Penang was added to the Unesco World Heritage Sites last year and I personally believe that one place on the island which is so rich in history and culture is none other than the Armenian Street area. Look at the boys smiling happily - cos we found a parking lot easily right beside the Yap kongsi.
We continued our expedition with a visit to the famous Cheah Kongsi which was restored at a quite a princely sum. The Cheah Kongsi is the oldest of the five Straits Chinese Clan associations in Penang that was completed in 1873 by a pioneer settler named Cheah Em. Unlike the other clan houses, the Cheah Kongsi clan house is an impressive building fusing Malay, Chinese and European influences in traditional Straits Chinese fashion and the facade resembles the great temples and palaces in China.The temple has a classic Penang style that is a hybrid of Chinese temples with a Chinese courtyard, a mansion and a colonial bungalow that can be seen in the temple roof, side wings and the courtyard.
The Cheahs who originate from Sek Tong village in South China Sea are members of the Cheah association founded in 1820 by Penang’s pioneer settler Cheah Yam. Upon his death, his widow Ong Sin Neoh took charge. She created a trust body and laid down the rules, thus becoming the only woman ever wield such direct influence over a local Hokkien clan association.
The gateway to Cheah Kongsi from Armenian Street certainly masks the spectacular architectural beauty that lies within. Initially, the boys were apprehensive about what to expect so their faces showed their uneasiness despite this being their second trip.
Isn't this a sight to behold?
The Cheah Kongsi has a charming front lawn and serene distinctly courtyards. The mid-19th century temple building uniquely integrates the double storey porch bungalow plan with a distinctive Chinese courtyard building layout. The worship hall proper is located on the upper floor and whilst the clan’s office building is located within the compounds of the clan house.
Cheah Kongsi courtyard temple has also been partly converted into a museum to recapture the clan’s 183-year-old history. Several pieces of original furniture and artifacts that have been saved from the ravages of time and war are on display in thematic fashion in the temple’s various chambers.
The above area is in the side wings where reports of the Clan's activities and its historical background are displayed.
The lanterns above were used for official ceremonies. So much history that has been preserved because of people who care about their cultural heritage.
Feast your eyes on the unique architectural design of this section of the clan house.
I wish I had an architectural background in order to explain and wax lyrical about the whole building but you have to see it for yourself to believe me. Some parts are very quaint and unique. This red door reminds me so much of the martial arts movies that I used to watch as a teenager.
Look at the intricate and ornamental carvings of the panel. Exquisite!
I can imagine the type of discussions that must have been held in this room (pic above). From a very young age, I have always had a soft spot for antiques. Just wish I had the following in my collection...
More pics of items that they used ...
Soon. it was time to leave for the next spot. To be continued tomorrow because I am very tired after all the walking under the sweltering heat. Good night...
I spent four hours walking under the scorching sun with my younger boy and his best friend, Dex. No, we were not on a wild goose chase. Rather, we were on our second heritage trail (the first one was done in December 2007).
We started our 'expedition' with a visit to Little India. As we were walking down Market Street, we came across Chavri with his adorable seven-month poodle who was looking at us while sitting docilely in a play-pen.!!!
Then we headed for Mr. V. Muniam's stall where I usually get my favorite samosa, vadai, candy, halwa etc. He makes all the stuff he sells and has been doing that for over twenty years!! Mr. Muniam kindly taught the boys the name of the delicious stuff he sells including Mysore Paku, jelebi, gulab jamun, murukku, halwa etc.
Don't ask what I bought or how much we ate. A look at the lovely stuff is enough to whett your appetite!
Confession - I did buy the tempting beetroot halwa. The deep passionate shade of purple was just too much to resist. Its texture was calling me - "Buy me - taste me- take me home" so how could I resist? At the point of typing this, my dear hubby is enjoying it in the kitchen :-).
Next, we walked to different saree shops and yes, I was quite tempted to get one for myself but images of my saree reacting to gravity jolted me to reality and I decided it would be a lifetime of jeans and casuals. Perhaps one day, if ever I have a svelte figure.......;) that would be a different tale to tell. Take a look at Lakshimi's shop. The splash of vibrant colors strewn across the room gives the place such a light airy feeling.
This style seems to be in vogue as can be seen here - cannot remember the name of the shop. Sorry.
After a long tiring walk around Little India, I guess it was time to take a pic of the boys and then to have a cool refreshing drink.
Next stop - Armenian Street in the next post. Stay tuned for culture vulture Paula has loads to tell....after all, it was a four-hour heritage trail!
Years ago in Scotland, the Clark family had a dream. Clark and his wife worked and saved, making plans for their nine children and themselves to travel to the United States. It had taken years, but they had finally saved enough money and had gotten passports and reservations for the whole family on a new liner to the United States.
The entire family was filled with anticipation and excitement about their new life. However, seven days before their departure, the youngest son was bitten by a dog. The doctor sewed up the boy but hung a yellow sheet on the Clarks' front door. Because of the possibility of rabies, they were being quarantined for fourteen days.
The family's dreams were dashed. They would not be able to make the trip to America as they had planned. The father, filled with disappointment and anger, stomped to the dock to watch the ship leave - without the Clark family. The father shed tears of disappointment and cursed both his son and God for their misfortune.
Five days later, the tragic news spread throughout Scotland - the mighty Tittanic had sunk. The unsinkable ship had sunk, taking hundreds of lives with it. The Clark family was to have been on that ship, but because the son had been bitten by a dog, they were left behind in Scotland.
When Mr. Clark heard the news, he hugged his son and thanked him for saving the family. He thanked God for saving their lives and turning what he had felt was a tragedy into a blessing.
Although we may not always understand, all things happen for a reason.
-Author Unknown, Source Unknown-
