Laughter In The Rain

Saw this roadside stall at Ulu Slim on a wet evening. It was operated by a makcik trio. One makcik was too shy and declined to be photographed. Below is our conversation translated into English from Malay (for the benefit of international followers).

Me: Is that your house behind, makcik?

They: Yes. And do you know why we are selling food in front of our humble kampung house?

Me: So that you don’t have to use that shiny new car (wrapped up) to transport the food elsewhere?

They: OMG! Hahaha. No! So we don’t have to pay rent like those selling at the Ramadan bazaar in town. True or not?

Before I can answer they burst out laughing themselves. We started chatting like friends, talking about the cost of trading and life in the kampung. Love their great sense of humour and gregarious personality.

Since they were closing up, I bought almost all the remaining kuih for only RM 5. Yes, their overheads are lower and it is reflected in the price.

Sony Alpha a7R, ISO 125, f4, 1/60 sec.

I Want To Know What Blue Lemon Is

In my life there’s been yellow and pink
I don’t know if I can face it again
Can’t stop now, I’ve traveled so far, to this Slim River town

I want to know what blue lemon is, I want you to show me
I want to feel what blue lemon is, I know you can show me

Blue Lemon is the most popular drink at the Slim River Ramadhan Bazaar but nobody gave me a straight answer. Finally at one stall, the lady said: “It’s just colouring”.

Sony Alpha a7R, ISO 100, f7.1, 1/320 sec.

On The First Day Of Ramadan

Was good spending the first day of the fasting month observing life in Slim River. The day culminated at the Ramadan food bazaar in the middle of town.

The traders were friendly, generous and their food tasted good. A mother-daughter team seen here selling stir-fried kuey teow (flat rice noodles).

I like how the daughter sneaked in a smile behind the serious mother 🙂

Sony Alpha a7R, ISO 320, f4, 1/250 sec.