Port Klang Views #10 - The Rain Came Pouring Down.

We didn't even make it to the restaurant as the rain was really dumping their load on us. We took temporary shelter in a hut where we moored our boat to wait for the tears from heaven to ease. The captain of course has to be the last one off the boat so he absorbed a bit more moisture than us.

Looked at the water to see how heavy the rain was. We could afford to laugh now safely under the little hut. I loved the atmosphere surrounded by the rain, cooled by moisture laden sea breeze. Sitting on a table looking out at the sea, chatting with friends while the rain played their symphony for us – what more does one need? Except maybe a cup of hot coffee?

The Perlama restaurant - so near yet so far. But it was all right. It was comfy enough where we were. We may change our tune when our stomach got a bit hungrier but we can wait if the heaven don't cry too long.

The rain continued... and it was a pleasure just hanging back taking it all leisurely in. Kurau's boat is taking in water. We will have to scoop it all out later.

Big drops of water falling from our roof and the millions of tiny drops on the water.

Dusk is approaching. See the big droplets of water dripping down from the roof. The scene was hazy and took on a romantic air. Maybe I should have asked Kurau to compose a poem.

This fisherman took his boat out in the rain. I'm not sure why when the rains come, fisherman will take out their boat for a spin. To wash it? But it could do just as well where they sit. When one travels, one comes across many mysteries like this (for those who are uninitiated). We wish we know more but often there is no one to explain. But even if we don't know, there is nothing to stop us from enjoying and appreciating the simple beauty of life.

Maybe not all things should have an answer like what is this fisherman doing in the rain?

Soaked to the skin and I suspected he is enjoying it.

Next episode: A Man & His Boat In The Rain...

Port Klang Views #9 - South Port, Port Klang - III

We drove into the dark hole that appeared too narrow for the boat.

Beneath the wharf, a completely different atmosphere prevailed. The world seemed helmed in and the waves lapping against the pillars echoed eerily through the cavern. The boat bumped and scrapped against their sides.

The mad captain pulled against the upper beams to urge his boat forward.

With a groan, it propelled itself towards the light and sea.

And we slid out into the open sea again. This is the hole through which we exited. Even this wall facing the sea was not free from graffiti.

By now, it had started to drizzle so we headed for the railway bridge spanning Sungei Auf for shelter.

We turned our boat towards the bridge.

At this stage, the rain was still not heavy so we thought we could stay under the bridge temporarily to wait it out. Noticed that there were a number of guys fishing on the bridge.

But it suddenly rained in earnest and the bridge offered scant protection. The sky just opened up and dumped the rain down on us. We decided to make a rush for the Perlama restaurant to take shelter there. The fishing kakis cheered us on while they celebrated the rain's arrival. For them, the fun's just begun.

We were beginning to get wet. I covered my camera as best as I can but still continued to take shots under the cover of my hat.

Next: It rained cats and dogs...

A Walk Through The Town Of Lubeck - #2

Our first stop is the St. Mary’s Church. It is the third largest church building in Germany and the first Gothic style brick church and served as the inspiration for other such churches in the Baltic region. It is also home to the world’s largest mechanical organ.

Gothic style architecture are quite imposing and solemn. Looked at how tall it is considering that it is a single floor.

This old style residential building stood opposite the church. It too is imposing and a little drab from the exterior.

But look how much improvement a few pots of flowers can do for the place.

This is a beautiful aisle with columns lining on one side and Moorish (I think) arch spanning overhead.

It was already June and is early summer but the weather is cool. I liked the contrast this giant tree provided in healthy green against the light brown brick wall.

And on the globe over the other side of the fence was stuck a yellow cross. Somehow reminded me of King Arthur's sword - Excalibur.

Away from the bright sunlight, the room appeared momentarily dark but it actually is quite high given the very tall ceiling and windows. I loved the beauty of stained glass and there are many fine examples in this church.

There are finely detailed writings in the old language and exquisite drawings painted on the walls. Many works of arts can be found within.

These bandaged crosses at one corner of the church are memorials of the horror of War. The church itself had been bombed and destroyed during World War II. As we walked along and looked at these monuments, I could not help also noticed the number epitaphs and prayers dedicated to kings and statesmen who fought war in the name of religion. I mentioned this irony to Hendrik the ambiguity of religion. On one hand, we preached the sanctity of life and on the other hand we blessed those who killed in the name of our religion. I was a little surprised how strongly he agreed with me.

What a beautifully crafted work of art.

Crucified Jesus with a missing arm.

The last supper in marble.

Looked at the beautiful painted columns and how high they reached up to meet equally beautiful arched ceilings.

You cannot imagine the feeling of awe as you were dwarfed by this fantastic architecture.

These codes were placed at regular intervals on the wall of the church. I asked Hendrik what they meant and he had no idea too. I joked we should try to decipher these quotes before we leave Lubeck. We saw a different set of number in another church. It was there that we cracked the secret with the help of a local. Do you know what they mean? If you don’t read future posts to find out.

These are the original bells of the church that fell down and embedded on the floor during a raid in World War II. They are left where they dropped to remind everyone of the war. Though silent, the bell still rang out its warning to every visitors who witnessed how it landed from great heights.

We came out into the sunshine again and were greeted with these beautiful blooms.

To be continued...

A Walk Through The Town Of Lubeck - #1

Think I will have a change of pace and place in Ghost Walk and take you to Lubeck, Germany which I visited in Summer last year. Lubeck is the second largest city in Northern Germany and one of its major port.

This is the Holstentor or “HolstenGate” and formed part of the medieval fortification of the city. Most of the former outer fortifications had been destroyed and there are no longer any evident of their existence. Holstentor now housed a museum about the city’s history.

This plaque is on one of the wall of the arch (connecting the two round towers) that we walked under.

This is the miniature representation of the city in medieval time. Noticed the massive fortifications that extended beyond Holsten’s Gate. Many of the buildings in the mock-up are still standing.

On the top floor, several stories up, I took this series of pictures with my maximum zoom. They were tricky shots trying to capture the bright images through the tiny observations windows of the darkened room. So I positioned my camera on one of the ancient torture machine used to stretch the victims drawing amusement from other patrons of the museum. The consolation was I was happy with some of the shots I took.

This picture is one of a series I took of a weary traveler taking a rest not knowing she is being observed and shot. You can see the rest of the pictures by clicking on this - “View From A Tower Window”.

This is the back view of Holstein Gate. It is not optical illusion (though that exaggerated the effect) for the building is tilting and sinking slightly.

This is the view of the town which is actually an island surrounded by waterways. The road appeared wide because this is the main entrance into town but they gradually gave way to picturesque small roads and alleys. Lubeck was quite heavily bombed during the Second Second War and sustained heavy damages.

This is the side view of the Lubeck Cathedral. We will entering soon to have a look. It is a majestic building. Noted the unglazed brown bricks and compared the against the glazed black bricks below.

This is the Town Hall. The coats of arms and emblems really stood out against the glazed black bricks. Although a little grim, they gave the building a an imposing look.

Here the white painted building contrasted against the black and brown tiles and green protruding spires.

Here is another view. This is the beginning of my walk. Accompanying me was a good German friend Hendrik who luckily for me also liked to go for long walks and who is very tolerant of my photo taking as he also do the same in his travel. Tune in and go for a walk with me through the town of Lubeck and see what I saw.

To be continued...

The Atlanta Hotel, Bangkok - #7 (The Lobby).

This is the oldest Bangkok hotel lobby in its original state. It is also the most photographed hotel lobby in Thailand. It has a charm all its own. I’m not a great fan of retro look but have to admit that in Atlanta’s case, it did not appear cheap or glitzy but classy and unique.

This view is taken as I was descending from the stairs which is on the right of the first photo.

The switchboard is positively antique. I never expect to admire the beauty of a switchboard.

So is this simple chandelier hanging from the ceiling. At the bottom left of the picture is the rule and information book containing all sorts of interesting info that is both enlightening and amusing.

On ground level, this is the view from one end of the small lobby. Towards the end is the library and computers with internet connections. It has added some modern amenities.

This is the view of the other end showing the curving stairs and a reading corner.

This is the place you can sit to wait for your guest or to do some reading. The picture handing on the wall is that of the founder, Dr. Max Henn, a German adventurer, pharmacologist, boatbuilder and munitions-manufacturer.

That’s me taking a photo of the mirror showing the portrait of Mukda Buresbamrungkarn, a Thai aristocrat who married Dr. Max Henn.

The lobby is not a large empty space as most hotels are but many little corners having its own individual character.

This is our final look at this famous hotel lobby before we leaved. I’m sure I’ll be back one day. Would not mind staying here for an extended period of time while I took the opportunity to explore Bangkok and be one of the guests the hotel is famous for – “gentleman of leisure”.

As I left, I reminded of the little things in this hotel that made my stay there worthwhile. This seemed to be exemplified by the modern doll with hands clasped in a traditional Thai welcome next to this antique summoning bell on the reception table.

The End.