Heavenly Paradise@AdelineAng.com

An annual event celebrated on the 5thof the fifth month (according to Chinese Lunar Calender), Dragon Boat Festival is deeply rooted in the Chinese culture. Participating in a Dragon Boat Race and eating Zongzi (glutinous rice wrapped in bamboo leaves) are some of the ways to celebrate this festival.

The origin of Dragon Boat Festival is to commemorate the great patriot poet Qu Yuan.

“Like other Chinese festivals, there is also a legend behind the festival. Qu Yuan served in the court of Emperor Huai during the Warring States (475 – 221 BC). He was a wise and erudite man. His ability and fight against corruption antagonized other court officials. They exerted their evil influence on the Emperor, so the Emperor gradually dismissed Qu Yuan and eventually exiled him. During his exile, Qu Yuan did not give up. He traveled extensively, taught and wrote about his ideas. His works, the Lament (Li Sao), the Nine Chapters (Jiu Zhang), and Wen tian, are masterpieces and invaluable for studying ancient Chinese culture. He saw the gradual decline of his mother country, the Chu State. And when he heard that the Chu State was defeated by the strong Qin State, he was so despaired that he ended his life by flinging himself into the Miluo River.

Legend says after people heard he drowned, they were greatly dismayed. Fishermen raced to the spot in their boats to search for his body. Unable to find his body, people threw zongzi, eggs and other food into the river to feed fish, so hoped to salvage his body. Since then, people started to commemorate Qu Yuan through dragon boat races, eating zongziand other activities, on the anniversary of his death, the 5thof the fifth month.”

* From About.com

I missed the Zongzi (a.k.a. rice dumpling) from home. The rice dumpling is so popular that it’s easily available all year round. The preparation is time consuming and very skill demanding. Since I couldn’t get any fresh ones here in Fredericton, I made some a few years ago to soothe my cravings. It was a tedious process. I’ll have to improve on my wrapping skills for the rice dumplings appear to be more presentable.

The 5th Annual Dragon Boat Race was held in the city of Fredericton in September. Why in September? I’m not exactly sure. In my humble opinion, spring weather might still be cold. The summer months allow participants to sharpen their rowing skills, so that they’ll be ready for the race when it comes fall. Furthermore, most people are away during summer for vacation and spending time with family & friends. Needless to say, winter is not on the option list due to the extreme cold temperature and frozen river.

Majority of the participants are amateur rowers. The race is considered more like a friendly match rather than a competitive one.

It turned out to be a nice day for the Dragon Boat Race on a Sunday morning.

Participants were getting ready.

The competition began!

Boat No. 2 was the winner in this elimination round.

Biking is one of the summer activities I enjoy a lot. Once the “white stuff (a.k.a. snow)” is no where to be seen on the biking trail, weather is warming up, and flowers are blooming. It’s a clear indication that the spring is here and biking season begins!

Biking in the cool spring, hot summer, scenic fall; misty morning, hot afternoon, or warm evening. I’m loving it! It keeps adrenaline going, heart pumping, and body muscles working.

I still remember bits and pieces of how I learned riding a bike when I was little. A big thank you to Dad who patiently taught me how to bike. Have I had bike accidents before?You bet! Surprisingly, some of the bad falls I’ve had, happened after I’m proficient in biking skills.

Biking to work 14 km a day has become part of my routine; leaving for work in crisp and breezy morning, and going home in sunny afternoon. Weather can vary from warm, hot, sunny, to overcast, rainy, chilly, windy etc. As long as there’s no pouring rain, I’d go biking almost anytime during the day.

Watching the blooming flowers in the spring, appreciate the warm sunshine in the summer, and admire the stunning vibrant colours in the fall. Together with my loved one, we’re in love with this city. Miles who once told himself that he’d never wanted to bike again after his unpleasant learning process, convinced himself to relearn how to ride a bike in the spring.

On the Old Train Bridge at dawn.

Odell Park is my favourite park for biking.

One of the many trails in the park.

I enjoy watching fireworks; the burst of excitement as the sparkles released into the sky is beyond description. The glittering fire artistically spreads on the wide charcoal canvas. It’s thrilling and fascinating. A loud, roaring crackle followed by bouquets of brilliant colours, forming unique images or patterns. It’s especially exciting to watch the glimmering light falling from the sky, almost hitting my face…..

However, fireworks are usually observed only during special occasions for entertainment purposes. For example, Canada Day and New Brunswick Day celebration in Fredericton. Miles and I have decided to get our own fireworks and set them off on a beach in Saint John. It was very enjoyable, despite the chilly weather in the evening. I enjoy the moments of anticipation as fireworks were set off; never know what to expect until the burst of light makes its appearance for a surprise.

It has been a while since I last enjoyed domestic fireworks. They were banned in Malaysia in the 90′s. In Canada, fireworks are only sold to individuals of age 19 or older. I had the “privilege” to be asked for an ID when I made the purchase ;)

The crackling “ground bloom flowers” were spinning gleefully at their full speed.

Sparklers! I haven’t played them for ages! Miles was moving his sparkler in the air swiftly while I captured this unique image.

这首诗写于2003年十月的秋天。当时背井离乡初到加拿大深造，字句间难隐思乡之情。在埋头苦读之际，不忘作诗自娱：

秋语

秋雨连连细延绵
寒意轻拂枫纷飞
黄绿橘彤成幕帘
愿摘一片暖心扉

滴答雨声敲窗户
儿时嬉戏心头甜
纸船漂浮中央湖
背载种子垦梦田

光阴荏苒无声息
十载撒手不复返
远眺前方无边际
勇闯荆棘独扬帆

十月天空秋意浓
景物增添几分愁
绘尽心声倍思念
乘风送去诗一首

You’ve seen it every fall, how the colour of leaves changes. I’m not sure about you, but I was absolutely amazed by God’s creation! I made an effort to observe the change in colour of those maple trees that I walked pass everyday on campus.

As shown below, the change in colour of a maple tree (from left to right):

I started searching for an answer, HOW and WHY does the colour of leaves change?! I finally got a satisfactory answer from my first year Biology lab professor. The different pigments in leaves are doing the tricks!

“During growing season (spring and summer), chlorophyll is continually being produced and broken down and leaves appear green. As night length increases in the fall, chlorophyll production slows down and then ceases. All the chlorophyll is destroyed eventually. The carotenoids and anthocyanins that are present in the leaf are then unmasked and show their colours.”

However, bear in mind that not all trees go through the similar phase of colour change. Some will actually turn into bright red, and look as if they’re on fire!

A close view of the leaves:

Enjoying the scenic view on campus:

I like this the best so far:

Strolling along the trail, while appreciating the Mother Nature’s recipe for the spectacular season, and…..

…this has led us to the majestic view of Saint John river across the walking bridge:

What do you think? Are you tempted to pay Freddy a visit yet?

Ever wondering what’s the best way to spice up your life? How about a myriad of maple leaves in the fall and scenic view of snow in the winter? It’s FUN! Despite the recurrence of complaints about winter (lasts up to six months, and the temperature can drop to -40 degrees Celsius in Freddy), knowing your way around to take pleasure in the beautiful seasons ensures a sweet & memorable experience!!