Its that time of the year...angbaos; loud bombastic music; well meaning, albeit chatty, relatives (whose favourite address seems to be "when are you going to get a girlfriend ah?") and of course, FOOD - the sort that is oily, heaty and really unhealthy. Happy Chinese New Year...cheers.

Every year, we trudge our way down to 'Chun Dao He Pan' at night. And every year, i find myself in a losing battle for that small amount of space that is my comfort zone as we pack ourselves willingly into the crowd like a bunch of sardines in a can. There's only this much i'd give before it gets a tad bit uncomfortable. Personally, i never found much sense in this little family tradition. But as it is - where they go, i'd go. Its that sad but i suppose i'm a willing victim.

People who've been to the Chun Dao He Pan would know the signature 2storey 'Cai Shen' that spews golden leaves out periodically every year. It is believed to bring good fortune. And every year, die hard faithfuls (or people greedy for money) form an impenetrable fortress around the Cai Shen awaiting its 'money spewing' periods. Some, to my utmost amusement, inverted their umbrellas and placed them over their heads in hopes of obtaining more golden leaves.

What went through my mind?
"God, i can't believe i was once a participant."