Heiko Spallek | digital imaging: Blog https://photos.spallek.com/blog en-us (C) Heiko Spallek | digital imaging [email protected] (Heiko Spallek | digital imaging) Fri, 22 Sep 2023 06:28:00 GMT Fri, 22 Sep 2023 06:28:00 GMT https://photos.spallek.com/img/s/v-12/u75301363-o1041325852-50.jpg Heiko Spallek | digital imaging: Blog https://photos.spallek.com/blog 120 85 Pyrmont Peninsula https://photos.spallek.com/blog/2021/8/pyrmont-peninsula After moving to Pyrmont in March 2021 while being severely travel restricted due to COVID-19, here is an account of our new neighbourhood. We live in Jacksons Landing which constitutes the northern tip of the Pyrmont Peninsula. Jacksons Landing is a community of 2,500 residents in more than 1,000 apartments, terraces and townhouses on the site of the old Colonial Sugar Refinery (CSR) industrial complex. The redevelopment of the CSR site of over 11 hectares commenced by lendlease in the early 1990s, and the first residents moved in during 2000. 

The modern landscape, society and economy of Pyrmont were shaped mainly by two industry groups: sandstone quarrying and the Colonial Sugar Refinery complex. It was a long tradition for sugar plantations to distil rum and other by-products of sugar. Eventually (from the 1930s) Caneite and other building materials were processed, using bagasse, the cane from which sucrose had been extracted. For a hundred years the CSR Company processed sugar here, distilled rum and industrial alcohol, and transformed sugar cane refuse into building material. CSR was founded in 1855 by a Danish gentleman named Sir Edward Knox and commenced operations in 1877. CSR was not only a sugar refinery, it was also a distillery which at one stage supplied half of Australia’s industrial alcohol needs. It also supplied a third of Australia’s rum. As Australia’s second-largest industrial complex (behind BHP) CSR even had the resources, the engineers and the skills to produce fuel, and weapons, during the Second World War. More about Jacksons Landing here and about its First People.

Part of the Evolve Building, part of Jacksons Landing, with ANZAC bridge:

HEI_8581HEI_8581

Distillery Hill building, part of Jacksons Landing:
HEI_8591HEI_8591

Antias' architecture by Architects Tonkin Zulaikha Greer "reflects its industrial heritage through the use of industrial forms and materials such as rust weathered steel cladding. Such cladding is a direct response to the site: it echoes the site’s industrial aesthetic, associates the building to the Eastern Knoll sandstone cutting by use of tone and colour, and expresses the steel sheets at a scale compatible with the Anzac Bridge." (source).

DJI_0014DJI_0014 L_GI0955L_GI0955 IMG_1505IMG_1505 The building is named after a street name of a street that doesn't exist anymore. The building is overlooking the ANZAC Bridge--sunsets and thunderstorms can be observed.

HEI_7602HEI_7602

HEI_7681HEI_7681

Aerial Shots of Antias and ANZAC Bridge

The ANZAC Bridge, crossing the Johnstons Bay, is an eight-lane cable-stayed bridge that carries the Western Distributor (A4) across Johnstons Bay between Pyrmont and Glebe Island.

HEI_7251HEI_7251 HEI_7970HEI_7970

Here illuminated for ANZAC Day in 2021. 

HEI_7660-EditHEI_7660-Edit

We often enjoy the Pyrmont Waterfront Park with its two iconic spheres--old digesters used to produce hardboard. In 1936, CSR expanded its operations to produce caneite and particle board which are both building materials. The wood chips were expanded using high-pressure steam, releasing the natural lignins in the wood that turned them into fibre that was pressed into boards for use as a building material. 

IMG_1678IMG_1678 HEI_8589HEI_8589 L_GI0948L_GI0948

Quarrying was carried out on a modest scale by the 1830s, when sailing ships could take on ballast at the tip of the peninsula, anchored in deep water and loading local stone. "Master masons such as the McCredie brothers branched into building: Charles Saunders levelled Glebe Island and Darling Island, then supplied stone for Sydney’s new University, its Railway Station and its new government offices. Eventually, Pyrmont sandstone was celebrated in Italianate wool stores and the Queen Victoria Building." (source

HEI_7906-2HEI_7906-2 HEI_7907HEI_7907 HEI_7993HEI_7993
Often, the sandstone is exposed and integrated into the modern architecture or Jacksons Landing.

HEI_8717HEI_8717 HEI_8722HEI_8722

Sydney Harbour is a working deep-water harbour with commercial ships often mooring at Glebe Island and many marinas along the Blackwattle Bay.  HEI_7600-2HEI_7600-2 HEI_7284HEI_7284https://www.superyachtfan.com/yacht/moatize/ HEI_7255HEI_7255

Fisher boats deliver fresh fish to the Sydney Fishmarket, the second biggest fish market in the world after Tokyo. 

HEI_7298HEI_7298

Expensive day-charter boats are moored in Jones Bay Wharf at its Marina. The Jones Bay Wharf is a unique example of early 20th-century waterfront technology and represents an integral part of Australia's maritime history. Its survival serves as a key reminder of Australia's development as a trading nation and its association with important events such as World War II and the immigration boom. the combination of reinforced concrete, steel and hardwood made it a highly innovative structure for its time. The quick and efficient loading of cargo at the wharf was made possible by its rail connection, overhead lighting and modern handling facilities including several internal lifts and a mobile gantry. In the 1940s, Jones Bay Wharf was adapted to serve as a modern passenger terminal to accommodate a post-World War II immigration boom. Modifications enabled the boarding and disembarking of passengers on the upper level, while their luggage was handled on the ground level. The wharf operated as a passenger terminal until the 1960s when a new passenger terminal was constructed at Circular Quay. 

HEI_8654HEI_8654 HEI_8655HEI_8655 HEI_8656HEI_8656

View of The Crown and the Sydney Harbour Bridge with the Darling Harbour waters used for recreational stand-up paddle boarding. 

HEI_8618-EditHEI_8618-Edit HEI_8652HEI_8652

Everyone enjoys the spectacular view:

HEI_8631HEI_8631
 

During a walk along the foreshore through Pirrama Park and the Pyrmont Waterfront Park, one can see the remnants of the old timber and bollards as well as modern art installations, such as Tide to Tide which is a kinetic sculpture that translates the eternal return of the tides as well as the more unpredictable wave wash and wind chop of Sydney Harbour into movement.

HEI_8605HEI_8605 HEI_8642HEI_8642 HEI_8660HEI_8660 HEI_8668HEI_8668

HEI_8668-2HEI_8668-2

HEI_8661HEI_8661

Fish cleaning station for amateur fishers:

HEI_8644HEI_8644 Low tide exposes countless oysters:

HEI_8599HEI_8599
 

HEI_8606HEI_8606 HEI_8596HEI_8596

Timelapse video of Johnston Bay with ANZAC Bridge during a storm in October 2021:

More pictures here.

 

]]>
[email protected] (Heiko Spallek | digital imaging) ANZAC Australia Bay Bridge Crown Harbour Jones NSW Pyrmont Sydney https://photos.spallek.com/blog/2021/8/pyrmont-peninsula Sun, 15 Aug 2021 20:40:18 GMT
Caves Beach https://photos.spallek.com/blog/2020/11/caves-beach After our short stay in the Hunter Valley, we departed to Caves Coastal Bar & Bungalows which we had booked  "with Gourmet Grazing Hamper". The accommodations were near Lake Macquarie, Australia's largest coastal saltwater lake covering an area of 110 square kilometres (42.5 sq mi) which is connected to the Tasman Sea by a short channel. Our bungalow oversaw the ocean at Caves Beach, not the actual lake.

HEI_5920HEI_5920 L_GI9333L_GI9333

Caves Beach is well known for its namesake - a network of sea caves at the southern end of the beach, which can be explored at low tide.

HEI_6001HEI_6001 HEI_5957HEI_5957 We enjoyed our days at the beach a lot with long beach walks, dinners at local restaurants and in our bungalow.

HEI_5967HEI_5967 HEI_5989HEI_5989 HEI_5991HEI_5991 HEI_6181HEI_6181 HEI_6172HEI_6172 HEI_6154HEI_6154 L_GI9360L_GI9360 L_GI9353L_GI9353 HEI_6116HEI_6116 HEI_6130HEI_6130

I let the drone fly observing surfers from above and spend early morning hours taking pictures of the Galactic Centre.

HEI_6041HEI_6041

HEI_6052HEI_6052 HEI_6056HEI_6056

We also observed nature, seeing for the first time a Purple Swamphen.

HEI_5951HEI_5951

Here the combined video including surfers.

More images here.

 

 

 

 

 

]]>
[email protected] (Heiko Spallek | digital imaging) Australia Beach Caves Lake Macquarie https://photos.spallek.com/blog/2020/11/caves-beach Sun, 29 Nov 2020 05:22:57 GMT
Hunter Valley https://photos.spallek.com/blog/2020/11/hunter-valley In November 2020, we went for a short vacation trip to the Hunter Valley--about a two-hour drive north from us. We started with a wine tasting and picnic at the Audrey Wilkinson Vineyard in Pokolbin.

L_GI9318L_GI9318

HEI_5774HEI_5774 HEI_5782HEI_5782 HEI_5786HEI_5786 HEI_5792HEI_5792

The vineyard's history is interesting as it is one of the oldest vineyards in Australia, acquired by the Wilkinson family in 1866. Audrey Wilkinson took over his father's vineyard at the age of only 15 years, with his father having died. He assumed the daunting role of running the family’s vineyard which he did until he died at the age of 85 in 1962. Audrey was blessed with a wonderful sense of taste and produced some of the finest wines in Australia. In 1897, Audrey helped develop leading-edge technology such as cement fermenters and steam-powered crushers and hopper. In 2004, the Agnew family enters the Australian wine industry with the acquisition of the historic Audrey Wilkinson Vineyard in the Hunter Valley. 

HEI_5776HEI_5776 HEI_5778HEI_5778 HEI_5779HEI_5779 HEI_5790HEI_5790

We then checked into the Mercure Resort Hunter Valley Gardens for two nights. On our first night, we booked dinner at éléments which is run by executive chef Michael Watson "who has created a menu with an elements base, influenced by the flavours of France and Italy. Michael brings extensive experience to the kitchen, a finely tuned palate and a passion for excellence. éléments signature dish - duck confit has been an inspiration throughout Michael’s career and takes a different form across the seasons. To enhance the dining experience, food and beverage manager Amanda wise has paired éléments menu with Hunter Valley wines which enables the wines to be fully appreciated. The interior design of éléments is boutique and overlooks stunning manicured gardens with a feature fountain, éléments offers a unique space to dine and engage." After reading this announcement, we had expected a great culinary experience , but the food was rather ordinary.

HEI_5813HEI_5813 HEI_5812HEI_5812
HEI_5814HEI_5814 HEI_5816HEI_5816

The next morning, we visited the Hunter Valley Gardens which are advertised as the largest Display Gardens in the Southern Hemisphere--we left rather disappointed after 30 minutes as the only word that came to mind was kitsch. In addition to the rather underwhelming gardens, they were full of plastic Christmas decoration including life-size reindeer and large plastic sculptures in the shape of Big Ben and the Eiffel Tower.

HEI_5834HEI_5834 HEI_5835HEI_5835

Then, we did a wine tasking at Andrew Thomas Winery which was really impressive in style, how the wines were presented including the display of soil samples and taste, how the wine tasted and which convinced us to purchase a few cases and also sign up for their wine club.

HEI_5860HEI_5860 HEI_5863HEI_5863

In the evening, we had an excellent chef's tasting dinner at EXP Restaurant in Pokolbin: (1) Hiramasa Kingfish, fennel pollen vinegar, chilli ferment and Hunter Wagyu Tartare, beef fat emulsion, eschallot and Duck Ham, macadamia, focaccia, (2) Sourdough, cultured butter, native seasoning, (3) Zucchini, cherry truss tomato, lemon verbena, society garlic, (4) Petuna Ocean Trout, shiitake, mushroom xo, radish, native pepper, (5) Paroo Kangaroo, onions, black garlic, beetroot & davidson plum, (6) Canelé, milk & honey, (7) Wild Fennel Cheesecake, mulberry, caramelised white chocolate, waffle. 

HEI_5874HEI_5874
HEI_5867HEI_5867 HEI_5868HEI_5868 HEI_5881HEI_5881 HEI_5885HEI_5885 HEI_5889HEI_5889 HEI_5891HEI_5891 HEI_5895HEI_5895 HEI_5897HEI_5897

Here a video of the Hunter Valley experience:

]]>
[email protected] (Heiko Spallek | digital imaging) Australia Hunter Valley https://photos.spallek.com/blog/2020/11/hunter-valley Sat, 21 Nov 2020 21:00:03 GMT
Bowral, Southern Highlands https://photos.spallek.com/blog/2020/10/bowral-southern-highlands On our first day, we visited Berrima situated on the Old Hume Highway, first trying to get lunch at the PepperGreen Estate which was solidly booked for the long weekend.

HEI_5141HEI_5141 However, we found a delicious lunch at the nearby Magpie Cafe. 

HEI_5148HEI_5148 HEI_5149HEI_5149

HEI_5143HEI_5143 We then walked through the village of Berrima admiring all the old cottages and small galleries. Berrima is located on the traditional land of the Gundungurra People.

HEI_5157HEI_5157 HEI_5158HEI_5158 HEI_5159HEI_5159 HEI_5163HEI_5163

Finally, we made an evening walk at the Wingecarribee River where we saw many Australian Water Dragons, but not the promised Platypus that should be part of the Berrima River Walk.

HEI_5168HEI_5168

HEI_5174HEI_5174 HEI_5182HEI_5182 HEI_5200HEI_5200 HEI_5201HEI_5201

We have read about the German Internment Camp that located at the river: The internees’ constructions during their enforced stay during World War I was built along the Wingecarribee River. Berrima was the only camp that not to confine the more than 300 internees within the camp perimeter. The internees were merchant naval captains, senior officers, the senior executives from German shipping companies with offices in Australia, and a small number of prisoners-of-war from the German light cruiser SMS Emden. The had times when they could leave the camp and were free to shop in the village. The men from larger companies were on half-pay—forwarded from Germany throughout the war. The men were used to confined shipboard life and a disciplined routine. As they were not required to work they put their energy into recreational pursuits—the River was their playground.

HEI_5179HEI_5179

On Sunday morning, I tried to photograph at 4 am the Galactic Centre and the Orionids, a meteor shower that marks the second occasion the Earth encounters the stream of debris left behind by Halley’s comet each year. Neither worked out very well due to the strong moon and the light clouds.

HEI_5229HEI_5229

After breakfast in Moss Vale,... 

IMG_0779IMG_0779

...we embarked on a 4-hour bushwalk in the Gibbergunyah Reserve starting on the Goanna Circuit—without visible goannas. A later search on YouTube confirmed that we heard their hissing sounds.

HEI_5349HEI_5349 HEI_5353HEI_5353 HEI_5385HEI_5385 HEI_5430HEI_5430 HEI_5434HEI_5434 HEI_5487HEI_5487 HEI_5351HEI_5351 HEI_5420HEI_5420 HEI_5365HEI_5365 HEI_5366HEI_5366 HEI_5484HEI_5484
During the walk, we saw literally a hundred or more entrants to wombat burrow systems. As they are mostly nocturnal, we saw no wombat. They eat grass and herbs and their teeth grow continuously throughout their lives.

HEI_5354HEI_5354

I took a picture of a Red-and-black spider.

HEI_5361HEI_5361

In the evening, we had dinner at the Porterhouse Bistro in Moss Vale. On Monday, we did a 3-hour bush walk in Box Vale admiring the Hawkesbury sandstone formation as the paths are cut through the stone.

HEI_5466HEI_5466

The Box Vale Walking Track follows the formation of a historic railway line and through a tunnel 84m long. One of the displays showed a picture of a “Saddle Tank” locomotive emerging from the tunnel—it had been built in Leeds, UK, in 1862 and imported to Australia by John Whitton who is recognised as the father of the NSW Railways.

HEI_5471HEI_5471

The surrounding terrain is steep and rocky—often with little topsoil that can be used by the wombats to build their burrows. We read that the vegetation is classified as dry sclerophyll forest—most of it was burnt during the December 2019 bush fires that raged through the area. Most trees show new growth and the ground is mostly green now. Since the removal of the railroad line, late last century natural regeneration has occurred along the embankments.

HEI_5477HEI_5477

We saw a lot of birds—apparently, they flew away during the fires and are now back, unlike snakes and spiders.

HEI_5390HEI_5390

Afterwards, we drove to Berrima for a lovely lunch at the PepperGreen Estate for which we had reservations this time. On Tuesday after checking out at the Briars Country Lodge & Inn in Burradoo, we first visited had a delicious breakfast at the nearby Magpie Cafe in Berrima.

HEI_5515HEI_5515 Our first stop after breakfast was the Bendooley Estate vineyard and tasted (and bought) some vine. Then, we advanced to Centennial Vineyards doing the same but combined it with a light lunch.

HEI_5528HEI_5528 HEI_5530HEI_5530

In the early afternoon, we made it to our second hotel, the Blue Wren, Pines Postoral Cottages. We stayed in a cottage with 4.5-metre high window overlooking the pastures. "A spiral staircase leads to a mezzanine level with king-size bed (with electric blanket). When the sun rises, waking up in Blue Wren is magic! An extra luxury is the private cedar-lined sauna. This is a dry Scandinavian sauna, ideal for relaxing in the late afternoon.”

HEI_5565HEI_5565 HEI_5564HEI_5564

IMG_0808IMG_0808 IMG_0810IMG_0810 IMG_0811IMG_0811 IMG_0812IMG_0812

HEI_5576HEI_5576 HEI_5574HEI_5574

I flew my drone around the property as the cows did not seem to care. On Wednesday, we woke up dense fog and rain, so we spent a very quiet day with reading and some gallery browsing in Mittagong and Moss Vale. On Thursday, the rain made us postpone our visit to the  Fitzroy Falls to our next trip into the Southern Highlands.

Here some video impressions of the trip:

More picture here.
 

]]>
[email protected] (Heiko Spallek | digital imaging) Australia Berrima Bowral Highlands Mittagong Moss NSW Southern Vale https://photos.spallek.com/blog/2020/10/bowral-southern-highlands Fri, 09 Oct 2020 20:06:28 GMT
Hawkesbury River https://photos.spallek.com/blog/2020/4/hawkesbury-river In February 2020, we rented a boat to explore the Hawkesbury River. The 8-ton Resort 35 boat with 3 cabins provided plenty of space for our family but was hard to steer as it had only a small Diesel engine that limited the speed to 8 knots. The speed limitation permitted us to drive the boat without a boating license.

HEI_7242HEI_7242

But, we were not permitted to approach a wharf and had to use a mooring for the night. The dingy (tender) that came with the boat gave us access to the shore. The boat was equipped with two hot showers (one indoor and one outdoor), a microwave, a cooktop, a gas BBQ, two toilets, chart plotter, depth measurement, two bedrooms and an additional 4 bunk beds.


HEI_1312HEI_1312 HEI_1291HEI_1291 HEI_1542HEI_1542   HEI_1357HEI_1357

HEI_1320HEI_1320 We drove two hours to Refuge Bay where we went to shore to stand under the waterfall that comes from high above the mountain. Then, we drove another hour to Smiths Creek where we moored at a spot where there were only two other boats.

Alexandra caught three fish for dinner—part of the dinner as they were really small.

HEI_1341HEI_1341

We used the dingy to drive into the shallow areas of the Creek. Except for the occasional airplane, we could only hear nature sounds during our dinner. During the night a bad thunderstorm rocked the boat quite a bit—shaking as in the wake of another boat or on the ocean. But all was holding up—just the outside parts of the boat, like all the chairs and benches, were drained in the morning.

HEI_1347HEI_1347 HEI_1344HEI_1344 HEI_1350HEI_1350 HEI_1351HEI_1351

On the second day, we had lunch at Cottage Point Kiosk and Boat Hire.
HEI_7238HEI_7238 Here more images.

]]>
[email protected] (Heiko Spallek | digital imaging) Australia boat Hawkesbury River NSW Sydney https://photos.spallek.com/blog/2020/4/hawkesbury-river Sun, 12 Apr 2020 07:47:15 GMT
Fiji https://photos.spallek.com/blog/2020/1/fiji During the 2019-2020 holiday break, we went to Fiji, a common tourist destination for Australians. We took a 6 am flight to the South Pacific country which is an archipelago of more than 300 islands. The Republic of Fiji is an island country in Melanesia, part of Oceania in the South Pacific Ocean about 2,000 km northeast of New Zealand's North Island. We arrived in Nadi on the main island, Viti Levu. We then flew further to Savusavu, located on the smaller island of Vanua Levu.

HEI_2977HEI_2977 IMG_0925IMG_0925 IMG_0924IMG_0924

We were picked up and brought to the Savasi Island Resort, where we stayed in the Seabreeze Villa with a pool about 20 metres away from the beach. Here the drive into the resort.

HEI_5465HEI_5465   HEI_3604HEI_3604 HEI_3609HEI_3609


We were greeted with a tropical fruit drink on our arrival and brought to our beach villa.

    IMG_0128IMG_0128 IMG_0094IMG_0094
IMG_0125IMG_0125 HEI_3012HEI_3012   HEI_3277HEI_3277

We ended the day with dinner, enjoying the delicious food and the beautiful sunset view. 

HEI_3324HEI_3324

HEI_6530HEI_6530
 

IMG_1161IMG_1161   HEI_3321HEI_3321

In the morning of our second day, after a nice breakfast overlooking the ocean, we were driven to a waterfall by one of the guides.

HEI_3364HEI_3364 HEI_3367HEI_3367 HEI_3370HEI_3370 HEI_3393HEI_3393 HEI_3533HEI_3533   HEI_3579HEI_3579

HEI_7783HEI_7783 HEI_7795HEI_7795

We first had to buy a Kava plant, also known by its Fijian name yaqona, as an offering for the local villagers allowing us to visit their waterfall. The waterfall was only a 5 min walk, enough at the blazing heat, away from the parking spot. On our way, we passed what could count as a small vegetable farm with Kava plants, bananas, pineapples, wild chilly, wild ginger and even some sugar cane.

HEI_3408HEI_3408 HEI_3414HEI_3414 HEI_3410HEI_3410 HEI_3413HEI_3413 HEI_3407HEI_3407 HEI_3406HEI_3406

Here the flower of wild ginger.

HEI_3488HEI_3488 We were swimming in the small lagoon underneath the fall and observed the many spiders and birds around the waterhole.

PABM4270PABM4270DCIM\100GOPRO\GOPR0145.JPG G0010096G0010096C:\DCIM\100GOPRO\G0010096.GPR GOPR0126GOPR0126C:\DCIM\100GOPRO\GOPR0126.GPR GOPR0138GOPR0138C:\DCIM\100GOPRO\GOPR0138.GPR  

HEI_3489HEI_3489

Shortly before lunch, we drove back, stopping at a beautiful scenic overview.

HEI_3508-EditHEI_3508-Edit

IMG_1179IMG_1179

For lunch, we enjoyed rice paper rolls and a glass of wine. In the afternoon, I took pictures of insects around the villa.

HEI_3443-EditHEI_3443-Edit HEI_3281HEI_3281   HEI_3957-EditHEI_3957-Edit  

When stepping on the paths, we had to watch out for not crushing the thousands of hermit crabs (Coenobita rugosus) that crawled around the property and near the beach. I took pictures and a time-lapse video of them.

HEI_6419HEI_6419 HEI_6459HEI_6459

They did not like to be held in a hand and vigorously attack my fingers.

HEI_6442HEI_6442

Before dinner, I discovered a small jumping spider in our bathroom that I caught and then photographed on a napkin and then on a leaf.

HEI_5164-EditHEI_5164-Edit   HEI_5321-EditHEI_5321-Edit HEI_5233-EditHEI_5233-Edit

Dinner during sunset was excellent with a concluding barbecued pineapple as a dessert.

HEI_5391HEI_5391 HEI_3327HEI_3327 HEI_3325HEI_3325 HEI_5394HEI_5394   HEI_5396HEI_5396 HEI_5397HEI_5397 HEI_5398HEI_5398
After dinner, Sophia and I, equipped with a strong LED panel and a flashlight, continued on hunting animals in the dark. We saw large Golden Orb spiders, a Huntsman spider, mating stick insects, small lizards, a mouse, huge hermit crabs, fruit bats and many mosquitoes on our skin. 

HEI_5454HEI_5454 HEI_5408HEI_5408 HEI_5427HEI_5427 HEI_5445HEI_5445 HEI_5399HEI_5399
The next morning, Sophia and I explored the beach and coral area uncovered by the low tide. We saw many sea cucumbers, an amazing amount of crabs and of course countless small fish. We also disturbed three sea snakes or eels that quickly slithered away from us. We poked the little sea stars until their body including tentacles retreated into their coral niches.

GOPR0181GOPR0181C:\DCIM\100GOPRO\GOPR0181.GPR GOPR0173GOPR0173C:\DCIM\100GOPRO\GOPR0173.GPR GOPR0184GOPR0184C:\DCIM\100GOPRO\GOPR0184.GPR GOPR0179GOPR0179C:\DCIM\100GOPRO\GOPR0179.GPR GOPR0164GOPR0164C:\DCIM\100GOPRO\GOPR0164.GPR

After a good lunch and a short nap, we went to Split Rock for a snorkelling trip. The 30-minute drive brought us to an area from where we started to snorkel from the beach. While we saw a lot of bleached corals near the shore, the actual split rock was colonised by hundreds of colourful fish and corals. We took some picture and video with the new GoPro Hero Black 8.

In the evening, we packed our belongings for the next morning’s boat-snorkel trip. While at dinner, we learned that a cyclone was threatening to hit Fiji on the 29th of December. 

On December 25th, we started early in the morning with a 6:45 am departure for the boat tour. We drove 40 min to the Jean-Michel Cousteau, son of the famous ocean explorer Jacque Cousteau. We took a bumpy 50-minute boat ride to the Namena Marine Reserve of Fiji where we snorkelled in very choppy waters. It is "known to be one of the best diving spots in all of Fiji, this exclusive site is home to many endemic and rare species. Surrounding the tiny island of Namenalala, the approximately 70 square kilometre Namena Marine Reserve was established in 1997, stretching between the two main Fijian islands of Viti Levu and Vanua Levu.” 

G0010244G0010244C:\DCIM\100GOPRO\G0010244.GPR

We saw bigger fish than the day before and also a small white-tipped reef shark (1.2 metres long) and a turtle. As the waves were too large for good snorkelling, we went to a more secluded place far away from the big waves. Unfortunately, the corals were all bleached there and only few fish and colourful corals remained.

We returned to our lodge by lunch and used the time after lunch to re-book Return flights to 27th of December. In the afternoon, I took pictures of a jumping spider that was very jumpy.

HEI_6546-EditHEI_6546-Edit   HEI_6964-EditHEI_6964-Edit
On our way to the dinner, we saw many fruitbats landing on trees in the resort. The size of these Fijian flying foxes (Mirimiri acrodonta) was not unlike the ones we see each evening in Sydney. 

HEI_6500HEI_6500 HEI_6503HEI_6503 HEI_6505HEI_6505 HEI_6492HEI_6492

Before dinner, the local church group performed Christmas songs in the resort dining area.

IMG_0101IMG_0101

Afterwards, we had a lovely dinner at sunset. IMG_1208IMG_1208

IMG_1213IMG_1213 HEI_6524HEI_6524 HEI_6511HEI_6511

The next morning, after a delicious breakfast, we enjoyed another walk on the low tide beach. We saw many small colourful fish and dark sea cucumbers. We also discovered near the villa a huge Golden Orb Spider and her egg sacks.

HEI_6532HEI_6532 HEI_6533HEI_6533

In the afternoon, we were driven to a “river” that connects a lagoon lake with the ocean. The approaching high tide supported our sea kayaking towards the lake. The stream, as well as the lake, were surrounded by Mangroves. We learned that the area around our resort and this lake (650 acres) was owned by Paul Savasi.

HEI_7717HEI_7717 GOPR0358GOPR0358C:\DCIM\100GOPRO\GOPR0358.GPR

A stop on a hilltop on our way back allowed us to see the largest bay in Fiji. 

HEI_7753-EditHEI_7753-Edit
After a shower, we had our last dinner in a cave—a special table facing the ocean on one side a meter above high tide and embedded in rocks carved out during ages. The staff had decorated the cave with fresh flowers. 

IMG_0140IMG_0140
 

IMG_1266IMG_1266 IMG_1262IMG_1262

IMG_1272IMG_1272 IMG_1273IMG_1273 IMG_1213IMG_1213

Early breakfast on the next morning ended our trip on Fiji—the first rain that we experienced on the island foreshadowed the incoming cyclone. 

Here more pictures.

 

]]>
[email protected] (Heiko Spallek | digital imaging) Beach Fiji Nadi Savisi Island Resort Savusavu Island Spider https://photos.spallek.com/blog/2020/1/fiji Mon, 06 Jan 2020 04:56:21 GMT
Taiwan https://photos.spallek.com/blog/2019/11/taiwan After having visited Taipei alone in October 2018, I had the opportunity to visit the School of Dentistry at the National Yang-Ming University together with Gisela for the opening of their new Centre for Digital Dentistry and Clinical Education in November 2019. By invitation of Professor Allen Ming-Lung Hsu, Dean of the Dental School, we stayed in The Grand Hotel. We experienced wonderful days in Taiwan that were well choreographed by our host Professor Allen. 

HEI_0825HEI_0825   HEI_0820HEI_0820 IMG_9473IMG_9473 IMG_9462IMG_9462
IMG_9476IMG_9476     IMG_9467IMG_9467

IMG_9593IMG_9593   IMG_9594IMG_9594
The view from The Grant Hotel:

<iframe src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/379826261" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0" allow="autoplay; fullscreen" allowfullscreen></iframe>

The next morning, Allen and Isabel picked us up for a High-Speed Rail (HSR) trip to Taichung following by sightseeing in Taichung City and accommodations at the Windsor Hotel.

HEI_0840HEI_0840

HEI_0854HEI_0854 HEI_0855HEI_0855

We saw motorcycles everywhere as they seem to be the preferred transport mode for Taiwanese people.
HEI_0836HEI_0836

We visited a temple and had a delicious lunch at a local restaurant.

IMG_9395IMG_9395

HEI_0988HEI_0988

IMG_9402IMG_9402 IMG_9410IMG_9410

IMG_0472IMG_0472 IMG_0463IMG_0463 IMG_0471IMG_0471

Then, we went to an art store where we enjoyed traditional Chinese tea.

HEI_0875HEI_0875 HEI_0876HEI_0876 HEI_0877HEI_0877 HEI_0884HEI_0884

HEI_0872HEI_0872

HEI_0866HEI_0866

HEI_0900HEI_0900
Among many other sightseeing highlights, we admired the National Taichung Theater’s modern architecture.

HEI_1054HEI_1054

IMG_9419IMG_9419 IMG_9424IMG_9424

Taichung street festival:

In the evening, we had a business dinner with dentists from the area who invited us to a fabulous restaurant, excellent food, great wine and inspiring conversations about the future of dental education and dental healthcare delivery. 
IMG_9436-2IMG_9436-2

The next morning, we had a VIP tour of the Chung Tai Chan Monastery. We went to a lot of staff-only areas where we saw amazing aspects of the Monastery’s history, life and culture but were not permitted to take pictures. The tour started with a presentation by one of the Monastery’s leaders who explained Buddhism and how it relates to Mindfulness. We could take some pictures in the entrance hall and outside the massive gates.

HEI_1134HEI_1134 HEI_1194HEI_1194 HEI_1159HEI_1159 HEI_1129HEI_1129   HEI_1130HEI_1130
Then, we had one of the best vegetarian lunches ever, accompanied by two of the female monks.

HEI_1172HEI_1172 HEI_1174HEI_1174 HEI_1169HEI_1169 HEI_1178HEI_1178

Lunch:

After lunch, we visited the museum with Buddhist art.

IMG_9442-2IMG_9442-2 IMG_9448IMG_9448 HEI_1201HEI_1201 HEI_1230HEI_1230

Then, we returned with the High-Speed Rail to Taipei arriving at not too late at the Taipei Grand Hotel.

The next morning, I attended the opening ceremony at the National Yang-Ming University for the new Centre for Digital Dentistry and Clinical Education.

IMG_0485IMG_0485 IMG_0492IMG_0492 IMG_9497IMG_9497

This event was followed by a Gala Dinner with traditional dancing by representatives of each of the attending countries in the evening.

IMG_0513IMG_0513

The dinner menu:

IMG_0496IMG_0496  

My thank-you speech:

IMG_9506IMG_9506

On the following day, we drove to the Lanyang Museum to learn a lot about Taiwanese culture, flora and fauna.

IMG_9567IMG_9567
 

IMG_9530IMG_9530 IMG_9534IMG_9534 IMG_9536IMG_9536 IMG_9541IMG_9541 IMG_9545IMG_9545   IMG_9552IMG_9552
IMG_9547IMG_9547

Later we had lunch at The Cherry Valley duck restaurant with coffee at Mr Brown Café’ Castle. In the afternoon, we visited one more temple before returning to the hotel.
IMG_9569IMG_9569



IMG_9574IMG_9574   IMG_9572IMG_9572

During the final day in Taipei, we explored the city. First stop was the famous 509.2 m high Taipei 101 Tower, also known as the Taipei World Financial Center. We took the fast elevator to get to the 89th floor going 60.6 km/h-a 37 seconds ride.

IMG_9631IMG_9631

IMG_9628IMG_9628

HEI_1581HEI_1581

IMG_9650IMG_9650
We visited the 660-tonne steel pendulum that serves as a tuned mass damper suspended from the 92nd to the 87th floor. The big sphere sways to offset movements in the building caused by strong gusts. We watched a small video that was taken in 2015 when strong winds from Typhoon Soudelor swayed the damper by 100 centimetres. 

HEI_1565HEI_1565

HEI_1576HEI_1576 HEI_1577HEI_1577 HEI_1578HEI_1578

Then, we took the train to the Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall erected in memory of Generalissimo Chiang Kai-shek, former President of the Republic of China. We fed the Koi that were swimming in the surrounding ponds.

IMG_9681IMG_9681

IMG_9693IMG_9693

IMG_9685IMG_9685

IMG_9682IMG_9682

IMG_9670IMG_9670
IMG_9697IMG_9697

HEI_1667HEI_1667 HEI_1659HEI_1659 HEI_1666HEI_1666


We had lunch with our host at the world's tastiest dumpling place, Din Tai Fung which can also be found in Chatswood, Sydney. Fortunately, he ordered for us as there is no way one can understand the system, or how to properly eat the dumplings, such as opening them before putting them into your mouth.

HEI_1695HEI_1695 HEI_1690HEI_1690 HEI_1691HEI_1691 HEI_1697HEI_1697 HEI_1702HEI_1702 HEI_1704HEI_1704 HEI_1707HEI_1707 HEI_1715HEI_1715

Then, we visited the National Palace Museum where we admired Jade artefacts and traditional drawings among many other interesting cultural exhibits from 2000 BC to the 18th century.

HEI_1738HEI_1738 HEI_1736HEI_1736 HEI_1795HEI_1795 HEI_1731HEI_1731

HEI_1833HEI_1833 HEI_1834HEI_1834 HEI_1840HEI_1840 HEI_1842HEI_1842

We saw a carving of bokchoy cabbage in jadeite as well as meat-shaped stone.  

HEI_1744HEI_1744   HEI_1749HEI_1749

The development of Chinese characters:

In the evening we returned with a direct overnight flight back to Sydney.

HEI_1846HEI_1846 Here more pictures from this trip.

]]>
[email protected] (Heiko Spallek | digital imaging) Buddhist Taichung Taiwan https://photos.spallek.com/blog/2019/11/taiwan Sat, 23 Nov 2019 23:05:57 GMT
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia https://photos.spallek.com/blog/2019/9/kuala-lumpur-malaysia In August 2019, we spent a week in Kuala Lumpur, the capital of Malaysia. Its modern skyline is dominated by the 451 metres tall Petronas Twin Towers, a pair of glass-and-steel-clad skyscrapers with Islamic motifs. The towers also offer a public sky bridge and observation deck on the 48th floor.

HEI_9240HEI_9240 HEI_9269HEI_9269

We stayed in the VE Hotel and Residences in Jalan Kerinchi. I attended the 30th Annual Scientific Meeting of SEAADE, with the main conference at the Nexus Convention Centre.

HEI_9217HEI_9217   HEI_9551HEI_9551
In addition to an intense conference schedule, Gisela and I had the opportunity to explore KL on the weekend days. Kuala Lumpur stands for "confluence of two muddy rivers” when literally translated and was originally a tin-mining settlement in 1800. The city was occupied by the Japanese army from 1941 to 1945, a period which almost halted the economy. After Japan surrendered, the British returned to Kuala Lumpur.

HEI_9517HEI_9517
On our first day, after a long flight and two hours time difference which made the day even longer, we visited the KL Tower which is a communications tower constructed between 1992 and 1996. It features an antenna that increases its height to 421 metres and is the 7th tallest freestanding tower in the world. The roof of the pod is at 335 metres. We had lunch in the Tower Restaurant rotating almost 360 degrees during our time there which gave us a good overview of the city despite hazy conditions. Malaysia receives 2.5m of rain per year, but the recent lack of rain has made the air very dusty.

HEI_9290HEI_9290   HEI_9305HEI_9305
HEI_9295HEI_9295 HEI_9303HEI_9303  

We also walked to the Merdeka Square (Independence Square) with the famous Sultan Abdul Samad Building in the city’s colonial quarter as well as the Central Market. It was here where the first flag of Malaya (now Malaysia) was raised. 

HEI_9519HEI_9519 HEI_9520HEI_9520

HEI_9475HEI_9475 HEI_9474HEI_9474 HEI_9466HEI_9466 HEI_9465HEI_9465
We strolled through the Kuala Lumpur Forest Eco-Park situated within the city. This rain forest has several nature trails & a forest canopy walkway which was quite dilapidated. It was originally gazetted as a forest reserve way back in 1906 with a land area of 17.5 hectares, but since then, a large part has already been taken up for building the KL Tower and other purposes. The Park is the only remaining tropical rainforest in the middle of Kuala Lumpur city centre. The monkeys were posing for the tourists. 

HEI_9324HEI_9324

HEI_9327HEI_9327
HEI_9425HEI_9425 HEI_9364HEI_9364 HEI_9410HEI_9410 HEI_9374HEI_9374

HEI_9325HEI_9325

On our day off, we visited the Batu Caves that were discovered by an American in 1868. His discovery was triggered by observing bats fly off the mountain at dusk. We climbed the  272 steps into the temple of Hindu Deity Lord Subramaniam who is honoured during Hindu festival Thaipusam. The Cave is guarded by a 142 feet biggest statue that costs $3 million. Our tour guide told us that 20 years ago, the guards captured a cobra snake in the cave, which was eating the many Capuchin Monkeys that are near the entrance. 

HEI_9570HEI_9570

  HEI_9704HEI_9704 HEI_9606HEI_9606
 

HEI_9588HEI_9588
We also had the chance to see how Batic Fabric is produced for scarves, shirts and other apparel. Batic is part of the Malaysian culture and already taught in secondary school. 

L_GI4715L_GI4715   HEI_9748HEI_9748
L_GI4721L_GI4721 HEI_9737HEI_9737 L_GI4716L_GI4716   HEI_9754HEI_9754
Later we stopped by in an Orang Asli village, who are the original people of Malaysia. 

HEI_9771HEI_9771 L_GI4728L_GI4728 L_GI4736L_GI4736

We visited The National Elephant Conservation Center at Kuala Gandah. It was established in 1989 as a base for locating, subduing and translocating elephants where their habitat has been encroached upon. The Center educates and creates public awareness of endangered species. We saw baby, orphaned and rogue elephants in their enclosures and were allowed to feed them. Their trunk suction was very strong—like a shop vacuum. 

L_GI4762L_GI4762 L_GI4761L_GI4761 HEI_9872HEI_9872 HEI_9897HEI_9897 HEI_9902HEI_9902 HEI_9828HEI_9828 HEI_9826HEI_9826 HEI_9837HEI_9837

We learned that the palm oil industry is big business in Malaysia. Each tree can produce up to 50 litres of oil. 

L_GI4780L_GI4780 HEI_9956HEI_9956

We stopped at a place where tourists can feed Silvered Leaf Monkeys who normally are slender, intelligent, grey coloured, live in social groups, and found in coastal mangrove forests in Kuala Selangor. Here, they appeared rude and quite aggressive when foraging for food provided by tourists.

HEI_0016HEI_0016 HEI_0055HEI_0055 HEI_0103HEI_0103 HEI_0133HEI_0133 L_GI4819L_GI4819 L_GI4806L_GI4806

HEI_0079HEI_0079

Here some video from my Canon R:

In comparison, video from a cold shoe-mounted GoPro HERO6 Black while shooting pictures (you can hear the shutter sound):

In the evening, we had a seafood dinner in a restaurant by the river. We saw a bit more of the fish and the kitchen we bargained for.

L_GI4837L_GI4837 L_GI4852L_GI4852 HEI_0236HEI_0236

After dark, we took a boat tour to see the Lightning Bugs as they shone brightly to attract a suitable partner. They come out at dusk for feeding, resting and to mate. Their synchronous light flash is produced by a biochemical reaction in their light organs situated on their bottoms. The boat ride to watch fireflies was like driving through a Christmas tree. 

HEI_0281HEI_0281

It was Durian fruit season in Malaysia—the sidewalks were full of mobile vendors selling the fruit. We learned that “D24” or "Mosing King” is the best quality. A fruit of that high quality can cost up to USD 60 per fruit.

IMG_8724IMG_8724

HEI_9706HEI_9706

In 1877, rubber seeds were introduced in Malaysia. The oldest rubber tree still alive is now 140 years old. The shoes for playing soccer are still made of natural kautschuk. 

HEI_9926HEI_9926

Here are more pictures.

 

]]>
[email protected] (Heiko Spallek | digital imaging) Batic Batu Caves Durian Elephants Kuala Lumpur Malaysia Monkeys Rubber https://photos.spallek.com/blog/2019/9/kuala-lumpur-malaysia Sun, 08 Sep 2019 12:26:28 GMT
Visiting Seoul, Korea https://photos.spallek.com/blog/2019/4/visiting-seoul-korea After visiting Seoul in November 2018, I had the chance to attend the QS Subject Focus Summit on Dentistry “Changing Paradigm in Dental Education for Future Excellence” at Kyung Hee University in April 2019. I presented on "Why is innovation so hard in dentistry?”. Kyung Hee University is one of the best private universities encompassing an educational system from kindergarten to graduate school. Kyung Hee University has 24 colleges, 82 departments and majors, 65 master’s and 63 doctorate programs, 18 professional and special graduate schools, and 43 auxiliary research institutions. Kyung Hee was founded in 1949 by Dr. Young Seek Choue, first president of Kyung Hee University, whose founding philosophy was “Toward a New Civilization.” In 1993, Kyung Hee received the UNESCO Prize for Peace Education. 

Gisela and I arrived Monday night, and then we explored the area surrounding our hotel on Tuesday. We visited the Jogyesa Temple, one of the main temples of the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism which was built in 1910.

HEI_3092HEI_3092 L_GI2957L_GI2957 L_GI2962L_GI2962

We admired the modern architecture and street art in Seoul. 

HEI_3068HEI_3068 HEI_3069HEI_3069 HEI_3071HEI_3071 HEI_3078HEI_3078

Finding your way around in the city is complicated given the signage is mostly Korean.

HEI_3080HEI_3080 HEI_3061HEI_3061

We visited a local market that presented many opportunities to buy brushes for writing, or painting, the Korean letters.

HEI_3141HEI_3141

Then, we visited the Unhyeongung Palace--house of Yi Ha-eung and his family. It is the only palace that includes mannequins depicting how the people lived in these palaces. The majority of the palace was built in 1864 during the time of King Gojong’s reign.
HEI_3177HEI_3177 HEI_3184HEI_3184 HEI_3186HEI_3186 HEI_3182HEI_3182

During our visit to Seoul, spring arrived with many flowering trees throughout the city. 

HEI_3195HEI_3195

We ate a traditional lunch, experimenting with the various spicy dishes.

HEI_3211HEI_3211 HEI_3208HEI_3208 HEI_3209HEI_3209 HEI_3200HEI_3200

In the late afternoon, we visited Lotte World Mall and Tower and its 9 floors of shops and restaurants. 

HEI_3267HEI_3267   HEI_3249HEI_3249   HEI_3261HEI_3261

We had a glass of champagne on the 123rd floor admiring the sunset over the outskirts of Seoul.

HEI_3324HEI_3324
 

HEI_3297HEI_3297 HEI_3278HEI_3278 HEI_3318HEI_3318

HEI_3311HEI_3311
We concluded the day with a dinner at Saint Maison, World Gourmet Seafood Dining, enjoying a 6-course dinner.

  HEI_3340HEI_3340 HEI_3342HEI_3342 HEI_3347HEI_3347 HEI_3353HEI_3353 HEI_3356HEI_3356 HEI_3358HEI_3358

On Wednesday, we visited The Secret Garden enjoying the beautiful scenery during the sunshine.

HEI_3393HEI_3393 HEI_3408HEI_3408 HEI_3389HEI_3389 HEI_3423HEI_3423 HEI_3489HEI_3489 HEI_3491HEI_3491 HEI_3488HEI_3488 HEI_3486HEI_3486 HEI_3467HEI_3467 HEI_3461HEI_3461 HEI_3454HEI_3454 HEI_3485HEI_3485

In the afternoon, we strolled around in the traditional neighbourhood of Hanbok where many signs remind tourists that this is actually a residential area asking for quiet conduct—with not much success.  

HEI_3529HEI_3529 HEI_3515HEI_3515 L_GI3040L_GI3040   HEI_3518HEI_3518 HEI_3539HEI_3539 HEI_3541-EditHEI_3541-Edit HEI_3545HEI_3545 HEI_3549HEI_3549 HEI_3516HEI_3516 HEI_3532HEI_3532

In the evening, we had a traditional dinner.

HEI_3578HEI_3578 HEI_3580HEI_3580 HEI_3582HEI_3582 HEI_3583HEI_3583 HEI_3585HEI_3585 HEI_3587HEI_3587

The next day, after a Cherry Blossom Tea and green-tea cake at Starbucks…

HEI_3610HEI_3610  

...we went to the Seoul tower, an observation tower located more centrally than the World Lotte Tower. 
HEI_3642HEI_3642
HEI_3635HEI_3635 HEI_3639HEI_3639 HEI_3645HEI_3645

HEI_3670HEI_3670 HEI_3675HEI_3675

The tower is located on Beacon Hill in Mongmyeoksan, also known as Gyeongbongsu. The beacon system, created in the Joseon period, used fires to warn of an enemy invasion approaching the borders. 

HEI_3652HEI_3652
We were amazed by the tradition of placing a padlock somewhere on the structure to demonstrate lifelong attachment to a loved one. The area is so full of locks that Christmas Tree like structures had to be placed there to permit more visitors to place their locks.  

HEI_3647HEI_3647
HEI_3696HEI_3696

In the evening, Gisela and I attended the opening event of the conference at the Westin Chosun Hotel featuring a keynote by Prof Young Guk Park, Acting President of Kyung Hee University.  

IMG_8996IMG_8996   IMG_8995IMG_8995

The evening concluded with a Jazz performance by academics of Kyung Hee University. IMG_9021IMG_9021

On Friday, I attended the QS Subject Focus Summit at Kyung Hee University's Grand Peace Hall, delivered my speech and enjoyed the conference.  

IMG_3263IMG_3263 IMG_3276IMG_3276

The day concluded with a Gala Dinner at a Korean Restaurant, Samchcheonggak.

QJET6001QJET6001 IMG_9050IMG_9050 IMG_9056IMG_9056 IMG_9057IMG_9057 IMG_9058IMG_9058

On Saturday, the conference started in the morning with more presentations. At noon, students from the local dental school took us on individual tours through their city.

HEI_3734HEI_3734
We first had a traditional lunch with our students...

HEI_3792HEI_3792

HEI_3791HEI_3791

HEI_3788HEI_3788
... followed by a tour of the Gyeongbokgung Palace

HEI_3832HEI_3832

HEI_3826HEI_3826
 

    HEI_3840HEI_3840

HEI_3833HEI_3833   HEI_3838HEI_3838

The day concluded with a visit of the memorial stones, statues that honour civil officials.

HEI_3877HEI_3877 HEI_3874HEI_3874 HEI_3869HEI_3869 HEI_3873HEI_3873

Afterwards, we explored a gourmet supermarket—shopping for an in-room dinner after a long day. 

HEI_3713HEI_3713 HEI_3714HEI_3714 HEI_3715HEI_3715 HEI_3717HEI_3717 HEI_3718HEI_3718 HEI_3722HEI_3722

On Sunday, we explored the city further until our lunch departure. First, we visited the Namdaemun Market where one can buy anything. 

HEI_3987HEI_3987 HEI_3976HEI_3976 HEI_3981HEI_3981 HEI_3979HEI_3979 HEI_3958HEI_3958 HEI_3973HEI_3973 HEI_3951HEI_3951 HEI_3969HEI_3969

HEI_3965HEI_3965 HEI_3962HEI_3962 HEI_3983HEI_3983 HEI_3940HEI_3940

HEI_3955HEI_3955 HEI_3952HEI_3952 HEI_3950HEI_3950 HEI_3943HEI_3943 HEI_3937HEI_3937 HEI_3947HEI_3947 HEI_3944HEI_3944 HEI_3972HEI_3972

Then, we walked to the futuristically-shaped Design Museum and the Design Exhibition Hall.

HEI_4011HEI_4011 HEI_4012HEI_4012 HEI_4015HEI_4015 HEI_4019HEI_4019 HEI_4025HEI_4025

After lunch, we walked back along the Cheonggyecheon Stream and saw a Blue Heron catching a fish and flying off.

HEI_4072HEI_4072 HEI_4074HEI_4074

HEI_4093HEI_4093
HEI_4083HEI_4083 HEI_4102HEI_4102 HEI_4103HEI_4103 HEI_4106HEI_4106

In the evening we departed for an overnight flight returning to Sydney.

Here are more pictures.
 

]]>
[email protected] (Heiko Spallek | digital imaging) "Unhyeongung Beacon Hill Gyeongbokgung Palace Gyeongbongsu Hanbok Jogyesa Temple King Gojong Korea Kyung Hee University Lotte World Mall Lotte World Tower Mongmyeoksan Palace" Samchcheonggak Seoul The Secret Garden Yi Ha-eung https://photos.spallek.com/blog/2019/4/visiting-seoul-korea Sun, 28 Apr 2019 05:27:22 GMT
Wet Tropics https://photos.spallek.com/blog/2019/2/wet-tropics We enjoyed our first trip to Cairns so much that we ventured into tropical Queensland again, this time during the wet season. We kept ourselves busy in in the city for two days, enjoying unique experiences such as a seafood dinner on a boat “The Prawn Star” docked at the Reef Fleet Terminal.

The Prawn Star HEI_1074HEI_1074 HEI_1066HEI_1066

After dinner, we observed the Flying Foxes crossing the city sky on their journey to food sources.
HEI_1113HEI_1113 HEI_1112HEI_1112

On Saturday, we arrived at Silky Oaks Lodge, at the edge of the Daintree Rainforest, on the north east coast of Queensland. We had a wonderful lunch in the “Perch” hanging over a steep cliff down to the Mossman River. 

HEI_1154HEI_1154 HEI_1151HEI_1151   HEI_1159HEI_1159

Just wandering around the lodge, we already got a glimpse of the variety of flora and fauna in this incredible rainforest, e.g. orchids, ferns, figs, insects, strangler plants and bush turkeys.

HEI_1176HEI_1176 HEI_1171HEI_1171 HEI_1181HEI_1181   HEI_1187HEI_1187 HEI_1186HEI_1186 HEI_1193HEI_1193

HEI_1198HEI_1198

In the evening, we could see the humidity accumulating over the surface of the River—which had increased in volume after a heavy afternoon rain.

HEI_1200HEI_1200

On our way to River House 10, our home for the next 3 days, we discovered a curled up snakeskin on the path. 

HEI_1213HEI_1213 HEI_1215HEI_1215

We began our first day with a 6 km walk, which took us more than 3 hours to complete due to the high humidity, and the many things to discover. We saw huge spiders, avoided spiky palm trees and most importantly the “probably most dangerous plant along this walk, Calamus Australis” — a vine that can grow 500 m long, often use for Rattan.

HEI_1235HEI_1235 HEI_1239HEI_1239 HEI_1261HEI_1261

HEI_1231HEI_1231   HEI_1315HEI_1315
Often we had to wade through ankle deep water - and in one of the little Billabongs, we discovered a turtle.

HEI_1241HEI_1241 HEI_1279HEI_1279 HEI_1282HEI_1282

HEI_1271HEI_1271
The rain forest is so dense that often only tiny rays of light can shine through the lush foliage.

HEI_1248HEI_1248

We saw many strangler figs, and were impressed with their capacity to kill the host tree through pressure, as well as the fact that their roots can fuse when they meet.

HEI_1287HEI_1287 HEI_1285HEI_1285

HEI_1959HEI_1959   HEI_2164HEI_2164 HEI_2166HEI_2166 HEI_2131HEI_2131 HEI_2133HEI_2133   HEI_1284HEI_1284

HEI_2372HEI_2372
Some of the trees had huge dimensions.

HEI_1296HEI_1296

From time to time, the trail leaned towards the banks of the Mossman River.

HEI_1311HEI_1311
I ended up with a leech on my neck that took it's time slowly filling its expanding body with my blood, until it dislodged later during the walk. But, we also observed more beautiful creatures, like these butterflies.

HEI_1425HEI_1425 HEI_1448HEI_1448
Next to our Tree House, we discovered magnificent large blue Ulysses Butterflies.

   HEI_2247HEI_2247   HEI_2230HEI_2230
 

HEI_2183HEI_2183 HEI_2251HEI_2251 HEI_2218HEI_2218 HEI_2235HEI_2235 HEI_2258HEI_2258 HEI_2259HEI_2259

We were very impressed by the levels and layers of the forest. The various growths half way up the trees seemed to create a whole separate ecosystem, 10 to 20 metres above ground and 10 metres below the tree canopy.

HEI_1705HEI_1705 In the afternoon, I went snorkelling, only to see some grey fish in milky water.

IMG_7016IMG_7016 HEI_1698HEI_1698
Near the river, we discovered green-bodied ants.

HEI_1686HEI_1686 IMG_7017IMG_7017

We decided to take advantage of our porch that overlooked the Mossman River, and ordered room service for dinner. We enjoyed the view of a stick insect which had decided to visit us in our Tree House.

IMG_8369IMG_8369
IMG_8371IMG_8371 IMG_8372IMG_8372
In the evening, we went platypus hunting—only with the camera. After almost an hour of waiting, there was the first sign of a platypus.

HEI_1767HEI_1767 Then, and only thanks to my super light sensitive camera, we got some (mediocre) pictures of one of these elusive creatures.

HEI_1774HEI_1774 HEI_1843HEI_1843
We stopped when my camera switched to ISO 25600.

The next day, we went to Cooper Creek Wilderness Daintree Rainforest for a tour with Neil Hewett who lives with his family on a privately-owned rainforest that was unprecedented in its inclusion within the World Heritage Area. But first, we had to cross the Daintree River via ferry to get to the Cooper Creek Wilderness

HEI_1867HEI_1867
After the crossing, we were greeted by Cassowary road warning signs.

HEI_1875HEI_1875

Then, after arriving on the Hewett property, we had our first (short) wild Cassowary encounter: The bird that was “only” 45 kg—fully grown female cassowaries can stand at 1.8m and weigh over 60kgs. Mature males are much smaller at 1.5m and about 35kg. The latest study (CSIRO 2014) lists the number of cassowaries in Australia’s Wet Tropics to be around 4,000. These magnificent and archaic-looking creatures are large flightless birds. The Southern Cassowary is an important disperser of seeds in the rainforest, with 37 different species requiring transmission through the big bird’s digestive tract to facilitate germination, and a further 200 or more seeds being more likely to thrive if transported away from the parent trees that may retard their growth.

HEI_1890HEI_1890   HEI_1896HEI_1896 HEI_1898HEI_1898 HEI_1899HEI_1899  

We saw hundreds, maybe thousands, of young Cane Toads on Neil Hewett’s lawn, whose 100 hectares of privately owned land are a designated UNESCO World Heritage site. 

HEI_1924HEI_1924
Neil Hewett explained to us that the average annual rainfall in the Daintree rainforest is approximately 2000mm (79in) per year. Some areas have even recorded up to 9000mm (345in) in a single year. The wet seasons is between December and March. Over 60% of the rain falls during this wet season. The Daintree Rainforest is estimated to be 180 million years old—the oldest tropical rainforest on earth and tens of millions of years older than the Amazon Rainforest. It houses some of the most biologically diverse flora and fauna in the world. The forest has 80% of the world’s fern species, 40% of Australia’s bird species and 35% of Australia’s mammals all reside and contribute to the Daintree’s ecosystem.

Neil pointed out a Bird-dropping crab spider that mimics the appearance of a bird dropping including run off to attract flies and keep away birds. The appearance closely resembles the white splatter of liquid in bird faeces. There is even a runnel in a dip in the leaf, simulating flowing movement. This is its protection: No bird wants to eat its own excrement. Not only does the spider look like a bird-dropping, but it also gives out a smell that attracts insects that like to eat bird-droppings. The attracted insects are then grabbed by the spider.
HEI_1934HEI_1934 HEI_1937HEI_1937

During the walk, we saw many fig trees with plentiful fruits attached to the trunk. 

HEI_1938HEI_1938   HEI_1183HEI_1183
Another famous inhabitant of the Daintree Rainforest is the Idiot Fruit. The huge trees from which this fruit comes, have large brown fruits that look quite similar to baseballs. The Idiot Fruit was discovered over a hundred years ago when it was responsible for the death of cattle who would chew the toxic seeds. This plant species is twice as old as a Tyrannosaurus Rex which makes it an impressive 120 million years old and still going.

HEI_1982HEI_1982 HEI_1988HEI_1988
Neil also explained how plants that developed before flying insects evolved to pollinate. This fern-like plant is able to increase the temperature of its cones up to 17 degrees above the local air temperature. This usually happens in the afternoon — between midday and 2pm is peak glowing time for the cones. The heat is created by the breakdown of starch and lipids stored in the cone scales. This happens when the cones reach maturity and increases the chances of fertilisation, as insects are attracted by the plants’ odours, which become stronger when the cones are warm. (These odours may attract male insects by mimicking female hormones.) The heat may also help the male cones to shed pollen. More about this here.

He made us also aware of the Stinging Tree, probably the most dangerous tropical rainforest plant in the Daintree Rainforest. While it looks attractive it causes extreme pain with symptoms including an intense stinging sensation that can be reactivated through water contact as long as 3 months after the encounter. Aboriginal people call this plant ‘Gympie Gympie’, which means ‘devil-like’. It has large green leaves with serrated edges that are toxic and lined with fine silica-tipped hairs that inject venom, like mini-syringes. The Stinging Tree is found close to walking tracks or areas where a big tree has fallen due to a cyclone impact, instead of in the middle of the dense rain forest. Ecologically, it keeps herbivores away from the young rainforest that develops when a big tree falls.

HEI_1996HEI_1996
During most of our 6.5km walk, we only saw a few rays of sunlight passing through the canopy to the ground.

HEI_2113HEI_2113 HEI_2043HEI_2043 HEI_2169HEI_2169

Neil pointed out some 30-year-old tree mushrooms that have remained unchanged since he purchased the property. 

HEI_2155HEI_2155

Other tree mushrooms impressed because of their shape.

HEI_2134HEI_2134

And we saw insects that have perfected the art of camouflage, such as crickets that blend into tree trunks.

HEI_2106HEI_2106
The Fan Palms that make up the middle of the layer of the rainforest, between the ground and the canopy, are growing an average of 1 m in 100 years. This makes most plants 1,500 years old when they reach this half-way mark. 

HEI_1964HEI_1964 HEI_1967HEI_1967  

Often, there were reptiles that quickly ran away when we approached--only a few permitted me to take their picture.

HEI_2007HEI_2007 HEI_2029HEI_2029 HEI_2153HEI_2153

HEI_2175HEI_2175

And of course, spiders everywhere.

HEI_1952HEI_1952   HEI_2082HEI_2082
HEI_2061HEI_2061 HEI_2088HEI_2088

More pictures from Daintree Rainforest here.
 

]]>
[email protected] (Heiko Spallek | digital imaging) Australia Cairns Daintree Mossman Queensland Rainforest River Silky Oaks Lodge tropics wet https://photos.spallek.com/blog/2019/2/wet-tropics Sun, 24 Feb 2019 07:22:10 GMT
Seoul, Korea https://photos.spallek.com/blog/2018/11/seoul-korea My tour of Seoul started at the airport arriving from my trip to Taiwan. I was picked up from the airport by an Assistant Dean from the School of Dentistry, Seoul National University, from whom I learned that Korea has 11 dental schools. Interestingly, the airport had infrared cameras installed prior to the immigration area to detect if anyone with a fever who poses an infection risk. The drive to the hotel MayPlace was pleasant crossing the Hangang River (or Han River) which divides the city in a south and a north part.

HEI_7816HEI_7816 HEI_7818HEI_7818

The next morning, I visited the Gyeongbokgung Palace. On my way, walking the 30 minutes to the palace, I was impressed by the displays of various live fish in front of eateries.

HEI_7667HEI_7667 HEI_7672HEI_7672 HEI_7673HEI_7673 HEI_7675HEI_7675

The palace was built in 1395, also commonly referred to as the Northern Palace because its location is the furthest north when compared to the neighbouring palaces of Changdeokgung (Eastern Palace) and Gyeonghuigung (Western Palace) Palace. "Remarkably, the most representative edifices of the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910), Gyeonghoeru Pavilion and Hyangwonjeong Pond have remained relatively intact. Woldae and the sculptures of Geunjeongjeon (The Royal Audience Chamber) represent past sculptures of contemporary art.”

The Sumunjang (or the gate guard) was first introduced in 1461 under King Sejo. The gate guards were not only managed systematically also managed the gate passers. Since 2002, the Korean Cultural Heritage Foundation exhibits the comparable environment of Joseon dynasty with the weapons, the armours, and the traditional clothes.

HEI_7715HEI_7715 HEI_7717HEI_7717

HEI_7728HEI_7728 HEI_7730HEI_7730 HEI_7732HEI_7732 HEI_7736HEI_7736  
HEI_7750HEI_7750 HEI_7754HEI_7754 HEI_7758HEI_7758 HEI_7767HEI_7767

Many of the tourists dressed up in traditional HanBok costumes that could be rented next to the palace. 
HEI_7710HEI_7710
HEI_7797HEI_7797 HEI_7787HEI_7787

HEI_7729HEI_7729 HEI_7720HEI_7720
Afterwards, I visited the Lotte World Tower and had a snack in the lounge on the 123rd floor enjoying the amazing view.

HEI_7840HEI_7840

HEI_7890HEI_7890 HEI_7906HEI_7906 HEI_7862HEI_7862 HEI_7872HEI_7872 HEI_7868HEI_7868



HEI_7867HEI_7867 HEI_7873HEI_7873 HEI_7888HEI_7888 XUPA9076XUPA9076 HEI_7875HEI_7875   HEI_7894HEI_7894  

Next day, an academic from the Seoul Dental School picked me up for a visit to the War Memorial.

HEI_7959HEI_7959

I have learned a lot about historical armies, wars and armour beginning at 900 AD and expanding into different dynasties including the occupation by the Japanese.

HEI_7982HEI_7982 HEI_7976HEI_7976

The most important part, however, was for me the Korean War (1950-1953) about which I knew only the basic facts. I have learned the role of the 24th Division under General MacArthur's command. My hosts' grandparents had been captured by the communists during the war, their fate still unknown as most of the 100,000 citizens that got kidnapped.  Among the kidnapped were many government officials, National Assembly members, soldiers, policemen, journalists, religious leaders, artists and scholars who were exploited for North Korean's propaganda efforts. 

HEI_7998HEI_7998 HEI_7993HEI_7993

Then, I had lunch with Ice Cold Noodle Soup and Kimchi as well as a slice of Asian Pear for desert. One of my lunch hosts made a point that he never understood what pear-shaped meant in English anatomy books or the like until he had a pear outside Korea where all pears are round. Cultural differences! 

IMG_7045IMG_7045 IMG_7048IMG_7048

IMG_7047IMG_7047

They gave me these polished metal chopsticks (not very helpful) and also cut the noodles in pieces using huge scissors even less helpful). I washed my pants as they got a few spots.

IMG_7051IMG_7051

The next day, the official conference-related tours started. So, I met the co-presenters for the first time during the tour of the Secret Gardens at Changdeokgung Palace which was the second royal villa built following the construction of Gyeongbukgung Palace in 1405. Changdeokgung Palace’s rear garden was constructed during the reign of King Taejong and served as a resting place for the royal family members. Changdeokgung Palace was recognized as a World Cultural Heritage site by the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Committee in December of 1997. I was amazed to learn that they even had underfloor heating in some of the buildings constructed in the 15th century. There is also a night tour offered but is limited to 100 people. HEI_8042HEI_8042 HEI_8045HEI_8045 HEI_8048HEI_8048 HEI_8044HEI_8044
HEI_8052HEI_8052 HEI_8061HEI_8061 HEI_8063HEI_8063 HEI_8065HEI_8065 HEI_8068HEI_8068 HEI_8079HEI_8079

I learned that none of the academics from the Seoul Dental School that is about 500 metres away have ever visited the Secret Gardens—they all work too hard, up to 52 hours per week as I was told. Here a picture of the Secret Gardens from a window of the Dental School.

IMG_7146IMG_7146

Then, we had a Korean-style lunch during which I learned that Japanese eat only with chop sticks, but Koreans also use a spoon. After lunch, we embarked on a Seoul National University Campus Tour, including the academic study environment where their dental students work. We also visited the brand new education areas, such as the Digital Dental Center and the Dental Library. In addition, we visited the dental hospital (SNUDH) where about 1,000 patients are seen every day. Their technical lab employs 11 dental technician. 

IMG_7080IMG_7080

IMG_7081IMG_7081

On the day of the conference, Saturday, I presented on "The Use of Data for Better Dental Education and Research” following by a video-recorded interview. The 2nd SNUSD International Conference for Future Dentistry featured topics ranging from "Surface modification of titanium for the enhancement of osseo- and soft tissue integration” by Kiyoshi Koyano Dean, Faculty of Dental Science, Kyushu University to "Involvement of non-neuronal cell activation in ectopic orofacial pain mechanisms” by Koichi Iwata Professor, Nihon University.

More pictures here.

]]>
[email protected] (Heiko Spallek | digital imaging) Gyeongbokgung Palace Korea Lotte World Tower Secret Gardens Seoul War Memorial https://photos.spallek.com/blog/2018/11/seoul-korea Sun, 04 Nov 2018 06:58:43 GMT
Taipei, Taiwan https://photos.spallek.com/blog/2018/10/taipei-taiwan My October 2018 trip to Taiwan included a 3-day stay in Taipei, the capital of Taiwan. By invitation of Professor Allen Ming-Fun Hsu, Dean of the School of Dentistry at the National Yang-Ming University, I stayed in The Grand Hotel which is a historical hotel used as the symbol of Taipei City. "The Grand Hotel was established in 1952. Supported by red columns and with golden roof tiling, the Grand Hotel stands midway up Yuanshan, much like a majestic 14-storey palace. Facing Keelung River, with Yangming Mountain to its, the hotel offers an amazing view of Songshan District to the East and Danshui to the West. The Grand Hotel, structured through western construction methods, is decorated with elegant classical Chinese details. This fusion of East and West makes the hotel a fine expression of Chinese art upon a foundation of modern western architecture.”

HEI_7208HEI_7208 HEI_7249HEI_7249 HEI_7266HEI_7266 HEI_7611HEI_7611 IMG_6919IMG_6919

The hotel hosted luminaries like President Bill Clinton, President Eisenhower, President Lyndon Johnson, Nelson Rockefeller and Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher. 

IMG_6926IMG_6926 IMG_6927IMG_6927

A PhD student and her postdoc friend showed me Taipei including the famous Taipei 101 Tower.

HEI_7235HEI_7235
 

HEI_7222HEI_7222 HEI_7234HEI_7234 HEI_7241HEI_7241

We had many conversations about school and life in Taiwan. I learned that many Taiwanese go out for dinner several times a week as it is cheaper to eat out than eating at home. We also ate steamed dumpling and noodles at Din Taifeng (or sometimes spelling Din Tai Fun: "In an article published on January 17, 1993, the New York Times rated Din Tai Fung as one of the top ten gourmet restaurants in the world (Din Tai Fung was the only Chinese or Taiwanese restaurant to receive this accolade).”

HEI_7189HEI_7189 HEI_7197HEI_7197 HEI_7200HEI_7200 HEI_7204HEI_7204 HEI_7205HEI_7205

In the evening, we had dinner in The Grand Hotel with Professor Allen Ming-Fun Hsu, Dean of the School of Dentistry at the National Yang-Ming University in Taipei and his wife Isabelle overseeing the city of Taipei. 

IMG_6931IMG_6931 IMG_6933IMG_6933 IMG_6937IMG_6937 IMG_6938IMG_6938

I had a wonderful breakfast at The Grand Hotel which allowed me to sample many exotic dishes that we offered as part of the buffet-style breakfast menu.

IMG_6965IMG_6965 IMG_6950IMG_6950 IMG_6954IMG_6954 IMG_6956IMG_6956 IMG_6958IMG_6958 IMG_6960IMG_6960 IMG_6961IMG_6961

The next morning, we signed a Memorandum of Understanding at the National Yang-Ming University's Headquarter. After the official part was over, we had a limo that embarked on a sightseeing tour. Passing a military base, I learned that the Taiwanese make a difference between the Republic of China and the People’s Republic of China when describing their relationship to China. We visited the sea in the North of Taiwan: The Nanya Peculiar Stone—a weathered sandstone.

HEI_7307HEI_7307

Then, we visited a Gold Mine near Jiufen.

HEI_7348HEI_7348 HEI_7357HEI_7357 HEI_7364HEI_7364 HEI_7379HEI_7379

We strolled around at the market and visited the ShengPing theatre that was founded in 1934—a Baroque-imitated style that was popular during the Japanese occupation. The original projection machine to show the movies was still in the theatre for visitors to see. Pictures showed kids walking around with a poster and a speaking funnel to announce the night’s movie to the people in the mountain village.

HEI_7500HEI_7500 HEI_7502HEI_7502
HEI_7501HEI_7501

We also visited a local temple:

HEI_7447HEI_7447 HEI_7450HEI_7450 HEI_7455HEI_7455

After a tea break in the traditional style in one of the famous Jiufen tea restaurants, we made it back to Taipei.

HEI_7522HEI_7522 HEI_7526HEI_7526 HEI_7531HEI_7531 HEI_7532HEI_7532

In the evening, we had dinner at the Yun Jin Chinese Restaurant a Grand Hyatt Taipei--one of the best restaurants in Taipei. Allen organised a private dining room and invited one more of his professors to the get final together of my visit. The highlight of the dinner was the Cantonese roasted goose (not duck as usual) and the excellent Spanish wine that Professor Allen had organised after I had mentioned a few days earlier that I like Spanish wine. Next morning, the PhD student and her postdoc friend came to the office to ensure I made it safely into the limo that headed for the airport.

IMG_7009IMG_7009 IMG_7007IMG_7007

 

IMG_7008IMG_7008 IMG_7013IMG_7013
IMG_7017IMG_7017

More pictures here.


 

 

]]>
[email protected] (Heiko Spallek | digital imaging) Din Taifeng Gold Mine Jiufen Nanva Peculiar Stone ShengPing theatre Taipei Taiwan The Grand Hotel Yun Jin Chinese Restaurant https://photos.spallek.com/blog/2018/10/taipei-taiwan Thu, 25 Oct 2018 11:33:53 GMT
Kaohsiung, Taiwan https://photos.spallek.com/blog/2018/10/kaohsiung-taiwan The 41st Annual Scientific Meeting and Dental Exhibition of Chinese Taipei Association for Dental Sciences brought me to Kaohsiung, Taiwan. I flew to Taipei via Hong Kong (HK). The first leg of the flight was 9 hours. Then, I spent 3 hours at the HK airport during which I attended a meeting via zoom video conferencing using the excellent wifi network and the HK airport. Arriving in Taipei, I managed to get through immigration in just under one hour to be welcomed by Professor Allen Ming-Fun Hsu, Dean of the School of Dentistry at the National Yang-Ming University in Taipei. He traveled with me to Kaoshiung by high speed railway. The Taiwan High Speed Rail is a high-speed rail line running along the west coast of Taiwan from Taipei Main Station in the north to Kaohsiung in the south. The line opened for service in 2007, using trains with a top speed of 300km/h covering the journey in as short as 96 minutes. The HSR is most commonly referred to as Gaotie (prounounced Gāotiě), and is generally the preferred method of transit for travellers to cross the island due to its simplicity and speed. 

Taiwan High Speed Rail

HEI_7156HEI_7156 HEI_7157HEI_7157

In Kaohsiung, I stayed in the Han-Lai Hotel.

IMG_6898IMG_6898 HEI_6766HEI_6766 IMG_6805IMG_6805

The hotel was 10 minutes away from the Kaohsiung Exhibition Center (KEC). 

HEI_6785HEI_6785

Taiwan has unbelievable production facilities over tens of kilometers, one adjacent to the next. Industrial parks in Pittsburgh where a few square miles, here I was driving in a bus 45 min on a highway alongside them (or was this just one?).

HEI_7142HEI_7142 HEI_7143HEI_7143 HEI_7144HEI_7144

They were only interrupted by aquaculture ponds.

HEI_6800HEI_6800 HEI_6809HEI_6809 HEI_6810HEI_6810 HEI_6811HEI_6811

Our destination was the Southern Taiwan Science Park where we visited the medical device industrial cluster founded in 1977.
HEI_7147HEI_7147

It includes a large building full of dental manufacturers, including several implant companies, like Anker, and hand piece makers, like codent. Several companies started out as OEM manufacturers for established German and American companies, for example, codent made handpieces for KAVO and Siemens but distributes now under their own name. 

HEI_6817HEI_6817 HEI_6824HEI_6824 HEI_6828HEI_6828 HEI_6829HEI_6829 HEI_6830HEI_6830 HEI_6833HEI_6833 HEI_6844HEI_6844 HEI_6846HEI_6846 HEI_6859HEI_6859 HEI_6899HEI_6899

We also visited Eped that does tracking systems for education and implant placements as well as for brain surgery.

HEI_6864HEI_6864

They also use a Google-glass-style device to overlay the field of vision of the surgeon when doing minimal invasive brain surgery.

HEI_6877HEI_6877

Interestingly, all these companies look for partners in industry and academia for running clinical trials and obviously to get into the market. I also learned that there are 7 dental schools in Taiwan and that dental care is part of the public health insurance scheme with wait times of less than a week to get an appointment in one of the public dental care facilities.

Next day, we embarked on a cultural tour that started with a visit to Chi Mei Hospital, part of Chi Mei Medical Centre which has 4000 staff for 2400 beds. They performed 191 kidney transplants in last decade with 90% survival rate and have also advanced da Vinci robots for surgery. The Chi Mei Hospital was founded by Chi Mei who then converted it to a public hospital. He also founded the Chimei Museum that we visited next. The museum is built in European style and features a Fine Art section as well as section for Musical Instruments, a Sculptor Hall, Arms and Armour, Natural History and Fossil and a Rodin Gallery. We were equipped with English-audio tours and spent 2 hours roaming the museum followed by a nice lunch in the museum’s restaurant. 

HEI_6980HEI_6980 HEI_6977HEI_6977 HEI_6981HEI_6981 HEI_6975HEI_6975 HEI_6973HEI_6973 HEI_6966HEI_6966
In the afternoon, we visited the Koxinga Shrine that had been established in 1662, dedicated to Zheng Chenggong (aka “Koxinga”). At one point, the Japanese rulers named the shrine “Kaisan Jinja”. Part of the shrine is the Koxinga Museum. The gate and the monumental archway are built in the traditional Sanchuan style, the independent entrance. We learned that “real" dragons have five claws instead of three or four as often depicted. 

  HEI_6989HEI_6989 HEI_6991HEI_6991   HEI_6993HEI_6993 HEI_6994HEI_6994 HEI_6999HEI_6999 HEI_7000HEI_7000 HEI_7001HEI_7001 HEI_7002HEI_7002 HEI_7003HEI_7003 HEI_7004HEI_7004   HEI_7018HEI_7018   HEI_7020HEI_7020    HEI_7025HEI_7025       HEI_7064HEI_7064   HEI_7066HEI_7066 HEI_7068HEI_7068   HEI_7070HEI_7070 HEI_7071HEI_7071 HEI_7072HEI_7072
Then, we headed off to Fort Provintia (Chicken Tower), a national historic site built by the Dutch VOC and located at the Taijiang Lagoon. We could still see the entrance of the Fort that was erected in 1653. It has witnessed the rise and fall of Koxinga, the Qing dynasty and the Japanese regime. In 1886, the Taiwan County Magistrate built the Wenchang Pavillion to encourage education, dedicated to Lord Kuixing. He was believed to be in charge of academic achievements and job promotions. People in imperial China prayed to Lord Kuixing for passing the state exams in much the same way that students do nowadays. We were able to observe some of them doing exactly that. Lord Kuixing was also the one who laid siege to Fort Provintia in May 1661 and after the Dutch surrendered he established it as the Chengtian Prefecture. In 1980, the Lions International, Chicken Branch erected a memorial statue depicting King accepting the surrender of the Dutch VOC with the Dutch kneeling. It was later renamed in “Statue of Compromise Between Koxinga and the Dutch” with the Dutch standing on their feet—this apparently sealed the deal for a submarine contract between Taiwan and the Dutch. 

HEI_7075HEI_7075 HEI_7077HEI_7077 HEI_7093HEI_7093 HEI_7094HEI_7094 HEI_7113HEI_7113

More pictures are here.

 

]]>
[email protected] (Heiko Spallek | digital imaging) Chi Mei Medical Centre Chimei Museum Fort Provintia Han-Lai Hotel Kaohsiung Kaohsiung Exhibition Center Koxinga Shrine Southern Taiwan Science Park Taiwan https://photos.spallek.com/blog/2018/10/kaohsiung-taiwan Tue, 23 Oct 2018 11:41:11 GMT
Melbourne, October 2016 https://photos.spallek.com/blog/2018/6/melbourne-in-october-2016 In October 2016, we visited Melbourne for the first time using Sophia's school break. Melbourne is a very diverse city with immigrants from all over the world, specifically it is called the third largest greek city outside Greece by number of citizens of Greek decent—47% of all Greek Australians live in Melbourne—and the third largest city outside Italy—according to Wikipedia “over two-thirds of people in Melbourne speak only English at home (68.8%). Italian is the second most common home language (4.0%).”. We took advantage of this diversity and had each night different ethnic food, such as Greek and Japanese.

After flying two hours from Sydney to Melbourne, we spent the first day in the Melbourne Sea Life Aquarium. Highlight was a Glass Bottom Boat Tour above the 2.2 million litre Oceanarium to get closer look at a giant Queensland grouper (800kg) and a huge Grey Nurse Shark. The guide, called “Skipper” on this 20 metres “sea” journey, revealed many details of how the aquarium works behind the scenes.

We explored the tunnels that allow you to venture under the water tanks.

The penguins were fascinating to watch.

HEI_8948HEI_8948 HEI_8978HEI_8978 HEI_9040HEI_9040 HEI_9054HEI_9054

We were impressed how much you can see through the thick plexiglass walls.

HEI_9069HEI_9069 HEI_9080HEI_9080 HEI_9091HEI_9091 HEI_9108HEI_9108 HEI_9120HEI_9120 HEI_9105HEI_9105

On Thursday, we used the free tram to explore the second largest city in Australia with its Queen Victoria Market and Victorian architecture, often referred to as "cultural capital” of Australia. Melbourne is located on the large natural bay of Port Phillip which means that it has a huge inland body of water next to the city, but as many people from Sydney point out, no ocean beaches. According to Wikipedia "Melbourne rates highly in education, entertainment, health care, research and development, tourism and sport, making it the world's most liveable city—for the sixth year in a row in 2016, according to the Economist Intelligence Unit. It is a leading financial centre in the Asia-Pacific region, and ranks among the top 30 cities in the world in the Global Financial Centres Index.

HEI_9199HEI_9199 HEI_9246HEI_9246 HEI_9249HEI_9249 HEI_9254HEI_9254

On Friday, we ventured out of Melbourne visiting the town of Gembrook via a historical train ride, a narrow gauge heritage railway operated by steam engines, from Belgrave to Gembrook, called the Puffing Billy. We were allowed to ride by sitting on the ledge of the open-sided carriages.

HEI_9478HEI_9478 HEI_9516HEI_9516

Here a time lapse video of our ride: 

On Saturday, we visited Captain Cook's Cottage located in the Fitzroy Gardens. The cottage was constructed in 1755 in the English village of Great Ayton in England by the parents of Captain James Cook. Then, in the 1930ies it was moved to Melbourne and is now a historical site and museum—deconstructed brick by brick and packed into 253 cases and 40 barrels for shipping. In addition to the actual building, one can walk a vegetable yard that mimics what English countrymen were growing in their yard in England at the time.

HEI_9662HEI_9662 HEI_9620HEI_9620 HEI_9616HEI_9616 HEI_9615HEI_9615

On Sunday, we visited the Old Melbourne Gaol and the old City Police Watch House next to it. the gaol was first constructed in 1839 operating as a prison between 1842 and 1929. It held and executed some of Australia's most notorious criminals, including bushranger Ned Kelly. Wikipedia states that "Prisoners convicted of serious crime, such as murder, arson, burglary, rape and shooting, would begin their time on the ground floor with a time of solitary confinement. They were also forbidden from communicating with other prisoners, which was strictly enforced by the usage of a silence mask, or calico hood, when outside their cells. They would only be given a single hour of solitary exercise a day, with the remaining 23 hours spent in their cells. Inside the cells, prisoners would be able to lie on a thin mattress over the slate floors. They could only bathe and change clothes once a week, and attend the chapel on Sundays (with a Bible provided to promote good behaviour). Prisoners might only have been allowed to finally socialise with other prisoners towards the end of their sentences."

HEI_9699HEI_9699 HEI_9702HEI_9702 HEI_9701HEI_9701 HEI_9703HEI_9703 HEI_9704HEI_9704 HEI_9705HEI_9705 HEI_9708HEI_9708 HEI_9709HEI_9709

On Sunday night, we returned to Sydney in windy weather on a very bumpy flight. 

More pictures here.

]]>
[email protected] (Heiko Spallek | digital imaging) Australia Melbourne https://photos.spallek.com/blog/2018/6/melbourne-in-october-2016 Fri, 29 Jun 2018 07:48:46 GMT
Two Creeks Track https://photos.spallek.com/blog/2018/6/two-creeks-track Gisela and I walked from East Lindfield to Echo Point Park via the 7.5 km Two Creeks Track that is managed by Ku-ring-gai Council and Garigal National Park. "Much of the western shoreline of Middle Harbour was declared a park in April 1892 and called 'Roseville Park' under the control of a board of trustees. Formal stone walking tracks, stone seats, stone bridges and sandstone steps were constructed in areas used by Aboriginal people for centuries. In 1917 during WW1, an Engineer Officers Training School was established and temporary bridges, walls and trenches were constructed. An inscription “C Coy Engineers” chiselled into rock near Moores Creek provides evidence of this. The gatehouse at the track entrance to Seven Little Australians Park was constructed in the 1920s by Council workmen. Additional track work was done in the late 1920s when the sewer was built and during the Great Depression by Government Unemployment Relief Scheme work gangs from 1932, when Eastern Arterial Road construction began." (Ku-ring-gai Walking Tracks)

The track passes under Eastern Arterial Road via the stormwater tunnel, which "may not be passable after rain” -- it was pretty dark while we walked there, but almost no water.

Stormwater tunnel under Eastern Arterial Road The track then is descending beside Gordon Creek to Middle Harbour and continuing along Middle Harbour to Roseville Bridge. Along the way, we saw post-war cobbled tracks and stonework and Coachwood forests. The Roseville Park was often likened to the Blue Mountains.

GOPR1122GOPR1122DCIM\100GOPRO\GOPR1122.JPG GOPR1119GOPR1119DCIM\100GOPRO\GOPR1119.JPG GOPR1044GOPR1044DCIM\100GOPRO\GOPR1044.JPG GOPR1126GOPR1126DCIM\100GOPRO\GOPR1126.JPG

Some of the gumtree roots wrap around rock formations in an amazing way.

I used my GoPro capturing us walking on the tracks and let my drone fly obtaining impressive aerial views.

More pictures here.

]]>
[email protected] (Heiko Spallek | digital imaging) Australia East Lindfield Sydney Two Creeks Track https://photos.spallek.com/blog/2018/6/two-creeks-track Sun, 24 Jun 2018 06:29:33 GMT
Wamberal, Central Coast, NSW https://photos.spallek.com/blog/2018/6/wamberal-central-coast-nsw In April 2018, we embarked on a short vacation to Wamberal, NSW Central Coast. We made walks at the nearby Wamberal Lagoon Nature Reserve and enjoyed the porch overlooking the ocean. The Wamberal Lagoon is an intermittently closed intermediate saline coastal lagoon. We took some relaxing walks on the near-empty beach.

HEI_2944HEI_2944 HEI_2943HEI_2943 HEI_2946HEI_2946 HEI_2948HEI_2948

HEI_3205HEI_3205 HEI_3213HEI_3213 HEI_3216HEI_3216

We also visited the nearby Terrigal with its prominent landmark, The Skillion, a steep cliff facing the ocean rising to a convenient lookout area that is easily accessed by a flat grassy area leading up from the reserve.

The Skillion

HEI_3037HEI_3037 HEI_3039HEI_3039 HEI_3027HEI_3027 HEI_3030HEI_3030 HEI_3034HEI_3034 HEI_3032HEI_3032

On several occasions, I flew my drone for an aerial view of the region.  

One highlight of the stay was the arrival of the Lyrids—a comet shower that peaked on April 22 and could be observed from Australia. "The Lyrids hold the record for the shower with the longest recorded history, having been observed since at least 687BC. That longevity is linked to the orbit of the Lyrid’s parent comet, discovered in 1861 by A. E. Thatcher. Comet Thatcher moves on a highly inclined, eccentric orbit, swinging through the inner Solar system every 415 years or so. Its most recent approach to Earth was in 1861.
Compared with many other comets, Thatcher’s orbit is relatively stable, as the only planet with which it can experience close encounters is Earth. This means the meteors it sheds continue to follow roughly the same orbit. Over the millennia, that shed debris has spread all around the comet’s vast orbit, meaning that for thousands of years, every time Earth intersects Comet Thatcher’s orbit, the Lyrids have been seen, as regular as clockwork. One study of the orbits of Lyrid meteors even suggests the shower may have been active for at least a million years."
As the comets can be best seen an hour before sunrise, I got up early as usual and spent time on the common-space roof of the apartment building in which we stayed trying to capture the comets—I was only once lucky.

HEI_3228HEI_3228

While waiting for the comet shower, I took some pictures of the stunning landscape in the early morning hours.

DJI_0002DJI_0002 DJI_0011DJI_0011 HEI_2966-EditHEI_2966-Edit HEI_3202-EditHEI_3202-Edit

I also had a chance to fly my drone (DJI MavicPro) for the first time at night with two Lume Cubes attached. Here a short video from this flight taken from the drone and from a GoPro Hero 6.

 

More photos here.

]]>
[email protected] (Heiko Spallek | digital imaging) australia central coast nsw terrigal wamberal https://photos.spallek.com/blog/2018/6/wamberal-central-coast-nsw Sat, 09 Jun 2018 06:41:26 GMT
Killcare, Central Coast of NSW https://photos.spallek.com/blog/2018/4/killcare-central-coast-of-nsw In January 2018, we rented a house with a huge patio overlooking the Pacific Ocean at the Central Coast, in Killcare, about one hour drive North of where we live.

HEI_2530HEI_2530 HEI_2533HEI_2533

We stayed mostly close to Putty Beach and the surrounding area that encompasses 27 ha including beach, rehabilitated sand-mined area, natural areas, Killcare Surf Club and public facilities.

We mostly enjoyed the beach in the early mornings before it got too hot. 

HEI_2587HEI_2587

Each morning, we admired the newly built nets of the Garden Orb Web spiders. 

HEI_2541HEI_2541 HEI_2681HEI_2681

We also hiked in the Bouddi National Park, a park that was established in part by the relentless fight for the environment by bushwalker, Marie Byles (1900-1979). The close-by bay area features a huge marina and many stores and cafes next to the shoreline which we exploited for late breakfasts during our stay.

Sophia and I snorkelled from the beach finding a luscious underwater flora:

 

During one of our beach walks, we found several washed-up Bluebottles.

GOPR1012GOPR1012C:\DCIM\100GOPRO\GOPR1012.GPR

It was still moving a little bit:

Alexandra invited her boyfriend, Alex, over and both enjoyed swimming in the ocean.

Both, Sophia and Alexandra, modelled for me while I was flying my drone over the sandy beaches.

We had breakfast in town where the Rainbow lorikeets unashamed visited the restaurant tables.

HEI_2808HEI_2808 HEI_2826HEI_2826 HEI_2834HEI_2834 HEI_2850HEI_2850

Finally, I pieced together the best drone shots and came up with this movie:

In June 2018, we visited Killcare again for a few days to enjoy watching whales that can be seen passing the shores at this time of the year on their migratory route from Antartica to breed in warmer tropical waters. Between the month of October and November, they can be seen making their way back to the rich waters of Antartica to feed after giving birth. We learned that the common species are Humpback Whales and Southern Right Whales. We spent several hours at Captain Cook's lookout to observe breaching Humpback Whales.

Humpback Whale   HEI_4647HEI_4647   HEI_4717HEI_4717 HEI_4656HEI_4656 HEI_4676HEI_4676

I assembled a video from the best snippets taken while flying my DJI MavicPro drone from Captain Cook's lookout:

Our four-months-old Parson Russel Terrier, Lilly, enjoyed Putty Beach that permits dogs off leash.  

HEI_4526HEI_4526 HEI_4521HEI_4521 HEI_4611HEI_4611 HEI_4516HEI_4516 HEI_4466HEI_4466 HEI_4390HEI_4390

Here another video from November 2018:

We visited again in January of 2019 with Lilly:

0C8A02360C8A0236

0C8A02160C8A0216   0C8A02520C8A0252

0C8A04740C8A0474

We spent another week in Killcare in June 2020:

And then in December 2021, we visited Woy Woy to enjoy the Brisbane Water, a wave-dominated barrier estuary located inland from Killcare with short trips to the beach:

More pictures here.

 

]]>
[email protected] (Heiko Spallek | digital imaging) Australia bluebottles Brisbane central coast dog beach drone humpback whales killcare lorikeets nsw swimming Water Woy https://photos.spallek.com/blog/2018/4/killcare-central-coast-of-nsw Mon, 02 Apr 2018 06:35:29 GMT
Canberra, ACT https://photos.spallek.com/blog/2018/1/canberra In January, Gisela and I spent three days in Canberra, the capital city of Australia which is inhabited by ~400,000 people. The city is located in the Australian Capital Territory (ACT), 280 km (170 mi) south-west of Sydney. We drove the Federal Highway — the motorway that links Sydney with Canberra passing Lake George-an endorheic lake that has no outflow of water to rivers and oceans. The 25 km long lake is currently half empty creating a strange, perfectly flat, meadow with grazing sheep and cattle.

Lake George

Upon arrival, we visited Canberra Glassworks observing glass artists working in a hot room with blast furnaces blowing and melting glass. The venue also showcases art by several local glass artists serving as an inspiration for Gisela's art.

Canberra Glassworks HEI_1860HEI_1860 HEI_1877HEI_1877 HEI_1897HEI_1897 HEI_1916HEI_1916 HEI_1920HEI_1920 HEI_1933HEI_1933 HEI_1962HEI_1962 HEI_1970HEI_1970

HEI_1827HEI_1827 HEI_1828HEI_1828 HEI_1842HEI_1842

HEI_1854HEI_1854 HEI_1849HEI_1849 HEI_1848HEI_1848

In the evening, we had dinner at The Boat House with a fascinating view of Lake Burley Griffin and the beautiful lakefront. We had a 4-course menu of Modern Australian Cuisine including cherry-wood smoked duck which we liked.

The next morning, we had breakfast at the Urban Pantry. We started the day visiting Parliament House admiring Canberra's most recognisable landmark up close: the stainless steel flag mast with the Australian flag flying above Capital Hill. We have learned that “the flag mast is the main focal point of the Parliamentary Triangle and you can walk directly under it when you explore Parliament House's grass roof. You can also see it from vantage points all around Canberra. The design of the flag mast pays homage to Walter Burley Griffin's plan for a pyramidal Capitol building—a ceremonial public space that would celebrate the achievements of the Australian people—which he envisioned as the centrepiece to his design for Canberra.” The flag is 12.8 metres long and 6.4 metres high and flies 24 hours a day—under the Australian national flag protocols, it can be flown at night because it is floodlit.

HEI_2045HEI_2045 HEI_2046HEI_2046

We enjoyed easy access to the building's 'law-making axis', on which the House of Representatives and Senate chambers are located. Parliament House was opened by Queen Elizabeth II in 1988 and consists of 4,700 different rooms of which many display stunning architecture and design.

HEI_2047HEI_2047 HEI_2049HEI_2049 HEI_2053HEI_2053 HEI_2054HEI_2054 HEI_2059HEI_2059 HEI_2062HEI_2062

At the National Gallery of Australia, we enjoyed Indigenous, Australian, Pacific, Asian and European art.

HEI_2072HEI_2072 HEI_2129HEI_2129 HEI_2135HEI_2135 HEI_2083HEI_2083 HEI_2122HEI_2122

HEI_2116HEI_2116

We extended our visit to the outside where one can find the Sculpture garden between the National Gallery of Australia and the shores of Lake Burley Griffin.

HEI_2156HEI_2156 HEI_2162HEI_2162 HEI_2165HEI_2165

We then visited the National Carillon—a very tall bell tower.

HEI_2163HEI_2163

HEI_2169HEI_2169

Before dinner at Sage Dining Rooms, we stopped at the Australian War Memorial— Australian’s most visited landmark. The Australian War Memorial brings together a world-class museum and a shrine of remembrance to offer a diverse experience of war. 

HEI_2204HEI_2204 HEI_2207HEI_2207 HEI_2218HEI_2218 HEI_2221HEI_2221 HEI_2212HEI_2212

The next day, we started with breakfast at Little Brother Cafe at the Red Hill lookout with friends. Afterwards, we visited the National Library of Australia which dates back to the early years after the Australian Federation in 1901, admiring work by Peter Dombrovskis. Clearly, Tasmania moved up on our bucket list of destinations. His technical expertise was amazing! He clearly not only waited for the right time for the light to have good tone but also waited for the wind to produce the desired ripples on water for the best reflection. We really liked the colourful bark of the Snow Gum.

HEI_2233HEI_2233 HEI_2232HEI_2232

At the Old Bus Depot Markets, Gisela was again looking for inspiration for her Glassart.

HEI_2242HEI_2242 HEI_2243HEI_2243 HEI_2255HEI_2255

Finally, we went to the National Museum of Australia and experienced the epic narrative of the Songlines, Tracking the Seven Sisters. Remarkable! We really liked the dome with the two short all-around movies projected to the ceiling. 

HEI_2285HEI_2285 HEI_2287HEI_2287 HEI_2288HEI_2288 HEI_2290HEI_2290 HEI_2293HEI_2293
On our way back, we stopped by at a winery for a quick lunch and some tasting. 

HEI_2334HEI_2334 HEI_2332HEI_2332

More pictures here.

]]>
[email protected] (Heiko Spallek | digital imaging) australia canberra parliament house https://photos.spallek.com/blog/2018/1/canberra Sun, 21 Jan 2018 07:54:42 GMT
Lake Parramatta Reserve https://photos.spallek.com/blog/2018/1/lake-parramatta-reserve On Saturday, we were bush walking at the Lake Parramatta Reserve, a 73-hectare bushland reserve located within two kilometres of the Parramatta central business district. It is the largest bushland remnant surviving in the Parramatta Local Government Area. It is also recognised as one of the most significant and beautiful bushland remnants in Western Sydney.

We enjoyed the many Eastern Water Dragons that run away when approached as well as the colourful flowers. 

GOPR0007GOPR0007DCIM\100GOPRO\GOPR0007.JPG

GOPR0041GOPR0041DCIM\100GOPRO\GOPR0041.JPG GOPR0053GOPR0053DCIM\100GOPRO\GOPR0053.JPG

GOPR0004GOPR0004DCIM\100GOPRO\GOPR0004.JPG

HEI_3735HEI_3735 HEI_3757HEI_3757

More pictures here.

 

]]>
[email protected] (Heiko Spallek | digital imaging) australia bushwalking dragon eastern lake parramatta water https://photos.spallek.com/blog/2018/1/lake-parramatta-reserve Sun, 31 Dec 2017 17:30:00 GMT
Singapore https://photos.spallek.com/blog/2017/12/singapore In October, we used our strategic geographic location to visit Singapore--an 8-hour flight that is considered a short flight, given the relative distance of Australia from pretty much everywhere. Singapore, a city-state, is comprised of 75% Chinese, 13% Malay, 9% Indians and 3% other minorities where you can do literally hundreds of things.

Gisela and I explored the city at 30 C combined with 90% humidity—the normal conditions in Singapore located only 137 km away from the equator. 

We visited the Gardens by the Bay, with the Cloud Forest Flower Dome probably the most impressive plant display that we ever encountered anywhere. We were impressed by the lushness of the vegetation:

HEI_0238HEI_0238

HEI_0263HEI_0263 HEI_0273HEI_0273 HEI_0274HEI_0274 HEI_0301HEI_0301 HEI_0302HEI_0302 HEI_0303HEI_0303 HEI_0333HEI_0333 HEI_0341HEI_0341

HEI_0300HEI_0300 HEI_0297HEI_0297 HEI_0310HEI_0310 HEI_0317HEI_0317

The Super Tree Grove is illuminated at night:

Super Trees

HEI_0580HEI_0580 HEI_0559HEI_0559 HEI_0600HEI_0600 HEI_0563HEI_0563

While walking between the domes, we spotted a Water Monitor Lizard in close proximity to our path:

Water Monitor Lizard

The entrance of the Marina Bay, where the Gardens by the Bay are located, is guarded by the iconic Marina Bay Sands Hotel. "The complex is topped by a 340-metre-long (1,120 ft) SkyPark with a capacity of 3,900 people and a 150 m (490 ft) infinity swimming pool, set on top of the world's largest public cantilevered platform, which overhangs the north tower by 67 m (220 ft)." HEI_0519HEI_0519

Inside the Marina Bay Sands:

HEI_0450HEI_0450 HEI_0451HEI_0451

More pictures from the Gardens by the Bay here.

We used a hop-on-hop-off bus tour to learn more about Singapore and also to get around. We learned that the port manages 90,000 containers per day making it the largest trans-shipment container port in the world. Singapore has also a thriving medical tourism with half a million foreign patients per year. We also visited Chinatown which is a cultural centre of the city given the large proportion of citizens with Chinese background.

HEI_0189HEI_0189 HEI_0458HEI_0458 HEI_0471HEI_0471 HEI_0460HEI_0460 HEI_0172HEI_0172 HEI_0542HEI_0542 HEI_0729HEI_0729 HEI_0738HEI_0738

HEI_0744HEI_0744 HEI_0743HEI_0743 HEI_0782HEI_0782 HEI_0790HEI_0790 HEI_0764HEI_0764 HEI_0749HEI_0749 IMG_0607IMG_0607 IMG_0679IMG_0679 IMG_0657IMG_0657

More Singapore pictures here.

Based on recommendation by our Faculty’s General Manager who is from Singapore, we had breakfast  at Tiong Bahru and actually found something to eat from the thousands of different offerings. Our breakfast was delicious, but it was so much that we could not finish the SGD 3.50 meals.

HEI_0716HEI_0716

HEI_0612HEI_0612 HEI_0614HEI_0614   HEI_0625HEI_0625

HEI_0663HEI_0663 HEI_0643HEI_0643 HEI_0641HEI_0641  

  HEI_0688HEI_0688 HEI_0690HEI_0690 HEI_0693HEI_0693

More pictures from Tiong Bahru here.

On our last evening, we had dinner at the Salt grill & Sky bar on level 55 of ION Orchard in the heart of Singapore enjoying the stunning panoramic views of the city and sea. As we only left at 10 pm from Singapore flying overnight back to Sydney, we spent our last day at the Singapore Botanic Gardens with its National Orchid Garden that impressed us beyond comprehension. The variety and lushness of orchids seen here appeared to be unreal and we wondered several times if these are actually real plants or fake ones. Since 1859, orchids have been closely associated with the Gardens. The products of the Gardens' orchid breeding programme brings over 2000 hybrids to the Orchid Garden. Due to the high humidity, we speculated that the gardeners are mostly busy cutting back the overgrow, but pretty much everything else is taken care by the natural conditions in Singapore. We also learned that Singapore is the biggest orchid exporter in the world—we did not need to be convinced to believe this as orchids grow everywhere like weeds.

HEI_0806HEI_0806 HEI_0800HEI_0800 HEI_0832HEI_0832 HEI_0833HEI_0833 HEI_0823HEI_0823 HEI_0860HEI_0860 HEI_0869HEI_0869 HEI_0864HEI_0864 HEI_0895HEI_0895 HEI_0897HEI_0897 HEI_0825HEI_0825 HEI_0899HEI_0899 HEI_0930HEI_0930   HEI_0913HEI_0913 HEI_0933HEI_0933 HEI_0855HEI_0855

When leaving the Botanic Garden, we observed huge catfish, a water monitor lizard and turtles in a large pond:

HEI_1004HEI_1004 HEI_0988HEI_0988 HEI_0949HEI_0949

More pictures from Singapore Botanic Garden here.

]]>
[email protected] (Heiko Spallek | digital imaging) bay by garden gardens national orchid singapore the https://photos.spallek.com/blog/2017/12/singapore Wed, 27 Dec 2017 22:49:04 GMT
Cairns, Queensland https://photos.spallek.com/blog/2017/10/cairns-queensland In August 2017, we flew to Cairns to explore the tropical north of Australia and the Great Barrier Reef. We landed in Cairns in the evening, right on time to explore the city’s landmark Esplanade which fringes around the shoreline for two kilometres.

Esplanade, Cairns Esplanade, Cairns We saw a colony of huge Australian Pelicans and Fig Birds. We enjoyed a seafood dinner right next to the boats at sunset.                                                             Australian Pelicans   Fig Bird sunset, Cairns                                                                                                      
The next morning, we took a ferry to Green Island for a day of snorkelling.

Green Island

While snorkelling, we saw a sea turtle eating underwater as well as starfish and all kinds of tropical fish including coral eating parrot fish.

GOPR1937GOPR1937DCIM\100GOPRO\GOPR1937. GOPR1951GOPR1951DCIM\100GOPRO\GOPR1951. GOPR1954GOPR1954DCIM\100GOPRO\GOPR1954. GOPR1945GOPR1945DCIM\100GOPRO\GOPR1945.

I explored the Green Island National Park in the afternoon letting the drone fly above the water for over a kilometre away. We also watched Pale White-eyes, feeding in bushes along the western shore of the island.

Taking a break from the water, we headed to Wet Tropics World Heritage in Kuranda on Saturday. However, I first spent two hours in the early morning at the shoreline to view the sunrise over the bay.

HEI_7696HEI_7696 HEI_7709HEI_7709 After a bus ride to the station, we entered the area via the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway across the canopy of the rainforest.

HEI_7728HEI_7728 HEI_7750HEI_7750

HEI_7753HEI_7753 During the trip, we learned from a botanist that a small part of the rainforest plants grow taller than the canopy of the rainforest, and these plants are collectively referred to as "Emergent" trees. The mature Kauri Pine is an example of such a rainforest giant that uses as little leaves as possible to work up and concentrate on the sunny place to grow. It is continuously peeling bark to shed all other plants that might grow on its bark. The Kauri Pine can grow up to 50 meters, is the tallest tree species in Queensland. However, it is difficult to determine the age of these trees as there is no dry season so all plants grow all year around, resulting in the absence of any growth rings.

Kauri Pine

We also saw a blooming King Orchid that flowers only every 3-4 years and wilts after just a few days.

King Orchid

The Southern Cassowary is a huge endangered seed eating bird. They are usually shy birds, but are dangerous and unpredictable as they use their clawed toes as weapons, jumping and kicking with both feet at once. We learned that the rainforest plants need big seeds because they require a lot of food reserves for the seedling to get to sun. So big seeds mean big seeds eaters. In fact some plants will die out if not passed through the Cassowary's gentle digestive system.

HEI_7746HEI_7746

eggs, Southern Cassowary

We looked at the Barron Falls that carried almost no water at this time of the year, but can become dramatic water falls after a Cyclone. The falls are located in the traditional homelands of the Djabugay Aboriginal people. We read about the Barron Gorge Hydro-Electrical Station that produces 60 Megawatt and was commissioned in 1963.

Barron Falls
In Kuranda, we first visited the Australian Butterfly Sanctuary which is the largest butterfly flight aviary and exhibit in the Southern Hemisphere with over 2,000 butterflies from a variety of species. We spent most of our time in the main aviary, but also checked out the laboratory and the egg laying area. We were most impressed by the Cairns Birdwing (Ornithoptera euphorion)--the largest of all Australian butterflies found along northeastern Australia. "The female’s wingspan can measure 18cm. As soon as adult butterflies hatch they mate quickly because they only live for 4 to 5 weeks.”

Cairns Birdwing They are mating only once in their lifetime—between 8 and 14 hours with the male hanging upside down.

Cairns Birdwing, mating

In the hatching area, we saw a Hercules Moth appearing from its cocoon. This is the world’s largest moth that is only found in North Queensland and New Guinea. "The largest Hercules moth ever recorded was a huge female caught in 1948 at Innisfail, just south of Cairns. The Guinness Book of Records states it had an incredible wingspan of 36cm (14.17 inches).”

We then visited the Australian Venom Zoo which also serves as harvesting station for spider, scorpion and snake venom. The dungeon-like facility showed some of the most venomous snakes of Australia, and the world, on display. One of the harmless snakes was trained to be carried around the neck by tourists. 

HEI_8552HEI_8552
On our way back, we used the Kuranda Scenic Rail—a historical railway line established in 1891. But before we boarded the train, I had my drone explore the Barron River near the Kuranda Railway Station. 


The next morning we explored the Great Barrier Reef from a boat. We signed up for a full day snorkelling tour including lunch on the boat. It took the boat about two hours to reach the outer reef. 

HEI_8699HEI_8699 HEI_8700HEI_8700 IMG_9568IMG_9568 IMG_9576IMG_9576

GOPR2112GOPR2112DCIM\100GOPRO\GOPR2112.

GOPR2072GOPR2072DCIM\100GOPRO\GOPR2072.

On our departure day, we visited the Cairns Botanic Garden with its unbelievable diversity of tropical plants. We saw many heliconias, cacti, orchids, bromelia and tropical trees, such as Teak with huge leaves.

HEI_8738HEI_8738 HEI_8818HEI_8818

HEI_8807HEI_8807 HEI_8803HEI_8803

HEI_8823HEI_8823 HEI_8782HEI_8782

We were particularly impressed by the Tassel Ferns that evolved 400 million years ago—150 million years before flowering plants.

HEI_8741HEI_8741 HEI_8739HEI_8739

Many leaves were of enormous size.

HEI_8845HEI_8845 HEI_8769HEI_8769

Other plants showed spikes on their stems to scare off any unwanted guests.

HEI_8801HEI_8801 IMG_9625IMG_9625

Near the mangroves, we were able to observe Mudskippers and colourful Fiddler Crabs.

HEI_8967HEI_8967

HEI_8960HEI_8960 HEI_8955HEI_8955 HEI_8939HEI_8939 HEI_8940HEI_8940

More pictures here.

]]>
[email protected] (Heiko Spallek | digital imaging) australia barrier great green island kuranda queensland reef https://photos.spallek.com/blog/2017/10/cairns-queensland Mon, 09 Oct 2017 09:08:32 GMT
Adelaide and Kangaroo Island https://photos.spallek.com/blog/2017/10/adelaide-and-kangaroo-island In Adelaide, I attended the International Association for Dental Research (IADR) Australia and New Zealand Conference that was held at the Adelaide Health and Medical Sciences building, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, and was hosted by the Adelaide Dental School.

IMG_0074IMG_0074

While in South Australia, Gisela and I could not miss a visit to the Penfolds Winery at Magill Estate Cellar Door, the birthplace for some of the most famous Australian winemaking stories, dating back to 1844.

HEI_9048HEI_9048 HEI_9057HEI_9057 HEI_9061HEI_9061 HEI_9066HEI_9066

The Magill Estate Cellar Door offers fine dining and serene views of Penfolds first vineyard. It’s located just 8 kilometres from Adelaide CBD in the sheltered haunches of the Mounty Lofty Ranges, making it one of the world’s few urban single vineyards.

HEI_9047HEI_9047 After the success of early sherries and fortified wines, founders Dr Christopher and Mary Penfold planted their vine cuttings they had carried on their voyage over to Australia. In 1844 the fledgeling vineyard was officially established as the Penfolds wine company at Magill Estate. In 1948, history was made again as Max Schubert became the company’s first Chief Winemaker.

HEI_9134HEI_9134

A loyal company man and true innovator, Schubert would propel Penfolds onto the global stage with his experimentation of long-lasting wines - the creation of Penfolds Grange in the 1950s. In 1959 (while Schubert was perfecting his Grange experiment in secret), the tradition of ‘bin wines’ began. Here all the vintages of the Grange in a long row.

Grange

The first, a Shiraz wine with the grapes of the company’s own Barossa Valley vineyards was simply named after the storage area of the cellars where it is aged. And so Kalimna Bin 28 became the first official Penfolds Bin number wine. In 1988 Schubert was named Decanter Magazine’s Man of the Year, and on the 50th anniversary of its birth, Penfolds Grange was given a heritage listing in South Australia. After the tour and the wine tasting, we enjoyed a tasting menu of (1) mussels + lemongrass + chilli, (2) beef tartare + fries + béarnaise, (3) roasted cauliflower + lemon + nuts, (4) snapper + parsnip + beetroot crisp + cassalinga, and as last course (5) chocolate parfait + honeycomb + ginger + rhubarb. And of course, all with wine pairing. 

HEI_9055HEI_9055 HEI_9064HEI_9064 HEI_9054HEI_9054 HEI_9119HEI_9119

On Wednesday, we started our 3-day vacation on Kangaroo Island, the third largest island off the coast of Australia with a population of 4,600 on an area of 4,416 square kilometres (155 kilometres long and up to 55 kilometres wide). We rented a cabin at Hanson Bay. Due to its isolation, the impact of  European settlement is minimal on the island’s flora and fauna. When accessing the island via the SeaLink car ferry, many warning signs make visitors aware of the dangers of contaminating this pristine island with pests only found on the mainland.

IMG_0110IMG_0110 HEI_9169HEI_9169 It also features the oldest bee sanctuary in the world being home to the only pure strain of Ligurian Bee stock. Fifty stationary bee hives at Hanson Bay produce honey on a 20,000 acres foraging area which is 90% old growth native woodlands and 10% native grassland. 

HEI_9917HEI_9917 HEI_9903HEI_9903 IMG_0275IMG_0275

HEI_9573HEI_9573 HEI_9435HEI_9435   HEI_9398HEI_9398

Arriving at our cabin at Hanson Bay, we enjoyed the spectacular ocean view of the rugged coast and Southern Ocean and learned that we were surrounded by the 2,000 hectares (5,000 acres) Hanson Bay Wildlife Sanctuary.  

HEI_9629-EditHEI_9629-Edit HEI_9650HEI_9650 HEI_9672HEI_9672

Porch at Hanson Bay Cabin.

On Thursday, we visited the Koala Walk among Eucalyptus trees. Koalas are an introduced species on Kangaroo Island with their population exploding in the past years.

HEI_9187HEI_9187 HEI_9204HEI_9204 HEI_9218HEI_9218 HEI_9252HEI_9252 HEI_9304HEI_9304 HEI_9313HEI_9313 HEI_9331HEI_9331 HEI_9347HEI_9347

HEI_9377HEI_9377 HEI_9385HEI_9385

During our visit, while walking between the Eucalyptus trees and in an open grassland area observing the Wallabies, we were attacked by Australian Magpies. We were able to find many of the Cape Barren Geese, the rarest geese in the world. 

HEI_9419HEI_9419 HEI_9495HEI_9495 HEI_9527HEI_9527 HEI_9517HEI_9517

On Friday, we visited the Remarkable Rocks, a formation of rocks that was exposed to erosion (heating, wetting, cooling and drying)  for the last 200 million years creating a granite dome.

HEI_9683HEI_9683 HEI_9694-EditHEI_9694-Edit HEI_9706HEI_9706 HEI_9739-EditHEI_9739-Edit

Near the Remarkable Rocks, we saw a colony of Australian sea lions and Long-nosed fur seals at Admirals Arch. We explored the board walk at Seal Bay.

HEI_9823HEI_9823 HEI_9866HEI_9866 HEI_9854HEI_9854 HEI_9815HEI_9815

We also saw Echidnas, but only as road kill, but these egg laying mammals can sometimes be seen when they forage for ants. While our first visit to the platypus water holes was unsuccessful, we drove to the same location later at night again and saw for first time in the wild these very elusive animals coming. They came out when it was almost dark, so my pictures leave much to be desired.  

IMG_0263IMG_0263   HEI_9942HEI_9942

On Saturday morning, we drove at dawn back to the SeaLink ferry. During the 150 kilometre drive we stopped counting the kangaroos and wallabies on street when we hit about 50 and estimate that we saw far more than 100 hopping animals on the road... which made as slow down so much that we almost missed the ferry.

HEI_9923HEI_9923 IMG_0195IMG_0195 IMG_0200IMG_0200 HEI_9925HEI_9925

Here are more pictures.

]]>
[email protected] (Heiko Spallek | digital imaging) adelaide australia barossa penfolds valley https://photos.spallek.com/blog/2017/10/adelaide-and-kangaroo-island Mon, 09 Oct 2017 09:08:13 GMT
Litchfield National Park https://photos.spallek.com/blog/2017/8/litchfield-national-park Following Kakadu National Park and Nitmiluk National Park, we visited Litchfield National Park.

https://nt.gov.au/leisure/parks-reserves/find-a-park-to-visit/litchfield-national-park

The famous Magnetic Termites (Amitermis meridionalis) have wedge-shaped towers which are placed that the long side faces the shade and only the narrow side is exposed to the sun to reduce the temperature in the mound—aligning in the north-south axis to balance the temperature. These termites are found nowhere else on earth. Scientists discovered that the blind worker termites really build the mounds based on the magnetic field by exposing them to artificial magnets that change the direction—the workers dutifully repaired the mound to align it again with the north-south axis. The mounds are often 5 metres high, in comparison the termites are only 5 mm long.

HEI_6394HEI_6394 HEI_6393HEI_6393
Then, we drove to the Florence Waterfalls and took a nice walk along the creek. The kids enjoyed swimming the the Rock Pool and I made it up the 170 stairs ahead of time and let the drone fly.

HEI_6418HEI_6418 HEI_6442HEI_6442 HEI_6422HEI_6422 HEI_6432HEI_6432

DJI_0066DJI_0066

We then stopped quickly at Wangi Falls that spill over the Tabletop Plateau into a large pool. The pool is closed when the water levels are high as strong current and the increase risks of crocodiles make it too dangerous to swim.

IMG_9146IMG_9146 We were able to see some Rainbow Bee-Eaters which fly way to fast and erratic to take nice pictures of these colourful birds.

HEI_6679HEI_6679 HEI_6672HEI_6672

We also saw some kits and many large spiders. In the evening, we drove back to Darwin. 
HEI_6636HEI_6636 HEI_6657HEI_6657

More pictures here.

]]>
[email protected] (Heiko Spallek | digital imaging) amitermis australia litchfield magnetic meridionalis national northern park termites territories https://photos.spallek.com/blog/2017/8/litchfield-national-park Wed, 16 Aug 2017 22:54:22 GMT
Darwin, Northern Territory https://photos.spallek.com/blog/2017/8/darwin-northern-territory In July 2017, we traveled to Darwin and from there tour the Kakadu National Park, including visits to the Nitmiluk and Litchfield. From Sydney, a 5-hour flight brings you to Darwin where we stayed at the Darwin Central Hotel. Darwin is a small city with a huge history. Its glistening harbours were strong holds for allied troops during World War Two. Gold was found at nearby Pine Creek in the late 19th century. Paul Hogan shone a global spotlight Down Under when he traversed its surrounding regions for crocodiles depicted in the 1986 movie Crocodile Dundee. While Cyclone Tracy also made worldwide headlines, devastating lives and homes in the mid 1970s. As Australia’s gateway to Asia and the outback, Darwin is melting pot of people and traditions. Indigenous culture, natural treasures, tropical weather and a laid-back lifestyle attract thousands of visitors every year. We heard many German tourists on the streets who were looking to explore Australia’s vast and majestic Top End. Darwin has only a population of approximately 112,000 people. Our Swiss friends arrived from Singapore only hours after us and we explored a bit of Mindel market and then found hidden garden restaurant, nice dinner outside.

HEI_4403HEI_4403 HEI_4404HEI_4404 HEI_4405HEI_4405 HEI_4410HEI_4410

HEI_4418HEI_4418

We also explored Darwin’s famous Fish Feeding spot. We took a walk from the hotel to the area enjoying the shoreline that features mangroves used as hunting ground for various water bird species.

HEI_6772HEI_6772 HEI_6749HEI_6749   HEI_6989HEI_6989 HEI_6990HEI_6990

We had the opportunity to observe several fish, such as the Diamond scale mullet, Sting ray, really big Milk fish and Catfish.

HEI_6767HEI_6767

HEI_6885HEI_6885 HEI_6879HEI_6879 HEI_6830HEI_6830 HEI_6818HEI_6818 HEI_6789HEI_6789 HEI_6837HEI_6837

Next to the feeding station, we saw Crimson Finches in the mangroves. 
HEI_6909HEI_6909

Several warning signs reminded us that Darwin is not a place to swim.

HEI_6886HEI_6886 HEI_6887HEI_6887 IMG_3315IMG_3315

More pictures here.

 

]]>
[email protected] (Heiko Spallek | digital imaging) australia catfish crimson darwin diamond finches fish milk mullet ray scale sting https://photos.spallek.com/blog/2017/8/darwin-northern-territory Wed, 16 Aug 2017 22:51:21 GMT
Nitmiluk National Park https://photos.spallek.com/blog/2017/8/nitmiluk-national-park After exploring Kakadu National Park, we drove to the Nitmiluk National Park (Jawoyn Land) with the Leliyn (Edith Falls) being our first stop in the West of the park. After a picnic we were swimming in the lower pool going close up to the lower falls—the pool was open, but we were supposed to "be croc-wise”.

HEI_5519HEI_5519

DJI_0054DJI_0054

A short drone flight gave us a good overview of the area and provided stunning visuals.

Next, we went to Katherine, an important crossroad in the Australian Outback with about 7,500 people living there from tourism and cattle farming.  

We continued to explore the Nitmiluk National Park taking a two-hour walk at Katherine Gorge to a beautiful lookout platform above the Katherine River. The Gorge is 30 km long and on average 100 m deep, housing 160 bird species. It was first explored by a Scotsman in 1862. 

HEI_5539HEI_5539 HEI_5530HEI_5530

HEI_5697HEI_5697 HEI_5698HEI_5698 HEI_5718HEI_5718 HEI_5696HEI_5696
We took a boat tour in two steps with walking from one boat to another as they could not get with the boats over rapids in the dry season. But before boarding the boats we observed thousands of Red Flying Foxes hanging in the trees near the river. I attempted to photograph some when they changed positions to avoid direct sun exposure which seemed a futile exercise given that most trees were devoid of any leaves due to the impact of the fruit bats hanging there to the thousands— in fact, signs warned of tree limbs breaking off due to the weight. 

HEI_5892HEI_5892 HEI_5821HEI_5821 HEI_5873HEI_5873 HEI_5547HEI_5547 HEI_6026HEI_6026 HEI_6014HEI_6014 HEI_6050HEI_6050 HEI_6048HEI_6048 HEI_6101HEI_6101

We saw crocodile indicators made of a plastic float that gets damaged when crocs chew on it. If this happens then park rangers try to catch the crocodile and transported to Darwin adding it to a breeding program. Interestingly, Saltwater crocs defend their nest whose temperatures determines the gender of the offspring. The crocs crack the eggs and carry the young ones to the shore—however, if it is a bad year with little food, they just eat them. The invading cane toads have reduced the crocs from thousands to hundreds as they have poorly adapted to the poisonous toads. Crows have figured out how to eat them by opening them and only eat the liver of cane toads. 

HEI_6148HEI_6148
I took a time lapse video during the tour:

The sandstone in the Gorge has three colours: white signifying the original sandstone, black showing the dormant stage of an alga that is active in the wet season and red where water is coming to surface in the dry season and oxidised the stone. We learned that during the wet season the water amount going through the Gorge could fill up Sydney Harbour in 9 hours. 

HEI_6186HEI_6186
We stayed overnight at Mount Bunny Station established in 1911 by Pioneer Buffalo hunter Fred Hardy. The original size of this cattle property was 1.1 million acres, or 4,000 sq km. Mt Bunny was one of the first pastoral leases in the Top End of the NT. We walk on the farm visiting water buffalos, wallabies, peacocks. At night, we enjoyed a dinner at home on the screened porch observing the geckos near the lamp eating the insects attracted by the light.

HEI_6289HEI_6289 HEI_6285HEI_6285 HEI_6287HEI_6287 HEI_6295HEI_6295

Later we discovered a tree frog in the toilet. 

IMG_3298IMG_3298
We were told that 30 meters from our porch the pond is full of "freshies" aka freshwater crocs and that 200 meters behind the house is the Adelaide River (well, stream 20 m wide) where there are salties, aka saltwater crocs.  

HEI_6310HEI_6310 HEI_6312HEI_6312
Early next morning, Gisela and I walked around on Mount Bunny Station observing the farm animals, including the Water Buffalos and Peacocks.

HEI_6376HEI_6376 HEI_6384HEI_6384

The Peacock family actually slept in tree in front of house and woke us up in the morning. 

HEI_6387HEI_6387 Our first stop was a German-run breakfast place that served coffee and sandwiches. The place was full of kitsch and the owner was quite rude showing many hints of a special Teutonic level of sensitivity. However, we enjoyed the breakfast and marvelled at the Banyan tree: This Banyan is a remnant of coastal monsoon forest vegetation which once covered most of the peninsula. Birds feeding on the small fleshy fruit of the Banyan deposit the undigested seed on other trees. The seed may then germinate and eventually develop long aerial roots. In order to obtain nutrients from the soil, as well as support its heavy crown, the Banyan finally strangles its host.

P7140100P7140100OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA
More pictures here.

]]>
[email protected] (Heiko Spallek | digital imaging) australia banyan buffalos bunny edith falls flying foxes katherine mount national nitmiluk norther park peacocks red station territories wallabies https://photos.spallek.com/blog/2017/8/nitmiluk-national-park Wed, 16 Aug 2017 22:48:51 GMT
Kakadu National Park https://photos.spallek.com/blog/2017/8/kakadu-national-park During our trip to the Northern Territory, we visited the Kakadu National Park driving first to the Jabiru region. The park covers nearly 20,000 square kilometres and is a UNESCO cultural heritage. In the language of the Aboriginal people, it is called Gagadju. We first stopped at the Fogg Dam Conservation Area where we were not allowed to walk on the dam due to the danger of saltwater crocodiles.

IMG_8967IMG_8967

But, we observed Black-necked Storks with 2 metres wingspan and Straw-necked Ibis with up to 75 cm size.

HEI_4443HEI_4443

I let me drone fly to get some nice aerial shots. 

Afterwards, we went to the crocodile feeding tour with jumping crocodiles. We learned that the crocs have a heart with four chambers, so they can never bleed to death. If a crocodile gets his arm or leg bitten off by another croc, he’ll just shut off that chamber, go somewhere quiet and secluded and simply wait for it to heal over. Crocs can survive for up to 12 months without food! It’s almost impossible for them to catch or get an infection even if they do graze their knee and then get a bit of dirt in it. They never stop growing; as they get older they just keep on getting bigger. When they snap those jaws that’s two and a half tons of pressure striking!

HEI_4476HEI_4476 HEI_4597HEI_4597 HEI_4531HEI_4531 HEI_4605HEI_4605 HEI_4506HEI_4506   HEI_4524HEI_4524


Then, we bought some dinner for a picnic and Ubirr Rock at sunset. The park has a lot of aboriginal art, but as it was getting dark, we could not enjoy these paintings.

HEI_4788HEI_4788 HEI_4828-EditHEI_4828-Edit

In Jabiru we stayed in the Mercure Kakadu Crocodile Hotel that is built in the shape of crocodile. 

On the next day, we started to explore the Aboriginal heritage. Kakadu contains one of the greatest concentrations of rock art sites in the world and constitutes one of the longest historical records of any group of people. Archaeological excavations in the Park have revealed some of the oldest occupation sites in found in Australia dated at 50,000 years old. We visited some of this great aboriginal art at Nourlangie Park. The actual name is “Burrunggui” and “Anbangbang”. A sign describes that the aboriginal people live privately elsewhere in the park and leave this place for visitors to see now.  

HEI_4845HEI_4845 HEI_4867HEI_4867 HEI_4864HEI_4864 HEI_4873HEI_4873 HEI_4879HEI_4879

After enjoying a tasting plate with Buffalo terrine, picked Crocodile, Emu pate, smoked Kangaroo, Buffalo mozzarella, Davidson plum pickle, muntries chutney and damper at the Kakadu Lodge Cooinda....

IMG_3274IMG_3274

... we enjoyed a walk near the edge of the one of the waterways hoping that the crocodiles are unaware of us eating one of their buddies only an hour earlier.

HEI_4915HEI_4915

HEI_4436HEI_4436 IMG_9029IMG_9029 HEI_4948HEI_4948 HEI_4941HEI_4941

HEI_4916HEI_4916 HEI_4919HEI_4919

We stayed overnight at the Kakadu Lodge Cooinda where we saw a snake near one of the cabins and a gecko running up and down the door or our room. 

Next morning, I flew the drone ...

... and took some aerial shots of Jim Jim Creek in the early morning light.

DJI_0035DJI_0035 DJI_0039DJI_0039

Then, we participated in a flatboat cruise from Yellow Waters Cruises on the South Alligator River near Yellow Water.

 

We saw birds like the Rainbow Bee-Eater, Swifer, Snake neck bird, Purple swamp hen, Sacred kingfisher, Blackneck stork, jabiru and many crocodiles.

HEI_4708HEI_4708   HEI_4718HEI_4718 HEI_4973HEI_4973 HEI_5109HEI_5109 HEI_5136HEI_5136   HEI_5411HEI_5411 HEI_5291HEI_5291

HEI_5045HEI_5045

One of the crocs was hunting fishes in the shallow waters of the swamps. We learned that there are three native species of bamboo in Australia. 

HEI_5156HEI_5156

More pictures here.

]]>
[email protected] (Heiko Spallek | digital imaging) australia kakadu national northern park territories https://photos.spallek.com/blog/2017/8/kakadu-national-park Sat, 12 Aug 2017 08:56:22 GMT
Jervis Bay https://photos.spallek.com/blog/2017/7/jervis-bay In January, we took a short weekend vacation to visiting the South Coast, Jervis Bay in particular, which is located at the southern end - Booderee National Park. The area is a coastal paradise in the Shoalhaven region. 

We took the scenic route of the Grand Pacific Driveway from Sydney to the Shoalhaven area. The route starts in the Royal National Park and continues for 140 kilometre as scenic coastal drive through rainforests, over the iconic Sea Cliff Bridge and through the coastal cities and townships of Wollongong, Shellharbour and Kiama.

Sea Cliff Bridge

We used the GoPro mounted on the car's windshield to capture the scenic drive over the 665 metre Sea Cliff Bridge--a highlight along the Grand Pacific Drive. 

GoPro mounted

We admired the brave (foolhardy) young blokes jumping into the Kiama Blowhole. We were told that, with the right sea conditions, it can shoot water up to 25 metres in the air.

 

 

We stopped at the Two Figs Winery to purchase some of the excellent wines from the region.

The girls and I were snorkelling at Callala Beach and we enjoyed the local seafood as well as the relaxing atmosphere. 

Beach Vacation

At the beach, we found dried shark eggs.

shark eggs shark eggs

We finished the trip with a short stop at the Seven Mile Beach National Park located between between Kiama and Nowra.

Seven Mile Beach

And had lunch at the harbourfront Seafood Restaurant in Wollongong prior to driving back to Sydney.

harbourfront

Some video impressions here:

More pictures here.

 

 

 

]]>
[email protected] (Heiko Spallek | digital imaging) bay bridge cliff figs jervis sea shoalhaven shores southern two winery wollongong https://photos.spallek.com/blog/2017/7/jervis-bay Tue, 04 Jul 2017 03:16:13 GMT
Wentworth Falls https://photos.spallek.com/blog/2017/6/wentworth-falls During the weekend, we explored Wentworthville Falls, specifically the waterfall that plunges 100m to the valley floor and gives Wentworth Falls its name.

Wentworth Falls

We also walked on the National Pass and the Wentworth Falls Track, one of the Blue Mountains iconic walking tracks that was constructed in 1906-1907. There is also a nice picnic area nearby.

HEI_4287HEI_4287 HEI_4260HEI_4260 HEI_4363HEI_4363 HEI_4375HEI_4375

"In 2002 the track underwent major restoration works that included helicopters depositing sandstone blocks along the trail and heritage stonemasons perching on cliff faces to set sandstone inserts into steps eroded over the years by weather and walkers. It's an inspiring walk, with fantastic views of the Jamison Valley and beautiful waterfalls at either end.” (ref)

HEI_4334HEI_4334 HEI_4341HEI_4341

The actual water falls can be seen from many different angles and from various levels of the adjacent stairs:

HEI_4294HEI_4294 HEI_4345HEI_4345 HEI_4360HEI_4360 HEI_4352HEI_4352

The drone video has captured the beautiful aerial moments.

More pictures here.

]]>
[email protected] (Heiko Spallek | digital imaging) Australia Blue Falls Mountains Wentworthville https://photos.spallek.com/blog/2017/6/wentworth-falls Thu, 22 Jun 2017 10:37:05 GMT
Bicentennial Coastal Walk https://photos.spallek.com/blog/2017/6/bicentennial-coastal-walk Last weekend, we walked part of the Bicentennial Coastal Walk. We started at Long Reef Beach at the Northern Beaches near Narrabeen Lagoon and made it up to Dee Why Lagoon. 

Map Long ReefMap Long Reef

Sandbanks shape beach breaks that are great for beginners and intermediate surfers.

HEI_4077HEI_4077 While we did not see migrating whales as we had hoped, we enjoyed an Eastern Osprey circling around us with his prey in his claws.

Eastern Osprey Eastern Osprey Eastern Osprey Eastern Osprey

The Australian Pelicans, Australia's only species of pelican, can have a body of up to 1.8 m long.

Australian Pelican

HEI_4101HEI_4101 HEI_4102HEI_4102

From the headlands next to the Long Reef Golf Club as well as from Dee Why Lagoon, we started the drone to enjoy the arial view:

More pictures here.

]]>
[email protected] (Heiko Spallek | digital imaging) Australia Beach Beaches Bicentennial Club Coastal Dee Golf Lagoon Long Narrabeen Northern Reef Sydney Walk Why https://photos.spallek.com/blog/2017/6/bicentennial-coastal-walk Mon, 19 Jun 2017 20:20:00 GMT
Wattamolla, Royal National Park https://photos.spallek.com/blog/2017/6/wattamolla-royal-national-park On Sunday, Gisela and I walked 5 kilometres of the 26 kilometres Coast Track within the Royal National Park. We started at Wattamolla—a cove, lagoon, and beach on the New South Wales coast south of Sydney. 

4.5 km

HEI_3915HEI_3915

We parked at the Wattamolla Picnic Area and walked South, taking pictures and letting the drone fly above us.

HEI_3920HEI_3920

During our walk, we spotted two humpback whales traveling North along the shoreline.

Here more images.

 

 
 

]]>
[email protected] (Heiko Spallek | digital imaging) Australia Coast National New Park Royal South Track Wales Wattamolla https://photos.spallek.com/blog/2017/6/wattamolla-royal-national-park Sun, 04 Jun 2017 20:22:17 GMT
Central Tablelands https://photos.spallek.com/blog/2017/6/central-tablelands In August 2016, we visited the Central Tablelands in New South Wales. After meeting Aboriginal Elders and visiting several Aboriginal Medical Services under guidance of the Director of the Poche Centre for Indigenous Health, we explored the beauties of the Central Tablelands.

IMG_2086IMG_2086 IMG_2049IMG_2049

Driving can be challenging on dirt roads.

Driving on Dirt Road HEI_6532-EditHEI_6532-Edit

HEI_6541HEI_6541

Airplanes and airports are often very small and everything is handled in a very informal way.

Moree Moree

We did not expect to see so many impressive waterfalls in a modest highland area that peaks at 1,500 metres. The "New England National Park” features a so called Waterfall Way that connects the various waterfall attractions.

 

We also enjoyed a tour of the L P Dutton Trout Hatchery that releases Rainbow Trout into the streams of New South Wales for fishing.

We were also lucky to spot the signature bird of the area, the Superb Lyrebird - the largest songbird in the world apparently. This bird can mimic man-made sounds, like a chainsaw, a car alarm and toy guns

Superb Lyrebird
Here a short video of the waterfalls and the Lyrebird.

Here more images.

]]>
[email protected] (Heiko Spallek | digital imaging) Australia Central Hatchery Lyrebird Superb Tablelands https://photos.spallek.com/blog/2017/6/central-tablelands Sat, 03 Jun 2017 18:54:46 GMT
Vivid in Sydney https://photos.spallek.com/blog/2017/5/vivid-in-sydney Vivid, the annual lighting festival, includes performances from musicians, artists and an exchange of ideas in public debates. I participated in the "Collective Walking Tour" with Canon to get advice on the best spots to capture the beauty of the various projections--the light show on the Sydney Opera House probably being the most impressive one.

Sydney Opera House - Vivid 2017

I had the opportunity to stand next to the light projectors on the cruise ship terminal. Next to the light projectors

In 2016, Vivid Sydney was extended to 23 nights from 27 May to 18 June and was attended by more than 2.3 million people according to Destination NSW. No numbers for 2017 yet, but there were many people...

Crowded walkways at Vivid   

Crowds at Vivid Crowds at Vivid

The Harbour Bridge is bathed in light as well.

Harbour Bridge

However, Vivid extents beyond just the iconic symbols of Sydney.

Umbrellas    MCA

Impressive projectors provide the light for the various displays.

Powerful Projectors at Vivid

Vivid displays can be seen from many angles and view points.

Small video here (mostly as time lapse):

More pictures here

]]>
[email protected] (Heiko Spallek | digital imaging) Australia Canon Light Sydney Vivid https://photos.spallek.com/blog/2017/5/vivid-in-sydney Mon, 29 May 2017 06:11:54 GMT
Broken Hill https://photos.spallek.com/blog/2017/4/broken-hill In September 2016 and in April 2017, we made trips to Broken Hill, called the "Capital of the Outback". The first trip was with the family and the second one with Professor James Deschner from the University of Bonn. The "BH" in the world's largest mining company, BHP Billiton, refers to "Broken Hill" and its early operations in the city. The closest major city is Adelaide, the capital of South Australia, which is more than 500 km (311 mi) to the southwest. Unlike the rest of New South Wales, Broken Hill (and the surrounding region) observes Australian Central Standard Time (UTC+9:30), the same time zone used in South Australia and the Northern Territory. This is because at the time the Australian dominions adopted standard time, Broken Hill's only direct rail link was with Adelaide, not Sydney. Driving a few kilometres outside the town sets your mobile phone’s clock half an hour back as the time Adelaide time zones applies only inside the town borders.
HEI_3386HEI_3386

We visited Silverton—I am not into "Mad Max” movies, but the Mad Max 2 movie was filmed in Broken Hill and Silverton. While Mad Max tourists stop at the Silverton Hotel for nostalgia, we actually had a good lunch there just because we were hungry.
Our drive to Silverton:

Silverton Silverton Silverton Silverton

After lunch, we drove to the Mundi Mundi plain overview, where much of the opening of the film was shot. We mostly enjoyed the breathtaking view despite the wind. The wide, flat Australian outback extends seemingly forever—in fact it is so flat and so devoid of trees and shrubs that you can see the curvature of the earth.
HEI_7963-EditHEI_7963-Edit

We visited the Day Dream Mine located northwest of Silverton and about 20 kilometres outside of Broken Hill. It was established in 1882 and now serves as tourist attraction. We were allowed to walk into the mine down to level 4 - a welcome change as the outdoors were extremely windy due to a strong cyclone over Southern Australia that caused major power outages and damages near Adelaide.

HEI_7848Day Dream Mine

HEI_7848Day Dream Mine

HEI_7848Day Dream Mine

HEI_7848Day Dream Mine

HEI_7848Day Dream Mine

HEI_7848Day Dream Mine

HEI_7848Day Dream Mine

HEI_7848Day Dream Mine HEI_7848Day Dream Mine

HEI_7865HEI_7865

Afterwards, we stopped by at the Line of Lode Miners Memorial and Visitors Centre, on the edge of the mullock heap.

Miners Memorial Miners Memorial Miners Memorial Miners Memorial Miners Memorial

Broken Hill is home of one of the largest Solar Plant in the Southern Hemisphere due to its extensive daylight hours of sunshine—temperatures can go up to 47 C (116 F).

HEI_8609HEI_8609
I had dinner with the local health administrators was in The Palace Hotel, formerly known as Mario's Palace and the place where The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert (1994) was in part shot. The Palace Hotel Broken Hill was used as a stop-over for the characters in the 1994 Australian iconic movie. Many favourite scenes from the movie were filmed in and around Broken Hill and throughout various locations within the Hotel
IMG_1586-2IMG_1586-2

I got a tour of the Royal Flying Doctors Service (RFDS) base in Broken Hill that sends airplanes with doctors, dentists, nurses, physical therapists, occupational therapists, etc. to many of the remote communities. The services include evacuations of patients that need help in hospitals and the transport of medical equipment. Residents have to make a “roo run” on the airstrip prior to the landing to chase kangaroos and emus away. Airplanes land on dirt airstrips near mobile clinics that often serve only 20 residents living in an outpost. The airplane waits until all patients have been seen and returns with the medical personnel and the equipment to the base (most remote locations have no sterilisation, so everything is carried back to base for cleaning and sterilisation). Recently, an airstrip lost power prior to a night evacuation (none have radar or any other electronic landing help) and the pilot had to instruct the person on the ground how to soak toilet paper rolls in diesel and set them on fire with the help of petroleum to mark the landing strip. Each two hour trip costs about $10,000 using modified $7.5 million King Air propeller aircrafts: The modifications include higher landing gear that elevates the engines farther from the ground when landing on dirt, a $1.5 million interior change that allows to change the inside of the plane in 30 minutes to an intensive care unit when evacuations are needed and a larger door for hoisting stretchers into the plane.  The RFDS proudly reported that they transported 90,000 patients last year. We also learned that they maintain "Medicine Chests” in remote areas where, after teleconference advice from centrally located doctors, residents can get prepared medicine for self-administration. 
RFDS RFDS RFDS

RFDS RFDS

We went with a guide to the Mutawintji National Park, driving for hours on dirt roads with a 4-wheel drive bus, going on bush walks with a guide and exploring the rich Aboriginal history.

Map from Broken Hill to Mutawintji Park

HEI_8330Mutawintji

Many cars have roo bars (called bullbar or push bumper in other countries) installed to protect them from crashes with kangaroos. 

Roobars Roobars Roobars Roobars Roobars

The area around Broken Hill is characterised by sheep and cattle farms, each between 50,000 and 180,000 acres of size. We saw kangaroos, emus, Bearded Dragons and Shingle Back lizard.

Reptiles Reptiles Reptiles Reptiles Reptiles Reptiles

We also enjoyed the art at the Living Desert and Sculptures site.

Living Desert and Sculptures Living Desert and Sculptures Living Desert and Sculptures
In the evening, we enjoyed a stargazing session with Outback Astronomy—a guide explained the constellations and we could look through a telescope and observe the rings of Saturn and other spectacular objects, including nebulae, star clusters and other galaxies in a sky not polluted by other light sources.

More pictures here.

 

]]>
[email protected] (Heiko Spallek | digital imaging) Astronomy Australia Broken Hill https://photos.spallek.com/blog/2017/4/broken-hill Sun, 30 Apr 2017 06:59:38 GMT
Carriageworks Farmers Market https://photos.spallek.com/blog/2017/4/carriageworks-farmers-market This Saturday, we visited Carriageworks Farmers Market. The Carriageworks is the largest and most significant contemporary multi-arts centre of its kind in Australia. The building is on the old Eveleigh Rail Yards at Wilson Street, located near the University of Sydney's Business School and only a 5-min walk from the Redfern Train Station. The nineteenth century industrial atmosphere of the former railway carriage interestingly mixes with the offered foods from across New South Wales.

Carriageworks entry from Carriageworks Way:

Carriageworks Entry

Carriageworks

Bustling Farmers Market on a Saturday:

Bustling Farmers Market

Produce by farmers and artisans:

Produce Produce Produce Produce Produce Produce Produce Produce Produce Produce

We purchased some mushrooms:

Purchasing Mushrooms

For lunch, we converted the purchased pasta and mushrooms into a delicious dish.

Mushrooms Mushrooms Mushrooms Mushrooms

More pictures here.

]]>
[email protected] (Heiko Spallek | digital imaging) Australia Farmers Market Produce Sydney https://photos.spallek.com/blog/2017/4/carriageworks-farmers-market Sat, 29 Apr 2017 20:21:47 GMT
Blackheath, Blue Mountains https://photos.spallek.com/blog/2017/3/blackheath-blue-mountains In January of 2017, we visited Blackheath, located near the highest point of the Blue Mountains, between Katoomba and Mount Victoria in New South Wales. According to Wikipedia, "the region of what is now known as Blackheath was originally known as East Lithgow. Surrounding areas were thought to be a summer corroboree meeting place for several Indigenous peoples of the Darug, Gundungurra and Wiradjuri nations."

We embarked on several bush walks marvelling at the colourful flora along the paths.

  Grasstree

The resilience of the trees who have survived bush fires is impressive. Here a picture of a living tree.

Tree, many years after a bush fire.

Grass Trees are the first ones showing green after a bush fire. When you buy one of these plants for your garden, the instructions indicate that they "benefit from burning off occasionally". A Grass Tree can be seen on the Australian $2 coin. 

Grass Tree

Gisela almost stepped on a 40 centimetre long Blotched Blue-tongue Lizard.

Blotched Blue-tongue LizardBlotched Blue-tongue Lizard Blotched Blue-tongue LizardBlotched Blue-tongue Lizard Blotched Blue-tongue LizardBlotched Blue-tongue Lizard

Evans Lookout is located at the top of the escarpment providing one of the best views.

Evans Lookout The Cathedral of Ferns was one of the highlights of the trip.

Cathedral of Ferns Cathedral of Ferns Cathedral of Ferns Cathedral of Ferns

We discovered the Victory Theatre Antique Centre which is the largest antique centre west of Sydney.

Victory Theatre Antique Centre

The Blue Mountain Botanic Garden Mount Tomah is a 252 hectare estate that sits on the summit of basalt capped peak. We enjoyed the plants and a lunch concluding our trip. The gardens are occupied by many lizards and we even observed a opossum in one of the shelters. 

Botanical Garden Botanical Garden Botanical Garden Botanical Garden Botanical Garden   lizard

Opossum

Here a small video of our travels through the Blue Mountains near Blackheath.

More pictures here.

]]>
[email protected] (Heiko Spallek | digital imaging) Australia Blackheath Blue Mountains Opossum https://photos.spallek.com/blog/2017/3/blackheath-blue-mountains Sun, 12 Mar 2017 06:07:34 GMT
Avalon Beach https://photos.spallek.com/blog/2017/1/avalon-beach Following a Sydney tradition, we spent most of Christmas Day on the beach—trying out our new beach tent. We drove about an hour North to escape the tourists who crowd the famous beaches, like Bondi, Coogee or Manly, to enjoy the sand and water at Avalon Beach

The beach is about 50 km north of our home in Northmead in the Northern Beaches region. The beach is mostly a surfing beach, but it also has a 25-metre salt water rock pool at the south end whose bottom is overgrown with kelp--watch the video below.

]]>
[email protected] (Heiko Spallek | digital imaging) Avalon Beach Beaches Northern https://photos.spallek.com/blog/2017/1/avalon-beach Sun, 08 Jan 2017 22:06:11 GMT
Sydney New Years Eve 2016 https://photos.spallek.com/blog/2017/1/sydney-new-years-eve-2016 For New Years Eve (NYE, or hashtag #SydNYE), we set up our tent on Cockatoo Island camping in the middle of Sydney Harbour. Cockatoo Island is an old industrial site which reminded us of Pittsburgh given the many old steel manufacturing building there, like in the huge turbine assembly plant used for ship engines.

We watched the fireworks with thousands of other people who managed to get tickets to one of the campgrounds set up on the little Island. Others just put up chairs somewhere on the shorelines of Sydney Harbour, or charter a boat to see the fireworks from the water (between $1,000 and $3,000 per person depending on the boat). The city officials tweeted at 9:30 pm on NYE that “All Vantage Points in the City, Darling Harbour, and North Sydney are FULL. Do not travel into the city or North Sydney.”

spectators spectators

New Years Evening in Sydney is something very special! Before the family fireworks at 9 pm, there was an airshow and a Welcome to Country honouring the traditional owners of the land. Then at 9 pm, we watched the Family Fireworks Display that originated from barges that were anchored on the Sydney Harbour—one of them very close to Cockatoo Island providing us with a front-row seat. The Midnight Fireworks Display was spectacular as expected, but due to the direction of the wind, the fireworks were partially obstructed by the smoke emitted from the exploding pyrotechnic. After staying the night on the Island, we departed to our car via a ferry shuttle next morning. 

NYE Fireworks NYE Fireworks NYE Fireworks

More images here.

]]>
[email protected] (Heiko Spallek | digital imaging) Australia Eve Harbour NYE New Sydney Years fireworks https://photos.spallek.com/blog/2017/1/sydney-new-years-eve-2016 Sun, 01 Jan 2017 20:08:22 GMT
Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race https://photos.spallek.com/blog/2016/12/sydney-to-hobart-yacht-race On Boxing Day, we spent five hours on a Sailing Boat, the "South Passage”, watching the start of the Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race. This year was the 72nd edition of the Yacht Race that begins at 1 pm on the 26th of December. Yachts from 60 to 100 feet long get to start at the front line just north of Shark Island, while the second start line is 0.2 nautical miles behind and includes all other boat sizes. The vessels sail one nautical mile out to sea past Sydney Heads, then they turn south to Tasmania. We had a first-row seat on the South Passage as we were sailing only meters away from restricted race area. When the start canon fired, we sailed along, although much slower, until the racing boats, among them the eight time winner, Wild Oats XI, that had to drop out due to mechanical problems, turned into the Pacific. One of the boats passed the start line prior to the canon shot and had to turn around passing the start line again.

We left from Darling Harbour:

Darling Harbour

We observed the boats prior to race start:

before race start before race start

HEI_0850HEI_0850

There were many observers--on the water and in helicopters:

observers observers observers

HEI_0954HEI_0954

Then, the race started at 1 pm, sharp:

race race race race race

On our way back, the 100 foot gaff rigged Schooner, which was built so that all sails can be managed from the deck, put up its sails and we steered without engine underneath the Sydney Harbour Bridge.

HEI_1112HEI_1112 HEI_0761HEI_0761 HEI_0760HEI_0760

Our 5-min video of the experience:

We watched the Yacht Race again in 2021 on the Schaefer 375 HT:

More images here.

]]>
[email protected] (Heiko Spallek | digital imaging) boat hobart race Sydney yacht https://photos.spallek.com/blog/2016/12/sydney-to-hobart-yacht-race Thu, 29 Dec 2016 19:12:08 GMT
Flying Foxes at Botanic Garden https://photos.spallek.com/blog/2016/12/flying-foxes-at-botanic-garden After a nice picnic at Mrs Macquarie's Chair, I attempted to take picture of the flying foxes that can still be seen outside the Royal Botanic Garden Sydney, where they eat fruits from the fig trees at night.  For decades the Royal Botanic Garden has been the home to a large colony of native Grey-headed Flying Foxes, a large species of fruit bat. The colony (estimated to be over 20,000 strong at times) caused significant damage to the trees used for roosting, especially around the Palm Grove Centre where dozens of historic trees were killed or severely damaged. With the help of remotely triggered flashlights held by Gisela and Alexandra, I succeeded to take some pictures in near darkness:

Flying Fox

HEI_0620HEI_0620

HEI_0593HEI_0593

HEI_0664HEI_0664

More pictures here.
 

]]>
[email protected] (Heiko Spallek | digital imaging) bat flying fox fruit sydney https://photos.spallek.com/blog/2016/12/flying-foxes-at-botanic-garden Sat, 24 Dec 2016 20:41:45 GMT
Royal Botanic Garden Sydney https://photos.spallek.com/blog/2016/12/royal-botanic-garden-sydney During the Christmas break, we visited the Royal Botanic Garden Sydney--64 hectares located harbourside near Mrs Macquarie's Chair, immediately adjacent to the Sydney CBD and the Sydney Opera House. The Garden, established 1816, is celebrating its 200th anniversary this year, currently visited by more than 3.5 million people each year. It is the oldest botanic garden and scientific institution in Australia housing an outstanding collection of plants (8,900 species) from around the world with a focus on Australia and the South Pacific. But, it also includes an herb garden with many common (e.g. basic and parsley) and exotic spice plants (e.g. Sweet Honey Leaf - Stevia rebaudiana). 

HEI_0492HEI_0492 HEI_0459HEI_0459

HEI_0468HEI_0468 HEI_0560HEI_0560 HEI_0536HEI_0536

HEI_0539HEI_0539 More pictures here.

]]>
[email protected] (Heiko Spallek | digital imaging) Australia Sydney botanic garden royal https://photos.spallek.com/blog/2016/12/royal-botanic-garden-sydney Sat, 24 Dec 2016 18:59:40 GMT
Dubbo Zoo https://photos.spallek.com/blog/2016/9/dubbo-zoo The Dubbo Zoo is officially named the “Taronga Western Plains Zoo, Dubbo.” It is home to hundreds of animals from around the world and consists of a 6 km circuit that meanders through natural bushland and around large open style exhibits.

We liked the extremely large outdoor areas where African animals roamed almost freely. We have never seen a zoo where the animals looks so well kept and not suffering from “cage rage.” Zoo keepers, we learned later, make a lot of effort to enrich the animals’ lives. This includes distributing some zebra poo in the lion cage to make them excited. The zoo designers tried to provide as much as possible characteristics of their natural habitat for each animal.Given the temperatures in Australia, creating pseudo-natural habitats is obviously a bit easier than in, for instance, Berlin or Pittsburgh.

We stayed overnight on zoo grounds enjoying a Zoofari that is advertised as "an intimate retreat comprising stunning Guest House, luxurious accommodation, cuisine and guided Zoo tours, and offers a private and luxurious African safari style experience in the heart of the Zoo.” 

We started out with Hippo dental care:

Hippo Dental Care Hippo Dental Care

Giraffes were shown in an impressively large area and during our private zoo tour we were allowed to feed them:

Giraffes

Feeding Giraffes Feeding Giraffes

The Otter feeding was fun to watch:

Otters Otters Otters Otters

The evening feeding of the African Wild Dogs was an impressive spectacle:

Wild African Dogs Wild African Dogs Wild African Dogs Wild African Dogs

Early in the morning, before the zoo opened to regular visitors, we were permitted to watch the feeding and cleaning of the Elephants:

Elephants Elephants Elephants Elephants

Observing the animals in the early morning fog let us almost forget that this was not Africa:

Early morning fog Early morning fog Early morning fog

More pictures here.

]]>
[email protected] (Heiko Spallek | digital imaging) Australia Dubbo elephant giraffe otter zoo https://photos.spallek.com/blog/2016/9/dubbo-zoo Sat, 10 Sep 2016 23:40:26 GMT
Sydney Fish Market https://photos.spallek.com/blog/2016/8/sydney-fish-market On Sunday, we went to the Sydney Fish Market located on Blackwattle Bay, in the Inner West suburb of Pyrmont. The Sydney Fish Market was established in 1945 by the state government and was privatized in 1994. It is the world's third largest fish market. We did not see the fishing port and the wholesale fish market, but the fresh seafood retail market was accessible—if one can say so given that it was so crowded that we could barely fit through the aisles. 

In addition to usual things that you would expect at any fish market, we saw many exotic sea food items:

You do not need to take the sea food home and prepare it, as there are many restaurants and vendors which provide oysters and sushi, but also fried and cooked sea food.

 

On Christmas Eve 2016, or morning to be precise at 2 am, we visited the Sydney Fish Market again. This is a tradition for people in Sydney as the Market opens each year from 5 am on the 23rd of December for its annual 36-hour seafood marathon. By the time the market closes at 5 pm on the 24th, the six wet fish retailers serve around 100,000 customers about 700 tonnes of seafood; including 200 tonnes of prawns, 900,000 oysters and everything in between. We contributed this year purchasing prawns, tuna, trout and salmon for the holidays. The nightly visit is somewhat strange as you wouldn't expect such a large crowd in a store at that time of the day: 

More photos here and more information about the Sydney Fish Market here.

]]>
[email protected] (Heiko Spallek | digital imaging) fish market prawn salmon shrimp sydney trout tuna https://photos.spallek.com/blog/2016/8/sydney-fish-market Mon, 15 Aug 2016 03:15:19 GMT
Dee Why Beach in Winter https://photos.spallek.com/blog/2016/7/dee-why-beach-in-winter After our dog arrived from the US via Melbourne on a 10-day journey, we owed him some nice walks, allowing him to explore his new surroundings. We headed to Dee Why Beech which is quite different at this time of the year compared to the summer. The dog had a lot of fun in the salt water and the lagoon.

Tony