Hello Amanda and Teik
I write to thank you both, firstly, for spending five years of your time and effort in undertaking the gigantic task of organising the re-union. You were also so busy during the time of our coming together! I am certain that the holiday in Penang
was not enough; perhaps a trip with NASA to Jupiter would have been far enough. Whatever, I thank you greatly. I also thank you for your part in making my trip possible. It was such a marvellous gesture. The re-union was also remarkable because most people seem content with their personal AND professional lives. That was good to see.
The rest of my journey was excellent but tiring both physically and emotionally. I had a wonderful time with Kim and Kim, witnessed Bill Lodwick luxuriating in his family life (his girls are so devoted to him!). Sue Holden/Thompson's two boys give her plenty of love in so many little ways.
I had a wonderful Chinese New Year week in Singapore
having dinners with old friends in football. Alas, the players are getting old like me and the young ones we coached are pushing nearer to fifty. I had a grand reception at SCC in my honour; something they always do for visiting members. I drank mostly fresh orange juice! I also got to speak to Jill Wong who gave me news of Wui Kheong etc. In KL I was exceptionally well looked after by Vasugi and Jeevan (he is very lucky to be married to her). I saw KC a few times and also had dinner with he and his wife joined by Monica Ng and Jothi. What I want to really tell you is that I also saw some younger ex-UWC students. They have also all done very well with their lives, both private and public. Jonathan Yelland is an example. It shows that you left a good legacy. I wonder if the present students will achieve as much in life- they do not know their teachers or the latter them.
As you know as much as I like Australia
and am well treated, KL/Singapore is my second home. Of course, the food brings out the glutton in me. People used to think I put on weight because of a childhood remark by Matthew that I drink a lot of beer. That is partly true but the real core was that I used to soak up all the juices of Asian food with rice- and that is fatal; but the food is soooo good!!!!!!
I finally got home some eight weeks exactly after I left. I seem to sleep forever but I also do a bit of work. I am trying my hand at writing a cookery book for students with recipes that are cheap and based on a mish-mash of my travels all over the place. I do it as the mood takes me. I am putting the finishing touches to a series of practical hints on school management with an underscore that each Head has her/his own ideas on how to run a school and it requires a good ethical base and confidence. I also study the architectural, landscape, flower and vegetable plans for my small house. I sometimes think of hiring a room in Port Dickson to live in Malaysia
. But it seems that a few young ones here find me an inspiration- I talk to them about world standards etc. At age 63 I would hope to do one more trip so far and a couple to Europe/North America then tarry home for the rest of my days. That is one of the reasons, too, that this trip was so memorable.
I cannot end without thanking you both, again, for a job well done and for your generosity of spirit in undertaking the mammoth task for all of us. I send to you my Respects, Affection and my Blessings.
Charles Engmann
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