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Today i get to eat Tang Yuan ! Some of your parents might be making them but for what reason? Well, its the Dongzhi Festival today ! Here's more information about it:

The Dōngzhì Festival or Winter Solstice Festival ; "The Extreme of Winter") is one of the most important festivals celebrated by the Chinese and other East Asians around December 22 when sunshine is weakest and daylight shortest; i.e., on the first day of the Dongzhi period which is the solar term.

The origins of this festival can be traced back to the Yin and Yang philosophy of balance and harmony in the cosmos. After this celebration, there will be days with longer daylight hours and therefore an increase in positive energy flowing in. The philosophical significance of this is symbolized by (復, "Returning").

Traditionally, the Dongzhi Festival is also a time for the family to get together. One activity that occurs during these get togethers is the making and eating of Tang yuan or balls of glutinuous rice, which symbolize reunion.

Tangyuan are made of glutinuous rice flour and sometimes brightly coloured. Each family member receives at least one large Tang Yuan in addition to several small ones. The flour balls may be plain or stuffed. They are cooked in a sweet soup or savoury broth with both the ball and the soup/broth served in one bowl.



Home-made Tang Yuan.



My leg is getting better ! The swelling has lessen alot. My parents are bringing us out to Lim Chu Kang to visit a relative's farm and after that grab some lunch together. I should be updating this post later. Ciao!

*Update

Picture intensive


Put on my watch,


Followed by my properly bandaged ankle,


Off we go !!


Prices of Fish/Frogs/Prawns.


Patin Fish.


Keli or Catfish? Wasn't so sure.


Toman/Snakehead/"Siam Liu"


Breeding grounds of the fish farm.


Non-stop ripples, the dream of an angler (i don't think they would like me fishing there!)


Bungalow type house beside the farm that my relative built ! Talented man.

I am really glad that i went to the countryside for some relaxation with my family(Haven't went out for ages due to my injury). We sat in my relative's house and my parents chatted with him. He seems to turn into another person, totally different from when i see him few years back.

He chatted about alot of topics like Politics, Business, Religion, Health, Lifestyle, etc and he also filled with vast knowledge. It seems like he has been upgrading himself constantly. A modern farmer with the smarts of a businessman ! It's no wonder that he can maintain this farm for so many years.

However he claims that times are hard and there aren't as many customers as compared to the past. i have to agree as there are only a few customers during this period. By right he should be as busy as a bee now as CNY is approaching.

For those interested in the farm, you can find more details here http://www.khaiseng.com.sg/

We left after some time for some lunch at Bollywood Veggies Singapore -http://www.bollywoodveggies.com/location.html

We had Musroom Tofu, Curry Fish Head, Roasted Brinjal and some lettuce as stated on the chalkboard near the counter - Bollywood's Lunch Specials( Varies Seasonally)

It was quite pricey and not wasn't up to the 'organic' theme as the dishes we ordered were quite oily. Nevertheless, it was a simple meal with a peaceful atmosphere. We left for home after that.


A picture of the Cafe.


Ice treatment the moment i reach home. Brrrrr.

*Pictures taken with Sony Ericsson W700i and Brica 4 Megapixel Mp4/Camera