Sunday, July 09, 2006

Kacang puteh grins and warmth



It's been a while since I've been on a road trip alone. Deciding to take one the last weekend out of spontaneity is certainly welcomed.

Not too far this time is the destination, Ipoh, the main town of Perak, a state located in the northern region of Peninsular Malaysia, some two hours drive from Kuala Lumpur. Taking a slow drive towards this town, sights of limestone caves is beautiful. Boasting of the lack of photographic talent, I applied my little skills to snapping some photographs. Needless to say it was not as pretty as you see it in real life, I enjoyed the memories just the same.

What struck me the most is the warmth of people in Ipoh, actually, it would not be fair to single out this northern town as having friendly folk as most Malaysians generally offer a smile or two your way. I met this Kacang Puteh man, only to be known as Kacang Puteh man (because I did the unjournalistic practice of NOT asking his name), selling his wares outside the post office near Canning Garden. He not only generously filled my RM5 or US$1.38 bag with nuts and delicious murukus, he allowed free tasting of his other products. There I was happily satisfying my weakness for such tasty Indian murukkus or chakklis.

Although people always tell you that it is a rarity to find warmth and generosity these days, I found it in this kacang puteh man, under a mango tree in Ipoh.

Friday, July 07, 2006

Pain and pins


I received a phone call one night, cancelling a coffee meet. The confidante had to attend to another person.

The other person just had a squabble with a loved one, which ended up being physical, leaving the other person in tears.

I sigh with empathy when I hear news like this. My prayers are with this person, strength as well.

It rewinds me to musings of when I was in pain. Being physical did not only hurt. It also gave me the ugly thought of retaliating. And hurting very badly. Anger is a horrible when uncontrolled. Heck anger is horrible in itself.

I do not question the reasons for the incompatibilities of two people, but I question the reason or justification for inflicting pain on to others. I do not believe anyone has the right to do so.

The person that inflicted similar pain in my life, I've moved on from, my only wishes for him is to not inflict it on others.

(Source: www.bugglefug.com/gallery/albums/aimee/pain.jpg)

Monday, July 03, 2006

Comrades, buddies, confidantes, close ones..














I dedicate this space to those who are close to my heart. In times of distress, anger, pain, tears.. you've been there for me.

In times of happiness, elation, excitement, joy and giddy humour, you've not left my side.


You know who you are. You know how much you mean to me. Thank you.

Sunday, July 02, 2006

French-bitten


Dear diary,

The short experience in France welcomes me to new sights, sounds and senses. For most, visiting Paris is an experience described as romantic, cultured .. But I differ in opinion.

Being in Paris was synonymous with all big cities, impressive, busy but anonymous. Although having your breath taken away by the magnificent structures and architecture, I believe Asian counterparts can rival the European monuments. I thoroughly soaked in the awe and indulged in clicks of the camera as we rode the elevator , all the way to the top of the Eiffel Tower- the 3rd floor as it was termed. Two hundred and seventy-six metres from the ground. It was - beautiful. It certainly gave me a different perspective of Paris..
Having parted with 10 Euros for that skyline view is one charm of France I'd not forget.

But more importantly, I found warmth in a smaller sight of France, in Montpellier, three hours from the French capital.

Located by the Mediterranean Sea, Montpellier oozes of the warmth and coziness that Paris so lack, albeit a few hiccups with bureaucracies of airport systems.

The element that made Montpellier so special, amidst its centuries' old European architecture, cathedrals and cobblestone paths, were our hosts and our friends.

Travelling with varying nationalities adds the colour, spice, culture, humour and most heartwarming of all, the friendships. While sipping the various sweet wines and giggling over the common jokes, the enriching experience of seeing the sights of France is shared.