Up in the Camerons

Over Raya holidays, we booked ourselves for a short getaway in Camerons. We got there alright despite the traffic jam along the North South H'way. But we weren't alone in the hills. Others too LOVE the  cool   and the offerings of Camerons. It was like never-ending shopping for the hordes of tourists - at the veggie and strawberry farms .We didn't have time for the flowers. Guess the beautiful  award-winning garden at The SmokeHouse Hotel more than made up.

Not only did we have our share of  yummy strawberry jam, scones, we loaded our car with more strawberries,  veggies a plenty and a beautiful  bromeliad, all fighting for space in the car boot and amongst us in the seats.

The old charm of a Tudor House still attracts visitors. No log fire though as the chimneys aren't put to work!

Just a wee sample of more strawberry products. Eat, play, love -  it's raining strawberries in Camerons!!

Have to say this is a teaser strawberry!  There's really tons of strawberries to eat up in Camerons.  All the year round too. No more mounds of earth  to grow in. Hydroponics is the way.

The Merlin that people used to know is now Cameron Highlands Resort where we had lunch.

If space in your car  is not an issue, there's an awful lot to cart home. 

Flower in the award- winning  garden of The SmokeHouse Hotel where we stayed.  

Striking  bloom of orchid

Begonias so lovely!

The SmokeHouse, a popular  place for photographers or the casual visitors.

At the Butterfly Farm. 

A tangle of snakes on display at the Butterfly Farm.

Bull frogs quite motionless, not croaking.

Colour and beauty in the Orchid Garden

If you are looking for some splash of colour and serenity with Nature, head to the Orchid Garden.
You don't have to walk endless miles to infuse yourself with colours to brighten your day. The orchids and plants will delight you and any lattice work of cobwebs on your brain will disappear as you admire the lovelies of nature!

I was there last Sunday to buy potted orchids  for friends as Hari Raya fast approaches. The cheery welcome of the costus plants, reddish  orangey- with a tinge of yellow, on the walk up the gradual slope definitely cues the visitor to a pleasant visit.

That was the start of the 'distraction'. Instead of heading straight to the stalls for my gifts, I buzzed around snapping clusters of beauties. So immersed I was, I had lost my sense of time and the sun rays filtering through the lingering haze, reminded me on the task at hand.

Whenever I'm short of ideas for gifts, plants like orchids offer a good alternative. No stranger to the orchid stalls, I should be able to just point my finger and say,'I'll have that and that.' But it's not such an easy thing to do. Beauty is everywhere before my eyes. And I go through the whole process of'judging' the plants - colour,shape, hardiness, the person I'm gifting,and a good bargain to make it all the more memorable!

Finally I settled for a specie of the Oncidium. And I did not forget one for myself. Happily I carried the Arundina dwarf and the other plants to my car. I could already see the happy smiles of my friends and the Arundina dancing happily 'like a host of golden daffodils'! Just a different colour.

Selamat Hari Raya Aidil Fitri to my Muslim friends and readers.

Batik for the World

Hello world, have a peek at batik at Galeri Seri Endon for the unique individual, be it traditional, contemporary, chic or urban. Here are some snapshots of the models who showcased Malaysia's national craft heritage at previous Batik Parade.