Jungle Tombs, Cemetery Picnic & Cat Cafe
Cemetery research in the jungles of Malaysia, Oakland's annual cemetery picnic, a man who lives in a burial ground, and more!
Since my last newsletter, I’ve enjoyed world cemetery research in Singapore and Penang. This has been fascinating and so helpful as I write my new book, Around the World in 80 Graves.
The photo above was taken on my birthday at Batu Caves - also in Malaysia. Alas, between writing the new book and my monthly magazine article, I’m simply not able to keep up with photo essays as we travel, but rest assured that I will keep them coming even after we return home.
As I write you today, our cruise ship is steaming to Mauritius — a little island east of Africa that is the former home of the Dodo bird. I'm trying to connect with a local historian for a cemetery tour there, but my wifi keeps dropping. I’ll let you know how it goes in the next newsletter.
Here’s what I’ve got for you in this issue—
World Cemetery Research: Singapore, Penang (& a cat cafe!)
Symbols: Shamrocks vs Clovers
Italy Tour: Official itinerary
Texas Event: Oakwood
ICYMI: New Cemetery Book!
1. Cemetery Research: Singapore, Penang (& a cat cafe!)
Speaking of cemetery tours, the one I booked in Singapore did not go to plan. Four tour attendees showed, but no guides!
Thankfully, the folks who showed up for the tour were super friendly, and eager to share helpful insights about local customs and tombstone symbols with me as we traipsed through the lush jungle burial ground together.
Turns out I’ve got a lot to learn about enigmatic motifs such as “golden boy” and “lotus girl,” among many other new-to-me cemetery symbols.
As for wildlife, birds and butterflies were everywhere. While I didn’t see any wild boar this time, monkeys quietly patrolled the tombs for tasty grave goods, such as rice left behind as offerings.
Jewish Cemetery in Penang
Later that week in Penang, Larry and I visited what claims to be the oldest Jewish cemetery in Southeast Asia. With no Jewish community left in the area, a Hindu caretaker now lives in the cemetery in exchange for lodging. Luckily, our cabbie was able to translate, so that was very helpful.
Our cabbie also explained the significance of a pair of altars placed in front of the cemetery—altars meant to appeal to Hindu gods to protect the Jewish graves within.
I find all this cultural cross-pollination fascinating, don’t you?
Malaysian Cat Cafe
After our cemetery visit, Larry and I headed to Munchkin and the Gang—a delightful cat café that provided a much-needed respite from Penang’s sweltering heat. While we both enjoyed refreshing iced coffee and prawn pasta, I was aslo in dire need of some feline therapy.
While other customers attempted to pet the kitties and snap selfies with them, I grabbed a toy and began playing with one. Before I knew it, I was surrounded by a playful mob of cats, all eager to join in.
After a fun-filled session of frolic and games, they finally settled down and began to cuddle. One little cat even leaned against me while taking a nap —though I had to part with her when our food arrived.
Historic cemeteries, great food, and cats? What more could I ask for?
2. Cemetery Symbols: Shamrock vs Clovers
With St. Patrick’s day around the corner, do you know the difference between clovers and shamrocks? Do you know their history and symbolic meanings?
My latest article for American Cemetery & Cremation explains all that and more. Check it out here: Cemetery Symbols Shamrocks vs Clovers.
3. Italy Tour: Official itinerary
The historic cemetery tour is really shaping up! Not only have we had our first sign ups (whoo hoo!!!) but Lisa Statkus has put together another exciting itinerary of burial grounds in Italy.
Will you be joining us?
Here’s the itinerary & registration info: 2025 Cemetery Symbols Tour in Italy
Curious what to expect? Read this: History & Fun in Italy’s Cemeteries
4. Oakland Cemetery: Picnic & Historic Marker Dedication
For those in North Texas, here’s a wonderful cemetery event you won’t want to miss! A big thank you to newsletter reader Linda Hagedorn Finley for tipping me off to this delightful gathering on April 5th at Oakland Cemetery in Dallas, Texas.
Although I'll be traveling and regretfully missing it, I can’t help but rave about the event. It takes place at a stunning historic burial ground in Dallas, and the BBQ served at the annual picnics is absolutely top-notch!
This year’s picnic is especially meaningful because it features the unveiling of their long-awaited Texas Historical Marker.
Attendees can also enjoy a festive picnic with BBQ lunch plates, a bake sale, plant sale, live music, silent auction, kids’ crafts, tours, and more—all to support the maintenance of this historic burial ground.
Full details can be found here: Oakland Cemetery 5th Annual Picnic
And if any of you reading this attend, please tag me on FB when you share photos and let me know how it goes! Oh - and say hi to everyone there for me, too.
5. ICYMI: Around the World in 80 Graves
In case you missed it: I’m writing a new book based on my historic cemetery travels and research. It’s called Around the World in 80 Graves. If you’d like an ARC (advance review copy) follow me over on Patreon. (That’s where I also share progress reports and so forth for those who enjoy a behind-the-scenes info.)
Questions? Comments?
Thanks so much for reading! If you have any questions or comments, I’d love to hear from you. Either way, I’ll pop into your email inbox again in a couple of weeks. Ciao for now! ~Tui
Wow! These are so neat! I love the pictures.