The journey took about six hours. We stepped down from the bus at Sungai Nibong at about 4 o'clock the next morning and were immediately surrounded by a few taxi drivers. I arranged the trip to Hotel Royal Penang for the Sajar family, Grace's family, Sis Grace Wan and myself with three vehicles. The drivers were very puzzled to see our "Malay-Indian-Chinese-Filipino-adult-teenager-children-coalition" led by a Chinese lady. So I briefly explained to our drivers that we were attending an event together and that our multi-cultural combination truly showed the spirit of "One Malaysia"!
We finally checked in at the hotel and settled in our separate rooms. Sajar's wife Izan had told me earlier that the last time she had been to Penang with Sajar in 1991, they were newly wedded. She returned to the island about twenty years later accompanied by five more loved ones in addition to her husband!
Not only their children were excited about their holiday, the couple was enjoying their second honeymoon as well.
After breakfast, a city tour was specially organised for them. The rest of us
and other participants took the shuttle bus
to the conference venue Kompleks Masyarakat Penyayang (Caring Society Complex).
Among three hundred over local and oversea participants, Ps Les was one I had not seen for several months though he was also based in Melaka. Sis Susan from Kuala Lumpur was one I had just befriended in the shuttle bus. Bro Ray was another one from KL who always engaged people in interesting conversations.
This two-day event was definitely an occasion to meet old friends and new friends.
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