I'm not going to another mini-meet ever again! It's very bad for my wallet you know!
Jokes aside, I just want to say that I'm really glad I went. I felt very much at "home" instantly, the atmosphere was really friendly naturally and everyone had fun over there! I got to try out many of the lenses, tripods and ballheads, and learned new things (wasn't aware of a DX fisheye Nikkor til today heh heh). I now have some serious lusts going on in my head - and it's very much yours as well as Birddog's fault! I had a quick nap when I got home and all I dreamt about was the full-figure of the 3-legged piece of pure sex machine - the Gitzo 1325. I've never lusted so much for a tripod and this is a bit worrying for me. And that sexy 200-400 with the carbon fibre hood complete with the wimberley side-kick...*drool* I compiled a wishlist on Birddog's request and looks like I'm going to be $50k out of pocket folks. Don't mind selling one of my kidney or eat rice with soya sauce for 1 year though.
Oh yeah - I got to say that everything about Birddog reminds me of me old man (who lives in Melb). The resemblance is so uncanny! He looks closer as my dad's brother than his actual brothers!
When I first smelled the fragrant curry prepared by his lovely wife, it was almost home coming for me. *sniff* The cakes were lovely too I must say! Someone has to write a review quick smart!
I'm glad to have met all of you and I do apologise if I couldn't remember all your names. I won't be there next Sat because of kendo training but I'll be there for the anniversary dinner!
Speaking of dinner, there is a great peking duck place not far from Birddog's base. We have to try it one of these days!
Finally, THANK YOU Birddog and your wife for the very kind hospitality and lending of gear. Also thank you to those who have prepared food or took care of us one way or another. I look forward to the next meet!