Top 20 Photos of 2013 - #2

#2

At #2 is this photo taken at the Bukit Gambang Safari Park of the lion enclosure. One piece of glass separating man from animal. Everything is at peace because of the existence of this window. This was an opportunistic moment where beast and human aligned perfectly, facing the same direction. I love the contrast between colour and silhouette. The window provided the perfect frame to the picture. The handrail coming closer to the viewer gives a depth to the photo which I find stimulating. Incidentally, this was one of the very last photos I took before the focus on my camera busted and went to KL for repairs.

Top 20 Photos of 2013 - #5

#5

As I peered out of the hotel window to see the KL sky at night, I noticed one of the few rooms with the lights on and curtains open. There was also a lady standing by the window sending a message on her phone. It was an opportunity I had to take, and it turned out to be one of my favourite images of the whole year. The dull white walls of Vistana Hotel are complimented by the illuminated KL Tower beside, and contrasted by the sole human form in between.

Top 20 Photos of 2013 - #12

#12

I am torn when it comes to photos of my children to be included in Top Photos lists. Do I include a picture of my daughter just because she is my daughter and she's cute, or do I omit such an image as it's probably not as technically good as other landscape, nature or animal pictures? I really had a struggle with this one but I believe it is both physically cute and technically pretty. Lauren's hair, dress and sunglasses were all perfect, as were the natural surroundings of the KL Butterfly Park, which framed the image nicely on either side.

Back home from Kuching

So we are back home in Kuantan after more than a week in Kuching, on the island of Borneo.

I first set foot on Borneo in 2003 when doing a volunteer working contract. Kuching was different to Peninsular Malaysia and I fell in love with the place. I also met my wife's family before I fell in love with her at first sight!

I've been back to Kuching a number of times since the first visit. As of 2012, Kuching has changed a lot. There is improved infrastructure, buildings, shopping malls and hotels, along with KL-like traffic jams at times!

Lauren was so scared of almost everybody in Kuching, from grandparents to uncles to cousins. It made it a very difficult and stressful trip. Thankfully she absolutely loves her aunties!

Here are some photos of the people of Kuching, who made our trip interesting, fun and wholesome...

My wife and her sisters

To the left is my wife's grandma

Leah looked at the camera!

My wife's grandfather is 92 years old and asked me to try on his Iban waistcoat. I later wore it to my sister-in-law's engagement party.

My wife and her 4 sisters, their cousin Jenny on the far right; Aser (in the white shirt near the middle) is Florianna's fiance from Egypt; far left is Aser's friend Khaliel (unsure of exact spelling). Lauren was crying because she was scared of the Egyptians, Leah was just fine!

In KL preparing for our drive to the airport

At the airport waiting for our plane to Kuching

Eating the ever-gorgeous Kolo Mee at Hui Sing, Kuching

Two of my sisters-in-law, Anai and Urai, posing nicely at Lim Hock Ann Seafood restaurant in Buntal, Kuching, near Damai beach

Posing for a photo at The Hills mall, Kuching

Lauren and her aunty Urai buying some refreshments from a roadside stall in Kuching

It's good to be back home in Kuantan after the travelling. We all need a rest after a difficult time with the children. However, I miss Kuching, the sunset over the mountains, but most of all, I miss being with family. I'm not the kind of guy that enjoys being around other people for too long, but the people we were with in Kuching, made the trip memorable. 

Thanks to all those who helped us with accommodation and getting around!