Idyllic

The Local Boy

He told us it was a pleasure to bring us around the island.Business had not been good for the day and even if it was not a loadful, he was willing to put up with us.

Teachers love to talk about schools even when they are on a mini tour.

"So how many schools are there on the island?" One secondary and four primary schools; we were told. Next, where do the children go after form 5?

He told us that in the past during his times most of the local children would drop out of school after 6 years of primary education and take up their parents' trade.
Pangkor Island is essentially supported by the fishing industry and tourism in the later years. So local folks pass down the economic activities to the next generation; but the trend has changed. The islanders now travel across the waters to the mainland to continue their pre u studies and hopefully to break the cycle for greater benefits.The van driver later reiterated that he never had the chance nor nurtured to do higher studies.

 

The islanders are water babies. They do actiivities for fun and economic returns.
The boat is symbollic of their livelihood.

The fishing trawler hauls in tonnes of fishes and sea species for the local industies but we were informed that they had to bring in petroleum from the hinterland for local consumption and at a higher premium.

I saw this huge expanse of 'created space' along a jeti where the trawler comes in to deliver the fishes for trading purposes. It reminded me of the video clip on the Thai footballers practising football. I actually witnessd a group of people playing the sepak takraw game there. Easy and relaxing times. It's really envious to the eye.

These planks are constructed on a strip of water and I fun treading on them.

These are some of the favourites among the tourists especially the Malaysians from other parts of the country; they look frantically for the 'blue-eyed' anchovies which promise high quality and taste.

Even after being here for many times, today I had the opportunity to visit a site I have never seen before; the relics of the Dutch Fort built in 1641 as a shield against the enemies of the local rulers then.

The locals also tap on this piece of Dutch landmark to attract tourists. It is of course of no comparison to the forts of Melaka but nevertheless a sight.

 

We thought this 'mazy' feature was quite a spot and good for a shot.

See the teachers in action.

Pangkor; an idyllic haven where people don't rush but take time to stare at the seas.

Quality living.

The Floating Market

Not To be Missed
A trip to Hatyai can only be made complete with this trip to the market on the river.

Walking to the designated place saw us browsing through local stalls selling local delicacies and products.

The three ladies got together for a shot to be kept forever.

Handicraft so well crafted and attractively displayed. It was hard to resist.

Throngs of people going towards the same direction to have a feel of the market.

This is new to me. Never seen before. A sausage wrapped in flour mixture. Doesn't look too difficult to prepare though.

Coconut pancake well wrapped up for sale.

From a distance the boat people doing business on the water is a sight.

A tourist attraction, the floating market is a crowd puller.

I find this different. The vendor delivers in this manner.

The buyer pays thus...very imaginative; part and parcel of the winning game.

All kinds of roots are deep fried ... very tasty.

Puan Poh is most keen to get a drink as it is served in this attractive mug.

But the best is to come; you can take the mug home...ooo...a sales gimmick. You pay for both products. No businessman loses under normal circumstances. But a good trick.

The 2 teachers are very at home here. Eat and drink like the locals.

Seafood in batter.

Colorful fruits to catch the eye and bud.

Ice cream served with coconut.

Local appetizers. Out of the world. No chef prepares like them.

Dumplings of all shades and shapes.

Oysters caught fresh from the sea...

Chicken rice...

Fresh, yummy salads...

The sweet dodol...

We were well entertained too; lovely sharp and strong voice...notice the little girl.

Street wise and already willing to sing for a penny; she may just grow up to be a star.

We left as the skies grew dark.

The Klonghae Floating Market is different. Give it a visit.

No regrets.

Let There Be Peace

The Hatyai Explosion

It was sad to hear the troubled Southern Thailand experiencing another horrible incident a couple of days ago.Many were innocent victims of irrational decisions and so lives were lost on a trip that was supposed to bring fun and relaxation.
A favourite weekend getaway for Malaysians and Singaporeans, Hatyai is a shopping haven. I was there some 10 years ago with family members and when the school made plans for a benchmarking trip to the top school there last February, many of us teachers could not resist. So, in early February 2012, some 43 of us including a few PTA members made the maiden trip as a school team to visit Hatyaiwittayalai School, a world class school of the region.

Sumalidza on the right with Poh Bee Lee, Saadiah, NurDarina and Ainon braced through the night journey all the way from Subang Jaya to Hatyai.

At the famous stop before reaching the immigration point, we stopped for a drink and rest.

The male counterparts of the school; Zulkifli, Jafny, Rahim and Zaharol (standing) all took the brunt of the long journey with ease.

The only thorn among the roses, Gan Kim Jin sat beside Tan Shw Shing, Patricia, Sumalidza and Zaidah. They wanted to have a time of meaningful sharing and playing together. It is always outside the school grounds that the best of friendship and fun are found and treasured.

Another group of us; Haron with friends chatting away though it was during the wee hours of the morning.

I also do not think I am too old to take the long haul; it's a matter of mental strength.

Mr. Rahim left his children and wife behind for this benchmarking session. That must have taken quite a big part of him.

We seldom have him on trips ; so it is indeed great that he decided to tag along.

At the immigration check point, the weekend queue was long; but we did not mind as we were imagining all the fun ahead of us.

See how well behaved we were; all dressed in our lovely batik themed attire to meet our counterparts in Hatyaiwittayalai School. We were glad we made the trip; not knowing of the lurking danger that could hang around us. Indeed it was a trip to remember by.

Glad we were not there at the wrong time.
May there peace in this land.

Prague

Capital of the Czech Republic, it is popularly known as the Golden City and the Heart of Europe.

Prague boasts of ancient, traditional architectural aspirations of olden Europe.
It is here that you can feel the thick history and culture so majestically coined.
The only regret we had was that it was such a short visit after coming in from Berlin with half a day gone. You can imagine the rush we had to make to conquer the city in 5 hours ! So sad. It surely needs more justification; you need to stay there for at least 2 days to get the most out of the place.

The local guide spoke good English. You can see she is a good organiser; only five minutes here or I will be gone; she said! With the touch and go visit it's either you make it or you don't.

The entrance to the Prague Castle walk.

I could not resist a shot with the guard. He was stern.

The onset of the famous Castle Walk. It closes at 4 in the evening. We were there at 2.45pm. Oh the great rush.

Yes it was a real walk. Everybody walks here. The spacious place is like a town by itself.

It has the largest ancient castle in the world with 5 courtyards. Czech Kings, Holy Roman Emperors and Presidents of the Czech Republic used to have their offices here.

There were so many tourists and many sat around for rest.

Located at the 3rd courtyard of the castle, the awe-inspiring facade of St. Vita Cathedral can be entered through the cathedral's western door.

The elegant domineering French Gothic structure is clearly seen and appreciated by the tourists.

The stained glass panels captured many of us.

Outside, the castle with its many courtyards are a sight. How can anyone finish in less than 2 hours? We had to. So it was indeed touch and go. How does one describe this building? When I used the term awesome, the guide told me that this commonly used term is too commercialized.
No. It is majestic, regal, resplendent, grandiose, stately, magnificent except awesome...

The tourist guide told us that the Saint seen in the figurine was executed because he refused to reveal to the then Emperor who the Queen's lover was. So tradition and belief says if you touch him; you will be blessed and have a chance to visit the place again.

Before we made the trip, we were told and informed that Prague is famous for her crystals. So one of us had wanted to purchase a set of chandeliers ; but alas the size was not right. So it is not that easy to get what you think you can get.

Gems and jewellery were the pick of many tourists.

This was what created the ethos of the place. Dance, songs and fun. I wish I could also let go like them.

The place for shopping souvenirs for friends and family.

How often does one have the chance to stand at the summit and look down into a view like that? Yes, breathtaking view.

When I watched the TLC channel at home; a week before I traveled here I told myself I must see this place. My wish granted.

There were hundreds of steps to climb because the landscape was undulating. But every step was worth taking because they led to panoramic scenes.

The Vltara River seen from the famous Charles Bridge. Nobody leaves Prague without crossing it. Apparently one can dine romantically in a cruise along the river in the evenings.

We watched the boats, barges and ships pass by.

Strolls along the the cobblestone lanes and bridge are commonly practised with comfortable shoes or sandals. I had the greatest laugh when the guide told me that she had a client the previous day strutting the cobbled roads on 5 inch high heels for 3 hours! She wondered if her client had broken any bones... and massage service is expensive here unlike in Thailand.

As you walk along Charles Bridge you will notice the display of about 30 statues; all solidly structured.

Guess what. This is the figurine of the same Saint that would you bring back to Prague if you could just touch him...Many flocked to do that; they want to come back to Prague again.

The number of tourists here far out beat any of the European Cities we visited the last week. Surely it was huge.

The Old Town Square. By hook or by crook you must see it to make your visit here complete.

So many people even when evening came.

The attraction of the square; the astronomical clock. When it chimed, it shook the town.

Filming was a common sight; everyone takes a shot here and there.

Here... time for dinner.

We were taken to a traditional local restaurant for the last dinner before we go home the next day.

We were treated to beautiful local music...

... and folk dancing.

Some of us were invited to be partners of the dancers and all in good steps with each dance ending in this note...eeeew.

Amidst all the travelling, fun, sight-seeings, food, drinks, songs and spectacular views, I would always look at my watches to take stock of the time back in Malaysia and imagine what my loved ones were doing each day and hour. I missed them awfully. It's time to be home.

Prague; maybe I will see you again.