Two of my cousins, Reucas and Yvonne (plus my dad and the country of Malaysia) share the same birthday. Last night, my cousins decided to have their birthday drinks at Bar Open in Northbridge. Reucas had been going often and highly recommended it. It is literally a hole in the wall, and to give you an idea how exclusive the place was …

I walked down a dark alleyway and came upon an unmarked entrance.

I went by myself and it was my first time there. As I walked past a dark counter, a disembodied voice called out, “Excuse me…it’s $5 entry.” I muttered, “Oh sorry, didn’t see you there.”

I walked down a stairway and into a dark corridor.

Rounded the corner into a cosy little place, and found the gang in a nook of a lounge.

Had the obligatory “family” shot. Damn I look gay in that pose…not that there’s anything wrong with that. And can you tell if Reucas was drunk? Reucas was there with his bandmates Simon (left) and Damien, among others. Remember those faces and the name “The Colors”. :)

Here’s Simon giving me his rock-star pose. Had a great conversation with him regarding how angst and sexual frustration are the greatest sources of inspiration for song-writing.

The lounge area was quite cosy. Note the big ventilation fans - really useful in keeping the place airy and relatively smoke-free.

Here’s me and Paul (Yvonne’s gweilo) trying to look cool. And then trying to look impromptu.

The birthday girl with the dental nurse that works with her (cute, too bad she’s taken :P), and her friend Elaine.

Lotsa drinks were had, and lotsa conversation flowed.

Diva impressions occured. But they didn’t last.

Aww, shucks.

Happy birthday again you two. :)

Complete set of photos can be found here.