Keats The Sunshine Girl

Meeting A Champ

2012-01-31T08:22:00.003+08:00

'Hullo Dato'!' was the loud happy greeting of M. Lunch had just been served. The place was quiet and we had the expanse of the sea at Pasir Bogak beach to enjoy right where we sat. I looked around. I thought we had left the titled guys back in Kuala Lumpur.

A six foot tall ,well- built man, tanned to an overall even brown, wearing a red collared tee waved cheerily with brisk steps. Our friends greeted him with wide smiles. He came and extended a warm welcome to W and I.

A Kodak moment with former badminton ace

'She's Thai and Brit and I'm Malaysian,' our jocularity heightened as we identified ourselves.

He sure is a titled guy. Far from ordinary. The glory Dato' Tan Yee Khan shared with his team mates and the golden era they brought to Malaysia will never be forgotten. Our players created waves in the badminton world, so classy in their strokes. Their dedication and love for the game enamoured them to the hearts of the people. Many households had racquets to swing and be part of the wave that swept the country.

The formidable pair in Tan Yee Khan and Ng Boon Bee (also a Datuk) were on people's lips. Their killer smashes on the courts made us proud. The duo packed speed and talent. Boon Bee was fondly known as Boom Boom Bee. The nation celebrated when the pair won the All England title in the subsequent years of 1965 and 1966. They and their team mates brought the Thomas Cup back to Malaysian soil in 1967.

Victory Parade

The Thomas Cup winning team with the Minister of Education, the late Tan Sri Khir Johari

Glory for the Nation

This picture proudly hangs in the lobby of The SeaView Hotel and Holiday Resort. Hail the Badminton greats!

Being the owner of The SeaView Hotel and Holiday Resort in Pangkor Island, Dato' Yee Khan had come to check the preparations were in order to receive a sudden influx of sailors who were expected to sail in around midnight from Port Klang for The Raja Muda Selangor International Regatta.

People know him as an avid golfer who has left his mark on the sport when he took it up after retiring from badminton. During our stay, he made daily fishing trips which we came to know as one of his forms of relaxation. We were tickled as he told us that out there in the waters, if the fishes were having a 'kenduri', alas his catch would be small or nil! That evening Yee Khan surprised us with a treat of five small fishes. Opening his icebox, he told us it would be our starters for dinner . It went down well , the freshest of catch with cili padi and a dab and lick of soya sauce.

Came the second evening, again Yee Khan went fishing. Hopping out of his boat, two hours later, the four of us were still squarely sitting at the table fronting the beach. Heads bent, addicted to the tiles of Rummy O board game, we sprung from the seats to peek inside the icebox. 'See what I caught today! Fourteen, a bigger catch.'Seeing is believing! I whipped out the camera. Caught glistening eyes chockful of freshness.

What's a visit to Pangkor Island without relishing seafood? Yee Khan certainly is a man who wears many hats. Would I ever dream of having a chance meeting with the former ace? And him serving us a platter of sotong tossed with crab meat spiced with serai and herbs, a recipe he keeps close to his heart? Minutes later there was nary a crumb left on the platter. A waitress then appeared. She seemed to beam proudly her boss' catch as she lowered a platter of steamed fish ala' teow chew style, the sourish tangy aroma floating up our nostrils. Our self declared Thai and Brit friend just dug in. ' Hum choy '( pickled mustard) and fresh fish was too tantalizing!

Dato' Yee Khan came a little later to sit and chat. Would he oblige for a photo moment? He hesitated a little saying he was not dressed in his best. But we convinced him that in his red tee,he was already at his best. - hospitable and humble.

I think I've got myself a scoop. No? Well, at least for my children - a minutiae facet of one of our former badminton greats. I've got to get the word out about Dato' and the other greats lest they are forgotten.

I learned the game and was a good loser!

Daily visits by hornbills.

Our dinner

Girls wanna have fun!

Sunset at Pasir Bogak, Pangkor Island

Follow the path to the end - that's where we stayed

Septuagenarian who's good at the harmonica and Rummy O

The double tiered hibiscus does make me pretty. LOL!

Getting To Know Rotary

2012-01-19T21:20:00.002+08:00

Each club is a link in the chain of Rotary. When one club does a service for its community, every club glows with the reflected radiance - Chesley R Perry 1957 ( extract from The Rotary Life of Chesley Reynolds Perry, ROTARY/One Foundation 2006)

Rotary clubs under the banner of G7 City Group organised a Rotary Carnival for the public to gain valuable insight and information into the kind of work Rotary does locally and abroad with the support of Citta Mall, the venue sponsor on 14 January, 11 am - 7 pm. NGOs like The Silent Teddies, United Voice, Challenges, The Sunshine Group, Anak SayangKu were invited to showcase their activism and raise funds for their respective cause.

Rotarians from the different clubs of Pantai Valley, Bandar Sunway, Bukit Kiara Sunrise, Central Damansara and Tropicana showcased their core work as well as secondary projects . For example, providing artificial legs in Limbs for The Limbless, upliftment for youths from the lower income groups to better their education, the right to clean water to eliminate water borne diseases locally and internationally, activity centre in low cost flats to facilitate community-based learning and programmes, focus on youth issues etc. Not least the End Polio Now programme of which Rotary and its partners - WHO, UNICEF and the U S Centres for Disease Control and Prevention are responsible for polio cases plummet by more than 99 percent preventing 5 million instances of child paralysis and 250, 000 deaths.

Passion for Rotary binds Rotarians as a family worldwide . Every Rotarian proudly wears the Rotary Wheel pin that says Rotary International.

If we all have the fortitude to see this effort through to the end, then we will eradicate polio - Bill Gates

Rotary took on the cause of eradicating polio in 1985. Recently Rotary is working with the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation to help raise much needed funds to eradicate this vaccine - preventable disease.

Mother Teresa said, 'Without that drop, the ocean will never be full.' That is why I am a Rotarian - Carl Wilhelm Stenhammar, RI President 2005 -2006, Member of The Rotary Club of Goteborg, Sweden

Rotary Club of Bukit Kiara Sunrise's Education Fund nurtures youths to become good members of society

I believe we can change the world, one life at a time. No project is too small or insignificant, especially to those who benefit. My hope is that these seeds of service will blossom and live on for countless generations to come - RI President 2002 -2003 Bhichai Rattakul

Rotary Club of Bandar Sunway's Limb for The Limbless gifts the recipients with artificial limbs. Also, they hope to bring the experts from India to transfer technology to Malaysians at Hospital Tengku Ampuan Rahimah, Klang (HTAR) so that the artificial legs can be manufactured locally.

If we can train our youth properly, we need not have any fear as to the future of the world - Inaugural Address, 1949 Rotary Convention, New York , USA

Children of Rotarians singing for The Agape Centre Library

There is nothing intangible about Rotary. It is reality in itself. To give is to receive, to lose oneself is to find oneself, to be happy is to serve. These are old truths for the individual and the mass, whether application be in the exchange of goods, toil, knowledge or love - The Meaning of Rotary, The Rotarian Nov 1921

The Silent Teddies Bakery of The Community Service Centre for Deaf (CSCD) teaches the young hearing impaired children to be self -sufficient and equip them with entrepreneurial skills.

Smiles are the badges of friendliness. There are plenty of them within you. Do not hold them captive. Set them free at right times and places and their beneficient effects will carry to the very gates of eternity - The Road I Have Travelled by Paul P Harris in The Rotarian, Feb 1934

The volunteers of The Sunshine Group, a voluntary support of Selangor Cheshire Home full of smiles among the bric a brac, cakes, cookies and books.

On 7 January, The Rotary Club of Pantai Valley organised a joint community event with The Bukit Damansara House Owners' Assoc to target youths and introduce them to the Rotary Ambassadorial programme. It is heartening to hear from the recipients of the programme how Rotary has impacted their lives.

Ms Cheryl Teh, chairperson/director of choir of The Philharmonic Society of Selangor is thankful that through Rotary she obtained a scholarship to represent Malaysia in 1988 to embark on a Music Exchange Programme (PRIME) in Sydney. Henceforth she continued her studies there where she broadened her outlook. Her helming the Community Choir is a way of giving back to society the tremendous benefits which Rotary has given her for life. The Choir brings together youths and senior citizens in the joy of making music and spreading goodwill and understanding. May they continue to make waves in the community.

Ann Marie Larquier, an Ambassadorial Scholar from Alaska may find the the tropical heat overpowering but that does not deter her from harnessing the spirit of peace and goodwill as she learns about the different cultures in Malaysia. After her one year term she will head for Anchorage, her home and share with Rotarians and individuals her wealth of Malaysian experiences. Such is the beauty of Rotary Ambassadorial Scholarship which The Rotary Foundation plays a very important role in promoting.

Rotary's weapons against warfare are all contained within The Rotary Foundation - Peace Scholarships, Local and International Service Projects, Educational and Cultural Exchanges - Calum Thomson RGHF Chairman, D-1020 Scotland

Ms. Ann Marie Larquier at the presentation with the Rotary Club of Pantai Valley and The Bukit Damansara House Owners' Association

Rotary is of great value. It changes the course of the human life. It changes the life of every Rotary beneficiary, as well as the life of the Rotarian - An Uncommon Man, The Rotarian July 2001.

Ms Cheryl Teh, chairperson/music director of The Phil

The foundation upon which Rotary is built is friendship, on no less firm foundation could it have stood - Paul P Harris 1935, The Rotarian Age

Ann Marie,Cheryl Teh, Rotarians with Interactors and PDG, Dato' Jimmy Lim

Huggy Bears, Spread Goodwill

2012-01-08T10:26:00.007+08:00

Happy New Year to all my friends! I wish you health, happiness and prosperity. It's been a hectic time with so many goings - on. My apologies for not popping in to say the odd 'hullo' and the lapse in posting too. My thanks to each and everyone of my blogging friends, far and near for keeping in touch.

Well, to start the year off, just like you to know I hugged some bears. Others among the milling crowd did the same, showed the victory sign or simply had fun . If you are in Kuala Lumpur,do pay a visit to these bears that are standing so friendly, with a universal appeal for peace, international understanding and tolerance among nations, cultures and religions of the world. You can't miss them as they tower at 2 metres of fibreglass.

These United Buddy Bears took off in Berlin in 2002. Acknowledged by the United Nations, these Buddy Bears, representing 143 countries stand hand in hand with a motto,' We have to get to know each other better... it makes us understand one another better, trust each other more and live together more peacefully.'

Coincidentally, I gave a soft cuddly bear to a child this Christmas. Right away, she shyly wanted the bear and hugged it. That bear is now on its way to the Netherlands. And then it fell upon me to hug some bears when I was window shopping at the Pavilion Mall. Indeed they are big and attractive. Yes, Malaysia, I hugged you too! My New Year wish is for goodwill and understanding that we may prosper as Malaysians. I was happy to see the cheerful art depicting Malaysians in unity.

So before the Buddy Bears bide us farewell in February and globe trot to another destination , make your way there to experience the warmth they bring. So go, mingle among the Buddy Bears - feel, touch, admire, enjoy, and give them hugs for the symbolic message - that peace may reside in each and everyone of us before it can spread to others. As John Lennon says, Give Peace A Chance .

Circling the fountain at Pavilion Mall

YAY! Our Buddy Bear

Spot the country!

Infectious ! Love is everywhere.

Brilliant idea - Each country has their own artists doing their country proud. Unique artwork that shows off the culture of the individual countries.

Run - up to Christmas

2011-12-18T15:45:00.003+08:00

Have A Blessed Christmas . Enjoy the festive joy.

Is this how Santa sees his way in the sky - all nicely lit ? I'd luv to be up there too!!

Carousel rides for young and old - a real delight

My MCG friends organised an International Potluck lunch . After the wonderful spread, we gathered to share Xmas tales - poem was read, personal accounts of Xmases spent. Memories cherished as Christmasses are far away from homes.

Siblings Andrea and Josh Sim, on a piano duet, Rondo by Anton Diabelli. A talented duo who enchanted us with their musical skills - on cello, violin and piano. Nothing beats the spirit of youths who delight in sharing.

Josh on the cello,Tarantella by W.H. Squire. He was accompanied by sis Andrea on the violin, Canon in D by Pachelbel

Have a very Chili Xmas everyone! Hot and spicy for the tropics.

Prettily dressed to welcome the guests and VIPs at the Austrian - German - Swiss Charity Bazaar 2011

Santa in disguise but still with a heart of gold. The residents of Cheshire Home got their wish list. Merrymaking was as early as Dec 6th.

The Klang Valley Harmony under the baton of Brendi brought music to soothe and entertain the residents at Cheshire Home. For the past 15 years, our friends make Christmas memorable for everyone.

After the concert Christmas In Song, hugs for an old friend who sang with The Sel Phil charity concert for The Boys Brigade Selangor

Fancy Drill of The Boys Brigade to kick off the concert. Talk about discipline. It shows in their performance and needless, in their character training.

The community choir of The Phil. Through the years I have enjoyed their concerts. We need more community choirs. I think I'd volunteer to sing. They say come with a love for music and singing - I qualify !

Austrian - German- Swiss Charity Bazaar 2011

2011-12-09T13:46:00.002+08:00

It's such a great tradition. When year end flies in and we say hello to November and December, I look forward to the buzz of charity bazaars by the expatriate communities. If flags be flown, they'd be happily catching the breeze and proudly shouting - Great Britain, Japan, America, Austria, Germany, Australia, New Zealand, Switzerland and France!

This time round, with my friend Wanphen visiting, we eagerly made our way to the Austrian-German-Swiss charity Bazaar 2011. Added treat was the venue of Carcosa Seri Negara. The Carcosa mansion was built between 1896 -1897. It was the official residence of, Sir Frank Swettenham, the first British High Commissioner to Malaya.

The organising committees work hard for months for their big event. Plans are well laid out to attract the public.Crafty ideas emerge from clay, paper, fabrics etc to make gifts, hands and minds get busy for worthy causes. The expat communities uplift many lives of the less fortunate who benefit from the funds raised through crafts, games, food, lucky draws and door tickets sold. Fortunate are those that get the much needed support.

I simply love the atmosphere at the charity bazaars. Besides the charitable spirit of the events, they are great cross cultural gatherings. That's the time to buy lovely hand- made stuff (mostly as presents). Seeing the enthusiasm of the volunteers, knowing their tireless efforts and feeling the spirit of the event, I always fall in love with the products. So, it's not surprising that I make it early to select the choicest of buys.

Wishing all my friends who celebrate Christmas, A Blessed Christmas.

It's gonna be a sunny X'mas!!

Advent wreaths - popular items

Kids enjoying a bit of their own space with their cute creations

Couldn't take my eyes off her! Pity I cut off her shoes.

A warm welcome by the kids and there was a violin solo accompanied on the piano too.

VIPS cutting the ribbon to declare the event open- Ambassador Mrs Mag. Andrea Wicke, Austria, Ambassador, Dr Lenz, Switzerland, Dr Michael Feiner, Head of Mission, Germany.

Many gifts - all made with care and love

It got a bit' steamy' as more people moved through the corridors

History remembered in Carcosa Seri Negara

The Magic Tree - I wished rm 40.00 and got a Volkswagon cap.

For a mere rm15.00 I got 1) Is Paris Burning 2) Mister God This Is Anna 3) The Life of Pi 4 ) They Do It With Mirrors 5) The Bone setter's Daughter

Undisputed King

Pleez grant us our wishes, Nikolaus

Raclettes by the Swiss Embassy. The Austrian Embassy was a hit with apple strudel, wine and jewelry. I bought myself stollens and cookies, all ready for X'mas!

Lucky draw - eager people waiting for their numbers to be called

A friend is back!

2011-12-02T23:30:00.001+08:00

Smile and the world smiles back!

Ever tried to squeeze years into hours and days? Wanphen and I have been filling the past 10 days into a tight frame. Some evenings, we're just content sitting in my lounge, legs curled and wrapped round cushions or stretched out after a day of heavy walking. We chat and tell each other stories. I think her memory for details is better than mine. So I better grab some brain booster pills off some shelves!

My family visited her two years ago and she was ever the incomparable host. Now we are face to face. For the time being there's no need to dial international calls. That small market town, Beccles in the English county of Suffolk where she lives has a special place in my heart.

What is it that an ordinary housewife can't achieve ? She has them all cornered. Used to be boss of a huge marina and restaurant in Norfolk, built her own house, chef for all seasons and is now the owner of a holiday bungalow to let. With so much happening in her life, she has weathered ups and downs admirably, her smiles and vigour intact.

When she puts on an apron, be patient for in those few minutes, she'll whip up a meal that taste buds will savour for a long time after. When I think of her cooking for a hundred people at celebratory events, the challenge was hardly daunting to her. The menu could be Thai or Western depending on the the theme of the party. This chef was always in control. I know 'coz I've been an extra hand in the kitchen on ordinary days.

The year was 1991 in Petaling Jaya when she caught hold of me to do a wee bit of work with her at Selangor Cheshire Home, a home for the disabled. I didn't think my skills were important nor significant. The children were in their tender years doing their first ballet lessons. That's when we met. She asked me and I obliged. I hopped on to her bandwagon of voluntary work, That sealed our friendship for life. Though she left for Turkey and then to Norfolk in the UK we've kept in touch.

Am so glad she's here. Right now we are two gallivanting gals enjoying ourselves. I promised her I would take her bowling, watch a movie, and last but not least, take her down memory lane to Cheshire Home. It will be like a homecoming after all these years.

Beside the tankard - here's to Royal Selangor Pewter's success!

The favourite spot where we show off our iconic Twin Towers.

With Saint Nicklaus at the Austrian -German -Swiss Charity bazaar at Carcosa Seri Negara.

The Royal Commonwealth Society ( RCS) Club celebrates 50 years. We celebrate 20 years of friendship.

Dim Sum at The Grand Imperial, Sri Hartamas

KLCC , the ever- bustling place

Strolling the beach at Pasir Bogak, Pangkor Island, Wanphen was thrilled to find an octupus.

At the Magic Mirror musical staged by Yayasan Guan Yin at Istana Budaya. The changing lights of the lotus was a lovely momento.

Thirty three years ago...

2011-11-20T21:01:00.002+08:00

Among some old photos in old albums, yellowed plastic covers and photos stored in heaps, I opened the batik clad cover of an album. My memories of a day so important in my life resurfaced. It wasn't an idle thought that prompted me to rummage. It was a recent visit to the Sri Raja Rajeswary temple, sitting atop a hill on Jalan Ampang that stirred me. I found myself looking back on a day 33 years ago. A day when I wore a saree for the first time in my life. It was my wedding day on a sunny morning.

Might the heavens pour to stop me from visiting this temple where I was married? Luckily not. The monsoon rains had not begun their lashings. I pushed all kinds of mundane barriers out of the way. Nothing was ever going to thwart this visit. Only this time I was dressed in a salwar khameez for a special event organized by the Malaysian Culture Group (MCG).This visit was to celebrate Deepavali which was a week ahead and to get to know the temple's history. Other ladies came sportingly dressed in sarees or salwars and appeared enthusiastic about slipping into other ethnic clothes.

The years have certainly slipped by. Another stage of life has taken over. If you ask me then, why marry? I think like every one the same pat answer is love conquers all! But then, would I have thought so far ahead of life's journey through the years? Impossible! As my husband will vouch now, I'm not a person who thinks things through. Always in a haste!! Luckily the stars in the universe smiled on us. They still do and we give thanks.

That morning, upon arrival after alighting from the car, I laughed out quite loud at something funny. Or was it something causing some nervous energy to course through my veins?
'Hey, A bride is demure!' or something to this effect , uttered by my soon to be sis in law. She helped to arrange the folds of my kanchipuram saree neatly. I had gone with her to Madras Store in Masjid India to choose the saree. As the ceremony was in mid morning, determined by the astrological readings, the cooler shade of blue/green was chosen.

I think I was rather adept walking in a saree for the first time. With rather brisk steps, accompanied by relatives, I lifted the saree lightly at the folds with my right hand to keep the border off the ground. and walked towards the temple to meet my man! There he was waiting patiently with his parents.

All these years there was no urgency to come back again. Whether it be to celebrate deepavali, ponggal or to commemorate anniversaries of loved ones, the temples nearer home fit our purposes. But this time round, to revisit the temple and to step inside was enough excitement especially when this opportunity presented itself. The interior and the sanctum is still what I remember thirty three years ago. However I had envisioned the paved walkway leading to the temple steps to be a longer stretch , more curvy and on more of an incline. Now the pathway is nicely tiled with geometric patterns instead of the concrete of old, showing signs of modernity and giving it a more aesthetic look.

Smile, it's your wedding day!
The little ones were having their own fun! All grown,, one is a physicist, another a mechanical engineer and another a banker.

Me and my man!

Walked this pathway thirty three years ago!

A little girl in blue dress to complement her mum's saree.

A Committee member of the temple showing how a 'pottu' is placed.

The midday puja whereby the visitors received blessings.

The deities are watching over the devotees.

Oil lamps ready for offerings to the Gods.

Plant Exchange

2011-11-08T23:07:00.003+08:00

When garden enthusiasts meet, plants do the talking! That's what our dear patron of the Selangor and FT Gardening Society, Tan Sri Chong Hon Nyan desired when he hosted yet another of our regular yearly plant exchange in his house.

You can be assured that the warmth of the lovely couple greets you, accentuated by the red glow of the red canopy above our heads. Luck was on our side too as the incessant rain of the past weeks kept away and the sun smiled on us.

I brought two plants with a wish of finding them new homes. Specially wanted a happy soul to take home the vitex trifolia or the simpleleaf chaste tree. The shrub sits under my jacaranda tree and complements nicely with its lavender flowers. The clusters of berries rectify hormonal imbalances in females. I extolled its virtues to our ex- president, Arthur and he bought it. All for a ringggit 5 tag. All plants sold go towards the Society's coffers.

As usual, I was on the lookout for some new plants. Imagine for only ringgit 28.00 spent, I got myself a custard apple sapling, lemon basil, jasmine (cestrum nocturnum), a stem cutting of a genus of the monstera, a packet of lady finger seeds and a tub of home-made pickled fruits which is our patron's wife's speciality.

The owner who parted with her Night blooming jasmine (Lady of the Night) as she was moving from her condominium told me to expect the knockout fragrance of the plant. And for the lingering fragrance that wafts in the air even after it is plucked.

Following the do's and don'ts of a good plant exchange, the event went smoothly. Nothing littered the compound of our gracious patron as unsold plants were taken home by the owners. As usual, our patron treated the members to a delightful lunch of kari and prawn mee, kuay teow, popiah and ice kacang which we ate heartily.

Within those brief hours, we immersed ourselves talking about our nature pursuits, the behaviour of our garden plants, composting etc. There is so much to share and learn from each other. With such wonderful garden tales, there is nothing left to do but just to fall in love over and over again with plants. They really do speak to us. Our duty is to care for them.

Food and plants go together well !

Lovely pendulous sprays of yellow flowers in our patron's garden which is a trove of plants everywhere you look!

The lovely delicate flowers of the vitex trifolia

Small plants to suit a balcony garden

Tall plants that need space.

The price tag of ringgit 5 doesn't set one back in the pocket!

A nursery was invited to sell some plants.

Bonus time - on behalf of Arthur, our president Dr Tan handed out a packet of vermicompost and a soil mix each to every member.

Arthur showing us this plant which is said to have anti - cancer properties

I bought a stem cutting

Like my plant?

Making choices

A wealth of knowledge lies here!

Deepavali 2011

2011-11-02T22:43:00.006+08:00

Our day started with a visit to the Sri Kandaswamy Kovil at Scott Road, Brickfields. A brighter, more colourful look greeted us as last year the temple was undergoing upgrading. Next we gathered at my brother -in - law's house for a home - cooked vegetarian breakfast. Through the years, Priya has been faithfully preparing typical South Indian dishes for a family meal to begin our Deepavali celebration. This year she added 'pukeh' (pongal sweet rice ) to her delectable dishes which we ate from banana leaves from my garden.

The tempo upped when we gathered again for a lunch gathering of friends to celebrate the festivity at our house. In fact the buzz already started a week earlier. Priya making sure all the essential ingredients for the sambar, chutneys and the various vegetables were bought. Our brass lamps, kuthu vilakku were polished. With delight, I hung the decorative pieces I bought from my wonderful holiday in Kerala.

As for me, negotiating the streets and shops of a bustling, crowded ' Little India' of Brickfields added to the heady preparations. I lost count of the kilos of food I bought. This year, my shopping list says 2 kilos of snake gourd 'coz we wanted the podalanga as a special salad. My maid kept sending me off to buy more onions. Luckily she was the one crying with the onions whilst I lugged 9 kgs home! Ah yes, that's one of the secrets of assured taste besides the chef who mixes the spices expertly together for that special ooomph! She's still talking about the compliments she received from one and all. How my friends envy me!

As if to add to the excitement, my hubby and I received calls/smses from friends as far as Perlis to say that I was on TV3 on a special Deepavali news segment. Even the residents of Cheshire Home excitedly recall seeing my face! TV3 chanced to catch me, an early shopper buying kurtis at the Temple of Fine Arts. I didn't catch myself there, daren't use the word 'celebrity' (ooops, I just did!).

Needless to say, we had a wonderful time with friends and family. The day went by quickly. My blogging friend, Ee Lynn joined us after her usual dedicated work at the SPCA.

May the lights of Deepavali shine on all Malaysians for a happy household.

Wenchuan Earthquake

2011-10-27T19:04:00.008+08:00

Seeing the remnants of the Wenchuan Earthquake at Xiankou Middle School,Yingxiu was reality hitting rock - bottom. After the beauty of Jiuzhaigou, we made a detour on a cold, grim day to witness the devastation wrought at one of many sites of a natural disaster of massive magnitude. The Wenchuan Earthquake ( Wenchuan was the earthquake's epicentre), similarly known as the Great Sichuan Earthquake, 2008 registered 8.5 on the Richter scale. There were 149 - 284 major aftershocks with reports of tremors reaching faraway to Beijing, Shanghai, Macau, India !

Here we were in this place where a key Middle High School of 1527 student and 133 teacher population stood. Silence reigns here with the rubble remaining. The school bell will not ever ring again. Tourists like us make a visit . For the locals, this is a grim daily reminder . A 5.12 Memorial Clock showing 2.28 pm when the quake happened was set up to remember the loved ones on that fateful day, May 12. Behind the Memorial, the 5 storey building was down to ground level. This tragedy was mourned by the nation and The State Council gave order for a 3 day national mourning on May 19, 2008.

The buildings collapsed in mountains of heaps and some near falling and cracked and standing are now relics. The huge clock shows 5.12. That's when disaster struck on May, 12th. All hell broke loose. It must have. On can imagine the students' desperate cries, how the teachers must have fought in vain to rescue them and fell victims themselves.

Coming from a country spared from natural disasters, it is quite easy to forget about natural calamities.The ruins we saw can surely touch anyone. It is no more about images that flashed on tv screens.

Tibetan images in Sichuan

2011-10-19T07:18:00.000+08:00

Faces of Sichuan 2

2011-10-12T08:14:00.001+08:00

Through the school gate, my hubby snapped this picture of these eager, happy boys. It looked like school was over. Kids were also seen sweeping the compound, unsupervised, and doing a good job. We showed the lads the picture taken and they asked for more! Alas, our group was moving on and we had to catch up.

Anyone for a ride on the yak? This beauty attracted the attention among a few of us who paid 10 yuan to hop on the animal. Cameras clicked. This hunk of meat with the 2 curvy, piecing horns looked docile enough!

A little nippy in the air but anything goes for their big day. They posed by the river where there's a huge waterwheel . We were in ShangLi Ancient Town when I caught sight of the bride alighting from the car.

They wanted to be photgraphed and how they just lined themselves up! Whaddayya say about discipline??

Giving me his cheeky smile as he saw me turning the camera lens on him. At Hailuogou Glacier Park, we wandered around , looking out but nary a chance to see THAT glacier. Wholly blanketed by the fog. Well, another time...

A young lady looking after a booth selling food snacks at the observation platform in Hailuogou Glacier Park.

A visitor to Hailuguo Glacier Park too.

In the town area of Hailuogou, this girl was curious and not camera shy. Such a lovely smile for strangers!

These kids were seen playing among kids ! ( the four footed kind)

Her gloves were blackish brown as she chipped away the kernel to reveal the walnut inside.

It was proving to be futile to snap the waiters and waitresses in this hotel as they moved about to serve the guests. Until this lady posed for us upon special request after dinner was over. I specially wanted a momento of the uniform as the hotel is named Long March International Hotel.

Jiuzhaiguo jewel beckons

2011-10-05T10:44:00.003+08:00

This jewel destination was the lure. The post cards and the stories were too tempting. Jiuzhaiguo lies in the crown of the spectacular Min Shan mountain range. Friends insist it is a must -do on a visit to China. And they are right.

So my hubby and I joined a group of friends on the Jiuzhaiguo holiday with destinations to some remoter, less travelled parts of Sichuan.

Even before the peak season, tourists were already flocking to the Jiuzhai Valley. The National Park is located in the north of the Sichuan province in South Western China. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1992, Jiuzhaiguo means ' Nine Village Valley' and is named after the nine Tibetan villages scattered through out the park. Tibetan people have lived in this region for thousands of years and locals still hold onto many traditional ways of life.

Jiuzhai Valley has 17 waterfall groups, 47 springs and 114 lakes in the park. What we saw was stunning and so magical. For us, timing was a little off as the spectacular colours of autumn that makes it the most breathtaking time of the year was not showing off yet. But for soon-to be travellers, if you like what you see in these pictures, just paint the shades of red, orange, brown amidst the aqua blue, green, purple hues of the lakes, you know you are in a fairyland on earth!

A lasting memory of the colours of Jiuzhaiguo. Unforgettable.

Faces of Sichuan

2011-09-28T16:10:00.010+08:00

Hi everyone,hope you are keeping well. My apologies for the long absence. Have been on a holiday in Chengdu, Jiuzhaiguo, Kangding, Hailuoguo in Sichuan. We flew from Chengdu to Jiuzhaiguo. Jiuzhaiguo which means 'Nine Village Valley' rewarded us with its renowned beauty for its fabled blue and green lakes,spectacular waterfalls and more. However, during our visit the spectacular autumnal colours did not show off yet as seen in postcards.That we missed.

It had been a very hectic schedule, travelling on the bus for seemingly endless hours traversing mountain roads. Not to mention the terrible roads, without shoulders and barely space for 2 trucks to pass by, there were cliff hanging moments, never to be forgotten with many scenic towering mountains and valleys to remember too. The rain and mist combined to make travelling extra difficult. Like most of the fellow travellers we suffered varying degrees of altitude sickness as the highest altitude reached was over 3,700m at Mugecuo, near Kangding.

From Jiuzhaiguo to Chengdu, we passed by the WenChuan Earthquake Ruins and the Chengdu Narrow Valley.Remote villages with its people gave us glimpses of the simple, rustic life of these hardy inhabitants. The Tibetans and the local Han people were a delight to be in touch with.

Passing through some tunnels from Kanding to Hailuoguo wrecked our nerves as discipline was not the order of the day. But luckily our driver coped admirably and kept such excellent discipline that got us safe and sound to every point of the journey. Impatient drivers overtook in the dark tunnels. One was so pot holey that we rocked as if tossed in rough seas. Thankfully it was not too long. From Kangding, we passed through a well -lit 4.5 km Erlangshan Tunnel @ 2182m. which is part of the Sichuan - Tibet Express. This entry point is of great importance that it is controlled by fully armed police. According to the tour guide, traversing this part of of the mountain terrain was terribly hazardous and took as long as an entire day but this tunnel cuts the passage time to a mere 10 minutes. Heavy trucks and tourist buses ply the roads and these were the main vehicles.

Am comfortably safe in my home. Looking back over the last 9 days of travel, it was indeed an experience,seeing things as they are for the first time. I'd like to share with you images and snippets of tales. To kick off, I hope you enjoy these images of the people of Sichuan.

One of the Tibetan ladies at Die Xi Hai Zi ( Double Stream Lake), a small Muslim village selling a wide variety of nuts. There, I sat on a white yak for 10 yuan for a picture moment.

In Moxi town, we were drawn to this old lady. As we walked about the court yard, she called out to us as she sat by a doorway, holding a pair of lovely embroidered soles of shoes. Very soon, from her gestures and words uttered she asked us to buy them. Her animated expressions and persistence paid off. I too bought a pair . She had only 2 pairs to sell. Our fellow travellers took a liking to her and gladly dropped some yuan in her pocket as tokens. Her face brightened and her eyes just danced and glistened.
Moxi Old Town is part of Luding County, 304 km from Chengdu. We visited the small church and the residence where Mao Tze Tung stayed and held one of the meetings in the Long March - Moxi Meeting -to make stategic plans for Luding Bridge Battle in 1935.

This is a relative of the 'sole' lady. Through her, we found out that they are related. When asked, she told us she was 72 and her relative was 62. So grateful was she, that she wished us, 'good health' for the generosity shown to them.

Shangli Old Town, once an important post on the Silk Road of the South lies north of the Ya'an city of Sichuan. It is listed as one of the 10 Ancient towns in Sichuan. Be prepared to step into an era of bygone days. This old man was quietly watching our activities as we explored the town which fascinated us with its old buildings, tranquil atmosphere, artists capturing the quiet waterways and the waterwheel which was a big attraction of the quiet town.

In Chengdu, at Jinli Street, this young lady was ready for some cultural performance. As she alighted the van, she gamely posed for my hubby. Note her costume which is a reminder of ancient Chengdu and her lovely peachy complexion.

Another happy lady who served us in a Chinese restaurant in Chengdu.

What proof does one have of being at the Glacier at Hailuoguo National Park Forest, Asia's lowest altitude glacier when it was hidden by the thick fog? Well, nature doesn't always oblige, so a huge backdrop provides a sense of satisfaction for disappointed visitors. Our group of ladies, kept warm and were high spirited, nevertheless. Can you spot me??

In touch with her roots

2011-09-12T23:18:00.001+08:00

This one is not for sale! Perched above the patrons' heads, Ganesha sees and blesses all.

To J. the place where she bought the Tamil dvds and cds was Masjid India, so she believed. That's her comfort zone to chill out when it's her off day. That's where she has her meals and meet friends, gossip and feel the pulse of a part of Kuala Lumpur that throbs with activity.

Someone must have told her Lebuh Ampang is also Masjid India! This was the first time for me to be on foot in this part of KL. Looking around, how could J doubt the 'India' in the name Masjid India.. The shops that feed her consumer needs just makes her feel so much at home. She pointed to a huge shop opposite the dvd shop selling beautiful clothes, bearing the allure of Chennai. ' But I can't afford,' she says. Next to the dvd shop a goldsmith shop displays trays of gold jewellry behind the glass windows. Indians generally wear and buy 24 k gold and they really shine. Opposite, across the busy roads, restaurants bide colourful welcome in their billboards.

Shops to match the fervour of India. Sangeetha rings a bell as my husband's niece has the sweet name.

Food to tempt your appetite but I bet J. can give them a run for their money when she takes charge of the kitchen.

That morning, there was a mission to accomplish. I had brought J. to exchange a couple of dvds for cds. In her excitement she purchased wrongly. But such mistakes inevitably remain mistakes with no exchanges or returns. In her sweet voice, she explained to the shopkeeper. Though I couldn't understand the conversation, I knew from the body language, he was not going to oblige. Then another man, the boss was brought in to sort out the situation. Again, it appeared a stalemate. I thought it was my turn to intervene. Assured the men the dvd was not viewed tho we have a dvd player in the house. And that a happy customer will always be happier to return !! Somehow, my words connected with the business sense and J was allowed to have the exchange. No more repeats though.

Please Mr Shopkeeper, I got it wrong...

As J browsed and made her selection, I got a better idea of what a shop like this offers to J. who has made the journey across seas to earn a living in a foreign country. Her savings allows her to enjoy music, carnatic, religious and popular as she manages the housework. Everywhere I looked, the products crammed for every space available . There seem to be so many things to look at at one go! The ground floor stocks mainly small items and if one calls it an Indian 7 Eleven outlet - a convenience store for things you can pick up and go, one is not far from wrong! No ice cream and stuff like that though!

The music that played was loud . At the front of the shop popular music blared and walking towards the inside, some religious music was equally loud. Add to that the honking of vehicles just a stone's throw away.

So this is where J finds a little piece of home. The homely feel of the familiar and speaking the mother tongue helps to ease the distance felt for home in Sri Lanka. Another happening place for J is Brickfields, our Little India.

Flanked on both sides - many goods - cards, books, decor items...

His iconic hairstyle got my attention.

Stick - on 'pottu' for the added glamour

Up the hidden stairway - a world of music and drama opens up for their clientele

Certainly Old is Gold! My brother-in law tells the story of Maruthur Gopalan Ramachandran , popularly known MGR who passed away in 1987 . He happened to be in Chennai and felt the earth-shaking effects caused by the outpouring of sadness upon hearing the hero's demise .

Ganesha in bright colours

Incense holders

Vibrant colours - garlands for altars etc.

Replicas of mango leaves ( plastic) to hang at doorways of Indian houses, usually to add a festive touch.

Be ready to make your choices and not be overwhelmed .

I guess if you say you want a particular artiste, song, movie etc, you will not be disappointed.

Birthday Fun

2011-09-06T20:54:00.002+08:00

The FUN within!

How soon another year passes! It was time to celebrate another birthday of my maturing years. Like the wine that matures with age, likewise friendship. I took the opportunity to celebrate with some close friends and relatives, keeping the company cosy. Behind closed doors, in Rama V Chalet, we indulged in the Thai ambience, cuisine and basked playfully in the warm ties that bind us.

'Come in something red , a tinge or more to wish ourselves and everyone good luck' was my email to the guests. I could almost hear the resounding ayes as they clicked the replies.

Dear Janneke from the Netherlands sprung a surprise and added touches of the masterly genius of Shakespeare to an upbeat afternoon. She had been hard at work, racked her brain and had meticulously written quotes to hand to all the guests, Shakespeares' works extolling friendship. For once, she stressed, I had to listen, not speak! Yes, when the Bard speaks, listen ye well! Gamely my friends quoted Shakespeare in a few lines. Then came the nice bit - a gift of videos of The Shakespeare Collection of the 37 productions of the BBC Television Shakespeare Series. Holding and accepting it with all my heart, it was indeed a weight of gold to treasure.

Songs to remember

I made a special request for Janneke to sing 2 songs. Not likely to to let a good friend off so easily when she sings with choirs and reputable ones in the Netherlands too. Her choice of Early One Morning, an English folk song even got us joining in the refrain with some acting thrown in.Was I glad to sing it again as I learned that awhile back during my singing lessons.

After the main dishes, it was time for everyone to break free and unshackle ourselves. Mime time. Hilarity! Spontaneity! Fun time all through. I even dangled a small prize to all the sporting beings around me. The theme was movies of the 60s. How do you mime The Big Gundown, From Russia With Love, Yellow Submarine, What's New Pussy Cat? Guess Who's Coming To Dinner? It was a blast!

Too funny to contain.

Born Free - please hurry up and guess right!

Good things finally had to end. The clock ticked away the hours as we shared excellent company and more than yummy Thai food . Ain't I lucky to enjoy a special date with my girl friends to mark another memorable day in my life.

Chor ladda - blue flower dumplings stuffed with chicken and shrimp. I was too busy to snap pictures of the lovely dishes. Now I've forgotten their Thai names.

Friends for life! ' A friend is one that knows you as you are, understands where you have been, accepts what you have become, and still , gently allows you to grow' - William Shakespeare

What's THIS?

Even if you can't guess it right, just laugh your heart out.

It was Romeo and Juliet for her. In desperation she grabbed the waiter!!

'Let the wine of friendship never run dry'

Last came me - What's New PussyCat?

Dear friends minus Rupali who had to leave earlier

Friend since the inception of The Sunshine Group.

All in the family

Art Talk

2011-08-29T15:48:00.002+08:00

Done!

Finally the appointment was made to reframe the painting we bought at the Henry Butcher's Art Auction. Things got in the way of the busyness of every day living. The art piece cut a lonely, unattended existence. Just standing on the floor of the dining area. Waiting...

My son's pertinent remarks got us into action.'So that's how much you value your investment!' It was greeted with guilt and laughter.

I was looking forward to attend the auction, being a first -timer among 200 odd people. Some friends were there too for the 'auction fever'. After all, when money speaks, and the bids go higher and higher with hands popping up to the tune of the auctioneer's call for more and more till the final bid price. Bid assistants were at hand to help scan the bidders with the auctioneer. It was exciting for some pieces that we had taken a liking to. Some bids came through the phones.

Registration before bidding

All set for the auction . In the background is Pago Pago Forms, 1968 by Abdul Latiff Mohidin. It was a stunning buy at RM572,000 inclusive of the buyer's 10% premium. It came out tops out of the 104 lots.

Ring , Ring, Rrringing - bidders call in

A pleasant surprise to have our friend as the auctioneer

The late Tan Choon Ghee's pieces created some stir as the artist extraordinaire had recently passed away and Henry Butcher Art auctioneers paid him a lovely tribute by exhibiting his paintings. His painting, Khoo Kongsi at Cannon Square,1985 was well received.

Khoo Kongsi at Cannon Square,1985 - Watercolour on Paper

Siri Tari 2,1990 by Yusof Ghani spoke to us. We thought we'd buy something different this time round. Luckily our bid was successful and when we were ready to leave, it was all wrapped and happily we carried it to our car.

Here's an excerpt from an interview with the artist :

'I felt that I could still communicate about how I feel about the world with a dance theme. I called them Siri Tari (Dance series).

I want to convey to the audience about the inequality of life that leads to chaos. I feel that dancing is chaotic and directionless. To achieve this effect, my approach to painting was based on immediacy, spontaneity and guided by my intuition for the colours and strokes. I had no specific sketches for the painting.'

Out of the old frame - Siri Tari - Yusof Ghani - Acrylic on Paper 53.3cm x 35.6cm

Notes in the catalogue: Yusof Ghani's works of camouflaged figures in dynamic movement set forth his Tarian series which sashayed into public domain in 1989, with an exhibition at GaleriCitra. In 1990 , he suffered a mild stroke but went to Penang and recuperated within months. This work showing two clasping figures done with soft touches and wash-like drip technique is likely to have been done after his stroke ordeal. The Tarian series is probably one of the artist's most popular series to date.
- Reference Hijjas Kasturi, Siri Tari by Yusof Ghani ( Paintings and Installation Works), GaleriCitra , Kuala Lumpur, 1989

The framer recognised our new possession. Quickly he directed us to the front of his shop and there was Yusof's piece of a later series, Topeng (Mask). Someone wants to sell.

We settled for a plain look and a simple matt silver frame so as not to detract from the artist's strokes and composition.

Making a choice

Trying out the borders for the painting

Talking it over.

Another painting we saw at the shop. I like this one .

The framer says this is an artwork by a famous artist. In the background is one of Yusof Ghani's Topeng (Mask).

Of dolls and symbols

2011-08-20T19:43:00.001+08:00

Dress me. I'm ready!

Chris was clearly delighted in explaining to the residents and the volunteers of The Sunshine Group how to tackle the doll making. The keywords were fun cum simplicity. The 2 colourful samples stirred our interest. She had bought the little darling peg figures from Singapore and pencilled the faces for the prepared activity. From then onwards, it was up to us to dress the dolls for a parade of sorts.

This activity was even' trickier' than the previous Raya card making. Again the fine motor skills had to be employed to carry out the task. Before our eyes and in our hands the dolls came alive. Wool was twisted round the top part of the peg for upper torso. A scrap of cloth was gathered and wrapped round to make the dress. Hair was high fashion defying gravity, very punky in some. I helped to tie the woolly hair in a bundle. When asked if she would prefer it sticking out like a broomstick (!) or more sedate, just framing the face down to shoulder length, my partner opted for the latter. No bad hair day hairstyle, thanks!

Let me help. This is tricky.

Am I your sweet gal next door??

Flaunt it, if you have it!

Everyone was immersed in their spontaneous mirthful laughter. Dressing up dolls is simply engaging. No wonder girls love the sweet Barbie dolls to pretty her up. But this activity with some basic materials like wool, pipe cleaners, scraps of colourful materials and a wee bit of glue managed to liven moods and create a carefree session.

Everyone can play!

The students of Monash Uni on their asignments were part of the session. They were asked to judge and declare the best looking dolls for prizes. 'But these are dolls.We prefer the real beauties!' Anyhow, a verdict was reached.

Let me join the parade

Colourful people !

Will I be chosen??

How do they get through Miss World judging? This is difficult enough!!!

To round off the session, it was time to recognise universal symbols in our daily lives. A good diversion I must say to test and refresh our minds of some important symbols. Answers flew in readily. In fact, the residents are familiar with the symbols pertaining to shopping malls and public places like hospitals.

So ended another lively session. For Chris who was in charge of the session, her signature local dish of yam cake is always a winner. What's more when the yam was lovingly stirred to its right consistency during the wee hours of 5 o'clock to prepare it fresh for snacks for the residents.

BEWARE!

?? PJK, Dato, Datuk Seri -just plain old me - a security guard!

Well recognised symbol

Weaving for Raya

2011-08-11T17:14:00.003+08:00

Colours of Raya and warm wishes

The residents of the Home had extra company for our regular Sunshine Group activity session at the Home. Thanks to some medical students from Monash Uni who were on a programme to complement their studies, we enjoyed a merrier session.

When hands get busy, more pairs are always welcomed. That Tuesday morning we were introduced to nyaman or weaving to make a simple Raya greetings card by Helen and Linda who conducted the session. The holy month of Ramadhan has just begun 2 days ago. An early start for the residents to get the cards made will ensure that their friends receive them on time for Hari Raya Aidilfitri.

It was not an activity to be hurried. For many, the intrinsic (small) muscles have been dormant for a long time. So when it comes to craft time, using scissors, pinching objects between fingers, we engage ever more with them . Understandably the fine motor skills to weave in and out for the pattern are also lacking. That's when a little guidance from a helper made the task manageable. Each step, though inevitably not precise but patiently done got them closer to finishing a task thought beyond their completion.

Helen had taken pains to pre cut the pieces for all to come together to make a simple card. Each were given in a kit just like those crafts that are sold in the shops.

What's more, the weaving reminds all of us of the local ketupat, a kind of traditional rice cake wrapped in a square casing of young coconut leaves. Even with Raya celebrations waiting, the residents delighted in talking about Raya goodies which they are accustomed to enjoy. They recalled the open house with the ex PM, Tun Mahathir and how they enjoyed Raya specialities like rendang, lontong, satay, lemang and more...

For some of the students,observing the progress of the session was a learning situation, seeing how the residents and helpers adjust to situations and handicaps. Glad to know that these youths in our midst are the future caregivers and decision makers of tomorrow.The nation needs them.

Slowly but surely it'll get done

More hands make light work

Raya colours for friends

A hive of activity

Ready to be sealed and sent off!

Visitors from Monash Uni chip in

The finishing touches

Someone remembers me!

Thank you for the added warmth and attention

Pumpkin patch

2011-08-03T23:37:00.002+08:00

Something new grew in my garden trough. Sturdy stem and whirly, curly tendrils with prickly palmate leaves and big golden blooms soon grew luxuriantly. I asked my Filipino domestic helper what it was. 'Pumpkin , I threw some seeds there,' was her reply.

Because it just grew and grew, it reminded me of Jack's beans in the fairytale. Such a quick grower and a scrawling plant! Since it had taken root and was showing healthy signs of life, I didn't have the heart to cut short its life. Before long it was at the expense of my tomato and long bean plants sharing the same trough. Very soon the vigorous growth dwarfed them in the same space.

Greenscape in my garden trough

Much green activity

The vines just curled and twisted along the wire fencing. It grabbed anything in its path, entangling itself among the ixora bushes. Flowers appeared and they are extremely short -lived - just lasting for as short as a time as day. I learned to recognise the male and female blooms which grew on the same plant. But the baby pumpkins began aborting. Plop they fell to the ground before growing to a decent ping pong ball size. We hung on, me for the love of the green canpy of leaves and the showy yellow flowers.

Swing it out and hook!

Feeling the prickly leaf

Before it unfurls

Love the bright cheerful colour

Dying before the day is done

Looks so well sculptured

Hair so fine - so well coated

In the meantime I heard groans of ' but we do not like to eat pumpkin!' When my sister in law heard about the promising start of a pumpkin harvest, she relished me with the different ways of cooking ala Indian style. Of late, I have a Sri Lankan domestic helper and she asked for pumpkin. By then, my pumpkin patch had long gone . Though hardy the plant succumbed to pests. Methinks it didn't have a fighting chance as there was not much love for it!! That was the end of the pumpkin growing experiment. So off I went to the local mini market. I bought the smallest ball of pumpkin. Voila! In her hands the pumpkin curry won accolades! Noses that snubbed pumpkins were surprised at the outcome. Everyone polished off the pumpkin curry and asked for more.

Promise of a pumpkin

Langkawi Buffalo Park

2011-07-25T21:09:00.016+08:00

Fun time with buffaloes

I have to admit I'm not one to sit around on a holiday. Even on a wedding destination which was already packed with ceremonies. Now you know I'm a kind of pain in the ... with my folks who say that I can't stay still !!! So while many chilled out and pampered themselves at the hotel, I made contact with my blogging friend, wChinner. She made the arrangements for my husband and I to do an short escapade on the river to the mangrove swamp. And when I heard about the existence of a Buffalo Park, my mind was made up right away!

No mooing greeted us at the Langkawi Buffalo Park. It was all too quiet when we visited. In the building where the mozarella cheese is made, there was no activity. A pity 'coz we wanted to watch the manufacturing process.

We headed to the big shed following a signpost. There the buffaloes stood, busy munching away their green meal. After a while we caught sight of a farm hand who introduced himself as Din. He was busy with the day's routine but stopped to answer some questions.

Happy to talk to you!

Good day visitors!

Snuggling and sharing

It's scrumptiously green

The Park looks like a small outfit. Some water buffaloes are reared for draft, others for their milk. However when I come close to these tough bovines, a nagging thought says to stay clear or be hooked and dangled in the air! See how their deep ridged horns stand out prominently above their hunk of flesh, curving backward in a crescent. Din pointed out that the buffaloes are from India and are the milking types.

Hooked for life!

We are buffaloes for riding.

Nice cool water to keep the temperatures down.

That early afternoon, the hot sun kept things quiet at the park. So we occupied ourselves with the big beauties. My husband was cooing at the little ones. Inevitably he always goes soft when he sees kittens, puppies, calves, babes...

A cutie too heavy to carry and cuddle.

Our short visit ended on lovely melting moments. We ordered a big scoop of buffalo ice cream and had to lick it fast before it trickled down our hands. We bought 4 small vitagen size cartons of buffalo milk for our friends who were also wedding guests. They gave a pass on this nature escapade, the heat being the deterrent. In the fridge were some slabs of mozarella cheese - made from 100% buffalo milk which is far superior to 'regular' cow's milk. Pricey no doubt but the creamy, low cholesterol stuff is much sought after and fast scooped up by the local hotels.

Melting before my eyes!

More than meets the eye with buffaloes!

Ready for a bullock cart ride?

They were kept in separate pens from the milking ones

General info for visitors

Aprons go a - walking

2011-07-18T22:39:00.003+08:00

Some of The Sunshine ladies ready to pitch their salesmanship! All for a good cause.

Really it was a good loud burst of laughter that started my morning with the my team mates for the charity event at the Bukit Damansara Walk -a - Fun.

Grace, all chirpy on a Sunday morning says, 'You want me to wear your apron, now you wear my hat!'. From behind her back she produced a chef's hat and plonked it on my head. ' From Hilton Hotel,' she declares. 'Me??' 'Yes, you!'

Okay, no ifs and buts. I willingly kept it on. The money - savvy me says, "Hey this is a great promo for the tea towels we want to sell this morning.' My friends were there to lend a hand to sell the lovely tea towels that we've worked on as a fund raiser for the residents of Sel Cheshire Home.it was also heart warming to see a few participants donning the aprons right away after having purchased them. Thanks guys!

My team - Sis-in law, and Grace and Carlos from Argentina.

Thank you for wearing and supporting our aprons

My team comprised Grace and her very sporting hubby, Carlos from Argentina and my sister- in- law. The morning was cool after an early light shower. All signs pointed to a great walk with the people from Bukit Damansara and beyond streaming in. Families, friends, cousins, office mates - all different combinations each made up a minimum team of 2 and maximum 4 to do the walk.

We were flagged off by the DPM. Such a rush of adrenaline to be part of the 'herd'. Excitement was in the air. Just by the mosque we had to solve the first clue marked by a big ?. The answers were all within a range of 20 metres. So that's what this Walk -a - Fun means - the fun is to look for clues, get them all correct and within the best time. Hopes were high for the truly great prizes of desirables like a 42 inch LCD TV. Not only one but 3! Wow! such wonderful prizes waiting to land into some hands - if only the mind and the body can synchronize. Now who will win? Aiyah, not us! To tell you the truth, I gave a wrong answer.That's for misreading the question! Sorry folks.

Just up another road incline, as we pushed on, I caught sight of some familiar faces. They sure liked my attire.'What's cooking, Keats?' Amin asked. ' Just cooking up a sweat!' Sorry, nothing to sell.' More laughs and we continued with increased leg power towards the finishing post.

We did well . The tea towels got good response and there were orders for the aprons. Now the volunteers will have to get busy with their spare time. We surely can't wait to tell the good news to the artists at the Home. For it is their work that we had proudly worn. And it all started with the batik sessions we had at the Home. We helped our friends turn their hibiscus motif into a practical household product. You should have seen the happiness in their faces when they saw their work and their names printed materialize into something they didn't dream of. Well, my friends, for starters, these tea towels and aprons are flying to the Netherlands. That's one country I know where they are going as personal gifts:)

Thank you Bukit Damansara Residents' Assoc. You did Great! Thanks for the booth to sell our tea towels.

All our tea towels rolled into neat bundles making brisk sales that morning.

Some of the 550+ eager participants

Thirst no more for creativity!

I walked it my way! Of course following the route . Waiting to get to the marshals to validate time etc

Still smiling after the 4 km walk.

Super prizes donated by sponsors. How's that ? 3 units of 42 inch LCD TVs to give away , fridges, ipad etc.

Happy to finish the race . Hubby was the chief judge.

Spot the celeb! She sponsored a big set of her CDs.

President of The Bukit Damansara Residents' Assoc, Tan Sri Aziz thanking all participants - a fun way to enhance the muhibbah spirit

Winners all

Art for Nature

2011-07-08T16:04:00.028+08:00

Surprise was in store for the residents of Selangor Cheshire Home. I brought lots of toilet rolls and recycled paper and said," Today, for our activity, let's pay a tribute to trees!'

A quick explanation on tribute and answers were forthcoming from the eager participants about the benefits of trees. 'Fruits!' - they didn't forget about their mango tree which is lush with spikes of flowers. May the sun and other elements help them to blossom and bear fruits!

We sang to the tunes of London is Falling Down and The Wheels on the Bus . The leaves changed with the seasons in different hues of green, red, orange and brown.

Soon everyone got busy. A couple of residents worked on the forest floor while the rest 'grew' their trees. Short, medium, tall trees slowly took shape.Yes, a forest was in the making. The cyclindrical toilet rolls got their splashes of green and brown and the crowns took on their random shapes. The free nature of the activity seemed to be working fine with interest all round.

A little help goes a long way - adding colour to the trunk

Nature and caring brings us close

Upon our encouragement, the residents wheeled themselves to their mango tree in The Sunshine Garden. So, what's next? Amidst explosions of laughter, we gamely hugged the tree. Certainly the day was begnning to feel different. I said, 'Yes, let's do something to remember today. But be careful - don't jump out of your seats!' It was fun and under the shade of the leafy mango tree, it was not surprising to find the heat simmered a couple of degrees under the verdant foliage. This simple act was engaging.

He wanted to be the first to hug the tree - always enthusiastic, never allows anything to get into his way to enjoy our activity sessions.

I can't believe myself - up close with our tree, under its shade, feeling the bark...

We can reach you - Aye for trees!

Spikes of flowers - please tree, tell us when ye will be laden with fruits?

Last but not least, it was time to put pen to paper and express our thoughts and feelings for trees. We sang once again to enjoy the songs. In a small way, this activity brought home the importance of trees in this climate of green degradation.

Our forest is 'alive' . Sing and enjoy nature. Preserve and conserve.

If we plant now, we plant for the future.

Colour me

Work on the forest floor

Art for nature

The forest floor is dark and moist - what lives there?

Instant trees???

My buddy, Linda had cooked red bean and sago dessert for a mid morning snack. It was relished with appreciation and there was enough for us volunteers too. As usual, a resident led in 2 songs that always bring our regular sessions to its close. Heartily we sang The More We Get Together and You Are My Sunshine. So ended a wonderful morning.

My buddy for the morning in the activity session. Food for the stomach and activity for the soul and heart.

A friend I've known for 20 years in my time as a volunteer at the Home. Proudly I wore his batik artwork which we turned into tea towels and aprons. Can't see the positive message below the hibiscus? - The Day Is As Good As We Make It. How true! We had a most enjoyable and meaningful session.

Destination Wedding - Langkawi

2011-07-01T08:57:00.001+08:00

Life is so beautiful. The past few days we were embraced in what seemed a never ending treat and privilege to be part of a friend's son's wedding.

The happy couple with their family members

It was Gul and Mala's big day. The destination - Langkawi where their families and friends were to witness and partake of the lovely moments and to the uninitiated like us, a first hand experience of a Sindhi wedding, replete in splendour. People from all over the world hear of the charms of this idyllic, legendary island in the Andaman Sea. The beautiful invitation had different cards for different events with a guide to attire. There were the Ring and the Sagri, Sangeet Party, Mehndi and Ghari ceremonies and culminating in the Wedding Ceremony and Wedding Reception. Beauty surrounded us. In the ceremonies conducted, the shower of genuine love and caring by the parents and relatives, the great hospitality accorded, and the painstaking attention to details with breathtaking views of mountains and the turquoise blue sea as backdrop for a truly memorable destination wedding gave us a beautiful time of our lives starting from the smooth welcome at the airport to The Westin Resort and Spa.

The ballroom where the Ring and Sagri ceremonies and the Sangeet Party took place.

Well -positioned stage for the Ring and Sagri Ceremonies to take place.

All set for the prayers

The dressing up was very much part of the different events. All my legwork to look pretty- from bangles, ear rings etc to the clothes came off nicely. Needless to say, the gorgeous bride was stunning in all her outfits. She looked relaxed and her dear brother who gave her away was prompted to praise her - ' what you see is what you get ' in his thank you speech.

My hubby and I were blown away by the riot of colours. The clever mix turned each venue dressed differently into a wonderland to step right into. I have not ever seen him slipping in and out of clothes changes, something quite unheard of. But he was sporting and carried it off with panache. So I tagged along my handsomely dressed guy and we partied .

For most of the wedding attendees, the hotel was their heavenly oasis for their 3-4 day stay. However, we managed to squeeze time early one morning and stole away for a nature jaunt. My blogging friend, wchinner caught up with me at Breeze. A nature guide herself, she was occupied but she arranged a boat trip for us to the mangrove forest and a visit to a relatively new tourist attraction, Buffalo Park. That was when I slipped into my fave tees and jeans. Back at the hotel, after a nice shower and hair wash, it was time to look glamorous again! - time to wear the saree for the Wedding Ceremony.

Floral arrangements that dazzled the guests

Three beauties in a row at the Ring, Sagri and Sangeet Party

Rose among the thorns!!

The Sangeet Party was much fun - it went on till the wee hours of the morning. Champagne,
cocktails etc flowed freely.

Ladies who greeted the guests with beautiful things for the Mehndi.

The bridegroom's parents leading the groom ( in blue ) and family members

Inviting, charming, alluring, so heavenly...

The priest specially flown in from Hong Kong to conduct all the religious ceremonies

In -laws embracing and having much in common.

The fun had already started . The mood was contagious.

Heavenly Spa - the perfect setting for a lovely evening.

All eyes on the intricate henna painting on the bride

One of the guests showing off the lovely artwork.

At Heavenly Spa where the Mehndi took place. Lady guests were greeted with such a lovely array of bangles, fancy potus , tatoo stickers and Indian sweets.

Inside the Spa, ladies waited for their turns to have the henna painting in this awesome setting.

From the Spa, take a walk on the beach.

Food - immensely spoiled for choices. Svelte figures can forget about the calorie count!

Delicate garlands for guests.

Everything's just heavenly right here.

Relaxing, soothing ambience

Enjoying the sea breeze and the company

At the Ghari ceremony - a religious ceremony performed on the eve of the wedding day in order to pray for the prosperity of the couple and their families and to illustrate the end of the couple's old life and welcome in the new.

Just showing a wee bit of my back! Dressed for the Wedding ceremony by the Pool Deck

Gorgeous setting

Happiness overflowing

Fly High with MNS !

2011-06-22T21:09:00.003+08:00

No happier soul than me
( all photos- courtesy of Ee Lynn)

I can fly! Of course I can. Just like the Little Red Engine, I kept saying to myself,' I know I can- I know I can- I know I can.'

So my worst fears were laid to rest - imagining myself spinning round and round, screaming like crazy to be let down, freezing in mid air and making an oaf of myself. Thankfully, none of this happened.

I was geared for the ascent up a tree via the Single Rope Technique ( SRT), a static climbing line system used as a means of canopy access only. Judging by the queue, interest in tree climbing was encouraging. The members of the Caving Group, an interest group of the MNS (Malaysian Nature Society) were more than hands on to encourage first timers to give it a go. Onlookers cheered and shouted words of encouragement to little ones as young as 7 years old who pushed beyond their own comfort zones and admirably achieved their climb.

I was nicely locked secure with strong metal clasps of the harness and a snug saddle, not forgetting the important helmet. Once suspended, I swung a bit like a drunken sailor as my legs slipped into the foot loop. 'Hey, steady!' Calmed myself. Then listened intently to the instructor on the technique of the climb. My friend, Ee Lynn put it very nicely, 'If you can squat, you can do it.' She was there ready to catch me in action, camera in hand. Her encouragements gave me the push. 'Go for it!'. Getting that kind of gung ho prod from a young friend, there was only one way to go. Up!

All smiles - a camouflage for the wobblies in my tummy

We have a lift -off!

Very soon my apprehensions fizzled away. It was the act of concentrating, putting in that extra ounce of energy on the sit and stand routine that got me going. I found myself inching a longer distance as as my technique got better. Somewhere higher midway, I let my eyes rove. Whoa! the view impressed - Taman Lembah Kiara in her green splendour.

Concentrating on the sit and stand routine to get higher and higher until the destination

You can't catch me!

Hurray! The big overhanging branch was touch point. I arrived! Then it was smooth sailing down away from the majestic tree about the height of a two storey house. I waved merrily to the cheers and the smiles down below. My smile was the widest ever, as if my soul had been set free.

Arrived!

A wave to my fans down below

My buddy - she got me up there!

Such a wonderful end to an engaging early morning start at the Malaysian Nature Society Open Day 2011 at the Kiara Park. I watched volunteer Ee Lynn having fun at her eco-friendly games stall and interacting with the public. We shared the same tent and according to schedule, I came on. It was storytelling time with kids. The fun was under the sea with Curious Clown Fish. On dry land we swam like the fishes and had a swishing ,watery time with the awesome marine creatures through songs and craft too.

Puffing up like the prickly puffer fish

Loving our stingray, catfish, shark and salmon...

Glamorous Heels

2011-06-15T08:11:00.006+08:00

I didn't know where to fix my gaze. On display were such fancy shoes created by shoe designers. None looked similar and each begged for attention. Each had a message to convey - thus the creation. The 1Malaysia International Shoe Festival 2011 had much to offer.

Fashionistas will be quick to point out the creativity and go ga ga over their favourites. Trend setters will be thrilled to see new ideas. As for me, up close with those high heels, it's mind-boggling. I mean the bits and bobs that are put together for that special look.

Those heels are certainly not low, neither are they 'mid heels' but high which is 4 inches and more. I have observed how the audience looks up to models when they strut down the catwalks in their high heels. It seems the taller they are, the stronger the appeal. Their commanding presence complement their effortless stride.

Some women might crave for such 'elongated elegance'! Much as I appreciate the aesthetics, comfort is paramount to me. My kind of elegance sees me in low heels of 2.5 inches. Did I hear someone say,' Step aside, Keats. This is not your world!' Admittedly, I'm almost always on solid ground, feeling the earth beneath my feet as I'm inevitably in flatties or low heeled sandals.

Nevertheless when I saw this display of heels, I couldn't help joining many curious onlookers and clicked away. After all, like them or otherwise, these are the dreams of designers whose ideas have come to fruition. What I'd love to see finally is the total look - from top to toe, a lovely model all dressed to showcase the flamboyance that will dazzle the audience.

Frills, feathers, buckles - take your pick

I can't make up my mind!

Radiating metallic shine

Roll on - get to your date on time !

Beware the pointy bit !

If you are into baubles ...

Set sail - ahoy! but don't expect many leagues covered!!

The winner - if I be the judge , this is for me too

Expect a model exhibiting an' animal instinct' sporting the same skin for a top.

In celebration of nature

Whisk me away on this sleigh - find me a handsome prince.

Just my kind of playground - why didn't I glide down and have some fun?

Stamping, stomping your way

Armoured in style

I have 3 faces!

2011-06-08T10:49:00.001+08:00

No guesses here. After all the name is the give- away. But if you had asked, 'Who is this?' I'll say it's okay. Imagine my surprise when the artist handed the inked paper to me. A bystander was curious. He sneaked a quick peek before my eyes rested on it. 'Hey, but you look different when you smile.'

Show your face elsewhere!! LOL.

That grumps is me - yep, I was the one sitting in front of the artist. Oh dear! What a sour puss! Locals say 'muka masam' also meaning equally sour! I remember being not the perfect model. I was in the queue and it was my turn. Beads of sweat trickled down from my forehead to the sides of my face and under my chin. It was exasperatingly humid and caught in the midst of the burgeoning carnival crowd did not help any bit. So I mopped away, the facial tissues reduced to ragged bits too. In the meantime the artist was set on his task. He didn't pause for anything. I must admit I was not behaving, By this I mean I was fidgety 'coz I got out my camera and caught him in action. Would all this have exasperated him?? Looking back, others walked away with their 'prize' pieces, satisfied. I took mine home with a story to tell.

The artist of Ms Grumps!

Three of us had three different sittings for this family picture at the Kumarakoram Lake Resort. How could I resist an artist's pen? So, my hubby and daughter were dragged in to complete the 'we were here' kind of pictorial story! Apologies to the friendly artist but I think the sun's rays played havoc with him for warts and all, I think the only person I can recognise is me! Anyhow, this momento is lying on the study table, so it still holds dear of a lovely holiday away from the madding crowd.

Only one person I recognise - ME!

I actually enjoyed sitting for this picture. And I rather like my diva pose. LOL. After all, when will I be perched on a high chair and taking questions from the papparazzi?? Mie Mambo surprised me by saying that he would like to give me a token of friendship. From the boot of his car, full to the brim, he got out the drawing necessities. Then he reminded me of a travelling salesman. He drew me smiling as we chatted easily under a shady tree.

Mie Mambo - no mumbo jumbo when he's drawing!

Ada gaya ! Translate : Got Style!

Well, by now you know I sport short hair. Never one to grow it long. I wear spectacles. How else do I describe myself ? - widening a little at the waist... You already know it - dare I ever dream of being on the cover of popular magazines, let alone launch a product like a washing up liquid !

Oh why do I subject myself to the artist's pen and whims? Really, it's just for fun and to be surprised. So, what a revelation! Nothing is constant, not demeanours, not anything not even how I look! Three faces but one and the same person. Now for a bit of advice about looking good - SMILE please!

Berries for dinner

2011-06-01T14:19:00.003+08:00

Dinner everyone!

The other day, lying in bed and browsing the daily papers, the quiet was interrupted by some excited chirping. Accompanying it was a sudden flutter of wings. Promptly I dumped the papers. I knew where to look. For the noises was just outside the nearby bedroom windows.

Such a flurry of activity greeted my eyes. Some birds had landed on several hanging strands of berries of the red sealing wax tree. Quickly I grabbed my daughter's camera. Without being intrusive, I zoomed the lens onto their preoccupation.

I wonder if it was the considerably cooler air after the rain that brought the birds here. First came the pigeons, then starlings, followed by the magpie robins. As they pecked and caught the seeds so deftly with their slightly curved beaks, the strands of berries danced in the air. It looked like a bird party - everyone was invited. Each bird seemed happily feeding away and there was no tussle for food nor territory. It was just past 6 pm and I reckon birds call it dinner too like us. Talk about eating like a bird! But they didn't seem to want much and soon flew to higher look outs. The neem tree nearby was their perch - here again I managed to capture the plumage of the pigeon. Thankfully my friend, WChinner identified the specie, so now I know it's the Trenon Vernans. I think 12 birds came for dinner in 4 different flights.

To think this was my lucky encounter with the birds after so many years of the plant standing right there. After all, this clump of lovely palm ( cyrtostachys renda) with its deep red trunk and fronds have been planted more than 20 years ago. The trunks have grown pretty tall and grace the front of the house. The horticulturist highly recommended this as it is a showy plant. How could I have missed the visitations ? There must have been many.

Having a berry -merry time!

Aiming for the choicest

Starling sharing dinner .

Fluffing up on the neem tree

We have had our dinner. Time to catch up on news.

Can't possibly eat them all. Never mind, I'll take it easy.

The handsome male- Pink- Necked Green Pigeon ( Trenon Vernans)

Acrobatics in the air

Weekend retreat

2011-05-24T16:06:00.026+08:00

We followed our GPS - then nothing showed on the screen - our destination was off the radar. There was only one way to go - keep following the gravelly road. Finally we arrived at The Dusun, tucked in the Berembun Reserve, about an hour's drive from KL.

Jem, a staff and an orang Asli of the Temuan tribe greeted us to escort us to our overnight abode. Down the steps we walked with our hands full, each one of us, lugging our bags and food. Upon entrance into Emas chalet, a quick look around registered ,'Yay! this is it!'. So did 5 of the rest. First impressions - so free and open! Then straight onto the deck to view the dusun in front of us with the hills beyond. Then niftily up the narrow staircase we checked out the sleeping loft. A higher view of the valley down below and and a sense of more freedom! Emas like the other timber chalets are built Malay style and on stilts.

It is certainly a place to chill out. Already I could sense the 36 hours or so ahead were going to be enjoyed to a different beat. It's amazing how we distance ourselves from the grind and the noise of the city when nature surrounds us. We hardly ever protest. There's a willingness to just soak in and embrace.

The master bedroom in EMAS chalet

We came prepared to enjoy a bbq. That evening, in the darkness around us, with the city lights twinkling in the distance, and a sky that threatened to pour, we eagerly got our prepared bbq stuff out of the fridge. The Dusun has a kitchen ready for our cooking needs. Jem brought the coals and we started the fire to cook our food, kawah-style. First off, were the drinks - white wine was the preference with beer and fruit juices while the coals were being stoked. I brought enough I reckon but my nephew insisted I had overdone it! 'But what do we do when our stomachs are half empty?', I countered. 'You wanna have bugs for dinner??' I have to say we did well - almost all polished off with a bit to take -away. Dessert was kept simple - dragon fruits, grapes and chocolates. Everyone was satisfied. By the glow of the lights, we chatted and the young set thought the night bugs were increasing in numbers as it grew darker.

All from our home kitchen - chicken wings, spare ribs, lamb kebabs, mackerel, sotong, frankfurters, sweet potatoes, corn on cob , potatoes and coleslaw.

In the open deck, we cooked our food.

Morning came.No one except hubby and I were ready for the jungle walk. We were joined by 2 other trekkers from Brisbane. They occupied another chalet by the infinity pool. It was past 10.30 am when we started off. Nothing beats a good workout doing a trek. Surprisingly them lazybones of mine responded to the much needed exercise. Limber bodies bending real low under huge fallen tree trunks, clambering onto a couple of fallen timber to continue the trail, doing the stepping stone walk across rivulets of water, clutching onto branches warily to get on to a higher level. Blackie and Tan, the two resident dogs just happily ran about, very much at home in this virgin jungle. Hubby's legs attracted several leeches and it was a tussle to pull them off. When the walk ended and he was ready for a quick shower, more were found on his body. Such momentoes!' Well, no thanks,' said the young ones in unison.

All in all, the hours did not rush by. It was time to set off at 1.30 pm from this homely retreat. The gathering of cousins and us as a family was a time to treasure.

Trees before our eyes and the hills beyond - that's what we came for!

Three's not a crowd - in fact come party here!

Nature surrounds

Let's drink to our fill and spout only tender words for Mother Nature around us

Listening to the sounds of rushing water is therapeutic

The setting sun obscured by clouds

Our orang asli guide - he's 22 years old.

Fungi among the leaf litter

Phyllagathis rotundifolia / Akar serau malam - perennial herb which is shiny dark green above and reddish below

Selaginella wallichiana Peacock plant /Paku merak - is a widespread herb of the lowland -forest understorey. The surface cells of the primitive leaves reflect green or blue according to the angle of view.

Picking a leech off my hubby's leg - a few of them clung like crazy.

A leech reaching out , like a tiny whip for the unsuspecting victim

This one got me - my pint in there !!

The sign that says it all - VIRGIN - let no man plunder!

We passed by a freelancer who was taking pictures of mushrooms. I had a peep into his camera - exquisite mushrooms

A jungle walk never fails to invigorate

Wordless Wednesday - Flower Power in your House

2011-05-18T08:00:00.007+08:00

Your garden is on the move - right into your living room, kitchen, bathroom. Just enjoy the beauty of nature in shades of lemony yellow, fuschia, red, pastels, bursts of orange... Is there a favourite among these ?

Khatak Dance

2011-05-09T23:01:00.001+08:00

Bells tinkled on the ankles as the Khatak dancers made their way to the stage. It is one of the most beautiful sounds to hear, especially when one is waiting with great expectancy. The sounds produced from it are rhythmic. Even before the percussion instruments start to play and the dance gets under way, the ankle bells or ghungroos as they are called , already makes music to tingle our senses.

Khatak, derived from 'katha', a Sanskrit word means 'story'.Witnessing this classical dance which originates from North India, was a real treat. The interactive lecture /demo by accomplished teacher, Geetanjali Singh and her troupe of dancers mesmerised the MCG ( Malaysian Culture Group) members who filled the auditorium of the ICC ( Indian Cultural Centre). I am familiar with the the other classical dances like the Bharatanyatam and the Odissi dances. But it was a first witnessing the Khatak which is derived from the dance dramas of ancient India. This dance form developed over the years and by the end of the Mogul rule, it was a popular entertainment. There are 8 classical dances in India : Bharatanyatam, Odissi, Mohiniattam, Kuchipudi, Kathakali, Manipuri and Khatak.

The structure of a conventional Khatak performance tends to follow a progression in tempo - from slow - fast and ending in a dramatic climax. Geetanjali put us through the paces of clapping the tempo. Counting and timing is of utmost importance. And she demonstrated the steps as the beat was clapped. The sounds of the bells and feet harmonize with the percussion instruments. The main accompanying musical instruments are the tabla, sitar, sarod, harmonium, sarangi etc.

Happy to express herself

One of the dance poses

In harmony - teacher and students

Geetanjali Singh has been a disciplined dancer since young. At a tender age of 3 she was already dancing!

The skirt is cut such that when a dancer pirouettes, the skirt swirls and flares out during a spin .
The complex footwork performed with dexterity.

Students showing off their skills

Amazing talent and discipline among the dancers - we were told they had only a few months of learning and they were ready to perform before a live audience.

After the demanding dance routines, the dancers still looked fresh as daisies.

Besides the dance steps, Geetanjali also showed her skill in the abhinayas - the art of expression. Not only does the body express itself, the sentiments are felt by the audience.

A lovely attire with the embellishments makes it complete for the dancer.

Ghungroos - tiny, brass bells - Geetanjali's numbers 100! Students start with 25 and as they progress to a higher competency,- they wear 50 and finally 100. The bells are tied together to a cloth and worn above the ankle during a dance performance.

Red was my lucky colour that morning. See, I got to have a photo taken with Geetanjali

High on an ostrich

2011-05-01T08:00:00.002+08:00

Hey, you down there. Join me!

Thanks to a voucher I won for a write up I did on my holiday in Kerala, the NST awarded me a 2D/1N stay at the Thistle Resort and Spa in Port Dickson. So we headed down south, a mere one and a half hour's drive to enjoy a short break.

Think PD, short for Port Dickson - what springs to mind? Locals will say sandy beaches, resorts, villas, Tanjung Tuan Forest Reserve, Cape Rachado Lighthouse, Army Museum, PD Ostrich. I bet there are little secrets of places, not forgetting local food delights that warrant our attention but haven't reached our ears yet.

We decided that ostriches would be an adventure.That hot noon, we visited PD Ostrich and we were one of the few visitors. Good thing rain hadn't started yet as the recent thunderstorms send me quivering. Have to say, up close with the ostriches in the enclosures was a great experience. These creatures look tame enough but mind you, they are strong - a kick with their feet can be deadly! My 'high' was the ride I got on the ostrich. First, the animal was 'caught' by the trainers. Then a blanket was placed on its back. A light netting was slipped over its face. Why? To prevent distractions and the ride will be smoother. The animal was guided to the fence railings. Up I clambered. 'Sit further back. Lean back. Hold on to the cloth. Tuck your legs in.' I did all the right things! The owner shouted out,'Hey, you're a natural!'. Ha! ha! all thanks to the trainers who guided the ostrich. More so to the ostrich who didn't throw a tantrum to run beserk. The drama queen in me had visions of a heap of me bones lying below his long, long legs!!

We hear of the ostrich burying its head in the sand when it is afraid ( not true!) . Well, the talk by Lana, the owner didn't 'bury' anything.We were glad it was informative. However she pointed out that talking to kids 10 years ago, there was more general knowledge among them than those nowadays whom she finds lacking knowledge and curiosity. Well, I hope the fun they get from a visit here will stir interest in searching for knowledge, even if it is to listen and watch the wonders on channels like National Geographic.

Staff getting the ostrich ready for my ride.

Cameras roll, ACTION!

Surprised to get a certificate for the fun I got. Thank you ostrich for not jolting me off!

Staff at PD Ostrich explaining the feeding habits of the animals.

Easy when you know how! - stretch out your hand, palm very flat and allow the ostrich to tuk, tuk at the feed. Come close enough the fence so as to avoid the ostrich hurting itself to reach you when overstretching its long neck.

Poor lady! Her feathers are not her crowning beauty as they have fallen during this rainy season. They are more suited to their home, the dry savannas of Africa.

Much curiosity about the ostrich's eggs. We held one in the hand - be prepared for a 2kg egg !

A baby chick ready to emerge from the shell.

Tough as they come - a newly born chick has to KICK its way out of the shell instead of pecking like other chicks.

Leather does not come cheap from an ostrich. Can you guess which part of the body this belongs to?

1 bag = 1 ostrich = $$$$$ . If you own one, especially a branded bag , it's worth its weight in gold!

The owner showing us the skeleton of the ostrich. We were amazed at the small size of the brain.

A first for all of us - ostrich satay which belongs to the meat of a one year old ostrich. Verdict - the reddish meat is rather dense and tastes quite similar to beef. I like it for the fat I didn't see ! Ostrich meat is low in fat and cholesterol, high in calcium, protein and iron.

Feel the adrenaline, ride an ostrich. It is the 2nd fastest animal on earth after the cheetah!! Races are on during weekends. How exciting but we missed that.

The tour of the PD Ostrich got us back to nature in more ways than one. The farm is also home to chickens, fowls, monkeys, turkeys, geese, rabbit and goats. Minah 's 7 month old baby, Gigi suddenly had a change of heart. She stopped suckling and hopped on to my daughter and then nicely plonked herself on my husband's camera. The obvious attraction was the feed he had in his hand. How she filled herself up! The cutie stayed awhile and was so much at home, squatted on the Nikon camera very close to my hubby.

Oblivious to our interest in her, Gigi just stuffed herself with the goodies! Extra storage in the cheeks!

Let It Snow!

2011-04-24T08:45:00.009+08:00

Janneke in her 'fiery' coat while I was the 'cool' lady in a subdued cream coat. We met a couple of townfolk walking their dogs. I asked a passer -by to snap our happy moments, out in the cold, warm in each other's company:)

Shiver me - playful moments in Janneke's Zen garden before we headed for a a jaunt to town. We threw snowballs at each other!

Snowed over! That's how I remember my holiday in the Netherlands. But don't get me wrong. The white landscape did nothing to spoil a hugely warm, bonding time with my Dutch friend, Janneke. Sure, it was a real wintry December through to January and the months ahead.The unusually cold, heavy snowfall with record low temperatures swept Europe. In fact, it followed our family to Portugal and the UK. Trotter, my blogging pal in Lisbon was disappointed, even the sunshine tagged to my name didn't help at all!

However the snow and cold did not put dampers on us. Janneke was keen to show me the beauty of Gouda, though shrouded in snow. Warmly attired we walked hand in hand to negotiate paths. On the way to the city centre, we turned on each other and started a snow ball fight. I tried hopelessly to knock Janneke down like a ninepin. Ouch! the snowballs she made seemed bigger and more solid.. It was hard work - making balls and tumbling in the snow. It just got us rosy in the cheeks and very energised for the rest of the day.

We toyed with the idea of cycling. That sounded really inviting for how can one not join the Dutch in pedalling about - their leg power is so iconic, so eco-friendly too. Alas, the thought of me slipping and sliding and swerving in the snow was too risky. So Janneke's bicycles in her garage were left standing.

Hey, good looking and more ! When Janneke sings, she makes your spirits soar

By the side of St John's Church, the main church in Gouda, famous for its stained glass and the longest in the Netherlands. The church is consecrated to John the Baptist.

All good things, the enjoyment of having visited Leiden, Dan Haag, Delft, Amsterdam, and being Janneke and her dear husband, Eduard's guest in their lovely home in Gouda, had to end . It was time to fly back to Kuala Lumpur. Well, perhaps Gouda in springtime, another time. Yes,when the tulips will steal my heart away.

I'm singing in the snow... No crowds - how nice to have the roads to ourselves.

Nobody's about. All very quiet . Where are the robins with the redbreasts?

Who treads there so softly?

Such fun just watching the young and old skating in the rink in the market square. It was certainly family time out too. How I wish I could skate.

Cheese Maiden - kaasmeisje in Dutch. In Gouda, one can never tire of saying 'CHEESE!' Alamak! I don't think I said it 'cheesy' enough!!

Gouda City Hall, the unmistakeable 15th century city hall, one of the oldest in the Netherlands in the Market Square. The peals of laughter and voices rang through the icy air.

A shop was open and peeping in, I was fascinated by the clay works. This artisan obligingly allowed us in . In his small space, we were careful not to topple nor break anything.

No cows in sight but certainly lots and lots of cheeses. I bought GOUDA to take home .

Just the right dish for a cold winter - we enjoyed a lovely fondue in the evening at a restaurant

My view from inside the living room of my gracious hosts, Janneke and Eduard. The sun was out a bit and before long ,we were ready to hit the town.