We knew no other place than this, where the blue and orange light of dawn peeks through the surrounding dark purple hills, piercing the thick fog left behind by the humid tropical night, where ancestors still search for their descendants, descendants who no longer remember them.
As you know, Penang is not just my hometown, it's my heart-town. It's the place my ancestors settled over a century (or more) ago. But Taiping, seriously, I really want to visit it if fate allows me. So far, three times, and I've not succeeded. I've spun a romantic tale where, in my past life, I've somehow offended the gods of Taiping haha.
Anyway, a colleague told me that there's this really famous Yong Tau Foo store in Taiping town that I need to try, so maybe my fourth attempt is the charm?
Taiping will always be there, ever receiving. I am sure you will get there eventually :)
Let me know when you try out that store and if you like it! I also recommend trying out Golden Corner for a simple bowl of Kai See Min (chicken noodle soup)! It's different from Ipoh's!
Twas beautiful writing, Rachel. I felt that i was walking around the main road where Slang Malam and Panorama hotel sits. (Well, not exactly, but somewhat there).
Was the old aunty selling wantan noodles along the KFC row already there?
Was it after 3 or before 3pm where the first raindrop counts? Haha.
Not to mention that food court where char kuey teow #46 is washed down with leng chee kang or ang tau kar. Brilliant.
There is beauty in life when we finally recognise that there isn't a separate one from the self.
I love your memories of Taiping! That's a good question about the raindrop count. And yes, the food—there were so many of them. What is the year range of your memories? My essay spans a few decades, mostly the 1970s-90s.
I remembered sporadic trips when i was younger, but those memories that stuck was of the early 2000s. That's when i had the good fortune of joining my (uni) senior's research projects in Matang.
And to think...i haven't even mentioned the food stuff from over then other side yet! Of the rojaks and train station gerais!
Rachel, what a beautiful piece about your hometown.
You’ve captured the feeling of growing up in a smaller, more rural place so eloquently; it reminds me of where I grew up (a tiny village on the cusp of a major metropolis) even though it’s on the other side of the world.
This makes me wish I’d stopped in Taiping on my way from Penang to Ipoh, really lovely work!
I love what you've written here about your hometown! Your words paint such a romantic picture. For me, the place that will always hold the most memory for me and that will always feel like my home is also the town I grew up in, Ipoh. ♥️
As you know, Penang is not just my hometown, it's my heart-town. It's the place my ancestors settled over a century (or more) ago. But Taiping, seriously, I really want to visit it if fate allows me. So far, three times, and I've not succeeded. I've spun a romantic tale where, in my past life, I've somehow offended the gods of Taiping haha.
Anyway, a colleague told me that there's this really famous Yong Tau Foo store in Taiping town that I need to try, so maybe my fourth attempt is the charm?
I like the term "heart-town"!
Taiping will always be there, ever receiving. I am sure you will get there eventually :)
Let me know when you try out that store and if you like it! I also recommend trying out Golden Corner for a simple bowl of Kai See Min (chicken noodle soup)! It's different from Ipoh's!
Twas beautiful writing, Rachel. I felt that i was walking around the main road where Slang Malam and Panorama hotel sits. (Well, not exactly, but somewhat there).
Was the old aunty selling wantan noodles along the KFC row already there?
Was it after 3 or before 3pm where the first raindrop counts? Haha.
Not to mention that food court where char kuey teow #46 is washed down with leng chee kang or ang tau kar. Brilliant.
There is beauty in life when we finally recognise that there isn't a separate one from the self.
I love your memories of Taiping! That's a good question about the raindrop count. And yes, the food—there were so many of them. What is the year range of your memories? My essay spans a few decades, mostly the 1970s-90s.
I remembered sporadic trips when i was younger, but those memories that stuck was of the early 2000s. That's when i had the good fortune of joining my (uni) senior's research projects in Matang.
And to think...i haven't even mentioned the food stuff from over then other side yet! Of the rojaks and train station gerais!
Enjoyed reading this. Have you seen the movie Rain Town? Caught it in cinemas in KL some two years ago. The setting was very atmospheric
Oh, thanks for reminding me about this movie. It's on my list, and I haven't gotten around to finding where I can watch it.
Rachel, what a beautiful piece about your hometown.
You’ve captured the feeling of growing up in a smaller, more rural place so eloquently; it reminds me of where I grew up (a tiny village on the cusp of a major metropolis) even though it’s on the other side of the world.
This makes me wish I’d stopped in Taiping on my way from Penang to Ipoh, really lovely work!
Thanks Ashleigh. I'm glad I captured the feeling that resonates—across the world, no less! Someday, there might be a chance to visit :)
Rachel, thank you for your reply, I hope so! 😌
A beautiful piece, Rachel!
Thank you, Ingrid ❤️
This is so beautifully written and so nice to learn a bit more about your hometown!
Thank you, Sophie!
I love what you've written here about your hometown! Your words paint such a romantic picture. For me, the place that will always hold the most memory for me and that will always feel like my home is also the town I grew up in, Ipoh. ♥️
Ipoh! Hello, neighbor. :) our hometowns are inextricably tied together.
Thanks, Ashley!