I like this gooey and fragrant dessert served chilled. Contained in a banana leaf boat, the kuih is made from coconut milk and rice flour. The top is creamy and a bit salty while the bottom is sweet pandan-flavoured green.
There is condensation on the surface because I just took it out of the refrigerator.
Sony Alpha a7R, ISO 1600, f11, 1/60 sec.
The cats in the previous picture were looking at me looking up at this tree in the orchard. They must be thinking city people are strange people.
A couple of curious kids came and sat next to me on the grass littered with fallen leaves. Finally, one brave little girl asked: “Why are you looking at the leaves for so long?”
I wanted to explain: “I am looking at the seasons in the sun”. Although trees are evergreen here, they do have their seasons where the leaves change colours and the branches bear fruits.
I didn’t know how to put it in simple words. I could only muster “Cantik” (beautiful) and she giggled. I bet she thought I am strange too.
Many moons ago, the late country singer John Denver was in KL and I was happy to run into him by chance. I saw him looking silently at the fountain in front of the hotel for a long time. Only his wife and manager understood what he was doing, I thought to myself.
The rest of the entourage thought it was rather strange and a few began to snigger after a while. Several busybody taxi drivers laughed and told me “dia gila” (he’s mad).
I smiled but I knew what he was doing. He stopped to smell the roses, as the idiom goes. He took time from his busy schedule to appreciate the beauty of things around him.
Sony Alpha a7R, ISO 100, f6.3, 1/100 sec.
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.
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.
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.
