Friday, January 18, 2008

CNY Celebrations

The first news that greeted us for the New Year of 2008 is that there will be price increases for most commodities and services. First, the price hike on taxi fares, then the price increase for sundry goods. The latest now is that prices for all CNY goodies will be at least 30% higher than last year. Last check I did for a 1Kg pack of Bakwa from Lim Chee Guan cost S$54....and we are still a good 3 weeks away from CNY.

My sister told me that we will be having a steamboat feast for reunion dinner this year. The traditional feast of Shark Fins Soup, Abalone and Prawns among the rest seems to have been taken off the menu, for obvious reasons. I am totally in agreement with her. With the prices moving steadily upwards, it doesn't make economical sense to spend unneccessarily. After all, it is meant as a time for the family to come together to celebrate the coming new year...never mind what is on the table, right?

While in Johore Bahru on business, I picked up 2 boxes of love letters to try out. The price is half of what you will pay in Singapore. My wife told me the taste is not as good. However, 2 days later, there is only half a box left. I think the strategy to buy from JB is worth a second look ( Maybe Malacca?)

I wonder what the family will say if I tell them they will be getting less in their "Ang Pow" this year....

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