Wednesday, December 12, 2007

Boys and their toys...


Singlespeed, originally uploaded by lesleykng.

Now that the cold days have moved out and the weather is once again cycling friendly, it is noteable that more cyclists are on the road commuting to work.

Cycle-commuting is quite a new concept to me as one would never think of doing so in the unfriendly environment in Metro Manila. My parents would probably have thrown me into a mental ayslum had I even considered it.

Adelaide, on the other hand is different. The weather is certanly permissive. The air still fresh, and the pathways friendlier. My workplace has a steel bike cage to park you bike and a locker room with proper shower facilities.

In other words, there was more than enough reason to cycling to work.

The final problem was that I had 2 bikes. A roadie and a dual-suspension MTB. Both of which were too pricey to commute with and leave chained... even in a steel cage.

The solution... build a new bike.

Considering that I had 2 bikes in the garage, and my missus was not really into cycling, I'm sure she had a hard time comprehending the need for a third one. I didn't have to explain anything because I purchased the parts online and had kept the bike parts in the garage... which was really privy and off limits to her anyway. She'd only find out when the whole bike was well complete.

Parts were individually selected and bidded for on ebay. Those that had to be new were purchased online. Once I had enough for a complete bike, took a day off and voila! I have my singlespeed commuter.

No gears meant less parts. Less parts less maintenance.
Also, less gears = more effort = more exercise.

Thursday, October 11, 2007

The Slide


the slide, originally uploaded by lesleykng.

This is a sculpture found in the middle of busy Rundle Street. For some reason, after a long shift at work (which ended at 23:00) I still found enough energy to walkabout and take a few photos.

Actually, my friend KK and I felt like we needed a nice greasy McDonalds burger as comfort food. On my way to Mcdonalds, I saw the Victoria Square fountain lights open. I had always wanted to photograph the fountain at night but somehow whenever I'd pass, the lights, and the fountain was turned off. (Something which could probably happen only in Adelaide) Unfortunately, by the time we were done with our Mc-ers... the fountain lights were once again off. Sigh. (ooooonly in Adelaide....)

Thinking I'd lose sleep at the thought of the missed opportunity, I went to Rundle Mall anyway. The emptiness of a normally busy shopping mall was exactly what I needed. I had all the time to shoot what I wanted... and without the embarassment too.



Malls balls

rundle mall

Monday, October 8, 2007

The Pinnacle


The Pinnacle, originally uploaded by lesleykng.

It was an awesome 3 day trip to the Grampians. Went on a road trip with Tom West.

Saturday, September 29, 2007

Port Elliot


Port Elliot, originally uploaded by lesleykng.

I have always been fascinated by the waves at Port Elliot, SA. I usually just pick a rock, sit down, feel the wind blowing against my face and the minutes just fly by.

Monday, September 24, 2007

Anit


Anit, originally uploaded by lesleykng.

I'd love to be able to do portraits.

My work brings me face-to-face with countless nameless faces and expressions which I'd love to shoot with my camera. But hey, that wouldn't be ethical in my situation.

Anit here is a friend I had brekky with a couple of days back. Good thing he was more than willing to smile for the shot.

Bicentennial Conservatory


Bicentennial Conservatory, originally uploaded by lesleykng.

Took a walk today around the botanic gardens... it was perfect spring weather and I needed a quiet place to study. Home was not an option... that would have just meant sleeping in.

If there's one thing about Adelaide that Manila just doesn't have, its these serene parks where you could just sit around and lose yourself without being bothered for the rest of the day. You can choose any park bench or you could simply lie down on the grass in some corner somewhere.

Here are a few other pictures I took at the Botanic Gardens...

Botanic Garden

Arches


Shade

Palm House

Sunday, September 23, 2007

Gazebo


Gazebo, originally uploaded by lesleykng.

One night as Sarah and I were driving though King William Road we saw this couple dressed in formal attire dancing in the gazebo. I thought it would make an excellent photo op but rather unfortunately, they had left by the time I returned to take pictures of the gazebo.

Leap


Leap, originally uploaded by lesleykng.

In between a series of long night shifts, Kitkat, Sarah and I thought it would be a good idea to head over to the beach and have a coffee. Afterall, the weather was starting to warm... a welcome change after a long chilly winter. We found it to be a remarkably windy day (more stormy actually...) and the waves were lashing at the normally calm waters along Henley Beach.

We weren't the only ones to take notice as a few kids would walk up the jetty with their boards and jump off into the water and ride the waves to the shore. FUN! FUN! FUN!

Too bad I had my camera with me.