RAFFLES HOTEL

These photos were taken almost 3 weeks back. I love their simple classic Christmas every single year.

RAFFLES HOTEL

I was at Raffles Hotel and saw this poor Artocarpus altilis (common name: Breadfruit; Family: Moraceae) tree. It was pruned beyond recognition. At that moment, it reminded me of the presentation I heard on the development of weak branches after tree branches were drastically topped.

Whilst I do not know the reason for the drastic crown reduction, I can only worry for the hotel. A consolation for me was the sight of a small water fountain, that is reminiscent of a bird bath, and the lush greenery with beautiful texture behind it.

A link on the tree is attached here:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Breadfruit

PTEROSPERMUM ACERIFOLIUM

This is a beautiful big-leaved tree planted at Singapore Botanic Garden's roundabout leading to the Visitor's Centre or Raffles Building.

These photos were taken on 28 Jan 10. The big leaves with silverish undersides contrast very well with the small-leaved yellow rain tree in the background of the last photo.

Silver and gold for the upcoming CNY, anyone?

RAFFLES CITY

Raffles City, a place that I have not been for a long while, was already decorated in preparation for Christmas.

I actually love the shimmering effect under the sun and wind and clean silver yellow colour scheme as shown on this photo taken on 14 Dec 09. Unfortunately the words "Glitzy Christmas" did not come up well as there were just too much shimmers!

The tree did not do anything for me as it just looks too bland for a major festive season like Christmas. I guess everywhere the decoration is scaled down due to the economic recession.