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:
It has become rare to even see public telephone. This one is fit for an icon or national flag.
Did it work? Lots of public phones here but not many actually work ..
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
It amazes me that you always manage to find such vivid colours everywhere in ordinary objects. Your eyes must be constantly on the lookout!
I love it! I can't remember the last time I even saw a pay phone much less such a colorful one. :)
I agree with Ayak ...such color! So fun!
outside of airports, i can't remember the last time i saw a public pay phone! good eye, sugar! xoxo
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.
Very striking!
Lovely bright colors. I wish we had pay phones that were as striking!
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)
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
My gosh David, if one was looking for this they would have no problem finding it....lol
Have a great weekend....:-) Hugs
OK...I'm humming the song now!!
Love both....the photo and that song!!!
Smiles,
Jackie
Happy colors and another delightful image. Have a great weekend David.
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
Not so much a phone, more a work of art I'd say.
Sure is, David.
And the way things are going with mobiles, it may become a collector's item.
Gorgeous, vibrant colours.
Thanks, RuneE - great thought
Daryl, I should have tried making a call - but I didn't have your number with me.
Thanks, Maggie - stopped me in my tracks, for sure!
Yes, Ayak, I think I'm always on the lookout for anything quirky!
Thanks so muc, Kat - that was definitely a big part of the fascination for me.
Glad you enjoyed the colour, Lailani!
You're right, Savannah - airports are the last bastion!
That is such a wonderful story, Jules - thanks so much for sharing it with us.
Thanks, Akelamalu - glad you liked this one!
Thank you, Suldog, I was delighted when I saw those bright colours!
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!
Hi Bernie - aren't those colours special!
Hi Joanna - I actually saw a lot of public phone booths in NYC but never checked whether the phone were functioning.
Glad the song resonates, Jackie!
Thanks, Denise - those colours were very arresting.
Thanks Eddie - glad the song is all-pervading!
Jenny - I'd love to know who designed the display.
You're so right, Mimi. We don't see a lot of them now!
of course i now have that song stuck in my head...smiles. nice phone....
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
Thanks so much, Brian. Next time I'm there, I'll check if it works! I'll call you, OK?
So very kind of you to say so, Janine. Yes, I had my camera around my neck ALL the time we were in Malaysia!
Wow, I wouldn't be surprised if it actually glows in the dark!
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