Saturday, October 30, 2010

Hello, is it me you're looking for?

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.

41 comments:

Rune Eide said...

It has become rare to even see public telephone. This one is fit for an icon or national flag.

Daryl said...

Did it work? Lots of public phones here but not many actually work ..

Maggie May said...

It is a lovely and (for me) quite unusual one...... and it works! Not like most of the public phones round here.
Maggie X

Nuts in May

Ayak said...

It amazes me that you always manage to find such vivid colours everywhere in ordinary objects. Your eyes must be constantly on the lookout!

Kat said...

I love it! I can't remember the last time I even saw a pay phone much less such a colorful one. :)

larkswing said...

I agree with Ayak ...such color! So fun!

savannah said...

outside of airports, i can't remember the last time i saw a public pay phone! good eye, sugar! xoxo

Jules~ said...

I 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.

Akelamalu said...

Very striking!

Suldog said...

Lovely bright colors. I wish we had pay phones that were as striking!

aims said...

Ours are very boring black and steel coloured. I'd be tempted to pick that up and try it because it's so cute.

Now of course - I'm going to be singing that song all day David! Drats! :0)

Joanna Jenkins said...

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.
But even when we had pay phone, they weren't as colorful as this.
Happy weekend, jj

Bernie said...

My gosh David, if one was looking for this they would have no problem finding it....lol
Have a great weekend....:-) Hugs

Jackie said...

OK...I'm humming the song now!!
Love both....the photo and that song!!!
Smiles,
Jackie

DeniseinVA said...

Happy colors and another delightful image. Have a great weekend David.

Eddie Bluelights said...

Well "Ring My Chimes"
Very colourful and posh, David.
Not like our stidgy ones in UK.

Watch out folks! Jackie is humming the Lionel Richie song! Hello LOL

jennyfreckles said...

Not so much a phone, more a work of art I'd say.

Mimi said...

Sure is, David.
And the way things are going with mobiles, it may become a collector's item.
Gorgeous, vibrant colours.

david mcmahon said...

Thanks, RuneE - great thought

david mcmahon said...

Daryl, I should have tried making a call - but I didn't have your number with me.

david mcmahon said...

Thanks, Maggie - stopped me in my tracks, for sure!

david mcmahon said...

Yes, Ayak, I think I'm always on the lookout for anything quirky!

david mcmahon said...

Thanks so muc, Kat - that was definitely a big part of the fascination for me.

david mcmahon said...

Glad you enjoyed the colour, Lailani!

david mcmahon said...

You're right, Savannah - airports are the last bastion!

david mcmahon said...

That is such a wonderful story, Jules - thanks so much for sharing it with us.

david mcmahon said...

Thanks, Akelamalu - glad you liked this one!

david mcmahon said...

Thank you, Suldog, I was delighted when I saw those bright colours!

david mcmahon said...

Aims, 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!

david mcmahon said...

Hi Bernie - aren't those colours special!

david mcmahon said...

Hi Joanna - I actually saw a lot of public phone booths in NYC but never checked whether the phone were functioning.

david mcmahon said...

Glad the song resonates, Jackie!

david mcmahon said...

Thanks, Denise - those colours were very arresting.

david mcmahon said...

Thanks Eddie - glad the song is all-pervading!

david mcmahon said...

Jenny - I'd love to know who designed the display.

david mcmahon said...

You're so right, Mimi. We don't see a lot of them now!

Brian Miller said...

of course i now have that song stuck in my head...smiles. nice phone....

Sniffles and Smiles said...

Fantastic 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

david mcmahon said...

Thanks so much, Brian. Next time I'm there, I'll check if it works! I'll call you, OK?

david mcmahon said...

So very kind of you to say so, Janine. Yes, I had my camera around my neck ALL the time we were in Malaysia!

Shrinky said...

Wow, I wouldn't be surprised if it actually glows in the dark!