Life, Travel, GRACE

 After a year of pandemic, finally lion dance performance is allowed in Lunar New Year 2022. The most convenient way of catching a lion performance in Klang Valley is in shopping mall. This year we just spectated two performance in two different malls. Crowd was management due to distancing rule. Photos captured with iPhone 11

We did an unexpected hike in Bukit Sapu Tangan. Why unexpected? Because we thought the track would only require 3 hours to complete (return trip). Ended up we took 6 hours. We started from the entrance of Bukit Bandaraya. In a short while, we reached the first lake, not the Tasik Cermin. That should be Bukit Raja Lake. We were supposed to reach Bukit Sapu Tangan first, but somehow we missed it due to not familiar with the trail. We reached Station C, then proceeded to Tasik Cermin, and boy, the trail we chose was tough - with some climbing with the aid of rope. Luckily my kids did well in the entire hike. On the way back from Tasik Cermin, we passed by Station B, not sure if we did reach Station A (can’t remember well). In the end, we arrived at our starting point almost at 2pm. Everyone was famished. The first lake we reached Station C (if not mistaken) Tasik Cermin View of Tasik Cermin Station B

 It has been a month since mom left this world. She left us on Sept 4th.  My only prayer is that she is with God’s beloved on the other side of heaven. She was a hardworking, always making sure her children sufficiently nourished. Your love and sacrifice will be remembered.

 Chen Clan Ancestral Hall is a folk art museum in Guangzhou. The place is easily accessible via metro and public bus. What attract me about this place are the carving and architecture of the buildings. Like the Sacred Heart Church, the Hall was built during the Qing Dynasty era. The building complex is well preserved. The guided tour provided was very informative. A place not to be missed if you are in Guangzhou.

 Let's continue with my travel experience in Guangzhou, which I've visited in end 2019, before the Covid pandemic. If you would like to have a glimpse of western architecture footprint in the city, perhaps the Sacred Heart Cathedral at 56 Yide Road is the place to explore. The church building is built of granite. It has a history of more than a century. I visited this church twice, the second time was on the Christmas Day where Christmas Mass celebration was held. 

Perhaps this is the best attraction in town, according to my friend. So I booked the night cruise tickets via Klook website. You get to see the night view of the city amid the cool breeze. Overall, it’s just ok for me, I mean in terms of attractiveness. Here are some night view photos taken with my faithful iphone 6s. The first photo is the boat / cruise that we took. The must-see view is the Canton Tower (last 2 photos).

When you are in Hong Kong or Guangdong province, you can’t miss the yum cha culture there. Practically, it’s brunch (or breakfast) served with a pot of tea and 2 or more baskets of delicacies. I usually order the steamed bao (bun stuffed with meat or vege) and siu mai . Of course there are other varieties as well. Yummy. youtiao Porridge, yam cake, shrimp dumpling etc. xiao long bao Siu mai Tea is a must Steamed bao