We're back in Singapore! After 10 beautiful days in New Zealand and a rather harried transit in Sydney where we were literally running to board our flight which got delayed due to software issues, we're finally back on home soil. Back on the island of people, traffic and humidity. Somehow I prefer the buzz here, Wellington on a sevens weekend doesn't even feel half as crowded, even the largest city Auckland ain't that busy. I even like the humidity and heat here better, the sun isn't so strong and you don't get scaly skin. All in all, it was a good trip, we enjoyed ourselves, now we're broke and need to work to save up for the next trip.
As I learn about everyone's plans to welcome the Golden Tiger Year, the more unhappy I become. Although it was a conscious effort on our part to avoid being home for the Lunar New Year, I cannot help but feel left out during this all-important holiday. On this island, we have all but 1 so-called Chinese restaurant. Every year, they would put up the red banner a few weeks before CNY. One red banner compared to the numerous ones back home. How pathetic eh? There is no atmosphere whatsoever. With the "influx" of Chinese kids, 4 in total plus 1 soon-to-be-born, I made myself pack some red envelopes from home, so that the kids can experience a little of the festivities that I am so used to. WHAT IS CHINESE NEW YEAR WITHOUT THE RED PACKETS? This year, we've upgraded our celebration to include mahjong! yes, the mahjong set and table arrived last weekend. hao-e couldn't stop himself from ripping the plastic cover off those ivory -coloured tiles and we ...
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