REMINISCENCE

CNY 2012..HOME IS WHERE THE HEART IS...

2012-01-22T23:56:00.000-08:00

No matter who you are or where you may be........you will be back (where it all began for you) albeit for only a couple of hours. TO BE WITH LOVED ONES who brought you up; TO WALK DOWN MEMORY LANE and 'relive the days of your youth, of the thrills and frills of your escapades and , OR JUST SIT AND STARE in solitude at how things have changed in the years gone by or just turn the clock back in time when you were running around playing 'police and thieves'. Its a great feeling of mixed emotions of sorts....I speak for myself.But if your thoughts fit the bill...then dream on.....

My family, my side and my wife's .........as tradition wills it we meet once a year or more. More is for weddings of the next generation, grand birthday bashes and funerals of the passing of another generation who will be gone and forgotten in the mist of time. U+Including yours truly and the dude who is yodelling away in a karaoke lounge. Everything is meaningless and we too will be forgotten. So we sing, have fun and rejoice with gusto when we are in radiant health. And with whatever little time we have to fellowship with friends and be surrounded by loved ones.Yeah!
This 'Johnny come lately' started singing 3 years ago....He had been the proverbial wall flower for more than 20 years.Now he is making up for lost time and singing with a vengeance. Not a moment too soon as the rest are showing symptoms of a karaoke burn- out . Wallah...way to go dude!Better late than never!
The XYZ generation of the Hooi Clan, Aunty Ching is the baby-boomer. Background are the Leong and Wong. Every year is the same old ritual ...makan in and makan out..to get flleeced by restauranteurs. Strange thing about the Chinese people, they accept it resignedly...They say things go up every new year.MY EYE!!! And the next logical thing to do is gamble, and more gambling..Well they all say cant beat them, then join them. But hey sorry I am not into it. Believe me!! Why I kept losing each time I played,So I made a promise to myself...Never, never again. That was 35 years ago!!! Yeech such discipline and dertermination!! Even somking ]\, i used to puffed 20 sticks a day! Smoking at 20 sticks per day I quit at age 33, 35 tears ago.Hahah
Eagerly awaiting their turn to sing. It was somewhere in Sungei way.Wonder why they chose this place against the usual one, nearer home. Reception not warm at all and we were treated like school children.But,...no buts....
Two cousins

Aunty and niece

ASon and wife.. a card fro australia
Caught in a storm en route home

Bah kut teh in Pandamaran

Relatives from my mother's side. The LAI's
XYZ generation of the Lai clan.
Lai Clan, Tracy with boyfriend, Simon
Ricky Lai with sister Ah Quen
Wong Chun Hoong and girlfriend Winnie
All in the family
Lou Sang in Pandamaran on 2nd day of CNY ie 24..1.2012

At the super-rich relative's residence...You don't believe it. He has got a stable of luxury cars, ranging from RM400,000 to RM3 MLN each. Maybe more. Ask me no questions, and I tell you no lies. Just to astound and make you drop your jaw in awe and wonder....Two Roll-Royce...Two Ferraris...One Porsche...One Bently....need I say more???

The gathering of the Hooi Clan at the matriarch's residence.
Gathering of my own Clan, The 2nd generation Cheahs.
At my sister's place in a condo in the vicinity of Kiara.
ASt Esquire Kitchen before CNY.

Leong is from taiping..If you are passing through, drop in to get new specs from him at good discounted prices.

Day 1...Cheah Clan at My sister's house...whole day. Day 2....The Hooi Clan at Eldest Aunty's house. Then its gambling with all the family whole day...all day long. No let up. Continued throughout the nite if necessary. But for me and family, count us out. We left early. On hindsight...let me ask you.Don't you think gambling all day long is tired and boring?
I am not really against it but why can't the Chinese sit down and engage in a sensible discourse about family matters. Always throwing dice and dealing cards and going after each others neck. the only language we hear is moans, groans and joyful grunts.

Kenny Yap 3rd Generation, offspring of Cheah Clan from mother's side facebooking and what have you on the websites.

"See what I have in this new place...friends, all sorts.
A new addition to the Cheah Clan to carry the mantle of the next generation to greater heights.Yea!
New Year's eve dinner.....a bit smaller cos Yzen and wife not back this year.

Chinese New Year 23rd Jan 2012. The sky was overcast when we started off to my sister's new condo in Kiara at 11 am. Together with my brother's family and little Alexis in tow, a new addition to the Cheah Dynasty family line.

The way was to the condo easy. No need for GPS. Near my brother's place too. About 2km as the crow flies. Gaining access is the same as any condominium, entry and exit procedures are adhered to for security reasons.

It's nestled on a hill amongst other newly constructed condominiums in the upscale part of the city.Don't ask about the cost.Must be pricy considering the plus plus fixtures etc.. Ask me no questions and I tell you no lies. Haha
The view is panoramic from any window.Feng shui is excellent. I think. Everything promises to be a gay and delightful living.Except for one small thing.That is its is surrounded aand dotted by the shanty slums of Kampung Kiara. Many other condominiums are mushrooming in the vicinity.

(to be continued)

2012 enter the dragon

2012-01-17T06:44:00.000-08:00

I was just watching the inspiring story of Bruce Lee on national Geographic. Hence the title of the post. The whole world of Kung Fu fighters know that if not for that ...that woman...Bruce Lee would still be here today. If not.... but thats a thing of the past.Lets move on if you will.

2012 Armageddon

2012-01-01T20:08:00.000-08:00

I did not go to any 'countdown' party last nite. In fact I have never been to any. Dunno what's it like. Now it's of course past my time. Believe you, me. Know what I am saying?

The revelers' party to herald in the New Year, of course... 2012 is Leap year. Wonder how far we all can leap from now? Maybe not. Maybe never!

The good book says that our days on earth are numbered.Judgement day is around the corner. In fact is almost at the door.

Christians the world over are counting down the days . Of gloom and doom?? Not necessary! With fingers crossed and high expectation.
For it is written in the Gospel.......Rapture will take place. ready or not.To others it may well be Armageddon or cataclysm as predicted by the ancient Mayas, Nostradamus or even Leonard Da Vinci! We have been warned and foretold by people from the ancient past.

Question is will it come to pass? And when? Everybody is waiting for tell-tale signs.Last year's
calamites inflicted by the fury of mother nature were staggering. That many would like to forget but would always remember.

We wait..........Armageddon....Apocalypse........Cataclysm...or whatever. We wait. The clock is ticking. You have been forewarned.

A close encounter .......

2011-12-14T17:10:00.000-08:00

In the early hour stillness and nearing the break of dawn, he was sitting by an open window. Deep and pensive in melancholic thought. He had not been sleeping well. A member of the family has just passed away. His body was still lying in state.

A small breeze wafted into the room and caressed his face. He drawled in the cool morning freshness. Shed a silent tear and heaved a heavy sigh, thinking back the events of yesterday. Of his father's passing and his words of wisdom that kept ringing in his ears. His misty eyes strayed to the clock on the wall. It was 6 o'clock. The seconds were ticking away.....before the rooster's crow to herald a new day. When suddenly......

Lo and Behold!......through the window ' there came from heaven a sound as of the rushing of a mighty wind, and filled all the house where he was sitting.' (Acts2:2)
The Mighty Breath of God was upon him. It filled him with awe. Bewildered, he thought to himself. "Am I in a wonderland of dream?" Before he could think again....

The Lord called to him in a vision, "Yes, Lord?" he answered.
Instinctively he looked heavenwards with great expectation for a sign. With bated breath he peered out the window.

But only darkness pervaded and silence reigned. "Am I imagining things?" Heart pounding...He started nervously to leaf through the scriptures for calmness and strength. Gaining back some composure he scoured for a pencil and a pad.

Then a voice came to him and blew him away. " Be of good cheer.The Lord is with you"
"You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth."(Acts1:8)
A great testimonial waiting to be told. Or left untold.

Above .. scenario is fictitious and a figment of my imagination. Written in good faith and sans malice.

the ansonian 1959-1965

2011-11-17T22:12:00.000-08:00

Loh Liu Meng, "It is wonderful to meet up with fellow Ansonians after half a century.May all be healthy and safe."
Koh Cheong Hooi says, "It's great to meet after over 50 years.Hope to meet more often. God bless.
Abdul Aziz Chong says"Hi Francis, Friends are hard to find. But enemies you can get everywhere. So take care."
Pro.Dr Teh Hung Sia...'It's great to see so many old friends after more than 40 years. Thanks to Leng Kok for organising this dinner. Certainly brings back alot of fond memories. Give me a call if you do come to Vancouver.' (19.9.2009 Teluk Intan)
Tham Kok Pheng...'This is indeed a great night that we are able to meet so many of my classmates and schoolmates. After a good 40+ years. We should meet more often. Time is now very precious.May good health and happiness be with all of us.'
Rudy Lim Oui Chai...'Dear Francis, Half a century has passed.Praise God we are able to meet. Though time has passed, yet our friendship stay. In fact getting stronger. This is God's grace. Always remember this:-"Happy times, praise God; Difficult times,seek God;Quiet times, worship God;Sad times,trust God;At all times, thank God; Got time, Cari kawan." God Bless.'
D.K.Sen Gupta...'To Kok Yoon, Fantastic to meet all of you after about 50 years.Hope we can continue to meet for another 50 years.'
Goh Aik Guan...'Dear Kok Yoon, I am most happy to meet our old friends which we have not met for 40+ years.' (19.9.2009 Teluk Intan, Sze Chuan restaurant)
Fam Hong Lim...'Dear Kok Yoon, It has been 48 years since we left school. It is nice to have a gathering of such so that we can have a chance to update our stories.Take good care of yourself and may God bless you.' (1.5.2010 Kampar, 1.5.2011 Ipoh)
P.Balan...'This gathering brought back many happy memories. It was a great pleasure to meet Kok Yoon again.' (13.6.2008 KL)
Au How Hay...'How times fly.It's been since 1963.It's very great to meet everyone.' (Ipoh 1.5.2011,KL Cititel 14.11.2010)
Richard Tan Seng Wha...'Dear Kok Yoon, I left in 1957 after Form 1 for ACS Ipoh, so probably you won't remember me. But still it's good for us to meet once a year for dinner and fellowship and recall those early years in schoool.' (Kampar 1.5.2010, Ipoh 1.5.2011)
S.Kannapiran...'This evening is indeed a grand occasion for me and my wife. I feel really great to meet most of my good friends after so many years. Today is May 1st 2011 and we are all meeting at the Royal China, Jalan Raja Nazrin Shah. With fond memories.' (Teluk Intan 19.9.1999, Ipoh 1.5.2011)
Dato Zulkifli Shariff...'Wish you all the best in your future endeavours.' (14.11.2010 KL Cititel)
'Kok Yoon,Hope we can have this gathering for many more years,' (24.9.2011 Shogun 1Utama KL)
Sng Ang Heng...'Hi Guys, Take care and live till a hundred years. Good health to all and see you more often.' (Pik Wah Restaurant 10.7.2007, 17.11.2007,13.6.2008;Teluk Intan 19.9.2009;Golden Sun Rest KL 13.12.2009;Kampar 1.5.2010;KL cititel 4.11.2010;Ipoh 1.5.2011;Shogun KL 24.9.2011;Bungsar KL ? 2010)
Bey Soon Chin...'Thank you for bringing us (old ACS) back together again. My God! It has been half a century ago! (Kampar 1.5.2010, Ipoh 1.5.2011)
Tham Leong...'Dear Kok Yoon, Praise the Lord we are able to meet again after all these years. We have aged but not our youthful spirit. Hope you keep yourself occupied in God's field and reap your reward. If you should pass by in Kampar at anytime, do give me a call so that we can continue to have fellowship and exchange views. May God bless you and your family.' (KL Cititel 14.11.2010, Teluk Intan 19.9.1999, Kampar 1.5.2010, Ipoh 1.5.2011)
Lim Kian Kok...'To Kok Yoon, Its nice to pen a few words in your book of memory.Wishing all the best of health and best of life.' (KL Cititel 14.11.2010, 1Utama Shogun KL 24.9.2011)
Dato' Sir Dr. P.Ramanujam Murthy...'It was indeed a pleasure to meet all of you seniors. Time has passed so quickly and with this gathering today we are able to refresh our memories and renew the relationships. Stay in touch and wish all of you a happy, healthy and joyous life. God Bless.' (1Utama Shogun 24.9.2011)
Koh Cheong Hooi & Cheah Ah Giact...'It's great to meet after over 50 years. Hope to meet more often. God Bless. (1Utama KL 24.9.2011)
Huang Tzu Lian...'It's a pleasure to be here to meet friends and classmates after so many years. Keep in touch.' (We were touched by his initiative to come all the way from south of the border to sit and fellowship with us.Thanks Brother, you have made our day.')
Ronald & Julie Kuan...'It is a rare joy to meet up with old friends after more than 40 years. Friends from school days usually are more closely bonded than friends made in office. School mates played, fought and wrestled together. Office friends wear masks, stay courteous, polite but superficial. Thank God we have this wonderful opportunity of gathering together for fellowship over a meal .
I pray and wish everyone here tonight good health and many more gatherings to come.'
(Teluk Intan 19.9.1999, Kampar 1.5.2010)
Dear Fellow
Ansonians or ACsians, The latter, ie ACsians, though appropriate is non commonly used by old classmates of ACS Teluk Anson. Most preferred Ansonians.

But I think ACsians is more apt though it may not sound easy for the lips. Ansonian used to mean people from Teluk Anson. But now its been changed to Teluk Intan. So the name should be Intanian. Right??
Yeech!...Twist it abit and it becomes Iranian ...Goodness gracious!!! Well , Your honor, I submit...it has to either Ansonian or ACsian and no other. I rest my case.

Thanks for taking a moment to write something that means everything in my humble autograph. Have just done up and giving it a new look and a smaller size, A4.
I am touched by your writings. Lovely messages, invaluable advice, and great words of wisdom too.

Hope many will write more and fill up the pages come may 2012 in Teluk Intan. Bear with me friends...I have lots of names to post...will complete it in good time.Still making amendments and drawing cartoons in the hope of characterizing each one of us. Hope I am not going over board in so doing. All done light heartedly, in good faith and sans malice. Thanks. God Bless.

Wedding Dinner

2011-10-03T21:26:00.000-07:00

Ansonian gathering at Shogun Restaurant 1Utama 24.9.2011

2011-09-24T23:30:00.000-07:00

We were scheduled to meet from 12.00 noon. I got there at 12.45.
Many have already assembled. Many were new so obviously wanted to make the most ot it. Not only the food but to catch up for lost time.

It was Buffet so...eat all you can and at your own time.
At our age, gotta to watch what we eat.Anyway that was secondary. Main purpose
was to fellowship with mates from our alma mater ACS Teluk Anson
1950/1960.......onwards. Many old but 'New' faces. Everybody has so many
wonderful stories to share.The party dispersed at 5pm. It was great fun eating, laughing
and sharing happy moments of our youth in shanty Teluk Anson Town.

!2.00 noon till 5.00pm. Eat all you want and drink all you can fill. Only half price for Oldsters with the likes of you and me, Dude.Haha... yelled Ong leng Kok on the other line.. Many thanksto Ong Leng Kok and Chong Ah Fatt for making all this possible. We dispersed at 5pm. Promising...like Gen.MacArthur during the Philippine Campaign....I shall return."

michael lim (RIP)

2011-08-17T03:20:00.000-07:00

A good friend. He is with the ages now. Passed on last month. May God bless his soul. Obviously a nature lover. Spent a great deal of time in the forest in communion with the trees, birds and the bees. He is deeply missed by friend and family. RIP

fga selayang

2011-08-16T07:46:00.000-07:00

Photo courtesy of Joshua Ching
Successful Bible Overview 1 Students (Auditors and Creditors)
Well we have just scaled a small hill and planted a small flag. It was not easy but we made it.
The the next climb will be a high mountain. But no highland will be too high that we cannot climb.Yes!

Latest: 4.12.2011
This mountain was higher than I envisaged. It seems to go beyond the clouds each time we made our ascent.
But climbed we did although we are not at the top, at anytime soon. But 'the end of the rainbow' is not far from sight. Hallelujah! We have just completed Bible Class Overview II (old Testament) in November 2011 with tough assignments. We have weathered the storm and our ship is now in calm waters. Sailing and steering towards a definite destination.

Overview III (New testament) will start in January 2011.
Comments: Well at least I dare say that I already have a bird's eye view of the Old Testament albeit just superficial knowledge.
It 's very encouraging for me and I hope to go in depth into the new testament because that's all about Jesus and his brief ministry which lasted only 3 years.
I will not miss it for the world. We hope more people will join us. They'd never know just how much they'd miss if they turned and walk away. 'Those who have ears to hear let them hear.'

GFY Selayang-Malacca Trip

2011-08-09T01:29:00.000-07:00

18 march 2011...Day trip to Malacca

To me the best place to view and visualise Malacca's past is this boat cruise.
All aboard now.The engine purrs into life. We hear the gear shift. With a slight tug we are on our way.
Bro Robert checks list to make sure nothing is left out or
forgotten.
It is a good 2 hour journey.But still have to make sure we are headed the right direction.
Uncle Lim getting comfortable and relaxing with the day's news.
18 March 2011........8.30 am. Assembling for a photo before rolling out for a day trip to Malacca.
The sun is up and looks like we are going to have fine weather.

teluk intan sketches

2011-08-01T19:02:00.000-07:00

Scenario Teluk Anson 1954
During the fruiting season the jetty is a beehive of activity. Boats and sampans fully loaded with fruits are just moored beside the jetty.Swaying from side to side, the boats scraping against each other's sides by the splashing waves. Farmers in the boats are frantically gesticulating and yelling for help to unload their cargo.

The tide is ebbing. Very soon the boats will be stranded in the mud. They have to get back fast for another load. Its a race against the receding waters.

There are just too many fruits this season. Have to unload and send to the market, fast. So children are roped in to do the job. Children don't ask for much. They take whatever is given. The fun is doing things together like the excitement of running and pushing to see who gets to the market first.

The reward is a few durians to share among us. Of course a few fruits may 'fall off' by the wayside in the process. The bosses don't bother at all...that's the beautiful part. Ron, is in the thick of it and playing the main part.He will tell you more.
It is a great memory enjoying theses escapades, growing up in Teluk Anson.

Durians and Oranges are the main items this season of plenty. The hinterland abounds with Durians and Green Oranges. Yes, Green Oranges! We have plenty of them.The skin is thin, supple and juicy. The sampans are always filled to the brim with Oranges as well.
Our Green Oranges are as good as any imported Mandarin from China! If not better. You better believe it! Yes Siree!

(Well, that was Teluk Anson of old. A disease in 1956 destroyed them all. Ask anyone from my generation. who can tell you more.They will attest to what I say, that we did have Green Oranges that was once the Glory of Teluk Anson. And basketful of Durians that lined up from the jetty all the way to Anson Road in town )

kycheah sketches

2011-08-01T19:00:00.000-07:00

They don't play like we did in those days. Maybe now they don't even play at all. Just as aptly described by bro Abdooss, the whole idea is to hit hard at the opponents' tops placed in the circle.And blast them away.If possible split them up. It was indeed a nasty and bruising game. Many got hurt in the process and required stitches especially in the head. That's why mothers were wary of it and always warned their children to keep away from this dangerous game.
But top-spinning had become part of their lives, which they couldn't do without.

Top spinning was seasonal and we played about 3 to 4 other games in a year. Each game would last about 3 months. Before we tire of it, a new game would emerge.

Who initiated the change? Beats me... wonder who started it all?
Kite flying could be the automatic choice during the monsoon season. It would be windy then.

But Tops and marbles? It could jolly well be the kite and marble producers out to make money. Well most of the games have died a natural death. Kite-flying is still very much alive. You can fly them everyday so long it does not rain.

In my time we flew 'fighting kites'. Kites made for war if you will. Competing for supremacy in the sky. Today they still 'fight' to see whose is the prettiest of them all.
Tops also were made for 'combat' not just sissy spinning. Today its almost they don't play tops anymore.

The type they play today is to see how long it spins. The longer the better. You'd be bored to death. You know what I am saying?

cheah sketches

2011-07-28T05:29:00.000-07:00

At the break of dawn, he is seen tottering and pushing a battered trolley around the vicinity. It is packed with newspapers, card boards and plastic bottles. Must have started his collection in the wee hours of the morning or in the dead of the nite.He will rest his aching feet awhile at the Mamak's. He has his cuppa before he continues his task. Breakfast to last him the day is roti canai and a glass of teh tarik.

He has been doing this for as long as I can remember. At 70 when most are still in bed, and enjoying the comforts of life, he is out there struggling to make a dime for food to eat.

He is at it come rain or shine. When it rains he will be wrapped in plastic. His attire is shabby, untidy, unkempt like it has not been washed for days. Poor fellow I do not think he even has a home.

I did not ask and he did not tell. People keep their distance. He keeps very much to himself. In stoney silence. Going about his business. From dawn till dusk you will see him with his load.

Its a tough life. But that's the only one he knows. Only one he has got. Ask Ted Williams. How he managed his day. At least he is now getting a second chance.
But for this old man I guess this is his final winding road.

colonial Building

2011-07-28T05:09:00.000-07:00

The sentry house roof is overgrown with parasite plants. The authorities do the right thing to keep it that way. A visitor may think they are planted there deliberately. I can tell you for a fact that its been there for ages.

The servant quarters. Most likely servants and soldiers guarding them during the emergency years from 1948-1960. Many workers and officers perished during those turbulent years. A memorial stone is just outside the road next to the museum as you come from the main road.
It has been refurbished recently for use as a restaurant or rest house. It it had been located in town, by now it would have suffered the same fate as the Pudu Prison, The Chua mansion of Ampang and many other heritage buildings.
A Colonial Building. A remnant of the BMA (British Malaya Administration 1946-1957) Nestling in the lush greenery the Kepong Forest reserve and far from the bustling noise and pollution of the city.
It stands solid and strong and seems to have withstood the ravages of nature all these years.

pulau ketam 16.7.2011

2011-07-25T07:37:00.000-07:00

A little boy pensive with his own thoughts, eyeing us nonchalantly as we make a beeline to the waiting ferry 30 steps below.
Two young things slurping ice cream and giving me 'the eye.'
Business is brisk for this aunty who looks like she can use extra help.
The population in this swampy Island is about 8,000, predominantly Chinese Clans of Hokkien, Hainan and Teochew who came here to catch crabs 150years ago. There is an Orang Asli settlement in the hinterland living off the land and sea. There is also a sprinkling of civil servants manning the various government agencies and community service centres.

A special bond of camaraderie exist among the races and clans. Reason being they have many things in common. Like facing the same happiness, sadness, trials and tribulations of everyday living in a desolate island, so many miles from the mainland.

The synergy of comradeship is palpable and obvious as you walk around and make your observation either by mingling, talking to them or through the view finder of your camera.

I don't see many young inhabitants. Probably they are schooling or settled in the mainland leaving their parents to run the family business with foreign helpers. The village is undergoing change as I see it. 'Transformation' may be a better word.

The new generation with professional qualification, expertise and accolades under their belt will be home to bring about progress and change to their island home.
To turn this backwater shanty village into a bustling economy and a great tourist destination. It is only a matter of time for this to happen.

A denomination has even come in to share the gospel message. I think this is the best time. Many are already well educated. Therefore they will have no qualms in embracing something new.
To uplift their lives to new spiritual heights.Their effort will not be in vain. I will say yes to that.

pulau ketam 16.7.2011

2011-07-25T04:14:00.000-07:00

16.7.2011 FGA Selayang GYF 'Wise" group on a day trip to Pulau Ketam.
Its been a rush rush rush. But hey...we are savouring every moment of it. Meeting the residents, sampling the food, enjoying the scenes and scenery and the walkabout. My only regret is there isn't enough time to do my sketches at the site. Maybe next time I will stay a day longer. Yes.
Guess who? The live wires of the party.......it's a delight to have him and spouse, to enjoy his jokes, bizarre stories and antics.
Typical waterfront. Not front really but the back. The back portion of the house is for visitors in boats or folks coming home with their catch.
This relic police station , though ancient is well spruced up and still serves the community well. It is almost a crime free village on stilts. Everybody knows everybody. So there you are I guess you can have a good night's slumber with open windows and unlocked doors here.
I love to sketch the mangrove tree. It's full of character.Mangrove swamps proliferate in this island.They can be seen from miles around. Rich in marine life. Crabs are bountiful here as the name suggests . Just dip your hand a little into the mud and walla you will have a swampy crab clinging to you.....for lunch/dinner. check it out!

pulau ketam

2011-07-23T08:53:00.001-07:00

The post office, snugly in a cosy corner and sharing with 3 others. See no need for a big space to serve a small community.
An arch erected 26 years ago still stands and has become its landmark.
A community hall to serve the community.
The security and safety council established in 1970.
Here bicycles reign supreme. You have been cautioned.
Fishery dept. to look into fishing , not fishy interests. hahaha
State Assemblyman whatever his name is takes care of this place and its people.
A surgery clinic called 'Omega' Hope the doc is not being sarcastic.
Remember what Jesus said,"I am the Alpha and Omega." *Hmm*

Hey I find the street has a name after all.
Seriously do they need a vigilante corp to patrol the streets? You kidding me? Wannabe criminals here can run but they can't hide.
This is a must of course to care for the community.

Crap or crab Island or whatever. so long your interests is best served here.

Everyone cycles here. Even to catch a thief or a wayward wife or husband.
Old coke sign but still very much in demand especially for foreign tourist who miss home. Of Obviously it is not the drink alone that draws them in.Your guess is as good as mine, dude. Gotcha!

pulau ketam 16.7.2011

2011-07-23T08:17:00.000-07:00

Folks or visitors coming by boat enter unceremoniously by the back door.
The living quarters is at the back of the houses.
It smells of mud....oil, slick and slime.

The front portion is fully utilised for commercial purposes. The folks are pretty enterprising and hardworking. Most of them are engaged in one trade or another. Bro Thomas looks like he can use a drink and sunshades.Hahaha
It is a listless afternoon. The sun is fierce overhead. Folks are indoors or under the shade.Boats lie in the mud waiting for the rising tide.

Mud skippers and creepy crawlies wriggle in the mud-caked household litter, strewn all over the place.

pulau ketam 16.7.2011

2011-07-21T02:20:00.000-07:00

Pulau ketam's quaint signs and wonders
Like a crumpled cryptic 'treasure Island map' for ancient mariners. But hey,
it will help you not lose your way in this island maze. Of narrow alleys and dilapidated
wooden rickety ways.
A shabby notice board that has seen better days, but still trying to prove it's 2 cents worth.
An old rusty sign of the past hauntingly beckons the present.
For many years the village on stilts depended on rainfall for subsistence. Now there is piped water from the mainland. A Godsend.
A 'Guardian of Peace Noticeboard' speaks volumes of the peace and tranquility of this sleepy hollow. A small pix of a teenage runaway or probably of someone looking for somebody.
Torn, tattered and defiantly fluttering in the breeze. It shows that nationalism lives in this quaint little village perched on stilts.

pulau ketam 16.7.2011

2011-07-18T22:17:00.000-07:00

" The 'Wise' have landed....one small step for man/womankind...one giant leap for GYF WISE."

Fisherman calling it a day and heads for home with his abundant harvest from the mangrove swamp ie Crabs that is..
It is a pretty busy water way with vessels and small boats coming from different directions.

The first thing that catches my eye is the mangrove for miles and miles around. The water mark shows that when the tide comes in you will see a 'floating swampy forest'. A haven for birds, fish, crabs and a bountiful harvest for fishermen

Its a 30 minute crossing,A smooth ride cruising at traveling at 20 knots. So just sit back and enjoy the scenery. But hey...history is repeating itself...we are sitting next to the loo again!
Life jackets are above our heads but no one is wearing it. Not asked to put on. I thought it was mandatory.Oh well. When excitement is in the air, fear flies out the window.
All on board now. One last call. You miss this, it will be another hour before the next one comes. 'Hey wait for me!'
Oh No, The ferry look so small from a distance. Distance is another 500 metres. On a bad leg its like a mile.
10.30am The Jetty looms into view. Hungry, I hop over to a small KFC outlet to grab a bite. I have not eaten since last nite. Heaven can wait....oops ..sorry about the expression! Is it out of place?
The train comes and we are settled in for the next comfy ride to the Jetty. There's is one small snag though. We are sitting next to the loo. *UGH*
It is 'some walk' to the next 'pit stop'.It's hoppity hop and drag drag drag for me.
In the blink of an eye. we board the train, I am the last one though. *twinkling smile*
KL Sentral Bro Sam shows concern.'Can manage or not, Bro Cheah'. 'Can can' I holler back Thanks.

We are packed into it like sardines in a can. But at least I have space to rest
and stretch my aching arthritic leg.Thank you.
Well, it does not take long for the shuttle bus to show up.
Maybe we may have to squeeze a little. That's all. Cool it, Bro Yeo! We are still on our way.
A disruption What is going on? Glum and Gloom is written all over Bro Robert's face. waiting for the feeder bus to send us to KL Sentral. A crane had collapsed on the line cable somewhere in Klang the nite before. That's the problem.

Less than 20 minutes into the journey the trains screeches to
a rude halt at Bank Negara station. An officer tells us there is a
technical problem. "Please alight and wait for the shuttle
bus to continue your journey to KL Sentral."
Halo bro...Penny for your thoughts? Leaning against
the pillar, he muses......"Yeah lo... It's been quite a while
since I last visited Crab Island. Wonder if it's changed much or if they
still remember me."
16.7.2011 8am. The journey. GYF members rendezvous at Taman Wahyu Train Station.
Purpose? A day trip to Crab Island or better known as Pulau Ketam. Train ride to
to KL Sentral and catch another for the Jetty in Port Klang.
Team leaders buy tickets at the counter @ RM5.10 per pax.

acs ta

2011-06-30T19:41:00.000-07:00

ACS School Badge 1962

rainforest sketches

2011-06-30T18:48:00.000-07:00

"Aiyah...this forest is as safe as a house."

kycheah sketches

2011-06-30T18:46:00.000-07:00

Tai Chi...

kycheah sketches

2011-06-30T18:42:00.000-07:00

Amazon big fish ....Where?...Where?

kycheah sketches

2011-06-30T18:37:00.000-07:00

Mouth to mouth resuscitation