Chinatown

 Sara called and asked : Where are you, mama?

Mama: Chinatown?

Sara: There is a Chinatown ? I thought Singapore is like China? Still got Chinatown?

Singapore is like Malaysia; mufti-ethnicial.

I am surprised at her; so ill-informed.

My parents used to call it "gu chia chui" - I don't know why but it is the local name for the place.

Today it is deemed a heritage centre and where many flock to see and taste local cuisines and indulgences. Esther works around the place and I believe she likes it here. She gets to join in some fun after work and the feeling is just good. But it was Grace and Aaron who took us around the place last weekend. 

So, I get to mention all my children's names today.

Children are gifts from God; to love and cherish but they must also be told the need to be around their parents in their golden era. Well, that's at least what my hairdresser tells me. She says it's her constant reminder to her children the need to look after them when the need arises. I hope mine need not be told !

This shoe maker and vendor tirelessly cobbled shoes to the needs of customers and he reminded me of ours of Melaka. Oh , I forgot Singapore, Melaka and Penang are part of the Straits Settlement conglomerate and thickly under the Baba-Nyonya influence. I wanted to get a pair but gave up after seeing the queue.

Cheap and attractive; but they in Singapore dollars and after conversion may not be that cheap after all. Don't convert; I have been constantly chided by the girls but I can't help it.

Next, Chinese calligraphy and sayings of good fortune and wishes fill the streets. Everyone loves to be greeted with well-wishes and hope. Red is imminent to show good luck and everything prosperous. 

That's Aaron on the left trying his skills at calligraphy. All Chinese students here must learn the language as a second language. The parents must be thankful to the government ! When I diligently introduced to my girls when they were young; they rejected me. They had a choice; all they had to do is to show a bad attitude and I had to make a choice. To continue coaxing or throw my hard-earned money down the drain. In the end when I gave up they have everything to lose; this is confirmed by Esther when she cheekily asked: Mama why didn't you force me to learn Mandarin? That is one of the criteria to work in Shanghai her company friends told her. So, when one is defiant and disobedient, who has the last laugh? Hahahaha.

Cushions and table runners are aplenty and the choice is unending but I believe they only last a few washes. Well, a good reason to get new ones for every Lunar New Year.

Sara says this mountain of containers cause what we normally see seem nothing.

 Indeed this is the first time I see cookies packed and sold in this manner. The mood was really big !

If you go to Sungai Buluh and malls, you will see these 'fatt choy' plants on sale. Everything connected to prosperity is a sure display at this time of the year. How the Chinese need that to boost the best of hope and confidence you wonder at times.

Blossoms of all hues to liven up the home and promote merriment. 

Everyone deserves happiness and it is good to feel joyful despite heartaches that often accompany us.

Sweets of all forms and concoctions on sale. The vendors were virtually forcing us to have a taste of them; sweetness to be added to life is the call of the day for 2014.

Indeed the Horse is ready for the battle but it is only God who gives the victory.

May we taste of it in the new year.