Banana Republic.

There are two occasions when my nationalistic fervour comes out of hibernation.

1) National Day Parade – which means that the commemoration of our independence day and all the pomp and celebration that comes with it has achieved its aim of stirring up feelings of unity and pride that are usually absent on any other day. So well done propaganda machinery, I am sure I am not the only one who is swept away by the tide of “Happy Birthday Singapore!” posters and Count On Me Singapore every 9th of August.

2) national soccer team’s matches – especially against the regional teams. This is when I morph into a fascist and have no qualms in handing over $2 for a cup of watery Coke. The referee’s decision to award a penalty was as shocking as the Paki’s decision to watch the match. He is not a fan of local football and is also partial to the Thais because of his ancestry but I suspect that somewhere within his subconscious, he does want to see the Singapore team win.

So that makes me a part-time patriot.

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Today I met my old flame, who was at one point of time was almost co-habiting with me.

 Lek Xia Yan the tadpole, after a very long time of not meeting! We are missing a Jelly, a Boarie and an Ah Pek though.

At our usual haunt. They should make me their ambassador and give me a lifetime supply of cheese prata, beef kway teow, tom yam bee hoon, garlic naan etc. Basically, they should feed me in exchange for publicity.

XY dragged me to hunt for Chinese New Year decorations for her house. She got the poster thingy that’s at the background, the one with the Chinese characters in black. It’s called a couplet or something. The shopkeeper gave her two free gold-plated pigs on a red string which I attached to her wallet. I don’t know why she doesn’t want to use it as a handphone strap.

That is the reddest shop I have ever been too. The shopkeeper was amused and the feeling was mutual. I am now of the opinion that all races in Singapore are loud and garish when it comes to celebrating their special day. Loves it.