Note: This is a scheduled post of our Summer Holidays in Scotland (9th to 25th September, 2022)
Before the weather got crappy in the next days, we maximized our time outdoor, gallivanting on the streets of Glasgow. The pedestrianised shopping areas on Buchanan Street, Argyle Street and St Enoch became animated with buskers and lively charades.
The pedestrianised shopping streets: Buchanan, Argyle and St. Enoch
Loyally Royal
Again, an impromptu walkabout in Glasgow to pass our time aimlessly, we headed for George Square. We noticed a crowd thronging the Glasgow City Chambers. We heard about Princess Anne, the Princess Royal coming to Glasgow but we were not aware it was going to be at the spot where the crowd were. Well, why not, eh? We joined in the crowd standing on the 3rd row and struggling to zoom in on the famous daughter of the late Queen Elizabeth II. Princess Anne arrived at 12:15, accompanied by her husband, Sir Timothy Laurence.
Chance meeting of Princess Anne at the Glasgow City Chambers on George Square
By the way, Princess Anne visited the Glasgow City Chambers to meet representatives of the organisation of which the late Queen was patron. M and I joined the crowd and in fleeting moments, we made it to ET Canada news, not very visible but we were there. I’d say, “My nose, mouth and hands met the gracious Princess Royal” . The rest of my body went incognito. LOL!
Top photo covered by ET Canada news. Bottom photo taken by yours truly.
Glasgow Botanic Gardens
When the crowd started to disperse on George Square, we strode across the road for almost 2 hours to get to the Botanical Gardens on Great Western Road. It was probably the best day to laze and bask in the sun.
Perfect day with copious of Vitamin D
Glasgow Botanic Gardens
Lost and Found
It was also at the Gardens when M and I lost each other for a good half hour. I was taking photos of the majestic Sunflowers. When I turned around, M was no where in sight. We finally met again at the starting point of the Botanical Gardens making it a double full circle squeeze of our energy.
A reminder … Lost and Found 🌻
Haggis Pakora. Anyone?
It was at Ashton Lane that we discovered Glasgow’s hidden gem. Loved how the rows of restaurants complement each other. Looked very European. Ashton Lane is a small area, but worth a visit.
Ashton Lane, a hidden gem
With our tummies rumbling away, we combined a late lunch cum early dinner at 17:00 at Ashöka, an Indian restaurant. Interestingly, it’s only in Scotland that haggis pakora is on the menu. Not bad.
Mix pakora (chicken, vegetable and haggis pakora)
For main, I had the slow cooked beef madras curry, while M had lamb curry. Both dishes were served with basmati rice and roti. In hindsight, we should have ordered only one dish as 2 were plenty. We were stuffed!
Late lunch/ early dinner at Ashöka, Ashton Lane
We walked back to Renfrew Street feeling full, very tired and exhausted from clocking a total of 30k steps and climbing 50 floors with a distance of 25 km
Evening walk back to Renfrew Street via Kelvingrove Park
Another day well spent albeit an impromptu one, as always 😬
We knew it was going to be a BEAUTIFUL next day, or was it? 🤔
Note: This is a scheduled post of our Summer Holidays in Scotland (9th to 25th September, 2022)
<<< Flashback …
Ringgggg…
I received a call from someone in Scotland, someone I have not met for more than a quarter of a century! It’s great to touch base again. It’s been too long.
The caller had this to say ,”When you decide what time you plan to take the train, let us know.”
>>> Fastforward >>>
Hmmm… who was the mystery caller with a UK number calling me in the hotel room? 🤔
Apparently the mystery caller and I have been WhatsApping for a while. When I told her in June that M and I were going to Scotland in September, she wrote, “We could try to meet up”
MY moved to Scotland more than a decade ago to be with her true love 💕
Well, the last time I met MY in the flesh was back in 1995. We were colleagues back in Kuching. Not only were we colleagues, MY is my maternal cousin! Yup, it’s a small world after all 😀
ScotRail and THAT unforgettable stop!
“Remember to take the train from Glasgow Queen Street and NOT Glasgow Central to Falkirk High”. This reminder was crucial to newbies like us, as it did make a difference where we had to travel within Scotland via ScotRail.
Glasgow Queen Street Station
We took the 10:00 train from Glasgow Queen Street Station to Falkirk High (towards Edinburgh). Falkirk is mid-way between Glasgow and Edinburgh. Our ETA was 10:21.
Waiting for the 10 am train to Falkirk High at Queen Street Station
I was so engrossed watching out for the time that as soon as the train stopped at a station at 10:17, we didn’t budge immediately until M saw “Falkirk High” from his side of the window. We got up from our seats and rushed to open the door, but to no avail. The door was fastened tightly and guess what? The train started moving and I saw MY pacing up and down the station platform hoping to see familiar faces to alight. She was not aware we were in the moving train. Alas, it was too late. Yup, we missed our stop!
I immediately texted MY.
“We stopped at Falkirk High, but the door didn’t open for us. I’ve no clue where we are. What do I do now?” Oh shucks! MY didn’t read my messages!
“Where to stop? Please advise. We’re stuck on the train heading for Edinburgh”. Still, no reply. So, we did the best thing we could by stopping at the next station, Polmont. I googled the place, it was about 8 km from Falkirk High and a 10-min drive.
Polmont Station
After a quick call to MY, all was solved. We finally met MY and AJ in their red Ford. Phew!
It was lovely listening to a real Scottish accent for a change. AJ drove us to North Queensferry Station and bought us tickets to experience a brief train ride on the Forth Rail Bridge (Red steel bridge). Completed in 1890, it is considered a symbol of Scotland, having been voted Scotland’s greatest man-made wonder in 2016, and is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
North Queensferry Station with the lovely mural of the Forth Rail Bridge
With MY at North Queensferry. The Forth Rail Bridge can be seen in the distant background
Overlooking the Red Bridge are the ‘newer’ suspension bridges, the Forth Road Bridge (1964) and the Queensferry Crossing (2017).
View of the Queensferry Crossing and the Forth Road Bridge from Forth Rail Bridge
By the way, the Queensferry Crossing had appeared on television the entire day on 11th September, 2022 on a worldwide scale as that was the last journey of the late Queen Elizabeth II when her casket was carried en route from Balmoral Castle to the Palace of Holyroodhouse, Edinburgh. Glad to have experienced a part of the soon-to-be-history during our holidays.
A short drive to South Queensferry sealed the deal with the breathtaking view of the 3 bridges running parallel with each other.
Intersecting view of the Forth Rail Bridge (1890) and the Queensferry Crossing (2017)
With such lovely sunny weather, we couldn’t resist some Scottish ice-cream. The artisanal ice-cream made using grass-fed cow’s milk was exquisite.
Dessert before Main 😅
The Dutch Inn
Coming to Scotland is not complete without trying haggis. It’s not everyone’s cup of tea, that’s for sure, but I was game for new things, especially foods! Ha ha …
The Dutch Inn, Falkirk
The Chicken Highlander (stuffed with haggis) and the Sticky Toffee Pudding combined were the pièces de résistance of the day. It was pure indulgence 🤪
Chicken Highlander (Chicken breast stuffed with haggis served with Drambuie sauce, vegetables and fries) and Sticky Toffee Pudding
I was curious about the name of the restaurant, “Dutch Inn” and then I saw Belgian Waffle on the menu card (that’s why …). MY had that and she loved it.
Belgian Waffle, or to be precise, Lèige Waffle 😉
The Kelpies
When MY and AJ asked me what I wanted to see while in Falkirk, I said, “I come to Scotland with an open mind. Bring me to places that will trigger my memory for a long time, ie, somewhere or something I can remember Falkirk by.” AJ knew exactly where he would bring us – The Kelpies!
The Kelpies is a 30-metre high horse head sculpture depicting kelpies (shape-shifting water spirits). The name reflected the mythological transformation beasts possessing the strength and endurance of ten horses; a quality that is analogous with the transformational change and endurance of Scotland’s inland waterways.
The Kelpies
With MY (ex colleague and cousin). Memories are made of this
The Helix Park is home of The Kelpies and The Kelpies have transformed the area into a 5-star tourist destination. The park was an amazing space, literally and figuratively speaking.
Helix Park, Falkirk
The Falkirk Wheel
It would have been great if we had arrived on time to experience a boat trip of a lifetime rotated by the Falkirk Wheel. Alas, we were a boat too late, however, we managed to watch the Wheel lifting / raising the last incoming boat. Impressive!
The majestic Falkirk Wheel in action …
The Falkirk Wheel is the only rotating boat lift of its kind in the world. Although we didn’t get to experience the lift, it was awesome just watching the Wheel turning.
The Falkirk Wheel
Stirling Castle
We hit the road heading for one of the most popular Castles in Scotland where a string of Hollywood movies and Netflix series were shot: Game of Thrones, Outlander, Monty Python and the Holy Grail, just to name a few.
Stirling Castle taken from AJ’s car
Oops! Late again. We reached the parking lot of Stirling Castle at 17:45, a bit too late as the last entry into the Castle was 17:15.
Stirling Castle entrance notice
Stirling Castle taken from the parking lot
The inside of the Castle would be great, but what we saw outside of the Castle was enriching in itself. Each landmark and statue tells a story.
Statue of Argyll and Sutherland Highlander soldier from the Boer War
The Star Pyramid, aka Salem Rock is a massive sandstone, ashlar pyramid dominating the area below the Stirling Castle beside the Old Town Cemetery. The Pyramid is dedicated to all those who suffered martyrdom in the cause of civil and religious liberty in Scotland.
Star Pyramid aka Salem Rock situated just below Stirling Castle
The statue of Robert the Bruce on the esplanade at Stirling Castle looking out at the William Wallace Memorial was captivating. King Robert I was one of the most renowned warriors of his generation. He led Scotland during the First War of Scottish Independence against England and fought successfully to regain Scotland’s place as an Independent kingdom. Robert is now revered in Scotland as a national hero. Now I understand why the Scottish people are craving for independence post Brexit
Statue of Robert the Bruce
Stirling Castle was also the childhood home of Mary, Queen of Scots and it was there that William Wallace’s Braveheart speech: “Freedom!” was filmed, portrayed by Mel Gibson
William Wallace aka Braveheart’s “Freedom” speech played by Mel Gibson was shot on the compound of Stirling Castle
Homeward bound …
It was a fulfilling day spent with AJ and MY. We would not have thought of going for that short train ride on the Forth Rail Bridge to watch the historical Queensferry Crossing that marked the last journey of QEII. We would not have thought of visiting the mythological horse head sculpture or watching the raising and lifting of boats powered by the majestic Wheel. Thanks MY and AJ 🤗
We headed back to Glasgow from Falkirk High. It was 20:00, cold and dark when we reached Glasgow Queen Street.
An early next day start awaited us for another full Day Tour of the Highlands with the many lochs, bens, glens and coos.
Note: This is a scheduled post of our Summer Holidays in Scotland (9th to 25th September, 2022)
We wanted a different holiday and we got just that.
From our countless trips to the land of lavender fields, wines, quaint hilltop medieval villages, daily Provençale markets, artisanal breads and luscious pastries to the land of whisky, ringing bagpipes, kilts, bold tartans, castles, highlands and haggis! What a trade-off, and an enriching one at that 😬
We had arrived at Glasgow Central on schedule at 07:20 via the Caledonian Sleeper, a 7-hour “hotel-experience-on-rail” journey from London Euston. Being sleep deprived the past 24 hours, we trudged the streets of Glasgow googling our way to the hotel that was to be our accommodation for the next 7 days.
Maldron Hotel on Renfrew Street
We reached Maldron Hotel, but shucks, it was way too early to check in at 07:59. Another 7 hours to go before we could get that much-needed snooze…
We left our luggage at the hotel and started roaming the streets of Glasgow walking on different terrains: cobblestones, turfs, earths, tarred roads, cemented pathways and crossing overhead bridges. Our first accidental stop was Kelvingrove Art Gallery & Museum via Kelvingrove Park.
Kelvingrove Park
Direction Kelvingrove Art Gallery & Museum
Every picture tells a story … if you know how to read it
The Museum was a great find with everything Scottish from Charles Renmie Mackintosh to The Glasgow Boys.
We stayed in the Museum while waiting for the Daily Organ Concert, a solo performance by a locally known organist. The opening recital of ‘God save the King’ was appropriately performed while savouring the classic Victoria Sandwich (Sponge) Cake, the way Queen Victoria would have enjoyed her cake 😊
Kelvingrove Art Gallery & Museum, Glasgow
By the way, I was glad we had the Victoria Sponge Cake because there was more walking to do before I could snug in my comfy bed. At that moment, I felt like a headless chicken, with our totally impromptu schedules plodding our way through the woods until we chanced upon two of Scotland’s top Universities.
We felt like students again, ambling our way around the University compound and the University shop. After all, it was the Universities’ Open Days.
University of Glasgow
University of Strathclyde
Road to Nightmare
The walk back to our hotel seemed eternal.
Long hilly roads in Glasgow
When we finally reached the hotel at 15:33, we checked into Room 1208, the topmost floor but only to find out that there was ZERO WiFi connection. Anyway, we were too tired for anything digital that evening after the insomniac journey on the Caledonian Sleeper.
With the Queen’s recent passing, all that was seen on the TV were live coverage of the Queen’s death.
When the live broadcast from Buckingham Palace announced: “The Queen’s funeral will take place on Monday, 19th September”, this didn’t go well with our holiday plans, as Monday, 19th September was THE day I was looking forward to: the much-awaited day trip to the Isle of Skye and the Eilean Donan Castle.
True enough, M received an email the next day that our Day Tour scheduled on Monday, 19th September to the Isle of Skye and the Eilean Donan Castle was cancelled by the Tour Agency.
Oh no!!!
With so much happening the past 24 hours – lack of sleep, the long and winding impromptu trails around Glasgow, the ZERO WiFi connection in our room and the distressing news about the cancellation of our pre-booked Day Tour. Well, what can I say, but it’s clearly NOT a great start to our Scottish holiday.
As we sang the Auld Lang Syne, clinked champagne flutes with the sounds and flares of the fireworks in the skies and bade farewell to 31st December, 2019, we had zero notion what would await us all at the turn of the year. Looking back to my 2020, my 365-day page was devoted almost entirely to the big C word that has drifted by with the passing of the 4 seasons (and counting …?)
In retrospect, there is probably one magic word that befits anno 2020: resilience. It is amazing how in the course of a few months we have been tested on our bouncebackability. Our ability of being adaptive and creative have been phenomenal.
Here is a snapshot of my diary of the year 2020 like no other.
Wedding of the Year
2020 could have been the year with a record number of weddings. Without a doubt, it was truly a blessing in disguise when my brother in Canada sent out early wedding invitations in 2019 to meet in Kuching for the wedding of his eldest son. The matrimonial vows were exchanged on 30th January, where families and friends hugged, laughed, shook hands and cried tears of joy. Here’s the write up of the wedding of my nephew and Nanako: Wedding
Wedding of Ivan & Nanako
And then, the invincible invisible enemy crushed all hopes of all planned weddings in 2020. No church weddings, no banquets, no friends or families allowed. It’s gloomy days ahead for a long time.
Traffic Lights
The WHO declared COVID-19 a pandemic in March and lockdowns began in countries around the world. I would not have imagined that the colours of the traffic lights would dictate our way of living, but it had .… uptil now! Teleworking had been the new norm. I have been working from home since mid-March and it has been almost 10 months down the road. It was good at first as I hated the morning rush hours. When the days turned to weeks and then months, WFH seemed like an added chore, a drudgery of sorts. I don’t hate it but I don’t love it either. Let’s just say, it’s growing on me.
I did go back to my office 3 times since our first lockdown in mid-March. Although my office is prepared to have the employees back to the building, however, with the protocol of measures in line with the Fed Government’s, return to office is still not recommended.
Our ‘welcome’ pack
Basement parking for 200+ cars has never been this empty
Creative Minds
For many people, looking back at 2020 is painful and frustrating. Keeping our distance from loved ones, friends and colleagues or not being able to attend a funeral, reunion party, potlucks, film, concert, workshop, meetings all led to isolation, hence a new word is born, “social distancing”. The introverts did not mind that, but definitely not the extroverts!
The corona virus might have taken the centre stage, but 2020 was also a year full of NEW ideas, NEW initiatives, fun and loving moments.
By the way, a surgical mask that cost a few cents became the most sought after item in 2020. When masks were nowhere to be found or sold in pharmacies and supermarkets, people were forced to get creative. YouTube Channels were exploded with tutorials and ideas of “how to make your own mask”. Millions made DIY masks. I was intrigued by the idea but the execution never got off the ground. I still have a bagful of cotton towels, mini sewing kit, filters, elastic band spools, untouched. When I wanted to start making my own mask, we received free masks from our commune, my company and from some friends. Not long after that, surgical masks were once again, allowed to be sold in pharmacies and supermarkets, but no longer at the price we knew pre-Covid.
We were told during the lockdown to stay healthy, to move around the house every so often despite the movement restriction order outdoors. It ain’t easy for the outdoor types, the extroverts. While swimming pools and gyms were closed, the free outdoors became the new ‘fitness centres’ of our world. There’s no stopping walkers, joggers, runners, cyclists working out in the woods and parks daily or weekly. Mind you, bicycles, sports suits, walking/running shoes and dumbbells were hot items in 2020, and pets, Netflix and Airfryer, too!!
And I just had to jump on the bandwagon!
How creative can a human mind be with a bad hair day during lockdown become a norm? When nonessential shops like a hair salon are closed for months, my hair was growing in all directions. YouTube seemed to have read my mind like an open book. Suddenly a video of an interview with George Clooney by Jimmy Kimmel appeared on my recommended feed. It was not just an interview but a surprising confession from the actor that he cuts his own hair … with a vacuum cleaner, aka Flowbee! After checking out all the Flowbee videos, I told my boys, “I want a Flowbee!, too!” Unfortunately, it’s an American product and it’s only available in the States, and they’re all sold out! Helaas!
Instead, I watched my boys having fun cutting each others’ hair while I snipped mine myself blindly …
Short and Crisp
Speaking of YouTube channels, I noticed so many new accounts created since March: all for the sake of entertaining the lockdowners. Some channels made it big in such a short span of time. I love watching musicals, singers and songwriters and one that stood out is a father-and-daughter vocal duo, Mat and Savanna Shaw. Their debut video cover of Celine Dion and Andrea Bocelli’s “The Prayer” published in March, garnered 8 million views (and counting), as I write. They have since published global livestream concerts and made their debut Christmas album in less than 10 months of owning a YouTube Channel. And I’m still watching them uploading perfectly harmonious songs. That makes me absolutely happy during this lockdown.
I’m afraid I am not one who has the patience to watch a lengthy movie in one sitting. Give me a good short story of 30 minutes or less at one sitting and I´d binge watch the videos in one night. Omeleto is my favourite pitstop and CGI animated short films is another. JinnyboyTV and Wong Fu Productions published quality videos with great acting and stories that are relatable with Asian values.
Corona Summer
Summer 2020 was unlike any other summer. Airports were deserted. Commercial Planes were not flying, trains were sporadic. Many opted for a trip close to home, famously coined as “Staycation”. It was a hard decision for us, too, cancelling our trip to London via Eurostar. Infact, for ALL of us in these difficult times. We did, however, make a mini trip in September by car. We were very careful, maintaining our distance and adhering to the corona protocol and measures during our entire stay in South France.
Once a popular destination, all were quiet and almost deserted, but it was a much needed break for us. In hindsight, I’m glad we made it…
A picture is worth a thousand words.
Daudet’s Windmill, Fontvielle
Arles
Les Baux de Provence
Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer
Provence
The Pass that Failed
When the Belgian railway company launched the free pass “Hello Belgium” by promoting travel within the country, valid from 5th Oct 2020 for 6 months, I was thrilled. I had bookmarked a trip to Bruges with my son, but hey-ho, it was not meant to be. Belgium was flagged ‘red’ and entered into a stricter 2nd lockdown on 1st Nov when cases surged. There goes my free pass. It failed!
A Cancelled Concert: Despair vs Hope
Perhaps the most disappointing news was the cancelled live tour of my newfound favourite singers, songwriters and multi-instrumentalists Josh Lee Turner, Carson McKee, Reina del Cid and Toni Lindgren. Their live concert in Belgium in November where my husband and I were supposed to go, was cancelled. So we are reliving their music in our home and keeping our ears and eyes opened for new dates of their live concerts. Fingers crossed!
To keep the live musical theme alive in our home, we are listening to our 2 boys making music, yes, making and singing. Feeling blessed
Counting Bubbles
“Bubble” during this pandemic means social contacts. How many contacts we could have were decided by the Government in alignment with the number of cases locally and regionally. Currently, Belgium allows only 1 cuddle contact (“knuffelcontact”) who does not belong to our own household. This “close contact” implies contact that lasts more than 15 minutes without having to maintain the social distance and wearing a face mask.
As far as I could remember, the number of bubbles in Belgium have been fluctuating like a yo-yo between March to December: from 2 to 4 to 15 and down to 10 and then to 4 and currently, to one lone ranger.
Bustling Kitchen
My kitchen has never been used so much the past 10 months. I was on my toes daily, balancing kitchen activities and office work. It was doable in the initial stage. I was like a duracell bunny hopping around the house with my daily chores and prepping daily meals for my menfolk. It was exhausting, so I thought the right way was to slow down and leave the cooking to either my older son and/or order takeaways.
Here were some snapshots of the memories of my bustling kitchen ideas, savouries and sweets
When I was weary, down and out, I passed the baton on to my older son. Here’s the outcome …
While I am not in the mood to cook, and the older son flashes his white flag, I had to resort to ordering takeaways. Here are the results …
Time will tell
A year in review might suggest that the moments are behind us, but what anno 2020 has shown is the events that will last a lifetime
Both my boys had to follow their University courses online. With lots of patience and determination, my older son graduated with his MSc degree last year. My younger son, on the other hand, is showing signs of losing hope. Hang on there, son. Hope works with Time and Time is capable of understanding how valuable Hope is.
The UK finally exits the EU and Time will tell how and what the future will be
The world stood still, but Time is catching up with us. We experienced a lockdown, felt vulnerable while the virus made a major impact on our daily lives. We had to get used to the new normal and the universal 1.5m social distancing, a word we had never used pre-Covid days. Shaking hands, attending a party, travelling and grabbing a shopping cart have not been the same and Time will tell if we will (ever) get back to our previous norm.
Following a public vote, “Knuffelcontact” has been named Word of the Year by the Van Dale Dutch language experts. The word literally translates to “cuddle contact” or “hug buddy” and refers to a close contact outside of one’s household in alignment to COVID-19 regulations.
The world stood still, but many have enriched their lives by staying healthy, eating right and being closer to their loved ones who are staying apart. It’s just a ZOOM away.
I look forward to the prospect of a new year in which we can see each other in person, give a hug and pass one another in the hallway with a visible smile on our face and a simple “Good Morning”
The fact that our freedom was limited the past year did not make it easy for all of us. But I know, we’ll come out of the rut year stronger than ever before!
Here’s to a Healthy, Happy, Stronger and Safer 2021 and to all Mothers-to-be and Grannies-to-be, enjoy a new Life in your lives. 2021 is one hell of a baby boom year. The Stork is working overtime in the Year of the Metal Ox.
In hindsight, life seemed like a bed of roses until a virus crushed our beds. It has been 8 long roller-coaster months (and counting??) of anxiety, akin to a Mother carrying a child in her belly. My beloved late Mum used to say with precision, “I carried you for 9 months 10 days”. Does that mean there’s hope after Christmas? In 2021….?
It’s a long dark tunnel we’re travelling in, but I have to believe there’s redemption in the darkest of circumstances.
Guess what? I’m going to paint the tunnel with the colours of the Rainbow! We need happy stories more than ever in this oppressively bleak moments.
Shall we play a game then?
Ready?
It was Sunday, 11th Oct. G, the last person I know in our group chat who would be sharing photos of food dishes, suddenly bombarded our chat group with her amazing platters. She confessed, “I really wanted something that reminds me of home kopitiam food”. 5 other charbors couldn’t agree more especially so when G is now with 2. Et voilà! 😉)
The prolonged lockdown or house-confinement has magically transformed many noob cooks to unsung heroes with their unimaginable sleight-of-hands in the kitchen. Colourful platters were virtually shared. THAT is the Rainbow I was referring to.
C: I miss Yong Tau Fu and Pan Mee G: We should all come up with ideas on what Asian food challenge to cook next A: Good idea! D: I’m in! O, you’re also included in the challenge, ya 😉 X: OK. Let’s do it but first I need to buy Kway Teow 😅
And then, silence prevailed for a few days and suddenly, one message popped up in our group chat. X texted, “The best 007 has left us” *sob*
From Food to Bond. Very intriguing combo, indeed. Ha ha ha …
Set!
Wait a minute! Was it not exactly 5 years ago today when 6 girls met in Antwerp, had Cantonese-style yin yang rice noodles at Da Jia Le and coming out of the cinema humming to the tune of Sam Smith’s Writing on the Wall (aka Spectre with Daniel Craig as 007)?
Well, well, well…. History has repeated itself, albeit in an extraordinarily different way. On this 11th day of the 11th month at the 11th hour, 6 “Bond” charbors could not meet physically, but shared their moments virtually, a reminder of the delectable lunch they had in Antwerp on 11th November, 2015
And so the story goes … 5 very determined ladies showed off their take on a noodle dish (with a story to tell) that any 007 would swoon over. But little did they know that their dishes would be judged from North, South, East and West by the mysterious “M”
Go!!
5 entries were submitted, in no particular order …
Huh? It didn’t add up innit? There’re 6 charbors, but only 5 entries? Hmmmmm where’s entry number 6??
Well, somebody had to play “M” and that’s moi! Sorry, charbors 😜
While the 5 “Bond” girls slogged away with their prized platter, the mysterious “M” carried out a secret Mission. She had to pick the winning platter.
Which of the “Bond” girls won, you think?
Drum roll please….. and the winner is …..
Damn, that’s NOT easy. “M” knows the girls too well. Not fair lah! So the mysterious “M” called upon 18 Secret Agents from Europe, Asia, North America and Oceania to co-judge the winning plate.
Drum roll (again) please… And the WINNER is …
Erm … hidden in the comments from the 18 judges, hereunder …
Can you decipher? 🧐🤔
“All look so yummy, how to judge? Especially when they are dished up differently” “See photos only and not tasting, difficult lah. Maybe it doesn’t look nice but taste nice?” “If I’m not saying right, no hard feelings ok. It’s just the presentation” “Well, if you ask me to judge on which dish I’ll go and grab first based on the look, I would say this picture. Based on presentation, I would say the top right photo. Looks clean and decent” “How the dish is presented, can be deceiving. Let me taste all first, lah …” “I feel that I must have a criteria to judge” “I am sure many will choose their favourite dishes” “I base my judgement on photo presentation” “I’m not a very noodle person” “Oh dear, I’m very bad at this.. ” “I don’t really like all the wet, wet noodles. Only the curly kolo mee” “This one is always my favourite” “I ranked them in order of how they looked and the seasonings in the noodles” “Give me 1 and 2 anytime. Yum “ “How to judge? In terms of presentation or which one looks appetizing?” “I’m not a good cook so I really can’t decide. All looked yummy. Anyway, the best is the 1st photo” “Wait, since this is based on presentation only, I will have to look closer.” “The plating for E is not pretty, but I bet the bee hoon and pork tasted superb” “This plate is missing some greens, otherwise, it will be my no 1” “Dry mee always comes first for me, except laksa ” “I prefer bee hoon, mee pok, finer and thinner type noodles” “If this was kway teow, automatically no 1”
“Looks delish ‘cause of the veg, fresh coriander, crispy shallots and meat” “I like bee hoon with bean sprouts, carrots, omelette strips, spring onions or chives for colours” “Looks delish, but noodle looks bland” “This colour is not enticing. Meat looks ok but again the presentation and colour not attractive” “My ranking depends on the season. In these cold days, I would say …” “Looks like Thai dish, interesting!” “Cantonese kway teow! My favourite!” “3rd picture looks like dry foochow noodle? Looks great! Sweet black sauce, yums!” “Toppings look amazing, but noodles look plain” “Minus points for no greens. Noodles look too plain but meat looks perfectly cooked” “This looks ok, but too dry and colour not attractive”
By the way, did you manage to de-crypt the winner and the winning entry? 🧐 For now, my lips are sealed …🤐
As a bonus, 2 early birds sent the Mysterious “M” the best virtual desserts ever imaginable. Both entries deserved the highest accolades. Without being able to taste the desserts de facto, M made the conclusive decision that both plates were EQUAL winners. Period!
The journey of Life is a perfectly surprising CIRCLE; you never know when the BEST PART comes back to you because the end of one journey is the beginning of the next. We are all connected in the great circle of life – FRIENDS!
The magic of the the 11th day of the 11th month was re-visited when 5 girls sent their VIRTUAL LOVE in sync 💞
Well, it takes a virus to bring us back together, stronger than ever before 💪
By the way ... 