Sidewalk

I am going to share some of the people, places and things that I have discovered since being in India. Some in my neighborhood and others in nearby places.

Don’t worry. I am not going to share all of my discoveries at once.

This is my new tailor, Rajender. A happy, good-natured man.

Rajender sets up shop every day (except Sunday) on the sidewalk a block from our home.

I had noticed him on one of my strolls. I mean it is kind of hard not to notice him. He is literally on the sidewalk.

One day I thought I’d go and have a look. Check out this local business. But when I got a little closer there was a big crowd of men so I wimped out and kept going. I just didn’t want fourteen pairs of penetrating eyes on me while I tried to awkwardly make my small talk English understood.

The following day I swung by again. He was at the sewing machine with only one fellow sitting on a motor bike chatting with him. So I went over and introduced myself. Got his name. Asked his hours. Prices. His English isn’t great so the guy on the motor bike helped out a bit. I grabbed his telephone number and was on my way.

So the next day I gave him material to make four zippered pillows. I left him one to copy. He did a great job.

The following day I had him do my husband’s pants. He also fixed one of my T.J. Maxx bargains and hemmed a pair of my pants.

He is definitely not overcharging me. A new hem on my pants cost about $1.50 USD.

Anyway, a lovely fellow. Has a sweet daughter who is the same age as my youngest. She may or may not be learning how to sew. Seems to be more interested in her mobile phone. No different from most twenty year olds. Makes me chuckle.

I never imagined I’d be getting my tailoring needs met by a man on a sidewalk. But here I am. Now thinking it is the most normal thing in the world.

Every time I pass by, walking or in the car, I get a big wave and a smile from my new friend at the sidewalk stall.

I respond with my usual, “Hi! How’s things today? All good?”

They always seem to be all good.

Have a wonderful weekend, everyone! I hope it’s all good!

 

 

 

 

 

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Just Pause

Thought I would share some photos taken while I lived in Malaysia. They made me smile. Or laugh. Or shudder. Or just pause.

Who would try to feed that bad boy?

Ummm, okay. Not sure I would ever be a regular customer.

Why are people always complaining about hospital food?

I prayed, “Please don’t slip in your socks!” Most of the fellas go barefoot.

Not exactly sure what this is but I think I could use one.

Fast service no matter how long it takes. Good to know.

Needed cash so I was excited to see the ATM. Until. Sigh. It’s happened to me on more than one occasion.

Day at the zoo. Adult wristband. Validation!

I know it shows no right turn but that blinker was flashing anyway. Hope they’re okay.

Those folks obviously didn’t read the sign.

Dunkin Donuts. Not just donuts.

Sign in the hospital. Way to motivate.

Pretty birds just wandering around the neighborhood near school. On the correct side of the road.

So proud to have grown up in Ode Island. Malaysian heat toasted my bumper sticker.

When you’re not like the rest of the gang.

This photo was taken by a friend. LOL.

I will leave you with this one.

Who’s a mess? Amma mess.

 

 

 

 

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Smile and Pause

Just thought I would share some photos that made me smile. Or pause. All taken in Malaysia. I hope you enjoy them.

 

Just wondering if it’s the real thing?

I see these all the time. Always think it’s some type of obscene gesture.

Maybe the kids will eat their peas if we make them into cookies.

This guy washed up on an uninhabited island in Langkawi.

Repurposing taken to another level. A couple of my chums live on this street so I see this piece of art on a regular basis.

This is not my dog, Thumper. Rusty is a Thumper look-alike who belongs to a friend but I just love this photo. Because of Rusty, his shadow and the view of Kuala Lumpur.

It’s not a crime but it sort of is.

Fabulous mural but not sure about that gaping hole.

True confession time. I hit up McDonald’s once in awhile when I’m jonesing for a Big Mac. I was quite surprised to see that the Taro Pies had sold out so quickly.

Is the tailor a fat man? Or just his customers?

This is my Thumper. Always finds a sunbeam to soak up the sun. No matter the location.

Watching workmen and their safety practices across the way is enough to cause anyone anxiety. What I don’t understand is why the three ladders? No key to the house? Notice the first one-barely touching the landing.

This little lady was spotted by my friend while we were sitting at a lovely beach side restaurant in Langkawi. In the middle of the photo- not even a quarter of the way down. Mona Lisa? Jesus’ mom? Orphan from Les Miserables? Hey, is that Frankenstein about half way down to the right?

Have a wonderful week! I hope it’s filled with many smiles and a few pauses.

 

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