Soul Food

CK Departmental Store in Chinatown had been THE place for me to shop for life's necessities for almost a year now. They don't carry expensive brands. Yet you can purchase almost everything you need to live life comfortably. AND the prices are very reasonable.

Just last week, I made an amazing and surprising find there. A snack that I had enjoyed tremendously when serving my NS in Taiwan. I had since not been able to find it anywhere else. That meant I had not eaten it for almost 20 years! Its called Yi(4) Mei(2) Xiao(3) Pao(4) Fu(2). They look and taste like mini bite-size cream puffs. However, the exterior crust is crispy but yet melts effortlessly in your mouth. It then fuses with the milk cream in it. Quite heavenly! In no time, I devoured an entire box with a friend. I had since gone back for more supplies.

It was great to have rediscovered the taste again. However, I rediscovered more than that. Memories flooded back. Memories of my NS days in Taiwan, and inevitably, of the army friends that I shared it with (the puffs and the time). A group of hot headed/blooded young men discovering and sharing first experiences (almost with total freedom) in a foreign land. Many of us away from home in another country for the very first time! And no, I am not talking about the sleazy encounters.

It brought a smile to my face. Almost instantaneously, and strangely, a strong sense of warmth and happiness surged within me. Memories do that to you. When recalling good (or bad) memories, you not only recollect the incidents but also the emotions that come attached with it. You are glad and assured that you still can feel the same way OR more importantly, you have the capability to feel that way again. This "touching base" with my heart, re-affirms my ability and confidence to fulfill my emotional obligations, i.e. as a son, brother, friend, lover, life partner.

In the words of Johnny Hates Jazz in their song 'Turn Back The Clock'...."...if without the memories, where is the love, oh where is the love".