Random shots: New offices

Can never resist anything in orange.

Port Dickson mega resort, in decay.

When visiting Port Dickson, I have always marveled at the absolutely huge set of buildings that make up the Marina Bay resort.
It’s been around for a long time, and I had assumed that most of the buildings (I think there are about 10 of them!) were deserted. But on my most recent visit, I decided to be nosey and drive around the complex and investigate.
There is security posted at all the entrances, and what I found very interesting was that there was a high level of occupancy on the lower 3 floors. Many looked quite nice, obviously homes rather than short-let resort suites. The car park reflected people of modest means, and the overall impression is of low economic status, but some pride in ownership.
As one approaches the high-rise buildings, impressions change. The whole complex has obviously never been painted, and the level of maintenance, I suspect, is of the lowest order. Many units, indeed from viewing, most units were vacant. Some with tattered curtains still hangjng in the windows, whilst others looked like they had never been occupied.
The whole complex gave me an impression of a JG Ballard story, high rise dystopia, with no future other than gradual decay. And failed ambition, to create such a huge project that must be hardly economically viable.
I shot a few pics, but they can’t quite convey the vastness and strange atmosphere of this mega-complex by the sea. I continue to be intrigued by it, as an example of developers folly and grandiose schemes that failed.

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Abandoned motel.

One of my fascinations is abandoned buildings, and I always make a point of trying to get as close as possible, or even inside if it seems safe, to any interesting buildings that I see.

Whilst visiting Port Dickson recently, I couldn’t help but wander around this once famous, now neglected motel which stands near the beach. At least 15 years have passed since it closed, and nature is gradually taking it back to it’s own. I like.

Random shots: The PD “flyer”

Seems like every city has their version of the “wheel” attraction, the London “Eye”, the Brisbane “wheel”, the Singapore “flyer” to name but a few of very many around the world.

Port Dickson’s version is rather under-stated.

 

 

Random shots: The ubiquitous Malaysian gecko.

As found wandering *everywhere*. Locally known as a cicak, because of the noise it makes.

Random shots: Gym. My second home. ;)

Where I work…out.

www.florifs.com for more details.

Contact me if you want personal training in the Taman Desa area – fully equipped studio gym, fully qualified trainers, strictly by appointment only,  and most importantly, *we get results*

Penang road trip – visiting the Buddha.

“Kek Lok Si, or Temple of Supreme Bliss, is the largest and arguably the best known temple in Penang. It straddles a hillside overlooking the town of Ayer Itam and George Town beyond that. It is a temple that harmoniously blend Mahayana Buddhism with Taoist beliefs and other Chinese rituals, creating an amalgam that is uniquely its own. Since the olden days, the hills of Ayer Itam are regarded as important geomantically. Known as He San, or Crane Hill, they are recommended as a retreat for Taoist practitioners striving for immortality. “

http://www.penang-traveltips.com/kek-lok-si-temple.htm

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Shanghai World Financial Centre – From the top.

We went up to the 100th floor observation level of the SWFC, and here are a few pictures taken from there. 101 floors, 91 elevators….the statistics are amazing, but not as much as the view. I used to be uncomfortable with heights – not any more!

 

Shanghai – braving the Expo part 1.

Another rainy day in Shanghai, requiring the essential purchase of new umbrellas, mine in a rather appropriate Royal Stewart tartan , and the decision to brave the crowds and hit the Expo for a long day of walking, eating, walking, queuing to get into pavilions, and more walking. Thank heavens for comfortable shoes.

Starting off in the Asian area, walking into the veritable sea of umbrellas, we immediately spotted the Malaysian, Singaporean, Australian and New Zealand pavilions, but decided to grab some food before we started to brave the queues. The multitude of regional food court choices was initially overwhelming, and daunting – somehow Tibetan Yak ribs and Yak butter tea proved unappealing – but we managed to eat a substantial if bland Hong Kong Chinese meal.

Then hit the pavilions. Aiyoh! The endless queues, even in the rain were somewhat off-putting, but once there, there was really no option but to pick carefully and get going.

First, we visited the New Zealand pavilion, which to be honest was something of a disappointment. Of course, actually having been there doesn’t help, but the multimedia displays showing urban life were rather bland, and the rest of the pavilion consisted of a walk through a synthetic NZ forest which was OK, but uninspiring.

Then we ventured into what proved to be one of the best pavilions, the Indonesian. It took a good 45 minutes to walk through the 3 floors, displaying all aspects of Indonesian culture and history. It was well presented, fascinating in parts, lots of excellent multimedia displays, and a good cafe where we rested and tried the incredibly strong Indonesian coffee, which was delicious and provided a much needed pick-me-up.

We decided to skip the Malaysian and Singaporean pavilions – I mean, living there they were surely bound to provide little of additional educational interest – and the Thai and Cambodian as well. Been there, seen that, no point in seeing plastic reconstructions of Angkor when you have experienced the real thing. And since we had explored Australia extensively, there seemed little point in that either, and the queues were endless.

So, we decided to wander across to the European area, where we visited some of the smaller display areas such as Albania (no expense spent. ) San Marino, and cruised the cafes outside the Turkish and Greek pavilions. Viewed the German pavilion, which looks like the Death Star crossed with a fortress and the insanely lit and chaotic Dutch one, cheekily titled “Happy Street”.

Stopped for a kebab at the Greek pavilion, and fortified ourselves again. Then, more wandering in the persistent drizzle to view the Belgian, French, Swiss and UK pavilions from the outside. The crowds were really gathering, and the will to queue for up to 2 hours to visit any of them individually was definitely waning.

Finally, the legs were weary, the feet crying for release, and we made our way back to the hotel to watch more football – of a higher quality this time and a rock solid sleep