A BusyWeek

Even after last weeks long, adventurous Friday walk I was still allowed to 'lead' another one. This time we ventured out to Punggol Point, an area that is only accessible by car or bus. I had been told there were a number of bars/restaurants overlooking the Johor Strait which proved to be correct. Unfortunately we had no sooner left the dryness of McDonalds at Farmway when the drizzle began...and it continued in earnest as we walked. Some of us were smart enough to bring umbrellas but not all! Still it ended dry and we now have more possible eating/drinking venues.

Peter feeling water-logged!

Kathy has been "on the case" regarding my upcoming birthday so Monday saw Bev, Kathy, June and myself sailing off to Bintan for the night to look at possibilities. We viewed several places and enjoyed a pleasant afternoon of massages and have found a place to follow up. There was a lot of laughing, but not much drinking as the cheapest wine was $50+ so we made do with a cocktail over dinner.

June, Kathy, myself and Bev

 

Me and the goat!

Yusheng Salad assembly

Tuesday night was the Morris Allen Chinese New Year Dinner. One tradition at Reunion Dinners is Yusheng. It usually consists of strips of raw fish (most commonly salmon), mixed with shredded vegetables and a variety of sauces and condiments, among other ingredients. It is considered a symbol of abundance, prosperity and vigor. After the ingredients have been added to the plate all diners at the table then stand up and on cue, proceed to toss the shredded ingredients into the air with chopsticks while saying various "auspicious wishes" out loud. It is believed that the height of the toss reflects the height of the diner's growth in fortunes, thus diners are expected to toss enthusiastically.
There are many goats on display for the Chinese New Year and as I am a 'goat' I seem to be gathering a number of photos of me with a goat!

Tossing the salad

Wednesday was Peter's birthday so after work a few of us headed to Grapevine Bar at Kovan to help him celebrate. Robert and Peter had a head start on the rest of us but it didn't take long for the rest of us to catch up in preparation for our rendition of We will Follow Him especially rewritten for the occasion! Peter appeared to enjoy it then some of us , erred a little and retired to the Smiths abode for a nightcap...or 2. Thursday was a very slow day!!

Peter's birthday