Gallimaufry#120

Just a gallimaufry of photos 📸

Heong Peah 362

Nestled in a humble, dilapidated hut on the outskirts of my hometown, lies the unassuming home of the legendary Heong Peah 362. 

Heong Peah in Hokkien literally translates as fragrant biscuit. Essentially, Heong Peah is a pastry with a flaky crust encasing a sticky, sweet filling made from malt and shallots.

Traditional earthen kilns fired by coconut husks are used to bake the biscuits.

These delectable biscuits have garnered a loyal following, both locally and internationally, for their irresistible aroma, delicate texture, and rich flavor.

It's a common sight in the bustling streets of Ipoh to see friends and relatives who have migrated overseas eagerly clutching bags of Heong Peah before they embark on their journey back home. These beloved pastries hold a special place in the hearts of those who have left their hometowns in search of new horizons.

CAT SPOTTING 👀😺

Dinner—sushi

Sushi can definitely hit the spot when you're craving something light yet flavorful. The combination of fresh fish, rice, and vegetables makes it a refreshing choice. Do you have a favorite type of sushi or a go-to sushi roll? Mine is Maguro Sushi (tuna).

FROM THE TRAVEL ARCHIVES

Dijon, Burgundy 2019

A FUNNY TO SHARE

Looks like this jelly found its true calling – as a dental impressionist! Who knew lychees could be so toothsome? 😂

Image source: Shared on Facebook

Gallimaufry#119

Just a gallimaufry of photos 📸

Coconut stand

In Malaysia, coconut stands are a common sight along roadsides and beaches. These simple setups typically offer fresh coconut water, a refreshing beverage extracted from young, green coconuts. They are usually manned by migrant workers who skillfully open the coconuts using machetes to serve customers. Additionally, some stands may also sell other beverages such as sugar cane water and fruits like durians.

Mudskippers

Chinese New Year dinner

Yu Shang

Yu Shang, also known as Yee Sang, is a popular dish in Malaysian and Singaporean cuisine, especially during the Chinese New Year festivities. It's a vibrant and symbolic dish, enjoyed for its auspicious meanings and delicious flavors. The salad typically consists of various shredded vegetables, strips of raw fish (often salmon), crunchy toppings like peanuts and sesame seeds, and a sweet and tangy dressing. When eaten together, it symbolizes prosperity, good luck, and abundance for the coming year.

One of the most exciting aspects of enjoying Yu Shang is the tossing ritual known as "lo hei" in Cantonese or "lao sheng" in Mandarin. This communal tradition involves everyone at the table using their chopsticks to toss the ingredients together while shouting auspicious phrases. The higher the toss, the greater the prosperity and luck it is believed to bring. It's a lively and joyous affair, symbolizing unity, good fortune, and the sharing of blessings among family and friends. The tossing action also represents the scattering of good luck in all directions. It's a meaningful and interactive way to start a meal, fostering a sense of togetherness and optimism for the year ahead.

NOSTLAGIA

Remember this?

I can still recall the whirring sound of a cassette player and the way it delicately spun a tape. Back then, we curated mixtapes, meticulously selecting each song to create a personalized soundtrack that spoke volumes about who we were and what we felt. Sometimes, the tape would snag and be pulled out of the cassette by the roller, a moment of suspense when luck determined the outcome. If fortunate, a quick fix with a pencil would spool it back into place. Other times, the tape would be mangled, requiring delicate care to cut out the ruined part and then splice it back together with cellophane tape. Oh, the relief when your cherished song resumed playing smoothly, even if it meant some parts were missing!

FROM THE TRAVEL ARCHIVES

SANTORINI 2023

All over Santorini, it is impossible to miss the ubiquitous sight of girls in vividly colored dresses, their long trains billowing in the wind as they strike captivating poses. Some stand precariously on ledges and domed rooftops, navigating the heights for that perfect, gravity-defying photo. Against the backdrop of Santorini's iconic blue domes and pristine whitewashed architecture, the Santorini flying dress phenomenon has become a coveted item on many Instagrammers' bucket lists.

During the high season, THE FLYING DRESS PHOTO conducts an average of eight flying-dress photo shoots per day, with rates starting at USD $605 per hour.

Sharing some of my favourite flying dress shots from the SANTORINIDRESS Instagram feed.

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.

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