Trip With Godparents

I try to go on an annual holiday with my godparents. Actually we missed last year but were in Ho Chi Minh City for Christmas in 2010. This time round, we headed to Seoul, right smack in winter no less. I normally don't go on winter holidays despite having spent four years in Adelaide, South Australia and almost two in Le Bouveret and Leysin, Switzerland. I very much prefer the warmth of summer. But this holiday was planned last year and coincided with my godparents' trip from Adelaide, so headed to Seoul we did, with bags filled to the brim with warm clothing.

Seoul was cold! Temperatures rarely above freezing did not prevent us from seeing the sights and shopping the streets. We even made it to the demilitarised zone for a half day look see. When faced with freezing weather, one takes the opportunity to indulge in food. Street food, family run restaurants, cafes, tea houses, intimate joints to more fanciful establishments, we made it a point to sample as much Korean cuisine as we could, some we enjoyed more, others less, but nevertheless all interesting experiences.

I had actually been to Seoul before in the warmer months and whilst I am no fan of the cold, it did give me an opportunity to experience the city from a different perspective. Barren trees, frozen ponds, lakes and rivers, remnants of snow, Koreans and visitors alike dressed in winter finery, all made for a different Seoul, but one that still warms the heart and urges a return visit in the future.

Photo of mum and my godparents at Hanok Village in Seoul, Korea.

Zest

A good friend of mine sent me a text in reply to mine ... 'good you found the zest again'. Sometimes we lose sight of something important and let it languish. We find reasons to explain our apathy - work, stress, excuses really. And soon we find ourselves in a mundane routine, fervour relegated to the recesses, passion kept in check.

Yes, the relish and enthusiasm are back. I haven't felt so in a number of years. Bit by bit, little by little, the road ahead seems more exciting to navigate. Emotions are set free, eagerness a catalyst towards embracing life with gusto.

With a positive mindset, life seems much more interesting, opening our eyes to many experience enhancing paths. Faith and fate shall be my allies.

Photo shot at Echo Beach in Canggu, Bali.

Tea At The Ritz Carlton, Hong Kong

Whenever the opportunity arises, I would make it a point to meet with friends if I happen to be in the city where they live. With their busy schedules and my relatively tight travel itinerary, we would always plan ahead and block dates and times, determined to catch up on the latest goings-on in our lives.

My good friend from uni, Elsie, invited me to tea at The Ritz Carlton when I was in Hong Kong last month. Kudos to her for taking the time to queue up in the morning to make reservations, an effort which I much appreciate. A leisurely afternoon tea amidst elegant surroundings, soothing musical notes from the twinkling of ivory keys, a perfect setting to reminisce about the past, chat about the present and plan for the future.

The tasteful ambience, the slightly hazy but still arresting view, the stylish fare and the company of a good friend, all make for a wonderful tete-a-tete. Certainly a memorable part of the holiday.

Photo of Elsie at The Ritz Carlton, Hong Kong.

Dad's Old Time Favourite

Sek Yuen was one of my father's favourite restaurants. I think it is fair to say he visited very often, enjoying almost weekly lunches or dinners with his good friends. He always used to tell us about how good and authentic the food was; for him it was an institution. I never went all those years. I seldom even ventured to Pudu where the restaurant has been located for more than half a century I believe.

Ventured there I did a few days ago. My friend Han San had organised a Chinese New Year feast for a few of us and I finally found my way to Sek Yuen, courtesy of a hand-sketched map that my mother had equipped me with. Suffice to say, my Dad's great praise of the food was not unfounded. The retro setting was a highlight in itself, the restaurant seemingly stuck in a time warp.

Our exclamations of delight at the dishes served probably echoed those of my father and his friends. Such old time favourites, signature dishes that were and still are held in high regard, have survived the times and elevate the gastronomic experience, particularly for first-timers like me. After seven courses, we left satiated and happy, promising to return in the not too distant future.

The famous waxed meat rice served at Sek Yuen during Chinese New Year.

Chinese New Year Visit

Cousin Nicole came all the way from Fresno, California for a visit during Chinese New Year. An opportune time to visit since it was her first time meeting the extended family. Food, tradition and culture come to the fore during this festive season and boy did she do well. Respect for the elders in our family - check. Some knowledge of our customs - check. Bright red on the first day of the year of the Dragon - check. Serving tea to the elders - check. Auspicious greetings and wishes - check. Ang pows for me - check. Homemade dessert for 'hoi nin' lunch - check. Game to try almost any type of food - check. Interest in our way of life in Malaysia - check. Thousands of photos - check.

It was a pleasure having Nicole as part of the celebrations. Easygoing and fitting-in easily made the initiation into our large family a smooth process. We did our best to explain the nuances of our family dynamics, we suggested she try every conceivable food that we held dear to our hearts. We proudly showed her round the city that we call home, we even gave her a scare when we were stopped by cops after an illegal U-turn. We cajoled her with tales and anecdotes, and were in turn at the receiving end of witty comebacks.

Welcome to the family Nicole. Hope you had a blast here in KL. And since you have thousands of photos, I wouldn't bother putting any up in Facebook. We shall all await yours and no doubt will have a little laugh at the captions, good luck!

Suk Harn, a happy recipient of ang pows from Nicole.

Patience

A good friend of mine gave me a pep-talk yesterday about the virtue of patience and how perhaps I should embrace it in some areas of my life. I would be the first to admit that being patient is not one of my better traits, particularly on the work front and some aspects of my personal life.

My instincts always tell me to move fast, be decisive, take action. Procrastination is not something I take kindly to. Admittedly, impatience has cost me somewhat at times in recent years past. As such, learning to be a bit more patient is perhaps an effort I have to make. Knowing that different individuals have a different pace, different mindset is well and good, being able to compromise and have a better tolerance level is something that I will have to become better skilled at.

The aim really of this endeavour is to become more laid back and less stressed, have a more balanced perspective. It is a challenge somewhat but what's life without some challenges to improve ourselves? One step at a time I suppose is a mantra I should adopt. And as my good friend would say, let the good chi flow with a positive attitude. Wish me luck.

Photo shot in Hong Kong.

Chinese New Year 2012

Family gatherings, big meals, that's Chinese New Year for me, year in, year out. Not that I don't enjoy it. In fact, I look forward to the get-togethers and the huge variety of food served. We eat well, have many laughs over the most frivolous of things. Merriment during this festive season.

A large extended family adds to the festivity. The fact that we all get along for the most part is the perfect catalyst for stimulating conversations and exchanges, vital ingredients for a good time. We chat, we joke, we poke fun at one another.

It's what Chinese New Year is supposed to be. A cheerful and joyful start to the year. Now that family obligations have been fulfilled and dinners over the next few nights are with friends, there is bound to be much laughter and enjoyment to come.

With some of my cousins and two little nephews.