Today, and Tomorrow

My family took a bus, which we had not taken for years, from jetty to Kimberly Street for dinner before we walked to Esplanade to start countdown. It was New Year eve, and the temperature was high at that place, driving to there was not advisable.

Street scene from inside of a bus

We thought of a different new year, but the moon was revolving in the same manner, quietly in the dark sky, no matter it was 31st of December, 2009 or 1st of January, 2010.

The moment Jubilee Clock Tower struck twelve o'clock, the mynas started to scream and fly wild, not to celebrate new year, but were disturbed by the explosion sounds of the fireworks.

And then we started off 2010 with flying colours.

Will there be any difference between today and tomorrow? Or tomorrow will just be another continuity of today?

Mengkuang Dam

What can I tell from a picture?

First of all, if you have followed me regularly, you can tell it is Mengkuang Dam, and I have almost pictured its full view from Cerok Tokun.

The far left corner with green patch of grasses is where the entrance and car park are located. The well visible pathway until the sharp tip at the top is a portion of the jogging trek, another part is hidden behind the woods from the entrance to the the right after the first bend and goes uphill and down, until then, there is a junction. If you choose the right turn, there is a durian plantation waiting for you, or there is a long long way for you to further you trekking, along the dam, alone, ascending and descending, and adventurous, as shown in the picture, if you choose the left turn.

I usually spend around half and hour jogging at the normal jogging trail. Mengkuang Dam is not too far from BM town or Berapit. If you would like to hike with me, Cerok Tokun is slightly further away, but you can have its clear view from both places.

I am writing this because I have received an email asking where one can go trekking nearby Berapit. And I am happy if I can answer correctly.

I have read these in the Internet:

In 1904, the New Year's ball dropped for the first time in Times Square, New York City. In Japan, everyone laughs at the stroke of midnight to ensure good luck in the New Year. In Philippines, children jump ten times when the clock strikes twelve, hoping to grow taller in the new year. In Mexico, some people take out their suitcases and walk around the block, hoping it would help them travel during the next year.

Have a great New Year! I have started counting: 100, 99, 98, 97, 96.....

Are Birds Educated?

Are birds educated? Do they attend classes like we do? If yes, do they ever skip school like some of us?

I am not too crazy to ask this question. It has its own reason.

I saw a Kingfisher perching at this signboard which read as "a restricted area", and you can read the universal language as an alternative.

"A man is holding a rifle, the other is shot".

This educated Kingfisher was laughing. No bird was shot.

It was laughing so loud and was teasing me with its mouth wide open, body shook to left and right, up and down. Though impolite, and somehow its body language hurt me, it was picturing the truth. The truth is sometimes cruel.

I turned away from the place which was intended to be my paradise, where I had spent many hours taking pictures, pondering and observing. This educated Kingfisher simply shied me away, from the dam this morning.

Colours of Shadow

I had asked this question since the early morning, and continued while I was in front of my notebook. I went hiking, and did some garden jobs in between, the question followed.

What is the colour of a shadow? A trivial question? Is black the answer?

Internet told me when we stand in the sunlight, some of the light is stopped while other rays pass on in a straight-line path. A shadow is formed where light ray cannot reach. Then a shadow should be in black, this is the law of Nature.

But trees told me differently when I was at Cerok Tokun. That is only an assumption of human which cannot be applied in the kingdom of trees. They insisted.

Yes, I shall honestly not to argue. All advices from my friends are valuable.

As I followed, I noticed their "shadows" appeared to be reflecting the original colours and were very lively. Then there is no reson shadows must be in black?

The "shadows" were seen twisting and dancing with the ripples, and I was reminded to record down this moment while being too focus on this beauty, and that of the blue sky with white fluffy cloud.

I was led to the shady area again. Everyone of these trees was simply too overwhelmed with my trivial issue. They showed me more evidence.

And finally I have to agree that shadows are not limited to only black. They are colourful.

A Yellow-bellied Bulbul

Everything seemed to be quiet this morning. The sky was not as blue as before, and no breeze was whispering through the little leaves.

The only two monkeys around were too happy to enjoy their sweet moment.

As I was moving away, I spotted a Yellow-bellied Bulbul, (if I am right, but the tail looks slightly long for a Bulbul) perching at the same guide rail where a Kingfisher was seen a few weeks back.

It was then seen strolling along the rail, back and forth, like what could be seen at a circus.

And then it made an intentional dive the moment I started my continuous shooting mode. This is what we call consensus whereby no talking is required.

It landed at the side of the pathway, and started to stroll again. Flying might be too tired at one time, and walking would be more relaxing. Hmmm... I must be right. If I am able to fly, will I feel the same while flying against the gravity?

I rather prefer to stand firmly on a solid ground.

What if I pull an emergency stop during the flight? What if I get tired half way up in the sky? What if .......

The Bulbul was bored with my many what if's, it flew to another lower level, to the top of the overflow passageway. It was thirsty. It needed some drinks.

But then my story was forced to end abruptly when we saw the monitor lizard. It might be heading towards its home at the top of the dam.

And everything had returned to normal within a minute. The Bulbul flew away. The lizard was out of sight.

It seemed like nothing had happened before.

(I have these problems for quite a long time. 1. Blogger reduces the size of my pictures immediately after they have been uploaded, no way for me to edit using Edit Html. 2. they are sometimes cannot be clicked to view. If someone can help, please tell me).