Obviously I have been house bound for the last week not able to do anything exciting or visiting new places. I nervously ventured out today to the shops to do some shopping as Jen is coming to visit tomorrow and bless our home with good luck and prosperity.
Considering this was our first Chinese New Year in Singapore I think it is appropriate to share my experience and views as a Expat. Here Goes. Back home when the holiday season arrives in December with Christmas and New Year everything winds down, people typically take long leave and the great shopping spree as is the custom commence. Its a time of happiness and indulgence with Christmas music ringing wherever you go. It's busy, especially all the major holiday destinations like Durban and Cape Town. I remember the golden rule when living in Durban. Shop before the "Valies" as the holiday makers were known, arrive and then stay away until they go back home.
Singapore in December is much the same. The shops and streets are decorated, the same Christmas music ring thru the shopping centres and it is busy, but here is the main difference. Back home everything returns to normal by the end of the first week in January. The festivities are over, people get back in work mode and ready to face the year ahead.
In Singapore the Christmas decorations and music is changed overnight and the city turned RED. Now, new Chinese music is playing wherever you go, shops packed to the maximum with all the Chinese gifts, food and decorations and a whole new set of festivals and public holidays. More people go on leave to return to their "Homeland" and the word busy take on a whole new dimension. We made the ultimate mistake to go shopping for the long weekend early Saturday morning and there is only one way to describe the experience. Mammoth Chaos. There was no room to move resulting in us leaving the trolley with one person while the other one goes to find stuff on the list and return. Certainly my worst shopping experience ever.
Don't get me wrong, it's all nice and festive but it just feels like the new year will never start. It feels like a two month Christmas with no end in sight and I guess in a way it actually is. We certainly enjoyed some of the new food on sale but I am glad it is over. The shops are back to normal with the isles cleared although the irritating Chinese music is still playing. This is part of our new life so I guess get used to it is in order.
From a shop owner's perspective this must be like a gravy train. Pack away the Christmas goodies, unpack the Chinese New Year goodies and let the money roll in.
The one thing we really like is those little Pineapple Cookies which reminds me of "Jam Tertjies" which my mother used to make for Christmas. More on this and the recipe in new posting.
Have a nice weekend
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