tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9701544476274173022024-03-13T17:01:00.824+08:00Randomn3s5About mismatched socks, time-travelling dust bunnies and all things randomKryptoshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01341015302125628911noreply@blogger.comBlogger114125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-970154447627417302.post-10015179788655158412015-04-25T22:44:00.000+08:002015-07-19T20:14:06.706+08:00Windows to RasPi Internet Connection SharingOne of the cons of Raspberry Pi is that it comes without a built-in wifi card. If you do not have a wifi dongle that works with Raspberry Pi out of the box, what your are left with is to connect it through a ethernet cable (or compile yourself a driver for your non-compatible wifi dongle, as discussed <a href="http://randomn3s5.blogspot.com/2014/07/going-wireless-on-raspbmc-with-mt7601.html">here</a>). However, for my case, my internet router is located far away from my Raspberry Pi. So the next best thing I can do is to hook it to a laptop using an ethernet cable, and use a shared internet connection.<br />
<br />
Here's how to turn it on in Windows 7 and above.<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
<ol>
<li>Go to <b>Network and Internet</b>, then <b>Network and Sharing Center</b> in Control Panel. Click <b>Change adapter settings</b> on the left panel.</li>
<li>Click on the active network you wish to share. A dialog box showing network status will pop up.</li>
<li>Click <b>Properties</b>, then select <b>Sharing</b> tab.<br />
</li>
<li>Check <b>Allow other network users to connect through this computer's Internet connection</b>, as shown below.<br />
<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkMI4Zt0ib7KAKC7Orqlbl4itHLshTLDBGiZwSNTMjpCK89y9HlibAhGqZHruDl405zgmpi9e9orceZJd39gwtGVuMMCQ6v-iRlXBvj9F5qDK4l6gWuAqA8Sg463dvCZUKFGPobMKIBF0/s1600/ICS.bmp" /><br />
<figure></figure></li>
<li>For Home networking connection, select the name of the network connection between the laptop and Raspberry Pi.</li>
</ol>
<br />
Source:<br />
<a href="https://4sysops.com/archives/how-to-share-wi-fi-in-windows-8-with-internet-connection-sharing-ics/">How to share Wi-Fi in Windows 8 with Internet connection sharing (ICS)</a>Kryptoshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01341015302125628911noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-970154447627417302.post-77646594584698053452014-07-31T22:22:00.000+08:002014-07-31T22:30:45.589+08:00Going Wireless on Raspbmc with MT7601<script src="https://google-code-prettify.googlecode.com/svn/loader/run_prettify.js"></script>$35 for a PC, that's <a href="http://www.raspberrypi.org/">Raspberry Pi</a>. You can hook it to a monitor, speakers, USB peripherals as well as the Internet; there are pretty lots of ways you can use it for. I am using it for a menial task though - as a HTPC in my living room.<br />
<br />
<figure><img src="http://static.trustedreviews.com/94%7C00002243c%7C16cd_RaspberryPi.jpg" alt="Raspberry Pi Model B" width=500/><figcaption>Raspberry Pi Model B</figcaption></figure><br />
Raspberry Pi runs on Linux, which is a scary OS for the majority of computer users (including me) who are unfamiliar with it. For me, the biggest challenge was installing the driver for my USB wi-fi dongle, which is not supported by Raspbian out-of-the-box. It took me a weekend of googling and hours of trial and error to finally get it working. (There were numerous times when I almost threw the dongle out of the window because of frustration.) Therefore, I am writing this post for my future reference. Perhaps it might also benefit any other readers are having trouble setting up their wi-fi dongle.<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
<figure><img src="http://techno-vision.es/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/24-GHz-WiFi-USB-Adapter-TP-Link-TL-WN727N-150-Mbps_b2.jpg" alt="TP-Link TL-WN727N" width=250/><figcaption>TL-WN727N - The wi-fi dongle that I almost threw out of the window</figcaption></figure><br />
<b>Step 1: Boot into Commandline Mode</b><br />
Before getting started, connect the Raspberry Pi to a keyboard, a monitor and the Internet through the ethernet port. There are other ways to access the Raspberry Pi (eg. via <a href="http://pihw.wordpress.com/guides/direct-network-connection/">direct connection</a>) but they are beyond the scope of this post.<br />
<br />
After Raspbmc loads, click on the power icon at the bottom-left corner of the screen. Then select Exit. While Raspbmc is exiting, press Esc key to go into commandline mode.<br />
<br />
<b>Step 2: Verify Kernel Version and Wi-Fi Dongle Chipset</b><br />
To download the appropriate source code, you will have to find out the kernel version and the model of the wi-fi dongle chipset.<br />
<pre class="prettyprint linenums">uname -r
lsusb
</pre><br />
This should return the kernel version (<code>3.12.21</code> for my case), and <code>Bus 001 Device 004: ID 148f:7601 Ralink Technology, Corp.</code> if your dongle is using MT7601 chipset.<br />
<br />
<b>Step 3: Download and Prepare Kernel Source Kernel Source</b><br />
Download kernel source and module symbols to the Raspberry Pi using <code>wget</code> command. Place your downloads in any desired directory. Here, the kernel source is downloaded to <code>/home/pi/kernel</code> for clarity purposes.<br />
<pre class="prettyprint linenums">mkdir /home/pi/kernel
cd /home/pi/kernel
#Download kernel source
wget https://googledrive.com/host/0BzPG3h6ewHsLeG5SQWJfS2xZWWM/rpi-3.12.21.tar.gz
#Unpack kernel source
tar -xzf rpi-3.12.21.tar.gz
#[Optional] Remove tar after unpacking
rm rpi-3.10.21.tar.gz
#Go into unpacked folder
cd linux-rpi*
#Create files required for compiling external modules
make mrproper
zcat /proc/config.gz > .config
cp .config .config.org
sed -i 's/^CONFIG_CROSS_COMPILE.*/CONFIG_CROSS_COMPILE=""/' .config
make modules_prepare
#Download module symbols
pi@raspbmc:~$ wget https://googledrive.com/host/0BzPG3h6ewHsLeG5SQWJfS2xZWWM/Module.symvers
</pre><br />
<b>Step 4: Download and Prepare Driver Source</b><br />
Download driver source to the Raspberry Pi using <code>wget</code> command. Place your downloads in any desired directory. Here, the kernel source is downloaded to <code>/home/pi/driver</code> for clarity purposes.<br />
<pre class="prettyprint linenums">cd ../..
#Driver source (version 3.0.0.4) downloaded from Mediatek
wget https://googledrive.com/host/0BzPG3h6ewHsLeG5SQWJfS2xZWWM/DPO_MT7601U_LinuxSTA_3.0.0.4_20130913.tar.bz2
tar -xvjpf DPO_MT7601*
rm DPO_MT7601U_LinuxSTA_3.0.0.4_20130913.tar.bz2
</pre><br />
<b>Step 5: Compile and Install Driver</b><br />
<pre class="prettyprint linenums">#Go into the unpacked folder and edit Makefile
cd DPO*
sudo Makefile
</pre><br />
Look for the line:<br />
<pre class="prettyprint linenums">LINUX_SRC = /lib/modules/$(shell uname -r)/build</pre><br />
Change it to:<br />
<pre class="prettyprint linenums">LINUX_SRC = /tmp/kernel/linux-rpi-3.12.21</pre><br />
You are finally ready to compile the driver.<br />
<pre class="prettyprint linenums">#Compile driver
make all
#Copy files to relevant directories and deploy module
sudo mkdir -p /etc/Wireless/RT2870STA
sudo cp RT2870STA.dat /etc/Wireless/RT2870STA
sudo cp os/linux/mt7601Usta.ko /lib/modules/3.12.21/kernel/drivers/net/wireless/
depmod -a
</pre><br />
If you are compiling from driver version 3.0.0.3, there will be two more files in addition to <code>mt7601Usta.ko</code>, namely<br />
<code>mtutil7601Usta.ko</code> and <code>mtnet7601Usta.ko</code>.<br />
<br />
To make sure the module has been deployed correctly, enter the following command.<br />
<pre class="prettyprint linenums">lsmod</pre><br />
If you see <code>mt7601Usta</code> in the list, congratulations. Your driver has been successfully installed.<br />
<br />
<b>Step 5: Change ra0 to wlan0</b><br />
The interface name for your wi-fi dongle should be ra0. However, if you type in <code>ifconfig</code>, you will probably only see <code>l0</code> and <code>wlan0</code> listed. This is because ra0 is not recognized by Raspbmc.<br />
<br />
To change the name of the interface, do the following:<br />
<pre class="prettyprint linenums">sudo nano /etc/udev/rules.d/95-ralink.rules
</pre><br />
Add the following line to the file:<br />
<pre class="prettyprint linenums">SUBSYSTEM=="net", ACTION=="add", ATTR{type}=="1", KERNEL=="ra*", NAME="wlan0"
</pre><br />
<b>Step 6: Configure Wi-Fi SSID and Password</b><br />
To set up your wifi SSID and password, you will need to edit the <code>/etc/network/interfaces</code> file.<br />
<pre class="prettyprint linenums">sudo nano /etc/network/interfaces
</pre><br />
This file is probably empty. Type in the following lines:<br />
<pre class="prettyprint linenums">allow-hotplug wlan0
iface wlan0 inet wlan0
wpa-ssid YOUR_WIFI_SSID
wpa-psk YOUR_WIFI_PASSWORD
wireless-power off
up iwpriv $IFACE set Debug=0
</pre><br />
<b>Step 6: Reboot</b><br />
Finally, reboot your Raspberry Pi! Your wi-fi dongle should be working now!<br />
<pre class="prettyprint linenums">sudo reboot
</pre><br />
Sources:<br />
<a href="http://va3paw.com/2014/03/16/hsmm-mesh-on-raspberry-pi/">HSMM Mesh on Raspberry Pi</a><br />
<a href="http://forum.stmlabs.com/showthread.php?tid=11422&page=2#pid94183">STM Labs Forum - Help Compile Driver for MT7601 Wi-Fi Dongle (Post 12)</a><br />
<a href="http://blog.riyas.org/2014/07/setting-up-mediatek-ralink-wifi-adapter-Raspbmc3.12.21-Raspberry-PI-mt7601.html">Setting up a MediaTek Ralink WiFi Adapter in Raspbmc 3.12.21-Raspberry PI [mt7601]</a><br />
<a href="http://askubuntu.com/questions/228673/change-ra0-to-wlan0-in-ubuntu-10-10">Change ra0 to wlan0 in Ubuntu 10.10</a>Kryptoshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01341015302125628911noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-970154447627417302.post-91427838642427931962013-01-29T22:50:00.001+08:002014-07-31T18:41:53.088+08:00Day #1 - Osaka Castle<style id='page-skin-1' type='text/css'>
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</style><b>»Day #1 - Osaka Castle</b><br />
<br />
<b><i>21 December 2012, Friday</i></b><br />
The day was 21-12-12, the day the world would end in major cataclysms - solar storms, magnetic pole reversal, earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. To the horror of some friends and family members, we chose today to travel to Japan instead of sitting at home tuning in to this grand finale.<br />
<br />
Thankfully, rather than losing radio contact and flying into an erupting Mt Fuji, we touched down at Kansai Airport at 8.35am as scheduled.<br />
<br />
「外国人の皆様、日本へよこそ」("To our foreigner passengers, welcome to Japan," announced the cabin attendant.<br />
<br />
Nearly 2 years after my return from Japan in the wake of the 9.0 earthquake on 12 March 2011, I was back in the Land of the Rising Sun. This time with a companion though - my girlfriend Zhi, whom I promised I would bring here one day and "show her around the place". But that's an understatement as we have both been anticipating this moment since we booked our flight with Air Asia during a promotion back in March. (Perhaps I should also mention that the experience with Air Asia is a terrible one.)<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
The lines at the immigration counters were long but everyone proceeded smoothly as the officers attended to us in a swift manner. That's score one for Japanese hospitality. Compare that to Malaysia's...<br />
<br />
It wasn't long before we find our luggage from the carousel and walk out into the arrival hall. We rented an iPhone from a Softbank service counter, together with a SIM card for JPY250 per day (without the data plan) and a JPY315 administration fee. <a href="http://www.softbank-rental.jp/e/rental-plan-ib02.php">[1]</a> We needed it for the convenience of contacting our friends whose place we were crashing at and the rental fee was reasonable enough.<br />
<br />
<b>Umeda - 梅田</b><br />
<blockquote>関西国際空港 ⇒ 大阪<br />
Kansai Kokusai Kūkō ⇒ Osaka<br />
Travel Time: Approx. 1 hour 15 mins<br />
Price: Approx. JPY1060</blockquote>Since this wasour first day, we didnot have much in plan. The first thing to do wasto find a locker to leave our luggage. Train stations in Japan were not short of coin lockers but one which is big enough for a travelling luggage is hard to find. Nevertheless, we managed to find one in Osaka station, because I did my homework on the internet. <a href="http://www.themadtraveleronline.com/travel-tips/storing-luggage-in-osaka-station/">[2]</a><br />
<br />
<figure><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/kryptos5/8415922301" title="2012 Japan Trip::Osaka by See Tatt Yeo, on Flickr"><img alt="2012 Japan Trip::Osaka" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8470/8415922301_eaea12c2fc_z.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a><figcaption><i>Top</i>: Glico man at Namba<br />
<i>Bottom-left</i>: Christmas tree in Umeda; <i>Bottom-right</i>: Yodobashi Camera in Umeda</figcaption></figure><br />
JR Osaka station is situated in Umeda, a major business district in Osaka. Apart from large departmental stores including Daimaru, Isetan, Hanshin and Hankyu, a 12-storey Yodobashi Camera can also be found there. It is one of the biggest electrical chain stores in Japan, alongside Bic Camera and Yamada Denki.<br />
<br />
<b>Osaka Castle - 大阪城天守閣</b><br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">大阪 ⇒ 大阪城公園<br />
Osaka ⇒ Ōsakajōkōen<br />
Travel Time: Approx. 9 mins<br />
Price: Approx. JPY160</blockquote>In the 16th century, there was a big temple called Ishiyama Hongan-ji in Osaka. With the temple functioning as a fort against the attack of warlords, the temple town prospered into a self-governing body. However, its head priest was later ordered by Nobunaga Oda to leave the temple and the place was later destroyed by fire. In 1583, at the site where Ishiyama Hongan-ji once stood, Toyotomi Hideyoshi ordered the construction of Osaka Castle, which was modeled after Nobunaga's Azuchi Castle. The castle took 14 years to complete. (Full history here <a href="http://www.osakacastle.net/castle_en/haran/index.htm">[3]</a>)<br />
<br />
<figure><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/kryptos5/8415922489/" title="2012 Japan Trip::Osaka by YST (aka kryptos5), on Flickr"><img alt="2012 Japan Trip::Osaka" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8353/8415922489_0f0764a2ff_z.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a><figcaption>Main keep of Osaka Castle (Entrance fee: JPY600)</figcaption></figure><br />
Being a castle that has played an important role in the unification of Japan, Osaka Castle has been declared as an Important Cultural Asset by the Japanese government. However the castle pales in comparison with Matsumoto Castle and Himeji Castle. Much of its interior has been replaced by modern amenities... including an elevator. Which is why I never bothered to visit the place during my previous trips to Osaka.<br />
<br />
<figure><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/kryptos5/8415921431/" title="2012 Japan Trip::Osaka by YST (aka kryptos5), on Flickr"><img alt="2012 Japan Trip::Osaka" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8186/8415921431_94fa002c4d_z.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a><figcaption>Osaka Castle is a popular spot for hanami (cherry blossom viewing) during spring</figcaption></figure><br />
If you wish to get a view of the city, you may pay JPY600 to enter the castle. But honestly, the inside of the castle is not much impressive. So for those who have a tight schedule, this stop could be skipped, unless if you happen to be in the city during the cherry blossom season.<br />
<br />
<b>Dōtonbori - 道頓堀</b><br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">大阪城公園 ⇒ JR難波<br />
Ōsakajōkōen ⇒ JR Namba<br />
Travel Time: Approx. 24 mins<br />
Price: Approx. JPY170</blockquote>As evening came, we headed to Namba for dinner. It is within walking distance to Dōtonbori and Shinsaibashi, both of which are popular shopping districts in Osaka. We sort of got lost finding our way to the main avenue of Dōtonbori , partly due to my unreliable memory and the rain. So we only managed to get to Glico Man by the canal (see first photo) to take a quick snap, and took the train back to Osaka to get our luggage before finally going to Han Yee and Shao Thing's place for the night.Kryptoshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01341015302125628911noreply@blogger.com0Japan36.204824 138.25292410.046699000000004 96.944330000000008 62.362949 179.561518tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-970154447627417302.post-88461325992386656082012-07-10T17:19:00.001+08:002012-07-10T17:21:48.405+08:00The Hidden Gem at Penang Supreme CourtThe wooden stairways from the rear lobby of the Penang supreme court leads to a space on the second floor which is dark if not for the light that streams down from the concavity in the ceiling above. It is a dome with peacock motif stained glass lined with copper carvings.<br />
<br />
We'll come back to the stairs and the dome in a moment...<br />
<br />
<figure><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/kryptos5/7525170848/" title="Penang :: Dome of the Supreme Court by YST (aka kryptos5), on Flickr"><img alt="Penang :: Dome of the Supreme Court" height="450" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7115/7525170848_5041c88545_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><figcaption>Dome with peacock motif stained glass, lined with copper carvings</figcaption></figure>The Penang supreme court that stands on the plot of land in between Light Street and Farquhar Street was built by the British colonists in 1903. The architectural design was influenced by the works of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Palladian_architecture">Andrew Palladio</a>, a 16th-century Venetian architect.<a name='more'></a><br />
<figure><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/kryptos5/7525076688/" title="Penang :: Supreme Court by YST (aka kryptos5), on Flickr"><br />
<img alt="Penang :: Supreme Court" height="534" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7118/7525076688_1d1a6b1e27_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><figcaption>The newly-restored Penang supreme court, as seen from Light Street</figcaption></figure><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/kryptos5/7525083422/" title="Penang :: Supreme Court by YST (aka kryptos5), on Flickr"><img alt="Penang :: Supreme Court" height="534" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7275/7525083422_aa6070af17_c.jpg" width="800" /></a>The building was recently renovated and a 3-story wing was added to the existing building. As part of the restoration project, Logan Memorial, which originally sat within the compound was moved to its new home across Light Street, opposite the Supreme Court.<br />
<br />
<figure><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/kryptos5/7525087522/" title="Penang :: Logan Memorial by YST (aka kryptos5), on Flickr"><img alt="Penang :: Logan Memorial" height="534" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7260/7525087522_73a3403eb9_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><figcaption>Logan Memorial, built in the honour of James Logan, champion of the rights of the non-white local community</figcaption></figure>The memorial was built to honour James Logan, a lawyer who fought for the rights of the local community, which was often suppressed by the whites. His death in 1869 was a huge loss for the locals. To remember him as a champion of rights, they pooled funds to erect a memorial for him.<br />
<br />
Now, returning to the wooden stairways and the dome...<br />
<br />
The stairways were originally covered in layers of paint. During the restoration works, the paint was carefully scraped off to reveal the original teak wood beneath. As for the dome, it was discovered when the workers were about to restore a piece of broken wood. To their amazement, hidden behind the wood was a dome with the peacock motif stained glass and copper carvings still intact. Thick layers of dust were cleaned off the dome and it has become an attraction at the supreme court since then.Kryptoshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01341015302125628911noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-970154447627417302.post-66905062922075381032012-05-01T15:53:00.000+08:002012-05-01T15:58:18.631+08:00Sunset At PermatangDuring the weekdays, the industrial zone in Bayan Lepas is as far as I would go. But last Saturday brought me further south, to a small village located on the south-east tip of Penang island - Permatang Damar Laut.<br />
<br />
<figure><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/kryptos5/6978502180/" title="Penang::Permatang Damar Laut Sunset by YST (aka kryptos5), on Flickr"><img alt="Penang::Permatang Damar Laut Sunset" height="640" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7054/6978502180_ecc8aa5604_z.jpg" width="426" /></a><figcaption>Sunset at Permatang Damar Laut</figcaption></figure><br />
Besides the all too familiar stretch of beach in Batu Ferringhi on the northen part of the island, there are a few less known (albeit more easily accessible) beaches on the opposite end. From the south-east to the south-west, there's Batu Maung, Permatang Damar Laut, Teluk Kumbar and Gertak Sanggul. I knew I would have to stop by at these spots for some photo some day. Finally, I decided to start with the closest one, Permatang Damar Laut (or better known among the locals as simply "Permatang").<br />
<br />
Picture this: Cows lazying on the field, mouths constantly moving as if they're chewing gum; plenty of goats grazing the grass, stopping only to give an occasional "meh"; roosters pecking the ground, some crowing at the wrong time of the day... That's Permatang Damar Laut, one of the few idyllic villages left in Penang.<br />
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It is also said to be one of the few beaches in Penang with clear water left and is recommended as a photo spot. I went there without getting my hopes too high but got disappointed nevertheless. Not only was the clear water gone, the place was scattered with so much rubbish that it takes great effort to find a photo spot without including unnecessary details in the shot. Part of the shore also became a dumping spot for construction wastes. My right sandal fell victim to some broken bricks while I walked on the dump trying to find a spot to take photos.<br />
<br />
I thought this was going to be a fruitless trip but luckily, I decided to stay long enough for a shot at the sinking sun as it retired from behind the nearby hills. As it set, it cast an orange hue on the western sky. The colour of the sky slowly changed from orange to blue in a smooth gradient. Also, a long exposure of 30 seconds also resulted in a misty effect on the rocks as the waves smashed on them. (Stronger waves would have done a better job though.)<br />
<br />
There! At least I brought back a souvenir from what I thought was a fruitless trip!Kryptoshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01341015302125628911noreply@blogger.com0Lintang Permatang Damar Laut, Rumah Murah Fasa 2, 11960 Batu Maung, Penang, Malaysia5.2742341642485142 100.26602089405065.2737401642485144 100.26540389405059 5.274728164248514 100.2666378940506tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-970154447627417302.post-70554861130814261342012-02-10T08:16:00.002+08:002012-02-10T08:16:41.037+08:00Penang Thaipusam 2012It was Thaipusam, a Hindu festival celebrated on the day of the Pusam star in the month of Thai (between January and February). It commemorates the day Lord Muruga received a <i>vel</i> spear blessed by Mother Shakti. With it, Lord Muruga vanquished the demonic forces and liberated everyone.<br />
<br />
<figure><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/kryptos5/6835863039/" title="Penang Thaipusam:: Endurance by YST (aka kryptos5), on Flickr"><img alt="Penang Thaipusam:: Endurance" height="427" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7157/6835863039_b6fc6a6be9_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><figcaption>Hooks pierced at the back of a devotee</figcaption></figure>In South East Asia, the Penang Thaipusam is arguably of the grandest scale. 800,000 Hindu devotees from different parts of Malaysia make their pilgrimage to Penang on this day. Even non devotees - locals and foreigners alike - flock to the island to witness this religious festival. Guess what, there're also photographic tours hosted by professional photographers - accommodation, food, photography workshop and even a handphone with a local SIM card for use during the trip, all in one package!<br />
<br />
While many people from afar take the trouble to come and experience this unique event, most locals take it for granted. We'd rather sleep in on this precious public holiday. When I was a small kid, my parents used to bring me to the Thaipusam but it has been a long while since I last went to one. So this year, I decided to brave the crowd and take some shots at the festival. It was also my first time photographing Thaipusam.<br />
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<figure><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/kryptos5/6835778105/" title="Penang Thaipusam:: Paal Kudam by YST (aka kryptos5), on Flickr"><img alt="Penang Thaipusam:: Paal Kudam" height="640" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7161/6835778105_d54887f646_z.jpg" width="427" /></a><figcaption>A devotee carrying a pot of milk</figcaption></figure>Thaipusam is a 3-day event. But the second day of Thaipusam attracts the most number of non-devotees. It is the only day that is declared as a public holiday in Malaysia and it is also the day when the processions would take place. Early in the morning, devotees would either go to the temple in Lorong Kulit or in Jalan Dato Keramat for some rituals and receive a <i>kavadi</i>. A <i>kavadi</i> is a "burden" carried by devotees in fulfilment of vows. Some devotees, however, bear a <i>kavadi</i> for spiritual development. The simplest form of kavadi is <i>paal kudam</i> - a pot of milk carried atop the head to the temple and poured on the statue of Lord Muruga. Milk is considered to be pure so the act symbolizes that only those who are pure in thought, word and deed will reach God.<br />
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<figure><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/kryptos5/6835807267/" title="Penang Thaipusam:: Kavadi by YST (aka kryptos5), on Flickr"><img alt="Penang Thaipusam:: Kavadi" height="427" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7034/6835807267_4c594e24ef_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><figcaption>A decorated semicircular <i>kavadi</i> carried on the shoulder</figcaption></figure>Another form of <i>kavadi</i> consists of a decorated canopy supported on the shoulders. The kavadi is often adorned with peacock feather, which is symbolic of the vehicle of Lord Muruga.<br />
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<figure><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/kryptos5/6835829045/" title="Penang Thaipusam:: Kavadi by YST (aka kryptos5), on Flickr"><img alt="Penang Thaipusam:: Kavadi" height="427" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7007/6835829045_45e7f4349f_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><figcaption>A devotee bearing a <i>kavadi</i> in fulfilment of vow</figcaption></figure>Mortification of flesh is also a form of kavadi. This is done by piercing the tongue or cheeks with a <i>vel</i> (spear). However, a <i>kavadi</i> bearer has to observe strict rules before taking up the kavadi. Cigarettes, alcohol, lustful thoughts and negative emotions are to be shunned. A vegetarian diet has to be followed and some even sleep on hard floors in preparation for the day.<br />
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<figure><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/kryptos5/6835857885/" title="Penang Thaipusam:: Endurance by YST (aka kryptos5), on Flickr"><img alt="Penang Thaipusam:: Endurance" height="427" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7024/6835857885_c9c1e6dd7c_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><figcaption>A <i>vel</i> pierced through the cheeks</figcaption></figure>It is said that the <i>kavadi</i> bearer does not feel any pain from the piercing because the they are under the protection of the deities and therefore will not be allowed to come to any harm. a non-devotee cannot but help wonder how much faith and willpower it takes to undergo the grueling ritual. But to a devotee, it is perhaps a means of seeking peace through pain.Kryptoshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01341015302125628911noreply@blogger.com035 Jalan Kebun Bunga, Georgetown, 10350 George Town, Penang, Malaysia5.4311107223157924 100.298910140991215.4232072223157921 100.28903964099121 5.4390142223157927 100.30878064099122tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-970154447627417302.post-42474676383599944092012-02-01T23:04:00.000+08:002012-02-02T23:18:37.749+08:00Portrait Shots At The Kaki Lima<figure><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/kryptos5/6780721503/" title="BB @ Ipoh Collage by YST (aka kryptos5), on Flickr"><img alt="BB @ Ipoh Collage" height="587" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7161/6780721503_33217a1e18_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><figcaption>A collage of Zhi's portraits taken at a five foot way</figcaption></figure>Just a quickie on a collage I put together a few days ago. I like these photos because the arches in the background add an extra dimension to the shots. Found them while I was looking through my hard drive. They were taken during an earlier trip to Old Town, Ipoh where Zhi's grandma lives.<br />
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Just like the colonial buildings in Georgetown, Penang, the pre-war shop houses in Old Town are built with <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Five_foot_way">five foot ways</a>(<i>kaki lima</i> in Malay). A five foot way is a pedestrian walkway covered by the overhanging upper floor. The name is derived from the width of the walkway, which is usually five feet wide. Besides providing to pedestrians a shelter from the tropical heat and downpours, it's an integral part of local life.<br />
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Coffee shops have their tables and chairs spill out into the five foot way where people would sip coffee and chat for hours in the afternoon... Peddlers and hawkers set up makeshift stalls to sell petty goods and food at the five foot way... Kids would play in the five foot way in the evening... It's an excellent spot for documenting local life. Perhaps that's a theme worth considering for a future photo session - street photography at the <i>kaki lima</i>!Kryptoshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01341015302125628911noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-970154447627417302.post-75345071818586511122012-01-31T12:46:00.000+08:002012-01-31T12:46:31.077+08:00The City Built On Tin<figure><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/kryptos5/6780489207/" title="Old Town, Ipoh :: Shophouses by YST (aka kryptos5), on Flickr"><img alt="Old Town, Ipoh :: Shophouses" height="427" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7169/6780489207_8075ab0521_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><figcaption>Pre-war buildings along the main road leading into Old Town</figcaption></figure>During the boom of the tin mining industry at the beginning of the 19th century, areas along the riverbank of Sungai Kinta flourished. This town was known as Ipoh. In 1892, the Eastern part of the town was destroyed by a great fire. It was rebuilt and henceforth became known as New Town. Meanwhile, the area on the other side of the river was named Old Town.<br />
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<figure><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/kryptos5/6774586017/" title="Old Town, Ipoh :: The Town Built on Tin by YST (aka kryptos5), on Flickr"><img alt="Old Town, Ipoh :: The Town Built on Tin" height="427" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7168/6774586017_8365ae84d3_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><figcaption>Road sign reads "Tin Lane" in Malay, "Persiaran Bijeh Timah"</figcaption></figure>The tin industry once supported the local economy, earning Ipoh the moniker "The City Built On Tin". In fact, so many miners amassed great fortunes in Ipoh that it was also known as "City of millionaires".<br />
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<figure><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/kryptos5/6779634889/" title="Old Town, Ipoh :: Shophouses by YST (aka kryptos5), on Flickr"><img alt="Old Town, Ipoh :: Shophouses" height="640" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7145/6779634889_5021a816e7_z.jpg" width="427" /></a><figcaption>Shophouses like these are similar to those found in Penang and Melaka</figcaption></figure>Many buildings built before World War II remain till this day. Most of them are two-storey shophouses - the first floor for family business and the second floor as residence. These buildings share the same architecture as those in Penang and Melaka.<br />
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<figure><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/kryptos5/6776222901/" title="Old Town, Ipoh :: Shophouses by YST (aka kryptos5), on Flickr"><img alt="Old Town, Ipoh :: Shophouses" height="640" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7165/6776222901_cf329da890_z.jpg" width="427" /></a><figcaption>A local wholesaler in Old Town, Ipoh</figcaption></figure>However, Ipoh's development stagnated when tin prices dropped and the mining boom came to an end in the 1970s. Much of its population started moving out from the city to bigger cities like Kuala Lumpur and Penang or even Singapore, in search of a better living.<br />
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<figure><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/kryptos5/6780482269/" title="Old Town, Ipoh :: Pre-war Building by YST (aka kryptos5), on Flickr"><img alt="Old Town, Ipoh :: Pre-war Building" height="640" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7021/6780482269_fb576ce00f_z.jpg" width="427" /></a><figcaption>A pre-war building left in an abysmal state</figcaption></figure>There's a different kind of boom going on in Ipoh though. White coffee! White coffee is called thus because of the process involved while roasting the coffee beans. Coffee beans get their dark colour from being roasted. But if you roast the beans with margarine, you end up getting coffee beans with a lighter colour and a unique aroma.<br />
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<figure><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/kryptos5/6780496843/" title="Old Town, Ipoh :: Coffee Shop by YST (aka kryptos5), on Flickr"><img alt="Old Town, Ipoh :: Coffee Shop" height="427" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7014/6780496843_0e5356879e_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><figcaption>Ubiquitous coffee shops in Old Town</figcaption></figure>If you're a Malaysian, you've probably set foot in an Old Town franchise before. Where else does the shop originate from? Ipoh's Old Town of course!Kryptoshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01341015302125628911noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-970154447627417302.post-57609455343687560112012-01-01T16:42:00.000+08:002012-01-01T17:18:20.473+08:00Slipping Into 2012It's the year 2012. The year the Mayan calendar ends. The year the world ends.<br />
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Doomsday prophecy aside, it's just another new year. Last I checked, there's this peculiar custom where people go about making new year resolutions, promising to become a better person this new year.<br />
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<i>I will stop reliving in the past and start worrying about the future. I will delete my Facebook account and spend more time with real people. I will not pretend to call in sick to work. Not even once. Totally. Honestly...</i><br />
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However earnest you are (or try to be) when you make these resolutions, you're also aware that it's a matter of time before they're swept to the neglected corners of your mind. Then comes the next year, when you'll feel maybe a small pang of guilt that the previous year's resolutions didn't go according to plan and promise to hang onto them for real this year. Then the cycle continues.<br />
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It is also the time when party spirit runs high. Right now, there's a growing crowd at the party venue at Taipei 101, as the revellers count down the final hours of the year 2011. At the first struck of 12, fireworks lit the sky for the next 202 seconds. All this extravaganza showing on the TV in my hotel room at the relatively rural Miaoli County, while I'm lying in the bed half asleep, too exhausted for the flurry of live reports.<br />
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8 months into my first job at a local company specializing in machine vision, I'm being sent to Taiwan with another colleague to set up our machine for a customer here. As a new product, there's still a number of problems waiting to be solved before it's being handed over to our customer. We've been here for about a week. With just about two weeks left, every day counts.<br />
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Our day here starts with the mundane routine having breakfast at the hotel, getting a taxi to the factory, filling up papers at the gate, pretending to be reading the outstanding employee column on notice boards in the corridor as we wait for someone to flash their card to get in or out from the clean room, changing into smocks and getting to the production floor.<br />
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Then the <i>fun </i>part begins. Not yet into maturity, our software is still infested with bugs. As we run the machine under different conditions, sometimes the machine would throw tantrum like a recalcitrant brat. A nozzle picking up a component and shoving it at some random place, or a tray refusing to be unloaded and the machine perpetually freezes in the middle of a process. Sometimes I would scratch my head for hours looking through the lines of codes in search for the bug, grinding my teeth in frustration.<br />
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"As you gain a better understanding of the flow, you'll be able to feel the machine's sensors as your eyes and its motors your limbs." The words of our software <i>guru</i>, CT, rings in my head. Thank goodness they weren't my limbs. I can't imagine walking with two left legs.<br />
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Back in the office, I could have easily sought help from the <i>guru </i>and he would have it solved before I could say, "Help me, O' wise sage." But here I am, all by myself. That's why trips like this are more like boot camps.<br />
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"Now that you've passed your probation period, we'll give you a taste of what it's like working here," my manager said almost sinisterly as he handed me my confirmation letter a few months back. At least I've been forewarned.<br />
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Well, all I can do is buck up and get things done. Even if it means working till eight at night, six days a week. Our only consolation is to end up on the notice board in the corridor as the most outstanding vendor!<br />
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With that wishful thought, I slip into deep slumber, and hopefully into a better year 2012.Kryptoshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01341015302125628911noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-970154447627417302.post-34346560485102295682011-11-14T07:49:00.001+08:002012-01-22T16:01:46.403+08:00Catching Sunrise, Revisited<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/kryptos5/6336998139/" title="Breaking Dawn by YST (aka kryptos5), on Flickr"><img alt="Breaking Dawn" height="640" src="http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6048/6336998139_d11c1f851d_z.jpg" width="426" /></a> I'm not posting holiday photos. This is sunrise in Penang. If you've spent some time in Penang before, look closer and you'll probably recognize that tiny patch of black trees as the tiny island close to Penang bridge. And on the horizon is Butterworth on the mainland. <br />
<a name='more'></a>If you're thinking it's impossible to catch such a view in Penang, you can't be any more wrong. Sometimes, a shutter chance takes more than a pinch of luck. We didn't happen to be there during sunrise. In fact, we came out of the bed earlier than usual, just to get these photos!<br />
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I don't know what's with this sunrise thingy. It seems to have turned into an obsession. But if I'm going to catch beautiful views like this, sacrificing some sleep is fair enough. You can always catch a quickie in the afternoon after all!<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/kryptos5/6340061155/" title="Breaking Dawn by YST (aka kryptos5), on Flickr"><img alt="Breaking Dawn" height="362" src="http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6098/6340061155_b7cc4dd025_z.jpg" width="640" /></a> This time, we came to a different spot along the coastal highway, right under the ramp that leads onto the Penang Bridge. It turns out there's some narrow road that leads to the place. Bring it up on Google Map and you're sure to find it.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/kryptos5/6343558479/" title="Breaking Dawn by YST (aka kryptos5), on Flickr"><img alt="Breaking Dawn" height="362" src="http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6033/6343558479_c36347e312_z.jpg" width="640" /></a> It's a pity how short a sunrise can last. In less than ten minutes, they sky got too bright to be as beautiful anymore. By the way, this is a view of the ongoing construction along the coastal highway that I mentioned in the previous post. A good whole stretch of the sea is now completely being obstructed. If you're thinking of catching sunrise, better not wait anymore because there's just a few vantage points left.Kryptoshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01341015302125628911noreply@blogger.com0Exit Lebuhraya Utara - Selatan & 3113 & E36, Penang, Malaysia5.3593323556466625 100.316655635833745.3588383556466628 100.31603863583373 5.3598263556466623 100.31727263583375tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-970154447627417302.post-18256316262266386892011-10-29T22:04:00.002+08:002012-01-22T16:06:39.823+08:00Catching Sunrise<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/kryptos5/6283529196/" title="Sunrise and Penang Bridge by YST (aka kryptos5), on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6229/6283529196_9feeaeb646_z.jpg" width="640" height="362" alt="Sunrise and Penang Bridge"></a> It was Deepavali, a public Holiday in Malaysia. But instead of spending the morning in the bed and compensate for the sleep debt accumulated over the working days, we ended up waking earlier than usual. The reason? Some silly promise I made to myself a few days back.<br />
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I was driving to work on the coastal highway when the sun was rising from behind the hills on the main land. It rained the previous night so wafts of mist could still be seen near the top of the hills. As the sun was still low, the morning rays cast interesting shadows on the clouds that lingered above, making them appear to be popped out from the backdrop. It was perhaps the most beautiful sunrise I've seen in Penang. Oh well, maybe there <i>are</i> better ones. It's just that I seldom beat the sun when it comes to waking up early in the morning.<br />
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So, that was when I vowed to come back to that spot to capture a sunrise as beautiful as that. Of course, you don't get a sunrise like that every day. It's a matter of chance. Never mind, I'd come back every weekend till I get a satisfactory shot, I told myself. Now, that's a matter of determination. And I'm in short supply of that.<br />
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It happened that two days later was a public holiday. And whaddaya know, I managed to pull my tuches out of the bed at 6.15 in the morning! Much to my surprise, Zhi was willing to tag along too, though it was evident that it was a tough decision to choose between me and the bed.<br />
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There used to be a path along the coastal highway where you could jog in the morning/evening while feeling the sea breeze. Alas, it has to make way for some reclamation projects. The coastal highway will be a coastal highway no more when the high rise buildings completely block us from the view of the sea. Already, more than half of the stretch has been fenced up for construction works so we had no choice but to head towards the plot of reclaimed land opposite E-gate for the shot.<br />
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With every step we took, our shoes sank into the soggy ground. We trod slowly but thankfully made it in time for the sunrise. The result is what you see up there. Certainly not as great as the sunrise you'd see in the Maldives but it was as good as we could shoot that day.<br />
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Maybe we should make another trip here this weekend... Or maybe not. I need my sleep.Kryptoshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01341015302125628911noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-970154447627417302.post-56969782796771767572011-10-24T22:01:00.001+08:002012-01-22T16:08:28.313+08:00Khoo Kongsi<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/kryptos5/6266497454/" title="Penang:: Khoo Kongsi by YST (aka kryptos5), on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6236/6266497454_a57f4b63c7_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="Penang:: Khoo Kongsi"></a>When the Chinese migrated to Malaysia (then Malaya) about 200 years ago, they formed closely-knit communities. Those who shared the same surname lived together and watched over each other. In the Hokkien community in early Penang, there were Five Big Clans, namely, Khoo, Cheah, Yeoh, Lim and Tan. These communities built their clanhouses and formed settlement around them. <br />
<a name='more'></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/kryptos5/6272669270/" title="Penang:: Khoo Kongsi by YST (aka kryptos5), on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6240/6272669270_305131cfcd_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="Penang:: Khoo Kongsi"></a> Khoo Kongsi is one of the most distinctive clan house in Malaysia. It is located in a secluded section of Georgetown, Penang. Its illustrious design and craftsmanship show the effort put into building it. It consists of an ancestral and clan dwellings surrounded by residences and shophouses such as this one above. <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/kryptos5/6272159795/" title="Penang:: Khoo Kongsi by YST (aka kryptos5), on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6240/6272159795_cbc8c140bc_z.jpg" width="426" height="640" alt="Penang:: Khoo Kongsi"></a> The main section of ancestral hall in Khoo Kongsi is dedicated to Cheng Soon Keong (the Great Duke) and Tua Sai Yah (the Noble), both who were brave warriors of the Jin Dynasty (4th century) known for their bravery. They were later deified and became the patron saints of the Khoo clan. <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/kryptos5/6266535052/" title="Penang:: Khoo Kongsi by YST (aka kryptos5), on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6040/6266535052_f527567a42_z.jpg" width="426" height="640" alt="Penang:: Khoo Kongsi"></a> Despite being a well-known tourism spot (especially since the filming of Anna and the King at the place), the exact location of Khoo Kongsi remains relatively unknown to the locals of Penang. It is hidden amidst the residences built around it and is accessible only through a secluded alleyway. Unless you look it up on the map beforehand, it is unlikely you'll get to the place. <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/kryptos5/6266013121/" title="Penang:: Khoo Kongsi by YST (aka kryptos5), on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6093/6266013121_594e16d8b4_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="Penang:: Khoo Kongsi"></a> But once you find your way there, you'll surely be mesmerized by the grandeur of the architecture. Its magnificence is of a different kind from the cathedrals of Rome. It is one that speaks of the unique heritage of Penang. If the walls could speak, they would be telling you stories about how the life was during the colonial era. Khoo Kongsi is a place worth visiting, whether you're a local or a foreigner. Although regrettably, I find the RM10 entrance fee a little too expensive.Kryptoshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01341015302125628911noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-970154447627417302.post-68809831688551637732011-06-12T22:47:00.004+08:002012-01-22T16:14:46.784+08:00Evening At the ParkIt has been months since my last post. Ever since I started working more than two months ago, free time has become a luxury. On the weekdays, daytime and nighttime is but an alternate between work and sleep. Weekends meanwhile, are for slumbering and being unproductive, except for the very few occasions when I'd somehow force myself out for a photo session.<br />
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But what's a photo session without my beloved Zhi, who's also my faithful camera assistant (she carries the lenses for me) cum photo model? And so, poor Zhi was dragged along to the Youth Park, on a hot sunny day when stepping out of the house is hardly a welcoming idea for the sane mind.<br />
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Thankfully, our session was a fruitful one. We came back with a number of satisfying shots.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/kryptos5/5945636404/" title="Evening at the Park :: Gotcha! by YST (aka kryptos5), on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6030/5945636404_9fd0293a05_z.jpg" width="640" height="587" alt="Evening at the Park :: Gotcha!"></a><a name='more'></a><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/kryptos5/5945078247/" title="Evening at the Park :: Dreamy Saturday Evening by YST (aka kryptos5), on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6131/5945078247_a00596ecf5_z.jpg" width="640" height="587" alt="Evening at the Park :: Dreamy Saturday Evening"></a><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/kryptos5/5945154607/" title="Evening at the Park :: Camel's Hump by YST (aka kryptos5), on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6013/5945154607_81ffa4c1b4_z.jpg" width="640" height="587" alt="Evening at the Park :: Camel's Hump"></a><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/kryptos5/5945153953/" title="Evening at the Park :: On the Stilt by YST (aka kryptos5), on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6005/5945153953_ea9c8744d5_z.jpg" width="640" height="587" alt="Evening at the Park :: On the Stilt"></a><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/kryptos5/5945711334/" title="Evening at the Park :: At the Front of the Janitor's Storeroom by YST (aka kryptos5), on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6023/5945711334_f52d2a5b0d_z.jpg" width="640" height="587" alt="Evening at the Park :: At the Front of the Janitor's Storeroom"></a>Kryptoshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01341015302125628911noreply@blogger.com0Penang, Malaysia5.2632341 100.48462275.2632341 100.4846227 5.2632341 100.4846227tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-970154447627417302.post-59126472270542669862011-04-30T13:03:00.004+08:002011-07-23T23:13:37.880+08:00Redang<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/kryptos5/5640610066/" title="Redang Dawn by YST (aka kryptos5), on Flickr"><img alt="Redang Dawn" height="500" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5230/5640610066_61deb06737.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
We've talked about this since half a year ago, long before I returned from Japan - a trip to Redang Island. But planning a trip is never easy, especially if you're travelling to an island that is not as accessible as your local shopping mall... First, you'll need to either take a plane or a bus to Kuala Terengganu. Then, hop on a taxi to get from the airport to the jetty, where you'll take a boat ride to finally reach the island. That's right, half a day and at least three modes of transportation to get to Redang Island!<br />
<a name='more'></a>Redang Island ("Pulau Redang" in Malay or "热浪岛", literally "warm waves" in Chinese) is a tropical island off the coast of east Peninsular Malaysia. It is a famous spot for snorkelling and scuba diving. Unfortunately, recent years of development and climate change has taken its toll on the coral reefs. Nevertheless, it is still one of the most beautiful islands we've been to. Hopefully, the preservation efforts can put a stop to the deterioration of the environment.<br />
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I would like to show you more scenery shots from the island. But the truth is, we took mostly just couple shots and portraits! Posted here are but some of the photos we've taken at the island. For more, head over to <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/kryptos5/tags/redang/">my photostream on Flickr</a>.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/kryptos5/5644711541/" title="Happy Times Together :: Redang by YST (aka kryptos5), on Flickr"><img alt="Happy Times Together :: Redang" height="500" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5183/5644711541_ebf4e55975.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/kryptos5/5649857048/" title="Happy Times Together :: Redang by YST (aka kryptos5), on Flickr"><img alt="Happy Times Together :: Redang" height="500" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5067/5649857048_dc6b7b747a.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/kryptos5/5649294685/" title="Happy Times Together :: Redang by YST (aka kryptos5), on Flickr"><img alt="Happy Times Together :: Redang" height="500" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5106/5649294685_867f911ddf.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/kryptos5/5645277306/" title="Happy Times Together :: Redang by YST (aka kryptos5), on Flickr"><img alt="Happy Times Together :: Redang" height="500" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5264/5645277306_0d3b7c020b.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/kryptos5/5660360808/" title="Happy Times Together :: Redang by YST (aka kryptos5), on Flickr"><img alt="Happy Times Together :: Redang" height="500" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5024/5660360808_186a810630.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
Last but not least, our special thanks to Irene and the hospitable staff from Redang Pelangi for making our stay an enjoyable one!<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/kryptos5/5660361224/" title="Happy Times Together :: Redang by YST (aka kryptos5), on Flickr"><img alt="Happy Times Together :: Redang" height="500" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5186/5660361224_dc6cda18ec.jpg" width="500" /></a>Kryptoshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01341015302125628911noreply@blogger.com0Redang Island, Terengganu, Malaysia5.7844414 103.00689265.7844414 103.0068926 5.7844414 103.0068926tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-970154447627417302.post-54212367796545555752011-04-29T12:56:00.000+08:002011-04-29T12:56:47.561+08:00Glow<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/kryptos5/5633247928/" title="Glow by YST (aka kryptos5), on Flickr"><img alt="Glow" height="458" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5308/5633247928_915456df4f.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
After 5 years in Japan, I'm back to Malaysia. From now on, my photo album will feature photos from here, starting with Pulau Redang! Pulau Redang is an island off the east coast of Peninsular Malaysia in the South China Sea. ("Pulau" means "island" in Malay language.)<br />
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With no light pollution, the night sky was dotted with stars that you will never see in the cities. If you look closely enough, a couple of them was caught in this photo. Even with a 52-second shot, the stars were starting to trail off.<br />
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This rocky hill is located in the middle of the two beaches. It was lit by some light from a resort close by. The white "mist" in the foreground is the waves hitting the beach. And in the background, some distant light (perhaps from a lighthouse?) lent an eerie glow to the night sky.Kryptoshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01341015302125628911noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-970154447627417302.post-39826369092724707422011-03-12T13:45:00.006+08:002011-04-29T12:59:18.924+08:0011 March 2011 - The Day the Earth ShookI woke up this morning, wondering if yesterday was a dream. Just then, the building trembles as if to remind me it wasn't. Okay, point taken!<br />
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So there I was, pushing the trolley back to the lab after sending my stuff to the post office. As I walked into the university compound, staff were coming out of the administration building on my left. The terrified looks on their face showed that something was amiss. They turned back to look at the building they'd evacuated. Oh god, the building was swaying. So were the trees that lined the road. They seemed to be shaken by some invisible force.<br />
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<i>Then I felt it. The ground was moving.</i><br />
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Everyone appeared disoriented. Someone in the crowd said, "The front of the main building! That's the evacuation point!" So there we headed, all the while keeping a look out for things that might fall off from above. The ground shook violently, threatening to knock us off balance. Buildings around us were making strange rattling noise in a show of protest against the earthquake.<br />
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At the evacuation point, more people were coming out of the library. I stood there next to the trolley, dazed. The quake grew stronger then weakens after sometime. But it didn't completely come to stop until at least 3 minutes later. I looked around. Miraculously, the buildings were all standing.<br />
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<i>We were still standing.</i><br />
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I sent a quick message to my girlfriend, telling her about the quake and that I was safe. At this time, she was probably still in the middle of the meeting and I didn't wish to scare her. I wasn't quite sure how bad it was myself until I checked the internet before calling home.<br />
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<i>M7.9</i><br />
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The seriousness of the situation didn't register until now. During my five years in Japan, I've never felt such a serious earthquake. So there was nothing to compare it to. Reports of earthquake magnitudes are just bunch of meaningless numbers until you've experienced it yourself. Even the Japanese around me claimed that they'd never experienced anything in the likes of this before. It was only later that I found out that the earthquake is the worst one recorded in Japan, and <a href="http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/top-stories/2011/03/11/record-breaking-japan-earthquake-8-000-times-more-powerful-than-christchurch-quake-115875-22982197/">8000 times stronger</a> than the one that hit Christchurch a month ago. (The magnitude of the earthquake was later revised from M7.9 to M8.8)<br />
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We stayed outside long after the earthquake subsided. No one dared to return to the buildings in case of aftershocks. Our fears were proven true when an aftershock of about M6 came a few minutes later. It wasn't as strong as the main one but buildings could still be seen swaying for some time.<br />
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<i>Above us, ominous clouds moved in from the south.</i><br />
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It started to rain. Some people sought refuge in the porch of the main building. I imagined the worst case scenario: Rain worsens, we go back into the buildings, aftershock strikes, building crumbles. There's little chance this might happen though. After our university (originally in Kuramae) was utterly destroyed in the Kanto earthquake, it is said that the dean vowed that "never shall we be destroyed by another earthquake". The campus was relocated to its current location in Ookayama, and the main building is supposedly super quake-resistant.<br />
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Nevertheless, after weighing my choices, I opted to stay in the rain. The wind grew colder. According to the weather forecast, it was supposed to be sunny today. I guess when nature strikes, all disasters come out in full force to make sure you're totally screwed. At that time, I hadn't found out about tsunami in the northern parts of Japan. Our predicament was nothing compared to theirs.<br />
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Tents were being set up at the evacuation point. I wondered if my room was still standing and if I had to spend my night in the university.<br />
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<i>Soon, the wind changed direction, pushing back the clouds. The rain stopped.</i><br />
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I went back to the lab, only to find a toppled CPU. Things were intact. (Though it wasn't so in many other buildings.) Grabbing my bag, I cycled home.<br />
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<i>Phew, my room was still standing.</i><br />
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Inside, a few things fell off the shelf but otherwise, it was fine. I'd expected worse.<br />
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Till now - 24 hours after the earthquake - weak aftershocks could still be felt every hour. I woke up more than a couple of times in my sleep thanks to the tremors.<br />
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126 have been reported killed (mainly due to the tsunami) as of the time of writing and the death toll is rapidly rising. It's depressing to think that during disasters like this, people who're killed they become a part of the statistics.<br />
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For the rest of the story about the earthquake, I'm not going to spend time accounting what I heard from the TV. There's plenty of news out there.<br />
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<i>Two more weeks in Japan. I hope I'm going to survive.</i><br />
<br />
-----<br />
News and pictures about the earthquake:<br />
<a href="http://edition.cnn.com/video/#/video/world/2011/03/11/natpkg.japan.tsunami.aftermath.cnn?hpt=C2">CNN.com: Japan's day of destruction (Video)</a><br />
<a href="http://www.boston.com/bigpicture/2011/03/massive_earthquake_hits_japan.html">Boston.com: Massive earthquake hits Japan (Pics)</a><br />
<a href="http://www.nikkei.com/news/article/g=96958A88889DE0E6EBE2E2EBE3E2E3E0E2E1E0E2E3E3E2E2E2E2E2E2">日経新聞:12日付日本経済新聞朝刊 (PDF)</a><br />
<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8YxiVOCGT2g&NR=1">Youtube: NHK News (Video)</a>Kryptoshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01341015302125628911noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-970154447627417302.post-19923222556215682202011-02-26T23:02:00.003+08:002011-04-29T12:59:54.053+08:00First Anniversary (Part III) - Resolutions<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">I hate to be apart from you. Some nights, after putting down the phone, it's hard to fall asleep even though I've just talked to you. The deafening silence of the room reminds me how much I miss you. A girl who's willing to wait for his return - what else can a guy wish for? Remember the hesitance we had before we got together? How we worried if things would work out even though we're apart? I thought it would be irresponsible of me to keep you waiting. But at the same time, there is this selfish desire of wanting you for myself. That is why when you eventually promised to be with me, I fell in love with you even more.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
<a name='more'></a></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">A year has passed since we've got together. All this while, the phone has been our lifeline. Though we are physically apart, I've never left you. You know that I'm always a phone call away, whenever you want me to - when you're stressed at work, when you wanted to tell me how much you like that dress you saw in the department store, or when you simply miss me and wish to hear my voice. Because that's the least I could do for a girl who has given me so much. But sometimes, I wonder if it is me who has grown more dependant on you, or you on me. I've lost track of how often I confided in you my anxieties. But never a time have you neglected me. Instead, you would always reassure me with that gentle voice, that you would stand by my side. It is knowing that I have your support, that keeps me going.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">When two persons are truly in love, there's no longer "you" or "me". There's just "us". Being together means our joys are doubled and burdens halved. Going through the good times and bad times together would bond us even stronger. We dream of having a warm family. It would be a little world that completely belongs to us. We'll set the house rules together (e.g., keep a fresh stock of eggs in the fridge at all times); we'll paint the walls white (i.e., the way you like them). We'll teach our kids calligraphy and maths (and Japanese?); we'll make sure they have a happy childhood. We'll keep each other company till we get old. There's a long way ahead of us.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Disney stories and fairy tales alike, tell of how the girl met the prince and how they eventually got together. Then there's the always clichéd ending of "...and they lived happily ever after". It's as if getting together is the ultimate goal of a relationship. But in reality, <i>getting together</i> is only part of the story. <i>Being together</i> is the other half. You'll find out that I have the habit of falling asleep during warm showers; instead of getting mad at me, knock the door and wake me up. You'll find out that I have a success rate of 1% in taking good photos; instead of being disappointed in me, pat me in the back and give me a word of encouragement. I'll bribe you with egg sandwiches (yummy) so please be patient with me. You're all I have in my life.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Thirty days left till I return to your side. Can't wait to hold your hands and tell you I miss you.<br />
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Happy first anniversary. And here's to many more happy years together. I love you.</div>Kryptoshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01341015302125628911noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-970154447627417302.post-17591163355526204892011-02-26T23:01:00.002+08:002011-04-29T13:00:32.900+08:00First Anniversary (Part II) - WatershedThe sound of the closing door reverberated through the room. Every thing was familiar but it now felt emptier than when I left a month ago. All by myself now, I no longer had to hold them back. The welled up tears broke loose.<br />
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I was missing her already. What's left with me now was the memories of the things we did together in the previous month. Those memories that I had diligently etched to my mind so that I could relive them at times like this. But instead of relieving me of my longingness for her, I grew even more dispirited. Despite the feelings that we had for each other, there was this psychological watershed we were not ready to cross. The fact that I was still going to be in Japan for the next few years shut the door on any prospects we could have.<br />
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I wanted to give her a call, to listen to her voice once more but wasn't sure how she would react. Would she be delighted to hear from me? Or would she prefer to relegate me to the recess of her memory? But I needed to talk to her. I picked up the phone and dialled her number. With faltering voice, I told her that I'd safely reached home.<br />
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"And... I miss you," I added. I thought I sounded like a pathetic cry baby. But instead of freaking out, she was being understanding enough to console me. That night, we talked for more than half an hour. At the end of the phone call, she reminded me that I could call her any time I felt lonely. Sure enough, I called her again the next day, and the day after that. Before long, calling her before bed became a daily ritual. We talked about school, work, what we ate for dinner, things that happened in our childhood... Sometimes, we talk for an hour, sometimes, more. No worries about phone bills, thanks to Skype. (For the price of a bowl of <i>ramen</i> every month, I could call her all I wanted.) So if there were any persons to thank during our wedding speech, Skype would be on top of our list.<br />
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We found ourselves making plans for my next trip home during the spring holidays. We were counting the days. 4 months weren't exactly long but just like any kid could tell you, counting down to the school holidays isn't going to make it come any faster. Yet, how could our excitement abate when I was to go with her on a family trip the very next day after I touched down in Penang?<br />
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<i>26-27 February 2010</i><br />
Waiting at the bus stop, I stared blankly at my iPhone. Needless to say, I was nervous. After all, this was the first time I was going to meet not just her parents but her relatives too. Besides, we weren't officially seeing each other yet. She would later admit that she was nervous too. What if it didn't go well? What if I wasn't the kind of person she anticipated? However, the fact that we were making the trip together proved that deep within our hearts, we knew that we wanted to be with each other and that we wanted this to work out.<br />
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Soon, a cab swerved into the side lane and came to a stop. She came out of the cab with her parents. I couldn't be more glad to see her. I felt the sudden urge to rush forward and hold her hands and tell her how much I missed her. Reminding myself that it would be churlish to do so in front of her parents during the first meeting, I saved it for another time.<br />
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She introduced me to her parents. Luckily they were both friendly folks so I was totally at ease with them. Otherwise, I wouldn't dare imagine how things would turn out. I believe it is their encouragement that lent us support to our fledgling relationship. In fact, I'm very thankful that they treat me like part of the family.<br />
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That night, we sneaked out from the room before midnight and loitered around. We soon found a spot where we could look down at some stage performance five or six floors below. Leaning against the railing, I wrapped my arms around her shoulder. This was the first time we got so close. My heart threatened to tear out of the chest. I whispered into her left ear what I couldn't say aloud in the morning. That I missed her very much.<br />
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The song playing downstairs faded into the background like cream melting into a cup of coffee. We were singing our own serenade.Kryptoshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01341015302125628911noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-970154447627417302.post-23463781695657296132011-02-26T23:00:00.013+08:002011-04-29T13:00:54.201+08:00First Anniversary (Part I) - Shared Memories<blockquote>Long ago, men went to sea, and women waited for them, standing on the edge of the water, scanning the horizon for the tiny ship.</blockquote>It has been almost a year since we last saw each other. A phone call every night, frequent exchange of short messages, and an occasional love letter - these are what have been keeping our love strong. Yet at the same time, they can never appease my yearning for her physical presence.<br />
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That's why they say long-distance relationships are never easy. But the irony is, if I hadn't left to study in Japan, we wouldn't have been together. I would have forever remained that awkward teenager whom she had once rejected during high school (18 was a dreadful age). It is these five years of life overseas that made me shed my former self. Appearance-wise, I'll never star in a J-drama, and my fashion sense is still no better than a garden slug's. But at least I can now cook, handle household chores and settle the bills by myself. I keep a couple of part-time jobs to fund my <i>retirement savings</i>. So I guess that makes up for my other shortcomings.<br />
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Our mutual friends think it's a surprise how we got together despite the distance. That's pretty understandable - we surprised ourselves too. Instead of attributing it to pure coincidence, I prefer to read it as nothing other than a sign of romantic destiny. But even if our destinies were woven by some higher power in the heavens (10,000m up there), I believe it still takes some form of initiative from both sides to ignite a relationship. For us, it was my asking her out, and her willingness to open herself to me.<br />
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<i>September 2009</i><br />
I was back in Penang for the summer vacation. Gave her a call to ask her out. We went out for dinner just like typical friends, updating each other over the meal. She just graduated a few months ago and was enjoying her last few weeks of holiday before the job hunt. Lucky for us, because otherwise, we wouldn't have been able to spend the next few weeks doing things together more than half of the time. Hiking at Penang Hill, movies at the cinema, karaoke with friends, playing badminton, photo outing at the botanical gardens, writing her CV at Starbucks (when an earthquake occurred and our parents called, asking us where we were)... And among these memories that we share, there's an episode which we still often recount fondly.<br />
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We were having a reunion with our ex-classmates in the evening at The House of Steamboat. I insisted on being her chauffeur for the evening since her house was on the way (and more importantly, because I <i>wanted</i> to). She gave in. Upon reaching the front of her apartment, I gave her a ring and she came down. The first thing she did when she hopped into the car was staring at me with wild-eyed disbelief.<br />
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"What? You're wearing black jeans and white T-shirt too?" she exclaimed. That, plus our arriving in the same car would surely raise some eyebrows. We decided just to play along. True enough, our friends greeted us with playful grins. And what's more, one of the girls spotted what we didn't notice - we were both wearing Nike shoes! It's amazing how many coincidences you can get in a day.<br />
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We had a splashing time together but every day we spend together was another day closer to the end of my stay in Penang. The night before the day of my departure, we sat by the seaside, shoulder to shoulder. The waves were glowing in the dark as if someone sprinkled pixie dust in it. She stared at it with the excitement of a kid who woke up on Christmas morning just to discover presents lying under the Christmas tree. I was mesmerized by the innocent look on her face. As I half-heartedly explained to her that they were caused by bioluminescent organisms in the sea, I tried to take in every detail of her visage. I realized that today might be the last chance I could admire her from such proximity.<br />
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Far ahead, lights from the mainland were glimmering as some unseen fog threatened to swallow them. I frantically held on to this moment, secretly wishing it would not be snatched away from my memory.Kryptoshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01341015302125628911noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-970154447627417302.post-10879984200375475652011-01-10T11:29:00.003+08:002011-04-29T12:51:24.954+08:00Rocky Waters<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/kryptos5/5342362985/" title="Rocky Waters by YST (aka kryptos5), on Flickr"><img alt="Rocky Waters" height="500" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5088/5342362985_128a81313f.jpg" width="458" /></a><br />
Took this long exposure shot in Odaiba. In the background is Odaiba's famous landmark, Rainbow Bridge. The problem with landmarks is, they're always "shot" to death, by tourists. For travel snaps, it'd be fine but if you're looking for something of a different touch, sometimes you'll have to go the extra mile.<br />
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The spot where I took this photo was pitch dark. Even the rocks couldn't be seen. Luckily, I stopped by at the place hours earlier in the evening so I had a rough idea of how the composition of my photo should look like. And with the help of a tripod plus long exposure, voila!<br />
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I used to call it the day when the sun goes down. But it seems that night time has plenty to offer too! Even if it means you've to take the trouble to carry your tripod with you.Kryptoshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01341015302125628911noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-970154447627417302.post-12550097661192653392011-01-08T16:54:00.001+08:002011-02-01T11:27:56.591+08:00The Temple and the TowerI have never taken many HDR photos. The main reason being that you can never know the end result until you process them on the computer. Besides, I believe my HDR works will always be overshadowed by the <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/kryptos5/3042973027/">Mt. Fuji</a> HDR shot I took back in 2008.<br />
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Taking HDR shots wasn't my initial plan when I went strolling in the vicinity of Tokyo Tower last weekend. But I took three exposures for a couple of my photos because the background was just too bright for a normal single-exposure shot. After processing them on Photomatix and Photoshop, voila! It turned out more decent than I thought!<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/kryptos5/5329432462/" title="Koshoden @ Zojoji by YST (aka kryptos5), on Flickr"><img alt="Koshoden @ Zojoji" height="458" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5082/5329432462_7c59be927c.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
It's halfway between "realistic" and "CG-like" but as long as it doesn't end up like over-saturated Marvel comics, the effect suits me just fine!<br />
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Unfortunately, it wasn't until just now that I realized a huge flaw in the photo. That semi-transparent bar in the middle left is the result of some mistake I made when adding the frames. It can be easily fixed but with my free Flickr account, I can't replace photos! <i>Hint, hint... Buy me a pro account, someone...</i>Kryptoshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01341015302125628911noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-970154447627417302.post-70679651741695149612010-12-30T15:41:00.005+08:002011-02-01T11:28:34.930+08:00Yokohama Blue Hour<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/kryptos5/5305253413/" title="Yokohama Blue Hour by kryptos86, on Flickr"><img alt="Yokohama Blue Hour" height="458" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5082/5305253413_a8ff5556dd.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
New year wishes from Yokohama, Japan! After months of hiatus from the Flickerverse, it's back to action! True, with the chilly weather outside, it's more tempting to stay in the bed. But I'm not ready to let my skills go into the gutter yet.<br />
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Last week's trip to Marunouchi didn't return satisfactory yield. But Monday's trip to Yokohama was worth it.<br />
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This photo was taken from the roof of <a href="http://www.osanbashi.com/">Yokohama Ferry Terminal</a> (横浜港大さん橋国際客船ターミナル). The terminal is a unique building by itself. But more than that, the rooftop offers a 360-degree panoramic on Yokohama. This view, facing north-west, is where Minato Mirai is located. I believe this is the only place where you can get all of Yokohama's famous landmarks in a photo! From left to right: Red Brick Warehouse, Landmark Tower, Cosmos Clock 21, Yokohama Grand Intercontinental Hotel. Head over to <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/kryptos5/5305253413/">the photo's Flickr page</a> for the version with added notes.Kryptoshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01341015302125628911noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-970154447627417302.post-79010760660115810422010-11-15T22:55:00.000+08:002010-11-15T22:55:48.918+08:00LongingnessThere're two things that make me insomniac — Caffeine, and the longingness for you.Kryptoshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01341015302125628911noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-970154447627417302.post-18704998608450610382010-09-04T21:58:00.006+08:002010-09-05T11:27:13.625+08:00Masochistic Environmentalism"We don't need the air-conditioner. Let's just leave the windows open. With the breeze, it's cool enough."<br />
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<i>Cool</i>. Yeah, freaking <i>cool</i>. It's 35゜C out there. Jeez.<br />
<br />
Never mind if you're soaked in sweat working in the lab. No a/c, please. Global warming, remember? Reduce CO2 emission! Do your part in energy conservation!<br />
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Welcome to Japan. This is where people really do care about saving the environment. It's not about saving endangered whales, though. (I doubt anyone misses the dodos.) Japanese environmentalism is all about climate change. After all, no Japanese would want to see the archipelago become the second Atlantis. Which is why the nation is determined to cut CO2 emission by 25%.<br />
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<a name='more'></a>Considering the already-low level of CO2 emission in Japan, this proves a big challenge. It is therefore, necessary to call for radical measures, which often verge on the brink of masochism. One example, would be raising the temperature setting for the a/c during summer. But in extreme cases, some people will even try not to switch on the a/c unless "absolutely necessary". Apparently, there is some nasty masochistic thingy going around.<br />
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It is when you're sitting in the room, sweating like a pig, that you feel like killing yourself and reincarnate as a bottle of coke. Then you'd be sitting in a freezing vending machine, spared from the merciless summer heat.<br />
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Japan has 2.6 million beverage vending machines. This accounts for at least 0.17% of the total energy consumption in Japan. But instead of doing something about reducing the number of vending machines in the streets to cut CO2 emission, Japan chooses to raise the thermostat to 28゜C during summer and to lower it to 19゜C during winter.<br />
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"You grew up in a tropical country. Shouldn't you have gotten used to this kind of temperature already?" My grumblings about the room being too hot often meets the same remark.<br />
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True. In Malaysia, the temperature hovers at 32゜C all year round. Hot <i>indeed</i>. But indoors, the a/c's are always in <i>full blast</i>.<br />
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Climate change? Let Japan handle that! Meanwhile, we'll just pray that my hometown Penang island doesn't beat Japan to the seabed...Kryptoshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01341015302125628911noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-970154447627417302.post-4638378827942992342010-09-01T19:48:00.003+08:002010-09-04T17:18:56.198+08:00Bike Revolution<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/kryptos5/4941808214/" title="Beijing :: Tricycle and Bike by kryptos86, on Flickr"><img alt="Beijing :: Tricycle and Bike" height="333" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4116/4941808214_0922d01024.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
China is known as the kingdom of bikes. Most streets in Beijing are designated with bicycle lanes. So if you're in Beijing, visiting places on a bike might be a good idea. Beware though, if you're on the busier streets. Chinese drivers can be horrifying. It is not rare to see a car or two driving on the pedestrian lanes!<br />
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While a big part of the population now own cars, bicycles of sorts still remain as a popular mode of transportation in Beijing.<br />
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There's the tricycle, which is favored by street hawkers selling fruits and ice-creams and cold drinks. Then there's the modified tricycle taxi, which resembles an upgraded <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/kryptos5/4557222111/in/set-72157622337936147/">Thai tuk-tuk</a> with an armor shield around it. Then, there's the electric bike (a.k.a. "e-bike"), which is so quiet that it takes the unwary pedestrians by surprise.<br />
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In many other countries, the reception towards electric cars is lukewarm. In Spain for example, despite the government's push for greener transportation, only 16 electric cars were registered in the first seven months of the year 2010. While electric car makers are still struggling for a bigger piece of the market share, e-bikes are now a <a href="http://www.time.com/time/world/article/0,8599,1904334,00.html">boom</a> in China. In fact, the country has 4 times as many e-bikes on the road as cars.<br />
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Score one for China in pushing for green transportation? That was what I thought at first too, but not so fast. Because e-bikes rely on lead-acid batteries, the e-bike boom brings with it a bigger problem - <a href="http://www.livescience.com/environment/071109-bts-electric-bikes.html">lead poisoning</a>. Each e-bike uses a lead-acid battery a year. And 3 kg of lead is being released to the environment, during the process of producing <i>one </i>lead-acid battery. Current estimates put the number of e-bikes in China 140 million. You don't have to do the math to figure out how detrimental are the effects that e-bikes bring to the environment.<br />
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At the same time, the solar energy boom in China is also contributing to the same problem. During the STeLA Forum, we were brought to a factory manufacturing solar panels. Despite the modest scale of the factory, business is booming. The engineer proudly explained that the company is also manufacturing solar-powered street lamps. This is a result of the government's push for green energy. What he failed to mention is that each street lamp also comes with an lead-acid battery and thus, again, our green solution turns out to be another two-edged sword.<br />
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At first glance, China seems to be making great progress in its green initiatives. But alas, that's only true if we are naive enough to overlook the other issues China's green "solutions" bring with them. It's no job-well-done if we are merely trading one problem for another.Kryptoshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01341015302125628911noreply@blogger.com0