The name Dato Keramat means a Muslim shrine, usually to a holy man or ascetic. It probably refers to a shrine somewhere near Kampung Makam, where there has been a Muslim settlement predating the opening of George Town by Francis Light. During those early days, the settlers travelled upriver by boat. Today, however, boat traffic is largely forgotten - the river itself has also gotten too shallow to allow proper navigation. In any case, Dato Kramat Road is now the main artery connecting the inner city of George Town to the outskirts, which until the mid 20th century refers to Ayer Itam.
Unfortunately, one day when I sketching in Georgetown I was bitten in the toe by a red big ant. Local friend said to me “If you have a fever you have to go to see a doctor” I have had a little bit high fever and was down for about one week. I never go to see a doctor because, I don’t like the injection. After this incident, I use to bring along an insect killer spray to do sketching. We have to be careful about high temperature and ultraviolet rays and insects as well. We must never forget that we now live in the Equatorial Tropical zone!
