First of all, he managed to finish his "PANDAS" painting - finally after five lessons. And then, I had to rush to DOME to meet my ex-colleagues Patrick Tan (former senior teacher/discipline master/Head of Maths of Uplands), Julie Tan (Head of Maths, Uplands) and Kat Yeo, a former student. Over tea, we had such a lively discussion that there was cross communication at times and poor Nick's head was reeling cos the four of us were talking nineteen to a dozen.
After dropping Kat at Adventist Hospital, I rushed home to meet hubby who was patiently waiting for us. Alas, instead of going hiking as I promised, I was caught up with my blogging and was busy writing my post on "Laugh More- I am serious". So the two guys went for basketball while yours truly was exercising her fingers on the keyboard :-).
Upon their return, the two sticky, sweaty father and son proudly declared that they had burnt enough calories to have a hearty meal while yours truly gulped and kept quiet. Originally, Nick wanted to go to Jurin at Bellisa Row for a Japanese meal but I had a sudden craving for banana leaf rice. Now if you have not been to Passions of Kerala (formerly known as Inira's at Brown Gardens and now with another outlet at New World Park), you are missing something in your life. The food there is authentic, fresh, of good quality and reasonably priced. Owned by Gary nair, the place is popular with many locals of different ethnic origins.
Having eaten so much (not me as I did not qualify for the hearty meal), hubby decided to take us to the pasar malam (night market) at Sungei Dua. There, I met two guys - Carlos(left) from Peru and Francisco(right) from Argentina. They were selling handmade jewellery and are leaving for Thailand tomorrow.
I dare not confess to you as to the number of bracelets, necklaces and earrings I bought from them. Sinful...but ladies like me who seldom shop are allowed some summertime madness on a hot night like tonight! The following photograph is Carlos' handmade stuff from Peru. He said that he buys his leather from Thailand and other countries and travels around the world to sell his costume jewelery. I simply adore ethnic craft so you can imagine how much I bought!!! Take a look at Carlos' beautiful handcrafted costume jewelery and accessories.
He has a Chinese wife who runs a shop selling his stuff in Medan. Believe me - his workmanship is fantastic. I used to spend my time making friendship bands and all kinds of stuff but his skills are simply awesome and the workmanship is so refined, creative with a wonderful burst of colors and infused with Inca and Mayan culture. The following is Francisco's stuff. I managed to get two necklaces with shark's teeth!!! Fabulous cos I have been shopping for these for my two boys and these are the only small ones I have seen.
Francisco specialises in Italian glass jewelery and the following pendants are so beautiful. When I visited Venice, I had a chance to visit the glass blowing factory and other handicraft shops and truly, Francisco's designs are quite Italian although he is Argentinan. But I guess, that's because both of them have had quite a cosmopolitan lifestyle as they do sell their stuff in Europe as well - for higher prices. It was truly enlightening to meet them, to practise my Spanish and to understand more about Inca, Macchu Picchu and Peruvian plus Argentinan culture. Bon voyage Carlos and Francisco!
When I reached home, a friend had left a box of durians for me!!! How wonderful! Later, I had a wonderful time listening to my boy's piano practice and tonight he played Grieg's Peer Gynt Suite No. 1 Op. 46 and Tomaso Albinoni's Adagio in G minor...very beautifully indeed and when I requested him to play it again, guess what my cheeky boy did???:-(
He came to my laptop and said, "Mom, I have something to show you."
And then he uploaded the following video :-) at THIS LINK and promptly ran upstairs and shouted, "Mom - don't disturb me now....I want to read Chapter 3 of "The Secret Garden"...(This is one book that every child should read apart from The Adventures of Tom Sawyer and Tom Brown's Schooldays - Nick and I love these two so much that I have two copies of each, just in case one is damaged!!!)
Ah - I really wish I have more than two children. How empty my life will be when he grows up :-(...but it has really been a wonderful day and tomorrow will even be better!
I hope you have had a wonderful Saturday today too. Take care and may your days be filled with gladness and cheer.
Chahya Ah..I have two children too...and I start to worry too...