Resting

My quite resting place...

Flowers

These are real flowers and not the ones that is made of paper or silk for decoration. IWell, I am still wondering what's the name of this flower. I just took this photo out of curiosity.

Clay Figurines

These hand made clay figurines are so vibrant in colours that they appeal to the young and old. I spotted the figurine maker at the Little Penang Street Market that held at every last Sunday of the month, sort of like a flea market.

Beaded Shoes anyone?

Hand beaded shoes are the favourite pass time for all nyonyas. They hand beaded each designs with their favourite motifs and colours and had it made into a shoe / sandals by a shoemaker. And you must know that those tiny beads are from Japan! They say it last longer and tinier and the colours will not fade! Interesting.

Sulam @ Embroidery

I love these intricate embroidery... so fine and delicate. Of course, this is solely hand made with the old domestic sewing machine whereby you get to pedal your way through. These intricate embroidery are mostly seen in Kebaya. The traditional costumes for the Nyonya, peranakan culture.

Chingay!

The term Chingay itself originated in Penang, Malaysia, which is a phonetic equivalent of the Chinese words "妆艺", which means "a decorated miniature stage" or float. Chingay is quite a rare scene in Penang these days, only when there's a festival or Pesta (The Penang Annual Holiday Fair), then you will see them parading with spectacular balancing act.

Penang Chingay Association has been in Penang for over a hundred years now. In the past, Chingay procession was held in celebration with the birthdays of the Chinese deities or the procession of the Goddess of Mercy ( Guanyin ), its purpose was to worship and enjoy with the deity. Chingay is about balancing the flag pole (bamboo pole) and the flag are the main materials for Chingay. The length of the flag pole ranges from 25 ft to 32 ft, the length of the flag is around 25 ft, the total weight of these materials is around 60 pounds. Awesome!

Ikebana

I know this Ikebana is originally from Japan. I went to the exhibition organised by the Japanese Women Society in Penang and they have Beautiful Japanese Ikebana flower show. I am throughly impress by the use of colours, textures and harmony feeling I felt during the show.

Hong Kong Bar?

Well this Hong Kong Bar was once a famous hang out place for all those from Australia and New Zealand. As the owner has kept all the old photos of the Anzac team when they were stationed in Penang long ago. People from far and near come by here and leave their mark on the wall of fame. Well, badges and pictures are all over the place too. Years ago, fire caught this building and it was renovated again, but some of the things has been lost due to fire. It's a pity!

High Chair

I was looking for some furniture, and I search high and low for it still I couldn't found what I wanted. This piece is close to what I want but far too expensive for my pocket. Unique design to me but I guess in Italy or France this is common?

The Mosque

Our Magnificent Mosque in town. It's called the Masjid Kapitan Kling. Our Prime Minister also visted this old mosque and say his prayers here.

Wonderful Textures

Love the textures of the plants... buy some and decorate the house would be a nice idea!

The Sikhs

A Very colourful and upbeat moment. The drum beats are really lively and one of its kind!

The Babas & Nyonyas

I have been featuring some Peranakan's buildings and stuff but not the people. So, here's a glimpse of what the original Babas and Nyonyas look like when they are wearing the traditional costumes. Well most of these petite ladies are still wearing those clothes day in and out like some Japanese wearing Kimonos. They will be wearing the "Kebaya" and "Sarong". From head to toe, attention to the details of embroideries and beads (manik); very fascinating.

Actors

Well, you don't see this often... well now is the Hungry Ghost's month. So you may find lots of streets setting up shows like the Chinese Opera along the streets to celebrate the Hungry Ghost festival.

The Fan Dance Performances

An open theatre for the Han Chiang High School to perform this spectacular Fan Dance Performances. It is really a chinese contemporary dance performance by the school children.

Contrast

I managed to take this picture while visiting a mosque with a whole group of people of different races including Malay, Chinese, Indians, Eurasians and some tourists from Europe too. This little chinese boy is running around the mosque exploring his way through...

Symmetry

Quite a symmetry photo, I think...

Flower blessings

These vibrant colours flowers are for sale. Normally the flower seller with sell it for about RM1 for about 5 flowers depends on the sizes. These are flowers are used for bathing the buddha, or for prayers and cleansing the soul too.

Hi, Take me Home...

While I was walking around town to visit some place, I saw this little puppy from a neighbouring house. It followed me and suddenly I have this urge of bringing it home with me. It's so cute!

Prayers

This was taken in Sri Maha Mariamman Temple. The priest is giving blessings to the prayers in the temple.