A Walk Through The Town Of Lubeck - #3

It was noon and we were a little hungry. Hendrik suggested we had lunch in the “oldest pub in the world” – the famous Schiffer Gesellschaft restaurant in this building of the Seaman’s Guild.

It had a majestic interior that spoke heavily of the past. The dark solid wood contrasted beautifully with the white table top. I had a wonderful dish of giant white asparagus, to read more click on this - The Unique Flavor of the Giant White Asparagus.

When we exited the restaurant, we were surprised that the road has been wet with rain. With our stomach full, we took a leisurely walk and chat down the street. We met fellow walkers and cyclists along the way usually in pair doing what we did.

There are some beautiful pubs along the way.

It would be very pleasant to sit outside in this cool summer weather having a pint.

There are beautifully manicured lawn and flowers. These types of lovely quiet spots are what is missing in most Asian countries especially in the city.

Two white benches among nature’s green and blooming roses. Wished I was sitting there on one bench with my love sitting in the next having a quiet shared moment. It was so easy to day dream in beautiful country.

There were many types of roses everywhere. Here is a purple climbing rose plant against the wall.

From small streets we would come out to main street and would then took other small streets in random. We were making leisurely discoveries and just taking them all in slowly. After so many years of travel, I am finding that I recalled the quiet moments more fondly.

The Atlanta Hotel, Bangkok - #4 (The Garden).

The Atlanta has a small garden that is also a mini-jungle with fully grown trees and a slightly unkempt look that gave it a more authentic atmosphere than a perfectly manicured one.

You can comes across beautiful blooms or…

tall slender palms tree that provided a complete shade from the tropical sun.

This is the path that leads directly from the hotel lobby to the swimming pool. The garden is in-between and to both sides.

To the left, you came to a gated section that is partially hidden from the rest of the hotel. There is a lazy reclining chair inside. You can push the creaking iron gate to step into a little secluded world of its own. Considering that the hotel is so small, it is amazing that this little spot can give one so much solitude.

Like the rest of the hotel, there are surprising little finds littered all over the place.

Like this little Thai shrine hanging with fresh garden that all at once gave it an exotic atmosphere that is uniquely distinct.

Almost hidden by the plants is the coy figurine of a naked lady trying to shield herself. A rather erotic figure that gave you pause for it arose the same feeling as you would, had you stumble on a real bathing lady by accident.

On the other hand, you had a different sort of strange feeling when you came across this statue holding up the light like the statue of liberty. It would have been totally out of place in the company of the shrine and naked lady had this place been anything but The Atlanta. For here, a mish-mash of objects seemed perfectly acceptable even given its incongruity.

If you chose the path on the right, you came across this sign informing you of the oldest inhabitants of the hotel – Archibald and Doris who lived in this pond with their children. The hotel placed more importance to them and the cats than you, their guests especially if you misbehaved.

This must be one of the little one.

Across the pond, I saw the workers’ quarters. Through the screen, I saw this hotel worker ironing the bed-sheet. Thought it made an interesting picture.

Every section of the hotel has its distinct character unlike any you have made. This is a hotel with personality and as you acquaint yourself more with it, you tends to think it is one with multiple personalities.

HAPPY NEW YEAR! HAPPY 2008!

Let me welcome all the readers of Ghost Walk to a Happy & Prosperous 2008 with a blast of colors. And what better ways to do that with flowers. This morning, I went to my favorite Orchid farm in Subang opposite the old airport. I always buy my orchids from there as they are owned by very nice people who through the years have become friends.

Chinese like to buy what is commonly called “Kor Nin Far” (New Year Flowers) to brighten up the homes during the Chinese New Year (falling on the 7 & 8 of February this year). They are usually of very vibrant colors, the favorite of which are red symbolizing prosperity and orange symbolizing gold. These flowers are usually grown in the highlands and not really suitable for the warmer climate of the city. Besides, they are pumped full of hormone to get them to bloom gloriously for the duration of the CNY after which they just withered away.

I bought orchids for the Chinese New Year and I bought them usually a month early. I selected those with just buds and flowers and it will bloom just before CNY and last easily 1 to 2 months longer. We are able to get the plants to continue flowering for us the rest of the year. This is the reason why I prefer orchids over other more popular flowers. Besides, I am not one who believes that fortune can be ushered in by auspicious sounds or good luck charms.

But I believe that appreciation of objects of beauty can lifts one’s mood and that is auspicious enough for me. And there are fewer objects more beautiful than flowers. So this morning, I went back to the orchid farm to favorably usher in 2008 and share them with you through these photographs. Family, Friends, Relatives & Readers; have a good year and may you stay as beautiful as these flowers. Enjoy! One Flower for each month of the year –

January

February

March

April

May

June

July

August

September

October

November


December

To make everyone extra happy, here are more pictures hoping that your years too will come with pleasant surprises.

A rooster strutted through the main gate trumpeting his arrival even though it is mid-day. May your God of Prosperity make as great an entrance.

A "Dancing Lady" symbolizing romance - may your year be as romantic.

Firecrackers orchids (took some liberty here) - may your year be as explosively great.

And as beautiful.


HAPPY NEW YEAR! HAPPY 2008!