Ok, I know I should be writing about things in Shanghai. But hey, I bought Gogo (my dog) in Shanghai! That qualifies right?
Now, back to the subject proper. My dog saved me from getting my Chinese dumpling (水饺) burnt! Yeah!!! What a smart dog!
As usual, I was hungry, put some Chinese dumpling into the shallow pot of water and wait for it to boil. As usual as well, I went on to watch my DVDs and totally forgot about the potential hazard in my house.
Some 15 minutes later, guided by some un-explainable instinct, my dog decided to walk to the kitchen. She came out, stood near the kitchen door where I could see her and beckoned me to come with her dopey eyes.
Then it occurred to me! I have left the Chinese dumpling boiling!!!
In the end, the dumpling was boiled to perfection and my doggie got a nice crispy chicken snack accompanied by a bowl high calcium low fat milk. We enjoyed our meals in silence, with smiles on our faces and gladness in our hearts that we have each other. And of course, food before us.
Something has always intrigued me for years and with my new faster & better camera, I managed to capture it and imprint it in my memory FoReVeR!!! Now, may I present to you... the Cabby Chant!
First, let me tell you where it is found...
It is found on the plastic panel that protects the cab driver from us mere meek humans who might just decide to use a hammer and knock on the driver's head since many a times, they either couldn't hear our directions or pretend not to hear and go a wrong way. *hammer appearing from my pocket*
The panel not only shields the driver but also shields us from the air conditioner that is supposed to blow right through the middle to the rear seat. This is especially irritating in hot summer and cold winter, which practically dominate the Shanghai weather 80% of the time.
Ok back to the chant. Unfortunately, you have to read Mandarin to fully appreciate this one.
It reads (Mandarin with Singlish translation) 我的服务，您的满意 (My service, Your satisfaction)
客人上车讲“您好” (Customer in car say "Good day") 结算车费应“唱票” (Trip finish must "Sing bill") 付款方式需“询问” (Pay method need "To ask") 车费结清道“谢谢” (Bill is paid say "Thank you"") 随身物品要“提醒” (Hand carrys need "Remind") 客人下车说“再见” (Customer get down say "Bye bye")
Amazing isn't it? They put the whole process of a cab driver into a chant that rhymes! If the driver missed any of the steps, you can actually request that the starting fee be waived. Coolio!
I'll start paying more attention whenever I am in a cab.
I attended a wedding some moons ago. In Shanghai, there is supposed a "wedding dinner tradition" among the younger generation these days i.e. to sabotage the newly wedded couple through "table games".
This shouldn't be a surprise to me since in Singapore we do the same thing too... when we were younger.
However, the trick I had at my table was way too evil!!! See for yourself!
Ok, the pic isn't that clear as it was taken in utter disgust & shock via my phone camera.
Basically, there is a 1.25 litre plastic soda container. Someone has to poke holes in it with burning cigarettes. Yah, he has to huff and puff just to get it right. Not easy you know. After all, we all know that these soda containers are not that environmentally friendly.
After the guy nearly fainted with too much smoke in his lungs all at once, lit cigarettes were then placed carefully in each of the holes.
The couple appeared at our time at the opportune time. The groom has to smoke the "HUGE cigar" by inhaling from the mouth of the bottle. Of course, he nearly died of the massive smoke inhale and coughed a few times.
Evil isn't it?
Obviously the ethical rule of not smoking in air-conditioned places doesn't quite hold in Shanghai. Evil too...
Ok I have been missing in a while. Dormant. Lying low. Or simply sleeping.
During this time, I have managed to 1. land myself a new position in office and no one has the guts to terminate me yet 2. plan and execute a wedding in 3 months (mine) 3. buy a dog, keep it alive and stay with me till now
I deem the last item as the most extraordinary feat I have ever done. No kidding.
Just to give you a feel of my traumatic past with living things
Fish - 2 angel fish - Fish A died after 2 days - Fish B was so depressed that I caught him trying to commit suicide. Yeah, many times he flipped and swam on his belly just for fun and then flip back. He eventually succeeded after 1.5 weeks
Terrapins - Thought these were the hardiest of the lot. - Well, they were... and they ran away.
Plants - They all died on me within 1 week - Once... too much water - Then... too little water
Cactus - I don't believe I can kill this one after much advice from well concerned friends - It died before I had a chance to name it.
There you go... Thankfully GOGO (name of my dog) is still alive and kicking. Here's a video to prove it.... My Sleeping Beauty.
Simple lady who aspires to do a lot of things and cooking is one where I find great pleasure, especially when it's for the family.
These memos serve to remind me of the little proud moments I had with food and kept as a reference for my 3 kids in future. Who knows? They might find some comfort in reading mummy's writings some day.
