Lantern Festival in Yuyuan, Shanghai

The 15th day of the 1st lunar month is the Chinese Lantern Festival because the first lunar month is called yuan-month and in the ancient times people called night Xiao. The 15th day is the first night to see a full moon. So the day is also called Yuan Xiao Festival in China. According to the Chinese tradition, at the very beginning of a new year, when there is a bright full moon hanging in the sky, there should be thousands of colorful lanterns hung out for people to appreciate. At this time, people will try to solve the puzzles on the lanterns and eat yuanxiao (glutinous rice ball) and get all their families united in the joyful atmosphere.

The Lantern Festival is also known as the Little New Year since it marks the end of the series of celebrations starting from the Chinese New Year (February 7 to 21 for 2008).

Machu Picchu, Peru last September

It takes about 4 hours by train from Cuzco to Machu Picchu along Urubamba River. I skipped the Sacred Valley portion, which I took by car the day before. Some people would hike 4 days through the Inca Trail to reach Machu Picchu, something I may consider next time to show my respect to the ancient civilization. I spend 2 days in Machu Picchu, and the weather was excellent after heavy rain earlier. We even spotted a pair of rabbit came out of their hidings to enjoy the sunshine.

Amazon Expedition – The Cabin

The Bedroom with big "window"

The Bathroom with full view of the nature :D

Only one word for it - COOL... until the bats attack during middle of the night T_T...

Amazon Expedition – Lakeside Morning

Our tour guide and my lunch – fried rice in environmental friendly packaging p^_^q!

Amazon Expedition – Macaws

The tiny dots from far in case your were wondering...

Amazon Expedition – Tarantula

Woooooo...

Now, I present you: Angkor Wat and Phnom Penh

Ta Phrom as featured in the movie Tomb Raider

Sunrise at Angkor Wat

Monkey at Angkor Wat

Ancient Sculpture at Angkor Wat

Royal Temple in Phnom Penh

Cat at the Royal Palace in Phnom Penh

Tropical blossom during Chinese New Year in Cambodia

Finally some color and OH… the sunshine…reminds me so much of LA. Well, any place that does not require 3 layers of cloth reminds of LA ><

瑞雪兆丰年

Second snow storm in Shanghai right before Chinese New Year. As the old Chinese saying: heavy snow foretells a prospect new year. Best wishes to everyone ^_*!

Year of the Mouse

My souvenir from Hong Kong Disneyland visit in January. A simple Mickey ring by Chow Sang Sang pictured with a fallen flower on a wood bench.

Beijing National Opera House during Xmas

…aka the Egg, while the Beijing Olympic National Stadium is known as the Nest. I drove by the Nest, but was too far from the construction to take a good picture to share with everyone. But feel free to check out the website. It is pretty cool!

The famous West Lake, Hangzhou, in early December

It is often agreed that the view is better on a raining day than a sunny day, but best after heavy snow. However, I can spend all day along the lakeside anytime with a cup of Longjing tea. There is more beauty has to be felt than seen.