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kampung – a Malaysian village, simple and just so
Istanbul On My Mind
It has been 8 months since I stepped foot in Istanbul for the very first time, and little did I know that those 4 short days would ultimately lead to a feeling of homesickness. Except that Istanbul cannot be considered my home, since I don't speak the language, I've not contributed in any significant way […]
Posted in: Istanbul
This Thing They Call ‘Islamist’
February 3, 2011
Sometimes a word just creeps up on you and you don’t even know where it came from. That was how I felt upon hearing the word ‘Islamist’, a term which has suddenly become the word du jour in international politics and the world media, in light of the popular revoutions in Tunisia and Egypt. The […]
Posted in: Istanbul
A Rare Encounter on the Zeytinburnu tram
January 31, 2011
I looked around me and noticed a pretty Turkish girl standing about 1 or 2 metres away, in a red top and a yellow jacket. At the next stop, Beyazıt, an old woman, small and hunched and fragile, got on the tram and I quickly offered my seat. The girl seemed to smile, I’m not sure if giving up seats was a rare gesture in Istanbul, but I always appreciate a beautiful smile
Posted in: Istanbul
The Mosques of Istanbul
January 24, 2011
One of the highlights of my trip to Istanbul is visiting the many mosques that dot the city and dominate the skyline. The imperial mosques were built during the illustrious period of the Ottoman Empire, when the Sultan and members of his family – in particular the wives and daughters – would build mosques as […]
Posted in: Istanbul
Turkish Confidence and ‘Malaysia Boleh!’
January 16, 2011
One of the reasons for my fascination with Turkey is that I believe they are at a very important crossroads in their modern nation’s history. I remember reading a news article a few years ago, about the quiet revitalisation of Turkey’s economy, spearheaded by the devoutly Muslim mercantile class in the Turkish heartland of Anatolia. […]
Posted in: Istanbul, Malaysia Boleh!
Of the East and of the West
December 28, 2010
Crossing the Bosphorus, which separates the European and Asian parts of Istanbul, is one of the best and cheapest ways of absorbing the panoramic views of the city. Taking the ferry from Eminonu in the European side to Uskudar, I could see in the distance the silhouette of Topkapi Palace, Aya Sofya and the Blue […]
Posted in: Istanbul
Notes on Istanbul
December 27, 2010
Last month I had the pleasure of realising one of my dreams, to visit the ancient yet thoroughly modern city of Istanbul. My first taste of this city was both innocent and grand – a few long years ago I stumbled across a photo of the Aya Sofya in a tourism ad announcing Malaysia Airlines’ […]
Posted in: Uncategorized
Scenes from a footy match
August 30, 2010
Last weekend I went to the footy match between Collingwood and Hawthorn, two big Melbourne teams, of which I support neither (I go for the St Kilda Saints!). I became a footy fan during my years at uni, where I’ll have the TV switched on to a match while I’m cooking. Curiosity turned to interest, […]
Posted in: Melbourne
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kampunghouse 
July 4, 2011
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