up, there is something new too at the temple for this year's celebration.... a new altar table!</div>
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The new altar weighs 4 tonnes in total, and is made from a base platform, two side blocks, two panels and a table top, all stone/granite. It was fun as well as many moments filled with trepidation as forklift, straps and manpower were used to assemble the altar table and getting all the parts aligned.</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7s4Orq1vVQ4/VhnAYGt2RBI/AAAAAAAACk4/JqzO0UGdFw8/s1600/_DSC2926a%2Bmoving%2Bthe%2Btop%2Bin%2B%2528web%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7s4Orq1vVQ4/VhnAYGt2RBI/AAAAAAAACk4/JqzO0UGdFw8/s320/_DSC2926a%2Bmoving%2Bthe%2Btop%2Bin%2B%2528web%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">More... more... more.. Placing the table top of the new altar.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-G5644b6eIh8/VhnAYsShpuI/AAAAAAAACk8/oH30lMBscXw/s1600/_DSC3051a%2Bnew%2Baltar%2B%2528web%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="216" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-G5644b6eIh8/VhnAYsShpuI/AAAAAAAACk8/oH30lMBscXw/s320/_DSC3051a%2Bnew%2Baltar%2B%2528web%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">All done... were they discussing what 4D (lottery number) to buy???</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ldnLtUa1Bu4/VhnAXLQJzaI/AAAAAAAACkw/FDT9IcWS3FA/s1600/_DSC3062a%2Bnew%2Baltar%2Btable%2B%2528web%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="209" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ldnLtUa1Bu4/VhnAXLQJzaI/AAAAAAAACkw/FDT9IcWS3FA/s320/_DSC3062a%2Bnew%2Baltar%2Btable%2B%2528web%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The new altar... it ain't heavy, it is 4 tonnes!!!</td></tr>
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Of course we cannot forget things that are old, and things that most of the devotees and visitors are familiar with at the temple like these photos below.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2EctIs1pUvs/VhnA9Q8dXjI/AAAAAAAAClo/yqGyoONlPUc/s1600/_DSC2447a%2Bpuak%2Bpuei%2B%2528web%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2EctIs1pUvs/VhnA9Q8dXjI/AAAAAAAAClo/yqGyoONlPUc/s320/_DSC2447a%2Bpuak%2Bpuei%2B%2528web%2529.jpg" width="207" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Divination blocks all stung up with new yellow string</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-G9dN10kGNNU/VhnAtahRPRI/AAAAAAAAClU/fyu45mlOE_E/s1600/_DSC2708a%2Bdragon%2Bhead%2B%2528web%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-G9dN10kGNNU/VhnAtahRPRI/AAAAAAAAClU/fyu45mlOE_E/s320/_DSC2708a%2Bdragon%2Bhead%2B%2528web%2529.jpg" width="201" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dragon pillar and light from the airwell.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3DFwabec-1I/VhnAssQOLPI/AAAAAAAAClQ/qUtu8SFyzng/s1600/_DSC2614a%2Bred%2Bkids%2B%2528web%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="217" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3DFwabec-1I/VhnAssQOLPI/AAAAAAAAClQ/qUtu8SFyzng/s320/_DSC2614a%2Bred%2Bkids%2B%2528web%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kids waiting for their ride home under the pagoda tower.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-v97qPV1uElM/VhnAux9GrdI/AAAAAAAAClg/NMQXpZ-ixOI/s1600/_DSC2765a%2Bmama%2Bgoddess%2B%2528web%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="257" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-v97qPV1uElM/VhnAux9GrdI/AAAAAAAAClg/NMQXpZ-ixOI/s320/_DSC2765a%2Bmama%2Bgoddess%2B%2528web%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here's something err.... 'old'... Cheryl Hoffmann all ready for photo action at the temple.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nl1ev91-vX0/VhnArb7crTI/AAAAAAAAClI/dhdq7vyJJLY/s1600/_DSC2651a%2Btake%2Bthis%2Bone%2B%2528web%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nl1ev91-vX0/VhnArb7crTI/AAAAAAAAClI/dhdq7vyJJLY/s320/_DSC2651a%2Btake%2Bthis%2Bone%2B%2528web%2529.jpg" width="196" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kids having a little fun with joss-sticks that were hung up for sale.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uySe1X_7fZc/VhnBNzvPgjI/AAAAAAAAClw/M7CgyMFrk5w/s1600/CSC_2520.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uySe1X_7fZc/VhnBNzvPgjI/AAAAAAAAClw/M7CgyMFrk5w/s320/CSC_2520.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The old signs used to direct vehicular traffic leaving the temple.</td></tr>
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Sean Lhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13400996355742861145noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3108902041897342046.post-65156218045938983882015-09-30T17:22:00.000+08:002015-10-19T12:16:50.791+08:00Coming Up... Nine Emperor Gods Festival 2015<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Y6oTBDXIJhE/Vguln6VLIPI/AAAAAAAACkg/mu4_NrIr1UU/s1600/_DSC0039a%2Blantern%2Bpole%2Bsmall%2Btext.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Ampang Nine Emperor Gods Festival, 安邦南天宫九皇爷" border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Y6oTBDXIJhE/Vguln6VLIPI/AAAAAAAACkg/mu4_NrIr1UU/s400/_DSC0039a%2Blantern%2Bpole%2Bsmall%2Btext.jpg" title="Ampang Nine Emperor Gods Temple" width="252" /></a></div>
Yes, time files so quickly... It is almost that time of the year again, the time of Nine Emperor Gods Festival 2015. Here in Ampang, the famous Nine Emperor Gods Temple had already started the preparation for the festival a week ago. </div>
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Yesterday, the Lantern pole was taken out to the courtyard of the temple.... </div>
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So get ready folks for nine days of vegetarian fair, smoky joss sticks, Chinese opera, clanging bells and lots of activity at Ampang Nine Emperor Gods Festival 2015. The first day of the festival falls on the 13th Oct 2015 and the ninth day is on the 21st of Oct 2015.</div>
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However, here at Ampang, the festivities start on the eve, 12th of Oct 2015 with the Lantern Pole raising (<a href="http://up-your-toot.blogspot.my/2013/10/raising-nine-emperor-gods-lantern-pole-2013.html" target="_blank">click for 2013's lantern pole raising ceremony</a>) and then followed by the invitation in the evening that includes a procession.</div>
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So keep those dates free and do remember, here at Ampang Nine Emperor Gods Festival, the hustle and bustle starts in the evening and goes on till the early hours or the morning (like 3 - 4am).</div>
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IMPORTANT DATES:<br />
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<ul>
<li>12 Oct 2015 - Eve of the festival (raising the lantern pole) and invitation of the Nine Emperor Gods in the evening (procession).</li>
<li>13 Oct 2015 - First day of the festival</li>
<li>14 Oct 2015 - Invitation of the Finance Minister (procession) </li>
<li>21 Oct 2015 - Ninth day (last day) of the festival</li>
</ul>
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Stay tuned for more fun images and happenings on this festival.<br />
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<u><b>Links for 2015 Nine Emperor Gods Festival:</b></u><br />
<br />
<ul>
<li><a href="http://up-your-toot.blogspot.my/2015/10/nine-emperor-gods-festival-2015.html" target="_blank">Nine Emperor Gods Festival 2015 - the Preparation</a></li>
<li><a href="http://up-your-toot.blogspot.my/2015/10/the-nine-emperor-gods-are-here.html" target="_blank">The Nine Emperor Gods are here - Invitation ceremony </a></li>
<li><a href="http://up-your-toot.blogspot.my/2015/10/first-day-nine-emperor-gods-festival-2015.html" target="_blank">Nine Emperor Gods Festival 2015 - First Day @ Ampang</a></li>
<li><a href="http://up-your-toot.blogspot.my/2015/10/ampang-nine-emperor-gods-festival-2015-day-2.html" target="_blank">Ampang Nine Emperor Gods Festival 2015 - Day Two</a> </li>
<li><a href="http://up-your-toot.blogspot.my/2015/10/ampang-nine-emperor-gods-festival-2015.html" target="_blank">Ampang Nine Emperor Gods Festival 2015 - Feeding of the Heavenly Army</a> </li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>For more information and lovely photos on this festival, I would recommend <a href="http://cheryljhoffmann.com/category/9emperor/" target="_blank">Cheryl Hoffmann's site</a>.</li>
</ul>
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Sean Lhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13400996355742861145noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3108902041897342046.post-65513024239419167162015-09-21T12:18:00.000+08:002015-09-21T14:29:39.938+08:00Yellow is... beautiful<div style="text-align: justify;">
There is just this strange attraction that the colour yellow has on this nation. From the royal colour to a 'reviled' protest, we seem to be attracted to all things yellow. And yellow Adeniums are of course, very popular.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XjnwoeA14kU/Vf-DX05hzEI/AAAAAAAAChA/_d6Kf8Qv8GE/s1600/_DSC0955a%2Bthong%2Byod%2B%2528web%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="236" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XjnwoeA14kU/Vf-DX05hzEI/AAAAAAAAChA/_d6Kf8Qv8GE/s320/_DSC0955a%2Bthong%2Byod%2B%2528web%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr align="justify"><td class="tr-caption">Adenium Thong Yod (or Thong Yot) - golden drop. The yellow is strong, but takes on a greenish-chrome yellow tone. Well, still better than pale off-white yellows.</td></tr>
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Despite the attractiveness of yellow adeniums, they all tend to have a major flaw, at least in our climate. The yellows tend to fade to cream or white, or never develops the intensity that is advertised when grown in say Taiwan or Thailand. However, the plus side of yellow blooms are that most of them are weakly fragrant or more so in some selected hybrids.</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-y5uzZXmA40M/Vf-D7ksMcZI/AAAAAAAAChI/qeZHWSijWF4/s1600/_DSC2702a%2Byellow%2Bprem%2Bsup%2B%2528web%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="199" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-y5uzZXmA40M/Vf-D7ksMcZI/AAAAAAAAChI/qeZHWSijWF4/s320/_DSC2702a%2Byellow%2Bprem%2Bsup%2B%2528web%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Adenium Yellow Premsup - a pale yellow aging to pink blush yellow.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-33XQbA_r6V0/Vf-D8XGmDTI/AAAAAAAAChM/zyTEVGJiPBs/s1600/_DSC3202a%2Bprincess%2Bfragrance%2B%2528web%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="217" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-33XQbA_r6V0/Vf-D8XGmDTI/AAAAAAAAChM/zyTEVGJiPBs/s320/_DSC3202a%2Bprincess%2Bfragrance%2B%2528web%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Adenium Princess Fragrance - the scent is rather strong, especially as the flowers age.</td></tr>
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I believe that this is due to pigments or pigment development that is temperature sensitive or controlled by temperature sensitive gene transcriptions. Some bicoloured reds are too, ranging from truly two-toned to just pure red depending on the temps that were prevalent when the buds were developing.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FX0qfia9A0U/Vf-EdtmW5yI/AAAAAAAAChc/TM7TfvzQOvY/s1600/_DSC6763a%2Bvietnam%2Blove%2B%2528small%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FX0qfia9A0U/Vf-EdtmW5yI/AAAAAAAAChc/TM7TfvzQOvY/s320/_DSC6763a%2Bvietnam%2Blove%2B%2528small%2529.jpg" width="245" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The two-tone petals of Adenium Vietnam Love appears to be temperature sensitive. Too warm and they turn all red.</td></tr>
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Perhaps breeding of yellows could be done in Malaysia, and a strong persistent yellow form be found for our climate that doesn't fade away.</div>
Sean Lhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13400996355742861145noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3108902041897342046.post-86544503344592049832015-09-20T19:03:00.000+08:002015-09-22T19:05:26.589+08:00Are you still hungry tonite?? Hungry Ghost Part 2Before we move on to the Mooncake Festival, here are more shots of Hungry Ghost Festival...<br />
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<b>Pandan Perdana, KL</b><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-N03jzg6JRIc/Vf-HxmRzYTI/AAAAAAAACho/8AWr_UlMksU/s1600/_DSC2803a%2Bumbrella%2B%2528web%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-N03jzg6JRIc/Vf-HxmRzYTI/AAAAAAAACho/8AWr_UlMksU/s320/_DSC2803a%2Bumbrella%2B%2528web%2529.jpg" width="228" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Under my umbrella, ella ella - the lamps are the signpost to spirits that a 'feast' is on.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ptdq6YDkpig/Vf-Hx-4Z9xI/AAAAAAAAChs/g5afLqh_WHE/s1600/_DSC2891a%2Bmoho%2Bkuih%2B%2528web%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="199" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ptdq6YDkpig/Vf-Hx-4Z9xI/AAAAAAAAChs/g5afLqh_WHE/s320/_DSC2891a%2Bmoho%2Bkuih%2B%2528web%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Colourful kuihs on the offering table.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TAYEla_mU2k/Vf-Hyt6RrtI/AAAAAAAAChw/hd5FX6BLNh0/s1600/_DSC2916a%2Bcandle%2Band%2Bno1%2B%2528small%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TAYEla_mU2k/Vf-Hyt6RrtI/AAAAAAAAChw/hd5FX6BLNh0/s320/_DSC2916a%2Bcandle%2Band%2Bno1%2B%2528small%2529.jpg" width="222" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A light for the souls - Tua Pek and a candle.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0h-gyMKT0zc/Vf-Hz5l7a5I/AAAAAAAACiA/mANJMNItdMo/s1600/_DSC2935a%2Bhuat%2Bah%2B%2528web%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0h-gyMKT0zc/Vf-Hz5l7a5I/AAAAAAAACiA/mANJMNItdMo/s320/_DSC2935a%2Bhuat%2Bah%2B%2528web%2529.jpg" width="220" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Huat ah, huat ah... kuih with the Chinese character 发 (<span class="short_text" id="result_box" lang="zh-TW"><span title="发">發) meaning to bring forth ie bring forth good fortunes etc.</span></span> </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<b>Pandan Mewah, Selangor</b><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZhWQc_FDtJY/Vf-H-FMOzrI/AAAAAAAACiI/lZZqO4G26iU/s1600/_DSC3227a%2Bjumping%2Bfire%2B%2528small%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZhWQc_FDtJY/Vf-H-FMOzrI/AAAAAAAACiI/lZZqO4G26iU/s320/_DSC3227a%2Bjumping%2Bfire%2B%2528small%2529.jpg" width="257" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A leap of faith - A Taoist priest does the 'Breaking the Walls of Hell' ceremony for departed relatives.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<b>Bukit Mertajam, Penang</b><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5APoPqbjUTg/Vf-INBXrVFI/AAAAAAAACiU/9iPi6u_bLAY/s1600/_DSC5837a%2Bfaces%2B%2528small%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5APoPqbjUTg/Vf-INBXrVFI/AAAAAAAACiU/9iPi6u_bLAY/s320/_DSC5837a%2Bfaces%2B%2528small%2529.jpg" width="187" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I've got my eyes on you...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EtEPklNRAko/Vf-IMbqDVyI/AAAAAAAACiQ/aMdorgg1ytY/s1600/_DSC5874a%2Bsmoky%2B%2528web%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EtEPklNRAko/Vf-IMbqDVyI/AAAAAAAACiQ/aMdorgg1ytY/s320/_DSC5874a%2Bsmoky%2B%2528web%2529.jpg" width="228" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hazed in...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UDz-ALrjUyo/Vf-IpreI5VI/AAAAAAAACiw/q_wOssaNEfo/s1600/_DSC2277a%2Bpray%2Bpray%2B%2528web%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UDz-ALrjUyo/Vf-IpreI5VI/AAAAAAAACiw/q_wOssaNEfo/s320/_DSC2277a%2Bpray%2Bpray%2B%2528web%2529.jpg" width="214" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pray, pray, don't play play</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZEY8zQs-wJE/Vf-Iq68v44I/AAAAAAAACi8/XR2DCOD70yw/s1600/_DSC2345a%2Bda%2Bshi%2Bye%2Bon%2Bfire%2B%2528web%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZEY8zQs-wJE/Vf-Iq68v44I/AAAAAAAACi8/XR2DCOD70yw/s320/_DSC2345a%2Bda%2Bshi%2Bye%2Bon%2Bfire%2B%2528web%2529.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I'll be back... next year.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b>Lim Jetty, Penang</b><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UQiFOUDRzoQ/Vf-IgZ4QgOI/AAAAAAAACis/GIkn00xr1IM/s1600/_DSC9038a%2Bmirro%2Bmirror%2B%2528web%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UQiFOUDRzoQ/Vf-IgZ4QgOI/AAAAAAAACis/GIkn00xr1IM/s320/_DSC9038a%2Bmirro%2Bmirror%2B%2528web%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A Chinese opera actor puts on make-up to perform for the spirits and humans.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<b> Jelutong West (Bukit Dumbar), Penang</b><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nIrtoRYt0FQ/Vf-IVnQ9xLI/AAAAAAAACik/F-F_Fuo4p1E/s1600/_DSC8139a%2Bflying%2Bda%2Bshi%2Bye%2B%2528small%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nIrtoRYt0FQ/Vf-IVnQ9xLI/AAAAAAAACik/F-F_Fuo4p1E/s320/_DSC8139a%2Bflying%2Bda%2Bshi%2Bye%2B%2528small%2529.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The paper effigy of the King of Hades being carried off to be burnt.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<b>Ampang Nine Emperor Gods Temple, Selangor</b><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vjZ9p8R7DB0/Vf-I1jP2vaI/AAAAAAAACjE/gh0HGh-YTs8/s1600/_DSC4036a%2Bburning%2Bjoss%2Bpaper%2B%2528web%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="237" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vjZ9p8R7DB0/Vf-I1jP2vaI/AAAAAAAACjE/gh0HGh-YTs8/s320/_DSC4036a%2Bburning%2Bjoss%2Bpaper%2B%2528web%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Offerings to the Hungry Ghost.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aZdgjryF_A0/Vf-I1BDOr7I/AAAAAAAACjA/g9Bk2eoTiAc/s1600/_DSC4486a%2Bgimme%2Bgimme%2B%2528web%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="223" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aZdgjryF_A0/Vf-I1BDOr7I/AAAAAAAACjA/g9Bk2eoTiAc/s320/_DSC4486a%2Bgimme%2Bgimme%2B%2528web%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Not BR1M - priest giving out coins during the prayer ceremony.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<b>Ampang Mewah, Selangor</b><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MvyXo2PaaH8/Vf-JTd0JkHI/AAAAAAAACjo/CjUBjNT4b5Q/s1600/_DSC8400a%2Bamida%2B%2528web%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MvyXo2PaaH8/Vf-JTd0JkHI/AAAAAAAACjo/CjUBjNT4b5Q/s320/_DSC8400a%2Bamida%2B%2528web%2529.jpg" width="214" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A syncretic version where Amida Buddha and Taoist Pure Ones were worshipped in the festival.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cV394AJWUHE/VgEo4Eu5BvI/AAAAAAAACj8/otmsUw8h_0A/s1600/_DSC8777a%2Breciting%2Bprayers%2B%2528web%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cV394AJWUHE/VgEo4Eu5BvI/AAAAAAAACj8/otmsUw8h_0A/s320/_DSC8777a%2Breciting%2Bprayers%2B%2528web%2529.jpg" width="220" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Prayers for the spirits</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9jNQ1HJUKQI/VgEo3l_cGwI/AAAAAAAACj4/pQbXBq6YPXM/s1600/_DSC9147a%2Bda%2Bshi%2Bye%2Bburning%2B%2528web%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="273" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9jNQ1HJUKQI/VgEo3l_cGwI/AAAAAAAACj4/pQbXBq6YPXM/s400/_DSC9147a%2Bda%2Bshi%2Bye%2Bburning%2B%2528web%2529.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Burn baby, burn... King of Hades and his retinue being sent off at the end of the ceremony.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<b>Taman Desa Bakti Selayang, KL </b><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tD8PevIta-s/VgEpKbiD-jI/AAAAAAAACkI/AYgsIDkeGTY/s1600/_DSC9472a%2Bnot%2Bbersih%2B%2528web%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tD8PevIta-s/VgEpKbiD-jI/AAAAAAAACkI/AYgsIDkeGTY/s320/_DSC9472a%2Bnot%2Bbersih%2B%2528web%2529.jpg" width="206" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Once in every three years, they will have a procession to 'cleanse' and appease the spirits at the roads.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YaMMC1Ni05Y/VgEpK7LIOuI/AAAAAAAACkM/dVYuCUVOrdc/s1600/_DSC9733a%2Boffering%2Bjoss%2Bstick%2B%2528web%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="238" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YaMMC1Ni05Y/VgEpK7LIOuI/AAAAAAAACkM/dVYuCUVOrdc/s320/_DSC9733a%2Boffering%2Bjoss%2Bstick%2B%2528web%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Offering at road junctions.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<b>Seng Hong Temple Brickfields, KL</b><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pPslNMhImW0/Vf-JBfz2V-I/AAAAAAAACjQ/ozvPb0PZVC0/s1600/_DSC5833a%2Bglass%2Bwalking%2Bmediums%2B%2528web%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pPslNMhImW0/Vf-JBfz2V-I/AAAAAAAACjQ/ozvPb0PZVC0/s320/_DSC5833a%2Bglass%2Bwalking%2Bmediums%2B%2528web%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Throw him down once more... Mediums playing with a bed of broken glass.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-X8w7v2-Afi8/Vf-JLC2G0hI/AAAAAAAACjY/xIaDzlfF3dE/s1600/_DSC6567a%2Bbloody%2Btongue%2B%2528web%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="192" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-X8w7v2-Afi8/Vf-JLC2G0hI/AAAAAAAACjY/xIaDzlfF3dE/s320/_DSC6567a%2Bbloody%2Btongue%2B%2528web%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr align="justify"><td class="tr-caption">A medium in trance with Da Shi Ye, the King of Hades, blessing the plaque that he carries with blood from his cut tongue.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eo-RbVXAVYU/Vf-JLL66CRI/AAAAAAAACjc/ONuGNjg-qnc/s1600/_DSC7900a%2Bbrickfields%2Bburning%2Bhorses%2B%2528web%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eo-RbVXAVYU/Vf-JLL66CRI/AAAAAAAACjc/ONuGNjg-qnc/s320/_DSC7900a%2Bbrickfields%2Bburning%2Bhorses%2B%2528web%2529.jpg" width="198" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sending off the King of Hades with the help of mediums.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
That's all folks, see you next year... Like Arnie said "I'll be back!"<br />
<br />
<br />Sean Lhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13400996355742861145noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3108902041897342046.post-77729759044478828452015-08-25T15:13:00.000+08:002015-08-25T15:13:13.063+08:00Hungry Ghost Festival - Are you hungry tonite??? <div style="text-align: justify;">
The Hungry Ghost month is coming to the midpoint, so I am sure some of you would have seen the stage and altars on the roads or even the joss-sticks and candles stuck on the roadsides. The Hungry Ghost Festival is a mixture of ancient folk believe, Taoism and Buddhist practices that is amalgamated into this hodgepodge of rites, rituals and superstitions, especially by the South-East Asian Chinese diaspora.</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6PWa2XWJ6NM/VdwSL_ilQbI/AAAAAAAACfk/svF6BuTIWhc/s1600/_DSC0084a%2Bbiscuits%2Banyone%2B%2528web%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6PWa2XWJ6NM/VdwSL_ilQbI/AAAAAAAACfk/svF6BuTIWhc/s320/_DSC0084a%2Bbiscuits%2Banyone%2B%2528web%2529.jpg" width="188" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hungry Ghost @ Bandar Baru Ampang - food offering to the King of Hades.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Aiuj1te7sAQ/VdwSMIZs7dI/AAAAAAAACfo/fy4fLOrPeQ0/s1600/_DSC0280a%2Bseats%2Bare%2Btaken%2Bver-2%2B%2528small%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Aiuj1te7sAQ/VdwSMIZs7dI/AAAAAAAACfo/fy4fLOrPeQ0/s320/_DSC0280a%2Bseats%2Bare%2Btaken%2Bver-2%2B%2528small%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr align="justify"><td class="tr-caption">Hungry Ghost @ Bandar Baru Ampang - empty row of seats in front of the stage. They are provided a stack of joss-paper money and an orange as a show snack.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qxMuU4fCJ1s/VdwSJ7o0wuI/AAAAAAAACfc/iGMKaosDvsk/s1600/_DSC9999a%2Bcandles%2Band%2Bbokeh%2B%2528small%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qxMuU4fCJ1s/VdwSJ7o0wuI/AAAAAAAACfc/iGMKaosDvsk/s320/_DSC9999a%2Bcandles%2Band%2Bbokeh%2B%2528small%2529.jpg" width="221" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hungry Ghost @ Bandar Baru Ampang - candles and other items on altar table.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The Hungry Ghost Month is the 7th month of the Chinese lunisolar calendar. The Chinese believed that ghosts are let out of Hell to roam the Earth on this month. Hence the staging of Chinese operas as well as shows called ge-tai or go tai to provide entertainment to the spirits to prevent mischief. Whilst the show is meant for the wandering spirits, it doesn't mean that humans do not enjoy the show. However, the first row of seats are always reserved for the spirits, also called 'good siblings/brothers'.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5JcpZ86vG40/VdwSoYg9LZI/AAAAAAAACgU/70nPhNBsdbI/s1600/_DSC1710a%2Bburning%2Bhorses%2B%2528small%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5JcpZ86vG40/VdwSoYg9LZI/AAAAAAAACgU/70nPhNBsdbI/s320/_DSC1710a%2Bburning%2Bhorses%2B%2528small%2529.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hungry Ghost @ Bandar Baru Ampang - sending off the officers of Hell.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oXG2AUJVXU4/VdwSnnQ9W2I/AAAAAAAACgM/K2E_MYTpYG8/s1600/_DSC1712a%2Bda%2Bshi%2Bye%2Band%2Bthree%2Bmusketeers%2B%2528small%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oXG2AUJVXU4/VdwSnnQ9W2I/AAAAAAAACgM/K2E_MYTpYG8/s320/_DSC1712a%2Bda%2Bshi%2Bye%2Band%2Bthree%2Bmusketeers%2B%2528small%2529.jpg" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hungry Ghost @ Bandar Baru Ampang - burning off the King of Hades paper effigy.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
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To control the wandering spirits, the officers of Hell will also come up and set up a 'temporary' court. Hence a large shelter housing the paper effigy of the King of Hades and his assistants are erected to ensure safety of the people. When the 'entertainment' is over, the King of Hades and all of his officers will be burnt in a big bonfire as to send them back to their original office.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-B7MCOr1u-ko/VdwSZGitxxI/AAAAAAAACgE/RVvuKk0FH9I/s1600/_DSC9310a%2BBM%2Bda%2Bshi%2Bye%2B%2528small%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-B7MCOr1u-ko/VdwSZGitxxI/AAAAAAAACgE/RVvuKk0FH9I/s320/_DSC9310a%2BBM%2Bda%2Bshi%2Bye%2B%2528small%2529.jpg" width="214" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hungry Ghost @ Bukit Mertajam, Penang - Beautifully crafted paper effigy of King of Hades.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VIOGrIk3wpw/VdwSXWaHB1I/AAAAAAAACf0/adAN35yXHVE/s1600/_DSC9313a%2Bpiggies%2B%2528small%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="191" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VIOGrIk3wpw/VdwSXWaHB1I/AAAAAAAACf0/adAN35yXHVE/s320/_DSC9313a%2Bpiggies%2B%2528small%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hungry Ghost @ Bukit Mertajam, Penang - Besides roasted pork, duck and chicken, there were also raw pork and goat on the table!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Xp9sfs2sJmE/VdwSYDeD03I/AAAAAAAACf4/0sorn1KpNYY/s1600/_DSC9317a%2Bda%2Bshi%2Bye%2Bofferings%2B%2528small%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Xp9sfs2sJmE/VdwSYDeD03I/AAAAAAAACf4/0sorn1KpNYY/s320/_DSC9317a%2Bda%2Bshi%2Bye%2Bofferings%2B%2528small%2529.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hungry Ghost @ Bukit Mertajam, Penang - the very long offering table for the King of Hades at Bukit Mertajam</td></tr>
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Paper and food offerings are given, both to the wandering spirits or hungry ghost, as well as to the deities in charge of the proceedings. Elaborated stacks of food, cakes and fruits are often placed on the altar table to the King of Hades, and superstition has it that nothing that is not intended as offering are to be placed on that table, for once something is placed on it, it is considered an offering to the King of Hades and his retinue.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Xehos0vjYNA/VdwS3DLt66I/AAAAAAAACgc/Xde8wzCuKEw/s1600/_DSC2355a2%2Bjoss%2Bpaper%2Bcircle%2B2%2B%2528small%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Xehos0vjYNA/VdwS3DLt66I/AAAAAAAACgc/Xde8wzCuKEw/s320/_DSC2355a2%2Bjoss%2Bpaper%2Bcircle%2B2%2B%2528small%2529.jpg" width="201" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hungry Ghost @ Maluri, Cheras - Laying down joss paper to make a circle for the big burning off.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dw627RVqD9k/VdwS35-uY4I/AAAAAAAACgk/KhmuiN4DTvI/s1600/_DSC2367a%2Barranging%2Bjoss%2Bpaper-2%2B%2528small%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dw627RVqD9k/VdwS35-uY4I/AAAAAAAACgk/KhmuiN4DTvI/s320/_DSC2367a%2Barranging%2Bjoss%2Bpaper-2%2B%2528small%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hungry Ghost @ Maluri, Cheras - that is a lot of work to make the bonfire base.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-H87p1SCGXmI/VdwS5wX2V5I/AAAAAAAACgs/F8OSFHS9S0g/s1600/_DSC25252%2Bkawah%2Bemas-2%2B%2528small%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="194" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-H87p1SCGXmI/VdwS5wX2V5I/AAAAAAAACgs/F8OSFHS9S0g/s320/_DSC25252%2Bkawah%2Bemas-2%2B%2528small%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr align="justify"><td class="tr-caption">Hungry Ghost @ Maluri, Cheras - Here in Maluri, a medium in trance is in charge of the send-off proceedings. He inspects the circle and gives the green light to proceed.</td></tr>
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Depending on the location, the entire procedure of the setup, worshiping and send off for the King of Hades can be overseen by Taoist priest, syncretic Taoist/Buddhist priest or spiritual mediums channeling a particular deity. Thus different locations will give you variations to the entire procedure and can be very interesting to watch and compare.</div>
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Sean Lhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13400996355742861145noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3108902041897342046.post-87882336163477613062015-08-04T15:46:00.001+08:002015-08-04T15:46:41.271+08:00A little plane that flew by...<div style="text-align: justify;">
Just saw a little plane flew by Ampang, around 2.30-2.40pm. What caught my eyes was a bright orange light from the left wing. Thinking that maybe the right lights were off, I stared at it and realised that it was most likely the left engine was on fire! By the time I managed to get my camera, the plane had headed in a north-westerly to westerly direction. I managed to capture only the smoke plume and the tiny plane far away. Hopefully the plane and the people in the plane are okay.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wCljveVN3S4/VcBtQz3UT4I/AAAAAAAACec/xc_Ib6Rma1E/s1600/_DSC6687a%2Bplane%2Bweb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wCljveVN3S4/VcBtQz3UT4I/AAAAAAAACec/xc_Ib6Rma1E/s320/_DSC6687a%2Bplane%2Bweb.jpg" width="173" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cyan arrow: start of white smoke. Blue arrow: plane and darker smoke from left engine.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GUcbLYI681Y/VcBtSWo7sVI/AAAAAAAACek/XcF1smntv5o/s1600/_DSC6690a%2Bplane%2Bweb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GUcbLYI681Y/VcBtSWo7sVI/AAAAAAAACek/XcF1smntv5o/s320/_DSC6690a%2Bplane%2Bweb.jpg" width="170" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Red arrow - plane and darker smoke coming from the left side.</td></tr>
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Sean Lhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13400996355742861145noreply@blogger.com1