Christmas in Singapore

We spent Christmas in Singapore and celebrated with a BBQ with family and my sister-in-law’s family. It felt different not having turkey and ham for Christmas. Also – missing the cold, or maybe not. Anyways, what’s there not to like about having chicken wings and satay. We also had our fruitcake – yummy, both my brother and I love fruitcake.

Boxing Day in Singapore is just like any other day – if you’re looking for big discounts, you’re better off shopping online back home, which is exactly what I did. I also spent some time at the doctor’s office for what I suspected was an ear infection and heat rash. Well, long story short, I had to see the doctor again two days to confirm his suspicion… so, $400 poorer and a rash on my neck that gives me the goosebumps while cleaning it, I have shingles. Yup, shingles. Fortunately I have a couple insurances to cover this expense.

With the shingles, we spent a lot of time at home and the kids finally bonded with their cousin.

On our last day in Singapore, we went back to my favourite restaurant again – which I can confidently say is Jeff’s favourite too. Read more about the restaurant here. We ordered the chilli crab, pepper crab and the crispy baby squid. So good. Each time I return to Singapore, I learn a bit more about my family’s history. Apparently the famous Chilli Crab was started by my family.. my dad’s cousin used to serve it at our family restaurant along East Coast Road which was also where the family lived. East Coast Road was where all the seafood restaurants used to be back in the days. Eventually we sold the recipe to Palm Beach Seafood Restaurant and before long every restaurant had their version of this dish. You can’t exactly copyright the recipe. Now I know why my dad prepared the best chilli crab dish. However, when I googled the history of chilli crabs, it did not quite line up with what my brother said – so, I’m awaiting for some clarification.

We left for Bangkok on the 30th. While at the airport, the kids discovered something really fun – Street Fighter game, arcade style. Yes, that’s what kids did back in the days, before social media.