Kuching unique harmony

The mural painting strikes me as a reminder that I should get back to blogging more about this beautiful city.  Where once the wall was blank concrete it is now a work of art. The word 'harmony' speaks well of the uniqueness of Kuching in particular and Sarawak in general.  Go visit Kuching to see how integral is harmony in the daily lives of the people in the city.  It makes sense to visit a place where neighbours don't make war.

Retronovo Kuching

Main Bazaar street with its traditional charm, steep in history and retronovo look.

The Main Bazaar street in Kuching is the focus of visitors and tourists to this historical city.  The traditional shoplots built during the Brooke's and later colonial days still retain their old charm.  In some quarters of the city can be seen tinsmiths who continue to upheld their trade in earnest.  They continue to carry on with this specialised trade in shophouses for many generations.

A time-honoured occupation and still working in earnest...

 The front of these shophouses have received what I call a "retronovo' look.  It refers to attempts to make the old look new through contemporary renovation ideas.  It is a worthwhile and rewarding attempt by private initiatives to re-make Kuching especially the waterfront section of the city appear vibrant and relevant.  Kuching will continue to fascinate visitors to the city because it has managed to retain many significant historical buildings that can be a source of inspiration and unique experience for future travelers and tourists to the city. 

Retronovo look to traditional shoplots..

Kuching Waterfront Shophouses

I went to the Kuching Waterfront yesterday and took pictures of a few section of the shop houses that lined the waterfront area. These shop houses are filled with lots of souvenirs and handicraft works from Sarawak. It's a main tourist attraction area. Before I took shots of these colourful shophouses and can be seen here. Back from the city, I had the itch to try painting them in mixed media ( felt pen and water colour) . Well, feast your eyes!!

Kuching Waterfront Shop house, 18x14cm, mixed media.

China Street

This narrow lane is an off shot from the main Carpenter Street. Called 'Upper China Street' it is reminiscent of the early days of Kuching when streets were narrow and shop houses were the homes, business premise and playground all-in-one for the immigrant Chinese.