Shopping at Birmingham - German Night Market

I would like to wish all friends  whom visit my blogger. "A Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year -2012"

On last Wednesday, my day off.  Shopping at Birmingham Bull ring to get last minutes presents for my son and daughter. As my son has decided he will not join the school trip to Morocco in July 2012. As this trip will be a Christmas present for him. On the way to Birmingham, what an amazing sight,  is a group of horses forming one circle enjoying themselves eating hay. I have never seen such a beautiful scene before and could not stop myself taking photos of them.

The horse breeder let us take some photos of his horses. The horse breeder's wife let us know that her baby is the most beautiful poser and wonder whether we would like a photo of her baby. I could not resist this opportunity and take up her offer. She let us know that since she is childless and the horses are her babies.  All his love for his horses are shown on his face.

All the above horses are Irish Cross breed. They are trained for cross jumping. Thanks to the horse breeder and his wife warm welcome. We spent an enjoyable hour with their horses. After that we carry on with our journey to Birmingham.  Reach the Bull ring, take a break and have a cup of latte and enjoy the scene of christmas lighting in the bull ring.

After one hour browsing into the shops, manage to get 2 presents for my son. Have totally forgotten that there is a German night market outside the Bull ring. At the night markets, stalls display all the Christmas goodies, handbags and jewellery. Especially the german sausages stalls  where they grilled the sausages and the beers which most enjoyable.

 Nice to take some of the photos of this night market but not for shopping due to it is too packed with shoppers. Spent 2 hours around the night market taking christmas lights.

Most of the shops already have great discounts on even it is not yet boxing day. I have spent almost 4 to 5 hours taking pictures and my children are waiting at home for me to cook dinner for them. So have to pack up and go back home for dinner.

On my way back to the car park, have to take the last few photos of the place. Pleased to know that my son are happy with his presents.

Once again *A Merry Christmas and A Happy, Happy New Year -2012* to all my friends and readers.

Walking in the Severn Gorge, Shropshire

I have heard of Iron Bridge in Telford, but have not been there before. This Coalbrookdale district used to be a centre of industry for  smelting iron with coke instead of charcoal. The founder Abraham Darby I, new innovation which changed the world. This district became the foremost industrial in the world. Unfortunately, the area fell into decay due to decline in demand. Now,  native has reclaimed  sites once ruled by industry, making Coalbrookdale a lovely setting  for a walk rich in natural beauty as well as historical interest.

There is a car park in front the Gorge Museum. From here follow the path way to the Iron bridge. The cast iron bridge is built across river Severn in 1779.  This famous cast iron bridge attracts lot of tourists and painters in the early days. England first bear makers "Merrythought Teddy Bear" is established in 1930. There is a Merrythought Teddy Bear Museum which is 5 minutes away from the car park. Its worth a visit.

Iron bridge is the world's first arch bridge made of cast iron. The workmanship of this bridge is amazing. 

Opposite this Iron bridge are rows of shop houses where there are hotels, B&B, cafes and gift shops and also there is a market place.  It is beautiful little town with lot of Christmas decorations on.

Following the public footpaths of the iron bridge there lead to a number of sites of national nature conservation. Due to shortage of time, didn't have a chance to trek into the reserve.  I have manage to capture some of the nature around the river severn

Iron bridge has problem of flooding from River Severn, as other parts of Shropshire. In Year 2004 and 2006, flooding caused much damage and disruption  to the wharfage, local business and private homes.

Enjoying my stroll with this fabulous views at Severn Gorge. Those whom love trekking and strolling,   this woodland, grassland and other countryside  within the Ironbridge Gorge with the dramatic landscape is recommended.

Scored for this place: 3 stars

Travelling to Singapore in 2010- Part 2

I did not know how difficult it is to write about the country where you are born and living for more than 30 years. Now I have to write in the eyes of a tourist that is the reason why it take me so long to finish my 2nd part of travelling to Singapore.

For the last few days in Singapore, all we do is eat, sight-seeing and visiting friends and relatives. We still have one thing which we haven't do yet.  That's shopping. So for today, we spent our whole day shopping for gifts and items which we need to get.

Bugis Junction is a shopping complex where joined by a few shopping complexs together and where we can travel by MRT direct to the shopping centres.  Here we get all items which we need and it is grand sales months where most of the great discounts are on.  Near Bugis Junction, there is a "pasar malam"  at Bugis Street which is similar to night markets where stalls selling crafts, clothings, watches, food and etc. About 15 minutes walk from Bugis to Bras Basah  complex where you can get secondhand books such as romance books, fiction and non fictions books, comics and manga books are at a special prices which is only cost one third of the original price. Good bargains which you can't get from anywhere.

Opposite to this Bras Basah complex, there are shops which are famous for the Hainaness chicken rice. One of the popular dishes in Singapore.

For the night, my friend arrange for transport to take us to Singapore Zoo Night Safari Tour. Unfortunately, this is not a very good experience which is a waste of money and times. We have a long queue and also we are not allow to take any photos due to it will frighten the animals. There are so many different animals in this zoo but due to it is night time, totally can't see any of the animals. I would recommend not to waste money on this but go to the Singapore zoo in the day time where you can see so many different species animals in there.

During the animals show, something funny happened which is the world largest python escape from the cage. The zookeepers in the above photo, found that she is hidden under the seats of the crowds. It needed about 6 people to hold this python.

One last day left in Singapore, we decided no sight-seeing anymore but shopping is more important. Orchard Road in Singapore where all posh brands of goods are selling in there.  So it is a must for us to get something from there.

  At the Orchard Road, there are plenty of shopping centres, hotels, restaurants and food courts where you can enjoy yourself with either Dim Sum, High Tea, Buffets or food in the food courts. Prices of food in here are reasonable and lot of bargain goods to get from here. June and July are the grand sales in Singapore.

Last night in Singapore, my sister arrange for all family members and friends gathering at her house.  We have lot of friends and family members coming for dinner.  The next day, my sisters, nephew, friends and their family members are going with us to visit Hong Kong for a few days.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank my sisters and family members, my friends for making this trip so memorable and enjoyable that my children and relatives want to visit Singapore again soon.

Also my nephew dog, Danny whom has passed away peacefully in November 2012. We all missed him.

Our trip do not end here, my sisters, nephew and friends are joining us to Hong Kong. I will write our trip to Hong Kong and Macau in my blog soon.

More of our trips to Hong Kong and Macau will be coming soon.