I love you. December

 One Fine December Sunday morning.

Went to a dim sum brunch at The Ritz Carlton meeting up with A & B. 

I haven’t had a meal with B, a good friend in 16 years. With A, an ex-client, much longer. Foie gras dumplings were served with love at the table. The highlight was confirmation of a love secret never shared.

After brunch I floated from the Ritz, through StarHill onto StarHill Road mingling with the tourists, to the MRT Station leaving a trail of Stardust in my wake.

I boarded the northbound train sitting shoulder to shoulder with immigrant workers sharing a Sunday afternoon ride together in the cool comfort of the new coaches. Seven stops later I alighted at my destination descending among the locals in the upmarket suburb of KL at an evening market waking up to the night. I wandered around, stardust still in tow, as I picked up some coffee and a cup of strong long black brew while resting my legs in the shadow of a local artisan cafe- Shadow cafe* (English translation of a Malay name).  

Kueh Koci:Pineforest

Abu Abu- PineForest

Caffeinated and well rested, I walked away from the shadow with a bag of my favourite arabica blend from Gayo Mountain, tucked under my arm. I took to the streets again taking another route to ply the five-foot way of the rows of shops walking and meandering through the stalls of the evening market, picking up some local Kueh from very friendly local staff at one of the more serious authentic Malay restaurants fronting the main thoroughfare. I found what I was searching for- nuggets of Kueh Koci and a bonus Abu Abu, both precious as gold. I paid RM4.50 for three pieces of delicious nuggets. I paid in cash as well as compliments to the kakak who made the kueh and explained Abu Abu to me. Clutching my newly acquired treasures I then floated across the main road ducked under the pedestrian railing and ended up in Mr. DIY to find my ice lolly maker and quickly left to forage for food in Hero Mart. 

Bypassing the swanky Kenny Hills Bakery filled to the brim with the gentry drinking hipster coffee and eating overpriced bread, I slip into the speakeasy side entrance of the super mart to Manchu-purveyors of fine pork stuff. I spot good cuts and roast pork belly on sale. Made a note to return for pork belly cuts next time. Bought a big beautiful Nyonya dumpling wrapped in bamboo leaves. Another treasure to relish. 

Also spotted CNY goods already on sale alongside Xmas goodies which can simply mean that CNY will be soon after Xmas & New Year. Be prepared for jingle bells and prosperity drums playing in the air. 

It is the end of the year and soon the start of a new one.  It is indeed the most wonderful time of the year. 

Go on make it wonderful. We made it to December y’all!

Merry Christmas, Happy New Year and Gong Xi Fa Cai in advance.