CLUB by Stella Kwong-Riechmann
Growing up , I observed my parents engaging in the age-old game with their friends and clients . My curiosity was piqued , but I was forbidden from watching my mom play , as she considered it a form of gambling .
For years , I remained in the dark about this intriguing pastime until a few years ago when I was introduced to it by Leonie Hentschel , a seasoned player with over three decades of experience . To my delight , I discovered that learning this game was not as daunting as it seemed . In just a span of two hours , my husband and I became captivated by its charms .
Our journey into this newfound fascination led us to gather with like-minded individuals , including both ladies and their spouses , who shared our interest . We decided to establish a monthly tradition , with each of us taking turns hosting the gatherings in our homes . To make things even more enjoyable , we adopted a pot-luck approach , where every participant would contribute a dish , creating a delightful feast for all to enjoy . Our club members are fully equipped for the hosts who do not have the equipment — mahjong set , card tables , you name it !
We warmly welcome newcomers to join us at every gathering , and we are fortunate to have patient and dedicated teachers among our ranks . Our gatherings are marked by camaraderie , laughter , and , of course , delicious food . The teachers are always eager to mentor newcomers , and for the more accomplished players , we have prizes for the highest scorer ( s ) from each table .
To conclude our season , we celebrate the final game on November 11 with our traditional white elephant gift exchange , which adds an extra layer of fun to our already joyful gatherings .
22 CLUBS WITHIN OUR CLUB
MAHJONG