Chinese New Year 2013 Greetings

My wish for all in the Year of the Snake.

 

As the Year of the Snake takes flight, may it bring you prosperity and good fortune.

 

When receiving good fortune, may you find it in your hearts to share it with family, friends and all those in need.

 

What goes around comes around. May your good deeds then reward you with success on the career and business front, love, passion and romance, great friendships, good health and fulfillment in life.

 

May you find time to travel, seek new horizons and experience the simple pleasures that life offers.

 

Gong Xi Fa Cai!

 

Kris

 

 

Take a balloon ride when in Cappadocia, Turkey.

Taking Flight

I always start the new year with a sense of optimism, the new year takes flight so to speak. There are aspirations to attain, new challenges to conquer, and motivation is at an all time high.

 

Work hard and play hard. That has always been a motto of mine. This year, I think it should be work hard and play even harder. Enjoy the little pleasures in life. Take a little more time to smell the roses as they say. Be in a good mood as much as I can.

 

There is much to look forward to. The jigsaw puzzle of life to complete. Yes, indeed.

 

 

Balloon ride in Cappadocia, Turkey in 2010.

Malaysia Truly Asia

I met this Canadian family while on holiday in Turkey earlier this year. When I said that I was from Malaysia, their first response was to sing the ending of our tourism ad jingle, the part that goes 'Malaysia, truly Asia'.

It goes to show that the 'Malaysia, Truly Asia' ad has certainly reached many shores. I feel pride whenever it airs, whether on TV or onboard a Malaysia Airlines flight.

Despite the challenges that we may face as a country, I have faith whenever I watch this video.

Photo shot in a cave restaurant in Cappadocia, Turkey.

Every Cloud Has A Silver Lining

I went to the temple on Wesak Day. I had a lot to pray for, which is the norm for me. I also make it a point to ask for guidance. This is what I received .................

Every Cloud Has A Silver Lining - Whatever adverse circumstances you are in, they will soon fade away. Be patient, bide your time for the advent of bright and promising days now gradually within sight.

This I shall believe and have faith in.

Photo shot in Cappadocia, Turkey.

Cold Turkey

I think I am going cold turkey from missing Turkey. 8 days is a relatively short period of time to visit a country but Turkey has left a lasting impression on me. The beauty bestowed on the country by Mother Nature speaks for itself, for any which way one turns in many a place, one is greeted by a postcard perfect setting.

I suppose the beautiful spring weather, particularly in Antalya and Istanbul, contributed to the positive experience. The strong sun and warm weather in the former was great for sunbathing and swimming in the Mediterranean whereas the cooler days in the latter albeit still with much sun, made walking to the various sights comfortable and having tea alfresco watching the world go by very enjoyable. I also made a few friends while in Cappadocia, fellow tourists whose company I was privileged to have enjoyed. We are keeping in touch and will surely share a tale or two from time to time.

On a similar note, I find myself re-tracing my footsteps whilst in Turkey every once in a while since I've been back home, and the flashbacks more often than not bring a smile to my face. I went solo on this trip and I found myself telling a friend that perhaps visiting Turkey with someone special would have made the experience even more profound. Well, who knows what the future may hold. But till then, I'd always welcome another trip there, solo or otherwise.

Photo shot from the deck of the hotel where I stayed in Cappadocia, Turkey.

Cappadocia

'U havta do the balloooonnnnn', Alex kept telling me on Facebook. The balloon meant taking a flight on a hot air balloon over Cappadocia in Turkey, at sunrise. I had been toying with the idea and was undecided, partly due to a lack of time in my itinerary, partly due to the need to wake up at the ungodly hour of 4.50am and partly due to a fear of heights no less.

At the risk of missing out and the wrath of those who have done so before me, I decided to take the ride. Getting out of bed so early, in the cold weather was a chore, but what followed was an amazing experience. Photos can only tell so much of a story; it is the experience that stays with us.

The stunning landscapes viewed from above, the mutual exhilaration felt by my fellow passengers and I despite the language barrier, all add up to a wonderful memory and a tale that will be recounted many a time.

Photo shot from my balloon in Cappadocia, Turkey.