Saturday, February 01, 2014

年初二 :: 马年福瑞长相伴,龙马精神得意笑

The first day of the Chinese Lunar New Year is filled with obligations to (some) traditions and humans. I can't handle hours and hours of schmoozing with humans I share no common experiences with. Often, I would either need a very stiff drink by 5pm, or be in bed before 11pm, unwilling to utter any more words, utterly drained by sheer pain from the minimal polite conversation required.

I've always looked forward to the second day of the Lunar New Year because the man and I control the schedule. We've worked out a total of four families to visit for the now. It used to be three, but in the recent years, it became four, falling into a comfortable routine that begins at 10.30am and ends by 6.30pm, leaving the evening free for us to wind down quietly. :) These are people we know and kinda grew up with. During tough times, they've quietly offered wise words, supportive shoulders and hugs. These are friends (and their parents) whom we see and chat with often through the course of the year.

Today, we've been well fed and watered by the friends and their parents. They plied us with stomach-filling soup, noodles and porridge. Homemade goodness. Plenty of alcohol, much laughter and love floating around. Immensely appreciative of the hospitality and warmth. AND THE ANG POWS. Luckily we brought gifts. At this grand old age, we still received ang pows. Zzzzz.

No comments: