A DAY TO REMEMBER

Was 28 April 2012, a "Yellow" festival day in Malaysia?. Thousands of people from all walks of life gathered to celebrate this special day in the capital and other towns of the country.   

The gathering in Kuala Lumpur.

 A sea of yellow. 

 Even the handicapped citizens participated.   

These people came together not for any festival but to protest. They want the government to guarantee a clean election. They are calling for "Bersih" which means clean. They want the government to guarantee a a "clean and fair" election in the coming General Election:

* Clean the electoral roll. * Reform postal ballot. * Use of indelible ink.
* Minimum 21 days campaign period. * Free and fair access to media.
* Strengthen public institutions. *  Stop corruption. * Stop dirty politics.  

They also want the Election Commission to resign, as it has failed in its responsibility and lost the confidence of the public.

At the same time, another group was joining in the rally, campaigning for the "Stop Lynas save Malaysia". Thousands dressed in green were parading behind the "yellow". 

The "Stop Lynas and save Malaysia" group was formed to protest and appeal to the government to stop an Australian Lynas plant to operate a rare earth project in Pahang. This plant has been set-up to dispose radioactive materials and elements. Many people wonder why the Malaysia government approved the Lynas project despite the "No deal"  by Australian government for Lynas to operate in Australia. The people especially those in Pahang and the neighbouring states has since strongly voiced out their objection as they may suffer once the plant starts their operation. A large amount of radioactive waste will be produced in the form of solid, liquid and gas which many experts believed are hazardous to human and the environment.     

  The "green" campaign.

However, the government was not in favour of any such assembling or rally even it is a peaceful one like this. The Police force was stationed in almost every corner of the streets and ready for "action".

In Kuala Lumpur, for reasons best known to the Police force, major streets of the city were garlanded by barbed wires, fencing and barriers.  

As expected,  the riot police shot tear gas into the crowd forcing them to disperse. 

Water cannons were also used.

According to some online newspapers that in Kuala lumpur, the day ended in chaos and many blamed the police for the "unnecessary violence". Elsewhere in Sabah, Sarawak and even Penang, the "Bersih" rally started and ended up without a hitch. I was told that there were no barbed wires or barriers put up and the presence of riot police.

Let's hope the government "listen" to the people and take corrective measures to conduct a fair and clean election and at the same time "stop Lynas - save Malaysia".       

PHILLIP ISLAND VIC

Now, back to our holiday in Melbourne, we visited Phillip Island which is located about 140km south - east of Melbourne. It's just about 3 hours drive from our accommodation in Maribyrnong. 

Approaching the bridge linking the mainland and Phillip Island.

According to the Tourist Information leaflet, this 640 meters or 2,100 ft concrete bridge was originally a wooden one.

Located not far from the bridge, we made a brief stop at this Visitor Information Centre to get  the latest tourism information and accommodation of the island.  

We selected this small but comfortable Motor Inn near the main township of Cowes.  

We had a surprise welcome by this flock of beautiful "Galah" gathered on the lawn of the Inn. 

The Galah is known as the Rose-breasted Cockatoo which is one of the most common and widespread Cockatoos in almost all parts of Australia.

One of the most popular attractions is the Phillip Island Nature Park featuring the "Penguin Parade". 

There was a huge crowd queuing up, waiting to enter the viewing platforms when we arrived.

At the platform, we were repeatedly reminded and warned by the Ranger in attendance that the use of camera or video cam is strictly prohibited.   

We were told that after dusk, the wild little penguins would emerge from the sea and waddle across the beach to their sand dune burrows. 

The landing site for the penguins was next to our viewing platform. This was a premium site costing us AUD41+ per person. 

Just after dusk, it was show time. Waves after waves of penguins in hundreds or more appeared at the shoreline and started parading ashore. It was a good experience to see so many of these little penguins. I was tempted to use my camera to take this shot.  

This cute little penguin seemed to have lost it's way to it's burrow, we found it wandering around the car park area. The penguins here are the world’s smallest species and the only ones permanently found in Australia.

Next morning, the weather was not in our favour. The heavy downpour spoiled our plan to see the island's spectacular coastal scenery especially at the Nobbles Centre. We also have to skip the Koala Conservation Centre and the Wildlife Park. 

Cowrie beach in the rain.  

We were very disappointed for not been able to explore the surrounding of the Nobbles Centre.  It would be superb if we could take the boardwalks and enjoy the magnificent views of the the rugged south coast and the blowhole.There was also a good chance to take a closer look among nesting seabird colonies.         

We ended up watching the mini-presentations on the native marine and bird life inside the Nobbles Centre.

.....and shopping in the gift shop.

The view of the Seal Rock from the Cafeteria. 

According to the weather forecast, it would be raining for the next couple of days. We decided to cancel the day program and return to Melbourne. Before leaving, we had coffee with the delicious scones at the Nobbles Cafe.  

CHERRY BLOSSOM - IWATSUKI CASTLE PARK (岩槻城址公園)

Iwatsuki Castle Park is one of the most outstanding cherry blossom sites in the prefecture Saitama. Some 600 - 700 trees are now in full bloom. I must thank Miura san for sharing these beautiful pictures with us. 

The Yatsuhashi Bridge (zig-zag bridge) of the park. 

Rows of cherry trees lining up at one corner of the park.  

The colour combination in this part of the park is so beautiful.

Cherry Blossoms are really magnificent when they are in full bloom. Unfortunately, they can only last for a week or two.

This should be the most spectacular tree - a weeping cherry (Shidare Zakura) tree in full bloom.