Unseen Faces, Unheard Voices

I love the Kampar main market. Well, there isn't any other. I love the simplicity of the sellers. I have intrigued by these women sellers who trade their wares which such intensity. I bet they have been doing these for years. The reason why I think Kampar is an amazing time capsule: old pre-war buildings and people. I saw a 1914 Long Banes clock on the preface of a building today which still works. The town is three parallel blocks of buildings, no higher that two stories. All intersected by 100 metre lanes with names like Jalan Market, Jalan Masjid and etc. You have the obligatory banks and many hair saloons (I marvel at the wisdom of having one at every junction). I love the choice of food you can get at the thriving food court next to the market. Not as segregated as you would find in most big cities and towns. Here people are fine selling their wares next to each other. People are of an older generation, you get the random toothless grin from perfect strangers. It is quite...

Day 01 Kampar is a small town. Let me reiterate small and quaint. It felt as if one's starting over again in a new place, new time and with new people. At an age when nothing should be surprising or shocking, I find myself often surprised. Living just 2 hours from Kuala Lumpur makes a huge difference to one's world view. The buildings are old, pre-war perhaps. I found myself making references to Banting in the 90's. Well, Banting has its on charms, which I am certain Kampar also possesses. Yet, I have not had the privilege of experiencing this. I sat scribbling away in my journal while waiting to be served at CIMB (banking apparently is up-to-date with KL). I was amazed at how even my heart rate has slowed down and I have become more inward looking. I did not have to opportunity to explore the town much, battling the heat was really a challenge. I found myself ducking into air-conditioned environments. Shamin in his infinite wisdom made a comment, "There's hot,...