In the wilderness of Borneo.

From left: Bill, Jusni, Jong and Alfred


Sunset that I shot with Bill and Alfred

Early morning outing with Bill, Alfred and Jong

My family trip to Kuching recently brought back wonderful memories. Sarawak is rich with nature and wonderful people. I had a day out with my Trek friends which we have never met in person. We had great time and I thank Bill, Jong and Alfred for their kind hospitality. Not to forget Rahman and wife who have been a great help in shipping us around and finally sent us off to the airport.

This is an email from Bill and many other kind words from critiques in Trek sites.

...when you open your email.

Well what can I say, Jusni. It turned out better than I expected, not just because I thought we could click well, but because you turned out to be nearer to my age too. So many things I would like to put them in words, including
.great family you have
.good passion on photography as shown in 1evening+1day
.glad you shared our day of routine in Kuching
.your photos failed in a small way to describe the real YOU [you
turned out better]
.my dream of going on motorbike tour; you too
.thank your wife for her thoughtful gifts
.TQ for use of your lens
.dozing off in my car - u r human after all
.in Malaysia, religious or other differences between us cannot split our harmony
.would be tempted to cross into Thai borders!

Glad that we met. I will let you post your 1st Kuching shots.

When you have chance, test Tamron 28-300mm [model A20] and let me know because I would consider buying that for travel. After I look for the Singapore Girls photo I took with 70-300mm, I still think expensive lens is not my priority choice unless I print poster size photos for professional work. I will carry on with prosumer lenses, despite constant push from Alftrek to buy that RM6k lens.

Bill's critique:

I know if I posted my sunset, then it will force you to sit on your PC and do something about TE, and here it comes from your Kodiang home.

Let me 1st tell you the story of a traveler from Kodiang. He brought a Lowepro bag of camera and accessories ready to conquer Kuching but he stayed here too short; he brought a beautiful wife [another trek member] and 2 lovely children. And the lady is so gracious to allow him one day totally off with us into the jungles. Thank you both for that.

We were supposed to meet the next day; but I could not resist to tempt him about the sunset and so I called him and told him I would come down to the hotel and meet him, because the sunset venue is just a short walking distance. This is the result of the endeavor. Thank you for your kind and generous note.

As to the photo of sunset, well very sharp and a good harvest of the earlier part of the evening. The best thing about TE meeting is that we get to shoot about the same scenes but all in many different styles and tastes. This one is a good one because, haha, I shot the same POV. Four eyes growing on 2 bodies cannot make a mistake?

Please dont blame me if your wife regrets not shooting this sunset scene; but she can make a comeback trip to 'break even' the score?

I like the tail wave after the boat passing through and the long reflected light on the water. Too bad that fishing boat is not slowing creeping into this frame; I know I waited but it never came. As for colors and tone, I have no comment because we both use Nikon cameras.

Thank you for the dedication. See you again in Kuching?

tfs, bill

p/s I just discovered running out of smileys, but who cares? I cannot wait to post one comment.

2. If you look at your Malaysia map, at least now you have 1 Sarawak :)

3. Perhaps we can take the family to Semporna islands, Sabah one day after careful planning?

4. TQ for the gifts; please remember us when you use your reading glasses lost in my car :)

5. crazy Kuching macro Nikon group!

6. please post your butterflies

7. last one : If not a driver, I should have shot how your head drooped around in the front seat while dozing off on the road :)) very cute old-boy sleeping under hot weather.


Alfred's critique:

Hello Jusni,
Haha, thanks for your beautiful photo and kind notes. It makes us feel proud of Kuching. We will surely drop by and attack Kodiang and its surrounding padi fields with our cameras one day, hopefully soon. One day for shooting in Sarawak is just too short, hope you and your wife will come back another time to make up for what you have missed during this trip.

Your post makes me jealous, it has such wonderful golden and blue sunset colours double up in the reflection. Never mind about that fishing boat which we all hope in vain for it to come into the frame, but the silky smooth waves in the FG make up for it. The long and fine string of reflection of the jetty's lamp adds a finishing touch to this superb photo.

Cheers
Alfred