A NeverEnding Story...

a 'local' experience

Flan hurried towards Crystal Jade. She was ten minutes late and she felt bad. She always feels bad when she has inconvenienced anyone. The girls were waiting for her. "Hey! Hi! So sorry, got delayed earlier!" Flan smiled brightly at the two tall girls standing in front of her.
"Ah..no. It's ok..." YH replied shyly. She seemed happy to see Flan. There was no sign of awkwardness, just pure eagerness to start their exploration. Flan didn't want to disappoint the foreigners, but there really isn't much to show in Singapore! It's a tiny country - a mixed-up, bottled-up, and very 'empty' country. But hey, she can't disappoint them! Besides, she promised she would bring them around and treat them to some "local" delicacies.
"Are you guys hungry? Shall we take a walk and see what you may like to eat? Holland Village is a very popular eating place. There are all sorts here - Japanese, Turkish, Italian, Indian...you name it..."
Flan sidestepped some woman leading three dogs and continued, "What do you think? These...or would you prefer some local food...like 'Laksa'?"
"Laksa! Ahh! We want...to try that!" both girls exclaimed in unison.
"Fantastic, there is a very famous Laksa place here, but it's hot! No air-con. So, be prepared!"

They found seats easily as it was still early. Soon, each one had in front of them a sinful bowl of chili-red laksa. They found the 'otah' mouth-watering; Flan was glad they seemed to be having a good time.

"Now, time for desert! So, you guys game for some 'local' dessert? Or you want ice-cream from Gelare?"
"Local! We want to try the local food," again in unison the girls exclaimed. "Ha ha! Ok then, we will have to go to the food junctions for these...nothing fancy, and very local!" Flan led them towards the newly renovated food junction. As the girls insisted on paying for this round, Flan told them what to order - "Chendol", "Ice Kachang" and "Red Ruby".

"Yum...I love Chendol. Ok, so what's next girls? You guys planning to go anywhere in particular? The night is still young! Holland V is quite central, quite easy to get to places..." Flan placed her spoon next to the watery mixture.
"Oh...we want to see teacher's house!" YH asked bashfully. "Is that ok? We want to see how the house in Singapore is like."

Flan hated disappointing the girls - or anyone for that matter - so, naturally, she has to agree.

posted by Flaneur @ 6:28 PM