Zemien
Hmm...

I was pretty nervous by the time I parked my car. Who are these people? What are they like? All I know about them are words in the postings...

I decided to throw caution to the wind (I had to, I was hungry) and stepped into Analakshmi at the Temple of Fine Arts . The word-of- mouth is superb but I've not been here before. Once I stepped into the restaurant I was greeted by Jon who was sitting along with Darrel, Kelvin, Zaidi, Brendan, and... and.... I forgot.

I'm really bad with names, so those were the main ones that I can recall. No offense, oK?

Back to the topic, I've no idea who these people are but they introduced themselves as if they've known me for ages.

Within 30 minutes the place was filled with the rest of the congregation and we started to makan. Food and the lassi was great, too bad I couldn't eat too much because of my sore throat.

About an hour into the gathering, I was pretty comfortable listening to Zaidi, Jon and Darrel discussing and laughing about everything under the sun, including elections, the weather, and price of cucumbers.

A bigger surprise was unveiled when a nervous looking teenager, who turned out to be 19 also, walked in and asked if we were the PLU group. Of course we are! Poor Johan has been wandering about the outside looking for us! I have to give it to him coz he doesn't know a single one of us, and have not joined this group. If it were me, I wouldn't go to a gathering whom I have not contacted a single person with.

Towards the end of the dinner (10.30) I felt very acquainted with the people sitting around me. However, I didn't join into the discussions that took place at the other end of the table, so I'll leave it to Bern , Kelvin or the others to fill us in.

The next gathering was announced and I have been put on the 'must- come' list for not coming to the previous outing. The rest were also discussing how to "initiate" me and Johan (who was quiet all the way) into the group! Personally, I don't feel I need to be initiated at all, because by the end of the night, I felt like I was home, to my family.

Jonathan
Hey Zemien,

Thank you for the sharing.  I am glad that you are really comfortable with your keyboards, and passionate in front of the computer.  Beautifully shared.

And hi, too, to Darrel, Zaidi, Kelvin, Bern , Brandon , James, Dean, Johan, Rahim, Eugene , CK, Chee Seng, Jeff (I remember ur name this time.. last time, it was unintentionally left out), Benjamin (nice to see you again), Damian, Yan (Wong or Ian), Leon , Desmond, Beng, Lek (not twice, but once) and Rohit.

I could not recall, or too lazy to recall the arival in sequence, but I know that it is comforting to know Zaidi and Kelvin are there often, early for gatherings.  It is nice always to see them, esp people in green.  Ha!

For those who arrived early, and those who went for the Camerion trip, it was nice to come together again, as we got to see the pics of our journey.  I kinda liked most of the pics taken in Zaidi and Darrel's cameras.  I looked more acceptable in theirs, than in mine!  Sigh.. ;p  But I really enjoyed the stories told through their lences, of the gathering, of the hiking, of the smiles and more.  Memories catch the moments in dynamic sequence, but sometimes they may failed.  Photos catch the moments static, and they are so soothing to the hearts.

Then, more arrived, and Miss Shakun was friendly enough to make us feel at home.  Cheers to her.

It was nice to know a group of people of strangers-turned-friends.  Guess I still have a lesson or two in coming out, as I was really surprised to see Desmond.  I know his brother (ex-classmate), and both of them looked alike.  So, I was wondering if that was my ex-classmate or his brother.  Okay, rally.. I have not come out to any of my ex-classmates.. as said by a good friend in IPG Charity Fair, "I see no reason to come out yet".  Mine was true, applying to that circle of friends.

Food was good, and so was the lassi.

But what really make the evening, just like in other gatherings, is the company.  I am, more often than not, feel at home in the company of Zaidi, Darrel, James, Bern , Brandon and a few more.  I only hope that you guys feel the same too.  I know I can comfortably add Shawn (Zemien) to the list.  That was the magic that made the bowling, valentine gathering and dinners fun get-togethers.

The evening came to an end at 10.30pm.  Some went to Coffee Bean, and I am eager to know what happened then.  I did not.  I was willing to go back to my flat.  But it was a nice return too. 

I got to watch Babe on Astro (A little Pig goes a long way).  And I found a Singapore friend online to chat with.  A nice touch to the evening.

Darrel, bravo for the organising.  Three cheers for him, guys.

See you guys, whoever is going for the bowling.

Gonna have my breakfast now, and then vote... Zaidi.. I am going...

We are family.

James
First, I'd like to thank Darrel for bringing us there Annalakshmi the very special restaurant. For so long being in Penang , I didn't know about its existence. That's way I was not sure about its location. Second, I want to thank the first comers for their support. Their attendance has made me feel warm and happy. You know, sometimes we need courage, determination and trust to make the first step into the group gathering.

I like eating and I enjoy eating. Hmm...frankly speaking personally I'm not really into this particular culinary taste or style, even it was good generally. But I like its lassi lah. I've tried all the 3 types. No doubt mango one is the best and highly demanded, I still prefer blackcurrent one, strawberry one is ok. The special thing they serve only vegetarian foods and pay as we wish as kind of contribution to their organization. Appreciate them for their voluntary works.

If not mistaken, there is a very nice garden which hardly to see clearly at night and we got no time to appreciate also lah. Besides all these, the most important thing is seeing some faces that I first meet. Sorry indeed for not able to talk to everyone but I did enjoy the feeling of getting together, despite of the long table setting. Imagine, sort of big family dinner. Great to see all of you there. We were all so different and distance (because of the sitting) yet so close to one another. But I know, we need time to be more comfortable and become aquainted.

So, let's join the following activities lah. After the dinner, most of us proceeded to the Starbucks at Gurney Hotel for our part 2. There we could talk more. Our eyes were so busy to see the 'scenery'. We left about 12.30am. In fact, the night was still young for some of us. The CAFE is just few meters away. It was such a beautiful nite!

What are you waiting for! Come join our upcoming activities and make new friends, nurture bonds, get support, all while having great fun!

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