Life on the streets

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CONVICTION

Malacca. I've been here many times but haven't really seen life through the lens of a street photographer. This is Desmond, a busker. He caught my attention atop St Paul's Hill outside the historical church. He was singing a familiar old song that triggered some memories, one entitled "You Gave Me Love". I told him how much I appreciated the song and he went on to tell me the writer was BJ Thomas, who was a drug addict and got cleaned because of God's love. He said he was exactly like that. He went on to sing an original he composed, about his relationship with the Creator. For the next few minutes, my photography senses got in line behind my ears. I was mesmerised. There was such quality in his seasoned, husky voice but what rooted me was this element far stronger – conviction. This man taught me that it's great to build my life on passion and doing the things I love. But conviction brings me much deeper, asking me why or who am I doing this for. I'm sure I'll meet Desmond again someday. Until then, I'm walking with renewed focus.

 

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WHO DARES, SINGS

Malacca is a city with duo hearts - The red Dutch Square by day and the amazing Jonker Walk by night (weekends). I was above my usual self soaking in the bustling evening air of the latter and had a tonne of fun mingling among the locals. The gateway to Jonker Walk is this amazing Getai, a live stage singing performance by those who dare command an audience. It isn't too hard really, cause there's always a willing crowd seated and ready to be entertained, a reflection of the friendliness that's pretty much a character of this place.

 

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GRAINY NIGHT

I've discovered the joy of night photography. The artificial lights at Jonker Walk provided my source for this experimentation. Before, I resisted going out after sunset because the older M Monochrom I use isn't a performer at high ISO. I'm starting to feel otherwise now and appreciating the graininess of the black and white images captured. The rustic appeal of Jonker Walk further enhanced this. Here's a grainy one outside a Chinese Association.

 

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ALWAYS LOOK ON THE BRIGHT SIDE OF LIFE

As it turns out, black and white and night photography are perfect match for each other. The main draw for me is I don't have to bother about colour temperature as each light source is only seen in terms of brightness. I do understand that some may like the appeal of colours, more so in a lively and amazing place such as Jonker Walk. I opted for the simplicity of tones.

 

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I WAS HERE

A vendor manning his stall with his two kids. I remembered when I was little, I had to help out my mom's drink stall at a construction site during my school holidays. I sure complained much during that phase on why I had to do it but there were many takeaways from that stretch of experience. In a way, Jonker was a walk down my memory lane.

 

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PART OF A BIG PICTURE

It's commendable the community spirit that makes Jonker Walk such a draw. Every weekend without fail, these karaoke die hards patronise the stage, either as participants or as audience, making the place an icon in Malacca. This gentleman wore a tag of "I don't want to be anywhere else." My sentiments then, precisely.

 

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DOUBLE THE FLAVOUR

A big part of Jonker Walk comprises of the night market. The many and amazing stalls are run by locals and they come in different ages. This stall sold takoyaki balls and it was highlighted by this pair of wonder twins. Their matching jerseys reflected the teamwork that was a necessary ingredient in their tasty treats.

 

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SMOKING, PLEASE

The cool night air has nothing to do with the need to have an ice cream treat if you are in Jonker Walk. You will be spoilt for choice as there are fried ice cream, ice cream popiah, yogurt ice cream to name some; and this curious smoky cup of ice cream pellets that evoke your sight before they invade your taste buds. Smoking is highly encouraged here.

 

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MORE THAN A LIGHT-HEARTED FEELING

Today's post has to involve these happy and celebratory light air holders commonly known as balloons. Firstly, I feel that they reflect the ever festive atmosphere of Jonker Walk perfectly. Secondly, I'm celebrating because Lebron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers won the NBA championship today. I know it's very random but I'm a big fan of the greatest basketball player in this era. Against all odds, Lebron led his team and they clawed back from a 3-1 games deficit to clinch the title. Only NBA fans will know how impossible that was – winning three games in a row within a final series, playing away and beating a team that has the highest number of wins in NBA history. Congratulations Lebron, the Cavaliers and the people of Cleveland!

 

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THE BOND

I know that Street Photography is my crave, more so when I'm travelling. However, this photo of a father bonding with his son over a twister potato stick reminded me that relationship with my family is more important. The main reason I was in Malacca was to spend time with my family.

 

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MODERN TRADITIONAL

There's a touch of the modern in traditional Jonker Walk. I was taken in by the interesting perspective lines in this shop - the diagonals of the shelves stretched to a point where the dotted lights above took over and led us all the way to the back. The presence of this Sales Attendance clinched the deal. No I didn't buy anything but I was sure happy with the shot.

 

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HAPPINESS ON A PLATE

We are the only species in this world who cook our food. And we simply can't count how many different ways we can do it. While eating is a survival instinct, cooking is pure art. It involves all our senses and enriches our lives. Happiness often comes on a plate.

 

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LOVE AND TRAVEL

I'm drawn to this photo I've taken. I see the man, soaked in the ambience of this place. Many would say that he's a tourist. But I feel he's more a traveller. The tourist sees what he has come to see whereas the traveller simply sees what he sees. Then I look at the lady, who had eyes on the man. She was here probably because of him. To me, that's a beautiful thing. I know, because I'm in love too.

 

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SOFT SPOT

A begger in Dutch Square, Malacca. There seems to be at least one in every land I visited. Whether we should give to a beggar is a subject much debated on. I would usually do it for the simple motivation to keep my heart soft.

 

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CROSS FIRE

Outside Dataran Pahlawan. I like firing my shutter at crossings. The movement and the sometimes unexpected results are part of what I enjoy much about Street Photography. I enjoyed the natural ambience of people near and far, each doing their own thing. Capturing the scene. Capturing life.

 

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ON

"Enjoy the ride while you're on it." - Johnny Depp

 

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THE BIG PICTURE

St Paul's Hill overlooking Malacca Town. It's good to take a view from the heights once in a while. It allows me to see the big picture. It was an ideal spot to reflect: I can impact the big picture but I can't be bigger than the big picture.

 

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THE WAIT IS OVER

You have no idea how long I waited for someone to pop his or her face through this window. I was rewarded with these ladies, the main one with cap and in white, providing that contrast against the background. Hello from the other side.

 

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ICE ICE BABY

This stall is all about desserts, mostly icy. To me, there's no better place to taste Chendol than in Malacca. It's just tastier. My idea of a balanced diet is a bowl of that on one hand and another bowl of Ice Kacang on the other. Pump up the temperature, I'll be ready.

 

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THE WAY AROUND

I've to admit, I'm constantly looking for inspiration. It's the fuel to my life. My recent trip to Jonker Walk brought me face to face with inspiration herself. I was awe-stricken with this handicapped calligrapher. I felt so wrong describing her so because she isn't. She writes with such beauty and elegance without her master grip. She found a way around that. If you don't mind me sharing, I was diagnosed with Meniere's disease less than a year ago, leaving me partially deaf in my left ear. Music, which I love dearly, could never be enjoyed like before. Yet this can never be compared with that inability to catch up in conversations as effectively previously with people who matter so much to me. I haven't mentioned about the paralysing vertigo when it hits. I draw strength from people like this calligrapher. I too, need to find my way around this. I'm very thankful she showed me it can be done.