Ari

I really like our neighbourhood. It feels like we're a part of it, if only superficially, because the street vendors and shop owners smile at and acknowledge us (or rather, Max) when we pass by. There's the family with a toddler too that runs the corner coffee shop selling fried noodles, mixed rice, bananas. They find Max's fascination with all their fans (ceiling, exhaust) amusing and encourage his excitement. There's the roti woman who says "mum-mum" by way of hello to Max. The old lady selling watermelon and guava who mews along with Max when he spots the usual sticker of a cat on the glass door. The couple selling mandarin juice do the same. And on and on - everyone smiles and exclaims. It really is quite something to see how much attention a toddling being gets.