The Tiger Growls In

The Ox kicked us into the Year of the Tiger. What with Bart being warded and all so close to Chinese New Year, we were actually quite tired. Anyhow we tried to make the best of the festivities.

We were in Butterworth for the reunion dinner this year on 13 February. It was steamboat for lunch and a rice-with-dishes dinner. Both Antonia and Aileen were back so it was one of those rare occasions when the whole family could gather. Since Justin is already on solids and has two teeth, he was allowed to sample some of the Chinese New Year treats. While tasting fishcake, he bit some off and thankfully swallowed the little piece!


[Sea Cucumber with Button Mushrooms]


[Mixed Vegetables with Clam Foots]


[Duck Soup with Preserved Vegetables]

Chinese New Year day saw us in church for mass. Then we went home for a simple noodle brunch. Aileen had to go to work after lunch. We took the boys to Jusco in Bandar Perda in the afternoon. After dinner we came back to Penang. Julian was still feeling a bit homesick so we decided to let him sleep in his own bed before travelling to Menglembu the next day for our second leg of the celebrations.

We arrived in Menglembu on the second day of Chinese New Year in time for lunch. This year, it was rather quiet as Niq, Chui Ying & Gabriel were in Ipoh. Due to the recent 'spots' attack, we imposed a self-quarantine so as to minimise the possibility of spreading the virus. However, we did visit pak-pak and nyong-nyong at the Pusing farm that afternoon. Julian was kept amused with the ducks, chickens and kittens.


[Hakka-style Kiu Nyuk: A dish no amount of money can buy]


[Drunken Chicken Soup]


[Chop Suey, Chicken Curry, and Waxed Meat]

On the third day of Chinese New Year we spent time at home in the day. In the evening Grandpa and Grandma took Julian to see monkeys. Then we all went for a drive up Kledang Hill to enjoy the view. Later that night we took the boys to the fun fair. Julian had a train ride with daddy. He liked looking at the ferris wheel but refused to get on it. Justin was curiously taking in the sights and sounds as it was his first trip to a fun fair.

We came back to Penang on the fourth day.

(Post written by Angie)