Month: July 2015

Country Living

Hard enough getting two battling cats to sit together for a portrait. Even harder to get a goat to walk across frame on cue.

Sony Alpha a7R, ISO 100, f9, 1/320 sec.

The Last of the Mohicans

As such, I wasn’t expecting cooperation when I asked to take a picture of him standing next to the barbecue fire.

I had to. The scene behind him had such wonderful ambience and I needed him to complete the picture. What an opportunity for a mood shot at a ramadan bazaar, I thought to myself. He shouted back “No”

Before I could respond, he asked: “Why me?”

Instead of explaining how beautiful the smoke will look seeping through the rays of the directional sunlight or that the picture is meaningless without the seller, I said: “Cos I like your hair” (which was also an honest reply).

With that, he walked towards the grill and cooperated like a sweet baby.

Sony Alpha a7R, ISO 100, f5, 1/200 sec.

Chicken Soup For The Malaysian Soul

It is not the world’s 5th hottest hot springs that is located here or the many natural attractions, even though they are awesome. It is the people.

Every local person I crossed path with, while driving or walking, young or old; smiled or waved at me. All I have to do is look at them.

They know I am a stranger or outsider, for sure. Unlike other touristy places, the people in this kampung are not dependent on visitors or are peddling anything.

When you speak with them, you will understand the warm reactions are from the goodness of their hearts, instinctive hospitality and colour blindness.

So if you are tired of the endless race-baiting and bickering by politicians, take a drive to the countryside where the real Malaysia is. It is chicken soup for the soul.

Sony Alpha a7R, ISO 100, f5.6, 1/80 sec.

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.