The front of a boat is called the bow.
Dia dhaoibh
a Cháirde. Pádraig anseo arís le scéalta iontachta ó Singapore. Tá an Nollag thart anois
ar fud an domhain ach tá muintir Singapore réidh an bhlian nua a chéiliúradh. Coicís ar fad a
bheidh na maisiúcháin le feiceáil i ngach áit agus daoine ag cur fáilte roimh
cách - go mór mhór roimh na daoine a tháinig ó chian is ó chóngar.
Hello again
, faithful bloggers! Pádraig the Bear© here to continue my story of Singapore.
I know Christmas has long since passed, and New Year too. But, guess what?
Chinese New Year does not start until January 26th, so I'm well in
time to share that celebration with you. By now, though, G D Shore Support Team will be setting up base in
China
waiting for the Green Dragon to arrive. Already the city of QingDao is busy preparing to host the next
stopover of the Volvo Ocean Race.
In case
you've forgotten (since my first Singapore blog), this is the Year
of the Ox for the Chinese. I visited China
Town and enjoyed all the
special street decorations, which included this very charismatic Ox, in honour
of the New Year. Chinese New Year Plans were everywhere to be seen in Singapore. The
Lunar New Year will start on January 26th and all the shops,
restaurants, houses and streets in China
Town were alive with
bright colours.
New Year
marks the coming of spring - a fresh new start in people's lives. It is a time when all families try to be
together to share reunion meals. Red and orange are the most noticeable colours
used for the celebration. I was told that the red packet , or hong Bao in Mandarin language, is given
out by the older people to the young and unmarried family members. The red
packets usually contain money - in an even amount - which is meant to show a
wish for luck and prosperity in the future. Hey Mrs.O'Bear , where is my red
packet? I guess I'll have to depend on
the Euro Millions Lotto to take care of my future prosperity!!
Also,
instead of a Christmas Tree , a peach blossom plant is placed at the entrance
to every home. This is a sign of good
fortune in love and romance. Aw... shucks ... I'm getting so emotional now!
The bright
tangerine colour of mandarin oranges also plays an important role in the Lunar
New Year. The mandarin oranges are a symbol of wealth and good fortune. At
every celebration mandarins were in great abundance. If you went visiting
friends and family during the 15 day festival it is a tradition to bring along
two or three mandarins as a gift. (It's a bit different from our Christmas
Stocking!!)
Before I
end my New Year story I thought you might like to see the famous Raffles Hotel
all decked out with huge Christmas decorations. It nearly took my breath away
when I first saw this famous landmark of Singapore. Every visitor to this
beautiful city will certainly pay a visit to this awesome and very historic
hotel. Here comes the history bit .............
In 1887
four American brothers , the Sarkies, leased out a very grand property on Beach Road, from a
family called Alsagoff. Within two years the brothers had transformed it into
the Raffles Hotel. Over the years many famous writers, Sultans, film stars and
politicians stayed at the hotel. Some of these visitors made history (tall
tales , no doubt) and many others ..... did not behave so well!!
Raffles
Hotel was recognised as a National Monument and it was beautifully restored in
1989. Many of the original features were retained including the Billiards Room,
the Tiffin Room and Palm Court.
And the great thing for me was that I went there to cool down with an ice
sundae and I even got to throw the shells on the floor! Yes, really! Just like
in the old days.
Phew! And
you thought this little bear had a head full of stuffing? Shame on you! I'll
have you know that Mrs.O'Bear had me studying up on every library book and
brochure she could find before she let me loose on the streets. My mission is
to educate you all. It can't be all play and no work, you know. Maybe tomorrow
I'll be able to chill out. Theresa tells me there's a trip to the Botanical
Gardens on the agenda. Wow! A real tropical paradise for me to enjoy. Oh bliss!
So, it's
goodbye for now from Pádraig the Bear©.
Slán agus
beannacht.