Officially 13,870 days (album)

..is how long I have been on God's good and green earth. Wow, I feel like dancing a jig just to show how sprightly I can be!

To celebrate such longevity, and at various times, I dropped by with either one or both of my parents at different eating places. One of my fave old Chinese restaurants, where as a "suki" I always get the friendly wave and banter from the old-timer waitresses is where I go for my black mongo siopao, a staple in my visits.

For lunch, I wanted to eat okonomiyaki and green tea ice cream, so I tried out Ginza again with the company of my parents and our helper Rose. Last time I was here was with Pearl.

For merienda and to combat the heat of the sun, I visited another old haunt - Ice Castle - so we could slurp their best-selling halo-halo. I wanted to eat parfait afterwards also, but along the way we had bumped into an interesting collection of owls, dolls, and cats so I wanted to get back to it.

SInce I had not visited the site of Rustan's new grocery somewhere up the hills, I went there to see if they had durian plus my other hard-to-find items. Lo and behold, its a thriving and bustling little community, no doubt initiated by the site of the Convergys call center opposite the place. Durian and goat's milk tucked in bag, I dragged my mom for some leche flan and orange vanilla fizz at La Marea. Their first branch is at Crossroads and it has all the sweet stuff inside.

As a tribute to my mom's birthday and as a way of finding out if it was still around, I went to where one of the cheaper but best-tasting baked scallops are found. It was late evening and my mom was uneasy because the place is a bit dark, and there was some news of hold-ups in the area. I said if someone were to demand my money, I'd certainly tell the guy that if I were rich, would I be walking in that kind of place?

I planned to bring some friends over as part of my belated bday treat. After their ube shake (slurp, slurp) baked scallops and spicy prawns in oyster sauce, I declared myself almost contented. 

And as a last hurrah, I went to the Persian Palate for the good ole shwarma, hummus and nan. I couldn't fit in anymore some lassi so I desisted.

Notice that I didn't say anything about a party at home? Those days are past. Its tiring and I wanted to spend time with my parents who I know have been missing their fave daughter (as an only child, who else would they be missing?).

My idea of a good time is good food, good company, a little strolling while window shopping and am satisfied. I would be treating some of my friends out later on another day...but today and on some other days, a semi-solitary outing is just the thing for my soul.

P.S. don't mind the dates, since my small camera was repaired (the one I usually tuck into my bag), I forgot to correct the date setting and had taken out the batteries at one time or another. The only correct thing is is the year *grin*

- Apr 14, '08 5:22 PM