Memories of Shanghai

We do not remember days; we remember moments (Cesare Pavese)

It's been a good 2 months since my visit to Shanghai and I still think about my favourite moments there; especially when I am going through scorching hot weather here!!! I always feel that when the weather is cold, its easier to dream and wonder. When I am hot and sweaty, I turn into a cantankerous beast!!!
Believe it or not, the first flower that caught my eye was the Poinsettia @ Christmas Flower. So visiting Shanghai was very Christmasee to me. Poinsettias were everywhere. In our hotel. In the museum. In the malls. In the parks. It was amazing. Well of couse having a temperature of 0C to 5C at the time I was there, these flowers were really happy and healthy.

Life brings simple pleasures to us every day; it is up to us to make them wonderful memories (Cathy Allen)
Did you know that the holly tree is one of the sacred trees of Wicca? This is because in the barrenness of an English winter, the holly is unaffected. Very strong in spirit! In addition, it is revered for its protective qualities. It is known to protect one from mischievous spirits and have peaceful dreams.

In an old Christian legend, the Holly is said to have sprung up under the footsteps of Christ as He trod the earth; the spines of the leaves became the symbolic "Crown of Thorns"; the red berries represent the drops of blood associated with his suffering. Thus...the Holy Tree is well known as the "Christ's Thorn".

To me...when I see a holly tree...its just simple plain PEACE :)

Memories...stored in the refrigerator of our mind and the cupboard of our heart (Thomas Fuller)
Saw these bright pink Rhododendrons in the park...so beautiful and breathtaking as these flowers covered 3/4 of the garden. Had to stop and take some pictures of them. I could just sit there for the whole day, just photographing them.

These unique plants were also taken in a park. The white feathers certainly caught my attention. Hehe...I had to climb up a stone wall to take this picture!!! Worth it. Reminded me of the Las Vegas dancers as these feathery plants were just swaying in the wind; seems like they were whispering to each other, probably laughing at me for being so goofy just to take their picture!!!
Peony ...the official flower of China. The sun was almost setting and I saw this beautiful blossom still so happy and fresh. Immediately my mind wandered back to old China days where queens and princesses bathe in tubs filled with fragrant flowers. Haha...oh yeah...imagined myself there with my 12 maids to serve me hand and foot...heavenly *grin*
The white rose accompanied me at every breakfast time. Without fail, it's there waiting to greet me "good morning" at 6am every morning. Breakfast was alright, nothing fantastic but I always look forward to seeing the roses on our table. Somehow it starts off my day cheerful and hopeful.
Memories are forget-me-nots gathered along life's way; pressed closed to the human heart into a perennial bouquet (Clara Smith Reber)
An array of pansies was waiting for me at the Water Village at Suzhou. After a long drive from Shanghai, the pansy certainly brought merriment to my thoughts. The Water Village was my favourite tourist spot. At least I still can see for myself how old China looks like today. How people live by the river and do their washing there! The 3 pictures below were taken at the Water Village. Authentic. Breathtaking. Very romantic when the sun sets. I was enjoying a slow gondola ride whilst taking these pictures. Mmmm...

Don't forget a small moonbeam... fold in slightly with a dream...your lips and mine...two sips of wine...memories are made of these...(Dean Martin)

The leaves of memories seemed to make a mournful rustling in the dark (Henry Wadsworth Longfellow)