Monday, March 1, 2010

Chinese New Year Celebration @ Penang

Apart from the usual Chinese new year open house, the Penang state government also organise state-level celebration emphasising on the culture and heritage of the Chinese community.

I missed all the previous events and decided not to regret missing it again this year. So I, being a heritage-lover suggest that we have a family bonding session and attend the celebration together. The event was from 3pm till midnight but we only reach there at 6pm, which was perfect timing because that was when they officially launch the event.

Many roads were closed for the event (imagine how grand it is). There are so many things to see that words cannot really describe. In short, it is a totally different experience to be there in person compared to getting a second hand narration. A picture paints a thousand words, so let my snapshots tell the story.

My family parked our car about two streets away and walked to the venue. On the way, we spotted :
My grand parents favourite dating spot.
A random building which caught my attention. Unique colour.

After walking for about 15 minutes, finally we are there


Heading towards the arch.
The arch, just like a time machine. Once you pass it, it's welcome to olden China.
The arch is made of styrofoam.

Intricate details on the arch




The main stage....
....and a peep at what is happening back stage

Must have during Chinese new year - lanterns



The crowd !

Forgot what is the name of this clan house. So I shall just call it clan house number 1.









The temple inside clan house no. 1








This is the section to arts and craft of olden China












The 12 chinese animal zodiac

Cheah Kongsi. The association for people with the surname 'Cheah'






Design your own tote bag






Candies



Make a wish





Lets check out what a typical house in good old China looks like :



The back door

The living room
The kitchen





The bedroom





This is what a class room looks like in the olden days

Outside the house, there was a make-shift stage. The public dance to the rendition of olden hits





'Old Penang' corner






Hotels from all over Penang gathers to show off their culinary skills










Chinese musical instruments




You can learn how to make handicrafts here







The 'Chinese festivals' street




































The crowd busy solving the riddles written on the lanterns


The baba and nyonya strutting their stuff


Mor Hun Club





Yap Kongsi. The association for people with the surname 'Yap'





Another section of the event (can't remember the details though)






Tzu Chi corner




Daughters and sons are given an opportunity to serve their parents tea. An effort by Tzu Chi to promote filial piety.





The 88 drums



Another clan house













Outside the clan house







Very beautifully done paper cuttings














Fuh!....finally done with this super long entry. Lets head back to the new millennium.

Monday, February 22, 2010

The Blonde and The Brunette

Introducing the Blonde ~ Miss Kiki, daughter of Hor

and

the Brunette ~ Miss Becky, daughter of Chew



They are very spoilt and pampered because the Hor and the Chew love them very much....especially the fathers



The blonde and brunette favourite past time is day dreaming



Mummy Hor and Mummy Chew enjoy dressing them up



The blonde and the brunette enjoy lying on the floor because it's cooling there



However, when night falls, Miss Kiki and Miss Becky will doze off on their pillow



Occasionally they will head to some forbidden places for a quick nap



Do note that Miss K and Miss B have never meet each other, but I guess they will get along pretty well.

And specially for you only, readers of Mich's Monologue. The not-so-pretty side of the blonde and the brunette



Have a nice day mate !

Chinese New Year 2010

Chinese new year is always one of my most anticipated time of the year. I love the preparation, love the cookies baking, love the countdown, love the food, love the long holiday, love the red packets and especially love the family gatherings, but hate the weather (wonder why is it extra hot during this time of the year).

I earn my 10 days festive break by working extra hours every night for a fortnight prior to Chinese new year, so I try to make sure I enjoy every bit of my 10 days break. Year 2010 lunar new year - year of the tiger was celebrated in a smaller scale (I wonder why). There were less gambling, less crapping, less joking, less hanging out and less bingeing (I wonder why). Is it because of the economic downturn? Is it because we (family members and friends) have changed? Or is it because we are so lucky to have all the luxuries in life that it makes no difference whether it's new year or not? Or is it simply because the weather is too hot and that makes us slightly moody? Or maybe my expectation on the celebration was way too high?

Whatever reason it may be, I still enjoyed welcoming the year of the tiger :

The preparation




The reunion dinner






For the deities
1. The altar
2. Welcoming the God of fortune



Mandarin oranges (a must have during Chinese new year)




Yee Sang (another must have during Chinese new year)



At mum's hometown




Indulgence



Ang pow (Unmarried people all time favourite)


Miscellaneous