Damai Beach Resort, Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia

The Damai Beach Resort lies on the coast about a half hour's drive from Kuching. Above is a portion of the scenic road which took us there.

Damai sits against beautiful beaches and towering tree-covered hills. The resort is well-maintained and is popular with foreign tourists from all around the world.

Fidelia's dad drove us out there one afternoon, along with my sister-in-law, Florina. Lauren came with us while Leah slept in the car with her grandad!

Entrance to Damai Resort

The beach was a beautiful scene of deep blue skies, pure green hills and light brown sands. Perfect for photographing!

Florina and Lauren looking out to the sea at Damai beach, Kuching. Such perfect conditions.

Planting the tripod in the warm sand, I took this picture on timer...such gorgeous colours

The swimming pool at Damai beach resort

To learn more about Damai beach resort, or book a room there, visit their website: Damai Beach Resort

On the way back to Kuching we passed the famous Mount Santubong. From wikipedia, which tells it better than I, is the legend of Mount Santubong: 

"A legend often associated with the mountain is of two beautiful princesses, Santubong and Sejinjang. Santubong was an expert weaver while Sejinjang was an excellent rice tresher. One day, they had a quarrel and exchanged blows. Sejinjang swung her tresher which hit Santubong's cheek. Santubong threw her weaver at Sejinjang, hitting her in the head. Putting an end to the quarrel, the King of Heaven cursed both of them into mountains. Santubong turned into Mount Santubong while Sejinjang was turned into Mount Sejinjang. It is said that Mount Santubong resembles a woman lying on her back."

The view of Mount Santubong was from the top of a bridge. Since there was nowhere to stop the car, Fie's dad drove all the way down the bridge and pulled over at the side of a smaller road. I made the dash by foot up the bridge to capture this shot:

There will be more stories from Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia tomorrow!

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Blog Flashbacks

Welcome to my Blog Flashbacks post this weekend. On Saturday 23rd October, 2010, The Zenith Hotel was inching closer to its soft opening and work was being done day and night.

Take a look at how The Zenith Hotel appeared a year ago by following this link:

The Zenith Hotel - October 2010

Exactly two years ago to this very date, I shared our dinner with you on this blog. Looking back over it, I'm feeling rather hungry again. See if you like it!

Dinner, October 22nd, 2009

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Fidelia's Friday - My childhood home

I decided to write about my childhood home. I grew up here since I was 8 years old. There are so many lovely memories here with my sisters and parents. When I arrived back home for the first time in 5 years last week, I shouted out loud "I'm home!!" It was good to be home!

Here are some pictures of my home taken by Duncan...

Looking down from the stairs...

The dining area...

The living room...

The kitchen...

Upstairs...

We love our childhood home. We spent most of our time at home when we were young and now the house is so quiet because everyone has their own life. The only noise we can hear is the dogs barking outside the house!!

In the white cage is Coco. He loves barking at NO ONE! In the black cage is Lucky. Lucky is quieter and more reserved. One more dog Fifi is somewhere outside...

I would love to go back to Kuching once a year for a special occasion for example Christmas Day but sometimes other commitments that we have will get in our way.

Do you still live in a house where you grew up? I hope this childhood home of ours will never be sold and will be forever there for us to treasure!

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Felicia and Tuah's wedding reception, Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia

My sister-in-law, Felicia, and her husband Tuah, enjoyed a lively wedding reception at Penview Hotel in Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia. Here are some of the photos from that night:

The ballroom

My sis-in-law, Florina Urai ensured guests signed the guestbook prior to entering the ballroom

She likes the camera too, as you'll see in a number of pictures!

My father-in-law waits to greet guests as they arrive

My mother-in-law, left, with her two sisters, Dorothy and Evelyn

Lauren waits for things to get started, with her pre-ordered KFC mashed potato. She's rather picky when it comes to food!

At the start of the event, Lauren acted as 'flowergirl', leading the bride and groom, parents and bridesmaids by gently throwing petals on the floor. She did a great job. Unfortunately the room was pitch black so the photos didn't turn out very well :(

The father of the bride gives his opening speech

The only one of my sisters-in-law who wasn't here in person was attending via Skype! Felicity Anai is currently studying in Australia, but through the miracle of the internet via ipod, she watched on as things unfolded live!

Leah was passed around amongst family relatives throughout the night. She handled it all very well! Here Urai, right, and her best friend Janice, left, pose with Leah.

Felicia and Tuah

My mother-in-law with a friend

Father-in-law with a friend

Fidelia's grandmother, Lauren and Leah's cute great-grandma! She doesn't speak English, but I really enjoyed her company as Fidelia translated her words.

The happy couple

My gorgeous wife and Leah

Soon the karaoke started with Urai and Janice:

Following them was my sis-in-law Florianna. 

She has the most amazing voice full of tone and power which filled the entire ballroom. She sang Celine Dion's "The Power of Love" and this was not karaoke. No sir. This was pure talent. I never realised she was THIS good. No words to express how good it was. It was a shame I couldn't video it, but even then, I doubt a video recording on a camera would have done her justice!

On the left is our cousin Jenny...

I managed to get in one picture during the night, which is one more than most other photographers can manage! Here I am with my picture-perfect sis-in-law, Urai:

The family began dancing

My mother-in-law's turn at karaoke

Tuah and Felicia cut the cake

Tuah attempts to pop the cork...                   

And the cork flies! Look how excited Felicia is!

Felicia and Feona Albert, two of Leah's many cousins, give Leah a big kiss

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