Discovering The Joys of Milk Tea

It's Tea Time!

I have always been a coffee drinker.  Ok that is quite the understatement.  I am a coffee addict.  Back in the Philippines, I drank 2-3 cups of Tall Cappuccino from Starbucks a day.  Variety comes when it’s Christmas and the Christmas Planner promo is in full swing.  Toffee Nut Latte.  What a joy!  And do you remember Gingerbread Latte way back when?  Starbucks Christmas drinks, I will definitely miss those this year!  But I digress.  The point is, it’s coffee or bust.

I do drink tea every now and then but always the “house tea” types when you go to Chinese or Japanese restos.  Some Iced Teas are great – I drool over the yummy Iced Tea at Pho Hoa.  But one thing that struck me as odd is mixing tea with milk.  It just doesn’t go well together!  Until I tasted Serenitea, but that’s different because it’s cold and it’s not really “tea” – “tea.” 

Sure goes well with High Tea!

But what is living in Sri Lanka without some appreciation for tea and the many ways that people enjoy it?  Last year, I was with J, my Filipina friend and she invited me to her home for some tea and cookies she baked.  She made me try plain black Dilmah tea with milk.  What do you know?  It’s pretty yummy!  I guess it’s just a matter of getting used to the taste.  But it was quite a revelation.  When I started working, we had a Lipton Tea and Coffee dispenser and I would frequent the machine not for the coffee but for the hot Milk Tea.  Never thought that would happen in a million years!  Haha!

When hubby and I went on our honeymoon trip to the heart of the tea country – we even experienced High Tea.  Really good quality tea (add some milk if you must) and a selection of snack goodies.

Hubby is ready!

Maybe it’s the Ceylon Tea – they say tea from Sri Lanka is one of the best in the world!  Or maybe just embracing new experiences.  Whatever it’s worth, I’ve discovered the joys of drinking milk tea La Vida Lanka!    

Mama La Vida Lanka: The Case of the Hospital Bag

During my 6^th month visit to my OB, I was given this list to prepare items required for delivery. 

Lanka Hospitals Colombo

Department of Gynaecology

List of Items Required for Mother & Baby

Baby

• Baby Nappies – 2
• Baby Safety Pins – 2
• Baby Caps / Socks / Mittens
• Baby Flannels (Blankets) – 2
• Baby Shirts / Baby Frocks – 10
• Baby Towels – 3
• Baby Cologne / Cream / Soap
• Small Plastic Bowl
• Baby Wrapping Sheets – 4
• Mackintosh – 1

Mother

• Bed Jackets (front Opening) – 5
• Clothes (Cheetah) – 5
• Feeding Bra – 2
• Maternity Panties – 5

The baby stuff are quite straightforward.  I just realized how British their English really is!  First, Nappies! Shoshall! If this list came from Manila it would have been diapers!  Nappies sound so much more posh and cute.  I mean compare that to diapers right?  Boring.  Hubby was right to want our kids to have a British accent.  Hahaha!   Second, I was really stuck with Mackintosh.  I mean we need a Mac for baby? Which one? Macbook? iPod? iPad?  Shoshall! So I checked with my workmate C and she said it was something like a rubber mat.  Ah... Not so shoshall after all! Haha! 

Ah ito pala ang Mackintosh!

Now, moving on to the Mother’s list two things were kind of discombobulating.  Bed Jackets?  What’s that?  Apparently it is like a pajama button down top.  Okaay...  Now onto Clothes (Cheetah)...  Cheetah?  The cheetah I know is an animal and the Cheetah Girls... Hahaha!  So I checked again with my workmate C and first of all, the pronunciation is cheeth-tha and I think it’s a Sri Lankan term.  If you’re wondering what in the world it is (like I did), it’s a wrap-around skirt.  Like a sarong.  I parked the idea and just went about shopping for all these.  I wanted my hospital bag pretty much ready by the 7^th month.  While we were shopping, hubby was the one who put two and two together pertaining to the Bed Jackets and the Cheeththa and said: “so they don’t give out hospital gowns?”  OMG.  That is what it’s for! 

My hospital get-up... Sri Lankan Style 

It’s just funny how the guy who was the manager of the baby shop we went to was explaining all these things to us and just said, “you know that’s the Sri Lankan way.”  Oh well, the Sri Lankan way.  Interesting...  Now I wonder what the list in Manila would look like?  Anyone care to share? 

The V/W Syndrome

In the Philippines we have a lot of grammatical syndromes.  Thanks I believe to the Spanish language where most of these come from (if you notice, Spanish-speaking folks also have similar syndromes like the P & F) or just plain inability to enunciate. 

Notice there is no "wa" because it's the same as "va"

In Sri Lanka, grammatical syndromes also exist.  The most obvious of which is the V and W where they change V into W.  This is because in Sinhala script and language, there is only one character for V and W.

So let’s have some examples:

Visa = Wisa

Vacation = Wacation

Victory = Wictory

A lot of confusion can exist if you are not aware!  Especially if you are SMS-ing with them.  You will notice a lot of “V”’s.  They are not “very” as we would write it, but rather “we.”

Once, we asked the owner of the Kabayan Filipino Restaurant (more on this later!), Ate Leah if aside from Efficacent Oil, does she also have Vicks.  She said, “available yan dito!  Pero kailangan sabihin mo Wicks.”  (“that is available locally!  But you have to ask for Wick.)”  Hmm...

During a Filipino community gathering just this Sunday, we formally met a lady who was on the same flight when we came home last April.  I asked for her name and she said, “Wilma.”  I repeated, “ah Wilma.”  And she caught herself and said, “ay, Vilma.  Ano ba yan, nalito na ako.  Dito kasi nasanay na ako sabihing Wilma. (“oh, Vilma.  I got confused there!  Here I have been used to saying Wilma.”) 

Oo nga naman.

So if ever you find yourself talking to a Sri Lankan, be aware of the V/W Syndrome and it can save you a lot of confusion.  A friendly reminder from Livin’ La Vida Lanka!  

List La Vida Lanka: Must Experience!

This time I would like to share with you what are my must-do’s in Sri Lanka to have the full cultural experience!  We left off with Number 8 in places and to add to up 22 (to know why, check out List La Vida Lanka), we continue with Number 9:

Number 9: Ride A Bajaj 

The Bajaj or the trishaw (their version of the tricycle) is the main mode of transportation for locals.  There is also the bus but I am not THAT adventurous! 

Number 10: Learn 22 Useful Sinhala Phrases, Write Them In Sinhala Script (just for kicks!) and Use It!

One of the most important lessons I’ve learned living in a different country is that you MUST know their language. No need to be fluent but a few key phrases, questions, etc. will help you go a long way!

Number 11: Watch a Live Cricket Match

I know I missed the opportunity of all opportunities (the ICC World Cup) but there are other key games.  I am particularly keen on the Roy-Tho match: think Ateneo vs La Salle Basketball Rivalry.  I hope hubby comes along as it will definitely be a looooong 3 days (Test match runs for 3 full days!).

Photo Courtesy of Thomas Bucher via fotopedia.com

Number 12: Ride A Train

Trains fascinate me.  Especially those that run on scenic routes.  And Sri Lanka offers just that.

Photo courtesy of sareedreams.com

Number 13: Have My Own Saree

I love how Sri Lankans (and even Indians and other South Asian countries) wear their saree’s from everyday to formal.  I wish we could do the same for our baro’t saya, Maria Clara or other Filipiniana.  Our boys do it (Polo Barong, Barong for Formal Occasions).  For us ladies, unless it specificially says in the invite that Filipiniana is the attire, we don’t.  How sad.  But I digress.

Number 14: Attend A Sri Lankan Wedding or A Traditional Celebration

Now this one is really up to chance of getting invited.  But hey, I’m shouting it out to the universe!  Give me an opportunity please?

Number 15: Read a Sri Lankan Literature (in English)

I love reading and I believe a country’s literature is a window to it’s soul.  But of course, I have my limitations.  Only in English please?

Number 16: Own A Local Artwork (Original)

I love art! For one I think it was influenced growing up in a house full of paintings and “artistic” pottery (you know, ones that are actually made and signed by real artists?).  Another is because I can only appreciate and not exactly create.  Haha!

Number 17: Buy A Gem!

Aside from tea and cinnamon, Sri Lanka is also known for its Gems.  And being a woman, who can say no to Gems?

17 on the list!  5 more to go!

New Year La Vida Lanka!

For most of the world, January 1 marks the start of the new year so it is quite strange to wish someone a Happy New Year in the midst of April.  Yet, it is the new year for Sinhalas and Tamils (or what is colloquially referred to as Auvurudu, pronounced as aw-roo-doo).

Wishing you peace, happiness

and good health for the

New Year! (Kavinda.net)

A lot of Sri Lankans connect Auvurudu with Buddhism however I am told that it is not strictly a religious tradition.  For one, astrology is the main foundation for the event.

Determining the date when the year ends and the new year begins is written in the stars.  When the sun has moved from the Zodiac Pisces to Aries, a new year has dawned.     

Astrologers also mark not only the date but the exact time as well when the new year breaks.  And it is not necessarily adjacent to when it ended.  An “auspicious time” is determined for when the year ends.  Once that has passed, all activity is usually stopped, work is halted and no cooking must be done as it is believed that work is fruitless during the time that the sun moves towards its new position.  This lasts for around 8 hours.  During this mysterious time, Sinhalas and Tamils also wish to fortify themselves by praying, doing religious activities and visiting temples. 

Another “auspicious time” is written in the stars and that is the one that marks the new year.  To usher in the new year, instead of lighting firecrackers, they light their fire to cook kiribat (milk rice) from a brand new claypot.  The milk is then allowed to overflow symbolizing a prosperous new year.

Of course the new year is a time to celebrate with family and friends.  Just like how we Catholics celebrate Christmas and most of the world, the Gregorian New Year.  It is a time to make amends in the symbol of offering betel leaves.  Gifts are also exchanged. 

Photo from dailynews.lk

So where will Mr. and Mrs. O be during the “most auspicious time of the year?”  I guess we will also be celebrating a beginning of our own.  While most newly married couples have the luxury of taking their honeymoon trip right after the wedding, our “official” honeymoon trip will only take place during the Sinhala and Tamil New Year.  Official because, as hubby says, everyday is our honeymoon.  Okay, okay but you know what I mean?  Official honeymoon is when we’re actually on vacation!  But I digress.

And I guess our trip also came at an awesome time in the place we now call home.  It is a time of reflection, prayer, togetherness, forgiveness, love, family, happiness and prosperity.  And that’s how you really want to usher in the start of wedded bliss.

So, even if we're in the midst of April, I wish you all a Happy New Year (Suba Aluth Avruddak Vewa)!       

Thank you S for the wonderful resource: 

Festival of New Beginnings: Sri Lankan New Year (2010)

Swarna Wickremeratne

List La Vida Lanka: The Introduction

I like lists.  Use it wisely and it can do you wonders.  We all know how to do lists helps you not get overwhelmed.  It’s like the mere act of writing what needs to get done makes it get done.

Every year, particularly on my birthday, I make my list so my year will be focused on achieving key things I’ve set out to do.

The most powerful list I’ve made is my Ideal Man list.  It was a practical advice from my Spiritual Director.  In order to attract the right kind of man (even “the one”) in my life, he asked me to write down the traits, characteristics and everything about this man – both the nice to have and the non-negotiables.  Hubby fulfills that list to the hilt!

Now, as I reflect on my 6 months in Sri Lanka (yes it’s been half a year since year already!) I embark on yet another list.  This idea actually started during one of my Sinhala classes.  The lesson for the day was to ask each other have you been, ate or drank…?  In Sinhala, it’s “Gihilla tiyenavada [name of the place]?” or “Kiwwa tiyenavada [name of the food]?” Or “Biwwa tiyenavada [name of the drink]?”  In the process of answering my classmates’ questions, I realized that I haven’t done much to immerse myself in Sri Lankan culture.  Yes I’ve started learning the language (taking Advanced classes to boot), have formed friendships with Sri Lankans, work with Sri Lankans but somehow, after going through this exercise I realized I haven’t experienced much that is truly Lankan.  I have a classmate who answered almost yes to all the questions!  And she has been in Sri Lanka for the same amount of time that I am!  And so, while harnessing the power of lists, I decided to actually purposefully set out to immerse myself in the Sri Lankan culture.

So for a series of posts aptly titled List La Vida Lanka, I will share with you my ultimate Sri Lanka list.  This contains things to experience, things to eat or drink and places to see to have the definitive Sri Lankan experience.  All in all these add up to 22 for the 22 months that we call Sri Lanka our home.  Aside from sharing with you the list, I invite you to be part of the journey as I not only “tick” each off my list but as I become a little bit “Lankan” with each accomplished task.  And hopefully these will inspire you to take the journey yourself to this beautiful teardrop-shaped island in the heart of South Asia.             

The Cricket World Cup Effect

After almost 3 months of Cricket fever, the ICC World Cup 2011 ended with a bang last April 2.  Our Indian brethren claimed the cup – although I’m not very happy about that.  Not because India won but because Sri Lanka lost :-(
   

The Finals: Sri Lanka vs India

I was in the Philippines during the time of the semis and finals and being in a non-Cricket playing country I couldn’t get hold of a game on TV.  So early morning of the 3^rd, I woke up and immediately and nervously Googled what the outcome may be.  My heart sank when I saw the results.  I hoped I was dreaming but CNN confirmed the awful truth.  Then it hit me, I have changed.  I have become a tad bit more Lankan.

See, Cricket is a religion in Sri Lanka.  Women talk about Cricket like how Filipino boys would fight over their favorite NBA team.  Our driver thanks me like I just gave him a month’s bonus whenever I allow him to listen to the Cricket channel on the radio.  And there are around 3 Cricket channels, on LOCAL TV!

Throughout the Cricket season, it would be ongoing topic during lunch and pre-dinner drinks.  I surprised myself how interested I got and how I got myself into these conversations.  The effect was so strong that I woke up in the middle of the night, talked in my sleep and asked my husband who won in that day’s game.  That wasn’t even a Sri Lanka game mind you. 

It is amazing what 6 months of living in Sri Lanka did to me, thanks to 3 months of Cricket Fever.  From knowing nothing about Cricket except it is a game that would go days on end, I got involved in discussions, got myself updated even from far away, rooting for the Lions, actually getting affected if we won or lost and even using the word “we” when referring to the Lanka team.  6 short months and I have been Cricket-ized la vida Lanka.      

Cricket World Cup Lands in La Lanka!

I couldn’t say that I am livin’ la vida Lanka if I don’t write about Cricket.

Cricket is a British sport that has become a Lankan religion.  Just like Basketball is so American yet very much part of the Filipino culture. 

Well today, the ICC Cricket World Cup 2011 (the Cup that matters) kicks off and Sri Lanka (together with India and Bangladesh) hosts the affair.  The excitement is palpable yet invisible (the city’s not exactly being ‘dressed up’ for the occasion – I was expecting billboards everywhere just like how we advertise shampoo back home).  

And so, as an adopted daughter of Sri Lanka, I would like to do my share and pay tribute to the sport and wish the team (lead by team Captain Kumar Sangakkara) all the best!

Here’s a video of the anthem by one of the local radio stations (Yes FM).

Go Sri Lanka!  Bring home the cup!

Photos courtesy of:                

http://www.onlanka.com/?cat=4 (World Cup Logo)

http://www.thecricfanclub.com/wallpapers/sri-lanka-cricket-team (Team Picture)

Creating a Sacred Space

It may not look like it but I’m actually quite a prayerful person.  I guess it is part of the quest for life’s meaning.  I’ve found consolation in personal prayers, daily masses, silent retreats (yes I can do magnum silencium), singing in the church choir, being part of campus ministry (in high school) and a religious community (Christian Life Community – both in high school and college).  As I started working, the frenzy of corporate life took center stage and prayer a back seat.  Until a dark moment in my life, prayer found it’s way back through a simple ladies’ room chat with a former officemate (still a very good friend).  Corporate life will always be hectic but at least somehow since that time on, prayer has been present.

One of the greatest gifts my housewifedom has brought is the luxury of creating a scared space in my day.  After preparing hubby’s baon, taking our breakfast and sending him off, I log on to http://sacredspace.ie/ (doing this before going to Facebook I admit is a challenge!).  This is a wonderful site run by the Irish Jesuits.  They have a simple prayer each day that you can do for around 10 minutes - just 10 easy and glorious minutes each day for spiritual nourishing. 

The prayer is done in six stages: The Presence of God, Freedom, Consciousness, The Word, Conversation, Conclusion.  A reading on prayer serves as a prelude.  Followed by a few words, to ask for grace, to be reminded of God’s presence (Presence of God, Freedom, Consciousness).  The day’s scripture is presented and a few points for reflection are suggested (The Word).  You then take your time to talk to God about what the scripture is telling you, or as in any prayer, whatever you want to say or not to say (Conversation).  The prayer is ended aptly with a Glory Be (Conclusion). 

I keep a journal where I write my prayers as well as some words that struck me from the site.  Here are those words from Sacred Space - they have provided me consolation.  Listen to them and maybe they are also saying something to you.

“I remind myself that there are things that God has to teach me yet, and ask for the grace to hear them and let them change me.”

“Let my heart respond to your love.” 

“…the Spirit breathes life into my most intimate desires, gently nudging me towards all that is good…”

“Teach me to slow down, to be still and enjoy the pleasures created for me.  To be aware of the beauty that surrounds me…”

“Savour life’s implications.”

“Help me Lord to be more conscious of your presence.  Teach me to recognize your presence in others.  Fill my heart with gratitude for the times Your love has been shown to me through the care of others.”

“I ask for the grace to be free of my own preoccupations and open to what God may be saying to me.”

“Dear Lord, grant that I may live as You intended, with complete confidence in Your loving care.”

“God is already with us in our desires.”

“All prayers involves some reaching out with childlike trust, even when the inner tone is chaotic or full of confusion.”

“All praying echoes the surrender of Jesus: not my will but Yours.”

“We ask for what we think is best, but we try to hand everything over to the One who knows even better.”

“When we pray, the heart learns something in its own strange way…”

“…I have understood something more deeply and on another level – about God, or about Love, or about myself, or about others…”

“…an important fruit of prayer is genuine peace and the courage to live.  And this can happen even without strong feelings.”

“Perhads only at the end is ‘something understood.’”

“…my horizon expands and attitudes get healed by being in the presence of God.”

Note:  Some quotes came from writers other than the Irish Jesuits.  I was not able to take note of their names.  My apologies for that.

Service Næ

For the month and a half of living in Sri Lanka, most of my daily interactions are with people in the service industry.  Pretty much those who sell stuff – cashiers, sales ladies and men, waiters and even the Bajaj drivers (argh!).  Blame that on home decorating, home office shopping, regular grocery shopping and general eating and dining.  Recent experience pushed me to rant about their service – or lack thereof.  I’m NOT saying this for all, but this goes for most interactions in my 1.5 months experience.

What is it like? 

They are not mean or anything.  In fact they are very friendly and courteous.  But these are very different from SERVICE.

Bajaj drivers (50% of them and I noticed the more stocky ones) will rip you off.  Say plus 50% of the usual fare.  Even if they don’t know where you’re going and you have to be the one to point the directions…  Seriously?

The guy whom I was going to buy printer from didn’t want me to test the damn thing.  Again, seriously???  I suppose that’s the way it goes because the next store I went to has the same policy.  What made me buy from this other guy was the assurance of warranty.  But then, he had the gall to ask me if I really wanted to check the contents of the pack since it has warranty anyways.  Well, hello???  I’m already in the store right now and you’re getting the stuff out of the box anyway!

Why was it such a pain buying you? :-(

The office is set! Printer working a-ok! Frustration worth it!

Concierge at Mount Lavinia hotel was not really living up to his role because when asked where a certain famous nearby resto is, his attitude was cocky and didn’t really offer any help – at all.  And you call yourself a concierge? 

Even the church was not spared!  Hubby and I wanted to have our flat blessed and we asked the parish office for a priest.  They took note of our details but never got back to us.  When I went back and followed up, the lady in the office knew nothing and told us that the priests were in retreat upto Saturday.  That information could have been supplied earlier right???

Water delivery service only delivers on the day they want.  I didn’t have empties on their self-imposed delivery date and asked them to come back the next day.  They said they will come back a week after.  I called to ask for delivery and the sales guy said that is not possible and asked me to call his manager!!!  SERIOUSLY???

Building guard didn’t want to have our huge furnitures up the elevator because by the looks of it he’s saying it won’t fit.  He was right, but my issue was he didn’t even try.  He just said no and was all negative about the alternative that I wanted – take it up 13 floors up via stairs.  It still won’t fit because of the sheer size of the thing but even if how impossible the task may seem, for me it doesn’t matter if you arrive at a solution.  But it really ticks me off if you don’t try to solve the problem.

How to deal? 

I get angry.  Tell them what I think.  And tell them what to do.  Somehow most of them won’t go beyond the obvious.  And is seemingly too lazy to think.  So I do the thinking for them.  Does it work?  Sometimes.  Other times it is just wise to accept the situation.  And maybe blame it on the language barrier.  Don’t get me wrong, they speak English well.  But the comprehension is still a challenge!  Or maybe it’s my accent?  I don’t know.  If all else fails, I look to those who can provide a better service.

First our trusty driver.  He is an amazingly friendly person (as in he will honk in the middle of the street because he saw a friend! Oh hello!).  Very concerned about our welfare… like choose papaya for me in the supermarket, buy me king coconut because he wants me to try it and gets worried if it’s already late and I haven’t sent him off to pick up hubby.  “How about sir?  Office?”  He is an exception.  Even if his English is limited he tries to understand.  And he tries hard.  And that makes a whole lot of difference.

Second the sales lady in Arpico (a local hypermarket).  I was looking for electrical tape and apparently they have a different term here.  So describe away I did.  Somehow she got what I was saying.  It wasn’t on display but she went to the backroom to get it.  With energy.  Way to go sister!

Third the waiter at Gallery Café.  Hubby asked for lemon juice of sorts.  Which I couldn’t understand what he was asking for really.  The waiter though understood him and brought him exactly what he wanted.

It’s a hit or miss really but the fact remains that the service industry still has a lot of customer orientation training to do.  I do hope I won’t get too riled up when this happens again.  Which it will.  Because it takes a hot fudge sundae and large fries to soothe my soul and that is not good for the belly and the heart!  So I vow to do three things: approach the situation without high expectations, simplify questions and requests/instructions (learn more Sinhala if needed) and muster all self control to soothe the frustration with a happy yummy sinful treat! 

   

Movie La Vida Lanka

Ever experienced watching a movie for say 45 minutes… then an intermission?  I thought intermissions were for plays only.  Not in Sri Lanka!  Apparently it is a practice to have an intermission in the middle of a movie!  Hello?  What’s up with that?

Well, people go off to the toilet, get snacks, some go home altogether (I think they even sell tickets for half the movie!).  While people who opt to wait it out get a treat viewing print ads ala slide show – yes I am NOT kidding.  Then a few other commercials, this time moving, follow.

Slide of an Ad in Sinhala

Slide of an Ad in English

I learned from S (my Sinhala classmate) that intermissions were usual for Bollywood movies.  I didn’t know Bollywood movies last for around 3-4 hours! I agree for that you do need an intermission!  But not for your average Hollywood movie which was what we were watching.  Oh well I guess Bollywood trumps Hollywood in this side of the world.

The movie house is quite ancient and it reeks of years of sweat that stuck to the chairs and walls.  It feels like watching a movie in old Guadalupe or Cubao standalone movie houses big in the 70’s and 80’s but doing it today.  I have never experienced that but that’s how it looks from the outside.  People put their feet up, answer the phone, talk to each other, not only during intermissions but also in the middle of the movie.     

A Stolen Shot of the Moviehouse During The Intermission

That’s how our baptism to the Sri Lankan movie house experience went!  Movie la vida Lanka!