Merry Christmas 2008

Merry Christmas 2008, everybody. May this Christmas brings you joy and happiness for a prosperous year of 2009 ahead. May your prayers bring peace and brotherhood to humankind the world over. The Catholics brothers and sisters of Sri Aman had their 'get-together' at the Catholic Church Our Lady Queen of Peace for the Christmas eve service. Fine weather in the early evening but the usual landas snowfall right after.

Some Christmas eve photos to share.

He's up there, looking upon us...by day

...and by night

All set... that's my boy Mark Ian with the incense's boat

'Through Mary To Jesus'

The Savior was born this very day for us but who will save us from our own destruction?

MERRY CHRISTMAS, HO...HO...HO...

Fishing and Patience

Fishing is a passion and a test of patience. Fishing enthusiasts will take anything, the heat, the rain, whatever. The catch may not be the BIG one here at the Sri Aman commercial wharf, but anglers will not take that as an excuse not to show up. I’m sure it’s all about the thrill. The thrill only anglers can feel.

The Batang Lupar is famous for the annual Tidal Bore Festival (Pesta Benak) and of course the ‘Bujang Senang’ but fishing seems to be more of a daily scene during the right tide of the day (or night). Well, bring along your gears if you happen to come to Sri Aman and test your patience.

The young ones ….. beating the heat of the day

The older ones ….

The big-biker …..

Fishing for cars-tomers needs patience, too. That’s my boy Arthur-Garret in the Santa head gear.

Salute you all, guys.

Batang Igan Ferry

Since posted to Matu in mid-September 2008, Batang Igan Ferry is now my new 'sakai'. Batang Igan Ferry is connecting the 50 km Mukah-Oya-Igan road with the Igan Ferry Point - Matu - Daro road of 66 km. The two ferries, named Benuong and Luyan, are ready to ply travellers across the Igan river daily from 6.00 am to 10.00 pm. The crossing takes around 10 minutes for a minimal charge of RM1.00 per car/mini-bus and more for bigger ones, of course.

Besides the 'preview' of the South China Sea at the mouth of the Batang Igan, the 'view' on the ferry itself seems to be more lively. From businessmen, government officials, farmers and fishermen - they become one, sharing the same view of Batang Igan. Sometimes sharing views and news, where strangers suddenly become friends during that 10-minute trip.

Sometimes a sudden isolation (like on the ferry) can turn strangers into friends. But we often forget about friends in our daily big city life. Of course, a friend in need is a friend indeed but does it mean - no needs no friends?

Where strangers become friends

'Beckham' prefers to enjoy the 'preview' of the South China Sea

Some Melanau tit-bits on board at 'factory' price