Bee Swarms, No Hives

Several weeks (months?) ago, a bee swarm showed up in some bushes along the side of my house.  As can be seen in the photo, it is the shape of an upside down tear-drop and is simply a mass of bees with no hive.  If one watches for a few minutes, a shiver will pass through the bees as they fan their queen who must be in the centre.

Come On Guys, Build a Hive!

According to online sources, bee swarms usually only stay in a location for a few days before moving on.  But, this swarm has stayed put and now I have noticed another new swarm forming high in the branches of one of our Tapak Kuda (Bauhinia) trees.  What is going on here?  Bee-keepers, advice please.

Something Old, Something New

I thought about running a contest to see which photo could best represent Malaysia in one snap.  Here would be one of my entries, which I have entitled "Something Old, Something New".

Something Old, Something New

A female colleague was eating breakfast at her desk one morning, enjoying Malaysia's national fare nasi lemak.  Nasi lemak is certainly something old in Malaysia.  In front of her was her notebook computer, which of course, represents the new.  When I first started at this particular school several years ago, I was the only one with a notebook computer.  Now everyone has one of their desk and it shows how quickly Malaysians will embrace new technology.  But, Malaysians are not so quick to adopt new foods as can be seen by the number of people eating nasi lemak every morning for breakfast.  And the same types of food are made for each and every wedding function, Hari Raya celebration meal and so forth.  Why so adventurous with technology, but not with culinary fare?