[ Days of indulgence and luminescence ]

Today is the third day of Chinese New Year which means that my belly has advanced at least one inch thicker and my heart has grown one day fonder. This festive celebration will last for 15 days and I dare not imagine what will become of me on the 15th day of this Chinese most celebrated period.

One traditional tidbit that must be present in one’s home is a jar of pineapple tarts. Usually many households will prepare some snacks and foods to serve their guests during visitation. A couple of oranges is a must, too, if one as a visitor hopes to receive the red packet! :)

Even the little red riding hood girl wants to join in the celebration! Red is definitely the auspicious color to wear and hence the red packet. It isn’t surprising that you’ll see a sea of red whenever you go!

We did some cooking for the reunion dinner i.e. dinner on the eve of Lunar New Year. It is common that families and relatives gather together in the evening to savor the feasts and catch up with each other. Unfortunately, I’m away from home and friends will make up for that, I suppose.

There were the slightly Westernized cold appetizers, roasted pork, and our hot pot ingredients: udon, mushrooms, fish maws, egg tofu, carrots, broccoli, fish balls, and fish cakes.

Look at how adorable the mini lanterns decoration at a friend’s house is!

After filling our stomach, we took a walk at River Hongbao carnival at The Float @ Marina Bay. Here was the only happening place at night besides Chinatown as people were waiting for countdown. There were food stalls, lanterns exhibition, performances, and mini funfair.

Don’t ask me how to read those signs.

2013 is the year of snake and the exhibition displayed lanterns of 12 Chinese zodiacs (which I will not show all).

I think that was some kind of Chinese puppet show.. using Mickey Mouse?

There were also dancing and singing performances which we did not stay back for due to the lack of seats and over-abundance of carbon dioxide. Gasp.

I found this “attraction” rather amusing. People shot coins towards these bells in hope of striking one of the bells attached to thin boards with good wishes written on them. The Chinese believe that by successfully doing so, the rest of the year will be filled with fortunes.

By the way, those coins (whether properly aimed or not) will be donated for charity.