2 hound dogs

Isn't it amazing how far these 2 hound dogs have come since Trooper first came into the house? Now these 2 brothers hang out, chill, and influence each other. See how their resting positions are almost reflective of each other?

The blue towel in the background - that's Trooper's security blanket. Most days he'd twirl around it a couple of times before curling up to lie down.

Days like today, he'd just imitate whatever Bruno's doing.

Guess who's the alpha dog?

Sofitel in Xian

西安 Sofitel at Renmin Square - Exterior

This is a really nice hotel in the city located within a nice walled compound.

The 2 wings of the hotel are located on either side of the very grand People's Theatre.

I love the compounds of the ground, but didn't manage to take the morning or evening walk that I'd initially wanted to. Too little time and too much rain.

Weather was nice and cool during my visit, though not without a fair share of rain. These outdoor shots were taken after one whole day of rain the day before, hence the clear blue skies.

The rooms were nice and big, no complaints at all. I didn't take good shots of the room, was too lazy to get good angles, but would highly recommend this hotel. Bed was nice, bathrooms were huge with separate bath and shower (rain shower from grohe) area.

Eeeew this is a lousy shot...

Beyond the curtains is a huge bay window where I look out to the city in the morning.

Oh, and they give out bed time chocolates each day. . .

Breakfast is a good spread though I didnt try too much - too early to eat too much. I was more than satisfied with their butter and rolls, and a fresh brewed pot of coffee. Yes coffee was served in a french press to each customer hence the wonderful aroma of fresh brewed coffee - woo hoo!

Trust the french to make the best butter and rolls. Yummm! Pity I didnt take any photos of breakfast.

Service was good too, no complaints about the room, and linens. There was a turn down service each night hence the chocolates on my pillow.

I also tested their concierge service, sending them at 1am in the morning in search of 白酒as a gift for a business associate the next morning. The concierge was obliging and thoughtful, understanding the urgency of the matter, yet was also concerned that I needed to rest early.

In short I was generally happy with this hotel, and would definitely stay here on my next visit.

Happiness

The happiest people in the world don't have the best of everything.

They make the best of everything they have.

Let's live simply, and love generously.

True happiness lies within ourselves, we must not deny ourselves of the right to be true and happy to ourselves.

Finally there is some time to sit and reflect. Some quality ME time.

Looking back, 3 months have passed in half a blink of an eye. 4 set ups and many manhours later, here I am again on my first rest day in 2 weeks.

I is tired. Though not unhappy. Satisfaction.

So quick!

I can't believe how fast April has come and gone, taking along May as well. Welcome to June which is halfway through.

I have too little time and too much to do.

It seemed so recent that I was enjoying the sights, sounds and tastes of Beijing.

Time flies indeed, too little too soon.

Beijing 1

This is the first message to greet all visitors to Beijing. R-E-L-A-X..... take it easy, you're in Beijing.

Made my way to Beijing finally! Arrived late in the evening.

Headed to this place for supper - lovely! Check out what we had -

烤鱼，肉串， 炒饭 , oysters amongst other things. Mind Numbing Spicy!

This is the dish that takes the cake - our lips felt like swollen sausages! At least for a while. 小龙虾

After supper we went back to our customised bedroom slippers and hit the sack. Zzzzzz.....

Lovely Crabapple flowers - they're in season now.

Huge steamed 地瓜 easily a kilo each.

More to come soon.

Cheer

Cheer Chen's concert was a blast - went on for 3.5 hrs. What started as an enjoyable evening in a cosy environment developed into high with every one in the normally reclusive section A jumping on their feet.
She was endearing, shy yet obliging in her encores. Must have sung all her songs in that concert. That's one songwriter who simply wanted everyone to enjoy her songs.

There was a clever use of props, stage and pyrogenics. Leaves came falling from the ceiling when
鱼 was sung. She rode in her trademark scooter and aviator helmut during her performance of 旅行的意义. She mingled with the crowd, encouraged everyone to take photos, and played guitar heroes with her band.

For someone who is shy of mainstream publicity, has no juicy news whatsoever, and has no promotional activities short of staging concerts with her fans, and releasing an album every 2-3 years, she's magnificent. Simple talent.

I like her more already.


陈绮贞-《鱼》

我坐在椅子上 看日出复活
我坐在夕阳里 看城市的衰弱
我摘下一片叶子 让它代替我
观察离开后的变化
曾经 狂奔 舞蹈 贪婪的说话
随着冷淡试戴浮华
带不走的 丢不掉的 让大雨侵蚀吧
让他推向我在边界奋不顾身挣扎
如果有一个怀抱勇敢不计代价
别让我飞 将我温柔环绕

我坐在椅子上 看日出复活
我坐在夕阳里 看城市的衰弱
我摘下一片叶子 让它代替我
观察离开后的变化
曾经 狂奔 舞蹈 贪婪的说话
随着冷淡试戴浮华
带不走的留不下的我全都交付他
让他捧着我在手掌 自由自在挥洒
如果有一个世界浑浊的不像话
原谅我飞 曾经眷恋太阳
带不走的 丢不掉的 让大雨侵蚀吧
让它推向我在边界奋不顾身挣扎
如果有一个世界浑浊的不像话
我会疯狂的爱上

带不走的留不下的我全都交付他
让他捧着我在手掌自由自在挥洒
如果有一个怀抱勇敢不计代价
别让我飞 将我环绕
原谅我飞 曾经眷恋太阳
原谅我飞 曾经眷恋太阳