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| South East Asia, Singapore & Malaysia... |
| Singapore... The name conjures images of hot rain showering down onto a metropolis of explorers, travelers, and Adventurers like me in this seamless blend of cultures. It may be the diversity of peoples and beliefs that gives the city its appeal. But its the feeling of unity that they all share that keeps people enthralled with Singapore. |
| The surrounding pictures are from Thaipusam. I made it a point to make my way to Singapore in time to see this famous celebration of faith and endurance. Thousands of Hindu men & women converge to bring offerings of milk that are carried on the women's heads in the sealed jars. Also there are gifts of endurance, as made testimony to in the piercings on the faces and flesh of the devotees. Directly above a woman has had rods pushed through her tongue and cheeks before the 3 kilometer pilgrimage from temple to temple with her family and loved ones. Some have been under such strain and anguish they are literally and figuratively held up by the people around them. Such as in the far right picture. Below, devotees are consecrating themselves with water. |
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| Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia is almost instantly identified with "The Big H". That's what some call the Petronas Towers. At 1,453 feet they are the tallest towers in the world! (Directly Below,left) |
| Kuala Lumpur is a Moslem country and is home to some of the most impressive Mosques this side of Mecca. On the left is the Masjid Jamek Mosque, stunning doesn't even come close to naming the effect it had from this view. The illumination is a sight to behold. I was also compelled to visit a national treasure. the National Mosque Malaysia was another fine example of artwork and devotion plied together in stone. Note the Moorish influence. |
| After a delicious corn milkshake I was still hungry while taking in the sights and smells of Jolan Alor in Kuala Lumpur. To the left is a rather candid shot of a street-stall cook prepping his veggies for the evening as I finally scouted out and settled in on a big bowl of clay pot chicken & rice. It was then that I perfected the Chopstick /Spoon method. |
| About 300! That's how many stairs I had to climb to get to the Batu Caves! I took a break here at #206 to get this picture of myself panting & sweating after being silly enough to think I could do it all in one go. Even veterans like this woman on the left |
| In the cave there were many figures, families, and offerings to behold. None compared to the two things that I became enthralled with . Monkey & the sun. I watched Monkey cook a melon in a small fire and taste it for doneness every now & then. Oblivious to me and uncaring. I saw the beautiful January sun cast its glow over the jagged sides of the cave. I sat for a long while, half searching for enlightenment. I found some. Part of it told me that there would be a bit more to be had. |
| The Islamic Arts Museum in Malaysia didn't allow photos. I spent hours listening to the bubble of the fountain inside. I composed many warm letters home at that fountain & I hope you, one day get to see all the history inside this stunning dedication to one of the most widespread, diverse cultures I've seen. Below I am enjoying the view, watching all the people come and go from the National Mosque. |
| was stopped every few dozen by the sheer intensity of the climb. Carved into a very steep mountain the stairs are as impressive as the Batu Caves they precede. |