Winter Solstice Festival 2014

This year's Winter Solstice is extra special as I had the oppor-tunity to be part of four celebra-tions. The first was hosted by my friend Dennis early December. The second and third were with extended family last evening. And tonight, I enjoyed a quiet dinner with Mum and my sister Suk Harn.

 

My father instilled in me the importance of celebrating festivals with family and for many of Chinese descent, the Winter Solstice is one of the most important festivals that ought to bring families together for a meal.

 

Although my extended family have in recent years taken to eating out at restaurants on Chinese New Year eve, we have maintained the tradition of sharing a home-cooked meal every December during the Winter Solstice. My late grandparents used to cook the entire meal, but nowadays it tends to be a potluck. Nevertheless, the opportunity to come together for a nice dinner is what matters most.

 

 

Home-cooked dinner.

Surprise Celebration

I was recently invited to a surprise birthday party for my good friend Bunny. I am always game for a surprise celebra-tion and accepted the invite without any hesitation, after all, what better way was there to spend a Sunday evening.

 

I would have to say, the organisers of the party, Chris and James, accomplices of Bunny's other half Nabil, did a remarkable job, pulling off a spectacular surprise, but more importantly, a meaningful celebration for the birthday girl. From the biggest challenge of keeping everything under wraps to the tiniest detail, the party unfolded smoothly, giving Bunny the opportunity to mark another milestone with family and close friends.

 

For me, the success of a party very much depends on the guests and their relationship with the one whom we were there to toast. A celebration, whether big or small, sophisticated or casual, can only be a memorable one if friendship, love and camaraderie are in abundance. And on that Sunday night, all three were clearly evident.

 

 

Bunny, Nabil and I.

Camaraderie

While in Penang last month for our friends' wedding, a group of us had the opportu-nity to spend some time together savouring the culinary delights that the island has to offer. Whilst Penang food is always an attractive proposition, the companionship and camaraderie amongst friends certainly enhanced the experience.

 

For some, the busy lives that we lead sometimes result in friendships being neglected. I for one do not take friendships for granted. The ones that are worthy always get my attention. The ones that are not, well, I tend to let such relationships die a natural death. What precious time we have is best reserved for the worthy people in our lives.

 

As the festive season approaches, there will be many celebrations in store. This is the time of year where I feel even more blessed to have the circle of friends that have a played a part in shaping the life that I lead. Here's to all of you.

 

 

Beautiful view at the Golden Sands Resort in Batu Ferringhi, Penang, Malaysia.

Appreciating Good Friends

Suan Bee and C Hun always make it a point to catch up with me whenever I am in Penang. For a number of years now, they've been taking me on a tour to discover the best 'Hokkien Mee', or as we know it in KL, ' Prawn Mee', that Penang has to offer. It's a pilgrimage of sorts, and there are still many more to sample and taste.

 

To make the pilgrimage a little more interesting, we've recently added cafes to the list. This photo was taken at Budan's Brew Coffee Bar, right after having enjoyed a bowl of 'Hokkien Mee' at Jalan Kebun Nyior, a couple of weeks back. Don't ask me directions to all these places as I totally rely on these two good friends of mine. All I need to do is enjoy the food, and most importantly the companionship.

 

Here's to more trips to Penang in 2015!

 

 

With Suan Bee and C Hun, enjoying a late morning cuppa.