Have u eaten rice?

Who is Emily? - my cute little niece.

Here is her photo - cute right?
Haven't seen her since April 2007- and she is a big girl now. My sis was telling me "of course Emily grow la, she eats rice one ma". haha very Chinese-style-kind of expression.



I am currently reading a book - Noble House by James Clavell.
A great book describing Hong Kong, the Chinese society, Tai-pan etc back in the early 60's. (great book - must read!)
When my sister told me about Emily - the very-Chinese-style-kind-of expression, I have link that with this book.

In Chinese we often greet ppl when we first met by asking them - "Have u eaten rice?"
For Chinese, to have enough food and full is very important. Means u r not starving and doing ok. So it became a form of greeting in Chinese society.
It has sound so strange when we translate it into English but that is how we, Chinese, say it in our very own language.

Emily - Have u eaten rice? Please grow healthy and happy. :)

Missing u from India