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Cecilia Lim | all galleries >> travel >> malaysia > Fun In the Slums
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3 September 2007 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Fun In the Slums

Badminton is the nation's favourite sport, along with soccer. These boys play in the open without parental supervision. Expensive luxuries like computers and video games have not caught up in this poor area of Kampung Baru. Life in this village is still laid back although it is located right in the heart of the city. It reminds me of the times back in the day when children played outdoors and didn't have a care in the world. Parents didn't have to be worried about crime or kidnapping, and children did not have to worry about so many school responsibilites.


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Cecilia Lim11-Jul-2008 21:25
Thanks Cecilia W for sharing your delightful thoughts on this image. Making action shots like this is always nerve-wracking, mainly because you never know where the shuttlecock or players are headed, so it's always either a hit or miss shot. When I was reviewing this image, I thanked my lucky stars because the shuttlecock just made it within the frame and just in enough to create that tension. And I share Phil's sentiments about your vivid description of the white house! It's just like a silent supportive umpire, swaying on the edge of its seat with every suspenseful swish of the racquet!
Phil Douglis10-Jul-2008 22:29
Ceci's reference to "a large parent with no mouth" is one of the most vivid descriptions I've ever seen below a photograph. I can't look at this image in the same way again. Ever.
Guest 09-Jul-2008 19:00
As an avid competitive badminton player (till I developed some health challenges recently) I have seen how the Malasians (and Japanese, and Chinese, Indians, Philipinos, etc) can play: with verve, tremendous speed and grace, and so ferociously that many Western players almost do not stand a chance against them. This is an amazing shot, with the shuttlecock at the apex, two little boys swatting away and a house that seems to be about to fall over between them, like a large parent with no mouth keeping track of the score. Wonderful!