Chinese calligraphy, it helps when you know what you are writing, so your paintbrush flows...........
We went to an Operatic/Musical supply shop tucked away in River Valley Road. They had costumes, wigs, makeup, shoes and then all the different types of musical instruments. I was very tempted to buy one of the gongs! The Erhu was very clever with 1 or 2 stings and a bow
monkey nuts - peanuts in their shells, this is how they grow, in the ground with the green leaf tops. Bamboo tubers and bitter ghourd for eating too, all at Ang Mo Kio Market
We went to a housemaking factory where they make houses, and any other household items that the chinese want to burn as offerings to their ancestors. Made from a very light bamboo frame with glue which is flour and water, then covered with gaudy paper
the sticks in the joss
the large joss sticks are decorated with faces
We went to a Joss Stick Maker - he specialises in the huge joss sticks that are burnt for special occassions. The joss sticks are made from the cinnamon wood- the sawdust is mixed with water and changes into this sticky, pliable dough that can be moulded and then when dry and with a wooden wick in the middle can be burnt.
I joined a tour led by Geraldene Lowe, who is a fascinating woman, who has lived in Signapore for the last 40 years, and has seen the city change from Orchard Road having Nutmeg Plantations, and Beach Road having the waterfront moved 100's of metres as the sea is reclaimed.
Geraldene took us on a tour of the old trades that are still kept alive by a few skilled craftsmen.
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