Atrium at the Koregaon Park Plaza, Pune, India
It’s Valentine’s Day tomorrow, so Happy Valentine’s Day everyone! This year’s Valentine’s also happens to coincide with the 15th (last) day of Chinese New Year (or Chap Goh Meh as the Hokkiens call it). I was told that in our part of the world (Malaysia, Singapore), the Chinese actually celebrate this like some sort of Chinese valentine’s. Girls will write their numbers on a mandarin orange and cast it into a river or lake. The boys will collect the mandarin oranges, get the numbers and eat them (of course, why waste food?) I don’t know how true this is, but I’ve never personally done or seen anything like this. The only thing we did on this day when we were kids, was to have a helluva lot of fun with paper lanterns and fire crackers. We’d bug the bejesus out of our parents to buy lanterns.
These lanterns were made from steel wire and transparent coloured paper. They’d come in all shapes and sizes, horses, goldfish, dinosaurs, heck, whatever’s popular at that time. We’d stick a candle in it, light ‘em up and walk around the neighbourhood at night. They’re crude and burn down easily if not handled well. But we’re absolutely nuts over it, don’t ask me why!
Nothing planned yet for Valentine’s this time round. But, here’s a bit of glamour and luxury from our days in Pune to add to the mood for romance…
Outing at Koregaon Park Plaza, June 2012 – No, these were not taken on Valentine’s day or any special day. Just some random photos to reflect the Valentine’s and CNY mood.
Food Court, Koregaon Park Plaza
Westin Hotel, Pune – our favourite Pune hideaway on special occasions, like our anniversary, New Year’s eve…
The rooms at Westin Hotel, 7000 rupees for a double, with breakfast included – that’s about the price of only a 3-star hotel if you’re in Dubai! – Friggin expensive here – can’t afford that sort of luxury now…
More views of the Westin
Anu and Amruta, a Pune friend who worked in the Westin
Swimming pool of the Four Points Hotel, another hotel we tried out in Pune
The Amanora Town Centre Mall, Pune
Our brother-in-law, Gopal at TJ’s Brew Works, a beer brewery, Amanora Mall, Pune
No comments:
Post a Comment