Gifts, a Frenzy of Fish, but No Jumping Jacks!

Birthday gifts from Hapny and Sofie.

A slow week this was leading up to my birthday yesterday, May 30. What a great day that turned out to be! I had been told a package bearing a gift for me would be arriving from Aron. It had not yet arrived, so I was very surprised when Sofie came smiling into my room before breakfast yesterday bearing gifts! And, such nice gifts too: A small box of Ferrero Rocher chocolates (yummy!) and a small beaded clutch with padding perfect for storing/carrying my smartphone. (I haven't used my phone at all over here since I suspended my mobile service and bought a simple Nokia here with a local number mainly to stay in touch with Hapny.) Those gifts Hapny had brought with her when she left Papua in early April, which is impressive enough, but her thoughtfulness never really surprises me.

Another mall discovered Thursday.

The day before my birthday, we had gone on one of our exploratory shopping adventures to an MRT exit we had not visited two stops south of us at Somerset. Again, mind-blowing shopping venues (in size alone) with multi-level malls (plural). This time, I was thrilled to discover some small shops in a basement catering to tourists and others who covet unique handmade crafts and gifts. I was in heaven and it was tempting to buy beyond my means. The only thing that stopped me was cash only, no credit cards accepted by these artisan vendors. I could not resist a couple of vendors, including one that sold intricate paper cutout art called kirigami. They were greeting cards that when opened displayed a beautiful pop up design.

Kirigami gift card from Hapny.

I had to have one, which is when sweet Hapny stepped up and insisted on buying my favorite as a gift! How sweet is that?  It opens to display a 4" tall vase of flowers. I have it open and sitting on top of the lampshade next to my bed where I can safely enjoy it especially when the lamp is on. The last gift Sofie brought me was a small box. In it was a pair of flower earrings that perfectly complimented an outfit I had bought here. Hapny purchased them from one of the craft vendors Thursday when I wasn't looking. She's a sneaky one alright! So, I had more than I deserved in gifts on my birthday and the day was just beginning!

Pagoda Street shops in Chinatown.

After breakfast, we did our grocery shopping at Novena early. We ate lunch at home and then rested for a couple of hours. I had suggested we take the MRT to Chinatown and explore there and find a nice place for dinner. We left around 4 o'clock to avoid the heat, but carried umbrellas because the sky was threatening a bit as it does on many days. We had to change MRT lines, but the ride to Chinatown was made without difficulty. When we rode the long escalator to the station exit, the sight before me took my breath away! Pagoda Street is a bustling pedestrian walkway filled with vendors hawking not just Chinese-themed clothes, jewelry, and trinkets, but a few Indian and even Turkish vendors were in the mix. This was another cash only venue, but I had visited the money exchange place that morning, so I was prepared!

Therapy awaits upstairs.

The first thing we did was fish therapy! I was familiar with the concept from my 2011 trip to Bali, where I observed Aron's treatment, but was not curious enough to try it then. This time I jumped at the opportunity and so did Hapny. We offered it to Sofie as well, but she could not muster the courage. It entails sitting with your lower legs and feet dangling in a fish tank with dozens of minnows nibbling voraciously (oxymoronic?) at your feet.

A feeding frenzy at my feet. That's a first!

Is this on your bucket list?

The first 10 seconds is nearly excruciating from the tickle and the creepiness. After that it becomes tolerable, even pleasureable! Our therapist, Steven (with a 'v' he said), was warm and engaging and answered my questions about the benefits of the therapy, his training and certification (framed on the wall). It all sounded legit, but didn't matter anyway. We thoroughly enjoyed our 15 minues of fish frenzy ($18 apiece).
We left in good spirits and slowly made our way down Pagoda Street, stopping at many of the shops, where I bought a few items. I finally told Hapny to stop me from buying anything more. Then she got a call from Aron and I saw a tablerunner I wanted for $5, so....her fault! ;)
At the end of the block is the Sri Mariamman (Hindu) Temple, established 1827. Services were in progress and we could hear temple bells and chanting--very pleasant sounds.

Architectural detail on the Hindu Temple.

Within two blocks there is a mosque and the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple, but we didn't take time to investigate. We turned and retraced our steps to a Chinese Seafood restaurant that appeared to be quite popular (a good sign).  It was favorably located across from the China Heritage Center. We arrived too late to tour the exhibits, but for sure this and more of Chinatown are destinations that demand an encore visit.

Grumpy Sofie tired of shopping.

Sofie, who became bored and grumpy from all the trinket browsing, perked up as our food orders arrived. I played it safe and got sweet and sour pork, which was delicious. Sofie ate seafood fried rice shared with her mother and Hapny ordered something spicy with the kangkong water spinach I was now familiar with. We left with enough "take away" food to make a fine meal on Saturday. We were home before eight and I, for one, felt sated by the gifts, the sights, sounds, tastes, and contentment having spent my special day with two very special members of my family.

A mango smoothie and a $1 pinwheel brightened
Sofie's mood before dinner.

I can't talk about my birthday without remembering my dad who passed in 1983. I was born on his birthday and I smile remembering the photo taken annually of the two of us holding a sign indicating our respective ages. He was 31 years older and would have been 93 this birthday. I mentioned to Hapny how nice it would be to share my birthday with Blossom Clover! I suggested jumping jacks might do the trick. I mentioned it several times during the day. She just smiled. Next doctor visit is Tuesday....

Delivered from Aron today, a bolt of beautiful Papuan cloth.
I will enjoy thinking about what to make of it....a long shift, perhaps.