Today is the 52nd year that Malaysian celebrating the independent of the nation. There is no parade for this year celebration due to the Muslim fasting month. Anyway, the flag pole at Ipoh Padang is, as usual, changing the Perak state flag to Malaysia national flag, Jalur Gemilang, to mark the special day for this nation. Happy birthday to Malaysia, hoping for a progressive development in all sectors and prosperity for all the citizens.
I found this new shelter at the Bougainvillea Park in front of Ipoh City Council. I am watching the blue sky through the beautifully decorated roof while heading to the restaurant of Secret Recipe at Syuen Hotel for my birthday lunch. Yup, it’s my 35th birthday!!
During dinner, a simple but charming dinner with my family, of course, plus a small cake. And, supper with the special one at night.
A peaceful nightfall at Panglima Kinta Mosque, Hume Street. Although this should be a exciting weekend night, I can only hear from the birds over here.
Yik Foong Complex is a favorite spot during the teen age of my generation. In the years of 1980’s and 1990’s, this building is crowded by youngsters for fashion, game, food, souvenir & many other attractive things. It is now one of the hubs in the city for computer & accessories and mobile phone. Anyway, it has not been the most popular shopping complex since 10 years ago. Situation becomes worse after the Super Kinta Department Store that opposite to it close down years ago.
According to the notice board, Hugh Low Bridge will be closed from tomorrow onwards for more than a year. I am not sure what time exactly the bridge will be closed but the temporary two-lane alternative bridge is already completed on its right side and soon will start operating. It’s time to say goodbye to the old Hugh Low Bridge…
Majestic Cinema at Chamberlain Street was one of the popular cinemas in town. It was the first cinema completed after World War II. Operating for more than 30 years, finally it lost the battle with video cassette that became so popular during 1980’s. It turned to be a video game center for several years, and then changed to be a furniture shop until today. None of the old cinemas in Ipoh survived in the wave of change. All have been converted for other purposes today.
When walking in this kind of old shop corridor, it always makes me imagining how it looked like 50~60 years ago. This walkway was busy with shops open for business. There are tailors, coffee shops, retailers, barbers, etc. Families staying at first floor had their kids paying along the corridor and people walking around looking for goods they need to buy. There could be some trishaws on the road waiting for passengers. Today, the corridor become quiet; families have moved to new residential areas, many shops are closed, heavy traffic on the road with engine roars loudly, people not walking on the corridor but just park the car, drop by for their business and leave.
It was raining for a short while before the nightfall. While driving back from dinner, I passed by Ipoh Padang. The scene looked so attractive and I stopped to capture the twilight.
I was leaving the factory on time today heading to Bercham for car repairing. This is a clear day where the sun is shining directly onto all objects. When come to the flyover entrance of Bercham, the mountains at far background seemed to be so clear, unlike other days.
Fair Park is one of main roads connecting the city to northeast part of Ipoh, such as Simee, Ipoh Garden & Bercham. The approximately one kilometer narrow road, although is a double-lane two way traffic, is always busy during day and night. Only when come to Sunday, the street turns to be more peaceful compare to normal days while many of the shops by its side are closed.
The Hugh Low Bridge connecting Old and New Town will be demolished for rebuild very soon. How would it looked like in the future? Anyway, for sure the Ipoh citizens will miss this old bridge. Share with you the photo of the bridge before it's end of life.
The haze had covered the Kinta Valley, even the whole Peninsula Malaysia for weeks. The sky looked gray for many days until this morning, white clouds and blue sky appear on top of everyone. I really feel relief although this is not a big thing but it makes me start to think, it becomes more and more difficult to breath fresh and clean air nowadays. How would be the world in tomorrow?
Ipoh, the capital city of Perak State, Malaysia, is the city that tin built. Located at the famous tin mining area, Kinta Valley, it used to be the world's largest tin mine since 19th century. Not only of its tin mine, but Ipoh also famous of its delicious food, beautiful mountain ranges, mysterious lime stone caves, attractive history & friendly citizen. Being the second in Malaysia that gain the status of city in year 1988 after Kuala Lumpur, Ipoh is one of the major cities in Malaysia with the population around 700,000. Began as a small village in 1870's, tin mine industry had brought in Chinese and Indian that boosted the town development since 1890's. The rapid growing town later upgraded to be the capital of Perak during the Japanese occupation at World War II. The rich tin resource had brought prosperity to many Ipoh miners that even make it once known as the City of Millionaires. Today, Ipoh has grown to cover a large area including the neighboring township such as Bercham, Tasek, Jelapang, Menglembu, Pengkalan, Simpang Pulai & Chemor. The city is still developing continuously while maintains its beauty of nature and harmony.
We are living in a busy world. We often have no time to appreciate the moments in our daily life. Take a break, stop & look around. There are many beautiful things, although it is simple & humble. I learn to gain a better life by appreciation & would like to share the images in my world.