And I made it to the store opening! The new Aesthetic Bay shop is on the fourth floor of Ion, the newest, shiniest mall in the coruscating, shimmering paean to capitalism that is Orchard Road.
Going up the escalator, I noticed red drapes still covering the shop signs.
Aside from the expected flower arrangements speared with good wishes on cards, I saw pineapples and bananas. I asked Mr. Tan, what are the pineapples and bananas for? He explained that a Fookien word for “pineapple” sounds like “come, prosperity.” Something similar applies to “banana.” Â Fortunately, “durian” does not sound like anything prosperous or auspicious.
I was glad to see them move into spanking new digs. And they did take my handwritten note with them! It is nestled on the counter beside lucky bread and lucky candy.
I was quite excited to bring my pens to the Nakaya Pen Clinic, and the experience was worth it. That’s another blog entry, though. Here’s me with Mrs. Tan. We are beaming. I am covering the Sailor pens, I know. Don’t worry – there are many more shots of the pens without me. 😉