theartsyrabbit ;: Exploring the old town

Standing in these dusty streets, I realize this place is a window to the past: to a time of life's simpler pleasures - of home-cooking and gardening, of love and life. Instead of spending time in KL's glitzy shopping malls and metropolitan subways during the weekends, my parents organized a road trip down to Ipoh. I think it is really rare you get time to truly learn about, and look at the place (country) which you live in, the local area. I find it incredibly interesting to find new places, exploring new short cuts, ever after all that time I still wonder if there are loads of places I don't know in my own home town!

Taking time to stroll down the old Ipoh town, I notice there are so much personality in these little, narrow streets. You will find interesting mural paintings, beautiful antic cafes and gift shops, and (my favourite part) plenty of food stalls.

This is the Concubine Lane. I find the story behind the name of this lane really interesting. Back then, in this bustling tin-mining town, it is rumoured that the rich chinese tycoons kept their concubines and mistresses in the townhouses here. It was also a notorious opium den.

These eye-catching red and white umbrellas hang like a canopy in the narrow lane. Visitors are usually drawn to the sight to take picture or come close to see the umbrellas.

Here's a photo of my sister getting excited over her flower-shaped cotton candy!

Ernest Zacharevic and his crazy mural talent never fails to amaze me every time! He actually made quite a name for himself for leaving a 'mark' in several places in Malaysia (Johor, Penang, Kuala Lumpur, even Singapore). According to sources, there are actually eight mural paintings in Ipoh old town.

1. A Paper Plane

2. Old Uncle With Coffee Cup

3. Trishaw

4. Hummingbird

Ipoh is absolutely a hotspot for bean sprout (ngar choi)! It is geographically located in mountainous surroundings so it is rich with water from limestone hills, allowing these bean sprouts to grow out to be crunchy.