After checking out of their hotel, Thomas and Kelly et. al. drove into Vancouver and had a lunch gathering with Alfred Sham, Teddy Tam, Marilyn and Raymond Yu at Kirin Restaurant inside City Square Shopping Centre. After sitting down at a round table, a tour group made up of Asian members occupied the next two tables. Later, the Wahyanites were told the tourists are Japanese and they were from Japan -- not a SARS infected country. During the lunch conversation, Mr. Raymond Yu shared a short story about Fr. Barrett's contribution to HK education: Fr. Barrett once wrote a long letter to the top management of Hong Kong University criticizing HKU's admission policy based on academic score alone would not benefit the society in the long run. Soon afterwards, the University implemented the interview process for all applicants, and a  honorary degree was conferred to Fr. Barrett within a few years.

All enjoyed a wonder and delicious lunch, compliment of Mr. Raymond Yu. Thomas Chow tried to get the guest check but Mr. Yu already had prior arrangement with the restaurant on who should get the check. Thank you Yu Sir! The lunch gathering adjourned around 2:00pm. All attendees waved good-bye and wished each other well until the next gathering, ReunionI.75 in Vancouver (May '03) and/or ReunionII in Toronto. It was again suggested ReunionII to be moved to Vancouver or even Portland, OR. A few pictures ... Thomas dropped Kelly and Salina off at YVR before heading south. Many thanks to Thomas.

The dinner event started at 5:30pm. Most soon arrived Gar Lok Restaurant in Vancouver's mid-town district. Many took the opportunity to catch up with things while some browsed the pages of Star 1972 edition and pictures of ReunionI. The first dinner dish was served around 7:00pm and the dinner adjoured around 10:00pm. The food quality was excellent as expected -- it's Vancouver after all. Despite Edward Tang and Jonathan Chong could not make the gathering, all attendees enjoyed the chatting with Mr. Raymond Yu and former classmates over dinner. Subjects of conversation mostly were about our years in Wah Yan. Surprisingly, very little mention of SARS -- an encouraging indication of less fear of the disease by the group. Discussion touched twice on ReunionII, which
is scheduled to be held on June 28 in Toronto. However, all agreed that based on the current SARS situation affecting the Toronto area, it is likely that the event will be postponed. There was even a suggestion to move ReunionII from Toronto to Vancouver :-)

The post-dinner entertainment -- Karaoke -- was supposed to be held at the restaurant. The restaurant was closing. Instead of canceling the post-dinner entertainment, the Karaoke singing was held at Mr. Raymond Yu's house, SURPRISE -- all attendees were invited to Mr. Raymond Yu's house. Teddy Tam was busy searching through his collection of discs, while others enjoyed  the first song sung by Mr. Yu. Kelly was attracted immediately by Mr. Yu's hi-fi gear -- top class stereo equipment. It also turned out that Anthony, Alfred, Kelly, and Mr. Yu are all vinyl lovers. Teddy's singing is recognized to be at the same par of many popular HK singers. The presence of quality audio equipment at Mr. Yu's house further enhanced his performance. All enjoyed the treat of the beautiful singing of Teddy, Raymond, and Marilyn. Not until the clock struck mid-night, the gathering finally came to conclusion. You must see the pictures!

The activity was relatively light on this Saturday as many former classmates were tied up with either business appointments or family events. Alfred Sham Ming Sai hosted  the four visitors from the U.S. Kelly, Salina, Thomas, and Bernardette are indebted to Alfred Sham for his time and kindness.

Alfred treated the visitors a very nice dim-sum lunch at Kingford Restaurant in Richmond. After a 3 hour lunch (almost kicked out
by the restaurant workers) Alfred drove the visitors around Richmond, University of British Columbia, western Vancouver, Vancouver Chinatown, and Stanley Park. He provided detailed history and stories about Vancouver while driving which made the trip very interesting.

After sunset, the group had dinner at Golden Coast Seafood Restaurant in Vancouver from 7:30pm to 10:30pm (almost got kicked out again, twice in a row in one day).

All enjoyed every single moment of the gathering. Go there for the pictures!

Class72 Vancouver reunion kicked off this evening at Sung Tung Kee Hot Pot Restaurant in Richmond, B.C.
 
 

L-R Standing: Alfred Sham, Bobby Ho, Vincent Ho, Thomas Chow, Teddy Tam, Anthony Lau, Kelly Chang L-R Sitting: Pat Lau, Grace Sham, Salina Chang, Bernadette Chow

It was a fun evening meeting and catching up with former classmates. Many of whom had not seen each other for over 30 years, despite living in the same geographic area. Conversation covered a wide range of topics from SARS to HK Chinese life in Canada to school life during our Wah Yan days in the early 1970s. The gathering adjourned around 11:40pm.

Looking ahead, the Sunday (20 April 2003) evening dinner is confirmed. However, it is unlikely that former Assistant Principal Mr. Chau Sui Hay would join the gathering. Alfred Sham Ming Sai talked to Mr. Chau recently that Mr. Chau seldom participates in Wah Yan alumni activities.

Here is the latest agenda:

Friday 18 April 2003:  8:30pm - ??   Sung Tung Kee Restaurant, 8580 Alexander Road in Richmond.
Sunday 20 April 2003: 5:30pm - 10:00pm  Gar Lok Restaurant (Tel: 604.261.3388). Reservation under "Wah Yan Old Boys".  41st Street and Granville in Vancouver.

Many thanks to Anthony Lau, Teddy Tam, Bobby Ho, and others, who spent many hours from their busy schedule organizing!

The recent SARS situation has certainly affected travel internationally. As of Friday 11-Apr-03, Simon Cheng and Eddie Lai have regrettably canceled their trip to Vancouver, thus will miss the ReunionI.5. Two other non local attendees Kelly Chang and Thomas Chow still plan to attend with travel arrangement confirmed.

As of this writing, Anthony Lau, Teddy Tam, Kelly Chang, and Thomas Chow will attend a late night dinner on Friday 18-Apr-03 to kick off the Reunion1.5. A revised (i.e. change of venue) program will be finalized soon.

Despite the recent war and S.A.R.S. affecting  international travel, ReunionI.5 is still on! As of this writing, Simon Cheng, Thomas Chow, and Kelly Chang are still committed to attend this event. Also, Mr. Raymond Yu who is a resident of Vancouver, has confirmed to attend our event the weekend of 19-20 April. Mr. Raymond Yu who was present at ReunionI last November in Hong Kong, looks forward to meeting  more 1972 graduates especially those reside in the greater Vancouver area. So far on agenda:

Sat (19 April 2003)        Karaoke contest at Simon's place
Sun (20 April 2003)       Dinner at a restaurant TBD

More details will be posted in the next several days.

22 March 2003

ReunionI.5

Yes, ReunionI.5 is confirmed. This gathering will take place from 18 April 2003 through 21 April 2003 in Vancouver.
Thanks to Teddy Tam and Simon Cheng for their time organizing the event as well as hosting visitors. Program details
to be announced later. Whether you will be in Vancouver on business or just have some free time during the above
period, your are more then welcome to join us for a spring weekend in Vancouver, one of the best cities to live in the world.

Expected Attendees: (as of 13 April 2003)