Life at large is about finding equilibrium between work and play, joy and sorrow. There is no guarantee that problems will go away but having family and caring friends around us let us know that we are not alone when we are down. Sometimes, we need to take a step back from the chaos to truly appreciate how fortunate we are.
There are too many deaths… Besides the recent passing of our founding father Mr. Lee Kuan Yew, our nation is once again deeply saddened by the fatal catastrophic incident of eight Singaporeans and many more other nationalities who died in the earthquake at Mount Kinabalu.
The Singaporeans were one teacher and six pupils from Tanjong Katong Primary School on an overseas learning trip, plus one adventure guide. One teacher and one student are still missing. Our Prime Minister’s Office issued a statement that Monday, 8 June 2015 will be a Day of National Remembrance. State flags on all Government buildings will be flown at half-mast. One minute of silence will be observed at the beginning of the day at all SEA Games venues, in the hope that this collective expression of sympathy and support from all Singaporeans will give solace and comfort to the families and loved ones of the victims. As a mother and fellow earthling, I am deeply saddened. This has been a thoughtful week. My heart goes out to the families involved and I remember them in my prayers.
My children are adults and have started working, with unforgiving schedules I must say, and thus to be able to share a meal with all the family members at the table is truly a blessing for me. My children are doing brilliantly in their respective industry but to juggle the balance between family and work is an art they have yet to master – being successful in work and at home are two different things and often, they do not come hand in hand. There is always a price to pay. Everyone has the same 24 hours and so it takes careful calculations how one allocates time in order to find the equilibrium so as to enjoy the fruits of their labour with their love ones.
I always prompt my children they should spend more time with their dad which will naturally include me (sneaky!). It is pointless if, knock on wood, they are forced to spend time with us when we are lying on our deathbeds. Age is catching up on their parents, I reminded. And if they thought this were emotional blackmailing, then I am guilty as charged! I cautioned that they should take a few steps back and put things in perspective before it is too late.
It worked! The “blackmailing” worked! Hahaha…
It rained the whole of yesterday and I was sleeping at home knowing that Ryan and Valerie would be out shopping for their new home. Vanessa came into my room, woke me and said to get ready for dinner with 姐 (pronounced as “Jie” meaning elder sister and that’s Valerie). Wow, I have slept through the day, how unproductive! But then again, it was a Sunday. A day of rest and to recharge the body so one could slog hard come Monday.
We had no particular restaurant in mind. There were suggestions of Boon Tong Kee’s chicken rice and north Indian cuisine while Ryan was driving but in the end we headed towards Tampines. There are many restaurants there and we wound up in Nando’s.
Eating at Nando’s is a trip down memory lane. The first time we had Nando’s was when we were residing in Melbourne. It was good and I hope this dinner would be just as good.
Nando’s at Tampines Mall was running at full house
Clearly, the restaurant was understaffed. We were first in line and quickly brought to a table immediately after it was cleaned up. We were handed some menus and from then on, we had to wait for a very long time without service of water and attention. Frantic waves at the wait staff only gathered blur or “look right through you” indifference. No one made a fuss about the slow service and unavailable side dishes due to lack of staff (as the waitress reiterated when Valerie got back from getting the peri peri hot sauce from the common table). We took the chance to catch up on gossips and small talks as well as serious “business”, like where to go for desserts afterwards. You must be having gastric reading this lengthy post so we’ll get down to food now, eh?
“Nando’s is an international casual dining restaurant chain originating from South Africa, with a Mozambican/Portuguese theme. Founded in 1987, Nando’s operates about 1,000 outlets in 30 countries.” – Wikipedia
“The Nando’s cockerel landed on the tropical land of Singapore in 2010 at Bugis Junction– the 1st Nando’s restaurant in Singapore officially opened on 9 May 2010.” – Nando’s Singapore website
The service was not good but there’s nothing serious that we should kick up a fuss at. It’s Sunday where families are out shopping and eating and the restaurant simply did not have enough staff to cope with the guests. They ran out of corn and Fino sides, as we were told, could not be prepared since they did not have enough staff. We make do with repeat starch of Peri Peri Chips and Wedges in place of Sweet Potato Mash and Corn on the Cob. The Spicy Rice was okay, but the Mediterranean Rice which looked very much like Chinese fried rice was bland. The Coleslaw ordinary. We ordered mild flavoured flame grilled Chicken since we were going to have the hot peri peri sauce anyway and they were tender and juicy. All was good until I saw a strand of hair. No complaining to the staff or telling the children about this “defect”. It was grilled so I assume all bacterias are dead. It was at the joint of the drumstick not on the meat so, live and let live. Whoa! This coming from an OCD, erhm ex OCD! I am finally freed from this freaking cleanliness disorder! What the heck? My family is safe and warm with me tonight. I am blessed. Rainy days and Sundays always makes me smile!
Nando’s Singapore (there are 6 restaurants in Singapore)
Address: Unit #01-46, Tampines Mall
4, Tampines Central 5,
Singapore 529510.
Telephone: +(65) 6789 5052
Opening hours:
Daily: 10am – 10pm
Happy eating and bonding