Not all hotels in KL cost the earth. Sometimes, you just want a clean, safe, budget hotel in KL.
If you don’t need a swimming pool to pee into or to get red eyes from, try the new Hanson Hotel KL. It is promoted by my friend Lilian Ying on behalf of her owner friend. You can book via my link too.
http://www.mycen.my/hanson-hotel/
Since SJK (C) Chong Fah Phit Chee was founded 109 years ago, in 1909, it gives an indication as to how long ago the Chinese community settled in Pudu.
Till today, Pudu is still known as Half Jungle in Chinese. It harkens back to the early development days of Kuala Lumpur when it was partially developed..
Half Jungle was the area between Pudu Jail and Cheras. Search to see my photo essay on Pudu Market for more insights.
Back to the school. From its original humble wooden building, a new building was built in 1952. It is both privately and publicly funded. In 2011, funds were raised to modernise the old building from 1952.
The ceiling, roof and wiring were replaced with funds from a community chest to keep the school and students safe. Inset picture of renovated building from Community Chest website (http://www.commchest.org.my/).
I don’t like the school emblem or logo that was possibly inspired by the winged emblem or logo of Harley Davidson. I forget that school badges often took this shape. Used to collect metal school badges as a hobby. The enameled button badges have a safety pin welded to the back.
I wonder if people still collect school badges? It was gratifying and an honour to do badge exchanges when visiting another school for a sports event or science fair. Life was simple then.
While photographing the Pudu Market, I met many female traders who were from the more than a century old Pudu English Secondary School (PESS). I know my Fb friend Kimyee Wong was. 🙂
It is located at Jalan Foss, opposite the former F&N factory. I think I may have collected its unique purple badge. Sadly, I don’t know where my collection is now.
#school #chineseschool #pudu #history #pudumarket #pess #landmark #documentaryphotography #chongfahphitchee
Across the road from 168 Restaurant is a Chinese primary (elementary) school founded 108 years ago in 1909. Like many Chinese schools nowadays, SJK (C) Chong Fah Phit Chee has many students who are Malays, Indians and other non-Chinese.
Outside a Chinese school, students can almost always be seen carrying oversized and heavy backpacks.
The standard school crossing traffic warning sign (inset) seems outdated as no school-going kid can cross a busy street so leisurely and without the burden of a heavy backpack these days.
Without a warden and sign, surprised that only one car slowed down and stopped to allow this girl to dash safely.
For those not rich or lucky enough to have a chauffeur parent waiting in a car or a domestic helper (maid) to help carry the heavy bags, getting to and back from school can be a daily struggle that may toughen them for the realities of life later.
I know. If you are conscious or aware of your surroundings, there is so much to do and to think about even while having a leisurely street side lunch. This is what street photography entails. I composed the captions in my mind too, right after I clicked.
Panasonic Lumix GM-1. ISO 200, f8, 1/250 sec.
#chineseschool #crossing #school #traffic #streetphotography #pudu #roadside #traficsign #documentaryphotography
While waiting for Johnny’s spectacles to be ready, we wandered near the optical shop and discovered a nail saloon or nail bar. Was last pampered by nurses Nurlyn Aisyah and her dorm roommate when I was in hospital. They did a good job even though it wasn’t in their job scope. Both are from Desaru, coincidentally.
It was my first time, getting a professional manicure by a professional today. I was attended to by sweet Katrina, a Filipina Muslim from Moro Province (foreground on right). Her hometown and Christian-like name became a conversation piece.
I have never seen so many types of nail files in my life! LOL.Never have I also seen a tunnel dryer for nail polish or varnish either. Katrina asked me if I like to have nail polish applied as it is included for the price. I declined. Plus: Johnny was getting impatient and was hungry. Haha. Katrina did a good job. Let me know, if you need an address or phone number.
Update: I think the company name is Foot Beauty Concept and is now known as Nail Class. The namecard is very cluttered and confusing as they have three shops in Sg Wang.
The one I went was at G 076, Ground Floor, Sungai Wang Plaza, I think.
Tel: 03 2110 4863 and 012 525 1963
Facebook: @FootbeautyconceptAnd Christinanailsalon
Horrible that I can’t even tag!
#manicure #pedicure #nails #nailbar #nailsalon #nailspa #fingernails #polish
Back At 168 And Sungai Wang.
I was back in Sungai Wang Plaza for the second straight day in a row. I fell asleep on my glasses and broke it. FML. Johnny Ong was nice to drive me there today and the optician boss, Michael, was in a good mood and he replaced the pair without charges, even though it was my own carelessness.
The shop is Eyewear and you may want to search for my recent post entitled “Love At First Sight”. Bear in mind, you may not enjoy the same kind of liberal warranty, though.
This is the blog version of that post and the address is also given in it:
http://tvsmith.my/eclectic/love-first-sight
Was also happy Johnny got himself a new pair after eye examinations today and saved himself a bundle. Since Johnny likes traditional Chinese food, I suggested we go eat at Restaurant 168 as Pudu was nearby.
Johnny was excited hearing it, as he remembered me going there with mutual friend Anna Har the last time. We wanted to try the signature curry mee but to our big disappointment, it was already sold out at 2 pm.
Earlier blog post about Restaurant 168. Also on FB and IG:
http://tvsmith.my/food/restaurant-168
I asked for regular yellow noodles and kuey tiow “kon low” (dry mix) instead of wontan noodles and as before, it came with awesome wan tans and a sui kow. The sui kows were so good we ordered an additional standalone bowl. All washed down with Calamansi Juice With Sour Plums.
#restaurant168 #pudu #wantonmee #dumplings #noodles #streetphotography #streetfood #eyewear #sungaiwang
