Changes

The Noodle Man

We change all the time; in looks, health, age and attitude. Some tastes however can remain a favourite. The noodle man of my hometown is one who delivers wanton noodle the same way for decades. Whenever  I go to Muar, it is difficult to resist a plate at his humble store. Mr Liew was a novice in his younger days when his dad was still alive. He used to be the one to serve customers but he has been the chef since his dad's demise.
His dad used to serve on a backlane right behind but now the town council does not allow hawkers to serve along lanes. So Mr Liew could have bought this piece of property just to service us.
A man of very few words, I have yet to see his hands not preparing noodles whenever I dropped over. Business is brisk and his usual advice would be : it is going to be a long wait. But what is a wait?

During our good old school days, my siblings and I used to gather at his stall for supper. His friendly dad would speak to us in Hakka and serve us scrumptious rat-tail noodles with generous portions of minced meat. Even if siblings change in outlooks, the love for Ah Khong's noodles remains.

So, while I may concur that his stall is one of the oldest in town still serving noodles the old-fashioned way. I cannot say of the other happenings in this quaint town.

I noticed that there has been an influx of foreigners and I gather they are the immigrant workers serving the numerous factories mushrooming here. Everywhere grocery stores serving Nepalese goods are apparent and it is a far cry from the past when the locals were the owners. Much as I have to accept changes, this is one change that is difficult to swallow as I miss the ambiance of our local touch and culture. The town has changed.

Noticeably too is the cleanliness. Muar has been voted the cleanest in the country and the town council take pride in making it look good and  clean all the time. The back lanes are rid of garbage and walking along them is no ordeal. This change is prideful.

The connection with the town still holds because my parents are still a part of the town. Having resided here for more than 90 years, it takes a lot of them to leave the town and its familiar air, food and friends. I can feel their pain but when in your twilight years, the move is necessary for survival. This is another real change. We now go back to the town for visits only and the old folks cannot be left alone even with a maid. We are trying to find best solutions to adaptations physically , emotionally and mentally. One day, we will all grow old too and expect changes.

Looking at the changes albeit most are for the better, it is good if we can still retain a little of the old ethos and feelings for the town so the older generation will not feel lost. However,change is imminent.

Taking the coach from TBS, a bus terminal in the heart of Kuala Lumpur to Muar was perhaps the best change ever. The service is world class, clean, efficient and punctual. It is the country's proud change from the former terminal.

Yes, some things remain old and nostalgic, but TBS, the modern change is for every citizen, visitor and tourist to enjoy. Come visit through her service. Malaysia's innovative move.

Changes

The Story

                                                                      

A Malaysian Effort

Why do I find this book readable? My students will ask me. We are on a reading competition and teachers are dutifully persuading the reluctant reader to pick a book and read and respond. So, while my memory of the read is still fresh, I reckon it will be appropriate that I spill it out.

First, it is in a Malaysian setting. The places mentioned are familiar and the scenes of local eateries, cuisines and the Court of the State Secretariat of Kuala Lumpur are captured with reality.So Malaysians will be at ease. My students do not have to imagine too hard. Townships like Ipoh, Cameron Highlands are close to the hearts of many.

Second, it is related to history in particular during the Japanese Occupation period and a flashback of the then Japanese savagery so in sync with the stories my mother used to tell me. Mama said she had to crop her hair and applied charcoal powder to look like a boy so that she would not be handed over to the heartless soldiers and be raped in camps. This book related the horrors of the protagonists's sister when she was a comfort woman. So it is good to know of the atrocities of wars and the sufferings the locals had to endure; something which the modern Japanese will not want to to be associated with. The Japanese today if you visit the country is a far cry from the story portrayed.

Thirdly, set in Cameron Highlands, the story line covers the obsession of the protagonist, Teoh Yun Ling to learn the art of creating a Japanese Garden in memory of her sister who protected her when they were encamped. In her search and determination to learn, different periods of garden formation were talked about like the Edo, Murumachi, and Momoyama periods. Basically, you acquire knowledge in the story. You also learn that the placement of stones in a Japanese garden is important
This brought me back to 2015 when I visited a Japanese Garden in ignorance. If only I had read this book first; then any Japanese Garden would have evoked a keener interest.

You see? I visited a Japanese Garden without prior knowledge. No wonder even back then I kept asking why is the garden so neat and well arranged? There is an attached art and pride.

Later, in her association with her co protagonist, Aritomo San, a Japanese garden expert , we also learn of other aspects of Japanese culture and the art of tattooing. Terms such as horimono and  horoshi will add interest as you look up the dictionary for exact meanings. Another form of Japanese art and culture, most would deem the art of tattooing a taboo but to the Japanese; well at least in this story, it can record crucial and valuable events and moments of one's life. So, in everything look out for the essentials.

The language techniques used in its vocabulary, imagination and personifications not to mention others are note-worthy . There is in depth detailing though to some it may seem laborious as the author can even describe the leaves of a tree in motion. To the language lover, it is great.

Last but not least, the romance element that developed between the protagonist  and the mysterious Japanese gardener or spy or traitor or hero adds 'the chili padi brush' to the drawing and I enjoyed the read. My old eyes follow the print intently and the protagonist's mention of Aphasia reminds me that I must read, write, and be on the alert to stay good in life.

The Star sometime last month related that a movie will be made on The Garden of Evening Mists and the protagonist will be played by our Malaysian girl, Lee Se Jie . Looking forward to it , I wish to see how the director will interpret the author's writing and a pre reading will capture a better understanding of the fiction.

Read on, boys and girls.

Hubei

The Hubei Resort

If there is a revisitation . this would be my choice.

I wish to see this place under a less hot season preferably in spring or autumn for a couple of nights.

Designed as a township of the past and creating an almost exact replica of a village, we regretted that we did not have a longer time here to appreciate the art and ethos. However the summer heat was harsh and not conducive for long strolls. But I was glad to get a glimpse of the resort.

I was intrigued by the architecture and representation of the past; just like the what you see in dramas.

 The man-made stream flowing across the resort adds a nostalgic replica of the Southern states of the country where beauty of nature stay. 

So you can add the presence of small barges combing the waters.

 This feature must be representing a lookout eatery where tea and wine are served.

In this huge resort where activities such as printing, calligraphic writing and old art drawing are available, you can really enjoy to your heart's content. Touristically engraved, this resort is out to give the best pleasures. Street food stalls sprawled here and there and they also serve the best tastes.

 In the background, we could see dilapidated parts of the Great Wall and we were told that we could scale it too if we wanted to. If I am not mistaken, there was cable car service too. It is picturesque. 

That is a replica of the post office where letters, documents were written and sent.

The squares and yards are also created to the minutest details and one can take hours to touch and observe the buildings.

 So chinese and exciting to explore, I truly would like to visit this place again but it must be for a couple of days to enjoy it thoroughly in a relaxed manner without worries.

But when can one be really rid of worries?

This report also says the last of our visit to Beijing and surrounding areas.

Till the next time.

The Great Wall

 Great

Chinese civilization is thick and rich. We can learn from its glorious past and failure. One of its feat that is still unbeatable till this day is her resolve to build that wall to ward off her numerous enemies.

I am entertained further by Chinese TV channels all over the world about wars and victories surrounding the Great Wall. So physical and yet needed mental calculations and skills to make sure the country is safe; the Great Wall is to every Chinese Beijing tourist a must to see and conquer.

There are many routes to parts of the long wall and I have forgotten which entry we took to go there. Only a couple of months ago was the visit and it is already only a memory.

I am writing for me to read in my twilight years.

Ranging from 67 to 14, this group was there to try their aptitude at the feat of climbing. It is very simple. The young are nimble in muscles and stamina is unlimited so the climb is a breeze. The older lack muscle strength and pant more; not forgetting knee aches. Young or old, tall or short , slim or roly-poly, we all charge for that wall.

Can we do it? There were a few stations and as long as we made it to the first one; we are certified that we have made it! So, climb we must. We have reminded each other that the Beijing trip is to include that Great Wall experience and climb. Ten years later, it may only be a dream.

A boundary untold and beyond sight, how did the Chinese of the then civilisation manage it? So admirable and our privilege to stand and applaud. We felt real small and insignificant just like ants.

 The climb if on an easier thruway would have been easily conquered. The gradient is steep and the steps along its path are uneven and of different heights. With modern technology and tourism friendly, a new facade could have been created. But the essence would then be lost. We need to have that grit to want to complete part of the climb.

Majestic and panoramic. 

A good feeling to have touched the grounds of the Great Wall of China. 

My parents both born in China do not have that privilege.

Yes, we did it.

The next time if we do decide to go back to Beijing, we need not be guilty if we do not climb it again.

Dad braced himself for the trip and was more prepared then the Ephesus climb previously. 

So he was not hurt and enjoyed himself.

We thank God for the opportunity.

The Ming Tombs

Some 30 minutes away from Beijing, we were brought to tomb sites. Sometimes I wondered at the need. But dad was as excited as a young boy because being an ardent fan of National Geographic, he said " I have watched that documentary!" 

Death is mandatory. Emperors planned hard for that event; well at least for the Ming emperors. They created a complex for themselves to buried upon death. The complexity of the burial grounds is real. It is difficult to describe. But the whole idea is that when they pass on, they will have to be accompanied by wealth, spouses and secrecy. Such is the culture and elaboration of the legendary. Trudging through the hot summer heat, Lily the guide added in superstition as she spoke. Things like you are not to be photographed at this site and that when you leave this place you will have to dismiss the dirt and scent you may have brought on to yourself to shed off all ill fortune ! Also to stamp your shoes and feet on the ground to get rid of all attachments. That serious.

Apparently, there are many grounds for the different emperors of the Ming Dynasty and the one we wee brought to was the Dingling Tomb.

At the southern foot of Tianshou Mountain in Changping, the mausoleum of Emperor Zhu Yijun (1563 - 1620) and his two empresses. Empress Xiaoduan and Empress Xiaojing were excavated by approved archaeologists and revealed intricacies to the public otherwise would have remained a mystery. Covering a site of 180,00 square meters, this historical revelation is now bringing in great coffers to the state. Tourists, both local and foreign conscientiously walked and walked around the grounds;  with umbrellas of course.

The Beijing heat is real.

Thankful that the grounds were shaded by trees .

Many stopped and rested here before making for that entrance to the burial grounds.

Buried in an underground palace; you remain an emperor whether dead or alive. We were amazed at the complexities of the architecture and the detailing attached to security. 

On the left is the key and lock system to the burial site. When that slab of concrete goes across as latch , it is as good as the chubb brand. No modern technology but mankind is great. When there is a need, there is a solution. The passageway is carefully established and believe me the site is cool as if air-conditioned. So things can be preserved here. I wondered what were?

Center seat is for the Emperor; the ones in front and back for the empresses. Urns for prayers and all other practices for the historical decease. 

 Great archaeology of the then days but still gaining admiration from the public today.

 

 This archway is the last one you go below before leaving its grounds.

Lily said everything unfortunate to be left behind and that we go forward from then on !

The experience of a kind.

Tianjin

From Chengde we made a couple of hours of ride before we hit Tianjin. Why were we there? Lily the tour guide related that the city grew as a port and its importance as a port has grown many folds. Today, Tianjin has flourished in trade and business due to its position.

But what did we see there?

So what do you make out of this?

Drawing tons of tourists, this make believe house of known Ming Pottery was an attraction in the city. Apparently an influential character of the past who wanted to repay his love for the country decided to set up a house of pottery to collect funds for the state coffers. So, people are curious about its architecture and wanted a first hand look of the place. 

The ceiling of one of its corners was decorated with Ming pottery plates. 

It was difficult to scrutinize from below but they seem ordinary to my eyes.

 Every nook and corner had patches of pottery till we wonder if there was a necessity... 

So on a very hot afternoon, pushing our way through hundreds, it was a chore indeed to want to appreciate the art behind the pottery facade.

 This was part of the body of a dragon-like feature covering the top of the building.

Beautifully patched up rest rooms. Behind the door there was no latch. I know because I went in.

The beauty of the pottery dimmed in importance after you witness nothing but everything made out of them. To be rare is value.

Along the streets of Tianjin I noticed the trunks of trees painted in white from the bottom. This is also true in other parts of the northern states. I was told that this feature kept the trees away from the cold during winter and they survive better.

The next attraction was the food center. Here we tasted and saw all kinds of sweet delight and it would take guts at my age to try to taste them. Truly good to the eyes but not the body.

The "Ma Wah" delight on the left is famous here but we do get a lot of them back in Malaysia. The tour guide spoke great things of it and so we bought some. Actually taste buds are strange. You get  acquainted with your usual taste and I hate to say it but I prefer the ones back home. 

 Stores flanked on both sides of the lanes and prices are competitive. 

It is a matter of choice and the skill of the vendors play a huge role.

Tianjin food street.

Not many among us were keen to scour this cultural street; thanks to the scorching sun. Nevertheless, as we were already there we alighted from the coach and strolled along the streets of old Tianjin.

The items on display resemble remnants of the past and would be a treasure trove for some. The items were really old and some deliplated.

 Ordinary ornaments.

 These wood structures are well structured.

We asked this man to play the er-hu. It was old but he did produce some sounds out of it.

Guess what? We bought it for RM30.00 and is now hanging on one of the walls at home.

We remember Tianjin forever.

Perhaps the best experience of Tianjin was the HSR.

The journey to Beijing was a mere 35 minutes on this high speed rail. Otherwise it would have taken 2 to 3 hours on the road. So, we came to Tianjin for this great experience too.

Back home will we have this too from Singapore to Kuala Lumpur?

Plans are on the table but the execution may or may not happen.

The ride is smooth and effortless; so fast and pleasant.

The Malaysians on the HSR.

A good experience of a life time.

Tianjin would have been plain without this.