Synergy

These past few months, I have been feeling rather old.

That's mainly because I've been going back to my previous schools to play. The last time it was with TPJC band in Panorama at the esplanade. Before that it was with Hai Sing. This time round it's again with TPJC band but at VCH.


Tuba sect - Alan, me, Mag and Nat

The good thing about guest playing as an alumni member in the main band is that you get to go late for most practices. On top of that, you get to see a nice asterisk at your name in the repertoire.

For me, I totally dig the songs we are playing too. Movement for Rosa is my dream piece( I love sad songs) and Toccata Marziale,well, is a tubist's nightmare come true. It helps that Japanese tune is very, erm, festive too. I especially like the shouting. (hah!)

But what really took the icing on the cake were the gifts.

Some were sweet.



Others were heartfelt.


golden

That's because this is Nat's first gift after a concert. I feel loved.*sniffs*

Of course then there were cards from Mag and Daphne. Many thanks.

But my favourite has got to be the chocolate from other alumni members. One glance at the packaging was all that was needed to confirm it's superior quality and class.



When I first received it , on the day before the concert, instructions were to, and I quote, " Put immediately into the freezer! Remember not refrigerator, freezer! "

We ended up walking around with it for about an hour or so.

Checking in on the chocolate one day after the concert, I peeled open the first layer to reveal what looked like a radioactive package, an aluminium foil wrapped object.



I think this attention to detail for packaging is really a Japanese thing. They have to have individually wrapped snacks, no matter what. So, with shaking hands, the aluminium foil was gently nudged open to reveal its contents. I felt abit bad really for exposing the innocent contents.


shaky hands do not a good photograph take

I must say at this point ,that bitter chocolate isn't one my cravings. Yes to white chocolate. Yes to milk chocolate. Big no to dark or bitter chocolate. But the utensils were so cute I had to try at least one piece.


one piece

Appearace: 4 . There is this thin layer of cocoa powder which isn't sweet but what it does is sort of musk the rich flavour of the chocolate inside so you don't get hit full in the face by the bitter punch.

Fear Factor: 3 . I am scared of bitter chocolate. But not that scared.

Taste:4 . Sometimes, when you close your eyes, you taste wine from 1942.

Texture:5 . Silky soft and baby smooth. It melts in your mouth. Suitable for grandfathers and grandmothers.

I need a run for finishing all that chocolate.