Family & Friends - At a Chinese Wedding

Most of my Chinese friends are married and those still unmarried are destined to die single. In this day and age, most of my Chinese friends who are Buddhist, Taoist or not belonging to any faith prefer to go through a simple civil ceremony rather than a traditional Chinese wedding. This would have been unheard during my father's generation but times have changed. Nevertheless, there would always be the wedding reception for invited guests after the civil ceremony.

The bride and groom - best wishes

The extended family

Unmarried friends at the wedding - get a life!

Small Towns in Malaysia - Teluk Intan

Teluk Intan is a typical Malaysian town located in the state of Perak. A quiet and seemingly laid back town with a long history dating back to the early 16th century but not much to show. Teluk Intan's main economic activities centre on oil palm cultivation and palm oil production located outside the town. For those living in the nearby smaller towns and villages, it's the place to do their shopping.

For most travelers, Teluk Intan is just a short stopover and break for passengers on express buses making their way to the seaside destinations of Lumut and Pangkor Island. I think the only attraction is this town is the Leaning Tower of Teluk Intan located near the bus station. The Leaning Tower was built in the late 19th century and initially a water tower converted into a clock tower.

Teluk Intan's town centre

Leaning Tower of Teluk Intan

View from the Leaning Tower of Teluk Intan

Petaling Jaya, Malaysia - The Forest of BuZŹZZFDkit Gasingzczzxczczz

Bukit (Hill) Gasing is a forested hill covering nearly 40 ha (100 acres), partly situated in Petaling Jaya and partly in Kuala Lumpur. The hill was a rubber plantation more than 50 years ago, which was later abandoned and left idle. Over several decades, mother nature took over the hill and turned the former plantation into a richly forested area and an urban green lung.

Today Bukit Gasing is home to various species of flora and fauna. However, don't expect to see tigers or elephants here but maybe blood thirsty leaches, small lizards and flying insects. There are several trails passing through Bukit Gasing, and a tower for a panoramic view of the forest. From the top of the hill, you can get a good view of Petaling Jaya and Kuala Lumpur.

Entering Bukit Gasing

Trail through Bukit Gasing

The forest

A lizard

Stream through the forest