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Wednesday, March 13, 2024

Gallimaufry#118

Just a gallimaufry of photos 📸

Sunset @ Pantai Bersih

Amidst the hustle, a food delivery service rider pauses to soak in the moment.
Lunch—shoyu ramen

Traditional biscuits

I hadn't seen these childhood biscuits for a very long time and was surprised to find them still around. This palm-sized triangular biscuit evokes nostalgia of simpler times when surprises like finding a coin wrapped in newspaper inside could brighten your day. As a child, opening one of these biscuits was akin to participating in a mini lottery. The anticipation of whether you would find an empty biscuit, a coin worth 5 cents, 10 cents, 20 cents, or 50 cents turned an ordinary snack into a moment of pure joy. However, I was told by the shopkeeper that the practice of inserting coins inside the biscuits has been discontinued due to hygiene concerns raised by health authorities.

Shell mates

FROM THE TRAVEL ARCHIVES

Florence 2023

Youths by the river
This photo was captured through the window of our passing coach. I love how each member of the group adds their own unique perspective to the scene. The backdrop tells its own story: the gentle flow of the Arno River, a bridge spanning its width, and the majestic architecture of Florence rising proudly against the horizon.

Thursday, March 7, 2024

Gallimaufry#117

Just a gallimaufry of photos and thoughts 📸


REMEMBERING SIMPLE TIMES...
This cathode ray console TV is like an artifact from another era. I fondly remember the evenings spent in the company of family, gathered around its flickering screen, watching shows like The Waltons, Little House on the Prairie, The Brady Bunch, Dallas, etc. Back in the day, a console TV was often the centerpiece of the living room, serving as both a source of entertainment and a piece of furniture. Everyone would gather around the console, sharing moments and laughter as we watched together, united in the experience. It was a time when our attention wasn't divided by individual digital devices; instead, we were fully present, engaging with the same content and one another simultaneously. Those shared moments created lasting memories and strengthened bonds, reminding us that genuine connection transcends the screens that now often separate us.
Remember the cliffhanger 'Who shot J.R. Ewing?' from the TV show 'Dallas'? It became a topic of conversation in neighborhoods, workplaces, and households everywhere. People speculated and debated endlessly about the identity of the shooter, turning it into a communal experience that brought them together to discuss theories and eagerly await the resolution.

Societal Evolution

I find it sad that our priorities have shifted over time, and I'll be the first to admit my own guilt in this. There have been moments where I've found myself more engrossed in capturing the perfect photo of a meal than fully immersing myself in the present moment with my loved ones.

Moo Ping (Thai grilled pork skewers)
Tub Tim Grob (Red Rubies Dessert)
Nian Gao
There's a custom during the Chinese New Year called 'patching the sky' (bu tian). This tradition involves making a special dish known as nian gao or rice cakes. The process involves steaming layers of sticky rice flour mixed with water and sugar until it becomes a dense, chewy cake. These cakes are then stacked on top of each other to create a tower-like structure, symbolizing the act of 'patching the sky' or repairing any damage that may have occurred to the heavenly realm during the previous year. The concept originates from the belief that the sky might develop cracks or rifts over the course of the year, leading to misfortune or calamities. By 'patching' these rifts, people aim to ensure a smooth and prosperous year ahead.

Tea time zen

FROM THE TRAVEL ARCHIVES

Nationaal Monument op de Dam, Amsterdam 2019

My Corner of the World

Thursday, February 29, 2024

Gallimaufry#116

Just a gallimaufry of photos 📸
Urban jungle

Cat siesta
DinnerIndian 
Tandoori platter
Briyani
Hubby's qigong class


FROM THE TRAVEL ARCHIVES

Brussels 2019
A funny to share
Just a little trunk show
Image source: Shared on Facebook

My Corner of the World

Friday, February 23, 2024

Gallimaufry#115

Just a gallimaufry of photos 📸

COLOURS OF MALAYSIA

Street vendor
Indian flower stand
Indian flower stands, with their vibrant displays of colorful garlands, are a ubiquitous sight across Malaysia, particularly in areas with a significant Indian population. Wherever one spots a flower stand, a Hindu temple is almost assuredly nearby.  In the rich tapestry of Indian culture, flowers symbolize more than mere adornment; they hold a sacred significance ingrained in auspicious ceremonies like weddings and festivals, as well as in the daily rhythms of prayers and rituals.
    
FROM THE TRAVEL ARCHIVES

Heidelberg 2019
This tofu dish always hits all the right notes
Seafood tofu


Forgotten photos of last year's Deepavali decorations in a local mall
Kolam, a traditional art form, embellishes homes and public spaces during Deepawali in Malaysia, representing prosperity and the triumph of good over evil. Originally made with rice flour, modern kolams incorporate colored rice, enhancing their beauty. These intricate designs aren't just decorative; they invite positive energy and community spirit, welcoming Goddess Lakshmi and fostering a sense of cultural pride. In malls and public areas, kolams showcase Malaysia's multicultural richness, enriching Deepawali celebrations with vibrant colors and timeless values.






My Corner of the World

Wednesday, February 14, 2024

Gallimaufry#114

Just a gallimaufry of photos 📸
Rotan Ibu 
Rotan ibu in Malay translates as mother's cane. These canes, made of rotan (rattan), in a shopping mall evoke a flood of nostalgia, especially for those who grew up in an era when the saying 'Spare the rod and spoil the child' held significant weight. Back in the day, it was a common sight in many Malaysian homes and schools—a symbol of discipline and authority that left an indelible mark on childhood memories.
Haha! I can still recall my mom brandishing a rotan as she searched the neighborhood for us when we failed to return home for dinner! Ah, the memory of that mischievous escapade when we climbed a neighbor's tree, clandestinely helping ourselves to their prized rambutans!

"The important thing is that we stick together." - Buzz Lightyear


NATURE'S DEFIANCE

A delicate flower emerges from a rocky crevice, reminding us that we can flourish in the face of adversity.
"Even in the harshest of places, life finds a way." - Unknown


SOLITUDE IN THE SKY



YING AND YANG
An interesting dish with a yin and yang arrangementdragon fruit salad and tofu croquettes

FROM THE TRAVEL ARCHIVES

Magic Carpet, Trübsee Snow Park 2019

My Corner of the World