Yesterday, I had my company annual dinner. We had to wear traditional costume to the dinner. As usual, many will complain. I have noted some funny remarks.

Guy1: Aiyoh, why so “mar farn” (troublesome), go to company dinner also need to get new attire. Where to get traditional costume?
Guy2: Don’t care I just come in jeans & t-shirt. Not going to spend so much money just for the dinner.
Guy1: I probably will not go.

Gal1: Hey what are you going to wear? Got best dress competition.
Gal2: Cheong Sam is the only thing I have.
Gal1: Are you going to do up your hair?
Gal2: 2 hours enough time to go saloon to do hair? (We can go off at 3pm to get ready, dinner starts at 6pm 7pm)
…

Guy: What are you going to dress as?
Gal: As human, you? 😆

As usual, most of the gals go all out to dress up, there were Korean, Japanese, Chinese, Indian & Vietnamese costumes. The gal in the Korean costume won. Some sporting guys wore Arabian, Malay, Chinese (one look like “keong si”), Indian and Kung Fu costumes. The Indian guy (look like Bollywood actor’s costume) won.

I have to say, it was an enjoyable dinner. Our table got prizes for table draw.

The Chinese Lion Dance is important tradition during Chinese New Year. The first recorded performance of a lion dance is dated back to Third Century BC, before you and I were born. Those who perform the lion dance often need to have Wushu skills. One, handling the lion’s head, leads the dance and shows the lion’s emotions. The lions express joy and happiness. The proper lion dance must match with the drum, gong and cymbal rhythm. The lion head performer or the drummer must signal the other, so that the movement and music can be synchronized. There are a few sequences, that is normally used, like the 3-Star or 7-Star movement, followed by High Dance.

Payments to the performers are usually made through the eating of the green vegetable also know as “Choy Cheng” The angpow will be tied to the green for the lion to eat. Choy as in vegetable symbolize wealth. The lion head performer must not drop the angpow, as it would mean bad luck. After he has taken the angpow, he will tear the green vege apart and throw it out first to the left, then to the right and then to the middle to help spread prosperity in all directions. The music will then change to “high dance” and the head will be raised and moved as if the lion is happy to have consumed his prize.

Yesterday, there was a lion dance competition in Penang Gurney Plaza. My family went there to watch. My son likes it a lot, in hokkien lion dance is called “Boo Lan Sai”. He uses our blanket to do the lion dance on the bed. He was fascinated with the performance. However Emily didn’t enjoy it and she got bored after the first performance. I had to entertain her with food.

Let’s have the lion dance on my blog, not that I believe it will receive any special blessings. Here’s wishes you a happy and early Chinese New Year!!!

Penang has the largest toy museum in Asia. It has over 100,000 figurines, toys and models of a variety of characters in the toy world. If you step in and admired every single toy, it will take you days. It is located in Tanjung Bungah, very close to the Copthorne Orchid Hotel. Opens from 9am to 9pm daily. Entrance Fees are RM10 per adult and RM6 per child. It is a great place to visit if you are here.

The toys ranges from Star Wars, Lord of the rings, all action figures like Superman, Spideman, Ultraman, Batman, Incredible Hulk, Toys Story, Chicken Little, Barbie, Disney Characters, Harry Potter and some horror characters too.

As usual, Emily and Tim enjoyed the place. One set back about this museum is that it has so many toys, so tempted to take and play with it, but you can only see and not touch. 😥

Enjoy the pictures:

The place:

Mr Bean:

Jacky Chan

Chow Yuen Fatt

Bruce Lee

Tomb Raider

The Beatles

Elvis

Star Wars

The LOTR

Star Trek

My Dream Car

Batman

Incredible Hulk – Emily can copy this charater very well. Yet to capture it on video.

WWF

Chicken Little

Little Mouse

Monsters

Incredibles

Doremon

Japanese Doll

Warning: The section below contains horror characters, view it at your own risk. Please do not let your children view, they may have nightmares.

The End

My company reception ping me to say there is a registered package for me. I bought something special for my little helper Emily. A mom who has a pair of very creative hands made it. The package was nicely wrapped too.

Here is it. If you like it and you want to order, go here.

Dedicated to Twinsmom.