I seldom head out to parties with my camera nowadays. Seems like everyone has camera, be it a phone-camera, a compact digital camera or a once rare but now very common DSLR. I'd rather not risk my camera if others are more than happy to snap away.

And truth be told, I really like insects more than people as my photo subjects anyway. No offense, personal preference.

Weather in Kuala Lumpur is a mix of sun and rain, daily. The sun may start with a temper for the better half of the day only to skitter away with the incoming onslaught of heavy downpour; sometimes it's the exact opposite or just overcast throughout.

When the clouds are amassed, and the sun peeks through spaces between the shifting clouds, it's an excellent time to dish out my camera and start hunting for insects in my garden.

Or my dog, if he's in the mood.

Today's pictures.

 Can you tell if this was a fly or a bee?

 One of the praying mantis that hatched in our bathroom and that we released into our garden last week. Mom and I check on them almost daily! So far we have been seeing 4 of the 17. Tried to look them up online--can't get the scientific name, only 'Malaysian mantis' haha.

 Arh...common.

 One of the crawlers on our brick wall.

 Chinese call this 富贵花, 'Prosperity Flower'.

 Our rambutan tree has been fruiting since I got back. I think our rambutans are pretty good, except that the flesh sticks to the seed. Lots of ants stay on this tree, a major issue for my parents.

 Bowie was quite moody today. Here he was foraging for grass to munch on. Guess his digestion ain't doing so well--needed the extra fiber?

 Bowie looking slightly alert and more lively when Mom called his name.

And this was what I cooked for my lunch today.

Ladyfingers, cherry tomatoes, carrots, celery, garlic, onion, fried with rice noodles. Some soy sauce and black pepper to taste. I like!

Fat Spoon--Damansara Uptown

I had lunch with my friend from college yesterday. Before our lunch, she broke the news to me--she married just three months ago. Ha! I believe all of the girls whom I have ever liked will eventually tie the knot before I do.

We had lunch at this new restaurant in Damansara Uptown called "Fat Spoon". The name tells you nothing, except that perhaps you shouldn't expect to come out skinny?

My first time there, I was pleasantly surprised by the deco. The theme of the restaurant was something along the lines of "grandmother's memories...excellent recipes... " (something, or not, like that). Tables were either made from round marble tops or wood that says 'old' instead of 'polished'. Lighting was just bright enough, making use of the large window. Wall colors were light, complemented nicely by the ample amount of wood and bricks in the deco.
Most interesting was perhaps the irregular combination of chairs. They seemed to just pack up a bunch of chairs from different houses and save on the cost of buying a matching set. It works though, to the point that my friend said she wanted their chairs.

What I liked best was their menu, literally. I like their menu design, though I also liked what was on the menu.

The first page of their menu. On the left you also see my one and only (thus favourite) sunglasses.

 Their menus were old Key-Reading Books (the Ladybird, Peter and Jane series) onto which they paste their list of food and drinks.  I was debating if  this is more of innovative or vandalism...but I decided on the former.

 Addition to the menus are written on the chalk board.

They serve a mix of Chinese and Malay dishes, even Nyonya cuisine. I ordered their classic Claypot Loh Shu Fun. It was okay. Quite nice actually, though after trying it, I personally prefer the non-claypot style. Matter of personal taste.

I ordered the Loh Shu Fun (RM8.90) and a glass of Iced Cincau (~RM3.50) for a total of RM13.40. Uptown restaurant with air-con and such a different deco, this price is acceptable lah.

Will probably come back.

back home experience and some images

After spending four years in Montreal and another four in Davis, I am finally back home. For good, it seems. That's the plan, but I can't say for sure until I get a job. So far I have nothing settled yet, though I have sent my emails out to the right people (I hope). In any case, I don't expect to be working before Jan 2011.

Gulp.

Let's hope my brave decision of giving up my 2-year postdoctoral position in Davis doesn't turn out to be a foolhardy one.

So far, I have experienced some pretty good service from the Malaysian sales sector. I must say that I was surprised by their professional and good attitude. Some of them looked like they were still in college and just finished high school, while the rest looked like my age.

Parking still remain a double, even triple affair in my area. Quite skilled, and no consideration for others.

Chatted with my opposite neighbour for the first time in 15 years. Felt good.

Learning Tamil from a private tutor would cost me a bomb. So it's just audio CD and Astro Tamil channels for now.

It has been cloudy with breaks of sunlight. Rains are intermittent. Temperatures float around 30C. Evaporating vapour from the hot tar roads drive everyone nuts. Sweat can't dry off our skins, so everyone stays sticky. So far I haven't smelled anyone smelly, but I haven't taken RapidKL bus yet.

Every trip I took to Uptown costed me RM20. Money washes away like the rain here.

The Inspira sedan (similar to Mitsubishi Lancer) costs RM79,000. Compared to my meager savings from the US, I should look at a Kelisa. Of course, I don't plan to buy a car anytime soon, at all.

I finally saw my niece. I can't describe my joy at seeing her, but it seems that lately I am an expert at masking my emotions. I am also hesitant to carry her, since I am afraid of hurting her with my clumsiness. The rest of the family however, are absolutely revolving around this new member. Adults fight over carrying her. Hahaha. Everyone has an opinion about how to best take care of the baby, and everyone is adamant that he/she is correct.

And now, some images:

 Our beloved dog of 10 years, Bowie. He reacts only to food and if you play with him. I have been away for years and he treated me as if I never left. No extra excitement at all. Time to cast him out. HAHAHAHHA.

 My garden and the common bumblebee.

 Flowers in my garden.

 Butterfly and flowers in my garden.

More flowers. I really like this flower actually.

First breakfast since my return. From left going clockwise: Durian puff, roti canai, tea, fish curry sauce. The Durian puff is heavenly. I can't praise it enough. You can buy it from O! Papa bakery chain in Malaysia.

Nasi lemak biasa, with peanuts and cucumber. The reddish sauce is called 'sambal', a sweet, spicy sauce that matches nasi lemak like Beckham matches Victoria. Sexy. This dish is one of my all-time favourite, and if I were to get obese over a dish, it would be this. Durian is my obese fruit of choice. 

 Oh my. Vitagen. Childhood. USA has Milo, Maggi and what not, but no Vitagen, right?

 My grandma with her great-granddaughter.

 From left: My dad, my brother-in-law, my mom. Center of attention: my niece on the sofa.

 My dad playing with his granddaughter.

Photo-taking Saturday 1: Farmer's Market

Blurp: My mom and I will be spending almost the whole month of October visiting 3-4 National Parks and several major cities in Arizona, New Mexico, California and Oregon. In preparation for that, I need to get really proficient with my camera skills. Now, photographing ain't just what you can do with your camera body and lenses. The nature of our trip would also require me to walk miles with my camera equipment in a camera sling-bag over one shoulder, and a backpack with water, maps, snacks etc. Since I use only prime lenses (no zooms) that means that I have to be skilled in changing lenses in the field too. Thus, I have planned to walk-a-bout in Davis in the abovementioned setup to get ready for October.

Weather was really great today. Sunny with some pockets of clouds and a soft breeze. I showered, shaved (my mustache looks ugly), read some depressing but not surprising Malaysian news and headed out the door. Before I left, I said bye to Licky who has just molted and has been quite frisky lately. My sexy bike beckoned me right outside my apartment, but I decided to walk instead. Since coming to Davis, I think I have biked more than I have walked, so some walking is a nice change. Furthermore, I don't expect to be biking in October.

The Davis Farmers Market opens every Wednesday (4.30pm-8.30pm) and Saturday (morning) in downtown Davis. Apparently it has been voted America's Favourite Farmers Market. This achievement makes me wonder if there are many other farmers market in the States, or their patrons just don't bother to vote? Don't get me wrong though. I do like our farmers market, just surprised that it's "America's Favourite" =).


Farmers Market isn't restricted to farmers, of course. There are a huge variety of stuff on display and ample opportunities for healthy transaction of cash. Yes, cash (and sometimes cheque) only. There's an ATM nearby with the appetite of a polar bear just out of hibernation who eats only service fee. No picture of the ATM because I was concerned that it would eat me too.

People eating right on the outside corner of the market.

Food!

inside of the market

Honeydews, cantaloupes etc. I bought one of them honeydews today. The boss said to let it sit for a few days to ripe. Nice, honeydew this Wednesday! When I was taking this picture, a trio of ladies next to me were whispering "paparazzi"~ LOL.

I love the colors!

This stall uses an analog scale instead of the common electronic balance. That, and the colorful chalk board. I like.

the Vue family farm. Don't really know why, but I buy most of my veges from them. The mom likes to show customers the caterpillar damage on her veges to 'prove' the absence of pesticide use. The dad likes to converse but I often have a hard time understanding his English. Today he couldn't understand me when I said 'Malaysian' too. Guess we are both equal. Hahaha. The daughter's pretty charming. Oh..now I know why...

I bought from this stall the first time today. The couple running the stall (the man here and his wife I presume, not the lady in blue here) were very friendly and casual. I love it when I want to buy ONE chili and they insisted that I take it for free. I paid them 25cents anyway. Also bought three garlic from them. Testing tonight.

Gigantic red onion, or just a small head. Maybe the head was small, but still that was one of the prettiest heads around.

Strength in length. Enough said, for most uninformed males. The truth is quite the contrary. Still catchy though. The boss said this variety is less spicy than the usual red onions. See, looks can be deceiving. Tak potent langsung!

People also sell herbs and flowers at the market. I actually know the girl on the right in the picture. She volunteered for my department's exhibition this past Spring. I think she was prettier with glasses and a more bookworm look. The hot pink strip in her hair was still quite hot though.

Arh~~at least four, five stalls of pastries. There's just something magical about pastries glistening in the sunlight in a basket.

Woven baskets. I haven't seen anyone bought one of these in my four years here. The hungry ATM is just lurking behind in the dark...

One of the two coffee stalls in the market. This one is run by two friendly and talkative men. I wanted to try their coffee today but I couldn't see any info on the blend, the origin or the roast of the coffee beans used. I could have asked, but the line was building up..so..eh.

A local store in town. Some of their tshirts are really cute and funny. My niece is still small for one of these...I think.

This wise and kind looking lady sells an assortment of blankets, mats and aprons that she made herself. She always just sit in there, under her canopy sewing away. I actually thought of asking her to teach me...but I don't believe anyone is that kind or patient hahaha. And if she is truly wise, she would refuse =).

One of the performers this Saturday. Every day seems to offer different music performers. Typically Wednesday's have larger bands.

the magic of The Hotdogger! I haven't tried their hotdogs yet, but the lines have always been long. Maybe one just can't go wrong selling hotdogs in the States. This lady definitely seemed to enjoy her work though. I like how she put her left hand out. Like dancing to the hotdog. She knew I was snapping pics of her...maybe it was for show?

Beef steaks and Americans--inseparable.

Another popular stall. They roast their popcorn right there so you can hear the "Pop pop pop". Never tried their popcorn before...in fact I have only eaten popcorn like thrice in 27 years. That means when I turn 36 I will have to eat it the fourth time.

Who can finish that big bag of popcorn?! WHO?!

How typical of children to run around unleashed. Jeez. This picture makes me dizzy just looking at it.

Yeah right? I was amazed too. Nice of the small girl to convey my feelings on my behalf. Oh if you didn't know, Davis is a Bike Town!!

One of the two playgrounds next to the market. One of the moms had to climb up to grab her kid. Hahaha...too bad I didn't catch that action. Would be too embarrassing for her I think if I held my camera up.

=). I hope the dad wasn't having a hangover...

the market's Clown. The kids love her. One badge on her reads "Dilly Dally"..that's her name? She sure is a hardworking clown though.

I snapped a whole series of pictures chronicling the adventures this family had with the ice-cream man. The excitement, joy and anticipation on the children's faces were just too good. The mom was happy, the ice-cream was happy, the children were overjoyed, and I was happy too.

That's the Mom!

The other playground next to the market. There were quite a few dads at this playground. Next time I got to check if Malaysian playgrounds have as many dads.

I thought she bought the ice-cream for the kid but it turned out that...it was just too good of a color-match for her to let go of the ice-cream.