multi-racial Singapore.

HAPPY HAPPY HAPPY HAPPY!!! THE A LEVELS ARE OVER!!!

And I just got back from another Lunch with the Relatives. “Another” because on Saturday, I went for my Grandparents’ birthday dinner (where all FOUR generations turned up ^^) and on Monday, I lunched with my grandparents (again), grand…um, aunts and the Indian Uncle from Australia. Anyway, it’s just amazing how many languages/dialects I have to know in order to understand what’s happening during all these family meals. On Monday alone, there was English, Chinese, Teochew and Malay …because that’s the only common language Indian uncle shares with my grandfather. And today, Mummy and I came out very shortchanged because of my LOUSY, half-assed mandarin. Mummy has an excuse because she didn’t go to a Chinese school (she was taught Malay instead) but I have none because I’ve sat through four years of Higher Chinese.

While Setting up the Meeting Place On the Phone:

Mummy (in Chinese): Okay, we’ll meet you at the uh…uh…Cheryl, how do you say escalator in Chinese?

Me: Just say “Macdonalds”.

While Ordering Desserts at Swensons:

Mummy (in Chinese): Would you like a Gold Rush? A um…Huang Jin…something. How do you say Rush in Chinese?

Me:…

And then FINALLY! My shining moment:

Mummy: …how do you say Frog in Chinese?

…I never dreamt I would be SO excited saying “Qing Wa” in my whole entire life.

(and so relieved she wasn’t looking for “toad”) ^^

***

My “Uniquely Singapore! TV” tag drew in an enormous number of views. i think I shall try again with a similarly cheesy Singapore title…Multi-racial Singapore…here goes!