Pump Tales

Tucked away in the stone alleys of Kotor, this old water pump caught our eye.

Imagine the stories it could tell...

Such pumps were once vital communal lifelines before modern plumbing.

In the days before faucets and plumbing, village water pumps were more than just utilitarian spots—they were lively social hubs, places where stories flowed as freely as the water. But nestled among the daily chatter are some surprisingly enchanting legends of damsels at the pump…

💧 The Water Witch of Wiltshire
In an English village near the Salisbury Plain, an old legend tells of a mysterious young woman who always appeared at the village pump at dusk, drawing water with a silver pail. Locals whispered that she never aged and that her presence ensured the well never ran dry, even during droughts. She was dubbed the “Water Witch,” not out of fear, but reverence. Farmers left coins and flowers by the pump, hoping for good harvests.

💧 The Whispering Pump of Provence
In the south of France, it was believed that if a maiden whispered the name of her beloved into the water pump handle on the eve of Midsummer, she’d dream of him that very night. Many young girls, hearts fluttering with hopes of romance, would line up at the village square pump, giggling as they took turns whispering their secrets to the iron spout.

💧 The Danish Damsel and the Hidden Prince
One folktale from rural Denmark tells of a nobleman’s daughter disguised as a milkmaid who used the village pump to fetch water while hiding from enemies of the crown. The villagers, unaware of her true identity, protected her out of kindness. Years later, she returned as queen and had a decorative pump installed, inscribed with the words: “Where water flows, loyalty grows.”

I couldn’t find these tales on the internet, but they were stories told to us by our tour guide during our visit. They could be based on local oral traditions or embellished versions of older folklore—many such tales aren't officially documented online or in books, especially if they’re passed down through generations or shared informally by locals and guides.

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SHADOW SHOTS

Found some unexpected shadow shots on my phone—little surprises from moments I didn’t even realize were being captured. Funny how the camera sometimes sees more than we do. Accidental art?

I use the voice-activated option to take photos, and sometimes a loud sound triggers it without me realizing. It’s funny how the camera can capture those spontaneous moments I don’t even notice—feels like little surprises and unexpected art in the making!

I’d love to believe that those tiny AI mice were the ones behind the camera, capturing these moments with their little paws.

"The clearest way into the Universe is through a forest wilderness." – John Muir

ANTS CLIMBING A HILL

The Chinese dish , Ants Climbing A Hill,  has a vivid and imaginative name that perfectly describes its appearance. The dish consists of glass noodles (vermicelli) stir-fried with minced pork in a savory, spicy sauce. When served, the small bits of meat cling to the noodles, resembling tiny ants crawling up branches or vines—hence the poetic name.

THE STORY BEHIND THE NAME

One popular folk tale explains how this dish got its name:

Long ago, a poor woman in Sichuan province wanted to prepare a hearty meal for her family, but she only had a small amount of ground meat and some dried noodles. To make the dish seem more substantial, she cooked the noodles with the minced meat, stirring vigorously so the meat clung to the noodles. When she served it, her family noticed how the tiny pieces of meat looked like ants climbing up thin strands, and the name Ants Climbing a Hill was born.

Another possible reason for the name is that Sichuan cuisine is known for its poetic, metaphorical dish names, often drawing inspiration from nature and daily life.

STICKS BEATING THE COW

Yes! The dish is called Sticks Beating the Cow or Poles Whacking the Ox in English. The name comes from the visual similarity between the long yardlong beans (which resemble sticks or poles) and the act of beating the beef as it's being stir-fried.

It's a classic Cantonese stir-fry where the beef is tender and juicy, paired with the slightly crunchy texture of yardlong beans. The dish is often cooked with garlic, soy sauce, and sometimes fermented black beans for extra umami.

Chinese cuisine is full of dishes with funny or imaginative names like this. Instead of straightforward names, they often use humor, vivid imagery, or wordplay to make dishes more memorable and colorful. It’s part of the culture’s love for creativity in everyday life — even when it comes to food!

FROM THE TRAVEL ARCHIVES

Spotted at Fétiche Patisserie in Ljubljana: the stunning Buruberi (€7.90) — a blueberry-inspired dessert that looks more like modern art than something you’d eat.

Christmas magic that never clocks out

The Cats of Kotor

 Kotor, Montenegro, isn't just famous for its stunning medieval architecture and breathtaking bay views—it's also a paradise for cat lovers! As I wandered through its charming streets, I couldn't resist capturing the town's beloved feline residents and the delightful cat-themed souvenirs that celebrate them.

The cats of Kotor are more than just furry companions—they’re an integral part of the town’s history and charm!

 These cats are believed to be descendants of those brought by sailors over centuries of maritime trade, originally serving as skilled rodent hunters on ships and in the town.

Today, Kotor’s cats roam freely, embraced as a symbol of the city. Locals and visitors alike adore them, and their presence is celebrated through cat-themed souvenirs, a dedicated Cats Museum, and countless cozy spots where they bask in the sun. Many shops and restaurants leave out food and water, ensuring these beloved felines are well cared for.

Even at the hotel, I found myself in the company of a furry Montenegrin local! This sweet kitty reminded me that in Kotor, you're never too far from a purring friend!

Kotor’s cat charm lives on in its adorable souvenirs!

Can’t take a real cat home? 🐾 These irresistible  cat souvenirs are the next best thing! 🐈‍⬛🐈

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View from my Airbnb 😍

Quiet Repose

This tranquil columbarium, where my parents' ashes are lovingly interred, has become a haven of peace for me. Among the solemn statues and swaying palms, I always find solace—a quiet reminder of their presence and the enduring bonds of love and memory. There’s something strangely comforting being here—the quiet, the stillness, the sense of time pausing. It can feel like a place of quiet repose, where memories rest gently and love lingers in the silence.

The Seventh Step: A Fall, A Burden, and a Message for Us All

Not far from the columbarium, I found myself lingering in an unlikely spot—a quiet corner of the church carpark. It’s not where you’d expect to stop and reflect. But along the surrounding walls stood the outdoor Stations of the Cross, beautifully sculpted and deeply moving. Each one felt like a silent storyteller, etched in solemn relief. Station VII, in particular, held me still.

Jesus Falls the Second Time.

The Roman numeral VII, in striking gold, sits atop a pale, weathered tableau. Jesus, exhausted under the crushing weight of the cross, has collapsed again. Around Him, the world buzzes — soldiers, citizens, bystanders — each face frozen in time, each expression a question or an answer in itself.

This moment, this second fall, holds more than just the image of physical exhaustion. It speaks to the moments in our own lives when we fall — not just once, but again. When getting back up feels heavier than the burden we’re carrying. And yet, the journey continues.

I stood there in the shade of the church wall, cars passing by just a few steps away, and felt the strange collision of the sacred and the everyday. It reminded me that our faith isn’t confined to Sunday rituals or quiet chapels. Sometimes it’s written in plaster on a wall beside a carpark, whispering to us when we least expect it.

Because falling — even more than once — doesn’t mean we’ve failed. It means we are human. And like Christ, we rise again, not because we have to be strong all the time, but because grace meets us exactly where we fall.

DINNER - South Indian banana leaf rice

FROM THE TRAVEL ARCHIVES

Volendam

Before my visit to Volendam, I watched a video of the town set to One Way Wind by The Cats, and the melody stayed with me. The Cats were a Dutch rock band formed in Volendam in 1964, and their music had been a part of my childhood. As I walked through the charming streets, past the colorful Dutch-style houses with their neatly trimmed gables, nostalgia washed over me. The song I grew up on played in my head like a perfect soundtrack to the moment. The gentle sway of the fishing boats in the harbor, the aroma of fresh stroopwafels, and the crisp breeze off the water all seemed to move in harmony with the tune. Standing by the waterfront, I felt as if I had stepped into a memory, making my experience in Volendam even more magical and surreal.

                 

The Mysterious Shellfish

 If there's one thing I've learned from a few embarrassing encounters with food, it's this—if something looks too intimidating to eat, it's best left alone.

As I hesitated over a plate of strozzapreti topped with clams, mussels, and an intriguing, unusual-looking shellfish at a seaside restaurant in Rovinj, the passing waitress caught my uncertainty. It sat there untouched, the kind of shellfish that often gets discarded on the side of plates of the uninitiated.

“Ah, this one,” she said with a knowing smile. “Let me show you how it’s done.”

She guided me with clear, practiced ease. "See that fleshy bit at the joint? Give it a pull."

I did as she instructed, tugging hesitantly until, to my surprise, a small hole appeared.

“Now insert the tip of a knife into the hole and give it a twist,” she encouraged. I grabbed my knife, inserted the tip into the opening, and with a slight twist, the shell popped apart, revealing the briny, meaty interior—denser than a mussel, richer than a clam.

We were intrigued. You think you've encountered all the seafood the Mediterranean has to offer, only to be reminded of how much remains undiscovered.

Back in Malaysia, curiosity got the better of me. I messaged the restaurant on Facebook, asking what the shellfish was. They replied with the following image, explaining that it was a Kunjka or Noah's Ark clam—so named for its resemblance to a barnacled relic. Native to the Adriatic, it was rarely seen on menus beyond the region.

Translated from Croatian using the image feature in Google Translate.

image source - https://www.skitopisi.com.hr/

 One of the greatest joys of traveling is the thrill of uncovering something completely new and extraordinary—an experience that lingers in your memory, enriching your world and perspective.

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Lost in thought

Portal

Dinner—Northern Thai

Khao Kha Moo 

 Khao Kha Moo is a popular Thai dish consisting of braised pork leg served over rice. The name roughly translates to "stewed pig's leg with rice." It’s a flavorful and hearty dish known for its tender, melt-in-your-mouth pork and savory, aromatic broth.

Tom yam

Nam Prik Ong

Nam Prik Ong—a flavorful and aromatic Thai chili dip that is a specialty of northern Thailand. It combines the savory taste of minced pork, tomatoes, and spices to create a hearty and mildly spicy dip. It’s typically served with fresh vegetables and rice, making it a popular dish for communal eating.

Tod Mun Pla

Tod Mun Pla—aromatic fish cakes that are packed with flavor. These fish cakes are often served as a snack or appetizer, but they can also be part of a larger meal.

Fiery sky captured from my balcony

FROM THE TRAVEL ARCHIVES

The World’s Oldest Working Mechanical Clock – Salisbury Cathedral, c.1386

This mesmerizing tangle of iron gears and ropes is more than just a beautiful relic — it’s believed to be the oldest working mechanical clock in the world, dating back to 1386. Housed in Salisbury Cathedral in England, this clock has no face and no hands. Instead, it once rang a bell every hour, marking time with sound rather than sight.

Built entirely of iron and powered by descending weights, it uses a verge and foliot escapement — a brilliant bit of medieval engineering that predates the pendulum. What you see here is raw, rhythmic precision from a time long before electricity or springs.

Forgotten for centuries and rediscovered in 1928, this clock was lovingly restored and still ticks today — a living heartbeat of history, over six centuries strong

During my mom's funeral Mass, our parish priest shared a beautiful reflection, comparing life to a jigsaw puzzle. 

"Life is like a jigsaw puzzle. Unlike the puzzles we might buy in a store, we don’t get to see the full picture in advance, and we can't check the box for guidance. Each piece represents a moment, a decision, or a person we encounter. Sometimes we find pieces that fit perfectly, bringing clarity and satisfaction. At other times, we struggle with pieces that don’t seem to belong, causing frustration and confusion. Throughout it all, there’s a greater design—a picture that only God knows in its entirety. We trust that each piece, however small or seemingly insignificant, has its place and purpose in the grand tapestry of life. And only God, and God alone, determines when the puzzle is complete—when death, the final piece, falls into place."          Rev. Fr. Aloysius Tan

What a beautiful and profound metaphor! Father Aloysius' words encapsulate the mystery and faith intertwined in life's journey. It's such a comforting reminder that, even in times of confusion or struggle, there’s a greater purpose and design beyond what we can see.

Mom lived a long and full life, reaching the ripe old age of 103. In her final years, as dementia took hold and she no longer recognized us, she often questioned why her journey was so long—why God had not taken her sooner. Yet when the time finally came, there were no tears at her funeral—only joy and gratitude that she was at peace at last, reunited with Dad in heaven. Her journey was long, sometimes painfully so, but now she is whole again, free from confusion, and finally home.