Post Travel Ramblings (2)

 

This trip was full of surprises, if not very anxious moments.  The first thing that happened when we checked in at the airline counter was that my aunt (age 89) was told by the clerk that her passport would not be acceptable by the Chinese authorities because of stains on several pages!  My aunt didn't know how the stains had got there or what they were - spilled coffee, tea...?  The airline clerk made a call to China, sent a photo of the spoiled passport pages and told us to wait for a reply.  

They were indeed very jittery moments because it could mean my aunt could not go on the trip!  Luckily we had checked in early and after something like half an hour to 45 minutes, we were given the All Clear signal, much to my aunt's relief!  We never knew the Chinese authorities were so strict, so now my aunt has to make a new passport on her return!  So for those of you travelling to China in the near future, check your passports and make sure all the pages are free from blemishes!

(To be continued)

Post Travel Ramblings

I have just returned from a holiday in China and I'm glad there's no more luggage to carry, no more having to get up early, no more climbing up and down a coach!  Best of all, no more endless walking!

The strangest part is how your aches and pains disappear when you are travelling but once home, they return with a vengeance!  A theory put forward by a friend has it that we enjoy ourselves so much that we forget or ignore all our troubles.  I am inclined to agree with her.  

Another plus point about travelling - people often say I look so much better after coming back from a holiday!  Rosy cheeks, a relaxed and less stressed face - it's like having a natural - but expensive - facial!   I guess it's the change in environment and company that does the trick.

So now I'm resting my weary legs while sipping a cup of Milo.  My travel agency is already sending me new itineraries.  They seem to think I'm a bionic woman who can just keep going! 

More ramblings later.....

Oh To Be Forever Young!

Went shopping today at Watson's and ended up with the above two packets for my aches and pains.  Ya, age is catching up with many of us and though it is easy to say that age is only a number, it really depends on what that number is!

In my younger days, I used to see Mum putting plasters on "strategic" parts of her body, mainly the shoulders and back.  Some of the plasters she used were from China and had a hot, fiery sting when applied  (I think they were called "chilly plasters") - and the hotter they were, the better! 

In all honesty, I never thought that one day I would have to resort to using plasters for my body!  Sigh!  Wish someone would hurry up and find an elixir of youth for all the oldies around the world and spare us some suffering!

Time to Thank

 

Quote

 

Happiness is not found in money or things.  

It comes from simple moments, like a smile, kind words or time with loved ones.  

Choose to be happy with what you have.  

Be thankful and stay positive.  

True happiness grows inside your heart

and makes your life peaceful and meaningful every day.

Happy Lunar Eclipse

I can't believe that the 15 days of the Chinese New Year are over! Time really flies.  This year our 15 days ended with an exciting phenomenon - the Blood Moon.  First time I think on Chap Goh Meh and a rare coincidence!  The old and superstitious think it is a very inauspicious event and so stayed at  home and avoided looking up at the sky.  For the young and brave, they were out scanning the sky hours ahead!  

There is an age old superstition which says that eclipses are caused by a heavenly dragon or dog devouring the moon. To scare away this celestial beast and prevent disaster, people made loud noises by banging drums, gongs and pots, lighting firecrackers, or shooting arrows.  I didn't hear anything in my neighbourhood, so I guess there are no superstitious people in our area.  

As for me, I went to bed early.  Better be safe than getting in the way of some supernatural beast hungrily munching away at the moon.  After all, I can see all the photos the next day in the social media....

Fruity Tea for Two

 

Tarts from Shinammon

I got these cute fruit tarts from my favourite bakery recently.  The toppings are strawberry, lychee and peach sitting on a bed of cream.  Very nice with a cup of tea!