Top Ten Photos of 2014

2014 was not such an adventuresome year for us as previous years have been. We did jet off to Kuching for a family visit, and enjoyed a couple of trips to KL, but that was about it. My top ten photos this year are exclusively from Kuantan and KL, and involve more people in the shots.

#10

A close-up of a colourful head used by the Chinese for lion dances during Chinese New Year

#9

Shot this beautiful landscape scene at the gorgeous orchid garden in Kuala Lumpur. I love the leafy frame and the vibrant purple orchids in the background

#8

My favourite shot of the girls from 2014

#7

My parents came to visit us in March 2014. I cheated a little bit with this one, as it wasn't me who took the photo, but I directed my wife as to how I wanted it done, and she didn't disappoint! The waves and the beautiful rocks of Teluk Chempedak complement this photo nicely

#6

Our annual Christmas e-postcard was a real favourite in 2014 due to its colour and creativity. Having all 4 of us smiling nicely for the camera really helps a lot, too!

#5

View of the main entrance of Kuala Lumpur's The Majestic Hotel. Snapped this photo on Malaysia's National Day at around 7:30am

#4

That poor stone buddha! The tripod-cum-weapon! The look of hatred on my dad's face! This is a family photo that will live long in the memory

#3

A combination of four shots of the Petronas Twin Towers in Kuala Lumpur. Just magnificent buildings, a photographer's dream

#2

Walking around the butterfly park in Kuala Lumpur in the sweltering heat, searching for that special photo. I think I found it with this dainty little dragonfly

#1

My favourite family photo is also the top photo of the year 2014. I carried out 4 chairs to the field behind our house, found a nice scenic spot, set up the tripod and timer, and out came this fantastic picture of our family. Couldn't be happier with it!
This is my favourite photo of 2014!

Christmas Performance at East Coast Mall

We were doing a spot of Christmas shopping at East Coast Mall and happened upon this Christmas performance at the Ground Floor. So we stopped to watch and of course, the children were glued to it. There were plenty of Christmas songs, colourful costumes, and the appearance of Santa Claus.

Christmas card to all my blog friends and readers

Wishing you all joy in this holy season

Christmas Tree is UP!!!

Lauren stands by our Christmas Tree

It may still be a little early, and some of you may still be recovering from a Halloween fright night, but our Christmas Tree is up!

My good wife has got a tradition going of putting the tree up on the first day of November. It does give me the opportunity to get the camera out and start experimenting with the lights. And I love the relaxing nights with nothing but the tree lights on. It does create a very warm and cosy atmosphere!

Christmas 2012 and my 800th post

Apart from the slashing rain and an all-day headache, I had a lovely Christmas at home. Thankfully at the time of writing, the rain has ceased and we have sunshine again. Heaven.

Family photo on Christmas Day 2012

The children had great fun opening their presents, we were really happy for them, and we have plenty of chocolate, cookies, sweets and a cake and gingerbread house to finish off!

We also skyped with my parents in England for a while. The girls enjoyed showing all their presents to grandma and grandad!

We bought a DIY doll house for Lauren and boy is it a demanding job. Fidelia has been doing most of it and is steadily getting through it. Fixing walls together with glue, and constructing all types of tiny furniture is so tough, but it's looking great!

The front garden of Lauren's DIY doll house

Front porch of Lauren's DIY doll house

Cute post box in Lauren's DIY doll house

Lauren is waiting very patiently for us to finish it, but she does have plenty of other toys keeping her occupied in the meantime!

Incidentally, this is my 800th blog post on *Our home called Kuantan*! This time next year I may have reached 1,000!

Our Christmas Tree

There is something beautiful and magical about a Christmas tree all lit up at night. I took some photos last night of our Christmas tree as we move closer to 'the' day:

The star atop Christmas trees represents the new star that appeared at Jesus Christ's birth

The three wise men travelled far to give gifts to Jesus Christ

Can you see the photographer?

MERRY CHRISTMAS

to all my blog readers!

Ferrero Rocher for Christmas

Ferrero Rocher is the perfect Christmas gift. These tantalizing chocolates come in delightful boxes and are wrapped beautifully in gold paper with brown seats.

We've received two boxes of Ferrero Rocher from two good friends. Devouring them is very easy! Here's Lauren with the chocolates:

Why don't you treat yourself to a box of Ferrero Rocher chocolates this Christmas?

Advent Calendars

There are only 7 days left on the advent calendars. Christmas Day will soon be here.

I've not seen any advent calendars here in Kuantan. My students are fascinated with our advent calendars which my mum sent from England. That's the fortunate part about having family in England. We can get the best of both worlds!

Who else is looking forward to Christmas this year?

Christmas Light-up at The Zenith Hotel, Kuantan

We attended a lovely event at The Zenith Hotel in Kuantan the other night, titled "Christmas Light-up".

The Zenith Hotel was looking fabulous as always. It was great to meet up with old members of staff there whom we met when the hotel first opened back in December 2010.

I love how spacious every area of The Zenith Hotel is. The lobby, check-in area, seating areas, the Lounge and Dining Room, even the elevators areas and the toilets are all spacious and attractive.

A small choir sang Christmas songs and hymns on the blue illuminated stairs in the lobby as people gathered to listen and reflect on the Christmas season. A local group of mentally challenged people were invited to the event as special guests in what was a nice touch to the night.

Food and drinks buffet style were served afterwards in the Lounge and Dining Room. 

I hope you'll enjoy the photos I took of the Christmas Light-up night!

The choir performs Christmas music at The Zenith Hotel

People watch on as the choir performs at The Zenith Hotel lobby

Two observers spending a few quiet moments in contemplation as the choir sing Christmas anthems in the background

A man takes a photo of the choir with his handphone at The Zenith Hotel

The Zenith Hotel at Christmas Light-up

The beautiful Christmas tree in The Zenith Hotel lobby, accompanied by a smaller ice version

More of the pink Christmas tree later . . .

Santa came to visit Lauren and Leah!

I even got a photo with Santa and his helper!

Following is some of the food on offer for the buffet dinner at The Zenith Hotel during the Christmas Light-up event:

And back to the pink Christmas tree . . .

Leah sitting in the rickshaw beside the Christmas tree at The Zenith Hotel

Lauren and Leah posing in the pink rickshaw by the pink Christmas tree. Very much Lauren's scene!

Love this image of Santa at the bar. He works too hard!

My favourite Christmas picture this year!

With The Zenith Hotel staff

Family picture in front of the Christmas tree at The Zenith Hotel