A Visit To China Town (Petaling Street)

A Visit To China Town (Petaling Street)

Its the forth day of new year and my mom and I decided to make our way to the temple in China Town (Petaling Street) to offer some prayers. I understand that this is one of the oldest temple in Kuala Lumpur.

This time around, I decided to bring my camera along. I have been taking Petaling Street for granted. I come to realised that it is filled with vibrant colours which makes it perfect for photography. I am no expert in photography however I love the way the colours turned out in pictures.

I need to make a point to take more pictures in Malaysia. There is the tendency to ignore the beauty of your own country.

***
Through the eyes of Song Yia

Read more

Welcoming the year of the ox

Gong Xi Fa Chai! I am fortunate enough to return for this year Chinese New Year celebration.When I returned, I noticed my house is already equipped with a variety of cookies ranging from almond cookies to love letters, soft drinks and beer. It was well prepared to welcome our friends and family who usually drop by to exchange red packets (ang pau) and some mandarin oranges.

New year eve started early in the morning where my mom was already busy in the kitchen. As my family have our ancestor altar at home, we usually pay do some prayers in the morning where we lit joss stick. *Do not ask me for details because I am not very religious, I basically go with the flow*

At noon, we took a quick rest afterwhich it was time to head over to the kitchen to prepare for the reunion dinner. My mom also cooked a feast . It consist of my favourite dishes such as sea cucumber, butter prawns, roast pork and others. It was delicious!



After dinner, it was time for some serious housekeeping. The house has to be spotless before the new year. The Chinese believe that all brooms should be hid on the first day of Chinese new year. Reason being, should you use the broom that day, you will sweep away all your money. I am definitely not going to start the year without MONEY! Hence, as per the normal pratice, brooms were hid and no housekeeping on new year.

Once the house was nice and clean, it was time to sit back, relax and wait to welcome the year of the ox. My mom and I finished a bottle of wine which I carried from Germany while and dad and brother when for the wheatbeer that I also carried from Germany.

When the clock strike 12, my dad (being the head of the family) lit another round of joss stick and then we played some fireworks. I love the smell of gun fire. It reminds me of my childhood when fireworks was legal in Malaysia.

Not long later, my house was filled guest and vibrant celebrative cheers. Everyone was busy chatting, laughing, gambling and enjoying their beer.

So, this is basically how I usually welcome the new year. I just love Chinese New Year. Its the best time of the year!

***
Through the eyes of Song Yia

Read more