So I bundled up and braved the strong winds this afternoon to attend the Chinese New Year luncheon organised by the Temasek Club Switzerland (TCS). The venue – Hungky restaurant. Nothing too fancy, plus we were pretty familiar with most of the dishes on the menu. But it was more for the Singaporeans to get together and celebrate the festive season here in Geneva. It was nice to see the usual friendly faces and to meet a couple more new friends at this casual gathering. We even got to ‘lo hei‘ (Prosperity tossing of the raw fish salad) at the luncheon.
What made the luncheon extra special for me was meeting Shinn who made her way down from Lausanne to pass me these Singaporean food packs. If you don’t already know by now, Singaporeans, we are passionate about our food and most can eat round the clock. Because the Asian food in Switzerland isn’t all that fantastic and eating out is an expensive affair, we have to cook our favorite local foods. Cooking some of these foods using the many ingredients from scratch can be quite challenging, so I often take the easy way out and rely heavily on these ready-packed spices.
I met Shinn through blogging. She’s currently taking up her degree in Hospitality over at Lausanne. We exchanged a couple of emails when she came to Geneva for a visit and I gave her some tips on where she should go. We never met up but I enjoy reading all about her student life through her blog. I thought that I will get a chance to know her properly at the Chinese New Year luncheon this afternoon but the event was fully subscribed so it was not possible for her to come along unless someone backs out.
I was surprised when I met her at the restaurant and thought that perhaps a vacant spot has freed up. We exchanged greetings and she passed me a H&M bag filled with the above items. The sweet girl made a trip to Geneva with her friends who were attending the lunch just to pass me these items in person. I was really touched by the thoughtful gesture. Firstly, for giving up her precious stash of ingredients and secondly, for braving the cold (remember Siberian winds?) to come down to Geneva to meet me in person. I wished she could have stayed for lunch, it would have been nice to chat and get to know her a little more.
Thanks again Shinn, you really made my day with this sweet gift. I hope you didn’t get too cold walking around the streets of Geneva. Take care and hope to see you soon! 
Reblogged this on madeofballoons and commented:
Thank you Joanne, really kind of you. I really hope all these can warm you and your partner up during this severely freezing windy period in Switzerland
It definitely will. Thanks again
what a lovely gesture by your newfound friend!
Yes, a really lovely gesture indeed!
Pssst. Shinn’s my ex-student! Not sure if she mentioned. Hur hur. And yes, she’s a very lovely girl.
Hehe Hello Ms Goh! I don’t think I managed to mention about you to Joanne. I remember I have a mutual blogger friend with Joanne but I wasn’t sure who, now I know heh heh. Thank you thank you!
Hehe she didn’t mention, but now I know!
She’s really thoughtful.
Oh how sweet! Love meeting awesome people like that through the blog! Makes it all so worth while!