The festivity

For the first time this Chinese New Year(CNY), DH and me made a short trip away with 25 others on the 2nd day of CNY. It was a nice change from the norm of the festivity, but deep down I know MIL who holds to the age old tradition, wasn't very pleased but since both sons decided on going, she said nothing.
Our destination, organized by BIL, had us arrived to our horror that there was no record of our reservations at the hotel. He messed up the reservations with the same hotel but at a location that requires another 5 hours of travelling by road. It was scary and a dull moment for some. A couple of us even joke how we could all ended up by the roadside for the nite, since the hotels are all fully booked during this festive season. Lucky us, the hotel staff was kind enough to get us in contact with one travel agent who had a last minute cancellation and were told that we could have the rooms but at another hotel and a little away from town. There was no hesitation..no waiting, BIL decided it was better than none, but then, when one travels in such a crowd, there are no doubts that not everyone is happy with the little change.

We found this cozy little pub, Deep Point within walking distance from our hotel.

At a restaurant simply known as No. 59. A pity sight and such cruelty is what I see. The elephants are indeed the working elephants here. This is only a baby and was made to stand in front of the restaurant waiting or rather begging to be fed from patrons for sugarcane by buying from its owner/trainer.

Overall, it was a pleasant trip without the kids for once.

Chinese New Year is the time for family reunions, mandarin oranges, lion dance, firecrackers, and angpow(Red packet or envelope in red) Not forgetting everything about being aupicious and prosperity from home decorations to food.

Yee Sang, comprising slices of raw fish and shredded vegetables, herbs and sauces is a must have meal. Like everyone else, we start by tossing and mixing everything together using chopsticks. The higher being toss, the higher the prosperity it would brings.

Nin Koh, literally translate prosper higher is a sweet and sticky cake .

Ju Hu Char(Fried Shredded Cuttlefish with Mixed Vegetables), is a dish that is a must during CNY but only in my home and different from Yee Sang. There's no need to toss this dish.

Red colored buns in the shape of tortoise another must for the Festival of the Heavenly God, more commonly known as Jade Emperor's Day and the Hokkien's thanksgiving which falls on the 9th day.

Last day, Chap Goh Meh was yesterday, literally means the fifteenth day in the Chinese Lunar New Year. It marks the first full moon of the Lunar New Year and the is also known as the Chinese Valentine's Day. In the olden days, young maidens are only allowed to walk the streets on this day allowing first sights by young available men looking for life partner. In Penang, singles ladies throw tangerines into the sea asking for blessing for a good man and a good married life, with a hope that their future spouse will pick it up. Today, with modern technology, love is a phone call away.

I end the happy auspicious occasion with 6 treasure soup, a sweet dessert at home after dinner at the restaurant

Hokkien - Chinese descendants from Fujian province, China