Looks like the world didn't end on 21st December 2012! I never believed in the world ending so randomly in the first place anyway. That apart, here's some pictures from my recent Government House visit in Western Australia. I really can't believe that I've a high chance of going back to Perth next year - it was such a lucky piece of news for me, and I'm glad that I can be back in Australia for the next four years...and end up as a fully qualified psychologist with a doctorate, by the end of that.
Anyway this post is another post with 2 parts - focusing on the Government House in Perth, and a night shoot I did in Orchard Road. I'm starting to get addicted to night shoots!
First up - the Government House. This was built between 1859 and 1864, and is situated amidst hectares of English-style gardens in the heart of the city. As its name suggests, it housed governors of Western Australia, and right now it's open to the public every now and then. Its exterior is totally magnificent...and so is its interior.
First up - the ballroom. The ballroom was added to the main building in the 1890s, and was designed by Hillson Beasley - an architect who designed other public buildings in the city.
My first reaction when entering the ballroom - WHOOAAAA!!! The place was big, grand, pompous...and really beautiful! There was a string ensemble performing for us that day, and they were playing pieces ranging from Bach's Brandenburg Concertos to other classical numbers. I wished they played Grosse Fugue by Beethoven...but that piece is a little too quirky for some audiences.
Went up to the second floor of the ballroom...and the view was stunning. I could see the whole orchestra and the audience! Had to be careful - as I didn't want to drop anything.
The orchestra ended with one of Bach's Brandenburg Concertos, and we were promptly ushered out of the ballroom to begin our official tour around the Government House.
One of the rooms we entered had a massive dining table with expensive cutlery, and it was laid out as if a banquet was gonna take place at night. The portraits decorating the room was pretty realistic, and really added life to the room.
The next room we entered was a drawing cum music room. And the first thing I noticed? The beautiful antique baby grand piano sitting by the bay window. My first instinct? To jump over the barriers and hop onto the piano seat! I nearly did so...but the volunteer sitting beside me told me that these were totally out of bounds. Hopes dashed!
Oh well, out of bounds doesn't mean I can't take pictures of this gorgeous baby!! So I did. Anyway I found out later that the piano was purchased (or maybe moved here?) in the 1870s, and was used for practicing, salon music (something like music for a small audience) and so on. Gosh I seriously envy those who got to play this piano! The best piano I ever played so far (apart from my Sojin in Singapore) was a 9-foot long Steinway and Sons concert grand worth 50grand, in the conservatorium...and I only got to play it once. Can someone please turn back time and bring me back to that wonderful moment? :P
Besides the piano, I spotted a portrait of Her Majesty the Queen on one of the tables.
And this portion formed the drawing room, with ample light and comfy chairs.
We walked out of the drawing room...and wow! This was seriously mind-blowing.
Huge stained glass window, a majestic staircase, and a chandelier. Reminds me of the Werribee Mansion situated in Victoria! Speaking of Victoria, I seriously miss Melbourne...and it seems like the chances of me going back there to study is highly remote.
Anyway I should be relieved that I actually got a place for clinical psychology! It is immensely competitive and they only accept 1 or 2 international students PER YEAR. It is scary...but that seems to be the case throughout the country.
Spent a bit of time admiring the grand staircase area...and then we moved on to a study room. Tucked away in one corner was a picture of the Government House itself, and a chair for people to sit and relax on.
Maps and books were placed neatly on the table, and there were portraits hung strategically around.
And that marked the end of our tour. Before I left, I took one last pic of the grand staircase.
Decided to stay around a little longer to enjoy the quietness. The Government House looks great from all angles...and the English Gardens (although hilly) were gorgeous.
After exploring the English Gardens, I decided to call it a day...as I wanted to go to Fremantle to grab some stuff. The Government House really looks gorgeous from all angles!
And that concludes a trip to the Government House of Western Australia! The next Open House is in March and there's a high chance I'd be in Perth anyway, so I'm intending to go! Note to self - wake up early and do not go back to sleep after the alarm goes off. I did that on the day I went to the Government House, and that took up quite a fair bit of time.
Now to Part 2 - a pre-Christmas shoot down the famous Orchard Road in Singapore. I keep hopping around from Perth, to Singapore, then Perth...but I swear this is the last time for now.
First thing I noticed - the facade of 313@Somerset all lit up. I've never seen this part at night before...and it's pretty interesting!
Christmas decorations proudly sponsored by Visa - at the Meritus Mandarin shopping gallery. The decorations along Orchard Road were sponsored by Hitachi.
There always seems to be a tree made out of Ferrero Rochers every Christmas...and this time it was in front of Takashimaya. Ferrero Rochers - one of my favourite chocolates.
Stopped in front of the fountain for a short rest...and there were SO MANY PEOPLE that day!! It's totally unbelievable. I just dunno where all the people came from! The whole street was just filled with people. Anyway that didn't hinder me from taking some pictures outside Takashimaya!
I had to worm my way through the crowd before reaching the colourful steps outside Wisma Atria - Takashimaya's neighbour...but managed to get out in one piece...
Last stop - ION Orchard. The beautiful exterior was already lit up by small Christmas lights, and there was a European style fountain outside - as part of the decorations. Mini Christmas trees with giant baubles completed the picture, plus some benches for people to sit on.
And who could ever forget the giant Christmas tree? In 2010 the decorations were music themed (my favourite!!!). This year, the decorations were more generic.
The smaller decorations around ION, where people were busy taking pictures...
Plus the fountain of course! It was set up specially for Christmas.
Last two shots before I left...I did not want to be trampled by the crowd! As I said - too many people.
I still find it difficult getting used to the big crowds. In Perth there're hardly any crowds...apart from arts festivals and street festivals...but in Singapore, it seems crowded all the time! Maybe it's my perception.
I love Singapore nonetheless!
And that's it for now! I'll start posting pictures from my recent overseas trips soon! Stay tuned!