Chinggay parade at neighbourhood

It was pure coincidence that I went to my mum's place on 22 February and I realised there was a Chinggay parade at our neighbour hood. 

Chinggay parade is a National event and is the largest street performance in Asia. It is usually held near the lunar new year period as it is part of the celebration. In the past, the parade was held at Orchard Road and never went to the heartlands. In the recent years, the parade is held near Marina Bay, next to Singapore Flyer and also parade at heartlands. It is a big event which involve as many as 8,000 performers and some are from Itay, Korea and China.

For more information about Chingay you may visit their website at https://chingay.org.sg/heartlands.

My Valentine's Day

For many years, I have not been celebrating Valentine's day with Eric. He is not the romantic or sweet type so you can imagine how many flowers I received from him. 

I have actually planned to ask my mum to help and look after the kids so that we can have a few hours of couple time but plan failed. Therefore, we decided to bring our two little valentines to the Zoo along with my sister-in-law family and my mother-in-law.

We basically hit for the animals show then settled down at the waterplay park where the children enjoyed most. 

No Valentine's dinner, no present, no flower, no wine but many photos of our little valentines.

This valentine is a very special day for Eric and I because we discovered that Enrique is willing to step forward and try for the unknown.

Since a baby, he is a timid boy, he is afraid of trying new things. When we headed for the kids animal show and they ask for volunteers, he raised his hands and participated. Not knowing what is ahead for him, we encouraged him to go forward. He was given a hula hoop to perform, of course he doesn't know. I could tell that he was scared as his eyes were watery and slightly red. I immediately jumped out of my spectator seat and went forward to give him hand sign to tell him that he is ok, and doing very well. He received the reassurance and looked more confident. Later he was asked to hold the hula hoop so that the adopted dog can jump through it. At the end, he left with a smile. I received him at the 'gate' and gave him a big hug. Bravo Enrique, both Eric and I had never thought that he would be so brave to be on the stage and he is the youngest among the five children.

His reward for participating at the animal show

Singapore Zoo- Waterplay 

Chinese New Year Celebration in Singapore

We had a great 15 days of Lunar New Year celebration in Singapore. In the traditional way, most meals will include lo hei yu sheng or prosperity toss (shown in the picture below) which is a salad consist of raw fish and shredded vegetables, condiments and sauces. Everyone at the table will stand up and toss the ingredients using chopsticks in the air saying various auspicious wishes, symbolised a year full of abundance. I had 9 lo hei sessions throughout the 15 days of celebrations.

Another dish that symbolises prosperity and abundance is called Peng cai actually means vegetables in a basin. In the recent years, this dish is very popular in Singapore during Chinese New Year. Many restaurants and hotels included it dish in their menu. It consist of many premium seafood such as scallops, sea cumber and abalone. You can see for your eyes how delicious it is. I had 3 rounds of peng cai dinner.

Other than food, we have to do visiting to relatives house. Usually, we pay visit to the elderly. For example, grandparents, parents, uncles, aunties and friends too.

My children enjoyed alot as they received red packets.

Mandarin Oranges or tangerines are presented in pairs to represent wealth and luck

We Chinese believe lion brings us good fortune. Therefore, during Chinese New Year many household or business loves to hire lion troupes to their place to perform. Both my boys love it  so much and they have viewed 6 times. 

Singapore Chinatown during CNY

The Lunar New Year is on 31 Jan 2014. Right after Christmas, many are busy preparing and getting ready for Chinese New Year.

In the recent years, Chinese New Year celebration is not as elaborated as compared in the past but one place to get yourself into the mood is to shop and eat at Chinatown. Last Wednesday, I decided to bring my two kids on an educational outing at Chinatown. It was an eye opening for both of them as they don't get to see and feel this in Madrid.

Chinatown has have rich history and the whole area now is set up to sell just Chinese New Year goodies, decorations and many others.

Below are some pictures taken during our walking trail along Chinatown.