Saturday, November 29, 2008

Peranakan Museum

I sincerely apologize for not updating my blog for a month, I have been too lazy and relaxed in this nice holiday. So…on to business!
All four RSP schools went to the Peranakan Museum on 1 November. I was late by about half an hour, but kind Ms. Lee took a taxi with me there. Thanks Ms. Lee~!
I started off with the world café. Other schools’ exhibits were very interesting. Our job was to explain about our blogfolios and UMPCs to the students and the adults. I was rather intimidated by the VIPs but my friends handled it well. Unfortunately, because I was on first shift, I missed the tour. What a pity: Sophia said that that was the most interesting part of the trip!
We visited a room later. I saw a peranakan card game and played in it. The objective of the game is to get three sets of three of the same cards. Each card represents a number from one to nine, and the pictures/symbols on the card show that number. I wasn’t very good at it at first, but the nice host taught me well, and I enjoyed playing it in the end.
Peranakan Aroma Therapy: shredded pandan leaves, sandalwood powder, and rose essence oil decorated with rose, orchid and jasmine petals placed in pretty little pouches. The pouch is very fragrant and can be used to freshen up a room. I tried making my own but put too much pandan leaves in mine, so when I put my pouch in my bag, the bag smelled heavily of pandan. I took home two more to give to my cousins as their birthday present.
Perhaps what the Peranakans are most famous for is their beadwork. We saw peranakan beaded slippers on show that day. I learnt that it takes thousands of tiny glass beads just
to make two slippers, so it takes months to sew them. The result: Pretty but costs a bomb.
Peranakan Curry! I loved this part the best. Many spices are used to make the curry powder, and to thicken the curry, ground almonds (almond powder) are used instead of the traditional coconut milk. The verdict: delicious! It is not as thick and rich as Indian or Malay curry, but very healthy. The rice that was used to accompany the curry was soft and fragrant with pandan, and each grain was separate and flavorful. I officially recommend Peranakan curry to those who are health and weight-conscious!
Overall reflection: Can we go to the Peranakan Museum again? I loved this trip and thought that it was very productive!0

Posted by Mel at 7:57 PM