Gallimaufry#149

Just a gallimaufry of AI-generated photos, real photos and ramblings 📸

KOLAM/RANGOLI

Rangoli, also known as Kolam in Tamil Nadu, is a traditional Indian art form where intricate patterns are created using rice flour, colored powders, or flower petals. These designs are often drawn at doorsteps to invite prosperity and ward off negativity. Rangoli is especially popular during festivals like Diwali, Onam, and Pongal, symbolizing joy, harmony, and divine blessings. The ephemeral nature of this art—meant to be remade each day—reminds us of life’s transient beauty.

Fun Kolam Facts

1. The lines in a kolam must remain continuous and unbroken to prevent evil from entering the home through gaps.
2. These intricate patterns are traditionally passed down from mothers to daughters, preserving the cultural heritage across generations.
3. In Tamil, the word "kolam" symbolizes both form and beauty.
4. As the day progresses, the kolam naturally fades—worn away by footsteps, birds, insects, and weather. Each morning, a new kolam is created, symbolizing the daily renewal of life.

Dinner

Steamed eggs are a comfort food that many of us grew up enjoying. Made with just three simple ingredients—eggs, water, and salt—this homey meal evokes nostalgia and warmth. While it may seem straightforward, achieving the perfect texture can be surprisingly challenging. The trick lies in using eggshells to measure the water, ensuring the perfect ratio for that silky texture.

The steaming process is just as crucial: the heat must be just right. If the water is boiling too rapidly, the eggs will develop lumps and appear pockmarked. On the other hand, if the heat is too low and the steaming takes too long, the eggs can become hard. Achieving that perfect, melt-in-your-mouth consistency can be hard to nail, but each bite is a reminder of home and the love that goes into cooking.

Something blue

HALLOWEEN 2000

Halloween isn't a big celebration in Malaysia, though it has been slowly gaining traction, especially within the expatriate community and among the younger generation. You’ll find themed events at international schools, bars, and cafes, and some shopping malls even put up spooky decorations. But for most people, it’s just another day that goes by without much fanfare.

The only Halloween party I’ve ever attended was at my son’s preschool. He dressed up as Superman, and I still remember how excited he was posing with his little buddy, Abigail, who came as an adorable ladybug. It was a simple and fun occasion, and the kids had a blast.

Just having fun with AI and getting into the Halloween spirit! 

FROM THE TRAVEL ARCHIVES

Jane Austen's Georgian townhouse in Bath

Everything happened so quickly during our tour of Bath! By the time the guide pointed out Jane Austen's house at No. 4, our bus had already passed, and I barely managed to snap this photo of the apartment building where she stayed. It’s amazing to think about the literary genius that once walked these streets. Although the shot is just a glimpse, it’s a reminder of the rich history and inspiration that Bath holds. I can only imagine the stories Jane Austen must have woven while looking out at this very view!

PRIDE AND PREJUDICE

Back in my all-girls high school, every girl dreamed of marrying a Mr. Darcy! 💖 If you've seen the various adaptations of Pride and Prejudice, who do you think captured his essence best? For me, Colin Firth is the ultimate Darcy, perfectly embodying his brooding charm. Close behind is Will Kemp, whose delightful portrayal in Paging Mr. Darcy (the Hallmark movie) adds a modern twist to this beloved character.

Mr. Darcy and the Bennet women at Pemberley

From left: Mr. Darcy, Elizabeth, Mary, Jane, Kitty, Mrs. Bennet, Lydia

SENSE AND SENSIBILITY

As the rain poured down, a melancholic Marianne Dashwood lifted her arms, embracing the downpour as if to wash away her grief ...

Gallimaufry#148

Just a gallimaufry of AI-generated photos, real photos and ramblings 📸

THE BIRDS

As the hubs and I descended into the basement car park of a shopping mall, a flurry of wings suddenly swept past us. We looked up and caught sight of crows perching on the piping and ductwork all around. It was as if their beady, glinting eyes were watching us. Their presence was unnerving. The scene reminded me of Alfred Hitchcock's The Birds. It felt like we had stepped into a horror movie. Just then, the distant roar of wind and rain echoed through the parking structure, announcing a heavy storm outside. More and more crows swooped in, seeking shelter from the pounding rain, their dark forms multiplying as they filled the air and settled around us.

Spotting a crow is supposed to be bad luck, but a murder of them? Yikes! I was spooked and wanted to get away quickly, so I didn't take any photos. However, here are some AI-generated images to capture the eerie scene.

FUN FACTS

"Murder" of Crows : The term for a group of crows is a "murder," which already carries a dark connotation. Seeing a large group of crows has been historically linked to death or tragedy, potentially because of their scavenging nature and their association with battlefields or plagues

Superstitions on Crow Numbers : There are folk beliefs, especially in European traditions, about the number of crows spotted having different meanings: 

One for sorrow

Two for joy

Three for a girl

Four for a boy

Five for silver

Six for gold

Seven for a secret never to be told

According to this rhyme, seeing two crows could be seen as good luck, while a large group might not necessarily be bad, depending on the interpretation.

DINNER

Deep-fried pork belly with crispy garlic flakes

Chinese tomato and egg stir-fry

Total comfort food. It's one of those simple, no-fuss dishes that hits the spot every time. Made with soft scrambled eggs and juicy tomatoes, it's sweet, savory, and perfect over a bowl of rice. A lot of people grew up with this dish, so it brings back warm, nostalgic feelings. Whether you're having it for breakfast, lunch, or as a quick dinner side, it's the kind of food that just makes you feel cozy and satisfied.

FROM THE TRAVEL ARCHIVES

FIRE FOX ZIPLINE, BINTAN 2011

Climbing up the ladder

Getting ready to zip off

Son#2 glided bravely across 1,640 feet, and in my excitement to videotape the epic moment, I thought I pressed record—turns out, I didn't! So, the highlight of the adventure exists... only in our memories!

Grabbing the net before sliding back to the ground

FUN FACTS

In 2011, the Fire Fox Zipline in Bintan, Indonesia was the longest zip line in Asia.

Currently,  Jebel Jais Flight  holds the title for the longest zip line in Asia, It is located in Ras Al Khaimah, United Arab Emirates. Here are some key details about it:

1. Length : The Jebel Jais Flight measures approximately 2.83 kilometers (1.76 miles), making it the longest zip line in Asia and the world.

2. Location : It is situated on Jebel Jais, the highest mountain in the UAE, which provides stunning views of the surrounding landscape, including the Hajar Mountains and the Gulf coastline.

3. Experience : Riders can reach speeds of up to 150 kilometers per hour (93 miles per hour) as they dream across the mountain, experiencing the thrill of flying while enjoying breathtaking scenery.

The Colosseum

I stood in awe, closed my eyes, and breathed in the ancient air, imagining the roar of the crowd from centuries past. The haunting soundtrack from the movie Gladiator, “Now We Are Free,” played in my head. I could almost hear the clash of swords and the desperate cries of the combatants as I pictured the lions, fierce and powerful, prowling the sand while the sun glinted off their golden fur, ready to strike fear into the hearts of those who dared to face them.

The echoes of the past still resonate within the Colosseum's ancient walls, a timeless reminder of the bravery and brutality that once defined its grand arena. Standing there, one can't help but feel a profound connection to the history and the countless stories etched into every stone.

            

FUN FACT

 

The song "Now We Are Free" from the Gladiator soundtrack, composed by Hans Zimmer and sung by Lisa Gerrard, is performed in an improvised language created by Gerrard. Gerrard often sings in what she refers to as "emotional language," a form of expression that transcends traditional languages ​​and is meant to convey emotions rather than specific meanings. So, the lyrics do not belong to any existing language, but instead consist of vocal sounds designed to evoke a deep emotional response.

Gallimaufry#147

Just a gallimaufry of AI-generated photos, real photos and ramblings 📸

I’ve never encountered a white desert rose before.

Weigh-and-cook hotpot

In this version of hotpot, customers select their ingredients, which are weighed at the counter, paid for, and then cooked by the kitchen staff before being served in a large bowl at the table. This differs from the traditional hotpot style where ingredients are typically brought raw to the table for customers to cook themselves.

Choose your favorites! A variety of fresh ingredients ready for you to weigh, pay, and let the kitchen cook up the perfect hotpot dish

FROM THE TRAVEL ARCHIVES

Monastiraki Square

Gyros

I was told you can’t go to Greece and not have a gyros, and now I completely get it! I grabbed my first gyros from a local taverna in Fira. Yummmm! 😋 I absolutely loved the tender, spicy grilled pork in a warm pita, layered with fresh veggies and tzatziki—and wait for it—crispy fries right inside! It was pure genius! I've been craving this deliciousness ever since, but I’ve yet to find a Greek restaurant in my corner of the world. Heidi of The Frugal Girls shared her amazing Greek Chicken Gyros recipe here, so you can make them at home. The best part? You can slather on as much tzatziki as your heart desires!

Lamb? Chicken? Pork? Beef? 

AI CAN'T SPELL!

The sign is supposed to read "Gyros, souvlaki, pita and more..." 

So, you know how AI tries to help us with everything? It’s great at many things—but spelling? Not so much! 

Son #2 explains it like this: instead of letters, AI thinks in “tokens.” Imagine tokens as building blocks. For words, some letters are separate tokens, while others are combined. So when AI sees “tomato,” it’s not just counting letters; it’s trying to piece together the right combination of tokens.

But here’s the kicker: AI sometimes miscounts. Instead of spelling “tomato” with one “o,” it might accidentally treat it like “TO-MA-TOE” because it misjudged the tokens. And that’s how we end up with signs that read “TOMATOE” and “FRESH TOAMTOES.”

Now let’s throw in “strawberry.” You’d think it’s straightforward, right? But AI could end up treating it like “STRAW-BER-RY,” mistakenly counting the “r”s as separate tokens. Instead of the two “r”s in “strawberry,” you might see “STRABERRY” on a sign!

So next time you see a sign that’s hilariously misspelled, just remember: AI may be smart, but when it comes to spelling, it’s still trying to play a game with the wrong rules!

MUMBAI

I've always dreamed of visiting India, but as I get older, I find myself gradually moving some countries down my bucket list—especially those in Asia. My plan is to tackle the farther destinations while I still can, saving the closer ones for when I'm less inclined to endure long-haul flights, which I really dread. Recently, my son went to Mumbai on a business trip, and I couldn’t resist sneaking a couple of photos from his phone to relive his adventures.

Gateway of India

Taj Mahal Palace Hotel

Though I've never visited, I remember the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel from the movie "Hotel Mumbai." The film vividly portrays the horrific 2008 attack, where armed militants laid siege to the hotel, taking hostages and causing chaos, ultimately resulting in the tragic loss of over 170 lives. It highlights the courage of the hotel staff and guests amidst the terror, serving as a powerful reminder of resilience in the face of adversity.

            

I imagine a cute three-wheeled auto-rickshaw zipping through the bustling streets of Mumbai, its tiny horn tooting as it weaves through the vibrant chaos. 

Gallimaufry#146

Just a gallimaufry of AI-generated photos, real photos and ramblings 📸

SCENES OF MALAYSIAN LIFE

Platform wait

Packed evening commute

Toothless

Toothless is a character from the "How to Train Your Dragon" franchise, which includes books, animated films, and a TV series. He is a Night Fury dragon, known for his sleek black scales and glowing green eyes.

Isn't it  amusing to see the creative things people choose to decorate their cars with?

Dinner -  Vietnamese stew

Vietnamese beef stew, known as bò kho, is a fragrant and flavorful dish that showcases tender beef simmered with an aromatic blend of spices such as star anise, cinnamon, and cloves, complemented by lemongrass and ginger. This stew boasts a slightly sweet and savory flavor profile, enriched by the addition of fish sauce and soy sauce. It often includes carrots and sometimes potatoes, and is typically served with French baguette or rice. Unlike Western beef stew, which generally relies on herbs like thyme and bay leaf for its flavor and is served with potatoes or bread, Vietnamese beef stew stands out with its distinctive aromatic profile and lighter, more spiced broth.

FROM THE TRAVEL ARCHIVES

Tower Bridge 2011

After watching so many movies featuring the Tower Bridge, it felt surreal to finally stand before it, as if the countless scenes I’d seen on screen had woven a dreamscape that now unfolded in vivid reality before my eyes.

The bridge’s towering presence, so familiar from countless movies, suddenly loomed larger than life. My mouse buddies couldn’t help but feel a thrill of goosebumps. 

STONEHENGE

My obsession with Stonehenge began in high school when I read Victoria Holt’s The Legend of the Seventh Virgin. The book drew me in with its vivid portrayal of ancient druidic rituals and the mystical aura surrounding the stones. I was captivated by the way the story blended history, legend, and mystery, leaving me in awe of the enigmatic monument. That early intrigue has stayed with me ever since, deepening my curiosity about the ancient past and the secrets Stonehenge still holds.

Doesn't he look great in khaki?

It's fascinating that archaeologists and researchers are still actively studying Stonehenge. While the iconic monument itself has been examined for centuries, ongoing archaeological work continues to delve into its construction, purpose, and the culture of the people who built it.

Who knows what the next groundbreaking discovery will reveal? Each new finding holds the potential to rewrite our understanding and bring us closer to the heart of this timeless enigma.