Asian pre-Christmas

Kuala Lumpur

This trip was one of the highlights of 2023. Planned it long and carefully, even pushed myself a little to complete HSK2 (Chinese analog of A2) exam by the time of this travel.

I have heard many times about South-East Asia as about leisure destination with good weather in winter, cheap everything and hospital people. But I didn’t hear about places like Malaysia as a place for cultural or city travel that same often. And oh how cool was to find out it is actually the place to be enriched by cultural diversity and learn to see a very modern society, but in an equatorial setting.

This time I chose 3 film wanted to try: ReflxLab 800T – motion picture film with removed remjet, Kodak Ektar 100 and Kodak Gold 200. Trip started with ReflxLab.

It is not so easy to stop making photos of the Petronas towers. And the red halation caused by removed remjet work actually pretty cool here.

Green megapolis

Kuala Lumpur is full of plants, even in its heart there are parks and a many trees surrounded by 50+ stores buildings. A huge bird park – one of the largest in the world, caves, temples… 1 week was enough to just take a look on its highlights.

And catch a thought: “I could imagine myself living there one day”

Sometimes halation makes bright light object even brighter and warmer make it appear as if a lightbulb stuck inside of it. Still fun to experiment with this type of film.

Phuket

Very green, very bright, very watery. Was a bit worried of how Ektar will work, because of course I had checked reviews on this film before and they are quite different. Some people say it is great, some people says it is too saturated, too flat, punchy reds…

But for me it worked. The light wasn’t that great, but I think, you don’t always have to look for it. I saw these scenes for what they were: bright and open. Not everything turned out as well as I wanted. But I think this film is definitely needs more attempts, looks promising.

After Ektar was finished, it was time for Gold 200. And oh how well it works with the light. It naturally brings this nostalgic travel atmosphere. Of course, when you want it, it is great. When you don’t – it will still be there.

Near the nest

I waited for this plane for almost an hour. At first, at Phuket airport there were arrivals from that side, then it turned around and there were departures. I was a little sad because when the plane landed it was much closer and I wanted to see this giant 777 Very Close. How lucky was that right before his arrival, ATC reversed the approach pattern again, and I saw this beautiful car so close!

But there’s always that guy…

Dubai

Coming to this city for the first time in winter, perhaps you discover a different side of this place. Air conditioning works full throttle, despite the fact that it is only +24ºC outside. A constant buzzing noise as soon as you leaving one of an infinite cooled down to what it feels like a freezer temperature spaces.

The dominant, made of cold steel and glass, constantly advertises herself and the owner of her, which contributes to an uncomfortable feeling I still not able to comprehend fully.