Hi Five Sai's Alive High Tea

My friend Sai went into hospital last week after having an asthma attack. It was really really scary, there were lots of tears and it's something I would like to not ever happen again.

On the upside, to celebrate our relief and the fact that she was still with us, the logical thing for us to do was to put on a high tea. Three people and four hours later in the kitchen we delivered a spread to be proud of- I still don't know how things take so long though!

On the menu: egg, chicken, salmon and beef sandwiches, chorizo and spinach quiches, mango pudding, carrot cake, fairy bread, portuguese tarts, scones & whoopie pies.  

Plus our lovely guests brought: coconut heart jellies, salty choc-chip cookies, a whole tiramisu & raspberry and oreo cheesecakes.

Do you have a favourite high tea dish?

The Chinese Wedding

Ancestor offerings

Double happiness fruit

I don't know what any of this is

Hair combing ceremony

Burning ancestor offering

New Asian tradition of taking a gazillon photos

Tea ceremony

Firecrackers (which caused me to have an asthma attack, hilarious in hindsight)

Reception

Then everyone gets drunk and parties on

My last trip to Malaysia was specifically to go my cousin Vicky's wedding that I had invited myself to. Being Asian, this of course was perfectly okay. It was just a matter of time before an aunt told me it was the right thing to do anyway.

I'm glad I went- my dad's side I found was still very traditional, and this meant lots of "what's happening now?" and "what does this mean?" type of questions. It's quite funny seeing all the adults try and remember the proper order of traditions and what should be done next in the ceremonies- god knows what will happen when it's up to my generation!

The highlights:
:: I love the part where the bride sits in the room and her bridesmaids put the groom through all these challenges (like eating wasabi, doing push-ups, and paying them bribes) to prove he's worthy to go and take her from her home

:: Being introduced to family members I have no recollection of, and couldn't speak Chinese to. There was alot of awkward smiling

:: Being told I look like my mother by almost every single person. After seeing this you'll know I'm okay with that

:: Seeing Vickys wedding outfit- WOW. Check out that beading!

Is it just me or is it wedding season? They're everywhere! (or it might just be because I'm in Vietnam...)

Melaka

Say hello to Melaka. Isn't it pretty? Melaka is south of Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia and is known for it's historical roots. It used to be a trading port and a result had the influence of lots of different nationalities that came through. In particular it's known for Baba Nonya, the culture resulting from the inter-racial marriages of the Chinese and local Malay.

Part of the town has been preserved and many of the old architecture and signage remains. It was wonderful wandering through the old shops but my favourite part was a lane with people selling secondhand bits and pieces. I completely regret not buying the 1960's Chinese womens magaines! I stood there for a good 5 minutes thinking about it but then thought did I really need them. The answer should have been yes! I did however score a new year cards from the same era with famous stars of the time on them. They're now framed and brightening up my living room.

Balloon Ladies

Despite there being alot of challenges living in Vietnam there are a few things I love (and never get sick of seeing).

These balloon sellers with their giant bunch of blow-up, colourful distractions for kids appear everyday and always make me smile.

Hello Kitty Fisheye IV: Sapa

I have a very short term memory. While this comes with many downsides, one of the upsides is getting back a roll of film and having no idea what's on it. Surprise!

This is a bunch of photos from my and Lauras last day in Sapa. When I look at them I instantly go back to the feeling of being rained on, and completely wet from the rain. Ew.

The Tiles of Vietnam: Part Two

Part two of Saigon tile adventure. I still can't believe all of these were in the same place!

I'm off to Malaysia next week for a wedding and can't wait. I'm not sure of the cousin getting married but we're now friends on Facebook so that has to count for something. There's going to be a massive amount of family, plus a whole heap flying in from Australia. This is either going to be awesome, or really really painful. Here's to the first!