Monday, October 29, 2007

Science Center and Central

The buckyball on display in the Singapore Science Center. There were many other exhibits as well, however I was too engrossed trying them out. Heng Wei recommended this place, and Amy was free that weekend, and that's how we ended up there. Most of the exhibits are interactive ones, which makes learning science an easier experience. I still get amazed by the section where they showcase a myriad of optical illusions. Some were common but presented in a different way, while some really knocks us off.

Notice the whirlpool created in the tub? This is one of the many water features right outside of the Singapore Science Center.

Took quite some photos but only two turn out very well, sigh... That's why these photos have to share this space with another blog and is uploaded with other photos I took on another day trip. This time I went to the central Singapore, namely Clark Quay and Chinatown. I parked in a multistorey carpark about ten minutes walk away from Clark Quay and took a relaxing stroll down the road.

This is a different experience of Clark Quay, as most would throng this place at night. Clark Quay in the day looks quiet and slow-moving, in contrary to its exciting night buzz.

Day or night, this is a place of great contrast, with its brightly-coloured colonial buildings, merging the past and the future. I tried something new this time, just sitting at one place and waiting for the right opportunity to click on the camera. Previously, I would have been snapping away while moving from one place to another. The feeling is different, sitting down in the shades, looking around, feeling the breeze, waiting for the right moment. The anticipation was fun, as you see events unfolding. I sat there for quite a while, though only left that place with a couple of shots, but with a great experience.


A stroll down the main street brought me to the Buddha Relic Temple. This is a serence place to be. Though photography is permitted in the main hall of worship, I didn't take any. I actually wanted to take photos of people deep in prayers, but decided against it. I wouldn't like being photographed myself while I am praying. Instead took the following photos outside of the temple and then went in to visit for a shortly after.



Did not get to see the tooth relic though, we were only allowed to look at the chamber where it is kept. It only sees light twice a year, once during Chinese New Year and another time during Wesak Day (which sees Buddhist celebrating Buddha's Birth, Enlightenment and Death).


Wednesday, October 17, 2007

Singapore Flyer

Check out here for more details of this upcoming attraction in Singapore. Its a gigantic observation wheel (big big brother of ferris wheel) which will provide a great view of Singapore's central business district, a view dominated by skyscrappers.

I was actually very close to the Flyer, and was able to have the following shots up close. Maybe the next time when I go past that area again, I might try to get a full view of the Flyer.

The capsules are currently being covered using tarpaulin to protect its surface from the elements before being unveiled to the public. Each capsule can seat up to 28 people and is air conditioned. Its a one of its kind observation wheel.

The Marina Bay area, viewed from ground level, would be very much different if viewed from the Flyer. This is just a part of the skyscrapers that fills the central business district.

A walk from the Flyer towards the Esplanade, I found this spot where I shot the iconic Merlion. Over exposed at some area, so I did some touch up. Luckily I shot in RAW and the highlights were not totally lost from compression.

Just couldn't resist to snap a photo of the full moon. I found out that due to the lower dynamic range of the camera, you can only opt to have either the moon or the nightscape properly exposed. Unless you tweak around with post processing softwares, hihi... This is what I have after a 100% crop of the image of the moon.

Still taking a lot of images which I am not very satisfied with, but I am happy with the many functions that can be manipulated in the DSLR. Well, like others would say, shoot more to learn more.