Food is heaven for the citizenry...

You know, it felt funny, and still does when I speak with my long-lost brother who grew up in KL. Circumstances had it that we were put into different households during our formative years. Wifey tells me that he initially thought I was stand-off-ish and angry with him. On the other hand, I didn't really know how to relate to him as an elder brother. I think we may have missed out on what every kid from larger families experienced: growing up together, sharing things, sibling rivalry etc. Maybe it was a blessing that we grew up far apart. It makes us appreciate the frailty of family relationships and also all the warts that come along with living closely.


Morning bak kut teh with wifey and bro at Tiong Bahru

Despite all that, one thing that connected us was the love of good food. We'd have conversation ranging from food prices, preparation, presentation and even where the best places are in KL, Sing and Melb.


bro showing us mere mortals what a real BBQ chef does

Wifey had friends who settled in Melbourne recently and we paid them a visit. Again, food was the common thread that bound us. This time, instead of Chinese, it was Indian. We were fortunate to have tasted things from 2 civilizations both with 5000 years of history behind them. Ironically in a relatively young nation Down Under.


Sonia making sure I had no room left in the stomach...

It was the first time I got up close with wifey's friend, Agnel & Sonia. What broke the ice was not talking about how they migrated there, found jobs and made new friends but, really, the food. Somehow it got me thinking. Maybe if everyone sat down over a nice meal, we wouldn't have all these hatred and war.


Pig trotters and belly stewed in black & sweet vinegar.

Well, let's hope more folks would put sense between their ears. It's not about the money, it's not about the pride, it's not even about WMD (What is it anyway? Wipe My Diapers?). As my high school Chinese teacher (whom I suspect is actually an incredibly tolerant under cover monkey-trainer, getting the lowest primates to pass CL2) puts it: 民以食为天

Food is indeed a form of heaven on earth. Peace, joy and love to y'all...


(Countdown to post of the century: 5)