The Accessory Shop

After we went to the Muslim Shop we went next door to another family owned business, which generally sold “accessories”. We don’t know what else to call it – knick knacky stuff you put around the house, as well as some clothing and other things that you might need. It, too, was a family business, with Dad minding the front of the store, most specifically the sidewalk sale, and his daughter working inside. Unfortunately, the brochure for their business got lost somewhere – it’s probably a fine out there waiting to happen. Can’t give you their name, but you can’t miss it – it’s right next door to Ghariwala, there on Bussorah Street!

If the notes taken can be trusted, it was called Milo Curios. Walking and writing, though, is something of an iffy proposition at times. Besides, how many Ghariwala’s can there be on Bussorah Street? It’s not like it’s Wal Mart or Starbucks!!

Aside from showing us a number of things that a typical Muslim home might have, they showed us the nifty daggers that are a traditional part of Malay culture. One of these is awarded to a child (both male and female) at puberty, and it becomes a part of their personality. Indeed, the dad goes to the dagger maker, tells about their kid and what they hope for them, and has it specially made.

It is not something that you never lose or sell or anything. If it’s time to get married and the groom is missing – the dagger can be put on the chair and stand in as a proxy for him. Poof! He’s married, like it or not!

Once again we learned about chewing a betel leaf and spitting. This now has crossed every cultural community in Singapore, and yet we have not seen anyone actually doing it.

The last thing we learned about were Malaysian Sarongs. Instead of being like those you get at the beach, these are a loop – you step into them, pleat them up and roll them down – the darned things actually STAY ON. Being a tourist event, the guide dressed the couple up to show us how they worked.