Norbert and family in Singapore

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Our buddy Norbert Liew and family were in Singapore last week. Unfortunately I was tied up with work much of the week but we finally managed to catch-up for lunch at Yum Cha dim sum restaurant in Chinatown on Saturday. It was good to catch up and meet him and his lovely family (including sis-in-law and niece).

Here are some photos we happened to take ...

Photo (1) : Food glorious food ...

Photo (2) : My father also joined us for dim sum

Photo (3) : Smile, ladies ...

Photo (4) : Norbert, his sis-in-law, 2 daughters and young niece

Hope you all had a nice time in Singapore, Norbert and family ...

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Adventures in South China (Part 1)

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From 17th-23rd April, a small group led by "old China hand", Ben Wong, visited a number of interesting locations in South China. The intrepid adventurers included Norbert Liew, Anthony Chung, Edward Chin, Robert Chin, Chris Chu (from a number of years after us) and Basil Wee (of Tabuan Jaya curry fame).

They had a whirlwind trip, going to Macau, Zhuhai, Shenzhen, Dongguan, Guangzhou and HK all in 7days.(note: some went seperate ways when they arrived at Zhuhai.)

It was a first trip to China/Macau/HK for Norbert, Edward and Basil.

Ben sent me quite a number of photos, so this posting will be spread over Part 1 and Part 2.

First we have a photo of the team in Macau. I believe this is at The Venetian casino ? Guys, help me out here.

Photo 1

They were also in Zhuhai ...

Photo 2

... and Shenzhen ...

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where they had some pampering of their feet ...

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after which they were ready for action again ...

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They also spent half a day at the Guangzhou fair.

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Later they went to the train station and took a bullet train ride to Shaoguan and back. It was an interesting ride, travelling at a top speed of 348 km/h.

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Well, I'll let the adventurers provide you with the details behind these photos.

More exciting stuff on Dongguan and Hong Kong, and in spas and singalongs. Watch out for Part 2.

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One Morning at Choon Hui Cafe ...

A bunch of the guys (and one lady) met up for breakfast at Choon Hui Cafe, on Ban Hock Road, Kuching, this morning.

LtoR: George, Gina (Mrs GL), Bob, Ben, Robert, Norbert & Datuk Justin Jinggut.
Jensen Ng Koon Teck was also there, but had to leave earlier. And Edmund Lee Ah See was the photographer.

Datuk Justin not only belanja'ed the breakfast and paid his RM100 dues for the Grand 50 Reunion, but on top of that, he contributed another RM500 in sponsorship of the Reunion. Hurray! Terima kasih, Datuk JJ, for your generosity!!!

Looks like the Organising Committee for the event is well on its way to making happen "the Mother of all Reunions" , as some have called it ... Great job, guys.
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Then & Now - Part 2 - UPDATED

It seems that many of you liked the 'Then & Now' coverage of our old friends. The blog's visitor count hit unprecedented levels for several days after that entry was posted (exceeding 60 unique visitors on one of the days!) We'll have to see whether we have enough material to sustain this series. I really need more of you to send in your photos - otherwise this may be one of the last of the "Now & Then" postings.

A challenge I face is when people don't have access to their old photos. My first recourse is to find their class photo from Ad Astra, but as you will see, the quality of the picture is not very good, and I'm still trying to find a higher resolution scan. If I can't show a picture of the person back then, then allow me some artistic license to substitute it - until such time you can provide or I can find a better photo.

First up is our old friend GL (Form 5 Sc, 1976). The "then" shots are of a very young Georgie boy taken from class photos from Primary 6 (1971) and Form 3 (1974). "Now" shows GL today, with the shot taken during CNY 2009. Looking suave as usual, our lawyer friend has his own law firm in Kuching and is actively involved in corporate and commercial litigation.

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Next we have NL (Form 5 Arts 1, 1976). On the left is a possible "then" picture of NL during those days on St Joe's sports track & field. The "now" picture was taken in Feb 2009 in Hanoi, where NL is based, managing the Vietnam subsidiary of a M'sian conglomerate. An avid golfer (handicap 10) , NL is keeping fit and looking good.

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Another well-known athlete from our St Joe days is JL (Form 5 Arts 1, 1976). "Then" is taken from the class photo in 1976. Apologies for the quality. JL is married to an "ang moh" lass and has been living in the UK for some time. He works for local government and is also active in the community. As playful as ever, one can expect funny and interesting e-mails on a regular basis if one gets on one of his distribution lists.
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Well folks, that's it for another "Then & Now" entry. Enjoy ... and do send in your photos PLEEEAAASSSEEE !