Lombok

Penerbangan ke Lombok mengambil masa 3 jam 5 minit dari Kuala Lumpur. 'Long overshadowed by its superstar neighbour across the Lombok Strait there's a steady hum about Lombok that catches the ear of travellers looking for something different from Bali.' - Lonely Planet

Kedai Pak Sudirman Antiques yang terletak di Senggigi ini seakan-akan muzium. Tuan kedai sangat peramah dan mudah berbicara tentang antik walaupun saya banyak bertanya. 

Oddities

This humanlike skull belongs to the crab-eating macaque (Macaca fascicularis), also known as the long-tailed macaque. Crab-eating macaques typically do not consume crabs; rather, they are opportunistic omnivores, eating a variety of animals and plants.

Coconut-eating human

Kwong Yuan Loong

My friend and I made a trip to the Bidor parang blacksmith late last year (29 December 2014). Claimed to be one of the best parang makers in Malaysia with 80 years of experience, Kwong Yuan Loong parangs are famous for their hardiness along with their ability to keep a sharp edge.

The unreliable Garmin failed to comply so a kind local brother drew us this map.

Process of making a Bidor parang, 100% Malaysian.

Square 1 Cent Coin

Pari masak assam brunch at 10:32 AM.

1 cent coin found on 17 January 2015. Back in the days, could it have paid a plate of rice or more.

The British Government in the Straits Settlements: Bronze coins issued during the reign of King George V (1910-1936)

1 Cent

Coins of the Board of Commissioners of Currency Malaya (1939-1952)

1 Cent

Coins issued by the Board of Commissioners of Currency Malaya and British Borneo (1953-1961)

The obverse of the coins bore the portrait of Queen Elizabeth II. The first issues in 1953 were 5 and 10 cents coins, followed by 20 and 50 cents coins in 1954, and a 1 cent square bronze coin in 1956.

Princess Elizabeth is called "Lilibet" by close family, a nickname she got because she couldn't pronounce her own name. Her father, King George VI, used to say, "Lilibet is my pride. Margaret is my joy."

SI HUP DISTILLERY Co. (1950)

Saturday 3 January 2015. Abandon?

Tokyo National Museum (東京国立博物館) Part 2

Interior of Honkan (Japanese Gallery)

Tachi Sword. By Unsho. Kamakura period, 14th century.

The Kamakura period (鎌倉時代, 1185–1333) is a period of Japanese history that marks the governance by the Kamakura shogunate, officially established in 1192 in Kamakura by the first shogun, Minamoto no Yoritomo. The period is known for the emergence of the samurai, the warrior caste, and for the establishment of feudalism in Japan.

Tachi Sword. Known as "Kiku-no-Onsaku". Attributed to Retired Emperor Gotaba. Kamakura period, 13th century.

Domaru Type Armor. With black leather lacing in katatsumadori style. Muromachi period, 15th century.

Attire of the Military Elite. Heian - Edo period

Katana Sword

Museum Garden and Teahouses. A large garden on the north side of Honkan adds seasonal color to the Tokyo National Museum, rich in flowers of each season. During the height of the cherry blossom season and the crimson foliage season it is open to the public. The five historic teahouses within the garden can be booked for tea ceremonies and other events, such as Haiku gatherings.

Hyokeikan

Tokyo National Museum (東京国立博物館) Part 1

Welcome to the Tokyo National Museum. Established in 1872, the Tokyo National Museum holds the world's largest collection of Japanese art, including ancient pottery, Buddhist sculptures, samurai swords, colourful ukiyo-e (woodblock prints), gorgeous kimonos and much, much more. The museum is located inside Ueno Park in Taito, Tokyo. Admission is ¥620 for adults, less than RM20. Train: JR Yamanote line to Ueno, Ueno-kōen exit. If you visit only one museum in Tokyo, make it this one.

Museum Guide

The original Main Gallery (designed by the British architect Josiah Conder) was severely damaged in the Great Kanto Earthquake of 1923. In contrast to western style of the original structure, the design of the present Honkan by Watanabe Jin is the more eastern "Emperor's Crown Style." Construction began in 1932, and the building was opened in 1938.

Hyokeikan. Built in honor of the wedding of the Taisho crown prince, the name of this building means “to express congratulations.” It has been designated an Important Cultural Property as a representative example of Western style architecture of the late Meiji period (early 20th century).

Honkan (Japanese Gallery)