Human Day

Last Saturday was everybody’s birthday. So with this, I want to greet everyone a belated happy happy birthday!

It was my first time to hear the greeting from the Auntie who I  had walked with to the Singapore Flyer a week ago. I actually thought that Auntie had already lost her sanity that time but the amazement that I had felt towards the idea eventually overpowered the reservation I had moments ago so I had animatedly sprung back the greeting to her and jokingly added that I do not have any gift for her, in hand, to accompany the greeting. It also was her birthday after all! How cool is that really for all of us to have the same birthday? I am constantly surprised that there is so much more commonality that we, people, have than I have ever thought. Well, I did my research after reaching home and found out that the 7th day of the Chinese New Year, based to Chinese customs, is the day when we, humans, were created. So Auntie was not talking nonsense at all! And it was comforting to know that we did not look like we came from another planet and talking alien.

Chingay Parade showcases how wide the diversity of culture here in Singapore is. It also allows the country’s local arts groups as well as a number of international groups and performers to cooperate and to display both their undeniable talents or even just that innocent desire to entertain the audience with their colourful attires and parade floats. I really applaud them for the effort that each of them had put in to make the whole parade a success.  Furthermore, it had already gained so much popularity even outside the country because of the amusement and joy that it offers to everyone, regardless of the generation, whether they are old or young.

 

Don’t put the kunai there Kakashi. I miss my being a fan of Naruto days! That’s why upon seeing cosplayer Kakashi walking around the vicinity, I thought that I just have to take my picture with him. What I love about the character was his mysteriousness and his inevitable coolness whatever the situation he is in maybe. I never saw that he pointed the kunai in my heart until I saw this picture. If I were in their world, I surely had already been struck with ease. I would never have a chance to fight for my life. Haha.

What an adorable high school guy! Being a redhead surely does suit him. Those girls were really just props in this picture. He was the sole reason why this picture was taken in the first place. Haha.

While waiting, I decided to ride the Singapore Flyer.

A nice view I got from the top.

Our ride travelled the whole circumference for approximately 30 minutes and I think that’s the main reason why reminders to visit the loo first before boarding the Singapore Flyer flood the whole place. The signs are mainly there for those who does not have the needed talent to control their bladder. Well, here are some pictures that I got from the parade. What struck me the most are the vibrant colours of the floats and their dresses.

 

 

I have a penchant for Bollywood movies and it is all because of the Indian’s good looks, colourful costumes and vivacious dance moves that got me hooked with those. If you have not watched a Bollywood movie yet and  has plans to do so, I strongly recommend Bride and Prejudice, starring the stunning Ashwarya Rai, which got its inspiration from the infamous book Pride and Prejudice written by Jane Austen. And in all fairness, I fell in love with Ashwarya Rai in this movie, I did not know that beyond the beautiful face is a talent so overwhelming which makes her even more attractive. 

A magnanimous weave of dream catcher they got there. I could still remember that time during my first year in college when I was first introduced to a dream catcher. My roommates hung a purple one above their bed and I was kind of freaked out when she put it there because it felt kind of magical and dark for me that time. Nonetheless, because I was kind of prone to having nightmares before and I do not want to have those nightmares whenever I was left all alone in our condominium during the weekends, I eventually wholly believed in its ability. And I think it was really working!

 

The beautiful lady waving and riding on this Porsche is Miss Singapore World 2009 Pilar Arlando. It was said that she was selected to replace the previous winner Ris Low who allegedly gave up the title because of the spread of news about her being under probation for credit card fraud.

Anyway, I have not finished the parade since my feet and legs were already aching that time and I could not properly stand any longer. Foolish me for wearing heels and with that I was forced to catch a cab and was compelled to pay a relatively pricey ride. Hay, so much for being thrifty during these times.

Prologue on a Saturday

Went out the other day to see the Chingay Parade near the Singapore Flyer alone since my father could not go with me that day because of work. As I was about to exit the station, an auntie, who is old enough to be my grandmother, came out of nowhere and tapped my shoulder to ask if I know where the Singapore Flyer is.

Auntie: Do you know where the Singapore Flyer is?

Me: I was actually about to go there Auntie but I really do not know how to.

Auntie: Come on, let’s just follow all these people, I think they will go that way.

Me: Are you going to watch the Chingay parade Auntie?

Auntie: No. I just want to go to the Singapore Flyer.

Me: Oh well, do you know Funan Mall? I think there’s a shuttle nearby the mall that will pick up those people who wanted to ride the Flyer. But I think it’s on the other side.

Auntie: No, no. I am not riding the flyer. I was just listening to the radio here and I heard that the DJ’s that I am listening to will go there. I like them, they are funny. (Bagets! Auntie was really listening to the radio that time because she was wearing her earphones and was pointing to it when she said that. =))

After minutes of walking and talking about my Nationality, my impression of Singapore, where we are residing and some basic stuffs to talk about…

Auntie: So where are you going? Are you going to watch the parade?

Me: I’m going to see the Chingay Parade Auntie. Don’t you want to see the parade later?

Auntie: No, I don’t like. I am just here to see my favorite DJ’s. Haha!

Me: But have you seen the parade before?

Auntie: No. I have never watched it.

Me: How come?

Auntie: You know, Auntie here is a Singaporean but does not always go out. It is my first time to go to the flyer.

Me: Why is that Auntie?

Auntie: I could only go out when my other kid and husband take me out, I don’t know where to go and you know what? Parents are always there to look out for their children. Well, Auntie here has a son, he’s 20 years old now. Two years ago, before going to National Service, there was an incident that made my son lacked one heart valve. Because of that he was not able to go to National Service then. But it had already been replaced with a mechanical one. He is already fine, has adjusted himself to it but I was looking out for him for two years now, cant go out really. It is saddening, so young, he is so young to have a condition like that. And another thing, I was trying to help an Auntie 3 months ago, she needs to be lifted so I lifted her. She was kind of heavy but I was able to lift her on my back. I was actually feeling okay that night but the next day, I could not move anymore. I was actually bedridden for 3 months.

Me: For real Auntie?! Going to the Flyer seems to be a long walk. Are you okay to walk that far now?

Auntie: The DJ’s here said that it’s just a short walk to the Flyer, I did not know that it would be this far!

Me: Are you taking some medication? Are you feeling alright?

Auntie: Yes! You know what? I had visited 5 doctors already because of this. But my current doctor advises me to go for acupuncture so I am doing it now. I am able to walk now but not that good. My doctor said I should not walk that far yet. And all of this happened because I am a very good citizen. Maybe next time, I should restrict myself from doing good things to people, no?

I know she was only kidding because she was actually laughing at the idea as if saying “Can I really do that?”, but I could not help but got struck with what she said. How many people in this world still have that sense of selflessness running in their systems? How many people would still help someone in dire need especially if they know they have the capability to do something? How many of us will still lend a hand despite knowing that they will be risking their health and, worse, their lives in the process? We are living in a world where we wanted everything to be all about us and to work in our favor; where all of our sentences start with I think, I feel, I want, I need… always I. How low of a percentage of the totality are genuine altruists? How many are still left? If I have to ask the previous questions in front of a crowd, I am curious about the number of hands that will go up afterwards. I am envisioning that it will be more than I expect. But really, I am not talking about those people who are only claiming that they will actually be there in times of need but this is about those people who will truly stay and do something, those people who can and will still walk the talk despite the huge risk. Much like that kid who had saved a total of 50 lives during the Ondoy tragedy by bringing his neighbors and friends to a higher ground which in the process took his precious and youthful life or that person who is brave enough to face a bullet to protect his country and his countrymen or that person who is more than willing to receive death threats for the name of justice and defending what is right. Do we still belong in that small percentage? All of us had been bestowed with that responsibility; we all have a responsibility to our humanity but,it is a sad fact that only a few has the heart to own to that responsibility. And because of the scarcity and rareness of these ordinary but conscientious people, we could not help but be left in awe of their great deeds. Besides, we are calling them heroes for a reason.

Auntie and I talked some more but before we know it, we were already in front of the Singapore Flyer.

Me: Auntie, we’re here. I’ll just drop you to where you are heading.

Auntie: No need, I am sure it is just somewhere here.

Me: Are you sure?

Auntie: Yes! Have you already taken your dinner?

Me: Not yet Auntie.

Auntie: You better buy dinner first. I heard the parade will take more or less two hours.

Me: Oh, is that so? I’ll be going then Auntie, I’ll just grab something here. (Pointing at the 711 store nearby)

Auntie: Okay okay. Nice talking with you! You take care.

Me: Thank you Auntie. You too, get well soon.

Auntie: Thank you. Enjoy the rest of your stay and enjoy the parade! =)

And we parted ways.

I bought two mini siopao and a drink, rapidly stuck the siopaos in my mouth to just have something to fill my seemingly empty stomach and after consuming all of those, I was good to go!

Papadam

My dad’s landlady asked his son to cook some Papadam for me. She might have thought that I like it since I was showing her the other day a picture of a dish which she later then claimed is one.

 

I am not sure now if what we had eaten the other day is actually Papadam. Haha. Anyway, it’s fun cooking it. You have to turn the wrap over again and again over the fire until you achieve the look and the crispiness that you like.

  

It was just a little too spicy for my taste. Nonetheless, I just have to buy the non-spicy one then. Thank you so much for cooking it for me! Really appreciate it. =)

A Trip to Lagnaa

We met up with Ninang just before my mom left for the Philippines. We were supposed to go shopping that day but almost all of the stores in the vicinity of Orchard are closed due to Chinese New Year. After seeing Ninang swiped her card upon exiting the station, we wasted no more time on finding a decent place to eat but we always come face to face with a “We’re closed” sign in every restaurant that we visit. Even Takashimaya was not operating that time! Anyway, due to the limited choices that we have, we ended up sitting on one of those Thai fast food restaurants that you can see just about everywhere.

As we were browsing through the menu, the discussion somehow landed on how we had wrestled to get past through Little India’s crowd as we had visited Mustafa the other day in search of a cheap but usable phone for my youngest brother and how we ended up eating one of the most fulfilling and unique dishes we had ever tasted here recently. The mentioning of Little India, to some extent, lighted up a seemingly good idea in my Ninang’s head. She unhesitatingly called someone on the phone, asking if their restaurant was opened that day. The person on the other line might have said that they were more than open that day because as she had ended the call we left the premise without delay and off we go to Little India.

I haven’t gotten any clue that the visit is more than just a visit for it would be an introduction to Lagnaa which apparently caters the best Indian cuisine that I have ever tasted to date!

As we enter the al fresco part of the bistro, we were immediately welcomed with a very warm and inviting smile by Shanti and Kaesavan (K7), who is both the owner and chef of the restaurant. It also came as a surprise that the owner still remembers my Ninang despite the fact that she had never gone to Lagnaa for a number of years now which I think is an apparent reason why people of different culture and backgrounds flood the place. They value their customers more than anything and you could not miss the friendly vibe they emit to the foodtrippers frequenting their bistro. It also got me into feeling that they are treating their customers not just as mere consumers but as their friends.

We were then led to a staircase located on the farthest side of the restaurant and as we were ascending the stairs, my Ninang who is climbing just ahead of me promptly take off her shoes. The thought of dining barefoot excited me even more!

As we enter the room upstairs, we were then greeted by a row of low round tables with a fair number of pillows placed accordingly on the wooden floor surrounding each table. The place is as unpretentious as it can get with ceiling fans and wooden lightings hanging along the row and glass windows, which invite an enough amount of sunlight to help light up the whole floor, found at the farthest end of the room. The pink heart balloons scattered around the room were only there because it was heart’s day the previous day but nonetheless, you can still imagine the feeling of simplicity the surrounding emanates.

We were then led to a table placed just between the window and the standing lamp.

 

We were then served with this yummy appetizer, I forgot what it was called but I can tell you that I can ultimately survive even with just this one. I asked my dad’s landlady what it’s called and she told me that it was cooked Papadam. I think I have to trust her on this one right? Haha.

 

My Ninang quickly ordered the Lime lassi. She testified that it is a good drink in counter attacking the spiciness of the food that we would order which we will alternatively taste and pick up without the drink. Since I am kind of intolerant with the level of spiciness they have here in Singapore, with my mom trailing a few levels behind me, we unhesitatingly followed then the recommendation of my Ninang.

3 bubbly Lime lassi drinks coming up then!

 

Here are some pictures that I have taken around the place while we were waiting for the food…

  

I want to see someone try this challenge! I will surely not survive it and will just end up paying for the dish if I am the one who will going to take up the challenge!

 

This is the view outside the window. I love how the yellow gives off a cheerful feel to the windows! I think this is Lagnaa’s signature color.

And here comes the sumptuous food! We ordered food that are ranging from not spicy to level 2 spicy foods because of our intolerance to spices. I love how Shanti reminded us that what we ordered are not at all that spicy and how she recommended for us to try the more spicy dishes. Maybe Shanti thought that we are in for the more spicy ones and that she just have to voice out that we are not ordering the dishes that she thinks we like more before it was too late. We appreciate the concern Shanti but these are all that we can take.

I love how this dish surprises you more than you expect. The tomatoes were filled with hints of vegetables and meat inside and I love how the tomatoes just seemingly melt in your mouth!

The fish dish on the left side was cooked in its finest. I love the softness of it! I think this one is called Fish Tikka which according to the menu is a boneless fish marinated in yogurt and Indian ground mixed spices and is roasted in Tandoor. Pardon me on copying word per word the description written in the menu!

On the right is the butter chicken which is a boneless chicken cooked in thick and creamy cashew  nut and butter sauce. Yummy as well!

The dish on the left is the Delhi fish Masala which is a boneless fish cooked with tomatoes and cashew nut gravy while the dish beside it is called Matter Paneer which is cottage cheese cooked with fresh green peas and in creamy cashew nut sauce. There’s no way to describe this dish. The gravy, in no way, masked up the taste of the cottage cheese. On the other hand, the gravy and the enough size of chunks will not make you get fed up upon eating the cheese. It just blends well.

Here’s the look of all the dishes combined! I cannot help but notice that almost all of the dishes are cooked and immersed in cashew nut sauce. Hmm, I wonder what’s the deal with cashew nut sauce. Also, another thing that I had took notice of is how the look of the dishes exceed more than what you envision it to be. What a heavenly experience!

 

Because of the look of the rice, I was actually preparing myself for the taste of old rice. I was caught off guard, it was far fresher than what I was imagining it to be. I already forgot which one is the Jeera rice and the Yogurt rice but I love the smell of both. I can tell you that both my stomach and senses had already been filled with just whiffing the rice’s scent.

  

We consumed all of the dishes! There was nothing left I tell you. I’ve been wanting then to just lie on the flooring and sleep because of what we had eaten. Very satisfying!

Since we had decided to stick around the restaurant a little bit more to further catch up with one another, we ordered their special coffee which made me not sleep until the wee hours of the morning. K7 also did not fail to check up on us once in a while to talk with us or just ask how the food was. Good customer service they got there!

Anyway, after another hour or two, we then decided to leave the bistro. Shanti even gave us two calling cards each to keep one to ourselves and to give the other one to a close friend. Well, I, for once, will surely disseminate this hole in the wall, hidden gem of a restaurant not just to a friend but to the whole world!

If Singapore happens to be in your future itinerary and country of vacation, might as well visit Lagnaa which is just along…

 

in Little India. You can easily spot this one since the main road intersecting this narrow road houses the Mustafa Center and the newly built City Square Mall.

8 more levels for us to conquer then!

    

Cool graffiti wall at the back is also something to see!

Lagnaa Barefoot Dining
No. 6, Upper Dickson Road
Singapore 207466
Phone: (65) 6296 1215
Fax: (65) 6294 0568
Email: lagnaa@yahoo.com.sg
Opens from 11:30 am till 10:30 pm
Visit their website for more information www.lagnaa.com