2nd October 2022 Sunday - mealtime conversations

 We wandered around Georgetown, muttering under our breath about how we always seem to 'wander' along the same streets (and eat at the same spots) when we happened upon a bright cafe filled with grandpas and grandmas eating dim sum. It was bright because there was an air well in the centre of the dining hall. So in we went, and sat in the air-well (tian-jing). If the food was nondescript, we did not notice. The ambience was pleasant, the table bathed in the morning's diffused light, the dim-sums were brought to us on little trolleys. Portraits look better in natural lighting, it soften the appearance, so I took a photo of Sam.

After morning tea, we made a hurried trip to the airport to fly home.

9 Jan 2022 Waking up slowly and sitting quietly

Boon San Tong Lebuh Victoria

 Yesterday, I decided that Sunday mornings will be spent eating breakfast with Sam (after I finish my long run: 10km or more) instead of running around hitting a tennis ball, I can do that any other day of the week. We hardly eat breakfasts and lunch out anymore, which I miss though Sam tell me that we saved a lot by eating at home. So, the morning was spent just sitting quietly; finishing my travel sketches (but thinking about work) and she quiet under her face mask (but thinking about work; Alwyn changed the position of his office)

Today's cooking with mom was easy as well, we talked, she confused me for my uncle (again) she helped by cutting vegetables though she forgets about cutting slices and changes to cutting cubes midway - the stir fry was a myriad of vegetable shapes.

Travel sketches - Boey Chong Kee, People's Court

This little cluster of public housing is off Lebuh Cintra in Penang, many know this place for the old Cantonese restaurant on the ground floor of one of the flats - Boey Chong Kee. I like it for the clever use of a simple grid elevation to create the right balance of exposure and shade with concrete, steel and the right amount of timber (doors and windows). I like it because I know someone sat down and thought about it and drew up several options (and decide on the best). I like it for its 'hidden away' charm - I always have to look for it and once I get there, it is like stepping back in time.

Travel sketches - Georgetown

I thought it would be a good idea for Sean to travel with me to Penang when I visit my job-sites - he could eat some nice food, meet my friends at work and we can do some sketching. And if time allows, we can talk about his studies and plans for next year.