My brother rang tonight and told me he was fishing some local pond tomorrow for carp. Now, what non-anglers have to know is that carp anglers are a very exotic species, very different from your run of the mill fresh water anglers – with their baits -‘broilies’?, rigs - ‘critically balanced hemp rig’? and above all a fanatically protective attitude to the fish. When Julie knows that Michael is going carp fishing she always gets a dismissive grunt by asking him to bring some back for eating!
This all dates back to the 90s to when Michael and family visited Singapore. On one occasion Julie served fish as part of a meal. The fish was served with belachin – a shrimp paste fried with onion and garlic. Michael loved the meal and particularly the fish.
At Changi, waiting for his flight, I mention that Julie’s dad had a large pond in which he had kept Koi. He asked why he had not kept the Koi. I explained that he had refused to cull them and they quickly reverted to feral common carp within a few generations. Julie’ mum always sent a few down to Singapore……………….