OLE ... Or is it OH ME POOR LEG ...

APOLOGIES FOR THE LONG SILENCE ... it's not that I've had nothing to report - on the contrary there's been TOO much to write about: I've been to many places to eat, and more places to eat, including dinner at a "t'ng tok" (long table) with Gordon Ramsay when he was filming in Penang, to trying out the new dishes at Kopicine (Bonton Pg), and last night, the fantastic Ole - a Spanish Extravaganza, organised by the Pg Soroptimists, at the E&O.

The Spanish Embassy flew in Chef Fernando Martinez from Valencia specially for the occasion, and together with Chef Bob, he cooked up a seafoody storm in his enormous paella pan, which we had with our aperitifs at the pre-dinner cocktails in the garden, with freeflow Spanish wines, sherry and champagne. Very civilised indeed.

After that everyone made their way to the ballroom, very elegantly done up in the red and beige colours of the Spanish flag.

Speeches were by Organising Chairman Anita Pater, Soroptimist President Dato' Dr Shuba and the Spanish Ambassador.

Once all that necessary "official stuff" was out of the way, the food was served - the E&O as always did a good job; the creamy seafood soup was served piping hot which was incredible considering how many people there were, and the steak was quite acceptable too.

Highlight of the evening was the entertainment: "Tirititran", a Spanish group from Granada, with Raquel La Monica whose incredible voice warbled out some plaintive rustic notes, and Cristina Candela who did some amazing flamenco dance routines, all backed by classical guitarist Raul Corredor.

it was after all that "culture" that we were able to let our hair down - dancing the evening away. I'm paying for it now though ... the old bones can't take much of this revelling any more!! And of course the freeflow meant one didn't quite stint on the drinks too ... I think it's a quiet night in tonight, for a change.

However, it was a great evening, and even better to know that it was all in aid of charity: Penang Home of the Infirm and Aged, Asia Community Service and Penang Shan Children's Home.

Well done to the Soroptimists who care enough to take the trouble to raise funds for these organisations. Even more amazing was the fact that they did it all within a month or two.