The Christmas’ eve gathering was held at our place this year. It went against the home rotation tradition: E1’s, Kiat’s, ours (in order of who got their homes first). The party could not be held at Kiat’s because a day ago, movers packed everything (cups, saucers, coasters, telly, players, remote controls, lamp, lamp shades, tissue holders, candle holder, place mats, CDs, records, books – everything) and brought them away. The couple slept on mattress without sheets and blankets, and shared one pillow and one bolster.

Their stuffs (excluding those which had been brought over for storage at their parents’ homes, and those that they will be carrying with them) have been packed in 24 boxes, and will be waiting for them in a Bangkok apartment. Kiat got a two-years stint there at his company’s Thai office; and Eileena managed to get a post in her company’s office there.

Today, one of our dearest and closest couple friends is moving to Bangkok. Their plane leaves this afternoon at 2PM. I just sent them an SMS to wish them bon voyage and Kiat’s reply said it all: “Tks! We will be missing the gang too… See you guys soon!”

Bye Kiat and Eileena. The gang will miss you guys dearly! We looked forward to our board games parties – to beat the 6-cards record in Taboo and to rule Middle Earth at Risk - Lord of the Rings verion. In the meantime, have the greatest adventure away from home! We will want to hear your crazy stories from the land of thousand smiles and city of racing tut-tuts!