Faces of KL

I am a citizen of Kuala Lumpur. I call it home ever since the day I got married, at the Raja Rajeswary Temple, Jalan Ampang.

Atop the small mound, the 'ayer' chanted, ' Blessings ! Blessings ! Shower upon them, Almighty! The thaali was tied and the mrindagam, tabla, nadeswaran all created a happy din! His home , KL was mine henceforth. KL has given me everything - my creature comforts and a home with new beginnings. Importantly, this is where my husband and I have raised our family of 3 kids. We've crossed borders ourselves, steeped in different cultures and practices , enriching our lives among the multi -ethnic citizens of KL.

The city throbs long after I go to bed. It pursues a frenetic pace rushing headlong into the millennium to make its stand among other cities in the world . It has come a long way from its early beginnings and the original pioneers could not have known how its location has smiled favourably upon it. Indeed, fortune smiled upon the growth of KL from its first days and today, KL continues to thrive - a metropolitan city of 1.6 million people.

It stands unique - a city so diverse and dynamic. Its people, their faces embody the spirit and soul of KL. There are so many stories to tell and their stories cross borders and they ask for understanding for them to be heard.

It is not surprising that first -time visitors take a little time to adjust to the diversity and wonders of what makes a Malaysian!

Even for a KLite myself, there are surprising revelations as I stroll around KL. I guess it's the spirit that lives in us that changes the pulse of the place and the people who live in them. On a plane, you see nothing, on a motorway you see the backend of the lorry in front. Come, join me and let the faces of KL 'tell' their stories. There's more if we can sit down over a cuppa!

Bounce, jump, twirl, spin

Life is so merry and free

Because of you, I'm happy

Because of you, I'm gay

Mum and dad,

You make my day!

My son's getting married

The bride's a gem

Not arranged, just love at first sight!

Lucky thing, she's just right

At least his papa and I can sleep right!

Hey world! get ready!

We're the Champs!

Our desire is BIG

Our talents HUGE

Our commitment SOLID

So, here we come- world!

Beauty is skin deep

Some say yes, some disagree

Look at us

Creams, lotions make us beautiful

We stick by that!

But do not forget the smiles, the warmth

To bring it to your face.

Always greet your customers with a smile

It will go more than miles

'Coz they'll come back

To be clothed for the 'kill '

And that will ring your till!

Just ask politely

Do not be scared

The law of the land

Is also your helping hand

They say, grandad, take life easy

Well, by now I think I'm good at it!

I think of the days, what lies ahead

I haven't any answer

It's not in my head!

Hello, there! glad you called

Come over for curry

Hey! and don't be in a hurry

I have lots to tell

Let's make merry

'Coz I'm getting married!

Here I sit, on my haunch

Silently, eyes roving

Watching the world go by

They say life's a stage

And we're merely players

Well, here I am in MidValley Mall

Watching all.

Kopi tiam is not a word

It is my hangout.

Have a tete- tete

With teh tarik and mee

Time to meet my friends

Share and tell

Words of wisdom, words of faith

Prayers over, Friday noon

Time to share, be at peace

O Lord, Almighty!

We're grateful we are at peace.

She ain't heavy, she's my sis-in-law

Over the years, our paths entwine

Over time , our love endures

God bless my sis-in-law

Did you hear the new Bollywood movie is town?

Let's make it there tonight, brother

Let the dances and songs ease our worries

See you there, tonight

No worries!

Sweet sister, be my friend

I may not know what lies ahead

But I know it's fun to play

Let's do it together

Forever and a day

Mum says to dress pretty

That's what a growing lass does best.

Feathers for my hair, necklace round my neck

If boys still can't spot me

What the heck!

One and all, these faces are the faces of 1 Malaysia. Take a stroll around KL - there's no better way to get to know the city and her people than to mingle and see with your own eyes. They will take you straight to the heart of the local experience. I found them along Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman, in a nasi padang shop, SOGO shopping mall, Semua House , Madras store, Jalan Masjid India, MidValley mall, Bangsar and Bukit Damansara - a microcosm of KL's rich tapestry.