Chinatown Madness
A glimpse of Chinatown activity a week before the real thing. This year's theme (other than the Year of the Dog) was abt the 12 zodiac animals with the doggie headlining the whole decor.
Then there were the crowds. Because it was raining non-stop the week before, everyone was charging down to Chinatown to add to the madness.
That's the queue for Lim Chee Guan. One week before CNY. Today when I was passing by Chinatown on the way to work, the store wasn't even opened but there was a looooooong line in front of the shop, snaking all the way to the MRT side, forming an L-shape! Xiao. And the news reported that of the 3 most popular Bak Kwa shop in Chinatown, the authorities found that one of them were guilty of dishonest trading. They shortchange customers by giving them 30g less! So investigations going on now.
Laser Show
This year they have a laser show to enteratin people. It's on every night but dunno from what time to what time. Anyway, it's a short story about the zodiac. Most amusing is the Uniquely Singapore endorsement.
Cai Shen Dao!
Tiger Beer has stationed 2 Cai Shens this year. One along Pagoda Street, and the other at the junction of Smith and dunno what street, where Yum Cha is. Just nice caught this one giving out ang pows. Where's My Ang Pow?
I also caught this act cute Cai Shen mascot at Plaza Sing. He was going to the second level via the travellator (sp?) Too bad he refused to look my way.
Special Finds at Chinatown
First time see so many blooms on the Pussy Willow. They don't let you touch it.
They sell Mai Ya Tang or 麦牙糖 in special flavours like Orange, Lemon, Sarsi, Honey, Lychee, etc. Retailing at $1.20 per stick, or $12 for... 15 sticks? or $16 for... 24 sticks I think. I bought a few to give away.
Chocolate Fountains are popping up everywhere. We first saw something like this outside Heeren. They were selling it at $2.50 and $3 per stick and you can dip the chocolate yourself. But at Chinatown, they dip it for you I think and they sell it at $2 per stick. But like no one buy from them. Wrong crowd I guess. The Korean Cuttlefish store, on the other hand, was doing big business.
Closing Shots of Chinatown
My Stash
What I bought to give away. The fishies look very cute! The orange one reminds me of Nemo :D. Mummy and I bought to give away. Mummy bought and put in containers. They end up looking like a container of Nemos. They look so happy hor?
The Mai Ya sticks.
Presents
As with Christmas, there were presents (actually only one) from people. This time it was Bak Kwa (Minced Meat, 500g) from Warner Music. Not bad hor?
The hamper that mummy got from Dr Yim. Contents: 2 bottles of wine, 1 box of nuts, 1 box Ferrero Rocher, 2 Cans Xiang Bao (shellfish that tastes like abalone), 1 Can superior stock of something, I tin Cuttlefish. I think that's it.
Carrot Cake (1kg) and cookies from the CNY goodie bags that John's Mother gave. Cookies given are Cereal Killer (yum) and Shortbreak Buttons (I actually love the Fruit & Nut Thins but they never give it :p)
Caramel
Just for fun.
Finally uploaded ALL the chinatown pics. :p
Oh and they are offering shuttle service to and fro Chinatown to Tanjong Pagar and Outram MRTs. Not bad hor? SBS transit has jumped onto the CNY bandwagon with this promotion:
Heh. Check out the names they give to the service numbers! "Lucky Chinatown Services" "Prosperous Chinatown Services"... Hur hur hur.... For a better pic, go to www.sbstransit.com.sg
