Merdeka!

Happy 56th Independence Day to all Malay(si)ans!
Malaysiaku Berdaulat, Tanah Tumpahnya Darahku

Landmarks of Selangor: Wat Thai Buddhist Chetawan

I used to live in Petaling Jaya while studying at the University of Malaya in the early 70s and I do remember a beautiful white and gilded Buddhist temple building surrounded by green trees and a lake. But I never had the time (really?) to visit it then. In my current resolve to visit/revisit Selangor landmarks, I went with M to check out the architecture of this building recently.

The Wat Thai Buddhist Chetawan (Thai Buddhist Chetawan Temple) or simply Wat Chetawan is a fine Buddhist temple constructed and decorated in the Thai style. Built in 1962, it is located in Jalan Pantai, Petaling Jaya, and driving from Shah Alam, we found it easily using the GPS. No longer a single temple building (that I remember), the complex consists of several pavilions as well (mostly built 20 years after the main temple).

'In the glittering modern style of Rattanakosin or Bangkok School, the temple is raised on a low, moulded podium reached by a broad flight of steps. Two side doors lead from the entrance porch into the single space prayer hall where the sitting image of Buddha, ... is enthroned on an alter ... The doors and windows, ... show a slight inward taper, as do the main walls of the temple. The distinguishing feature of Thai temples is the three-stepped roof with spiky up-turned finials. The main chor fah ... is the frontmost, horn-shaped finial at the apex of the roof'.

The Bell pavilion used to be in a landscaped garden but is now flanked by new buildings, including the Amulet shops.

There are several buildings added on, including a pavilion with many holy images, facing the main temple. The Goddess of Mercy/Kuan Yin has her own pavilion nearby. Other buildings in the complex include the Dhammasala (Meditation Hall), the Columbrium, the Maitreya Buddha Pagoda, etc.

Ref: Landmarks of Selangor. Jugra Publications, 2003. 
28 August 2013

SA Garden Catalogue: Episcia Cupreata

The Episcia cupreata which I dub the 'red trumpet' is a trailing, free-flowering plant able to form a ground cover or droop over the edge of hanging pots. There are several varieties, distinguished by leaf colour patterns, but I only have one variety in my little garden. I would consider it an easy herbaceous plant to grow. In fact it is so easy to propagate by cuttings and grows well in partial sun or shade.

Common name: (Red trumpet)
Scientific name: Episcia cupreata
Family: African violet
Origin: Tropical America





The 'red trumpet' I have grows both on the ground and in containers. My 'starter' plant was given to me by my good neighbour some time ago and now there are these pretty red flowers and their velvety leaves to appreciate always.

Weather-wise, the late August rains seem to be very late, in fact the weather has just been very hot and balmy. It has rained very heavily just once last week and then, nothing but heat (and some pollution still from the Sumatran forest fires).

A Birthday Celebration at Marini's on 57

A very happy birthday to A from all in the family.

The birthday girl (CNB 2013)

The family (2013)

The view (CNB 2013)

(In progress)

Sunset 25.08.2013

A very orange sunset seen at Ampang today

(CNB 2013)

Note: Its International Women's Day today as well as A's birthday. Happy, happy ...

TKC 64-70 at Nik Mun's & Ani's

Yesterday at Nik Mun's in Subang Jaya
The 'gang'

The food - scrumptious blue nasi kerabu + + and for dessert, kopi luwak with akok + +

Then, at Ani's in Subang Permai
The 'gang' and friends

The food - yummylicious lamb & chicken mandi + +

Thank you Nik Mun & Ani for a great get together. (I seem to be lost for words, hence more visuals!)

A Stroll in the Taman Tasik Titiwangsa

Yellow bamboo by the Lake (CNB 2013)

Taman Tasik Titiwangsa in Jalan Temerloh is an oasis of green and serenity right in the middle of the city of Kuala Lumpur. Situated just behind the Istana Budaya and National Visual Arts Gallery, the city skyline from across the lake also include the KL Tower and the Petronas Twin Towers. M and I were there for the first time recently (yesterday, actually) and our stroll around the lake was indeed interesting because many trees there were in bloom. So for me it was more about photography in the great outdoors (than healthy exercise!).

The fountain and the KL city skyline (CNB 2013)

M at the start of our stroll around Lake Titiwangsa (CNB 2013)

The many flowering plants and trees contributing to the colours of the Taman Tasik Titiwangsa included pink Ixoras, yellow Saraca, white Pong-pong, the Rain tree, Bunga tanjung, etc.

A beautiful pong-pong tree by the lake (CNB 2013)

An old Rain tree (CNB 2013)

The end of my stroll around the lake (MB 2013)

But wait, its not the end yet. Here are just two of the colours (other than green) that I mentioned earlier.

Yellow Saraca (CNB 2013)

Pink Ixora (CNB 2013)