To stay true to my own words, on this post I'll be writing on my most recent travel (8 - 10 Jan. 2014). Yes ladies and gentlemen, that was just last week (there were strawberries, sweet corns, not so fresh mushrooms and bunch of veggies, which will turn into a nice lamb stew in my refrigerator as I wrote this). Fresh from the oven, unlike the last two or maybe three posts, which was written purely based on my not so good memories.
Upon planning this trip, I've decided not to stay anywhere near the theme park, so First World Hotel was first to be crossed out from my list. I wanted a quiet place to have a peace of mind (not going to happen anyway thanks to the girls) and to take some family photos to hang on an appointed wall (I'm redecorating my place after a few years of waiting the girls to grow up). On this trip, I brought along my new Canon Powershot G15 leaving my bulky D90 back home. I'm trying out the new camera and by far, taking into consideration its size, the G15 was simply fantastic! So I booked the Awana Genting Hotel from Agoda (for a good price). And as expected, the room was simply fantastic with mountain view. I can even see the theme park from the balcony. Sweetening the deal was the twin queen sized beds (meaning one for me and my lovely wife and one for the girls. Also didn't happened as I end up sleeping beside my eldest). The room was nicely decorated (modern contemporary) with soothing choice of colors (earthy brown and beige). There was also a 32 inches Panasonic flat screen with 12 channels including KBS (a plus point for me as my lovely wife is a Korean drama addict).
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| The entrance: A photo of Colmar Tropicale's entrance. Bright daylight, actually too bright. (Canon G15, ISO100, F6.3, Tv1/320) |
Upon planning this trip, I've decided not to stay anywhere near the theme park, so First World Hotel was first to be crossed out from my list. I wanted a quiet place to have a peace of mind (not going to happen anyway thanks to the girls) and to take some family photos to hang on an appointed wall (I'm redecorating my place after a few years of waiting the girls to grow up). On this trip, I brought along my new Canon Powershot G15 leaving my bulky D90 back home. I'm trying out the new camera and by far, taking into consideration its size, the G15 was simply fantastic! So I booked the Awana Genting Hotel from Agoda (for a good price). And as expected, the room was simply fantastic with mountain view. I can even see the theme park from the balcony. Sweetening the deal was the twin queen sized beds (meaning one for me and my lovely wife and one for the girls. Also didn't happened as I end up sleeping beside my eldest). The room was nicely decorated (modern contemporary) with soothing choice of colors (earthy brown and beige). There was also a 32 inches Panasonic flat screen with 12 channels including KBS (a plus point for me as my lovely wife is a Korean drama addict).
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| Just chillin': The girs upon arriving, simply happy just to be there. A simple point and shoot photo. (canon G15, ISO200, F1.8, Tv1/200) |
Enough about the hotel. Now, before arriving at Awana Genting we make a quick stop at Colmar Tropicale (I forgot to mention this, my parents were with me on this trip, they never been to Colmar Tropicale). So I acted as a tour guide as I have been there before (So does the girls as they were there before). After a few cups of freshly brewed coffee and French pastries (I assumed it was French), we finally made our way to Awana Genting. Checking in was swift (Agoda by far never failed), we then freshened up with time to spare for a quick rest.
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| A French connection: A portraiture of my lovely wife having a cup of coffee. Enough lights coming from her ride so I didn't use the flash. (Canon G15, ISO100, F1.8, Tv1/250) |
After the much needed rest, we went to Genting Highland's Theme Park (the outdoor park was closed for maintenance) so we just hang out inside the plaza just wondering around (and yes, the girls did more than wondering around. I guess if you guys followed my last posts, you'll probably guess what the girls did other than just wondering around). We planned to watch a movie but our timing was awful as the only show was around 1.30 in the morning. Photos opportunities was also scarce as we were limited just inside the plaza (which was swarmed with people though it is not school holidays anymore). Frustrated, we decided to retire for the day and hope for better tomorrow (sounded a bit melancholic, bet Wira'll LOVE this).
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| From 12364 to First World: This is my favorite shot throughout the whole trip. It's been quite a while since I wanted to try a long exposure shot. So this is it, not that great by still my first. Of course I had to use a tripod for this shot. (Canon G15, ISO80, F4.0, Tv5") |
So the next morning the whole family had breakfast at the Coffee House's terrace overlooking the mountains. Delicious food and fantastic views, what more can I ask? It was a perfect start for us. Right after breakfast my parents went back to their room, getting ready to check out. My little family and I went to this small garden on the lower level of the hotel to take a few family photos with interesting if not wacky looking poses (like I mentioned earlier, for the wall back home). The small garden was fashioned as Japanese rock garden. There were small ponds with fishes gently swimming, bamboo and some nice looking bonsai. It makes a great setting for our family photography session. The photography session went not so smoothly as working with children (asking them to pose and to stop moving apparently was quite hard). But we managed to walk away with a few good photos.
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| Uh-oh: A family portraiture with a wacky pose. With a help of a tripod and good looking background. I'm quite happy with this shot. (Canon G15, ISO320, F2.0, Tv1/60) |
We went up to our rooms and started to pack our stuff. We've checked out around 10.30 and were well on our way to Cameron Highland for our next adventure. If you ask why Cameron? It's simply because we plan to have a Korean style steamboat (a family tradition, one started by my late father in law). I'll write all about that in my next post.
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| The not so red dawn: A landscape photography, a view from the balcony. I was hoping for a sunset but as you can see... But we work with what we can. (Canon G15, ISO400, F4.5, Tv1/160) |
And it's time for the quote so that you'll have something to ponder. Cheers!
"There are always something new to see and experience even though you visit the same place more than once. Just open up your eyes and heart and you'll see."
Thanks.
Yours truly,
Kaz
13 Jan. 2014
