Sunday, August 23, 2009

The 88th birthday

I have never expected that while I'm assimilating to the French culture, my French family is learning and practicing some of my Malaysian culture too. The day after I got my 10 years resident card, my FIL emailed me saying that:" Do you realize that you got the card on 8.8.09, a very lucky date?" I was like, wow no I didn't realize, and didn't know they would even remember that.

(For your information, 8 is considered as an auspicious number in the Chinese culture, that was why the China Olympics' inauguration ceremony last year was held at 8.08pm on 08.08.08)

Then, my in laws decided to celebrate hubby's grandma's 88th birthday since it is supposed to be a lucky age for her. So off we went to a small touristic town in the west of the Brittany. As usual, she greeted us with her delicious home cook meals.


She lives alone since grandpa passed away several years ago. Whenever we come visit, she would cook us our favorite dishes and desserts. She purposely prepared the Lemon Tart as dessert as she knows it is one of my favorite desserts here. During the preparation, she accidentally burnt the tart and was upset for a while. She quickly prepared a second one, but I liked the burnt tart as well and everyone finished it before starting the second tart.


I'm just lucky to have a loving and caring grandma like this. On the other hand, I don't know if I can bear to live alone in such a big house, passing my days reminiscing on everything happens here.

4 comments:

  1. Le Framéricain and I were married in San Francisco on 8/8/88. Don't you just love it?

    The party at your grandmother-in-laws house sounds like it was a lovely experience and especially meaningful since it incorporated the observation of traditions in both your native and adopted cultures!

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  2. Wow did you choose this date on purpose? I still remember that day as you only get it once in a long while. I was in my last year of primary school. Eight in Chinese means lot's of money so I wish you and your hubby have lots of money in your marriage life. :-)

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  3. Thank you, Bee Ean! We certainly have had enough money to have a healthy and happy married life together for 21+ years now. It is very sweet that you recall where you were on that day. Hope you are feeling just great!

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  4. 10 year resident card... not planning to get french citizenship? :)

    i didnt know french loves pork so much too... your chinese genes are getting into them... haha!

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