As usual, I made a stopover in Singapore on my way back from Penang. There is no direct flight to and fro from Penang and it's certainly better (safer) to stop by Changi rather than KLIA which is known to have luggages ransacked. It's more convenient to travel around in Singapore too with effective and reliable public transportations.
I met up with a couple of my uni friends and spend the only night in Singapore chatting with my aunt til around 2am. Sunday's lunch was over at aunt's neighbour's apartment where I relished so much of the food. Some dishes I miss so much since the departure of my grandma are assam fish and the prawns in thick curry (similar to grandma's style).
In fact, mom and I (as well as cousins on different ocassion) spoke just few days ago during my Pg trip about grandma's dishes like stir fried french beans (or kui tao), friend egg with onions (tua chang jian nui), soya pork (tao eu bak), mor qua char, jiu hu char (more like bang quang), tao chiao hu (fish), steamed eggs with pork (thim nui), her fried rice with thick soya sauce and tu tor th'ng (soup). These are my favourites of which my grandma did manage to cook for me some of them in July 2001 during my semester break. She passed on 3 months thereafter. It was nostalgic just to talk about it among us, the cousins. There were enthusiasm as well as sadness in us who had helped grandma in some ways during her cooking.
Anyway aunties, uncle, cousins and I had dinner in a restaurant in the airport before sending me off in T3. Looking back the 9-day trip, I did have a very good trip though I did miss Pai Thnee Kong on the 8th night of CNY and will miss the very last night of CNY, Chap Goh Meh this coming Monday!
Sunday, February 8, 2009
Saturday, February 7, 2009
Hottest Day in Melb
The mercury topped 46.4C at around 3pm today. Previous highest was 45.6C in 1939 known as Black Friday. Strong hot winds were blowing and there were just sands and dusts flying. It was literally like a sauna. My shampoo was warm when I showered 30mins ago after returning from meeting a uni friend.
The sky had a reddish tone. It was at around 5.40pm when it started to drizzle. My light blue t-shirt and glasses had splashes of rain drops that were brownish in colour.
I met up with a uni friend of mine whom we last met during my audit work in in Subang before the F1 weekend of 2004. It's really a good catch up after almost 5 years. She's here for a work. Also, I was informed of a good news that she will be getting married in May. Congrats.....!!!
The sky had a reddish tone. It was at around 5.40pm when it started to drizzle. My light blue t-shirt and glasses had splashes of rain drops that were brownish in colour.
I met up with a uni friend of mine whom we last met during my audit work in in Subang before the F1 weekend of 2004. It's really a good catch up after almost 5 years. She's here for a work. Also, I was informed of a good news that she will be getting married in May. Congrats.....!!!
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
CNY with Family and Close Friends in Penang
My short trip back to Pg passed by in a blink and now I'm back working. Although the trip was short, I have attained more in that one week than my other short trip back. Staying up til way past midnight not having to worry about getting up early was a norm. However, I did not get more opportunities for my favourite hawker food this time around since most were closed due to CNY.
To me, CNY is about getting together and catching up with family and close friends. These I managed to accomplish albeit a handful of friends whom I just was not able to fit into my schedule. It started off on the eve of CNY when we had our usual reunion dinner with family members in E&O Hotel. In the past, my late grandma used to cook in large portions of various dishes. I missed her dishes. Thereafter, I was picked up by my primary schoolmate (whose wife was my classmate) to join other primary school's classmates to their annual Kek Lok Si Temple visit. It's my first time though this bunch has been doing it since secondary school (of which I did not study there). Certainly, it was a great opportunity to catch up with them.
On the first day of CNY after having buffet lunch, I joined my uncles, aunties and cousins visiting our relatives whom I rarely meet in the last few years. This took almost the entire day and I was too tired to head out again at night or scour for food. Instead stayed home and had the pastries before knocking off.
Again after missing out the past 2 years' visit, a handful of us dropped by our swim coach's place to "pai ni". As usual, aunty cooked her noodles for us and many just couldn't resist the sambal too! Though some did mention that they will visit Lee Chek, they did not turn up. It was just the usual bunch of us with a few surprises. Was I disappointed? No, I wasn't since it was a planned gathering but more of visiting Lee Chek whom many respect. We adjourned to Uncle Sunny's place while Lee Chek might have gone to the racecourse (perhaps much later). Getting the chance to meet Uncle Sunny, Aunty Renee, Adrian and Andrew after so many years was great. It was followed by dropping by the Chans' who were my neighbours and used to be driven to the pool by aunty. I regard them more like my brother and sisters. As for dinner, it's bbq over at another swimmer's house who informed us in the morning. She got back from Hong Kong and was recently married too.
3rd day (Wed) commenced with an informal gathering of SMHK Year 1997. It was a smaller turnout compared to previous years according to some. It's certainly better than no one at all. There were 2 other friends who brought along their SLR. They suggested to have a shoot in the city on Friday morning which I couln't commit until later on. After the lunch and subsequent coffee, I headed off to shop for a netbook for mom but shops were closed. It was such a coincident that I bumped into another 2 friends, one of whom was too a swimmer (sure I won't forget you, Ah Mah since now I have a few pics of you....LOL). Next, it was a late dinner with a few friends whom we used to work together. I was about to skip dinner but somehow this other friend too hadn't had her dinner. So, off we went to Vintage Bulgarian for dinner and some beer while at it. I continued my DVD til late night after the outing. In between, mom and I chatted a fair bit too til around 4am. In fact, Monday night was the only night I slept early at 11pm. The remaining nights were earliest 1am with the latest being 4.30pm!
Thurs was spent with mom shopping for a netbook within the budget but it was either too far away (in case technical assistance/replacement was required in my absence) or no stock available for the model I was looking at. So, it was an empty attempt but getting the chance to spend more time with my mom tops it all. Later, I dropped by my cousin's place. My nieces, Emily and Valerie (whom I didn't meet before) have certainly grown up. Of course, pics of them were taken. I left to have dinner with another school friend who couldn't make it to the gathering on Wed due to work commitments.
On my last day in Penang, I got up early to join my 2 friends in the city for a casual shoot. Knowing the fact that they have SLR, I shared some ideas with them on better using the cameras. It was nice to be able to do so. After Hokkien Mee for breakfast, I left to pick my mom up to visit a temple as well as lunch (herbal chicken soup and Jawa mee). Thereafter, we stopped by my favourite shop to purchase "tambun pneah" but I was disappointed that none was available!!! :( Packing was inevitable and after gotten it almost done. I managed to catch up with my uncle who lives in Toronto for a short while. I left for my aunt's ballet academy to do an informal shoot of her students upon her request. I wasn't able to do it in my prior trips. It was an experience.
I planned way before my trip to watch this movie, Red Cliff Part 2. It was great that this friend agreed to accompany me though she hasn't watched the first part. She picked me up after her rushed dinner over at her aunt's. We were late for the show for some reasons (you know who you are and what happened! LOL). I should have driven her new car while she wasn't able to catch me doing it but too bad I didn't. What a wasted opportunity! Certainly, we both enjoyed the movie which was based on historical accounts. I am glad I got to watch this movie on the very last night in Penang.
It was a memorable trip, tiring but worthwhile stay in Penang. My gratitudes go to those who made the very effort to spend time with me. Truest friendships are forever and I'll definitely cherish them.
To me, CNY is about getting together and catching up with family and close friends. These I managed to accomplish albeit a handful of friends whom I just was not able to fit into my schedule. It started off on the eve of CNY when we had our usual reunion dinner with family members in E&O Hotel. In the past, my late grandma used to cook in large portions of various dishes. I missed her dishes. Thereafter, I was picked up by my primary schoolmate (whose wife was my classmate) to join other primary school's classmates to their annual Kek Lok Si Temple visit. It's my first time though this bunch has been doing it since secondary school (of which I did not study there). Certainly, it was a great opportunity to catch up with them.
On the first day of CNY after having buffet lunch, I joined my uncles, aunties and cousins visiting our relatives whom I rarely meet in the last few years. This took almost the entire day and I was too tired to head out again at night or scour for food. Instead stayed home and had the pastries before knocking off.
Again after missing out the past 2 years' visit, a handful of us dropped by our swim coach's place to "pai ni". As usual, aunty cooked her noodles for us and many just couldn't resist the sambal too! Though some did mention that they will visit Lee Chek, they did not turn up. It was just the usual bunch of us with a few surprises. Was I disappointed? No, I wasn't since it was a planned gathering but more of visiting Lee Chek whom many respect. We adjourned to Uncle Sunny's place while Lee Chek might have gone to the racecourse (perhaps much later). Getting the chance to meet Uncle Sunny, Aunty Renee, Adrian and Andrew after so many years was great. It was followed by dropping by the Chans' who were my neighbours and used to be driven to the pool by aunty. I regard them more like my brother and sisters. As for dinner, it's bbq over at another swimmer's house who informed us in the morning. She got back from Hong Kong and was recently married too.
3rd day (Wed) commenced with an informal gathering of SMHK Year 1997. It was a smaller turnout compared to previous years according to some. It's certainly better than no one at all. There were 2 other friends who brought along their SLR. They suggested to have a shoot in the city on Friday morning which I couln't commit until later on. After the lunch and subsequent coffee, I headed off to shop for a netbook for mom but shops were closed. It was such a coincident that I bumped into another 2 friends, one of whom was too a swimmer (sure I won't forget you, Ah Mah since now I have a few pics of you....LOL). Next, it was a late dinner with a few friends whom we used to work together. I was about to skip dinner but somehow this other friend too hadn't had her dinner. So, off we went to Vintage Bulgarian for dinner and some beer while at it. I continued my DVD til late night after the outing. In between, mom and I chatted a fair bit too til around 4am. In fact, Monday night was the only night I slept early at 11pm. The remaining nights were earliest 1am with the latest being 4.30pm!
Thurs was spent with mom shopping for a netbook within the budget but it was either too far away (in case technical assistance/replacement was required in my absence) or no stock available for the model I was looking at. So, it was an empty attempt but getting the chance to spend more time with my mom tops it all. Later, I dropped by my cousin's place. My nieces, Emily and Valerie (whom I didn't meet before) have certainly grown up. Of course, pics of them were taken. I left to have dinner with another school friend who couldn't make it to the gathering on Wed due to work commitments.
On my last day in Penang, I got up early to join my 2 friends in the city for a casual shoot. Knowing the fact that they have SLR, I shared some ideas with them on better using the cameras. It was nice to be able to do so. After Hokkien Mee for breakfast, I left to pick my mom up to visit a temple as well as lunch (herbal chicken soup and Jawa mee). Thereafter, we stopped by my favourite shop to purchase "tambun pneah" but I was disappointed that none was available!!! :( Packing was inevitable and after gotten it almost done. I managed to catch up with my uncle who lives in Toronto for a short while. I left for my aunt's ballet academy to do an informal shoot of her students upon her request. I wasn't able to do it in my prior trips. It was an experience.
I planned way before my trip to watch this movie, Red Cliff Part 2. It was great that this friend agreed to accompany me though she hasn't watched the first part. She picked me up after her rushed dinner over at her aunt's. We were late for the show for some reasons (you know who you are and what happened! LOL). I should have driven her new car while she wasn't able to catch me doing it but too bad I didn't. What a wasted opportunity! Certainly, we both enjoyed the movie which was based on historical accounts. I am glad I got to watch this movie on the very last night in Penang.
It was a memorable trip, tiring but worthwhile stay in Penang. My gratitudes go to those who made the very effort to spend time with me. Truest friendships are forever and I'll definitely cherish them.
Gong Xi Fa Chai
It's still Chinese New Year of which is celebrated for 15 days. I missed once again the "Pai Thnee Kong" night on the 8th night and will miss again the Chap Goh Meh.
Friday, January 23, 2009
Keong Hee Huat Chye
In a few hours, I'll be flying back to my hometown for Chinese New Year. I've missed two previous family reunion dinners and I must not missed this year's for personal reasons. It will be a different CNY this time around.
It has been brought up by others that the meaning of CNY and family reunion dinners have become less important for the younger generations. Some would not be able to make it back due to studies, financial constraints and work whereby CNY is not recognised as a public holiday in some countries.
I grew up playing plenty fireworks before they were officially banned and have some wonderful memories of them. Almost every year back then as a kid, we the cousins will have a "war" with neighbours which lit up the sky. However, there was one incident where one of the fireworks which I lit came back at me, hitting one of my eyes!
I do miss my grandma's dishes prepared for the reunion dinners. The past 7 reunion dinners and this year's are held in a hotel restaurant that caters CNY dishes that are so different from my grandma's. Speaking of which, I can still taste some of those dishes now.
Anyway, I can't wait for this short trip back where I'll be catching up with my wonderful family, beloved coach and some close friends.
Wishing everyone a prosperous Ox year ahead.
It has been brought up by others that the meaning of CNY and family reunion dinners have become less important for the younger generations. Some would not be able to make it back due to studies, financial constraints and work whereby CNY is not recognised as a public holiday in some countries.
I grew up playing plenty fireworks before they were officially banned and have some wonderful memories of them. Almost every year back then as a kid, we the cousins will have a "war" with neighbours which lit up the sky. However, there was one incident where one of the fireworks which I lit came back at me, hitting one of my eyes!
I do miss my grandma's dishes prepared for the reunion dinners. The past 7 reunion dinners and this year's are held in a hotel restaurant that caters CNY dishes that are so different from my grandma's. Speaking of which, I can still taste some of those dishes now.
Anyway, I can't wait for this short trip back where I'll be catching up with my wonderful family, beloved coach and some close friends.
Wishing everyone a prosperous Ox year ahead.
KEONG HEE HUAT CHYE
Sunday, January 4, 2009
Counting Down Once More
After Christmas and New Year, it's only 3 weeks away from Chinese New Year of which I'll be heading back home for a week. My last CNY home was in 2006. Certainly, the CNY atmosphere here in Melbourne (or even in Perth) differs from what I have experienced. However, the atmosphere back home is not what it used to be. Anyway, CNY this year coincides with Australia Day which means it's a public holiday (long weekend).
On another matter, I have been to my first ever plasma donation on 2 Jan 2009. The main difference between whole blood donation and plasma donation is it involves filtering the whole blood for plasma only. The whole blood goes through a machine that separates the blood and pumps it back to the body. This may cycle through 3-4 times to obtain about 600ml of plasma and may take up to an hour in total while subsequent donation can be done with a fortnight interval. Plasma can be frozen up to 12 months but more often they are used up way before the 12 month period expired.
Let the count down begin......
On another matter, I have been to my first ever plasma donation on 2 Jan 2009. The main difference between whole blood donation and plasma donation is it involves filtering the whole blood for plasma only. The whole blood goes through a machine that separates the blood and pumps it back to the body. This may cycle through 3-4 times to obtain about 600ml of plasma and may take up to an hour in total while subsequent donation can be done with a fortnight interval. Plasma can be frozen up to 12 months but more often they are used up way before the 12 month period expired.
Let the count down begin......
Thursday, January 1, 2009
Happy New Year
Goodbye 2008; Welcome 2009. This is the very 1st post for 2009 albeit very short!
Have a great and healthy 2009!
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