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.

Gallimaufry#145

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

 HIGH-TEA BUFFET WITH GIRLFRIENDS

Top left to right—Indian fish curry, Thai prawns, baked potatoes

Middle left to right—aloo ghobi with mattar, fried Siamese rice noodles, chicken kurma

Bottom left to right—lamb varuval, meatball with cream cheese, oyster sauce tofu

FROM THE TRAVEL ARCHIVES

UNIVERSAL STUDIOS HOLLYWOOD 1990

Throwback to one of the most heart-pounding moments at Universal Studios, California.

image source - reddit

I was way too scared to take a picture myself during the Jaws ride, so I found this one online to show what it's like when a massive shark leaps out of the water, just inches from your boat. 

The screams, the water splashes, and that sudden surge of adrenaline – it was all too real! 

Definitely a ride that has you gripping the edge of your seat and reconsidering every ocean swim you've ever taken.

After seeing the Jaws movie, I was too terrified to even be in a swimming pool – it might sound ridiculous, but it was a fear that took me a long time to shake off!

Bruce

image source - reddit

Bruce, the hanging shark at Universal Studios Hollywood, is a replica of the mechanical shark used in Steven Spielberg’s iconic movie “Jaws.” Spielberg named the shark “Bruce” after his lawyer at the time. The original Bruce was notoriously unreliable during filming, but it became a beloved symbol of the movie. The replica of Bruce was displayed at Universal Studios Hollywood from 1975 to 1990. It was initially located in the Visitor Entertainment Center and later moved to the docks next to the Warlord Tower. After some time, it was relocated to the entrance of the studio tour, where it remained until 2014. In celebration of the Studio Tour’s 60th anniversary, Universal Studios Hollywood has brought back the iconic hanging shark as part of the tour. Visitors can now see Bruce once again, along with other classic elements from the park’s history. 

Have you seen the movie “Jaws”?

Miami Vice

Remember the TV show Miami Vice? I recall a high-speed boat chase and explosive action scenes—it was like stepping straight into an episode of Crockett and Tubbs' thrilling adventures.

KITT

Remember Knight Rider? Seeing KITT and talking to us with that iconic voice and flashing red scanner was absolutely thrilling—like being part of an action-packed Knight Rider episode!

Earthquake

A massive surge of water would cascade down a sloped area, mimicking a broken water main, and rush towards the ride vehicle. This created the illusion that the tram was about to be flooded, but the water would be redirected just before reaching the guests.

The Earthquake ride at Universal Studios Hollywood was one of the most exciting and immersive attractions in the 1990s. Based on the 1974 film Earthquake, it was part of the studio tour and simulated a massive quake in the San Francisco subway system. Guests experienced shaking ground, collapsing structures, gushing water, and even a derailed subway car. The ride was an impressive display of practical effects, showing how Hollywood creates disaster movie magic.