Yesterday I visited Little India and learned that today there would be a festival where the men prepared and then carried a giant headdress that was held in place by long metal skewers that actually pierced the skin. This ritual was a parade that span the distance between Little India and the Holy temple. The men do this as they believe that if they can do this and not feel pain they have proven themselves as righteous. Amazingly I was able to see the completion of this ritual parade for several of the men.
It looked painful to me but I understand that the men felt no pain but only joy in completing such a task.
It looked painful to me but I understand that the men felt no pain but only joy in completing such a task.
From Little India we went to China Town which is huge and bustling. The Chinese represent 76% of the population of Singapore so is not surprising that this part of Singapore is so busy. Here I had the opportunity to sample the famous Hawkers' food of Singapore. Hawkers have food stands where they sell the local delicacies. Interestingly enough there are 120 Hawker locations in Singapore with over 16,000 stands. Among the local favorites is coffee made with condensed milk. Since there are no cows in Singapore this sweet concoction is a big favorite. There was also toast with local jam and water cakes.
Chinese New Year is January 31 and it is the year of the horse so all is decorated for this big celebration.
The market would not be complete without street performers and for lunch I was able to have the local delicacy of chili crab.
With this it was time to say goodbye to Singapore and hello to an adventure on the ocean.
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