Street Arts at Campbell Shopping Complex

"The aim of art is to represent not the outward appearance of things, but their inward significance." - Aristotle

(Warung Labu & Labi)

During a stroll along the back streets of Jalan Tengku Abdul Rahman, it is hard to miss the mural adorning the rear wall of the Campbell Shopping Complex. Once a bustling retail hub since the 1970s, Campbell remains a landmark of Kuala Lumpur’s commercial history, and the addition of street art has given it a refreshing new layer of character.

(With a rickshaw peddler)

(Old colonial houses)

(The old KL Train Station)

(A satay street seller)

The mural is part of the city’s expanding street art movement, which transforms overlooked alleys and walls into vibrant canvases. Its imagery draws inspiration from Malaysia’s post-colonial years, reflecting everyday life and cultural identity. For many Malaysians, the artwork stirs a sense of nostalgia, reminding them of childhood memories, traditional trades, and the changing face of the city.

(Vibrant coloured stairs of a Melaka house)

(A Panggung Wayang Gambar or Pawagam)

(Nasi kandar seller)

(Scene from Do-Re-Mi)

Stray Cats at Masjid At-Taiyyibin

"When a cat adopts you, there is nothing to be done about it except to put up with it until the wind changes.” - T.S. Eliot

(A playful permanent resident of the mosque)

For quite some time now, Masjid At-Taiyyibin has become a place where many cats and kittens are abandoned. At one point, more than ten strays could be seen roaming the mosque grounds, searching for food and shelter.

Some of these cats are healthy and playful, but many are weak, sick, or injured. A few kind-hearted people have been feeding them daily, but the sick ones especially, need medical care and attention.

I am allergic to cats, otherwise I would have adopted a few.

(Cute playful kittens ready for adoption)

(Some of the stray cats having a treat)

Moments to cherish...

“Grandchildren remind us that the most important lessons cannot be taught, only shared...”

(All in the family - Lunch at Dolly Dim Sum)

School holidays always bring a special kind of joy.

Having the five grandkids around fills the apartment with laughter and energy. They don’t have any fixed plans for this short break, but I know they’ll enjoy being together - whether it’s swimming, going for little outings, karaoke sessions, or simply relaxing at our Putramas Apartment with movies and games. Their parents are also planning a theme park trip, which will surely be a highlight.

These little moments of laughter and togetherness are what make the holidays special.

(Our five grandkids)

(A day trip to the Luge)

(An evening at KLCC)

(Holiday staycation at our Putramas Apartment)

(Arif and Aira all set to swim)

(Having fun at the pool)

(Hana, Alia and Aira)

(Arif and Amir)

A Journey Across Yunnan’s Living Heritage...

 “The road is obstructed and long, but if you walk it, you will arrive...” - Chinese proverb

(Yak-riding at Napahai Lake, Shangri-la)

Date: 24 August - 01 September 2025

Route: Kunming - Dali - Lijiang - Shangri-la
Travel Agent: Kembara Sufi

This marks our fourth journey into China, each visit adding another layer to our tapestry of travel. My first encounter was in 2003, when I attended a Banknote and Security Printing Seminar and later took a brief holiday in the classical gardens of Suzhou. In 2009, the two of us explored the imperial grandeur of Beijing for a week. Then, in 2013, we embarked on an epic adventure along the Silk Route, tracing the legendary path from Guangzhou through Xi’an, Dunhuang, Hami, Turpan, and Urumqi, all the way to Kashgar.

Now, more than a decade later, we set off on a new chapter: a 9-day journey into Yunnan. From the vibrant city of Kunming to the serene beauty of Dali, the old-world charm of Lijiang, and finally the mystical landscapes of Shangri-la, this trip promises a blend of history, culture, and breathtaking natural scenery.

(Kembara Sufi group photo at KLIA)

The 9-day Yunnan itinerary:

Day 01: Jurassic Welcome At Kunming Airport...
Day 02: A Traditional Yunnan Dining Experience...
Day 03: A Joyful Mawlid Celebration At Nanmen Mosque...
Day 04: A Dragon Lying In The Clouds Of Snow Mountain...
Day 05: Double Rainbow at A Tibetan Town...
Day 06: Healing The Body, Balancing The Mind...
Day 07: From Tea Treasures to Trendy Streets...
Day 08: Lost Among A Maze of Rocks...
Day 09: End Of The Journey...

Travel is never just about the places we visit, but also about the people we meet, the cultures we encounter, and the stories we carry home.

Next Trip: Jejak Wali Songo, Indonesia

My Travel Blog: munmus.blogspot.com

Hatyai - The gang 55-year Anniversary Reunion...

 "With old friends, you can pick up right where you left off, no matter how much time has passed..."

(Big Five: 1970 - 2025)

Date: 24 - 26 July 2025

Activity: Big 5 and the gang Reunion

Hotel: The Regency Hotel, Hat Yai

When they invited me to join our 55-year comradeship reunion in Hat Yai, I hesitated. We’d barely been back from our Central American trip for two weeks, and I was still recovering from both the jet lag and the mountain of laundry. My Muslimah classes had just resumed, and I was determined to catch up. But then I thought, fifty-five years! That’s not just a reunion, that’s a historic summit. Who knows if we’d all still be able to make it to the 60th? My sensible side told me to stay home; my heart and maybe my curiosity told me to go.

 

(The gang from Kota Bharu)

(Big Five - 55 years of comradeship)

So hubby and I packed our bags, tucked in a packet of panadols and a bottle of yoko-yoko for emergencies, and drove to Hat Yai via Bukit Kayu Hitam. The rest of the gang came in a van from Kota Bharu via Tak Bai. When we reached the Regency Hotel Hat Yai, the rest had already checked-in.

(Breakfast at Chabura Dimsum Restaurant)

The hotel is situated very near Lee Garden Night Market. The moment we stepped off, the air hit us, a heady mix of sizzling satay smoke, sweet mangoes, and the occasional waft of grilled squid. Street vendors called out cheerfully, motorbikes zipped past, and the whole area hummed with energy.

When the gang met at the lobby, it was like stepping into a time machine. The young faces I remembered had been replaced with older, wiser ones though the mischievous smiles were exactly the same. We swapped stories, compared medical prescriptions, and laughed until our sides hurt.

 

(Kayson Souvenir Shop - One Stop Centre)

(Leather goods and souvenirs at Nora Plaza)

(A stop for fresh honey and delicious ice-cream)

We thronged the crowd in the markets and plazas, pretending not to be tempted by the fried chicken stalls and roadside souvenir shops. And later wandered through the night bazaar under strings of glowing lights. The years melted away in between the jokes, the food, and the shared silences only old friends can enjoy. We had a whole day to ourselves, wondering in and out of eateries and shopped till we drop!

(Khlong Hae Buffet Seafood Restaurant)

(BBQ and Shabu2 style buffet, eat as much as you can!)

(A visit at the Khlong Hae Floating Market)

I came home tired, but my heart felt light. Sometimes, catching up with friends is worth pausing the rest of life for. Even if it means a recurring backaches and an extra pile of laundry waiting when we get back.

Next Trip: Kembara Wilayah Yunnan

My Travel Blog: munmus.blogspot.com