Yesterday, I dropped a few lines on how, as a visitor, can enjoy the Chinese New Year Day (Day 1).
Today, I am branching off a bit on how Chinese, one such as I, would celebrate Chinese New Year in Hong Kong.
Chinese have tons of rituals. Many of them believe eating veg on the big festivals lessen our "sins" or "cleanse our heart", as we kill too many poultries during our daily days.
My family is no exception. We are accustomed to veg on CNY every year, and we've been to the same restaurant in Tuen Mun, as long as my memory serves.
Used to be famous for its food it, the vegetarian restaurant is actually a monastery.
The previous manageress, a respectable nun, went to her "Ultimate Happiness World" - as the Chinese put it.
I am not sure if she has gone to "UHW", but the following is somehow accurate:
Congee is no longer congee; it's some boiled water with rice.
"Beggar Egg" is no longer hot and steamy, it's now cold and watery.
"Fried Shrimp" is not crispy any more...
For more, you have to ask my big uncle.
My big uncle complains how bad the food looks, whenever a dish arrives. He yells how dishes are used to be, and then frowns and points at the what's laid on the table.
Very descriptive, isn't it?
Embarrassing too, when you are surrounded by 4-5 tables of other patrons.
Somewhat uncultured real-time reviews.
Though we should arrive by two in the afternoon for the bunch, some folks would come late, sometimes by an hour or two.
It's getting better in recent years, because many relatives have migrated to the States or the UK :)
I truly think we should move to another restaurant, because of food and the distance of travel involved. However, I give the benefit of the doubt that, my grandma was too old to switch this annual ritual. This monastery is a venue for the old folks to enjoy their golden memory.
Count me not ... as yet :)
That's my Day 1 event for every Chinese New Year, I have done so far in my life, as long as my memory serves.
Hope I have not bored you with it.
Oh...
I almost forgot:
If you want to have a "fat" CNY, you better sweettalk your buddies/ relatives on the Chinese New Year :)
(preferably to those who have big pockets so that you may enjoy a fat CNY!)
Here are some saying for your pockets:
Huo Hei Fat Choi (Have A Persperous New Year)
Xin Ti Kin Hong (Have a healthy body)
