Cow xi fa cai!

L felt like he's been here forever even though it's just 2 weeks since he touched down. He was surprised to see me in my new hairdo and even more pleasantly surprised to see my bedroom and its new arrangements. The tropical heat of Spore wrapped around him like a warm wet embrace; he couldn't imagine experiencing winter and summer in 48 hours. We did the customary trip to the bustling Chinatown on CNY eve after sweating over his favourite steamboat with my family. Everyone was pleased to have him over; he's such a sweetie to warm up to.

On day uno of CNY, we spent all day at nonna - stuffing our faces with tidbits and bak kwa - then went to dad's side in the evening where over 60 relatives awaited. He was a bit petrified but mustered courage to say ciao to all. We also visited friends like Ad, F and M, and overdosed on steamboat, Chingay and snacks. Too much good food and soccer led to a bout of flu for him last weekend, and I eventually got the bug. Luigi is not resting a bit however and relentless with his resume posting. He also went to a casino school seminar and met the VP of the IR in person. I told him he needs to smooze and network in S'pore, especially with his fellow chao angmohs. And my cats. As you can see, they are starting to cosy up to him. Lol.

Anyway to cheer everyone up, here are the annual CNY responses from my amico Chris. Hilarious!

Wah you've put on weight ah?
- Yes, now we look like twins!
- Yes, I work as a counterweight on the Singapore Flyer.
- Yes, I've landed the starring role in The Little Nyonya sequel, The Enormous Nyonya.
- We all store fat differently - just because you put yours in your BRAIN doesn't mean I have to.
- What happened was I went for liposuction, but the doctor pushed the lever in the wrong direction.
- No, I'm just having an allergic reaction to your obnoxiously strong perfume.
- Actually, in Australia/USA/Europe, I'm considered small-sized.

Not married yet ah? This is the last year I'm giving you ang pow ah!

- You - you mean - you think I'm going to die before next CNY?? Why you so mean?? Everyone, she/he say I going to die one!!!
- Orr, you facing bankruptcy after the economic crisis is it? Poor thing.
- It...it will be tough coping with the loss of your annual $2, but I...I'll try.
- Yah married already, but we didn't invite you to the dinner cos everytime got family wedding you always turn up and eat a lot but give small small ang pow one.
- Wow thank you so much! With this wonderful $2, I can buy a bride and some camels from Yemen.
- When the SDU found out I was related to you they rejected my application to join lor.

Still got no girlfriend/boyfriend is it?

- Got. But not like I'm going to bring Condoleezza Rice to your tiny flat.
- Who needs romance when you have a Blackberry?
- Girlfriend got. But the Clean Up Joo Chiat committee sent her back to her home island.
- Yes, I'm dating this Nigerian businessman, we met over the Internet when he asked me to help him collect some funds from this really interesting scheme.

Benvenuto amore mio

Since I got back in Spore, the weeks flew by, packed with work appointments and tastings. The hibernated bear in me awoke and slowly gained the momentum of a workhorse - with the help of the capable new intern P. I told her we fired the last intern as he sucked, but I think anyone should be able to do better than him. I also laid down a rule for her not to wear high heels to meetings with me because she'd make me look like a midget. I couldn't do much for my height but luckily I could reduce my girth by practising yoga and have been going at it 3 times a week - which helped to shave off the post-festive weight gain!

Needless to say, L and I missed each other so much and after some deliberation, he decided to come over to look for a job and would arrive this Sabato, in time for CNY again! My mom was amused when she found out. I said he loves steamboats and angbohs, but she knew he's probably here for another reason. Already, I have cleared half my wardrobe and shelves, and bought a new single mattress for him. He's totally psyched up about a new beginning here and we're crossing our fingers that he'd be able to find work despite the economic crunch. (If anyone knows any lobangs in hospitality or casino-related industries, let me know!)

I also bought pots of mint and rosemary at the nursery for sessions of mojitos and pasta with L while my family lugged back pots of spring blooms. And yesterday, I popped into the hair salon and decided on a whim to chop off my hair and colour it brown. My mom said I look like an angmoh and stared at me every 10secs. This morning I nearly screamed when I saw my before-make-up reflection. But after some sassy styling, I was different - in a good way - so my sister said. At the bus stop, a man walked by, did a triple take, and backtracked to ask me if I'm Filippina or Indonesian. I don't know if that's a compliment. My sister again assured me texting 'Exotic new look mah'.

Anyway I've decided it's gonna be a fun crazy year, and I'm embracing 2009 with specific resolutions. So instead of generic vague goals like 'be more healthy', I'm gonna eat more vegs and fruits, and exercise at least 3 times a week. Instead of 'be happy', I'm gonna wear more colours and be more fun and daring with my approach to personal style! To be less stressed, I'm gonna be kinder to self and others, and put love above everything else. Let's go!

Palermo port of call

La vista di Palermo dal nostro B&B

After 3 full days of feasting, we left for Palermo in my beloved Sicilia - finally some peace and privacy. Initially L bought the overnight bunks for 28 Dec which would leave us just 3 days there. I sulked in the car, and he sighed and ran back to the stazione to exchange it for the earlier day trip on 27 Dec. Despite being frustrated, he said something that touched me: 'You're never happy, but I'm never happy without you.' Awww, isn't that the sweetest thing? I was so excited with the prospect of being back in Sicily that I could barely contain myself throughout the 8-hour train ride. We passed by the familiar stark seaside landscape of Calabria, passing by Paola where the late afternoon sun sparkled over the blue waters. We played the card game of 'chor dai dee' (I kept winning) and he surrended to sleep when the treno rolled into the enormous belly of the ship and sailed across the Messina Straits.

It was another 2hrs+ before we got off at Palermo at 6.30pm. The sun set at 4pm+ in winter and the sky turned dark, choking the joy and activity from daytime. Honestly winter was no fun, all grey and sleepy. One can't do much; even going for long walks was a challenge in the face of the sombre chill. This was both our virgin trip in Palermo, and we didn't do any research on it but we went with our gut feeling, strolled down Via Roma and found Hotel Centro easily (70e).

Hungry we went in search of cena and by some stroke of luck, we overheard 2 tourists looking for a local trattoria and backtracked our steps to the cosy Casa del Brodo which was the only eatery buzzing with life around town. To celebrate our arrival in Palermo, we splurged on dinner - first una bottiglia di vino bianco (because the house wine was insipid), poi I had a big bowl of steamed fresh mussels and my favourite spaghetti con sarde (an essential in Sicilia) while L had the comforting tortellini in brodo and fritto misto. I always suffered from food envy and luckily L always lets me order for us and waits patiently while I picks at his food. Hehe.

The next day, we checked out of Hotel Centro and I followed my nagging instinct and knocked on the door of the B&B upstairs. A chirpy Rosella Bianchi greeted us and proceeded on a quick tour of her gorgeous old apartment filled with antiques, art, books and her own range of handsewn cushions and curtains. We were sold when she unveiled the double bedroom with an attached bathroom and balcony that overlooked Palermo's skyline (at only 55e).

She happily outlined a full day of itinerary around the surrounding quarters and we enjoyed getting lost in the colourful Ballaro mercato where morning vendors competed for your attention. Stall-owners were flogging fresh meats, seafood, seasonal veggies, bbq organs, used goods, clothing, etc. We tried to find this trio of churchs but kept going in circles in the Indian muslim quarters where street signs displayed all 3 languages (like in Spore!). We caught a whiff of curry powder and fresh laundry, walking by battered flats next to refurbished ones, rundown churches to majestic monuments.

Palermo is at once grand yet ruined, depressing yet energetic. It's full of contrasts at every corner you turn. In hind sight, we should have stayed longer in Palermo but it was also a great pleasure to be back in bella Taormina. Three years ago, I did promise myself I'd return with mio grande amore :)

Where to Stay:
Centrally located at Via Roma, 72, Hotel Centro is a cosy 3* hotel (70euros/ night in winter) overlooking the busy main street lined with shops and bars.

Bed & Breakfast Rosella Bianchi above Hotel Centro is run by a chirpy Rosella - we love her gorgeous old apartment filled with character (55euros /night in winter). Book in advance as she only has 2 rooms. Tel: 091 617 1098.

What to see:
Palermo has many gorgeous churches, lively piazzas, the Indian muslim quarters and outdoor markets. Must-sees are the Palermo Cathedral, Fontana Pretoria, and the colourful Ballaro food morning market.

Where to eat:
Palermo is known for their seafood, esp swordfish, so knock yourselves out! Casa del Brodo (est since 1890) is a great seafood restaurant and quite easy to find. They have a buffet spread of antipasti which they will charge according to what you pick but I'd suggest sharing a antipasto like the Spaghetti con sardes (sardines) or their signature Tortellini pasta in brodo (meat soup) - followed by the fresh seafood like Frittura mista di pesce (deepfried fish n seafood), Steamed cozze mussels, and Involtini di pesce spada (stuffed swordfish rolls). Address: Corso Vittorio Emanuele, 175. Tel. 091-321655 - closed on Sundays in summer. Book in advance. http://www.casadelbrodo.it/

Not far in a small lane is Antica Focacceria San Francesco (Via A. Paternostro 58) opened since 1834. They are known for being anti-mafia and refused to pay bribes (which explained the presence of polizia). Cheap and popular, it serves stuffed Focaccia to the specialty Panino con la milza (a bread roll stuffed with slices of boiled beef spleen and melted cheese) and Panelle (deep-fried chickpea fritters). I liked the Arancini di riso (stuffed fried rice balls) and the glorious Boiled polpo (octopus) with a dose of sale e limone.

Bar RosaNero is a popular self-service pasticceria and bar and they have all kinds of sweets, cakes and pastries. A must try is the Sicilian cannoli. At Piazzetta Porta Reale, 6.

Street vendors also offer all kinds of local specialties such as granita (shaved ice w fruits) and panelle fried chickpea fritters.