Chinese New Year

We finished the week on Sunday evening at 6pm and workmate Trish was determined we should be able to find a local wine bar to call our own.  After much fossicking on the Go There website (equivalent to Aust Where is) we found ourselves at a bar and given lots of attention because we were the only patrons.  A bottle of white wine $70.  Eric and I will do more local reconnoitres before next Sunday. After a morning swim in the condo pool we spent yesterday at the local mall. Three trips back and forth, with things like ironing boards under the arm.  I now tote a shopping cart and Eric walks in front or well behind disowning me.  Mind you, he doesn't mind if I fill my trolley with his beer or new wok etc! I can cope, although today I was suffering shopping-cart envy as I noticed a woman whose shopping cart had stair climbing wheels, why didn't I get one of those? This festive season is now in full swing. The locals seem to have thrown themselves into Christmas (their decorations were amazing when we first arrived) then the calendar New Year and now there is a fever about the place regarding CNY.   The street decorations are amazing, not to mention the shops.

Today being Tuesday, one of our 'weekend' days, the company organised for all employees to go to Chinatown for a meal to observe CNY and share the traditional Yu Sheng dish. First we were greeted by the wait staff wishing us 'Gong Xi Fa Cai' (congratulations, may wealth come your way) and then 'may everything go smoothly' as the special salad dish was placed on the tables. As the lime juice is added it was 'good luck and blessing', with the addition of smoked salmon it was 'abundant wealth' and then 'good health'. With the addition of 5 spice powder we were wished 'good luck at your doorstep' and with the peanut oil they offered 'wealth and prosperity'. A 'flourishing business' is bestowed with the addition of sesame powder and plum sauce. Lastly, it is 'gold at your feet' and then everyone at the table stands and using chop sticks tosses the salad high and calls 'lo hei' meaning toss higher and higher for a prosperous new year. Lets hope it all comes true.   Keep putting in those Tattslotto tickets Bob. And 'Lo Hei' to all of you.
After the salad we all shared a steamboat, the broth is boiled on the table and you add the meat and vegetables as you please.  Mum you might remember one that we had in Malaysia which Ah Bouy served, I know Sandy remembers them well.  By the time we left the restaurant I didn't think I could eat another thing today, but then dinner time came around and Eric got into his new kitchen and cooked up a simple and lovely pasta dish - the first home cooked meal we have had in how long?  Was great with a Spanish red.

Our address is:
21 Lorong Lew Lian
#05-03
Singapore 536467

Our mobiles are:
Eric: +6594200408
Libby: +6594200417
We also have a land line which is 065 66673960

We almost got to the bottom of the shopping list yesterday but after a gym session this morning and then that special lunch we managed a side trip to Ikea to get the last of the necessities like bedside lights and a shelf unit which Eric has spent the evening constructing.  Where is Adrian when you need him? He was always so quick at putting things together. Our apartment is almost set and we are very happy-nesters with lots of windows that open onto a vista with treetops, a pool and gym we have already made use of (and a squash court and tennis court I don't imagine we will use) and very pleasant bbq area.