Singapore's Night Skyline @ MBS

Eating Fresh Lotus Seeds

It is common the find lotus seeds in deserts and soups, however it is rare to find people munching on fresh lotus seeds. If you happen to be as lucky as me to receive a lotus pod, here is a tutorial on how to eat the lotus seeds. After you get used to the green taste, consuming the lotus seeds can be pretty addictive. 

1) Remove the seeds from the pod

2) Remove the outer skin

3) Remove the "heart" of the seed (the yellow greenish stem in the centre) which is bitter

4) Done

Impression Series (Zhang Yimou)

Impression West Lake VS Impression Lijiang

The first question I often get when people know that I have been to Hangzhou and Lijiang is - Did you catch Zhang Yimou's Impression show? Which one is better? My reply is often how do you compare an Apple and an Orange? Both shows are set in pretty impressive outdoor theatres - one against the backdrop of the Jade Snow Mountain and the other on the West Lake. However no matter which location it is, I am sure you will marvel at the hardwork the performers had to put in. Be it running through the freezing waters on a stage built 3cm below the water at night or dancing under the scorching heat on a man-made stage at the foot of the mountain. The shows deserve some credit, as they exhibit excellent music and choreography.

There is no concrete theme for Impression Lijiang. It is based on acts, which highlight folk culture and portray the life of the minority people. One can expect traditional singing, dancing, acrobatic acts on horses and when the show ends the minority tribes will invite the audience to join them in a prayer of blessings.

On the other hand, Impression West Lake narrative is fairly minimalist and is a sensational performance based on the myths and legends of the Lake. One can expect to see elaborate designed floats, the use of the surroundings as props and a spectacle of lights.

A tip : Before watching any of the shows, you should read up on the storyline. It helps you appreciate the show better and less likely you will be lost.

Singapore: Heritage Wedding Museum

We have more than 10 Museums in Singapore. One of the lesser known museum is the Heritage Wedding Museum, it showcases every stage of traditional Chinese weddings in an interactive way.  

Weddings are complicated affairs, especially so for the Chinese, because of their different dialects - Cantonese, Hakka, Hainanese, Teochew, Hokkien etc. 

Have you wondered what customs are observed when a Teochew Bride marries a Hokkien Groom? What must you prepare for the Guo Da Li (过大礼)? Are the items the same for a Hainanese Bride and a Teochew Bride?  Are you curious what had to be prepared for the An Chuang (安床) in the past and what are the modern day replacements?  What should a Dowry Set (嫁妆) contain and how do you perform the Shang Tou (上头)?  Do you know that couple's hair must be combed four times on the eve of the wedding?

Whether you are a "confused couple" or just wanting to find out more about traditional wedding customs, this is an interesting place to visit. 

Address: 38, North Canal Road (Opposite Hong Lim Park - Speakers' Corner) 

Clarke Quay is the nearest MRT Station 

Tel: (65) 6438 5698

From Singapore to China

Ni Hao Ma(How are you)? Within a span of 7 months, I found myself in China twice, the land of my ancestors. I visited Shanghai, Wuxi, Hang Zhou, Su Zhou, Kunming and Lijiang. Pictures speak a thousand words, so here are some snapshots of my days in the beautiful cities.