Looking Forward

2007 hasn't started quite well for people I know. Two of my friends have had legal entanglements with possible long-lasting consequences. And three have lost their mothers with the space of a week. As such, I have decided that the year should start with the lunar new year. So good riddance to the year of the dog and may we all open our arms to welcome the pig/boar.

At the End of the Day

Counting Down to 2007

Something impossible to do in Bangalore... start early. We had reservations at the pierside kitchen&bar just across the road at 8pm, but decided to meet at the Post Bar before that. So everyone turned up before 7. Yes, you can tell we wanted to enjoy ourselves that evening...

We arrived at pierside promptly at 8. Six of us had decided from the beginning to have our champagnes flow freely. I must add that it wasn't too hard to convince the remaining two to join us instead of having just the one glass. Beng had brought some hibiscus in syrup to add to the champagne. Very interesting, especially the crunchy texture when you finally get to eat them.

The chef made the menu sound so wonderfully complicated and full. It was therefore a huge surprise when the 'tartare of vine ripened tomatoes with fine yellow frisee & kenya beans, winter truffle emulsion' turned out to be a tiny little spoonful of chopped tomatoes (more on VnChewie's and Kakatua's blogs). Other than that, the menu was rather enjoyable. Personal favourite was the 'chawanmushi of duck liver with edamamme emulsion' which us early diners got served in mini jars. I think we all audibly wished that they were the size of Brand's Essence.

After dinner and much tomfoolery, we charged our glasses and picked our way across to the pierside and awaited the fireworks that would accompany the countdown.

...and it did not disappoint. Even though the display was shorter than one would have liked, the variety and colours were the perfect note to end 2006 on. Our noisemakers on on full throttle and many a toasts were made. We sang 'Auld Lang Syne' and carols. Even 'Waltzing Mathilda' got dredged up, much to the amusement of the two Ozzie's canoodling at the next table.

The Moet ran dry soon after and we decided to accompany Chris back to her hotel, refusing to end the revelry.

More champagne was ordered and we joined the end of the party there. It took us a while to get warmed up again but warm up we did, some of us anyway.

You know what they say about all good things. Who cares? Personally, I am very much looking forward to 2007 (is that Hinglish?). Lots of changes are expected and I'm going to love every surprise that awaits. Happy New Year.

Pre-NY Party

The Chan family graciously hosted the Singaloreans in their home in Singapore on 30Dec. Their made the effort at decorating and getting dressed. You'll have to judge for yourself how well the rest of us did. More pics on Poohbearie's blog.

At least we were more in step when it came to the belated celebration of Flo, aka Storm's birthday. With drink in hand, she decided that the fire on the cake was going out, one way or another.

Auld Lang Syne

Going to Singapore for New Year's. So here's an early wish...

"Auld Lang Syne" (Traditional Scottish, first penned by Robert Burns) as performed by Wild Mountain Thyme


Should auld acquaintance be forgot,
And never brought to mind?
Should auld acquaintance be forgot,
And days of auld lang syne?
And days of auld lang syne, my dear,
And days of auld lang syne.
Should auld acquaintance be forgot,
And days of auld lang syne?

We twa hae run aboot the braes
And pu'd the gowans fine.
We've wandered mony a weary foot,
Sin' auld lang syne.
Sin' auld lang syne, my dear,
Sin' auld lang syne,
We've wandered mony a weary foot,
Sin' auld ang syne.

We twa hae sported i' the burn,
From morning sun till dine,
But seas between us braid hae roared
Sin' auld lang syne.
Sin' auld lang syne, my dear,
Sin' auld lang syne.
But seas between us braid hae roared
Sin' auld lang syne.

And ther's a hand, my trusty friend,
And gie's a hand o' thine;
We'll tak' a cup o' kindness yet,
For auld lang syne.
For auld lang syne, my dear,
For auld lang syne,
We'll tak' a cup o' kindness yet,
For auld lang syne.