Singapore: Day 32

Today, I resumed my work life. I had already normalized expression levels with GAPDH, and I began the experiment by running my first four Wnt genes through the RT-PCR protocol and two genes through PCR. I left the two genes in the PCR machine so that I could pick up the protocol the next morning and run a gel.

Angelo visited Hong Kong for the weekend, and we organized a dinner at Maxwell Food Centre in Chinatown to hear about his travels. We were to meet at 6:15, but because I decided to run two more genes through PCR and finished at 6:30, I arrived much later. I quickly looked around and found an aromatic stall selling carrot cake. When I'm in Chinatown, I try to take every opportunity to speak in Cantonese (plus it is easier for me to speak Cantonese than for the Chinese to understand my English). I talked to the owner in Cantonese and asked him about the difference between white and black carrot cake. He explained that white carrot cake is savory while black carrot cake is sweet, and stated that Singaporeans generally like the white carrot cake. I tried black carrot cake at Gluttons Bay, so the owner's last comment pushed me to order the white carrot cake. I'm glad I did, because the white carrot cake was absolutely delicious! It was even tastier than the black carrot cake. The chili served as the perfect condiment, because it added an extra layer of flavor to the sweet saltiness of the carrot cake.

White carrot cake

But back to the main star of the show. Angelo enjoyed his trip to Hong Kong and talked about his lost explorations and his wonderful encounters with food. He also asked Emily, Laney, James, and I about my birthday, and I had to explain my embarrassing fiasco on the stage of the bar. It was a great dinner to reconnect, and when we were finished, we returned to PGP and resumed our usual schedule of homework-ing and blogging.