Saturday, October 11, 2008

SF Dragon Boat Festival

What is Dragon Boating?


For those unfamiliar with the sport, dragon boating simply put, is a boat of 20 paddlers, a drummer and a steers person paddling to cross the finish faster than their competition. It's a team sport in its purest form that encompasses the elements of power, speed, synchronization and endurance.

With its beginnings in Southern China, dragon boating today is the fastest growing international team water sport. Each year, race festivals are held around the world in Asia, Australia, Canada, Europe and the United States, one of the largest festivals in the North America is held right here in the San Francisco Bay Area.

The appeal to dragon boating is mainly contributed to the sport’s ability to accommodate a wide spectrum of skill levels ranging from novice to competitive. At the novice and recreational level, teams often form as a means of social outlet, team building and an alternative means of exercise.

For the spectator, the true display of the sport’s intensity and skill is witnessed in the competitive ranks. Competitive paddlers rigorously train to condition themselves in the areas strength, endurance, form, mental focus and most importantly timing. Teams with well conditioned paddlers in near perfect synchronization, fueled by competition, provides an impressive event of a cascade of boats exploding through the water. At this level dragon boat racing becomes a sport of inches and an exciting event for its spectators.

This year I had the most awesome opportunity to try out this fun sport and met some of the most amazing people that I can now call friends. I am very proud to have paddled with them as DW4 and amaze our coaches beyond their expectations. From trips to Canada to late night dinners in the city to paddling with the mosquitos, I have to say there's always a story to tell. I am looking forward to next year's season already.


Sunday, September 14, 2008

Greece 2008

Enjoy the following photos a little highlight of my trip this year. My pics from Greece aren't the most exciting as I have been here many times since I was very young, so there are not many touristy shots to share.

And the bouzouki plays on...
(A private show by a couple of my parents friends. Quite good I must say)




Following is an ice cream sundae, I believe the name of it is Chicago. And next to it is the perfect summer beverage, a frappe! (I had many of these while in Greece)



The perfect sunset to my first day in Greece this summer....



More to follow later.....

Sunday, August 3, 2008

MITRED PARAKEET






I must say, when I woke up this morning and saw one of these birds outside of my window, I just thought that someone had let one of their birds out of its cage. Then once I moved closer to my window, I was quite surprised to see a flock of birds all munching on a part of the tree.


Very beautiful all together, and they move together too. Someone made a noise and they all flew away at once and met on another tree just a few buildings away. To me birds are just birds, but I must say this was a sight to see. And so of course my camera is not far so I had to take some shots and share.




Fairly large green parakeet with red forehead grading into scattered bright red feathers on crown, face, cheek, sometimes on the bend in the wing. Dull green underparts are faintly washed olive. Hooked bill is dull yellow. Legs and feet are gray. Feeds on fruits, berries and nuts.

Range and Habitat

In its native range occurs in mountain valleys in a narrow band from southern Peru to northern Argentina. Populations of escaped birds also established in Los Angeles, California, and south Florida. Prefers dry subtropical forest, but also uses cultivated areas and grasslands with scattered trees. Frequently found near rocky cliffs.