Chinese New Year Family Portrait 3 Feb 2011

The first day of Chinese New Year we do not go out but stay at home. It has been our traditions that on the first day we would stay at home and waiting for friends or relatives to visit our house.

Only Brother Andrew’s family and us together with Papa and Mama stay at Sister Agatha’s house. During morning time while waiting for the relatives come visit, Daddy took out his tripod and camera. All of us stand in  our position and together we took our Family Photo again but this time at home.

After which, we were thinking of wanted to take our own family photo, but end up the photo like this because both Issac and Annabelle cannot sit down quietly, and with our two little nephews behind us.

Chinese New Year Eve 2 Feb 2011

Every year Chinese New Year we would be having our reunion eve dinner together, this year also the same.

It is a family tradition that Papa would play the firecrackers first before we have our reunion dinner.

Normally on this day or the day before, Brother Andrew would bring along his son Wei Qing go and find a long stick or bamboo stick. They used this bamboo stick to tie the long coil of firecrackers, so that it can hang up high.

All the brave boys would go and lit up the firecrackers: Lyndon, Triston and Wei Qing with the help of their fathers.

Issac and Annabelle would hide in the living room, with both hands cover their ears, watching the firecrackers through the windows.

It was really loud and it can last for almost 5 to 10 minutes.

After the firecrackers, then it is official that we can sit down and have our reunion dinner.

The dinner normally cooked by Mama, Sister Anna and Sister Minah. I helped on the washing dishes and cleaning up after the dinner.

This year, we had ginger steamed fish, fried mix vegetables with cashew nuts, braised duck, and the fish maw mushroom chicken soup. Brother Andrew bought some sateys as well.

We sat in separate two dining tables. Issac and Annabelle really enjoy Mama’s cooking especially the soup.

After the dinner, I was busy washing the dishes together with Sister Minah cleaned up the kitchen cooking areas as well.

All the children went outside the house and play the firecrackers and fireworks.

We can hear the noise of the firecrackers and fireworks from the neighborhood and the nearby area. Issac played the fireworks together with his older cousins.

The firecrackers and fireworks brighten up the night of the Chinese New Year Eve until to midnight and officially marked the first day of Chinese New Year.

           

     

           

           

           

         

Chinese New Year Preparation 1 Feb 2011

           

It was the 2nd last day before the actual Chinese New Year. We were having family dinner all together with Brother Ambrose and family, Sister Agatha and family, Brother Ambrose and family, because as the Chinese New Year Eve Sister Agatha would go to her in-laws home for the reunion dinner.

           

We were having our dinner at the Benson Seafood Restaurant at the town city area. It was an joyful and delight one! Annabelle and Issac enjoyed the companionship of all their elder cousin brothers and sisters, as both of them are the youngest in the family.

           

Later in the night, all of us gathered in the kitchen to see how Sister Agatha do the jelly desserts for the Chinese New Year. We were all so happy, look and help. Especially the kids, they seldom see all these things as I myself also do not know how to do the jelly.

           

Kuching Main Bazaar & Waterfront 31 Jan 2011

After the Studio Family Portrait Shooting, our family went to the Kuching Main Bazaar and Waterfront.

It has to be the most visited place in town as it is the number one place to shop for souvenirs, handicraft and also to enjoy the beautiful views of the Sarawak River or simply dine at one of the restaurants or cafes along this place which is also known as the Kuching Esplanade.

Known to locals as Kuching Main Bazaar, one can find almost every ethnic handicraft at the shops here along Jalan Tunku Abdul Rahman.

Every tourist that visits Kuching will sure to make a stop at this famous Jalan Tunku Abdul Rahman road.

Many travel agents who specialize in Eco-Tourism trips, Adventure tours and the most popular which is the Longhouse Visits are found in this street which is dominated by the two storey old pre-war colonial buildings.

Apart from the tour services offered here, there are a number of other interesting shops to visit  along the Main Bazaar which are the Handicraft Shops, Souvenir Shops, Restaurants and even at one end, the famous Goldsmith Row.

This place attracts all sorts of travelers as from my many visits here, I have noticed local travelers right up to backpackers and foreigners who are seen exploring the area. Chinatown is just around the corner if you should know. 

The beauty about the Kuching Main Bazaar is that the place remains as original as it can be with not much modern development on the main street thus showcasing some of the best and finest ethnic crafts found in Borneo.

A number of art shops, collectible shops and handicraft shops make you visit worthwhile if you are into this sort of thing.

All sorts of strange wood carvings and wooden masks are found here too.

Some of the older shops have been converted into souvenir shops selling a mix of items. There was one shop which sold raw Sarawak Pepper while half of the shop sold interesting curios.

The best times to explore this place would be mornings till afternoon as they start to close by about 6pm.

When you cross the main street towards the river, there is a beautiful walkway about a kilometer long.

It is here that you will find various cafes, stalls and even restaurants but the river. It is here too where one can ride the Sarawak River Cruise boats or take the famous Sarawak Sampan Taxis across the river.

Walking along the waterfront in the evenings are the best if you like sunsets.

Sometimes, the beautiful Sarawak Sunset can be quite impressive but on my many visits here, I never got a chance to catch one though I have seen some really nice ones from other photographers who patiently waited day by day for that magical moment. Also, take note of some of the sculptures which are placed along the waterfront. some of them are quite interesting.

There is also a kiosk for the Sarawak Tourist Association along the Waterfront here so if you need information about Sarawak, you can just walk in and get help. They are open from 9am till 5pm.

Back on the main street, if you walk along the old shop house five foot walkway, you will be greeted with various types of archways cleverly decorated and painted to attract potential business.

Most of them are painted to the Iban or Orang Ulu traditional motives.

Seeing them would mean a shop selling ethnic items would be there and one could find something really worth getting.

Do not worry if the items are too big to carry as most of these shops do postal delivery back to your country for a minimal fee.

One thing I always make a point to stop and get are local handicraft souvenirs. There are a ton of them around and many with unique choices.

Most of the beaded items come in form of necklaces, bracelets and earrings. Key chains are popular especially those in the shape of the traditional Sarawak Iban Warrior Shield.

Kuching Waterfront is also a beautiful place at night as it is lighted well from one end to the other.

Various vendors are seen along the main walkway selling all sorts of 'interesting' items. Food kiosk are abundant at various points while couples and tourist flock to enjoy the walk along here

A number of make-shift stalls sell souvenirs and crafts too but at a slightly higher price than the usual shops. The place usually simmers down around 9pm. It is the way how local live their life – simple and easy life…

Pre Family Portrait Shooting 31 Jan 2011

Earlier of the 31 Jan 2011, our main itinerary was to take the family photos. All of us were having breakfast outside the house, near the photo studios.

            

Sister Anna, my sister-in-law helped all of us to make up for us before we went into the studio.

                 

Semenggoh Wildlife Centre 30 Jan 2011

After the Jong’s Crocodile Farm & Zoo trip, we were thinking of going to Semenggoh Wildlife Centre.

Well, it was a thought that going to see the orang utan.

Unfortunately for us, we had passed the feeding time. It is takes place between 9.00am – 10.00am in the morning and 3.00pm – 3.30pm in the afternoon.

There is the good chance of seeing semi-wild orang utan returning to the Centre for a free meal.

We were there around 2.00pm and it was quite a hot day, we did not wait for the feeding time.

However, we able to see other endangered species which was housed by the Centre, including rescued gibbons, porcupines, crocodiles and river terrapins.

We did snap a few photos at the entrance and some shots at the gallery.

Anywhere it was a good walk too, surrounded by the virgin forest around the area. Hope to be back soon next time.