I never did put much emphasis on Chinese New Year (CNY) way back in Manila. It's not a holiday, we still had to go to office. Only difference is that Fil-Chi families would have some sort of a more 'hearty' dinner, more food due to the 'pai-pai' offerings.
However, it seems like it's the most celebrated and longest holiday in SG. There are so many colorful stalls selling knick-knacks from all sorts. Sharing some of their practices:
1) Bee Cheng Hiang's tapa are the 'in' thing. Seems like there's one in every corner.
2) Abalone is the name. All of a sudden so many canned goods advertised: abalone, pacific clams, razor clams, pearl clams. It's something that bring good luck for them. And mind you the prices for just one can can go from 8sgd to 50sgd. (240php-1500php)
3) Shark's fin is also common.
4) Sweets are also for sale. Most common of which are pineapple cookies, peanut tarts, fried prawn rolls, pilipit.
5) Gelatins and puddings are everywhere.
For the non-food items, there are bedsheets, punda, clothes, furnitures, etc that are also hot items. It's a good time for them to get rid of the old and buy something new, a thought for bringing in good luck.
Literally, they say it's 'Ghost town' for those two days in SG. No malls, no hawkers, no groceries. No people on the streets. I did grocery rounds already, bought the abalone and tapa (I have to treat myself on special occasions hehe)
I suddenly missed home (again). I fulfilled my part early though, I sent some surprise gifts and ampao to my mom. :)
I missed my kumare too. She just went home yesterday, good for. her she can spend quality time with her family.
Just when I needed a companion, admittedly I somehow have preferred companions. Anyway, I just realized there are things you really CAN'T do alone.
Eating a meal? -- I used to back in Manila, but not anymore in SG. That was a stupid mentality btw!
Going to a day tour? -- nah as long as it's safe and language's comprehensible, I can do so alone if I desperately want to.
Watching a movie? -- nah I tried it once.
Watching a concert? -- nah again, I also tried it once. But happy now, I found a companion.
It's...
Having a buffet - no matter how much I want to pig out, I just can't seem to be at ease to go to a resto and avail of a buffet alone. Looks so pathetic.
AND
Going to KTV - I don't think I'll have face to go to a KTV alone. I dont want to scare the waitress thinking it's some weird psychotic guest who comes alone singing her heart out.
God send me a companion! hehe
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