Lost in paradise.

Bazar Karat, the art of street shopping.

annafauzi — Wed, 3 Jun 2015 21:07:00 GMT

In the heart of Johor Bahru there lies an alley which gathers various vendors and sellers. From old antiques to shoes, arts to jeans altering, the types of goods and services offered are many!

I was there few times and the surrounding were so lively everytime. Starting at the entrance you have few stalls selling accesories which exhibits creative beadworks that are handmade and available for adoption.

The alley stretches further with the view of old man selling vintage 'old school' army apparels such as boots, backpacks, medicinal canteens and random stuff you can ever imagine!

Straight ahead I found shoeseller with his artwork lined at the old building wall that stretches along the alley. These artworks screams to be adopted. Unfortunately I had not enough to take them home. I stopped and have a good chat with the owner, which managed to express his philosophy on life and what inspires his art.

Moving further there were toys and home accesories section, with families as the majority of the customers. Haggling on the prices of the bedsheet, towels and such. And like a hunter carrying their catch, they left the stall with the biggest grin and hands full if the bargaining process favors them.

I decided to stop at a turn where my favourite section stands; the FOOD stalls. Unique street food that might not be available anywhere else is my weakness, my calling. The 'satay ikan', the coconut shake drink, are among the menu listed.

If you ever stop by Johor Bahru, do visit this Bazar Karat and get to know where the locals hang out and do their shopping. Haggle wisely, take care of your belongings, eat and shop til you drop!

Crossing Borders Part. 1- Thailand Railway Style

annafauzi — Wed, 3 Jun 2015 18:17:00 GMT

“Attention to passengers boarding train 21 Express Senandung Langkawi to Butterworth and Hat Yai, please proceed to Gate A for departure. This train departs at 0930pm. Thank You.”

That was the announcement that set me on my feet, ready to rumble against hundreds other passengers in a race towards the coach. The train coach that we belong. The second whistle was heard when I barely made my way into my designated coach.

A moment later the train starts moving. The bustling sound of the engine, the whirling wind that blew at night all help adds the adrenaline rush. The adrenaline of adventure. I tossed my backpack on the bed and climbed on the top berth that I booked earlier. Thailand, I whispered, the foreign land that I will be arriving to when I woke up later.

The whole coach passengers were awake few hours later, and were busy tidying up their stuffs. I on the other hand start to wonder what was going on. My curiosity was answered shortly by the announcement made stating that we were reaching the border checkpoint, Padang Besar station. It was about 10 a.m. at the moment, as I lightheadedly pack my stuffs and dig my backpack pocket for my passport. It had been almost a 12 hour ride on the train, but it didn't feel so because of the good night sleep I had.

We flocked out from the train, I was just moving along with the crowd as I am still half asleep at the moment.

An hour and a half later, we’re done with the immigration checking and the train was set to go we again entered our designated coach.

Just around 25 minutes later the environment changes, there were vehicles with registration letters that I couldn’t read, school kids and old women in Tuk-Tuks. I made it, here I am! All this with half less than the cost of flying, a night journey that saves my accommodation budget and fun experience!

Arriving at the railway station barely means I can be relieved. There ahead lays massive crowds of Tuk-tuk touts waiting for customers, following them around and quoting their price. All you have to do is smile, and bargain for the right price.

I managed to get a Tuk-tuk that took us to the place where we can take a minivan to intended destination, Krabi, for the cheapest price. Upon arrival I had to wait for the minivan. It was worth the wait. Fun way it is, the bumpy ride in the minivan jam-packed with locals and I got the seat next to the driver who barely speak English. He tried to strike a conversation, offering his neck-rest pillow to make me comfy. Smiles were exchanged but it didnt make it less awkward. I tried to communicate as he seemed like a very nice man. All attempt failed.

Safe to say 20 hours later, from Kuala Lumpur and with various modes of transportation, I made it safely to my guesthouse. To those with fear of flying, take a journey via alternative transports, and enjoy the ride! Its easy: just buy your ticket, wait for the train, get on board, chuck your bag, get your ticket checked and proceed to deep slumber. Malaysia-Thailand via railway done!

Photos: Random Journeys

annafauzi — Wed, 27 May 2015 21:28:00 GMT

Just some random shots from journeys encountered or daily commutings.

A Thai Fishermen's Village

annafauzi — Mon, 25 May 2015 17:08:49 GMT

It was a small house, really, just an ordinary family house in the middle of a fishermen’s village...

The sun was hot and blazing in Krabi when we blasted off with a rented motorbike. The aim is to ride from Khongka Road to Khlong Tom to a place suggested to us, named the Emerald pool.

Barely being able to rely on the road signs that are in Thai writing and map that was torn into half due to the blasting wind; we followed our instincts and remained steadfast on the road.

A sharp turn to the left at a small junction near Khlong Tom district was made. It seemed right; it feels right, at least at that very moment. The road had become what can be described as a narrow pathway full of unsuspecting gravels and holes. There was no sign of people, just palm trees and wild bushes alongside the road until it came to a dramatic end. We stared in awe.

There ahead stood what seemed like a wharf and few men were managing their catch of the day, transferring them into a truck. It is a fishermen’s community!

The blue sky that mirrors the water, the boats perfectly floats next to each other on the crystal clear water as if it was arranged; the sound of kids’ laughter and the smell of freshly caught fishes fill the atmosphere. It was bountiful, serene, beyond what we bargained for. I heard a voice summoning in a language I did not understand. The next thing we knew we were in one of the houses, which accommodates the massive amount of people; probably two families under one roof.

Tea was served, on the hardwood plank floor where the old man and faces akin to him sat around us. The whole house typically resembles a hut, only slightly larger. There was no furniture, or even a television set. The kitchen is nakedly standing opposite to the entrance, where it shows a view of several women working together to prepare the meal. The faces surrounding us were as if they are wondering how and what bring us there. Sadly, language barrier had made smile as the only language comprehensible. The rest of the hours were spent just by admiring how lovely the atmosphere, the built of the house and the amazing welcoming people.

We left shortly after, as it seemed like not a very good idea to cruise in dark looking for a way back to our guesthouse. The inability to describe the exact location of the place remains, despite countless time tracing the map for signs of the paradise. Most probably it is meant to be. A paradise it shall remain, hidden from the pace of modernity.