A Little Blog Refresh Is Underway

 

Blog renovation in progress. Please tahan the dust!

I’ve been looking through some of my older posts and realised that a few adventures have grown rather long.

Little by little, I’ll be tidying them up, dividing lengthy stories into shorter and easier-to-read parts, refreshing the layout and adding links so readers can move smoothly from one part to the next.

Nothing is disappearing, and the blog remains open as usual. New outings and memories will continue while I slowly give the older posts a little makeover.

Thank you for continuing to wander down memory lane with me.

My Long-Lost Blog...I'm Back!!!

Today, I unexpectedly found a long-lost blog that I had written many years ago. Reading it again brought back memories that I had almost forgotten. The words, stories, and especially the photographs felt like opening an old box filled with memories from another time.

Some people might say that these old photographs and stories are simply history. To me, however, they are much more than that. They are personal records of places I have visited, people I have met, and moments I experienced along the way. Each photograph carries a story, even if I can no longer remember every little detail surrounding it.

What makes these photographs even more valuable today is the fact that some of the places shown in them may no longer exist. Streets may have been rebuilt, old shops may have closed, restaurants may have disappeared, and familiar buildings may have been replaced by something completely different. The photographs therefore capture a version of these places that can no longer be seen in the same way.

Looking through the blog again made me realise how quickly the world changes. A place that once seemed ordinary can become precious years later simply because it has disappeared. What I casually photographed in the past may now be an important piece of my own history.

Finding this old blog was therefore like travelling back in time. It reminded me that photographs are not merely pictures; they are memories preserved in a form that can outlive the places themselves. I am glad I kept them, because one day these photographs may be the only way I can remember how those places once looked.

Perhaps this is what makes an old blog so special. It may seem like history to other people, but to me, it is a collection of memories that still feels alive. And among all those old photographs, some may be priceless—not because they are rare or famous, but because they record places and moments that may never come back again.

I shall continue to upload the old photos of the places I have visited over the years. Each photograph carries a small piece of my personal history—a moment, a journey, and a memory that may otherwise slowly fade with time.

As I look through these old photographs, I am reminded of the many journeys I have taken and the experiences I have shared along the way. They bring back memories of people, places, food, streets, and moments that cannot be recreated exactly as they were.

So I shall continue to upload and share these photographs, not only as memories for myself, but also as a small visual record of the places I once visited. Perhaps one day, someone looking at them will realise how much the world has changed—and appreciate these old images as a glimpse into a past that should not be forgotten.

There are still many more photographs waiting to be discovered, and I look forward to bringing them back to life, one memory at a time.

HAVE A GREAT DAY MY FRIENDS!!!

If Singapore Never Modernised – Aunty's Trishaw Nightmare!

It all started when I was admiring the historical maps at Gardens by the Bay MRT station.

Looking at how Singapore has transformed over the decades, a rather silly thought suddenly crossed my mind.

What if Singapore had never developed into the modern city we know today?

What if we were still relying on the transport of yesteryear?

AIYOH!!! Would Aunty have to take a trishaw every time she wanted to go kachak kachak? 

Aunty's Trishaw Adventure!

Imagine in the 1970s...

Aunty: "Uncle! Queen Elizabeth Walk please! I want to take photographs!"

Trishaw Uncle: "Queen who? Where is that?"

Aunty: "Aiyah! Just cycle towards the sea lah!"

Thirty minutes later...

Trishaw Uncle: "Aunty... uphill leh... very heavy... can help push?" 🥵

Aunty: "AIYOH! I PAY FARE STILL MUST PUSH AH?!"

Another fifteen minutes later...

Trishaw Uncle: "Aunty... I cannot tahan already..."

Aunty: "ALAMAK! Uncle, you sit ! I cycle!"

Imagine the sight!

Aunty pedalling furiously, camera swinging around her neck, while the trishaw uncle enjoys a comfortable ride!

Trishaw Uncle: "Aunty! Faster a bit! I want to go makan!"

Aunty: "OI!!! NOW YOU BECOME MY PASSENGER AH?!"

And after an hour of cycling...

Aunty: "Uncle, where are we now?"

 

But Wait... Something Like This Really Happened!

Believe it or not, this silly imaginary adventure reminded me of a real incident involving Mama and me many years ago.

Back then, Mama and I were both rather generously built. One day, we decided to take a trishaw to the cinema.

Mama was beautifully dressed in her samfoo, with powder on her face and perfume applied. We were all ready for an enjoyable movie outing!

Unfortunately, our poor trishaw uncle had quite a challenge pedalling the two of us.

The journey seemed to take forever.

And Mama was getting increasingly impatient because we were going to miss the beginning of the movie!

Finally, she couldn't tahan anymore.

Mama: "UNCLE! YOU COME DOWN! I PEDAL!!!"

WAHAHAHAHA!!! 🤣🤣🤣

Of course, Mama didn't actually take over the trishaw.

Can you imagine her, all dressed up in her beautiful samfoo, pedalling furiously through the streets with her perfume trailing behind?

And the poor uncle sitting comfortably as her passenger!

AIYOH!!! What a sight that would have been!

We eventually reached the cinema, but we had already missed the beginning of the movie.

Mama was NOT HAPPY! 

From Trishaws To MRT Trains

Today, I can travel comfortably across Singapore by MRT, bus or car, with my trusty camera accompanying me on my little adventures.

Sometimes we forget how much easier life has become thanks to the development of our roads and public transport system.

And to think that a historical map at an MRT station could bring back such a hilarious memory of Mama!

Those days may be long gone, but the memories remain.

Thank goodness Singapore has modernised. Otherwise, by the time Aunty reaches Gardens by the Bay, the flowers would have retired! 🌸

And one final question...

If Aunty ends up pedalling the trishaw, WHO IS SUPPOSED TO PAY WHOM?! 🚲

West Malaysia Trip 2024 Day 3 ~ Kinta Riverwalk / Sam Poh Tong Temple / Concubine Lanes

Rise & shine, Ipoh! 🌞 Before we set off to explore the city and discover all the wonderful sights, there was one very important mission first — eat, eat, and eat! 😋

A good breakfast is the perfect way to start the day, especially when there’s a whole day of exploring ahead. With happy tummies and plenty of energy, we were ready to hit the streets, soak in Ipoh’s charm, and see what adventures awaited us. After all, exploring is always better when you’re well fed! ❤️🍜

Nothing gets the morning going quite like a warm cup of coffee

A couple of soft-boiled eggs! Silky, warm, and perfectly comforting, they’re just the thing to go with my morning cuppa 🥚✨

And what’s a classic Malaysian breakfast without butter & kaya toast? 😋🍞

After the toast and eggs, there’s always room for a comforting bowl of noodles! 🍜

To complete the meal, Caramel Egg Custard, a legendary old-school dessert🍮

With our tummies full and the morning still cool and peaceful, we headed out for a leisurely stroll along Kinta River Walk. 🌞🌿

It was a lovely way to begin our Ipoh adventure — taking in the fresh morning air, enjoying the calm surroundings, and watching the city slowly come to life along the river. After a hearty breakfast, a little walking was just what we needed!

No rush, no hurry — just a relaxing morning walk, soaking up the sights and atmosphere of Ipoh before continuing our day of exploration. ❤️

What a beautiful morning to visit Sam Poh Tong Temple in Ipoh!  Tucked among the limestone hills, this historic temple is such a peaceful and enchanting place, filled with traditional Chinese architecture, intricate decorations, lush greenery, and a wonderfully tranquil atmosphere.

Walking through the temple grounds, there was so much to admire — from the ornate roofs and colourful carvings to the beautiful gardens and surrounding limestone landscape. Every corner seemed to offer another lovely view and a little glimpse into Ipoh’s rich heritage.

These caves are mysterious, peaceful, and impressive, with towering cliffs and hidden spaces shaped over millions of years

One little view through the fence, such a peaceful and soothing scene

A big smile, a round belly, and a heart full of happiness! May his laughter bring us happiness, good luck, prosperity, and plenty of reasons to smile every day! 🥰✨ 

Too bad the famous Tuck Kee Ipoh was closed when we arrived! Not wanting to give up on our noodle cravings, we simply proceeded to another place with the same name. Sometimes travel is all about going with the flow—and of course, making sure our hungry tummies are taken care of! 😋🍜

Baby Octopus in Soy Sauce...tender, savoury, and packed with flavour, it was a simple yet satisfying dish that disappeared from the table rather quickly! 😋🐙 A lovely little treat to enjoy alongside our meal in Ipoh.

Of course, we couldn't leave Tuck Kee without trying their famous Moonlight Hor Fun! Silky smooth hor fun topped with a raw egg, waiting to be mixed into the hot noodles to create that rich, velvety texture.

Another comforting bowl from Tuck Kee—fish noodles! 🍜🐟 The tender fish paired beautifully with the smooth noodles and flavourful broth, making every spoonful warm and satisfying.

With our tummies happily filled, it was time to explore another charming side of Ipoh—the famous Concubine Lanes! 🚶‍♀️✨ Narrow lanes, colourful old shophouses, little shops, local treats, and plenty of history around every corner. We wandered through the bustling lanes, taking in the old-world charm and discovering little treasures along the way. Ipoh’s heritage comes alive here, and we were ready to explore it all! ❤️

The 1st Concubine Lane was surprisingly quiet and peaceful

PAGE UNDER CONSTRUCTION

West Malaysia Trip 2024 Day 2 ~ Kellie's Castle / Galeri Rumah Lat / Lou Wong Beansprout Chicken

We were finally off to Ipoh, with one exciting destination in mind—Kellie’s Castle. After the long drive, we were getting closer and closer, and there was a real sense of excitement knowing that we were about to see this famous historical landmark.

And finally… I’m here! It felt great to finally stand in front of the castle after hearing and seeing so much about it. The mysterious old ruins, unfinished walls, and European-style architecture immediately caught our attention, making the long journey worthwhile.

We took our time exploring the grounds, wandering through the historic remains and soaking up the atmosphere. It was fascinating to imagine the stories behind this remarkable place. After such a long drive, arriving at Kellie’s Castle was definitely a highlight of our Ipoh adventure—and one more memorable place checked off our travel list!

Our visit to Ipoh included a stop related to one of Malaysia’s beloved cartoonists, Lat. Unfortunately, I didn’t have the chance to visit Lat’s Gallery as Mom needed my attention, so we had to keep our visit brief.

Still, I was happy that we managed to visit the little house where Lat lived before. It was a simple but meaningful stop, giving us a glimpse into the surroundings that were once part of his early life and inspiration.

Although I missed out on exploring Lat’s Gallery this time, visiting his former home was still special. Sometimes, even a short stop can leave a lasting impression—and perhaps this gives me a good reason to return to Ipoh someday and visit the gallery properly!

No visit to Ipoh is truly complete without trying its famous bean sprout chicken! After all the sightseeing and travelling around, it was finally time to enjoy one of Ipoh’s most iconic dishes.

The tender chicken, paired with those wonderfully crunchy and juicy Ipoh bean sprouts, made for a simple yet incredibly satisfying meal. Of course, we couldn’t leave Ipoh without giving this local favourite a try. So we made our way to Lou Wang Bean Sprout Chicken Rice for a taste of this local favourite.

It was the perfect way to experience a little taste of Ipoh’s food culture. After all, you can visit the castles, explore the old streets, and see the sights—but when in Ipoh, bean sprout chicken is a must! Another delicious memory added to our Ipoh adventure.

We’re done for the day! After all the exploring, walking, sightseeing, and little adventures, it’s finally time to call it a day. Nothing feels better than knowing a soft, comfy bed is waiting for us. Time to kick off the shoes, put our feet up, relax, and recharge for tomorrow’s adventures. Goodnight, everyone — we’ve earned this rest! 😴🛏️✨

Coming up Next...More of Ipoh