Boss' Boss
Mr Lucas Mentink is a dutch man. Although I don't know much about him but I know a few of the departments were very pleased when he was promoted to become our big boss. He has the reputation (and proven) to be a very pleasant boss who are 'one-of-the-guys'.
Recently we had the privilege to be invited to his home for his housewarming/birthday party. We (my team members) were very excited because this was an opportunity to hang out in a big bungalow (with a pool) in bangsar. Lucas just moved into this new place and was kind enough to invite us to his home. The first step into his sanctuary, I could not find the way in. But I scout around and found lotsa shoes at the bottom of this 2 step pathway, which in turn did bring me to the entrance door. The environment inside was shoned by dimmed lights and candles. An appearance of wooden doors and parquet floors filled my sight. I was immediately relaxed as Lucas came to greet me. A bunch of my team members were already snacking away. The other thing that relaxes me..food hehe.
As if I was the honored guest, as soon as I arrived, Lucas and wife Angelic ushered everyone to the buffet table and help ourselves to the yummy delicacies. My favorites were the lemon chicken, boxing chicken, fruit cocktails and these lil white choc candies from Holland.
Mingling was not my best criteria but the environment in the house made it easy because everyone almost know everyone else. I had the chance to chat with Angelic, a very motherly woman, she seems very gentle and kind. She spoke of how their children (3 of them one gal and 2 boys) had to cope living in Malaysia far from home and having to be separated from their family and friends back home. It was interesting to hear. Angelic seemed relieved that over the past year, her children has started to enjoy their lives here, learnt to accept the culture and even embrace it. I wouldn't think there should be much problem in that considering they are living in Bangsar/Hartamas, one of the most 'international' areas in town, where living necessities are made easy for expats.
Moving on, I checked out the swimming pool, which was not very impressive. Maybe Lucas has not completed the exterior decors for the pool surroundings were too bare.
Speaking of decors, I was amazed of how a caucasion developed the love, taste and passion for Asian authentic furnitures and Bali-style decorations. The house gives one the feeling of being in a spa resort.
In this wonderful home, we were also entertained by Lucas himself who besides taking care of business in Shell IT, can also play the guitar! He hummed and played a few evergreens, even dutch folk songs.
It was also Lucas' 53rd birthday. And so as any lame celebration, a cake was presented, we sang, candles blown, clap clap..Done. I guess the birthday was not the peak of the night I thought.