matchatan.te

3 days in Yogyakarta, almost.

2016-08-31T15:10:00.000+08:00

_

"So take me to that place now,

cause I'm feeling,

I'm feeling you."

ALL PHOTOS ARE INTELLECTUAL PROPERTIES OF MATCHATAN. ANY FORM OF USAGE WITHOUT CONSENT IS STRICTLY PROHIBITED.

all images are processed by lightroom.

I never really told anyone this, but...

2015-09-25T20:50:00.002+08:00

I got you to click the link with that title, didn't I?
I knew it.

Right, back to the topic.
So....
my brother's a guitarist in the band called The Metaphor.
(Some may know him by the name Sze Yee.)

Credits : Calvin Alexi

_ _ _ _ _

I never really told anyone around me about this.
Of course, it's no secret that my friends know my brother's in a band, but I doubt that they even remember that.
I didn't keep it a secret, but I guess you can say that people tend to forget things?
Ask any of my close friends, and this is how they'll react:
1) They'll probably nod, barely recalling, but still give a little reassurance that I did mention the fact that my brother is in a band.
2) Wait, what? "Elaine's brother is in a band?"
But, make no mistake, I do mention it.
This might have come up a few times, especially when they come over, which prompted the courtesy to ask if any of my family members are around so that they could greet them, which I would have to end up explaining why and who's not around, or that my brother's out for a gig or that he is on tour somewhere.
But I don't think any of them took this seriously.
I don't blame them, partly because my music taste differs from ~~most~~ all of my friends.
Mind you, I have quite a number of friends claiming that the songs I listen to put them to sleep or that it has no "life" or "what is it that you're listening?".
However, the unfamiliarity of the people around me towards my brother's passion in music is mostly due to the reason that I never took the initiative to invite them to tag along whenever I went to catch my brother live in action.
Then again, this comes back to the music taste.
So you can see that I didn't really have a choice. Spare them the hardship of coming up with an excuse not being able to join (which they can but don't want to), or put them in a position where they had no choice but to agree to come.
In both cases, if they do tag along, they'll probably end up not enjoying themselves and wish that they had the audacity to say no.
Because of our music taste, and my appreciation towards the local scene VS theirs. There's a gap.

Despite that, I am very grateful that I have my sister.
We both admire our brother. (Bitch, I know deep down you like going to bro's gig though you're always such a tease)
Oh yes, my sister and I, we are so close that we call each other bitch, but I think that this status has recently escalated to dumbass shit. (even siri calls me dumbass shit)
Here's a proof:

3 years apart, so there wasn't really a distance between us.
Don't get me wrong, we do argue. I recall one time that I refuse to speak to her and gave her the 'Silent Treatment' for more than a month.
Sometimes, our arguments turn bitter and vulgar and ended up in tears. LOTS OF TEARS. (plus a little screaming)
On the other hand, my brother and I, we are alike, but I guess you can say that the 7 year gap kept us in our own shells. This doesn't apply to my sister and my brother though, they are both like cats and dogs, who love each other and tease each other.
Conversations with my brother is.... very direct. He'll tell me something/inform me and I'll acknowledge.
He'll ask questions and I'll answer, then full stop. It's the same the other way round.
This usually takes up to maximum 5 minutes.
We never argued, like NEVER. Sometimes, in a week, our exchange doesn't even last more than 10 sentences.
I know. You must be thinking, whoa this isn't some brotherly sisterly love man.
True, but this is what makes me and my brother's relationship unique. :)
Since young, he'll share any news on games with me and show me how to play.
The fact that I'm a casual gamer is because of my brother. My sister usually teases my brother and say that he's such a geek and mock me for following him.
It's very common for both of them to mock each other, usually with me as my brother's back up.
It's always a losing battle for my sister whenever I gang up with my brother against her.
Now, we share things about coffee!
I know very well that my siblings are there for me no matter what, and that they'll take care of their baby little sister (though I'm way pass the entitlement to such calling, but hey, I'm still the youngest, so I have the power in the house).
We are just like any other siblings, we fight, we bond. (perhaps I'll tell more story on that some other day)

The reason I mention this, is despite the close and not so close relationship I have with my brother, I respect him a lot.
I don't think he knows this. So perhaps, if he reads this, he'll know?
I really admire his passion in music and the fact that he continues to pursue this passion despite working full time.
He's married (sorry ladies, better luck never, haha just kidding, but he is married.) and yet that has never stopped him from playing.
I grew up listening to guitars strumming (occasionally feet stamping, because he's so into it that he does his signature move, even at home.) across the room, usually in the afternoon/evening, sometimes almost near late night.
I don't think there's ever a time that I've never heard him practice or play.
We grew up in a family that had no musical background.
My father is just like any other fathers, who work, while my mother stopped working after she had my brother, so that she could stay at home and look after him as well as us.
Yes, its true that its inevitable that my father adores singing, like a lot (that's how we know when he's truly happy) while doing chores such as tending his garden or simply fixing our air conditioners.

*typical scenario in our house*
(loud singing of oldies songs can be heard across the house)
Sister: Where's dad?
Mom: Out in the garden.
Me: He's happy.
Sister: Yes, 'cause he is singing, again.
(laughs)

My sister picked up on piano at the age of 10 I think and I was sent along too, for lessons.
I wasn't really into piano, but I went along with it.
The lack of daily practices as well as the disinterest in pursuing piano exams gave it away.
However, my teacher was very understanding that he didn't push me in taking these exams and yet he continues to teach me so that I could play songs from higher grades.
I am grateful that I had learnt piano. Though I don't have interest in this particular instrument, I do feel fortunate that I know how to play it.
I wouldn't trade it for anything else.
My parents never really played any music instruments let alone gotten themselves involve in this scene.
So you can see that, we are just like any other average family.
We didn't have musical parents nor relatives who are in such scene, and yet, my brother seems to be a living proof that such things don't matter as long as you have passion.

You know how it's like that some famous musicians or artists grew up in a musical family that they had been exposed to music influence at a young age?
That this had been in fact, a part of their lives, which had shaped their talents or nurture their passion towards the music scene.
To them, such experiences imprinted their passion in music.
My brother wasn't like them.
I must admit, my brother was in a band way back in his high school years.
Like any other teens, it's cool to be in a band. Right? (i'm thinking if that's what my brother had in mind when he and his friend formed a band)
Usually, this phase will pass.
As you grew older, you find other cool things to do.
My brother didn't. I still remember his first black electric guitar, which he bought with his own savings.
Back in the days, I used to sneak into his room when he's away and secretly play it. HAHA!
He did teach me and my cousin how to play the guitar when I was like 12, but just a few chords though.
I find it amusing that my brother has taken his passion to such level. I wish I could say the same in my case.

You might be thinking,
"WHOA! That's so cool! Your brother's in a band! That must be glamorous."
On the contrary, no.
Not to say that it's not cool to have a brother who's in the music scene with his friends and doing quite well.
But I wouldn't exactly say that our family gets attention.
Mainly because my brother keeps his music life separated from his daily life.

"No, you must have been to his gigs plenty of time and had the chance to get to know people."
Wrong again.
Hello, major introvert here.
My sister and I, we do go to his gig, but not as often as we'd like.
Back then, we were still young and couldn't drive.
My parents weren't keen on letting us go out till late night either.
Because, his usual gigs are far away from our area and that it's always around 10pm or later.
Of course, once we were able to drive, we try to go as often as we can.
However, sometimes, it's during the weekdays and my usual sister is always too tired from work.
"I have to wake up early in the morning, I'm lazy."
So, the one and only person that enjoys the same music as me, wasn't up to it, which leaves me no choice but to skip it as well.
He used to inform us beforehand whenever he has a gig.
I guess my brother knew us and our parents too well, that he doesn't really ask us to go see him anymore after some time, as most of the time, we end up not going.
This upsets me, because I really like going to his gig.
The brother I know at home is a different person on stage. One time, we decided to bring our parents along to see him perform and they were stunned! But they were proud, very proud.
I guess they were just shocked to discover that my brother has a different aura on stage compare to when he's at home.
Now that my sister's abroad studying her masters, this makes me even sadder.
I'm all alone now. There's no one who could take me to music festivals, or accompany me to watch my brother perform live as well as other local artists.

Sometimes, I wish my friends were a little more like me, so we could do lots of things together.
But I guess you can't choose who you became friends with, things just happen.
The whole point of this post has been just to tell the story of how my brother is in a band and also because I miss my sister.
Yesterday, he shared an article written by two expats in Malaysia, mentioning their band, The Metaphor. (click here to read it)
I was proud and happy for him that their band is getting more acknowledgement and exposure.
Which is why I decided to blog.
I hope they won't stop getting attention and that the name "The Metaphor" will be known by many for years to come.

I stole this from their facebook page, plus, bro looks cool here with his fluffy hair.

So, please check out their music.

Spotify: Listen here
Facebook page: Follow Here
Instagram: Stalk Here

If you like them, you could purchase their physical album by contacting the band through this email themetaphorkl@gmail.com or on iTunes here.

Also, they have an upcoming gig this 1st of October.
It's free, so come and support them and our local music scene.
Details: Moonshine

ps: I have a feeling, if my brother ends up reading this post, he'll be surprised. it's going to be AWKWARD.

Till next time.

Cheers mes amies!

Elaine.

_ _ _ _ _

persona L/S pace

2015-06-28T17:45:00.003+08:00

MY PHYSICAL, CONTINUOUS AREA THAT IS
UNOCCUPIED BY EXCEPT FOR ME |
THE SPACE SURROUNDING ME.

from:

V S C O Journal

http://matchatante.vsco.co/journal/personal-space

http://matchatante.vsco.co/

_ _ _ _ _

A-Z

_ _ _ _ _

who i am; who i will be.

moments.

the smell of books / to enjoy one's solitude with a good read.

read.

daily, monthly, yearly needs.

essentials.

where "magic" happens.

inspire.

the place to go when i need some isolation.

music.

letters, postcards, and every bit of of other things.

passion.

daily fix of grace.

improvement.

•

:my passion. my identity. my personal space.

Cheers mes amies!XX

Elaine.

_ _ _ _ _

ALL PHOTOS ARE INTELLECTUAL PROPERTIES OF MATCHATAN. ANY FORM OF USAGE WITHOUT CONSENT IS STRICTLY PROHIBITED.

all images are processed by lightroom, developed using VSCO Film 01 LR4 Canon (C-Fuji 160++).

/; indissoluble/

2015-05-28T13:00:00.000+08:00

We miss each other; we make an impromptu plan to head down Singapore.

_ _ _ _ _

we are,

in·dis·sol·u·ble

ˌindəˈsälyəb(ə)l/

friends for life.

view in 1080p for better viewing pleasure.

btw, if you're wondering, I'm wearing my favorite brand Menage (shirt & cap) :)
check them out at:
http://www.menageclothing.com/

_ _ _ _ _

http://matchatante.vsco.co/

; bits and pieces.

_ _ _ _ _

places:

Nylon Coffee Roaster @ Everton Park

Symmetry @ Jln Kubor

Books Actually @ Dempsey Road

The Plain @ Craig Road

Cheers mes amies!XX
Elaine.

_ _ _ _ _

ALL PHOTOS ARE INTELLECTUAL PROPERTIES OF MATCHATAN. ANY FORM OF USAGE WITHOUT CONSENT IS STRICTLY PROHIBITED.

♭♬ "Every minute’s adding up, and leaving a mark on us."

2015-04-29T21:28:00.001+08:00

So, they turn one month old yesterday.

_ _ _ _ _

Guys, I smell strawberry!

Why do I look like a cat?

What cha looking at?

Hey, what's over there? Looks interesting.

Shit. This is going to sound weird but I think someone's stalking us. Don't turn around!

Yes, I know. My face. It's half brown, half black. Also, I have a white nose. Yes I know all that.

Oh my, how will I face this world? I don't want to grow up...

F***. Definitely a mistake there. Shouldn't have jump. Why did I jump?

Hey there, do I look like a Trojan horse yet? A pirate Trojan horse I bet.

Come on now, jump my brother(or maybe sister)!

Dang it, I can't! HELP ME!

_ _ _ _ _

The. End.

A story of both.

2014-11-13T13:00:00.000+08:00

'All good things come to an end, they say.'

İzmir

_ _ _ _ _
All good things must end.
After all, it's the only reason why we look forward to the next vacation.
It's how things work, or the very least, how we'd learn to appreciate the good while it last.
We were taught to be content.

As I sit here, typing out the mumbles inside my head, youth by Foxes had been playing on loop for hours.
Drowning within the song, I gather my thoughts together.

"Now I'm just chasing time, with a thousand dreams I'm holding heavy. And as we cross the line these fading beats have all been severed. Don't tell me our youth is running out. It's only just begun" - Foxes

Kapalıçarşı (Grand Bazaar).

_ _ _ _ _
I always get cutis anserina. A good song can do that to me. Utterly euphoric.
Before I drift off too far away, let's get back to the topic. TRAVEL.
You know that feeling of sadness you get whenever your vacation is coming to an end?
It's like being trap inside a box of feelings, torn between the joy you felt during the entire trip and the part of letting go, coming back to reality.
However, you are content. Despite the ending, you enjoyed the show.

_ _ _ _ _

Where and how do I begin? Turkey, Türkiye. I can't begin to tell you the colossal amount of beauty this country has to offer.

It is truly stunning. Must I say, literally breathtaking.

Ephesus, or to be known as Efes in Turkish, is an ancient city that was once a very vital commercial centre given the reason of its establishment as a port.
Walking along these ruins, you could almost picture yourself as if you were there, where the histories we all know now are happening right in front of your very eyes.
Passing by shops along Curetes street, the main street leading to the Library of Celsus from The Hercules Gate, and vice versa. You could almost see it all.
The iconic Library of Celsus, that used to stored more than 12,000 scrolls back then, has earned the tittle of the third richest library in ancient time.
Pretty impressive, especially when it's all still pretty much intact, maintaining its architectural designs.

That's it. Scratch all these historical facts. Everyone can Google them up so why risk being a old broken record.

Here, I'll let these photos steal the show.

The owner happily handing out grapes for us to taste.

Şirince Village.

Ephesus.

Pamukkale.

The very moment you place those earphone in your ear.
It is as if you are completely isolated from your surroundings, and that you are seeing this world.
You are finally seeing the world the way it should be, the way that you'd pictured.
Disconnected and yet not entirely alone. The privilege to enjoy solitude.
Being out here, in a foreign land, standing on unfamiliar grounds, everything excites me.
Endless possibility. A whole new place, that demands to be discovered, to be felt, to be loved, to be learnt.
You blend in. The need to observe spurs your mind to adapt, absorb, understand and appreciates the differences that made us all so unique but connected in our own ways.

Atilla, a father of one, bursting with remarkable knowledge, has taught me plenty during my stay in Turkey.
Jam packed with humour, he embraces us, delighted to have us as guest.
"Do you know what is the national flower of Turkey?", he asked. That was the first question he popped at us.
Tulip.
The national flower of Turkey is non other than tulip. At the mention of tulips, many would have thought that Netherlands was the answer.
The Ottoman Empire was the reason behind the tulips we all came to known about in Netherlands.
Atilla joke about his country men, that they were always too late when it comes to appreciating things. Take tulip for an example, the Dutch imported the seeds from the Ottomon Empire and it was a hit during the 17th century.
Not many would not have known the Turkish are the reason behind it.
_ _ _ _ _

Günaydın Sayit!, we greet the driver. Atilla taught me some simple Turkish words that would come in handy.

Indirim was one of them. He told us to use it to our advantage, but never to over do it.

"Don't repeat it too much to the same person, or you will get it only in your dream."

Turns out, Indirim meant discount. Talk about sense of humour.

Kaç lira is translated into how much in Lira? Often accompanied by indirim next. Who doesn't love discount?

"We may look like Europeans, but our minds are very much Asian.", Atilla said.

He explains that Turkish are conservatives, to what extend, it was unclear. Of course everyone is entitled to their own opinion.

"We are very much in common, our ways of thinking.", he said.

_ _ _ _ _

Tea sugar e dream. Pronounce it fast and clear.

It was Atilla's way of teaching us. The word, you've just probably try to read was teşekkür ederim, which means Thank you.

Watching us, struggling to master the pronunciation like locals, he then proceeds to teach us another word.

Sağol, pronounced as sa ol, making the ğ, silent. An informal way of saying thank you.

"Raki, the national drink of Turkey, which is made from grapes and seed.", he said.

There's a saying in Turkey about raki, that goes to show how the Turkish loves their raki.

"If you take fish without raki, the fish will say where is my raki?"

Sense of humour on the loose.

Atilla told us that raki could not be taken alone.

It is usually mix with water in a raki glass. However not many are accustomed to the taste.

The smell of raki was something new to me, pungent but not unpleasing.

I took on small sip which happens to be my last. Overwhelmed by the strong taste, I dare not take another sip.

My father on the other hand enjoy it.

Ardıç Hotel & Restaurant.

Aspendos theater, still in use today.

Düden Waterfalls.

Kaleiçi.

Chevrolet Impala Sport Sedan 1960 that belongs to the hotel owner.

Horozluhan Restaurant.

Sultan Han.

_ _ _ _ _

Atilla told us that Kapadokya, was a name the Persian gave when they came to Anatolia. The Satrabs, who collects taxes were crazy for horses.
Hence, the name came about. Land of beautiful horses, katpatuka.
Many of us know Kapadokya for the sight of hot air balloons.

Overlooking the sunrise, seeing all the balloons afar, the ones right above you or even the one right below your feet.
Stunning, beyond words.
I don't think I can do justice in describing the beauty of the scenery through words.
Hundreds of them floating in the air, and there you are.

Feeling so at peace, floating together with these balloons. Flying.
Quiet. Jaw dropping. Magical.
You feel so alive, inspired, ecstatic that you might get goose bumps or be literally lost at words. (in my case, both.)
The inner part of you jumps for joy, bursting with mix emotions, as if you can feel your brain screaming and admiring at the same time.
I know it's hard to imagine. Guess you'll just have to take a ride to truly know, don't you?

_ _ _ _ _

"A man without a belly is like an apartment without a balcony.", said Atilla as he proudly admits his belly.

Olives are well known in Turkey, but that's not the only thing they plant here.

Figs, Sultana Raisin, Hazelnuts, Apricots, Pumpkins, Pistachio are among some of the plantations found throughout the country.

Did I mention, their pistachio chocolate is remarkably delicious, and this is coming from a person who isn't that fond of chocolate.

Fairy chimneys are the sights that will surround you in Kapadokya.
When a volcano erupts, ashes and lava are produce.
The ashes become soft rocks while lava becomes hard rocks. These rocks are then sculpted by wind and water.
The soft rocks were carved into dwellings back in the days.
Atilla brought us to a place where Turkish coffee are brew the traditional way, with charcoal.
"You must taste this, it is rare nowadays. People don't brew coffee with charcoal anymore.", he said.
We sat on the edge, overlooking these fairy chimneys from a higher altitude while sipping down Türk kahvesi.
Life indeed is good, I would say.

Atilla told us that the coffee drinking habit started from Istanbul.
The Turks introduce coffee to the Austrians first, which the Italians eventually became aware of coffee.
The trick to drinking Türk kahvesi is to allow it to sit for half a min before drinking.
30% of the total cup should be left behind, as these are the residue that we shouldn't drink.
Türk kahvesi has been a big part of Turkish culture since the Ottoman Empire period.

Arrange marriage is practice by Turkish back in the days, even now for some.
A messenger is responsible to inform the family of the soon to be bride/the candidate. A meeting will then be set up.
To welcome their guest, the family will prepare Turkish delight. The girl on the other hand, will prepare Türk kahvesi.
If she agrees to the proposal, she will put lots of sugar in the coffee. So that he can taste the sweetness.
However, if she disagrees with the proposal, the sugar will then be replace with salt.
Anyone who are in their right mind, would definitely get the strong message after drinking a salty coffee.
Atilla told us that this is still in practice today, maybe not massively but it is still in practice.
What an interesting way of saying no, don't you think so?

People often mistake Nazar (also known as boncuk) as the evil eye. Little did they know, it is a charm believed by the Turkish to protect them against the evil eye.
The eye bead is made of glass with an eye in the middle.

_ _ _ _ _

Carpets is one of the oldest arts in Turkey. Handmades are very rare nowadays.

What makes Turkish carpet one of the best in the world is their double knot system.

He said it was known in a city called, Gordion.

According to the prophecy, Gordius, a legendary king of Phrygia tied a complicated knot and the person who undo the knot shall rule Asia.

However, nobody could untie the knot.

Alexander the Great attempt to untie the knot but it was to no avail. He came up with a solution which was to cut it into two.

He then went on to conquer Asia.

This was the legend/myth which Atilla told us. Interesting story.

"Turkish respects their carpets very much.", Atilla said. They believe that carpets absorbs bad energy from the body.
Carpets, as they age, the more expensive they become, and the more valuable they are.
Most people in Turkey don't buy carpets, but instead, they inherit it from their parents.
If the knots of the carpets increases, the sharper the image. Atilla told us that a carpet with million knots could take up to 5 years to complete.
Magnifying glass are used by the women when tying these knots.

çay, best thing ever!

A friendly, warm and cute dog I met while visiting the carpet manufacturing place.

I've learnt from Atilla that Turkish carpets are usually named after the city in which they are produced or the family.
The natural dye used will vary in shades of the colour when viewed from a different angle.
Oldest carpets are made from wool, while carpets made nowadays are usually from cotton.

_ _ _ _ _

_ _ _ _ _

Turquoise, the colour that some of us would instantly associate with Tiffany & Co. 's.

Or perhaps that greenish blue colour that we like.

The word, Turquoise, is a French word. I was told that it meant Turkish rock.
Similar to the colour we refer as Turquoise, the mineral is of blueish green or greenish blue.

Fun fact: Almost 98% of Turkish are Muslims, however Islam is not the official religion of Turkey. Turkey is a secular state.

The Mevlevi Sema Ceremony.

Konya is Turkey's city of Whirling Dervishes and has been for 800 years. - Turkey Travel Planner

_ _ _ _ _

Istanbul, the only city in Turkey that allows you to travel between Asia and Europe within 30 minutes.

Separated by The Bosporus Strait, where two continents meets.

Modern and ancient.

Park Fora, Istanbul.

Dolmabahçe Palace.

A pool in the middle of Bosphorus Strait. How rad.

_ _ _ _ _
Travelling in Istanbul is a surprise every time, said Atilla.
"You can't predict the traffic, and the weather changes every time, sunshine now, then it rains.", he said.
I couldn't agree more.
The Blue Mosque (The Sultan Ahmet Mosque), truly a beauty.
Atilla told us that there's this legend, claiming that the mosque wasn't suppose to be constructed with six minarets.
Upon construction, Sultan Ahmet I wished for the minaret to be build with gold.
The Turkish word for gold is "Altin". Unfortunately the architect misheard this instruction and took it as "alti", which you've guess it right, means six in Turkish.
Which is why, you can see six beautiful minarets now.

There's a famous cat that lives in Hagia Sophia. You could google it up.

Yes, Obama did pet this very cat.

A young man selling Turkish Top.

Hagia Sophia. A building with a unique story.

Christian mosaics that's been previously covered with plaster.

_ _ _ _ _

It was raining the day we visited Taksim square.
With only 30 minutes to spare, I was more persistent than I've ever been in my entire life.
The only thing that's been occupying my head ever since I'm in Istanbul was Kronotrop. Yes. a "MUST VISIT" was scribble on my notebook.
Without a map, and only the address that I noted down before this trip, I tried to search for it with my sister.
We decided to ask for help from a hotel personnel (btw handsome as hell), judging that we don't have much time to spare wandering around or getting lost.
The instructions was some sort clear but the estimated time he gave was wrong.
We wind up getting lost. Yes, LOST. Circling the neighborhood and returning to the point where we first asked for directions.
15 minutes passed. My sister was clearly on the verge of giving up, but hell no, I didn't come so far to give up!
Giving another shot, we asked a local who just came out from a shop. She was very friendly and helpful though she was obviously having difficulty trying to explain in English.
Not quite sure what I've heard, I decided to head down the same route we first took, but only to go further down the hill.
HEAVEN. IT WAS GLOWING! Thank you random stranger!
The moment I took that turn further down the road, I could already smell coffee brewing nearby.
Kronotrop, there it is. RIGHT BEFORE MY VERY EYES. An instant smile crept up on my face.
A rush of joy, then relief. I take a moment to absorb all these emotions and settle down. Who am I kidding? I was jumping in joy, shouting inside but I'm all cool on the outside.

Ran in the rain, with our raincoats protecting our coffees. With one minute to spare before meet up time.
An experience that I will never forget.
I can feel the adrenaline rush while gasping for air and my heart beating so fast against my chest all at the same time.
Talk about persistence and perseverance. (which my sister have to thank me for)
The coffee btw, was so gooooood! How I wish I have the time to sit there and enjoy it instead.
Well, at least I bought a bag of beans roasted by them back home. (trying to convince myself it's all good)

_ _ _ _ _

The last day was spent at Mısır Çarşısı (Spice Bazaar) and Kapalıçarşı (Grand Bazaar).

It wasn't fun having to go through lanes of shops with a stomach ache.

But thanks to a kind heart soul who gave me some medication, which made the stomachache subside to almost none.

Good as new, well, almost.

Heck, I wasn't gonna let some stupid diarrhea stop me from fulling utilizing my last 24 hours here.

Ain't nobody got time for that!

_ _ _ _ _

Strays in Istanbul are treated, vaccinated for rabies and other diseases and then ear-tagged. These dogs are very friendly.

Sideways Medusa column.

Yerebatan Sarayı (The Basilica Cistern)

The Fountain of Sultan Ahmed III (III. Ahmet Çeşmesi)

Fun fact: Sea of Turkey - North: Black | South: White | East: Blue | West: Red |

Chilling on grass, intersect between highways. What a way to spend the afternoon. I envy so much.

One last photo, bidding farewell to this beautiful country.

In retrospect, it was truly a prodigious week.
Sometimes, I still get these projections inside my head.
Heck, I still get all the projections from my Europe trip two years ago at times when I'm lying on my bed, wanting to fall asleep.

“You lose sight of things… and when you travel, everything balances out.” – Daranna Gidel

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When life is good, it becomes boring. Things tend to be, well, perfect, too perfect I would say.
Perfect is predictable, expected and also a party pooper. It sucks out all the hell you will go through and the sense of unbeatable strength you feel every time you stand up from all those shits.
So, all good things always come to an END.

All photographs are taken by Canon 550D, Iphone 4 and Iphone 5.

It took me more than a month to finish this post. Yes, I procrastinated, like most of us.
My trip to Turkey lasted for 10 days, and it was in the month of September.
The weather was just nice in Istanbul, with temperature of 20°C but >30°C in other places, however still bearable.
It was a guided tour, with Apple Holiday & Renk United Travel.
I was really very fortunate to have Atilla as my tour guide, truly the best!

Cheers mes amies!XX
Elaine.

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ALL PHOTOS ARE INTELLECTUAL PROPERTIES OF MATCHATAN. ANY FORM OF USAGE WITHOUT CONSENT IS STRICTLY PROHIBITED.

disclaimer: The facts/information/knowledge presented in the post(regarding to Turkey) are mostly information received through verbal conversations and the interpretation may have vary in words or sequence. Take note that this means no offence in any way.

GoPro: Hiking Day

2014-06-24T17:26:00.001+08:00

Just another hiking day.

Ripple Effect

2014-06-10T22:36:00.000+08:00

I long to accomplish a great and noble task, but it is my chief duty to accomplish small tasks as if they were great and noble. -Helen Keller

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I doubt that anyone read my blog, but I figure what the heck. I've got nothin to lose anyway.
You know how sometimes you feel that something isn't getting enough exposure that you deem as appropriate.
Especially when it's something that you've grown to be fond of.
Well in my case, it's the rising culture of independent local clothing/apparel brands (excluding the famous ones).
No doubt, they are marching through the battle and doing just fine themselves.
I would say most had achieved a certain high expectation of establishment tremendously and I suppose, their own legacy too.
I know there are tons of supporters behind these brand names, undying support in that sense.
But somehow, I just wish they get more exposure.

Reason why; well I'm the only person among my close circle of friends, who's actually aware of these budding local brands.
I get that everyone aiming for "quality" products that carries a hell lot of statement with the brand name.
But until we start to support local made products, how are we ever gonna start progressing?
I'm not going to go into detailed discussion but I know it's quite obvious that my own race, aren't exposed, or the very least, take notice of these local brands.
Yes, sure there are some exceptions to that assumption. Take me as an example or anyone you know that can relate to this.
But the impact needs to expand. There has to be a WOW impact.
I am not trying to imply stereotypical thoughts or create some kind of racial dispute.
I genuinely just want these local brands to get more exposure among all races. Equal exposure.

I'm not your typical hipster nor some kind of girl who has devoted her life for FASHION CRAZE. *laughs*
I don't believe that I'm a good writer, which at this point, if I have not lose your attention, or any of you who's reading had not clicked the red X button just yet, I would be surprised.
I don't have fancy writing skills and I wouldn't dare to say my English is good. Average perhaps.
I love books and can't live without alone time *introvert alert*. My music choice ranges from Rachel Yamagata to Yuna, Chvrches, Birdy, San Cisco, Charli XCX and Lykke Li. (just to name a few)
I love coffee but I adore tea more, and I find comfort, superb comfort in wearing a tee shirt over a pair of long pants and sneakers.
Well you can't blame me cause I had to wear formal to class every single day. *urgh*
So I grasp and grab onto any opportunity I had to dress in my utmost comfort attire.
To me, TEE-SHIRT > Dress at any rate. *laughs*
I knew about some brands years ago. Throughout the first half of 2014, I was more exposed to other brands.
Over the months, one thing lead to another, and now I've grown accustom to a brand in particular. :)

Ménage | Live, Love and Appreciate.

There's just something about this brand. I don't know much about their history and how it all started.

But one thing's for sure, I know the success is brought up by a young man name Khairul.

He's the manager and the mastermind behind Ménage . If I'm not mistaken.
I've never grown so fond of something so much before.

From the way Khairul attend to his customers until the products get delivered to my doorstep.

Let's just says that everyone gets turn off and irritated when a service/front desk personal treats us inappropriately.
Come on, who on earth wants to get a sour face, whom might tear you up if you accidentally pissed them off just by asking for another size or exchange, to serve you when you make a purchase? NOBODY.
We as customers, want to be treated with good upright attitude.
If we aren't a pain in the arse or causing problems intentionally, do not give us that ~~bitchy~~ rude face and treat us like some lower class individuals.
That being said, I think Menage truly sticks to it's motto from head to toe. The friendly and promptness feedback you get makes you feel welcomed and appreciated.
It makes you feel like you're a part of them, like a family.

Pluspoint: They even held promotion during CNY which was superb and earn them double thumbs up from me. On the side note, what more can you ask from a friendly brand that offers Free Shipping along side with a Free Tote Bag and Sticker(s)?

"At Ménage, everyone is a family member." - Ménage

source: Ménage

Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/menagebrand
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Menage_Brand
Instagram: http://instagram.com/menage_brand

So hurry up and grab some tees from them now! Their t-shirts are of high quality and aren't that thin/fragile in terms of fabric.

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There's another upcoming label named Tee Face Contour, which happens to be a studio mate to a close friend of mine.
This brand may be new but I think they have a promising future.
Wafiy is a talented young man that has way much potential and isn't getting enough credit for it; he is the guy you should know.
A passionate architecture student, who believes in a simple goal; to express art through their T-shirts.
Most of us have dreams, but not many managed or are willing to take a step further and turn them into reality.
Visions, we all have visions. We all have what ifs and endless passions. But these are the people that separates themselves from the crowd, and became achievers.

source: Tee Face Contour

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TeeFaceContour
Twitter: https://twitter.com/TeeFaceContour
Instagram: http://instagram.com/teefacecontour

"Life is art, art is beautiful, life is beautiful."

- Tee Face Contour

Here's a brief bio of the founder and the brand. (In his own words)

Founder Bio

Name : Ahmad Wafiy bin Azhar

DOB : 01/04/1992

POB : Selangor

Occupation : Architecture Student / Founder of Tee Face Contour

University : Infrastructure University Kuala Lumpur (IUKL)

Interest : Art, Architecture, Film Making, Music, Graphic Design

Contact :

+6 012 340 5400 (phone number)

teefacecontour@gmail.com (Tee Face Contour email)

How this brand started?

Tee Face Contour was founded in early 2014. It began when I suddenly had a thought on wanted to do something with my ability and creativity in art. As you know, I am an architecture student, so I cannot channel my creativity to build a real building yet because I am still a student and it will take several years until I can build and design a real building. So, I was thinking to do another creations that can channel my creativity into something that can bring some benefits to people and also bring happiness to them. Finally, I decided to jump into this industry (independent clothing line) from nothing. Before I jump into this industry, I've tried lots of things before, such as video making and wedding photography but I realized that this industry suits me best. When I started, I found that I can also make side income from it. So, I prepared everything well and hope that one day Tee Face Contour will be rocking this industry locally and globally!

What is this brand all about?

Tee Face Contour is a local clothing/street wear based in Cheras, Malaysia. For now, we make awesome and unique t-shirts for those who appreciate art. "Life is art. Art is beautiful. Life is beautiful." is our motto. We have a bigger plan for Tee Face Contour in the future, as it is not only to produce unique t-shirts but other unique and quality clothes as well.

What people can expect from the brand and why it is different?

Tee Face Contour has a strong concept. Our concept is, we design a face contour on our t-shirt/apparel and it shows our strong identity as well. That's why we are different from others. We will produce lots of amazing and unique face contour designs in the future and it is absolutely different from other brands. We love to be different because it is unique. We are super unique!

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" Nothing alive can stand still, it goes forward or back. Life is interesting only as long as it is a process of growth; or, to put it another way, we can only grow a long as we are interested. "

- Eleanour Roosevelt

At the end of the day, I wish that these young entrepreneurs continue to innovate and push through the limits.
It is with my purest sincerity that a difference, a change can be made and that it helps to aspire others to step out from their comfort zone and achieve something marvelous, be it in art, designing, business or other industry.
Who knows, someday, your talent might just blow us away. Nothing is too small too know and nothing is too big to attempt.

Here's some independent clothing lines which you can check out.

Pomphead Clothing
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pompheadclothing

Wolfgang
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wolfgangklx

Legasi Clothing | for the pocket tees lovers out there.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mylegasi
Instagram: http://instagram.com/mylegasi

Slickwear Clothing
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/slickwearclothing
Instagram: http://instagram.com/slickwear

You can always follow Tempatan Fest ( https://www.facebook.com/TempatanFest ) to get updates on the latest local clothing festival.
Instagram: http://instagram.com/tempatanfest

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My style.

A day of good reads.

Ménage Script Tee | New Beginnings '14

A day of summer vibes.

Ménage Floral Script Tee | New Beginnings '14

A day in town.

Monarchii | CAY EL Tee

A day in the park.

Pestle Mortar

A day of making statement.

Wolfgang

A day into the wild.

Ménage | Worldwide Tee

*it's too bad I lost my Fall leaves tee during my HK Trip*

A day of observation.

I AM Tee by The Jekyll & Hyde Project (Malaysia)

A day of self indulgence.

The Potong Tee

A day of taking notice.

Deciders X A&E

A day of enjoyment.

Chaiwalla & Co. Tee

A day of self-improvement.

Wolfgang

A day of slow-pace read and discovery.

The Bearded Lady

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" If they called one very soul in the land on the move. Only then would they know a blessing in disguise."

- AGNES OBEL

Cheers mes amies!XX
Elaine

Disclaimer: I did not receive commission or any sort of sponsorship for this blog post as I'm just writing my thoughts out. Heck, I don't think the brands know about it until this post was published.

Travelogue: HongKong + Dongguan

2014-05-03T13:08:00.000+08:00

|Shots taken during my short trip to Hong Kong and a small part of China.

DSLR series: Canon 550D

Design Project for Rachelle Paris

2014-04-05T20:08:00.000+08:00

Bonjour! :)

It's been quite a while but I'm back! I know this blog is pretty much dead. *not that I have ~~many~~ any readers anyway*

*laughs* I've been busy but I think I might just start blogging again. *fingers cross*

So, recently I did a project for Miss Rachelle Paris. She's a freelance blogger who blogs about lifestyle and beauty. Go check her out! She's new but she has potential. WEBSITE LINK

She also do modeling services so if you're interested, do PM her! :) Follow her on instagram, that will make her happy!

As I was saying, the project I did for her was nothing extraordinary.

She needed a business card so I was more than happy to offer my assistance. I design the card just by photoscape.

FYI, I have not taken up photoshop skills yet. *yes I know, I should and I will, soon.*

A girl who loves four leaf clover and Eiffel Tower like mad, I decided to incorporate both of them in the card.

I got the pink Eiffiel Tower from http://transparentsunset.tumblr.com/

ps: If you haven't notice, I finally have a new and better logo! *laughs* And well I change the layout of the blog as well. Do check out my other sites, as well as instagram (hopefully I will upload more frequently).

Cheers mes amies!

GoPro: Marriage Registration Day

2014-03-04T19:38:00.001+08:00

Where's The Party 2013 Malaysia

2013-07-08T13:56:00.001+08:00

The Most Epic Party Of The Year Is HERE!

Lawson Showcase (playlist)

2013-04-15T19:32:00.001+08:00

My Cup of Coffee

2012-12-01T02:00:00.000+08:00

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Essence of Life.

Food Trip

2012-09-01T00:37:00.001+08:00

25 days

2012-06-30T19:57:00.001+08:00

Enjoy!

Candid

2012-06-16T16:48:00.004+08:00

| "Life is a series of natural and spontaneous changes."

Red

2012-06-16T16:46:00.000+08:00

“Beauty can be seen in all things, seeing and composing the beauty is what separates the snapshot from the photograph." – Matt Hardy

2012-03-15T00:00:00.000+08:00

2012-03-14T22:12:00.000+08:00

2012-03-14T19:11:00.000+08:00

2012-03-14T17:20:00.000+08:00

2012-03-14T17:10:00.000+08:00

Sit back and relax. Throw all your worries away for one day and enjoy your life.

2012-03-14T16:09:00.000+08:00

Such delicate and fragile piece of living thing.