Pangkor Island Beach Resort (Part 2) ... She said YES!!!

(Continued from previous entry)

As I lead SY towards the resort's restaurant, I suggested that we detour to the beach for a bit on the pretext that I wanted to take a couple of sunset photos. On the way to the beach, we came across a tree branch with pieces of bread strewn all over. Soon it became clear that the bread crumbles were meant to feed the resident hornbills. At one time, there were four of them perched on that little branch, feeding themselves hungrily ... totally oblivious to the surrounding local and foreign tourists admiring this feeding frenzy. Later, the hornbills had an unpleasant visitor in the form of a bold monkey. The monkey too staked his claim to the speckled breads and even shamelessly tapau-ed some when he left. His brazen antics brought smiles from all of us and as he went away, he suddenly caught sight of something glittery placed on a beach chair. Immediately, the monkey dropped all the take-away bread, grabbed the newly found bling and ran. The ang moh owner, who was previously admiring the hornbills with the rest of us gave futile chase and evntually gave up. Seeing all that made me wonder who the real 'monkey' was. :p

Anyways, after snapping a few glorious photos of the spectacular crimson sunset, we walked further up the beach. There it was ... a beautiful table for two set up on the sandy white shores. Our waiter in waiting, Vasu was already there ... preparing for our arrival. The table, draped in gardenia white linen was elegantly ornamented with some wild flowers, a solitary classy candle, bread in a basket with virgin olive oil and vinegar. The chairs were also chicly dressed up in similar shade of white linen to match the grandeur of the occasion. Surrounding the perimeter of our table were stakes of lighted torches to help emanate the essence of romance in the air.

SY was in utter shock and disbelief. Initially she kept repeating to me "Don't joke, don't joke ... don't play around". I had to reassure her that it's all ok and that this beautiful setting was pre planned. When SY finally took her seat, she suddenly became very embarassingly aware that we were being stared at by every single passer by. Again, she needed to be calmed and reminded that this was 'OUR' moment ... so let's just enjoy every li'll bit of it. She soon settled down comfortably and as if on cue, Vasu came over.

He took our beverage order ... I had the white wine while SY (still feeling very concious about all the blatant staring) opted for the ice lemon tea. As the sun began to set, the crowd lessen. Perfect. We gazed and talked about our past, present and future. How we first met, what we went through to get to where we were today and what is in store for the both of us. Nibbling on soft bread dipped generously in olive extracts and spiced condiments I summoned the courage and took her by the hand. With a deep inhale of fresh oceanic air, I popped the question ... I asked if she would allow me to make her the 2nd happiest person alive. With dreamy eyes ... witnessed by the crescent moon above, she gently nodded and said softly ... yes. I then proceeded to slip the solitare into her finger. It was B E A U T I F U L ... just beautiful.

It took a couple of seconds before it hit the both of us that we were in fact now engaged to each other. At that particular moment as well, a peacock ... yes you read right, a PEACOCK walked by our table. The both of us were astonished and thought the hotel staff had planned this but checking later with the staff, he informed us that this occurence isn't unusual. Nevertheless, it added something unique to that special moment. I signalled for our other waiter, Shahril and he brought out the gorgeous hand bouquet I ordered. I presented the single dozen red roses to SY and she took it ever so gladly. (There's another story to this bouquet and I shall tell you peeps about it in a separate entry .. a rather funny episode this one). Oh yea, the resort's house band, The Silver Shadows (from the Philippines) also came by to serenade us with beautiful melodies ... it made our time that much more extraordinary.

Soon after, our starter was served. It was roasted lamb salad and it tasted wonderful. The lamb cutlets were roasted to medium perfection and the sauce complimented the meat and greens superbly indeed. A great way to awaken the tastebuds still very much drunk from all that lovey dovey feeling earlier. :P

Next up, we were presented with a bowl of creamy seafood chowder. Very yummy this one with kind chunks of crab, prawn and fish meats. The wine went very well with the soup.

Coming up, the chef gave us some sour lime sorbet with sweet chocolate rolls to cleanse the pallet in preparation for our main course. A very thoughtful chef resulted in very appreciative guests. Happy happy. :)

The star of the dinner finally came in the form of cheese baked lobster with mash. It was nothing less than magnificent and it tasted just as well to match the presentation. The combination of thick quality cheese, tender pieces of mushrooms and the succulent lobster ... simply divine.

To top it all off, we had desserts. Tiramisu drizzled heavily with rum was on the menu and it came with wild berries and tropical fruits. Coffee and tea to wash it all down brought this magical night to a sweet conclusion.

The oh-so-romantic atmosphere ... dreamy musical notes floating in the air, the fine food servings and most importantly ... the answer I wanted to hear ... it was truly an extremely fanscinating night for the both of us.

(to be continued)