Random shots. At peace. Borobodur.

The calendar changes date, and G43 becomes G44.

Tempus fugit, and it bloody well does so with ever increasing rapidity as far as I can see. However, I was woken this morning with a most unusual gift. Something I could not have guessed in a million years if asked.
Nobody, as far as I recall, knows that I have always had a love of Bonsai trees, but when I was younger I couldn’t afford them, and the need for care and nurturing so I stuck (groan) with cacti.

As I grew older my interest waned, but now I am the very proud carer for a ten year old Bonsai, about which I know absolutely nothing! This will give the incentive to find out however, and a Bonsai is for life, so I hope we grow old and gnarled at roughly the same rate.

Thanks Yasmin!!

Also, following a head meets road incident, it was necessary to treat myself to another present to myself. No prizes for guessing what that might be.

Random shots. Melaka redux.

The most awesome bag ever!

I have always loved the look and quality of Crumpler bags, and been slightly envious of those that use them as a daily “do-it-all” carrier. But the high prices always deterred me from actually buying one.

Recently, a friend bought me the Hee-Goer as an early birthday present, the most awesome bag I have ever seen, even from the Crumpler range. It is so well padded that it holds my EeePC and all the accessories  – including external hard drive – and my complete Olympus DSLR system, which consists of three high quality lenses, and a little bag of accessories, cables, filters, and extra memory. All in total security! And with pockets for *everything* you can imagine! You have to feel the quality, and compare with other bags, to really appreciate the absolutely highest standards that Crumpler maintain. Everything else feels cheap and flimsy afterwards.

So, the only bag I ever need, or will ever need, is this beauty. Irreplaceable, and thanks beyond words to an equally irreplaceable friend!

Random shots. Suggestive mushroom?

Sitting in a Pizza Hut the other day, I couldn’t help but notice some kind of symbolism in this painting of a mushroom. I am convinced the painter was well aware of it too as he painted it!

Camera +system sold!

Having recently changed from Pentax to the 4/3rds system, I have sold my one 1/2 year old K100D. Image stabilization in body, excellent very low noise 6MP sensor (200-3200 ISO) and it comes with the DA18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 AL, which was rated as one of the, if not *the* very best kit lens available. Box for the camera body, plus all cables included, Also including one set of Uniross Hybrios AA batteries (the best!) one 2GB Transcend SD card, and one 1GB Kingston Elite Pro card.

To go with it I have an Albinar 28-80mm push-pull zoom from 1983. For a 25 year old lens, it still warrants an 8/10 for condition, and has been well kept in a dry box,  and has zero mould or dust in the lens. Manual focus only, but the other functions work automatically as they should. Solid metal construction – absolutely no plastic, Made in Japan proudly displayed on the original quality seal!! Balances very well on the camera body. Excellent clarity and resolution. 

Also Pentax AF280T flash. Not P-TTL compatible, but can be used on most settings for superb results! Full bounce, tilt and swivel head. Small chip in plastic on door cover, but otherwise immaculate, in pouch and original box.

The buyer of the camera itself and both the lenses is a reader of this blog, and I was totally surprised to get a phone call out of the blue wanting to buy the whole lot! I hope the discerning gentleman gets as much pleasure from this excellent camera as I have, and finds that it is equally at home taking pictures that one could consider,well, “glamour” shots, LOL!

Random shots. Temple through the trees.

Random shots. Fezman.

My father-in-law caught unguarded – if he sees this, he will surely kill me!

Random shots. Solid and forever.

Taken in Bangkok during an art exhibition. Diverse sexuality portrayed in this fluid sexuality sculpture.