Category: People

The Wall

He made another turn into yet another dodgy back lane and I can hear a roar this time. Around the corner, was a wall of people, several in traditional Burmese longyi sarong. They were watching something.

Hameed turned to look at me before assimilating into the crowd. As we both panted and try to catch our breath, he shouted: You go ahead and enjoy watching. Don’t go asking strange questions again, OK?

I gave him a silent thumbs-up sign and pushed my way gently through the crowd. Everyone allowed me through, with some urging those in front to make way. Maybe because I was the only outsider or they understood my curiosity.

Strangely, and probably by co-incidence, the men were mostly dressed in red, blue and white: the tri-colours of the Socialist Republic of the Union of Burma flag used from 1974 to 2010. I have questions.

Sony Alpha a7R, ISO 1250, f9, 1/250 sec.

Cock-A-Doodle-Doo

I spent a weird but wonderful Hari Raya with the Burmese Muslim community in KL. It started with me visiting my Rohingya friend Hameed for Eid.

Unfortunately, he wasn’t home when I went calling. His housemate suggested I take a walk in the neighborhood, and I should find him.

So off I went walking and ran into this old cock by the kerb. When I asked whose chicken is this, people became nervous, agitated, turned away or bolted. Strange, right?

Finally, one brave guy whispered from my back: What are you doing???

It turned out to be my friend Hameed. Haha.

Hameed: You are late. We gave your food to the cats.

Me: Is this your cock?

Hameed: No. This is a fighting cock.

Me: Cock fighting is illegal in this country, you do know?

Hameed: Why do you think that guy is cracking his knuckles?

Me: I noticed.

Hameed: I think this cock is retired. So chill, man.

Me: Ok. At least, you guys didn’t eat him.

Hameed: Maybe, we’ll eat only one of its drumsticks later.

Me: Wow. You are appreciative of the cockerel winning a few fights?

Since I am outnumbered, like 1000 to 1 here, I decided not to pursue the matter further.

Abruptly, Hameed said he has a championship game to go to. Before I finished saying the non-abbreviated WTF, he ran off. I followed him. More mind blowing stuff ahead.

Sony Alpha a7R, ISO 5000, f9, 1/400 sec.

Buka Puasa At KLCC Park

Since I was at the Petronas Twin Towers, I went for a walk at KLCC Park after I finished my business. Wonderful to be able to enjoy the sunset and changing hues of the sky.

On the way back, I stumbled upon a Malay family breaking fast at one corner of the park.

Naturally, I asked permission to photograph them. I explained that it is a rare and blessed moment to have culture, architecture and a dusk sky so beautifully juxtaposed. The Azri Family graciously agreed.

Not only that, they kept insisting I join them by offering me whatever food they brought along. I am truly touched by their generosity, hospitality and friendship towards a stranger (and fellow Malaysian).

Am also glad I was successful in capturing them as they really were: humble, jovial and very warm people.

We chatted and Mrs Azri said they are looking forward to go back to their kampung in Rembau for the holiday. There’ll be prayers in the morning followed by a big feast on the first day of Raya.

Here’s wishing the Azri family and everyone a safe drive home and Selamat Hari Raya.

Sony Alpha a7R, ISO 1600, f5.6, 1/60 sec with Sony HVL-F60M fill flash.

A Hipster’s Bazaar

Putrajaya’s Ramadan Bazaar is refreshingly different and somewhat bizarre. It is more a showcase of clever marketing tactics, than of food.

Many of the stalls have banners with hipster catchphrases such as ‘the real original’, ‘no additives’, ‘infused’ and ‘yogurt-fied’, for example.

Quite a few proclaim a small town’s name where the dish and seller supposedly originate; leaving you wondering why they are not selling in their home towns.

If in doubt, one can always ask via their Facebook (and ‘like’ symbol) displayed on the stall.

Maybe I found all the hipster mantra odd because I spent the last two weeks at rural Ramadan bazaars where traditional food and a smile was the appeal.

Here’s sweet and sulky Aini selling red velvet cakes. I don’t like velvet cakes so I bought some layered blueberry and tiramisu cheese cakes from her.

How can I not? She baked all the cakes herself, all night, while listening to indie music.

Sony Alpha a7R, ISO 100, f6.3, 1/80 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.