Photograph copyright: DAVID McMAHON (Image ID: Malaysia2010-3437)As soon as I saw the word emblazoned in white on this public phone booth in central Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, in January this year, I thought of the Lionel Richie hit song, Hello.
This was very close to our hotel and I shot this image just after we had checked in, dropped our bags off and headed out to explore a city we hadn't seen in more than six months. In order to get this shot, I had to wait to get a clear field of vision on a busy footpath.
We saw more phone booths around the city, all in the same distinctive colour scheme - but none of them with the paint so fresh. I've seen some pretty interesting public phones around the world, but this one was up there with the best of them, for sure.
It has become rare to even see public telephone. This one is fit for an icon or national flag.
ReplyDeleteDid it work? Lots of public phones here but not many actually work ..
ReplyDeleteIt is a lovely and (for me) quite unusual one...... and it works! Not like most of the public phones round here.
ReplyDeleteMaggie X
Nuts in May
It amazes me that you always manage to find such vivid colours everywhere in ordinary objects. Your eyes must be constantly on the lookout!
ReplyDeleteI love it! I can't remember the last time I even saw a pay phone much less such a colorful one. :)
ReplyDeleteI agree with Ayak ...such color! So fun!
ReplyDeleteoutside of airports, i can't remember the last time i saw a public pay phone! good eye, sugar! xoxo
ReplyDeleteI started thinking that very same song. I agree with RuneE. It is very rare to see a public telephone anymore. My girls think they are quite the novelty. We came across one recently and both wanted change so that they could call someone...anyone. They just wanted to be able to say that they had used a pay phone.
ReplyDeleteVery striking!
ReplyDeleteLovely bright colors. I wish we had pay phones that were as striking!
ReplyDeleteOurs are very boring black and steel coloured. I'd be tempted to pick that up and try it because it's so cute.
ReplyDeleteNow of course - I'm going to be singing that song all day David! Drats! :0)
This makes me realize that I can't remember the last time I saw a pay phone in the US-- Cell phones have taken over and pay phones are missing in actions.
ReplyDeleteBut even when we had pay phone, they weren't as colorful as this.
Happy weekend, jj
My gosh David, if one was looking for this they would have no problem finding it....lol
ReplyDeleteHave a great weekend....:-) Hugs
OK...I'm humming the song now!!
ReplyDeleteLove both....the photo and that song!!!
Smiles,
Jackie
Happy colors and another delightful image. Have a great weekend David.
ReplyDeleteWell "Ring My Chimes"
ReplyDeleteVery colourful and posh, David.
Not like our stidgy ones in UK.
Watch out folks! Jackie is humming the Lionel Richie song! Hello LOL
Not so much a phone, more a work of art I'd say.
ReplyDeleteSure is, David.
ReplyDeleteAnd the way things are going with mobiles, it may become a collector's item.
Gorgeous, vibrant colours.
Thanks, RuneE - great thought
ReplyDeleteDaryl, I should have tried making a call - but I didn't have your number with me.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Maggie - stopped me in my tracks, for sure!
ReplyDeleteYes, Ayak, I think I'm always on the lookout for anything quirky!
ReplyDeleteThanks so muc, Kat - that was definitely a big part of the fascination for me.
ReplyDeleteGlad you enjoyed the colour, Lailani!
ReplyDeleteYou're right, Savannah - airports are the last bastion!
ReplyDeleteThat is such a wonderful story, Jules - thanks so much for sharing it with us.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Akelamalu - glad you liked this one!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Suldog, I was delighted when I saw those bright colours!
ReplyDeleteAims, you're right - I should have picked it up. Remind me to post about the time I once picked up a ringing phone in Alaska!
ReplyDeleteHi Bernie - aren't those colours special!
ReplyDeleteHi Joanna - I actually saw a lot of public phone booths in NYC but never checked whether the phone were functioning.
ReplyDeleteGlad the song resonates, Jackie!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Denise - those colours were very arresting.
ReplyDeleteThanks Eddie - glad the song is all-pervading!
ReplyDeleteJenny - I'd love to know who designed the display.
ReplyDeleteYou're so right, Mimi. We don't see a lot of them now!
ReplyDeleteof course i now have that song stuck in my head...smiles. nice phone....
ReplyDeleteFantastic color, David!!! You really are ALWAYS ready!!! I love this!! Who cares if it works? It's a terrific composition...I'm glad it was there for you to capture with your incredible photography :-)) Have a super weekend, my friend!! ~Janine
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, Brian. Next time I'm there, I'll check if it works! I'll call you, OK?
ReplyDeleteSo very kind of you to say so, Janine. Yes, I had my camera around my neck ALL the time we were in Malaysia!
ReplyDeleteWow, I wouldn't be surprised if it actually glows in the dark!
ReplyDelete