Alice Springs 1

A few weekends ago, went to see a friend, Nick, in Alice Springs in the middle of Australia. A rather isolated town, an oasis in the desert of Outback Australia. Traditional land of the Arrernte people.

The day I arrived it was pouring with rain when it is usually the driest city in Australia. First rains in a year, according to the locals. Was also the coldest city in Australia, with a maximum of 11 degrees Celsius, when it often is the hottest. I use the term "city" loosely as it has a population of only about 26,000.

Managed to get a bit of birdwatching done. First day at the Old Telegraph Station. I was dripping wet in the rain but managed to see a few arid country specialties. This is where the 'springs' that gave the town its name is located. However it was completely dry due to the droughts of recent years. See picture number 2. The rain would not have made any difference. Maybe if it rained for weeks but that would be unlikely around these parts.

Went back to the Telegraph Station again the following day. Actually saw fewer birds but saw Euros, a species of kangaroo. See picture number 4. Sunset puts a red glow on every rock, plant and creature.

KL - April 08

In PJ/KL for a short break. Just had a wisdom tooth yanked out yesterday. My face is asymmetrically puffed out and can't eat too much. A silly idea, say some of my friends, to have it done early in my trip back to Malaysia and missing out on yummy food.

On the day I arrived, attended David & Phyllis' wedding. Friends I know from a long time ago. As always, also great to have met up with other 'old' friends including Edmund MdR, Neil and family, Su Lin, Joseph etc.

Also met up with Huai Seng, his wife Anne and their baby girl. Huai Seng also took me to this nice place in One Utama for my before-tooth-extraction meal.

For those of you in Singapore, I may go down next week sometime. Not confirmed yet.

Managed to do a bit of bird-watching just around the house. More than 30 species recorded. Not bad.

This n That - Ninja Invasion

There was a Ninja invasion in the city of Adelaide last month. Spotted in Rundle Mall, the pedestrian mall in the centre of town. Part of a Flash Mob. Who says Adelaide is dull. Well, maybe these guys. That's why they had to come up with something...

Photo taken near the Mall's Balls, a sculpture by Bert Flugelman done in 1977. Down the road from the Pigs.

Signs & Symptoms - Just relax

Seen in Melbourne Airport. Air travel is tense enough nowadays. Here's your chance to hang loose.

KL Airport

A picture on my last day in KL in early May this year from KL Airport showing its control tower, at one time the tallest airport control tower in the world, since over taken. One of those silly attempts at world records. but beautiful airport and sunset nonetheless.