Monday, December 24, 2007

The Great Big Raffle

I'm Dreaming Of A Red Christmas

Photographs copyright: DAVID McMAHON


The Raffles Hotel in Singapore is the ultimate reference point in a) luxury and b) colonial history. This shot (above) was taken from the front of the hotel and perhaps gives you an idea of the huge scale of the decorations. The hotel, by the way, is named after Sir Stamford Raffles.


The second shot (above) was also taken from the sweeping semi-circular driveway and gives you some idea of the size of the bow. The arched windows are about fifteen to eighteen feet tall (between five and six metres) from the topmost point of the arch to the bottom of the window. When you think about it, the weight of those decorations would be considerable. I guess they would need specialists to put them up, with considerable skill and great dexterity.


This last shot (above) was taken in the famous courtyard of the Raffles Hotel. Along with the graceful arched wreaths, you can also see the landmark "RH" in stained glass in the front of this food pagoda as well as in the background of the picture.

33 comments:

Catmoves said...

Absolutely beautiful David. I've heard of this hotel many times, but I've never seen these kind of pictures. Thanks for short tour.

Fletch said...

Ah, memories!

Spent 3 Christmases in Singapore - '70, '71 & '72, but don't remember RH looking so good. Indeed, it always appeared to be a bit "Seedy Colonialist", especially when compared to the Hilton, Hyatt and the others.

Now, a couple of shots of the 'Cats' of Boogey Street would really make my day, but I don't suppose you got there?

Neva said...

Those bows must be IMMENSE! Thanks for all the nice comments and visits. ...hope you have a great Christmas!

Anonymous said...

now that's what I call decorating!

Epijunky said...

Absolutely GORGEOUS.

I wish I had the opportunity to travel to somewhere like Singapore. I can only imagine how amazing it is.

By the way, I had the pleasure of meeting to wonderful folks from Perth the other day... They came into the store to buy a camera while they were over here.

Anonymous said...

Decoration shots are beautiful! Gorgeous building!

Happy Holidays David :)

Casdok said...

Ive also heard of it but have never seen it! Thank you!

Akelamalu said...

That's ABSOLUTELY FABULOUS!
I'm going to have a word with MWM and see if he'll do our house like that next year! FAT CHANCE!

I just popped over to wish you and your family a Very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year, may they be everything you're hoping for.

Much Love and Reiki Blessings
Akelamalu
x

Scala said...

Hi David
I wont to wish you a Merry Christmas with lots of Love and Peace from Portugal
Scala

Little Penpen said...

Beautiful... I would love to see it in person some day!

Ms. Tuesday said...

funny... you dont think about people in singapore celebrating christmas...

have a merry one!

Oswegan said...

Merry Christmas!

~Oswegan

Charles said...

I don't know if you celebrate it, but in case you do, Merry Christmas to you and your's. Otherwise enjoy the day anyway.

Chertiozhnik said...

Amazing pics - Happy Christmas!

imac said...

Velly Interesting, nice shots.

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to you and your family.

Also thanks for visiting my blog and your comments since ive been blogging.

Melissa said...

I hope you and your family have a wonderful Christmas David!

Unknown said...

Merry Christmas, David!

May peace and plenty be the first to lift the latch on your door, and happiness be guided to your home by the candle of Christmas. (A Celtic toast)

Kerri Farley said...

Great shots! VERY Christmasy!

Merry Christmas David!

I have enjoyed blogging with you and look forward to continuing in 2008 :)

robkroese said...

Merry Christmas, David!

Pijush said...

Hi David,

Wonderful shots as usual. Just amazing. Wish you and your family Merry Christmas and Enjoy the day.
TK
Pijush

YesBut said...

Merry Christmas. May you and yours have a joyful holiday.
With best wishes from
Mr & Mrs YesBut

PRH said...

Merry Christmas David....even though I'm a day late for "Down Under"

;)

Rachelle said...

Merry Christmas to you my friend!
Hope it is a blessed one, filled with love and joy.
Slainte~
Rachelle

dr sardonicus said...

Merry Christmas to all Down Under. I guess it is a little late for you guys...

Amrita said...

What a sight. Happy Christmas

Anonymous said...

Nice pictures. I'm going there this weekend and I'm looking forward to New Year's there.

In the meantime, I'm missing you at my blog!

B.T.Bear (esq.) said...

HO HO HO Happy Crismoss, David! Thanks fer all yer help this yeer! Hope yu hav/had a good wun!

:@}

Papoosue said...

Have a lovely Christmas David, to you and your family.

Lovely photos. x

Flassie's Fil'a said...

Came by to Wish You a Very Merry Blessed Christmas and a Very Happy Blessed New Year to You and Yours!!!

Sam Fox said...

Hey David, thanks for those great shots of Raffles, that would make a great Christmas destination, I'm thinking!!! One day...

Meanwhile, wishing you and your family a very happy festive season.

Looking forward to more witty notes in 2008!

Jeni said...

Beautiful photos - as usual. Brace yourself David -for questions -I got a digital for myself -my gift from me to me ya know -and I have narry a clue about really using it to the max. Right now, I've spent the bulk of the day fighting with my lovely Kodak easy-share software that may be easy for everyone else but always seems to bedevil me at every turn!
And by the way - hope you have been having a joyous and blessed Christmas and that the New Year holds only bigger and better things ahead for you!

Anonymous said...

Glad to see something from where I live. Blessed Christmas! Deb

Janice Thomson said...

The decorations are fabulous!
Hope you had a Merry Christmas and the best to you in 2008.