Family Trip 2016

Every year I take a family vacation with my Mum and sister. This year we headed to Hanoi. Although I have been to Vietnam on a number of occasions, this was my first visit to Hanoi. 

Compared to Saigon and Hoi An, I found Hanoi slightly less progressive in terms of tourism infrastructure. Nevertheless, I am not one to be discouraged when on holiday and certainly had an enjoyable time. We left the planning of the trip to my Mum. Other than booking the flights and hotel, places of interest to see and eateries to patronise were planned by Mum. In a sense by doing so, it offered an element of surprise somewhat, always a good thing while on holiday.

Family trips as such allow us to bond, but it is not without its stress-inducing moments either. Varying interests and expectations sometimes come to the fore, as differing taste buds too. However, when all is said and done, a sense of family reigns supreme and a worthwhile trip is what matters most. 

Photo shot on the Aerotrain at Kuala Lumpur International Airport.

Culinary Skills Passed Down

Last Sunday, the extended Wong family gathered for dinner to remember my grandfather on the 8th anniversary of his passing. In honour of his culinary skills, some of the dishes prepared were from recipes that he passed down to my aunts and Mum. 

My 'Ah Yei' was an accomplished cook. Together with my late grandmother, they would whip up a feast during each festive celebration. We try to keep up this tradition as best we can, in most instances via a pot-luck, at other times, an aunt might take on the entire responsibility of cooking for the occasion. 

As we congregate to remember my grandfather, I hope that my family continues to cherish the times spent together, and that this practice will be kept alive well into the future. 

A favourite dish of my family's.

Say It As It Is

As I grow wiser over time, it has dawned on me even more than ever, that one ought to say what is on one's mind rather than hold back and later think what if. Sure, some things are easier to hear than others, but articulating one's thoughts clearly and communicating them precisely makes one's stand and position clear. The resultant outcome and reaction are then often beyond one's control. What is certain though is that I would not have sold myself short by not taking a stand.

Contentious issues, sensitive topics and the possibility of rejection often are a hindrance, and contribute to our cautious state of mind. Throwing caution to the wind is a good thing, and having the courage to speaks one's mind is a practice that ought to be nurtured.

The flip side of all this is the fact that if one can be frank, then one also needs to be able to accept honesty and bluntness in return. Something to work towards indeed.


8th day of Chinese New Year. 

Chinese New Year 2016

It has been a very memorable 15 days of Chinese New Year celebrations indeed. Time spent with family and good friends is always worthwhile, further strengthening our bonds that have been nurtured through the years. 

The central theme of this year's celebrations has been food, a lot of food to be exact. Each gathering has revolved around meals - breakfast, brunch, lunch, afternoon tea, dinner, supper - you name it, we did it. Banter and laughter made such meals that much more enjoyable. 

At the end of the day, Chinese New Year is about family and friends. It is about love and care. It is about doing what we can to preserve and celebrate our culture and traditions. Most importantly, it is about starting the new year with gusto and hope. 

Chinese New Year 2016.

Glasses Raised

I don't drink but this is a happy photo. It represents friends whom I have gotten to know over the past few years, who congregate every year just before Chinese New Year to celebrate the kinship and camaraderie that have been nurtured over time.

 

Mostly from the Klang Valley, but some from interstate and others from abroad, we make it a point to be present. Plans are set afoot early, venue booked, invites are sent out, travel arrangements are made for some and RSVPs collated. Kudos and appreciation go out to the organisers who despite their busy schedules, put time aside to ensure a memorable evening.

 

With many glasses raised, the well wishes that reverberated throughout the night will surely ensure a happy year ahead.

 

 

Annual reunion dinner, for 2016 at Oriental Viva, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Kuih Kapit Tradition

Keeping traditions alive requires some effort but the time spent doing so is very much worth it. Every year, my cousins, aunts and uncles get together to make kuih kapit, with the fruits of their labour being distributed to each family within the extended family.

 

I had been 'missing in action' for the past few years but made a return this time around. The camaraderie and chit-chat throughout make the heat and humidity bearable. Most importantly though are the memories that we will carry with us after all the hard work is done.

 

This year is extra special as cousins from Singapore and Melbourne made their way back to this get together. We look forward to congregating again come Chinese New Year proper.

 

 

Cousins kuih-kapiting in Petaling Jaya, Malaysia.

Pours Toujours

A client of mine, LavieFlo, recently launched their Valentine's Day collection - 'Pour Toujours or Forever Love'. I was asked to do a brief introduction to the day's event, and I found it apt to articulate the following ... 'Pours Toujours' is inspired by 'A love that lasts for eternity. It is a love that many hope for and it is an aspiration that most of us go in search of in our lifetime'.

 

Whilst it is a given that not all relationships survive the test of time, those who are optimists in nature hold steadfast to the notion that keeping an open mind and heart may just lead to the love of one's life. The brave are those who try and try again despite having faced disappointments, and I'd like to believe they will be well rewarded ultimately.

 

Being part of an event that espouses such positive sentiments can only be a good thing, even more so at the beginning of a new year. It puts us in the right frame of mind to be open to possibilities and to be willing to take a leap of faith when the opportunity presents itself.

 

 

LOVE by LavieFlo.