The Lion and the 'nien'

For Chinese people the lion is a holy animal (how right they are!). That is why lions play an important role in Chinese mythology. In China lions and people can be friends.
Probably the most common historical reference to Chinese Lion Dance is the story of Nian (年).

A long time ago a strange creature appeared in China and horrified and ate men and animals. The fast and fierce creature was called 'nien' (or 'nian'), which sounds like the Chinese word for 'year'. Neither the fox nor the tiger could fight the 'nien' effectively and in despair the people asked the lion for help. The lion shook his mane, rushed towards the creature and wounded it. The nien hurried away with the tail between its legs. But it announced to return for taking revenge.
A year later the nien did return. This time the lion couldn't help the people. He was too busy with guarding the emperor's gate. So the villagers decided to do the job themselves. Out of bamboo and cloth they produced an image of the lion. Two men crawled inside it and approached the nien. The 'lion' pranced and roared and the monster fled away again. This is the reason why on the eve of the Chinese New Year, lions always dance. They are frightening evil away for yet another year.

Hari Raya Tropa: A day to remember

18. September a new S’pore Holiday:
HARI RAYA TROPA DAY
The day King Harald is leaving S’pore.
Officially declared by the President.
A sad Harald
I am very sure there’s no need to explain who this fella is. Recent polls by Singapore Tourism Board show that 90% of Chinatown visitors have visited Erich’s Wuerstelstand and met the King or at least heard his sound voice when passing. You can’t miss it.
A very sad day for Singapore and Wuerstelstand:
King Harald is stepping down from his throne. He will be leaving S'pore for higher honors which is very disappointing as there is only one more influential "Steirermen"...

"Steirermens are very good"

...left outside Austria, our one and only 'Kindergarten Cop' Arnold, the Ruler of California. King Harald was supposed to fill in Arnie's footsteps in this part of the world. That was part of their master plan to have a world ruled and influenced by "Steirermen" (Wikipedia:" a rare hill tribe from Steiermark/Styria, one of the 9 Austrian federal states;
Harald in 20 years (computer animation)
Hilltribe
.....famous for Arnold Schwarzenegger, King Harald, Kuerbiskern Oel (pumpkin kernel oil)- sort of eatable engine oil and Schilcher Wine - sort of drinkable vinegar). However Harald had to give up his plans to rule Singapore and SEA after an urgent call from his local governor to become King of Lassing (link: unfortunately in German only) an endangered species of 1,852 left only.
Harald’s first priority assignment is to increase headcount to assure the survival of the tribe. His first step towards this goal is to relax the immigration rules and bring in “fresh” –I doubt it, but never try never know- blood (= foreign talent = wife) from Asian countries. To really be successful in his task I suggest he also brings in Lyn’s pretty daughter. It will be a hard time for those staying back in S'pore (@Wuerstelstand) without his humorous, funky mentality, loud and sound voice and his striking sayings: "Stupid Kangaroos", "Greetings from Hollywood" , etc.
Watch sample:


His exit will most likely cause an economic impact for local businesses a serious plunge in revenues for APB (Tiger, Erdinger), Erich's Wuerstelstand, Schneeschaufler- a coffee shop close to Erich’s (his secret hideout), Casablanca (Karaoke Bar), OT and Durex.

The Chinatown Trishaw Tours have already announced to offer a new tour – “Harry’s trail, off the beaten tracks” which will stop at Harald’s favorite hideouts and includes free flow of Tiger and 1 set of sausages.

A person most disappointed by his exodus will be his secret crush 'Helen' ("a face says more than 1000 words"- picture taken after she heard the news) but we all will try to comfort her in these difficult times.

Despite all the sadness we will always remember him and I think there is even a slight chance for his return when he finds out “there are no kangaroos in Austria" and this discovery will most probably upset him too much to stay there!
Have a great and successful future back in Steiermark.
Chinatown will not be the same anymore.

“So you think you can sing”

As mentioned below the night ended in Haralds favourite Bar: Casablanca (Hotel Le Meridien). Where he used to hide rehearsing for next seasons reality “So you think you can sing” and he forced us as well to do so. Maybe one of us will make it. We tried very hard. But before we had to convince other guests that rehearsing our English songs was way more important than their Chinese Songs. It took a while until the Microphones were ours.
King Harald with some sweet ex colleges.

I'm not telling what time the night ended but it was already easy to get Taxis......

Harald’s Farewell Party: with updated pixs

Friday night instead of celebrating our Stammtisch we’d been invited to ‘some’ unimportant Farewell Party and as Expats come and go it’s not a big deal- at least we thought. But it turned out to be a special celebration since it was King Harald of Chinatown, the future ruler of Singapura who’s leaving town on Tuesday.All the “Rich and Famous” appeared including some Paparazzi and had a blast of a night which ended in the wee hours of Saturday rehearsing in the Casablanca bar.
Harald was not only moved but literally shaken by the farewell presents he received from Judith and Herbert. They presented a homemade Chili-Tequilla that made him cry and his body shake and also gave him goose bumps. Rumors tell they might start their own Chili-Tequilla business
Harald still surprised and excited
A frist very sceptical tasting. Could be poisen as well. Who knows?
My goodness. This is really hot!
Don't cry for me.......
Tiger helps in any situation. Tiger the saviour
Of course all of us had to cheer him up again so we also took a shot of this healthy drink.

Cheers! Prost!
Not so bad after all.
Great stuff it even makes Harald move his hips
"Aiyoh. Look at him. If only he'd move at home like this. I can't watch it. That really makes me cry"
Erich is amused watching the scene because he is not tasting the Chili-Tequilla at all.
But he didn’t know about the other present and that he was part of it:
A Poster of "The Singapore Connection, The Godfathers of Chinatown"
The most scary and dangerous trio in whole Singapore, Johor and some say Batam
You better not play play with them

Catch some more pics of the action that night





Herr Tan, Haralds special friend and psyciatric adviser not so happy about Harald's exodus though enjoying the night
Best friends
The waitress was kept busy the whole night..................because there were a lot of other visitors at Erich's that night as well
Erich's Wuerstelstand the most vibrant hot spot in Chinatown every night since 3 years.
It's your own fault if you miss lots of fun, meeting interesting people of all races and walks of life.
Check it out

Here's an update with additional pixs, just received from paparazza JLZ.
Check it out:

Herrn Tans specs make you look smart. That's why everyone wants to try them on. Good we didn't have a mirror

Sure you can read???

Herr Tan the Psychic Reader

Hiding behind Stanley's grass: A klana Indiana

Surprise visit of an “old” friend

Last night we were surprised by an unexpected visit of an “old“ friend of Erich’s.
Todd Fenstermaker, the American actor who performed in the musical “The Sound Of Music” two years ago at the Esplanade was in town again for “The King And I”. After his performance he had to pay a visit to the Wuerstelstand to check out changes from two years ago. And of course he was surprised about Erich’s activities over the last few months (Extending the Wuerstelstand into 2 booths, opening of the Imbiss & Backstube).
Todd praising the Austrians lasting power signed Erich's new guestbook.
When he was in S’pore with the very successful “The sound of music” Todd and most of the cast were frequent late night visitors after their shows for supper at Erich’s. Playing in a musical which is all about Austria they of course “had” to eat the best Austrian Sausages in Chinatown Night Market. They even signed a poster for Erich that is displaced in his Kiosk.
And yesterday Todd was back again happy to see old friends. Everything ended in a fun night with chatting and a few glasses of Erdinger.

The Koelsch Tasting Ceremony

Last month I blogged about our German friend who sent us a surprise parcel with Koelsch beer, remember. Yesterday, finally everyone was back in town for the bottle opening ceremony. It was very precious because ONLY one tiny bottle for quite a crowd. This resulted in just one sip each.
Step by step. Langsam, langsam.
Don't spill.
Na dann prost ihr ......
But everyone admitted it was very delicious and tasty. Thanks again Dr. Helge.