Johor Kaki's 7 Favourite Photos of Johor

HostelBookers initiated a meme for bloggers to submit their "7 Super Shots" according to 7 interesting themes set by them. Here are Johor Kaki's 7 responses to HostelBookers' 7 themes:

1. A photo that takes my breath away

Sorry to disappoint you, if you were expecting a picture of majestic high mountains or thundering waters leaving you breathless. Instead, my choice is a serene scene of a random night in Muar, Johor that calms the breath. This could be anywhere in Malaysia, at night. Hawkers take over the sidewalks when businesses close for the day at nightfall. No name push cart stalls with unheralded street hawkers serve delicious meals that most folks could afford easily. Enjoying bonding time with family and friends over a hot meal in peace and where time seemed to stand still, is a type of bliss, too often taken for granted.

2. A photo that makes me laugh/ smile

In Johor, we often see heartwarming scenes of three generation families dining together in the very same restaurant that the grandparents had grown old with. Caught this sight of two small boys, bright curious eyes peeling out from under the table while their parents and grandparents dine in the grand dame of Segamat restaurants, Shi Wei Fu. 

3. A photo that makes me dream

This is the place where the people of Johor Bahru come to dream - Hutan Bandar is a sanctuary in the rumbling, hustle and bustle of downtown JB. The old trees that ring the nature park are like old friends, always there to steadfastly shield us from noisy distractions, and give us the peace and tranquillity we need, to converse with our soul by escaping into our daydreams.

4. A photo that makes me think

See that slightly charred bits of fried bee hoon (rice vermicelli)? This is trade mark of Johor Bahru San Lou dry bee hoon - a style invented in JB in the 1970s. After the bee hoon is fried the normal way, it is pressed against a red hot wok to caramelise the outside and sear in the frying juices. It sets me thinking about the environment needed to spark such a deliciously creative twist, be accepted and allowed to flourish. Could it be the laissez faire, anything goes melting pot diversity that is Johor?

5. A photo that makes my mouth water

Just a simple picture of my favourite custard egg tart at a popular tim sum shop in Johor Bahru. The fragrant custard was so soft that it jiggled when we gingerly lifted the tart by pinching the crust together. The crust was so flaky it felt as though it would fall apart, if we stared at it too hard.

6. A photo that tells a story

Everybody has his/her own story and has something we can learn from. Notice the Penang registration on the moped? This mobile rojak buah (cut fruit salad) stall on a moped travelled more than 700 kilometres from the island of Penang all the way to Johor Bahru (JB) in search of customers. Nearly 20 years later, this street hawker settled down in JB, and built up a loyal following of fans who follow his mobile stall and trusty moped everywhere. Rojak man knew almost nothing about JB when he set off 20 years ago. All he knew was that he had something good to offer, and that he had the will to succeed. Makes me wonder how strong is my own self belief and willpower.

7. A photo that I am most proud (aka my worthy of National Geographic shot)

It was 9:00am. The traditional bakery in old downtown Johor Bahru had just opened for business, as it always had since 1937. The doorway was only slightly ajar. Customers and rays of morning sun stream in and was greeted by a full spread of traditional breads and welcomed by Mr Salahuddin in the winsome way that he had been doing all these years. 

    

Written by Tony Boey on 27 May 2012

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