I love the uniqueness of this shrine in St. Michael's Church in my hometown. Dedicated to Mother Mary, the shrine has an unmistakable Asian influence in its design, which is very unusual for a Christian church.
Just another manic morning
Despite the frenetic pace of life, Malaysians always find time to have a brekkie in a hawker center before taking on the day's challenges.
Hawker centers are the heart and soul of Malaysian life, and there's always one at every turn and corner. Hawker fare is very affordably priced, and for singles and empty-nesters, it's cheaper to eat out than cook at home.
Can you spot the doggo?
Brekkie
Yellow hibiscus
FROM THE TRAVEL ARCHIVES
Piazza della Repubblica, Florence 2022
Lunch and dinner — congee
Congee is the best remedy when you're feeling under the weather.
Sticky rice with a filling of chicken or pork, shitake mushroom, Chinese sausage, dried shrimp, and salted egg is wrapped in a lotus leaf and then steamed to impart a subtle flavour to the rice.
Dim Sum 101
Teh Tarik contest
Participants compete to see who can make the most frothy and delicious cup of Teh Tarik.
Teh tarik is a popular hot beverage in Malaysia and Singapore. It is made from black tea and condensed milk, and traditionally served in a glass or mug. The name “Teh Tarik” means “pulled tea,” and it is made by pouring the beverage back and forth between two containers at a distance. This process is used to create a foamy, frothy texture that is characteristic of Teh Tarik.
FROM THE TRAVEL ARCHIVES
Tanoura Dance, Dubai 2011
The tanoura is a dance performed by men twirling in long, colourful skirts, originating from whirling dervishes.
So what is a dervish, and why do they whirl?
A dervish is a Muslim religious man who spins and twirls with increasing speed until he reaches a trance-like state.
Stripping layers of his clothes as he spins represents the different stages of ridding himself of earthly needs and reaching a state of spiritual surrender to God.
We watched this performance on a dhow cruise. The dancer was like a human top. He spun continously for a good 30 minutes without faltering. I got dizzy just watching him!
Meet Ahmed, my favourite vegetable seller at the wet market.
Ahmed is a migrant worker from Bangladesh. He speaks better Malay than I do!
WHEN FOODIES RUN INTO ONE ANOTHER ...
Son#1 and I ran into our former neighbours in the mall, and we decided to to have lunch together in our favourite restaurant
OODLES OF NOODLES 🍜
Dry curry rice vermicelli with roasted pork
Mee Yoke — noodles in an umami-loaded prawn broth 🦐
Flat rice noodles in a chicken broth topped with shredded chicken, prawns, and Chinese chives
Cockles with bean sprouts
A funny for today ...
FROM THE TRAVEL ARCHIVES
The Royal Palace, Dam Square 2019
I have been feeling disheartened lately. My beloved country has never been more divided, with race and politics increasingly being the source of tension and conflict in the country. Growing up in the 1960s, we were once a shining example of a harmonious multi-racial country with our eclectic mix of Malay, Chinese, Indian, and other ethnic cultures. This rich and varied tapestry of cultures and religions was once a source of strength rather than division, and we were proud of our unique national identity.
Recently, MR. DIY, a Malaysian home improvement company, carried out a social experiment in a local mall, and after watching the video, I suddenly felt my spirits lifted. There is hope yet.
Malaysians from all walks of life, races, genders, and ages came to the aid of the elderly man in the video. This is such a profound reminder of who we Malaysians truly are when we put aside our differences. We may be divided by race and religion, but we are all one and the same. We are anak Malaysia.
*anak in Malay translates as children
Take note of the old man's response in several languages and dialects. The average Malaysian speaks three languages: English, their ethnic language in various dialects, and Bahasa Melayu/Malay, which is the country's official language.
Malaysia will be celebrating its 66th Hari Merdeka (Independence Day) on 31st August 2023.
GOD BLESS MALAYSIA!
Oyen and the capybaras
A video to put a smile on your face 😊
If animals of different species can live in harmony, why can't we?
FUN FACT
In Malaysia, ginger cats are generally named "Oyen", said to originate from the word orange.
Hubby's former co-worker treated us to a traditional Keralan dinner.
Briyani platter
Brinjal Masala
Pulao
Paneer
Egg Masala
VIEWS OF MY HOMETOWN FROM MY AIRBNB RENTAL
Sometimes the wrong train will get you to the right station.
quote from the movie The Lunch Box
The Lunch Box, a heartwarming movie set in Mumbai, revolves around a mistaken delivery by the Dabbawalas (lunchbox service) of Mumbai, which leads to a relationship between Saajan, a lonely widower close to retirement, and Ila, an unhappy housewife, as they start exchanging notes through the daily lunchbox.
FROM THE TRAVEL ARCHIVES
An Italian police car in Vatican City
Curious, I asked ChatGPT if the Italian police is permitted to enter the Vatican.
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