Love our Home Concert @ TIEC , 2009

We took part in the "Thai Wedding Ceremony" performance as part of the celebrations this year. Yes, Nan is the wonderful bride together with Wong as the groom. Even though we didn't get first prize, we really had a lot of fun preparing for this event. :)

Now, I can appreciate the various traditions associated with Thai weddings. Over here, there is the 'silver gate' and 'golden gate' - which are supposed to be barriers before reaching the bride.

Some traditional Thai dancing..

This is the team from China.

All the beautiful ladies in their national costumes.

Wonderful Tamila has taught me alot with her kindness and open heart.

This is a ceremonial practice where 'water' is showered on the bride and groom.

*Nan & me* HAPPY BIRTHDAY NAN!

White Day on 14th March this year was spent in Hiroshima, in the Peace Memorial Park and Miyajima. Even though there are no chocolates, sweets or gifts this year, I realized that I should not be awaiting to receive all the time. Why not give? Surprisingly, their smiles made my day too. :)

For Nan's birthday on the 15th March, Ry and I brought her to Yokohama where we had a lot fun playing games in the amusement park. Then, we celebrated with a huge dinner for her. Being the party planner, I brought the candles, music and speakers and of course, some good tasting spaghetti. I discovered a new side of me -- I really like planning such parties where people can have fun and enjoy a meal together. I hope to do this again. :)

Spring is finally here~.

A Taste of Hiroshima~

I return from Hiroshima feeling fully rejuvenated, enlightened about life and excited about my future. The beauty of Hiroshima is its loving-kindness and peace, despite the tragedy that struck this town on the fateful 6th August, 1945 at 8.15am.

I would like to write alot more about Hiroshima and what I learnt. But today is Nan's birthday and we will have a grand celebration for this buddy for mine in Yokohama!~! So as a prelude, here is a taste of Hiroshima and all that touched my heart.
Sadako and her paper cranes came to represent peace and a sense of hope, for all those who suffer from the after-effects of radiation from the atomic bomb.

Among all endless fields of mandarin oranges, a tiny bush with a tiny flower awaits the warmth of spring.

Our lovely guide who regaled us with every story she knew about Hiroshima, even when she had to relive those painful memories over and again. I have never seen someone with so much kindness in her eyes.

O-Tori at the Miyajima. Unlike other places, where the gate hails the entrance to a shrine, this gate welcomes those who are willing to embrace tranquility and nature, the world that lies beyond material needs and ready for the big blue sky and clear waters of the sea.

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Watch out for my updates, sis! I would like to show you many pictures of the Peace Memorial Park!

On life

'The gem cannot be polished without friction, nor man perfected without trials.'

I found a quote that I used to really like.