Memory Recorder & Memory from My Teen Years

Retrieve this during Chinese New Year from my Mum's place:



My first camera that I "inherited". The Contaflex SLR made by Zeiss Ikon was introduced in 1953 as one of the first 35mm SLR cameras equipped with a between-the-lens leaf shutter. This particular model is the Contaflex III launched in 1956 is equipped with a Zeiss Tessar 50mm f:2.8 with helical focusing.

I have many memories captured with this camera although the lens by then had fungus that could not be removed. This was not equip with a light-meter hence most of my shots were guesswork but it worked out quite ok.

Song of the Flower XXII

I am a kind word uttered and repeated
By the voice of Nature;
I am a star fallen from the
Blue tent upon the green carpet.
I am the daughter of the elements
With whom Winter conceived;
To whom Spring gave birth; I was
Reared in the lap of Summer and I
Slept in the bed of Autumn.

At dawn I unite with the breeze
To announce the coming of light;
At eventide I join the birds
In bidding the light farewell.

The plains are decorated with
My beautiful colors, and the air
Is scented with my fragrance.

As I embrace Slumber the eyes of
Night watch over me, and as I
Awaken I stare at the sun, which is
The only eye of the day.

I drink dew for wine, and hearken to
The voices of the birds, and dance
To the rhythmic swaying of the grass.

I am the lover's gift; I am the wedding wreath;
I am the memory of a moment of happiness;
I am the last gift of the living to the dead;
I am a part of joy and a part of sorrow.

But I look up high to see only the light,
And never look down to see my shadow.
This is wisdom which man must learn.

- Khalil Gibran, 1914 - 

Over the Buaya Sangkut Waterfalls

Buaya Sangkut (local language meaning Stuck Crocodile) is one of the attractions of the Endau-Rompin National Park. Consists of five steps or tiers, this is one of the largest waterfalls in Malaysia.

I have visited this waterfall way back in 1995 and it was a hard 3-4 hour trek to reach from Kuala Jasin.









This is Kuala Jasin, where the Jasin river flows into the Endau river.







We made an emergency landing after low clouds rolled in fast just after we had left Kampung Peta. Had the low-cloud condition persists, we would have to spend the night here.

Ulu Geruntum

Chanced upon this location about a month ago. Nice waterfall and very friendly village of Orang Asli. There was no name given so I just referred to it as Geruntum Waterfall.







Native kids having their bath(?) and fun at the same time.







Mucking around with the zoom ring on the Canon EF-S 10-22mm gives you a motion-zoom effect.



Bath time over when big sis called them home.



The lady who was at the kitchen is so friendly. The kids here too are the friendliest OA kids I have came across.




Tiny mushrooms near the waterfall area.

Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team, The Red Arrows

The Red Arrows are renowned throughout the world as ambassadors for both the Royal Air Force and the United Kingdom. Since my keen interest in aviation (rather anything that flies) in my younger years, the Red Arrows have stood out in my memory as the premier aerobatic team in the world.

One would do the darnest things to pursue their interest and this is no exception. For now, not only to see the 'dream team' in live-on-site action for the first time but also to capture the moments with my camera, another passion.


First 10 mins or so would be formation flying. These guys are so good! I know some people have trouble even just walking straight.
















Then the real action begins....



















The two looks almost like glued together in flight...



... but that was just the angle illusion. It really was like this:




The grand finale.




The BAE Systems Hawk T1 is the RAF’s advanced trainer, and has been used by the Red Arrows since 1979.





This picture for Ladyhawk .... his name is on the side of the aircraft :P

Tasek Bera (Out to the Lake)

Tasek Bera in the state of Pahang is the largest natural freshwater lake in Malaysia. Comprising an area of 31,120 hectares, it is a wetland of international importance and was declared a RAMSAR site in November 1994. The Semelai are the indigenous people that have been residing in this area since 600 years ago.

The boat used here were not the traditional 'flat-bottomed' boats. It has been replaced by modern fibreglass boats with outboard motors.




Moving through the thicker vegetation before reaching the open areas



Getting to the open areas.
The mengkuang plants are abundant and it is used to make mats. The Semelai make beautiful mats with patterns depicting a story.




Little birdies on top of almost every trunk...










Some parts of the lake mirrors the horizon and sky.
















Playing around with light and reflection.



The sun as seen on the water surface.



This is another part of the lake. The village here is Kg. Pathir and it has a beautiful view overlooking the lake. Yes, that's the lake there and it is covered with reeds.




This is what it looks like from the water's edge.



A little further down the path, a jetty facilitate easier access out to the lake. The water is deeper here.




Again, more modern boats.