All Quiet on the Urban Front

Ever wonder what the sound of silence in the 'burbs feels like? Especially when you live in an area that's increasingly congested with cars and the buzz of people? I turned open the window of my apartment the other day and it seemed like the Malaysian version of 'I Am Legend' (or 'Omega Man' to the older ones like me!).

I thought the usual screaming kids in the swimming pool might have drowned, accept the pool was crystal clear and nary a body was to be found.

It was Chinese New Year after all so half of Taman Desa must have packed up and went back to their kampungs (hometowns or home villages). The other half seemed to be sleeping in or just staring out the window like me agape in half-amazement.

I strolled down the shops and it was like that scene in 'Devil's Advocate' where Keannu Reeve's character goes home through downtown NY and it's dead quiet. Okay, I exaggerated. The local supermarket in the corner was open. Of course, further down, the local 'mamak' eatery was also open, hoping to cash in on those like me who couldn't be bothered to cook.

Over the next few days I simply ambled around for my daily meals. Even Mid Valley, my local and aptly named megamall seemed like Las Vegas on a gamblers' strike. Many shops couldn't even be bothered to open for the long weekend.

However, the tradition is that Chinese folk do have to go back on the eve of CNY for the obligatory family dinner and spend some time with parents for a few days if possible. So it's hardly suprising now that you know that fact.

But here's another fact that's slowly been becoming a reality. Chinese restaurants that DO open will add a surcharge on your meal. Now, what the hell's that for? It's not like they're paying their foreing labour any more. And I don't think many of the produce or supplies go up during this period.

I had this rude shock when I decided to eat at the local vegetarian restaurant with Nim. We got got graciously slapped with a 30 percent surcharge. If he had told me during the meal Nim might've had to rescue me with the Heimlich Manouevre. And there was no written sign to speak of on the front of the restaurant.

Anyway, it was the same thing all around Taman Desa. It simply varied according to the amount they wanted to charge you.

Chinese New Year is about wishing for prosperity in the coming year. Heck, some people don't have to wish for it. They just put it in their bills from Day One!