5:57 and 14:42

Bridge over the River Kwae

morning chatter

going to school

abandoned

rise and shine

Wang Sing cuttings

soft glow

steel and wood

lighting the shadows

pink monday

to the talaat naam

waiting

passing through

canal traffic jam

going home

klong lunch

delicious noodles by the canal

moo dishes rule!

the travelling engineer

We didn’t have a critter cam to attach onto Meng Teck (that would have been fun haha) as suggested by The Soothsayer, so here is a photo essay series on the travelling engineer’s antics in Thailand instead.

With his trusty camera which might be replaced with a new dSLR in the future. Not exactly a trigger-happy shutterbug, thinks before he shoots. *Middle left photo in collage above courtesy of Poh Wan

One of his favourite photography subject is kids. He’s a natural in getting them to smile and pose for his camera. The adorable kid above was so pleased with his photo he squealed and stomped his feet in excitement as his grandmother watched in amusement. Made me wish I carried a portable photo printer.

He’s also a big kid at times. *Middle photo in collage above courtesy of Poh Wan

nueng song sam

Black and white university uniforms- clean lines, sensuous curves, a tenacious spirit within a gentle mien, a study of contrast and all that are more than what meets the eye. Nueng song sam… natural light, clean face and blown out highlights enveloped in shadows… Following a thought and letting it fly, I love that.

Thai dreaming

`…Welcome you to Bangkok!!, Let me know what’s convenience time that you’ll have when you arrive at Bangkok. I’ll take you to go to somewhere to eat (Kaiyang, Thod Man Pla, Tom Yam Kung etc), to shop and to relax…’ Puen’s reply had me grinning like a giddy goat as I read it aloud to Ah Tan, who appeared by the door smiling like a Cheshire cat. Bangkok in December will be a riot indeed: Pohf and sis will be there, a reunion with Puen who’s back from Finland and then onwards to Kanchanaburi with Ah Tan and Meng Teck!

Krungthepmahanakhon Amornrattanakosin Mahintharayutthaya Mahadilokphop Noppharat Ratchathaniburirom Udomratchaniwetmahasathan Amonphiman Awatansathit Sakkathattiyawitsanukamprasit (The city of angels, the great city, the residence of the Emerald Buddha, the impregnable city (of Ayutthaya) of God Indra, the grand capital of the world endowed with nine precious gems, the happy city, abounding in an enormous Royal Palace that resembles the heavenly abode where reigns the reincarnated God, a city given by Indra and built by Vishnukarn.) i.e. Bangkok, I am looking forward to falling in love with you all over again…

schmapped, again!

The second edition of the Schmap Barcelona Guide was recently released and one of my two photos from the first edition still made the cut. My shot of the Blue Grotto’s entrance on Capri Island (below) also retained its inclusion in the Schmap Naples Guide 2nd ed. Apparently there were twice as many submissions in the selection pool for both second editions.

(Left) Via Laietana, home to Xurreria Laietana where you can find the most delicious churros con chocolate in Barcelona. Have it with a glass of cafe latte and attempt a Catalan conversation with the guy behind the counter as the smell of freshly-fried churros wafts and spills into the busy Catalonian street outside.

After a two hours-long trek from Anacapri down the cliffs dotted with magnificent villas by the sea, we came upon a scene of comedic madness as boatmen and tour operators exchange curses and shouts as they compete to take flustered tourists into the Grotta Azzurra. Only one boat at a time can pass through the entrance with the people in it lying down. The commotion continued the whole afternoon. Nonchalant old men cast their fishing lines and fat cats snoozed on the steps while suicidal backpackers jumped off the cliff. It is a wonder how they managed the tangential dive without impaling themselves on the sharp spikes below. The only near-fatality was the cat that choked on some biscuits we gave.

After the paying tourists and boats were gone, we swam in for free. Threading water outside the entrance as people emerge with cuts and gashes onto the algae-covered steps, I rued our shoestring budget and my great suggestion. With every second of hesitation, hidden sharp rocks and the narrow gap grew more menacing. Finally riding the next wave in, the adrenaline rush was pure intoxication.

So into the iridescent cave of hynoptic blue we went and out again into the crashing waves of the rising tide as the sun descended on the horizon outside. Moments later, the sight of Sugeo jubilantly pumping his fist in the air while doing some crazy frog-dolphin-chimaera-style swimming in the sea and toAdie shivering on the steps looking mighty pleased made me forget about my heart that almost froze fifteen minutes before.

kindred spirits

A much anticipated reunion for Lish’s bridal shower and celebrating ten years (and counting!) of friendship. From Petaling Jaya to Kuching, Kota Kinabalu and Serdang to now, Kuala Lumpur, Melaka and Singapore… ours is an enduring bond forged from the good old days of Sixth Form in BBBS. When kindred spirits gather, there are always much laughter, good food and a whole dose of sampat-ness!

Invitation cards, party favours and wedding wrist corsages for everyone!

A weekend retreat at Villa Indah with six girls; one lovely bride-to-be. Olive green, champagne peach and white decor theme with lots of party favours. Scrumptious food with Chef Guon at helm: Vietnamese springroll lunch, afternoon tea in an arcade, French dinner at Bukit Tinggi, ultra adorable and yummy Cuppacakes mini cupcakes, sangria, port, chocolate fondue with a fruit tower and Mexican tortilla brunch.

DJ Natasha P.B. provided the music- lots of old skool stuff and romantic songs that got us reminiscing school and university life while looking through our photo albums. The super-sized pajama party lasted into the wee hours of the morning with a freezing night swim and pool race, soap-bubble blowing session, hilarious drawings about the life and love of Li Shyan, and of course, chi mui chit-chat and gossips. ‘Twas a splendid walk down memory lane and a spirited toast to the future as we also celebrated each other’s birthdays (Sept 7 - Nov 3)!

P/s: Nope, no male strippers involved as our bride-to-be sees men in various states of undress on a daily basis: she’s a doctor, so tak heranlah! Hee…

warabe ningyo

Japanese paper dolls, bridal shower invites and Jane Austen