28.2.11
Weekends
My best friend was asking me how I spent my weekends recently and suddenly what came to my mind was,"What weekends?!" I'm having varied weekends since the start of 2011 really... with two spent in United Kingdom, one for bachelorette party followed by another at the wedding in Kota Kinabalu, one for Chinese New Year, one for spa in Batam, the recent one with friend back in town, and maybe one with me doing nothing except chilling and laundry. Those are my weekends. I haven't really had a proper weekend doing some activities or socialising... Things have been busy and in a few weeks, I will spend another one in Sydney. Somehow I don't mind this kinda lifestyle!
A Saturday in town
The Missy is in town again and we had a really fun Saturday.
First off, we had a very late lunch at this cafe named Food for Thought which is recommended by the sister. It's a tiny place in North Bridge Centre and we actually missed the entrance and only found it by chance through its backdoor! They do not impose service charge, and the quality of the food is surprisingly good. You can have free flow of water and feel free to drop a donation to their Give Clean Water Fund. I had the sandwich set which offered the choice of a soup or salad. I opted for soup, and it was really good mushroom soup (nothing like some white diluted junk you get elsewhere), instead it's the thick brown soup with bits of mushrooms - just the kind I like! I ordered the Slow Roasted Pulled Pork, Missy had the All Day Breakfast Set, and Ade chose Basil Pesto Chicken. I adore the sound of sweet potato in mine and quite enjoyed it even though the shredded meat laying between two pieces of bread could be quite hard to handle even with the fingers. We were supposed to stuff ourselves with desserts, they had a whole range of yummy looking cakes but unfortunately we just couldn't do it thereafter! So sad. I promise I'll be back for the cakies!
Next, a movie lined up... With 5 million population in Singapore, it is almost impossible to get good cinema seats when you buy them last minute. So we got the later timing, and went for Durian snow ice and Mango with pamelo sago.
Black Swan was on the plan but it didn't sound like a good choice for a relaxing afternoon, and we went for No Strings Attached casting Natalie Portman and Ashton Kutcher. It'd be a good laugh and indeed it was. What a bargain, you could almost see both of them fully naked (not that we know this in advanced!)... Not sure how many of you had been in the same scenario, but it's somehow quite real. How long can a couple stay in a casual relationship without actually feeling anything for one another, I guess won't be that long, considering that most women do enjoy the attachment. But in this show, it's the opposite, it made Adam (Ashton) seemingly like the woman in the relationship, with him hoping for a relationship to work out instead.
After a good laugh, we parted our ways. On the way to the train station, Missy and me chanced upon this new Irish bar with live band. So we popped in for a drink. I had Cherry Brandy on the rocks, one of my favourite drinks but not easily available anywhere. I recalled the bestman trying to order it for me at Missy's wedding but failed miserably. Missy had cider, and it actually tasted a lot better than the one I ordered back in Aberdeen! After finishing my drink and helping to finish half her cider, I knew I would have to turn in with a headache. And for the Missy, the night was still young... she continued her drinking plans elsewhere!
A very well spent Saturday!
First off, we had a very late lunch at this cafe named Food for Thought which is recommended by the sister. It's a tiny place in North Bridge Centre and we actually missed the entrance and only found it by chance through its backdoor! They do not impose service charge, and the quality of the food is surprisingly good. You can have free flow of water and feel free to drop a donation to their Give Clean Water Fund. I had the sandwich set which offered the choice of a soup or salad. I opted for soup, and it was really good mushroom soup (nothing like some white diluted junk you get elsewhere), instead it's the thick brown soup with bits of mushrooms - just the kind I like! I ordered the Slow Roasted Pulled Pork, Missy had the All Day Breakfast Set, and Ade chose Basil Pesto Chicken. I adore the sound of sweet potato in mine and quite enjoyed it even though the shredded meat laying between two pieces of bread could be quite hard to handle even with the fingers. We were supposed to stuff ourselves with desserts, they had a whole range of yummy looking cakes but unfortunately we just couldn't do it thereafter! So sad. I promise I'll be back for the cakies!
Next, a movie lined up... With 5 million population in Singapore, it is almost impossible to get good cinema seats when you buy them last minute. So we got the later timing, and went for Durian snow ice and Mango with pamelo sago.
Black Swan was on the plan but it didn't sound like a good choice for a relaxing afternoon, and we went for No Strings Attached casting Natalie Portman and Ashton Kutcher. It'd be a good laugh and indeed it was. What a bargain, you could almost see both of them fully naked (not that we know this in advanced!)... Not sure how many of you had been in the same scenario, but it's somehow quite real. How long can a couple stay in a casual relationship without actually feeling anything for one another, I guess won't be that long, considering that most women do enjoy the attachment. But in this show, it's the opposite, it made Adam (Ashton) seemingly like the woman in the relationship, with him hoping for a relationship to work out instead.
After a good laugh, we parted our ways. On the way to the train station, Missy and me chanced upon this new Irish bar with live band. So we popped in for a drink. I had Cherry Brandy on the rocks, one of my favourite drinks but not easily available anywhere. I recalled the bestman trying to order it for me at Missy's wedding but failed miserably. Missy had cider, and it actually tasted a lot better than the one I ordered back in Aberdeen! After finishing my drink and helping to finish half her cider, I knew I would have to turn in with a headache. And for the Missy, the night was still young... she continued her drinking plans elsewhere!
A very well spent Saturday!
23.2.11
What to expect working in Singapore
The papers have been saying how good the economy is in Singapore, how many more jobs there are now and how much increment we can ask. Even yahoo article says so. Saying all that, but when we do ask for a higher salary at the job interview, we get all the answers like budget constraint, matching educational qualification, getting on par with market rate or even limiting the pay range based on working experience. While many graduates in Europe start their first job as a manager getting a very good salary, it doesn't happen here in Singapore. Some of the people I know complained to me about the miserable S$50 increment... I wish the government can implement a standard (%) increment for companies after a certain amount of time in the company or even based on performance (so the lazy old birds won't get all the advantages from it) than all of us being given excuses without any ability on our side to ask for a raise. Now I feel so underpaid (after reading the stupid report). But this is compensated by a good working environment, I will hang on to my rice bowl till something really worthy comes along.
The 2011 budget will give us all some extra cash. While a lot of my friends are so happy about it, I don't see why we should. They give us advanced cash so they have the rights to raise the transport fees and miscellaneous later part of the year... So it's not free money, it's money for adjusting to the inflation really!
The 2011 budget will give us all some extra cash. While a lot of my friends are so happy about it, I don't see why we should. They give us advanced cash so they have the rights to raise the transport fees and miscellaneous later part of the year... So it's not free money, it's money for adjusting to the inflation really!
20.2.11
One night in Batam
... is enough ;)
I always have the impression that Batam is like Bintan (I haven't been to Bintan though), that there's nothing except a place to chill and have a more laid-back life than Singapore.
Thank God, the ferry rides to and fro were smooth and I didn't get seasick which I usually do! When we arrived, I was taken aback by their very slow and inefficient service (the same at the customs and hotel). I guess coming from Singapore, we expected a little too much, maybe it's a good thing to experience a "slow life" for a day or two.
The hotel service is exceptional, the staff never failed to greet us with smiles and I am impressed. I will go back again just because of great service, even though the amenities really need a huge revamp. Harris resort always has very positive reviews from the travellers and I am not surprised after spending a night there. They have a few options, there are some "houses" right in front of the beach and two blocks of building. The older one which we stayed in is named Funky while the newer block is named Trendy. We were given a room on the 4th floor (out of 5 storeys) with pool view. It was spacious, with good comfortable beds and shower, even though the bathroom lock was faulty, the wardrobe door came off and I had to put it back! The TV had Singapore channels and a few good cable channels, there was also free wi-fi but very slow and weak up on the higher levels. It was like staying at our local NTUC chalet where you just stay there, use the amenities, do nothing except chill... They have bowling centre, gym, sauna, jacuzzi, a huge pool, table tennis table, squash court, nail services and other activities which you can arrange through the hotel. The downsides are the facilities are pretty worn out, everything is in Singapore dollars and it didn't work out to be very cheap, especially eating and shopping in Harris. So we used the limited shuttle service to get into Nagoya Hill shopping mall to get food and slightly more affordable shopping. But Batam on the whole is like olden Singapore, just not very developed and populated and I feel the malls are mainly patronised by tourists especially Singaporeans and thus things are not cheap like in other parts of Indonesia (e.g. Bali), but it is still compared to shopping in Singapore.
Our package was a great deal, it included the hotel stay, ferry tickets, transfer, 60 minutes Indonesian oil massage, a game of bowling and a pizza lunch. I bet more than half the guests were Singaporeans! I met my another friend there during the trip, she was with 3 others. And my friend met 2 friends too, the world is small indeed. As nearly everyone booked the same package, we had trouble trying to get our timings sorted (especially the spa timing and departure ferry timing) but with the help of the spa manager and the guest relations officer, we managed to get things the way we wanted. I am very pleased. Good job, Harris! Even on the way back, the general manager and staff were there waving goodbye with big smiles as we departed for the ferry terminal.
Everything was very slow... and so our ferry back was delayed by 30 minutes. Most things were still done on papers and quite labour intensive, and thus the slow service. But overall, I would say I had a very relaxing weekend and it was my first time having a full body massage (you'll be surprised they actually "outrage" your modesty!). But it was a good laugh ;) It will be a good place for a family getaway and maybe the next time I will be back and staying at the new block :)
I always have the impression that Batam is like Bintan (I haven't been to Bintan though), that there's nothing except a place to chill and have a more laid-back life than Singapore.
 |
| Ferry |
Thank God, the ferry rides to and fro were smooth and I didn't get seasick which I usually do! When we arrived, I was taken aback by their very slow and inefficient service (the same at the customs and hotel). I guess coming from Singapore, we expected a little too much, maybe it's a good thing to experience a "slow life" for a day or two.
The hotel service is exceptional, the staff never failed to greet us with smiles and I am impressed. I will go back again just because of great service, even though the amenities really need a huge revamp. Harris resort always has very positive reviews from the travellers and I am not surprised after spending a night there. They have a few options, there are some "houses" right in front of the beach and two blocks of building. The older one which we stayed in is named Funky while the newer block is named Trendy. We were given a room on the 4th floor (out of 5 storeys) with pool view. It was spacious, with good comfortable beds and shower, even though the bathroom lock was faulty, the wardrobe door came off and I had to put it back! The TV had Singapore channels and a few good cable channels, there was also free wi-fi but very slow and weak up on the higher levels. It was like staying at our local NTUC chalet where you just stay there, use the amenities, do nothing except chill... They have bowling centre, gym, sauna, jacuzzi, a huge pool, table tennis table, squash court, nail services and other activities which you can arrange through the hotel. The downsides are the facilities are pretty worn out, everything is in Singapore dollars and it didn't work out to be very cheap, especially eating and shopping in Harris. So we used the limited shuttle service to get into Nagoya Hill shopping mall to get food and slightly more affordable shopping. But Batam on the whole is like olden Singapore, just not very developed and populated and I feel the malls are mainly patronised by tourists especially Singaporeans and thus things are not cheap like in other parts of Indonesia (e.g. Bali), but it is still compared to shopping in Singapore.
 |
| Harris |
Our package was a great deal, it included the hotel stay, ferry tickets, transfer, 60 minutes Indonesian oil massage, a game of bowling and a pizza lunch. I bet more than half the guests were Singaporeans! I met my another friend there during the trip, she was with 3 others. And my friend met 2 friends too, the world is small indeed. As nearly everyone booked the same package, we had trouble trying to get our timings sorted (especially the spa timing and departure ferry timing) but with the help of the spa manager and the guest relations officer, we managed to get things the way we wanted. I am very pleased. Good job, Harris! Even on the way back, the general manager and staff were there waving goodbye with big smiles as we departed for the ferry terminal.
Everything was very slow... and so our ferry back was delayed by 30 minutes. Most things were still done on papers and quite labour intensive, and thus the slow service. But overall, I would say I had a very relaxing weekend and it was my first time having a full body massage (you'll be surprised they actually "outrage" your modesty!). But it was a good laugh ;) It will be a good place for a family getaway and maybe the next time I will be back and staying at the new block :)
3 months & counting...
Tomorrow marks the end of my probation, SG boss has told me he's happy to keep me on, so does my UK boss. I didn't let them know about the other opportunities as I don't think they will be happy to know and will raise doubts about my commitment to the job. As the time goes by, things start to reveal themselves. Though in Singapore I work independently, I sit with the IT team as I am under their headcount. I also realised how annoying a colleague can be, he's always looking for chances to take advantage of others, try to act smart or ask really silly intruding questions which I do not like to entertain. I guess it's hard to avoid people like these in any place you go to, but I guess I just have to take them with a pinch of salt! I also realised one of the guys in the UK has a "cold & hot" attitude, I am not sure if he's like that or maybe just towards me. He was one of the friendliest guy in the beginning but after a while, he doesn't act the same any more. I am not attracted to him and I hope he didn't think I am... but I am being nice to everyone, just as I am to him. Or maybe he's envious about me travelling to Aberdeen and he didn't get a chance to come to Singapore after working there for a while?! That's a likely reason. I find it very disturbing as I have to work with him quite a lot... I hope it will ease after a while, if not let's talk about my commitment after a year in the job!!
15.2.11
To London, with love
Visiting London again after 5 years is like both a closure and a beginning.
I left London in 2006 when my working holiday visa was ending, it had been a fruitful stay and one that allowed me to experience a lot more in life. Life without intermet, washing machine and proper shower... and then living together with one of my best friends (Angela), with the ex-boyfriend and then a random romantic encounter to exit my stay. I didn't leave London quite happily and so this return is almost like a refreshing change. I have certainly accepted things that happened years ago and at the same time, I feel as if I have never lived there before and was back again as a tourist.
The most important part of my visit was to spend time with my friend whom I see once a year or two when she's back for holidays. We used to live in London together... It was a valuable experience as we slowly got used to each other's quirks and accepted each other as time went by. We are now closer than before and always have something to laugh about. I also managed to hook up with people I miss, unfortunately some were not around and I didn't have enough time to see more.
London Terminal 5 is impressive, and because I had a domestic flight from Aberdeen, everything couldn't be smoother. I just had to wait for my luggage and there I went, off to the tube station. I saw Angela during the wedding but we didn't have time to catch up, and so London was the only chance we would have some quality time together. As Angela worked on the weekdays, I found myself prowling the shopping areas of London, one after another, ended up with more and more shopping bags day after day. It was not the same like 5 years ago where I was on a budget and could not buy things as I had to leave the country with as little as possible when time was up. Silly me didn't realise that I could claim VAT back with my shopping and I ended up spending 500 pounds without getting any tax back! It was winter sale, and I have to say the deals were pretty awesome and was worth it even without the VAT refund.
I visited Borough Market, St Paul Cathedral, walked on London Bridge and saw Covent Garden again with Glyn, the man who ruined my tart. Glyn and I had a complicated history but we are friends and I really appreciate him taking me to the market and showing me around. He's like my London A-Z, he seems to know London better than I did after living there for 2 years. We had a laugh about the past, and we still look the same after 5 years after we managed to spot each other at the tube station.
Angela and I had a couple of late night shoppings and a cupcake baking session. It was lovely just being able to do things together. We cursed the cold weather as we rushed from shop to shop down Oxford street. We ate our cold sandwiches along the way just so we could save some time. We spent lots of time in TK Maxx fussing over which to let go so we could reduce the damage in our pockets. We shopped in Sainsbury like we used to grocery shop years ago. We had my favourite PAUL chocolate cake for dessert and rhubarb pie topped with vanilla ice cream for breakfast. On the last day, she brought me to Petticoat Lane, Brick Lane and Spitalfields Market. It was pretty brief as we had to get back by mid afternoon so I could leave for the airport. We ate, shopped and fell in love with the vintage stuff and all the good bargains we found. I love markets and this gotta be one of the best. We really enjoyed ourselves! It was sad when I had to leave. It was the first time I saw Angela teared... she never did when any of us was leaving.
As I said "Goodbye" to London, I said "Farewell" to my old memories and brought back the happy ones with me this time!
I left London in 2006 when my working holiday visa was ending, it had been a fruitful stay and one that allowed me to experience a lot more in life. Life without intermet, washing machine and proper shower... and then living together with one of my best friends (Angela), with the ex-boyfriend and then a random romantic encounter to exit my stay. I didn't leave London quite happily and so this return is almost like a refreshing change. I have certainly accepted things that happened years ago and at the same time, I feel as if I have never lived there before and was back again as a tourist.
The most important part of my visit was to spend time with my friend whom I see once a year or two when she's back for holidays. We used to live in London together... It was a valuable experience as we slowly got used to each other's quirks and accepted each other as time went by. We are now closer than before and always have something to laugh about. I also managed to hook up with people I miss, unfortunately some were not around and I didn't have enough time to see more.
London Terminal 5 is impressive, and because I had a domestic flight from Aberdeen, everything couldn't be smoother. I just had to wait for my luggage and there I went, off to the tube station. I saw Angela during the wedding but we didn't have time to catch up, and so London was the only chance we would have some quality time together. As Angela worked on the weekdays, I found myself prowling the shopping areas of London, one after another, ended up with more and more shopping bags day after day. It was not the same like 5 years ago where I was on a budget and could not buy things as I had to leave the country with as little as possible when time was up. Silly me didn't realise that I could claim VAT back with my shopping and I ended up spending 500 pounds without getting any tax back! It was winter sale, and I have to say the deals were pretty awesome and was worth it even without the VAT refund.
I visited Borough Market, St Paul Cathedral, walked on London Bridge and saw Covent Garden again with Glyn, the man who ruined my tart. Glyn and I had a complicated history but we are friends and I really appreciate him taking me to the market and showing me around. He's like my London A-Z, he seems to know London better than I did after living there for 2 years. We had a laugh about the past, and we still look the same after 5 years after we managed to spot each other at the tube station.
Angela and I had a couple of late night shoppings and a cupcake baking session. It was lovely just being able to do things together. We cursed the cold weather as we rushed from shop to shop down Oxford street. We ate our cold sandwiches along the way just so we could save some time. We spent lots of time in TK Maxx fussing over which to let go so we could reduce the damage in our pockets. We shopped in Sainsbury like we used to grocery shop years ago. We had my favourite PAUL chocolate cake for dessert and rhubarb pie topped with vanilla ice cream for breakfast. On the last day, she brought me to Petticoat Lane, Brick Lane and Spitalfields Market. It was pretty brief as we had to get back by mid afternoon so I could leave for the airport. We ate, shopped and fell in love with the vintage stuff and all the good bargains we found. I love markets and this gotta be one of the best. We really enjoyed ourselves! It was sad when I had to leave. It was the first time I saw Angela teared... she never did when any of us was leaving.
As I said "Goodbye" to London, I said "Farewell" to my old memories and brought back the happy ones with me this time!
13.2.11
Saying NO to money
It is so difficult. As I reluctantly say NO to the new opportunities, I am reassuring myself with the many pros I get from my job. Someone even offered me a job with a salary I wouldn't be expecting. Tempting. However I don't feel I am myself if I do that.
When I finished school years ago, I had two offers, I went with the one with lesser money, a small company with almost no benefits. The job didn't last long, the company was managed by a very young boss and his jealous girlfriend and soon business folded. I really regretted my choice.
This time round, I really don't want to make a wrong decision again. I decided to let my friends vote for it and see what are their views, so I put on my status asking if I should choose more money or a job that allows me to go on trips. The answers all came in with people voting for money... I am not surprised. But the people whom understand me well enough voted for the other choice. The voting ended up equal with one friend stating to take the job that flies for a couple of years before settling for money in future, I think this is the ideal solution for now.
It will be stupid of me to trade the travelling (on Business Class - which I doubt most other places will ever give to a non-management staff), a good boss, easy-going colleagues and one that allows me work life balance for more money and an environment I can't be sure of!! I can always get more money later on, sooner or later, I reckon. For now, contentment is happiness. It's difficult to be happier with lesser money, but it's better than none anyway ;)
When I finished school years ago, I had two offers, I went with the one with lesser money, a small company with almost no benefits. The job didn't last long, the company was managed by a very young boss and his jealous girlfriend and soon business folded. I really regretted my choice.
This time round, I really don't want to make a wrong decision again. I decided to let my friends vote for it and see what are their views, so I put on my status asking if I should choose more money or a job that allows me to go on trips. The answers all came in with people voting for money... I am not surprised. But the people whom understand me well enough voted for the other choice. The voting ended up equal with one friend stating to take the job that flies for a couple of years before settling for money in future, I think this is the ideal solution for now.
It will be stupid of me to trade the travelling (on Business Class - which I doubt most other places will ever give to a non-management staff), a good boss, easy-going colleagues and one that allows me work life balance for more money and an environment I can't be sure of!! I can always get more money later on, sooner or later, I reckon. For now, contentment is happiness. It's difficult to be happier with lesser money, but it's better than none anyway ;)
7.2.11
Forgetful II
I can't believe it, again I forgot something. This time, my mobile phone! But actually I can survive more without a phone than a wallet, so that's a consolation. The only thing is I want to hook up so many lunch appointments after my trips, so it's quite bothering me today as I can't pre-arrange with friends. So people, get ready for lunch!
Wanna win 4D!
My mum is a genius at coming up with reasons to associate with the 4D numbers. I am amazed at her creativity, it probably explains why me and my sisters are in creative related industry ha. From age to identity card number, date of birth, address, hotel room number, car plate number, death timing to virtually anything, she always have a reason for linking them to the winning numbers and then blaming herself for not thinking of it earlier.
Yea mum, I wish I can predict for you!
Yea mum, I wish I can predict for you!
Congrats Syn & John
I almost forgot I should write my congratulations to the newly weds, Syn & John.
Syn is a close friend I met in school and we are friends for over 12 years, geez... Time changes people. I don't think she was the person I met years ago, but still she is as crazy as she was when she wants to be. I think over the years, her motherly instincts surfaced, that also probably due to her being the eldest in family. She's always overly concerned and protective of us, especially strict with the men we're dating... LOL. I guess it's a good thing when you want another perspective. She's always good fun to hang out with, party, have drinks and food. One thing I hope she will change is probably scream lesser hahaha, I was talking to her friends before the wedding and we realised the thing prominent about Syndy is her screams. When she left Dubai, her flatmates actually missed her screamings!
John is an ex-colleague of mine I met maybe 9 years ago. Somehow somewhat, destiny brought them together through me, and after so much drama, long-distance and on-off relationship. John is one of the most serious guys I met when at work, very diligent and proper. But when you get to know him, you'd realise he's pretty funny, spontaneous, up for a good laugh and a thrifty man who is good I guess when it comes to saving for a family ;)
Finally on 15 January 2011, they held a wedding ceremony by the beach at Shangri la Rasa Ria in Sabah, followed by a buffet dinner and performances. As the maid of honour, I also had to give a speech which I didn't really script. I was thrilled, it was my first time, I wasn't very nervous but I think I was more emotional. My tears just fell when I stood on the stage, not stage fright but more overwhelmed by happiness that I had for my friend. But it was all good, things just fell into places smoothly without a need to read from a script which would be more stressful. I was quite proud of myself that evening :)
The best picture for the day is the one when Syn threw the bouquet, it's a superb shot! I had to admit I didn't want to go near it, LOL.
This is also my second visit to Kota Kinabalu, but I didn't do the tourist things as I did most of them 1.5 years back. I just chilled out in the city centre, preparing myself for the wedding, hanging out with friends, shopping... all good. I bumped into Syn's family one of the days and decided to show them around the local markets. I also found myself 2 wigs, they are so cheap in Malaysia - yea, I think I've gone "wig" crazy. I adore them, they make me look different without having to spend a fortune on my hair.
The 3 nights went by real fast! At the end of the trip, I found myself more new friends, had a good reunion with the girls, found good bargains and most of all, my friend is happily married to the man she loves whom she met through me!
Syn is a close friend I met in school and we are friends for over 12 years, geez... Time changes people. I don't think she was the person I met years ago, but still she is as crazy as she was when she wants to be. I think over the years, her motherly instincts surfaced, that also probably due to her being the eldest in family. She's always overly concerned and protective of us, especially strict with the men we're dating... LOL. I guess it's a good thing when you want another perspective. She's always good fun to hang out with, party, have drinks and food. One thing I hope she will change is probably scream lesser hahaha, I was talking to her friends before the wedding and we realised the thing prominent about Syndy is her screams. When she left Dubai, her flatmates actually missed her screamings!
John is an ex-colleague of mine I met maybe 9 years ago. Somehow somewhat, destiny brought them together through me, and after so much drama, long-distance and on-off relationship. John is one of the most serious guys I met when at work, very diligent and proper. But when you get to know him, you'd realise he's pretty funny, spontaneous, up for a good laugh and a thrifty man who is good I guess when it comes to saving for a family ;)
Finally on 15 January 2011, they held a wedding ceremony by the beach at Shangri la Rasa Ria in Sabah, followed by a buffet dinner and performances. As the maid of honour, I also had to give a speech which I didn't really script. I was thrilled, it was my first time, I wasn't very nervous but I think I was more emotional. My tears just fell when I stood on the stage, not stage fright but more overwhelmed by happiness that I had for my friend. But it was all good, things just fell into places smoothly without a need to read from a script which would be more stressful. I was quite proud of myself that evening :)
The best picture for the day is the one when Syn threw the bouquet, it's a superb shot! I had to admit I didn't want to go near it, LOL.
This is also my second visit to Kota Kinabalu, but I didn't do the tourist things as I did most of them 1.5 years back. I just chilled out in the city centre, preparing myself for the wedding, hanging out with friends, shopping... all good. I bumped into Syn's family one of the days and decided to show them around the local markets. I also found myself 2 wigs, they are so cheap in Malaysia - yea, I think I've gone "wig" crazy. I adore them, they make me look different without having to spend a fortune on my hair.
The 3 nights went by real fast! At the end of the trip, I found myself more new friends, had a good reunion with the girls, found good bargains and most of all, my friend is happily married to the man she loves whom she met through me!
Eat & drink like the Scots
Irn-bru
A Scottish soft drink, or also an energy drink? My colleague termed it like "Red Bull", but instead of yellow it's orange. Apparently it does contain caffeine but as said on Wiki, the exported version excludes it. Kristy kindly got me one to try, after a few nights in the hotel, I finally had to courage to open it ;) It was sweet, that's my first impression, but unlike the normal soft drinks, it tastes more like a sports drink to me. Or like a combination of coke, fanta orange and sports drink! Kinda weird! They also have it in a few variety, check here.
Buttery
Flaky, buttery, salty and a crossiant which has been ran over by a truck, and so... flattened. But it feels like a compact piece of pastry that has been deep-fried till crispy. It feels very heavy, even with my tea. After a few bites, I had to chuck it in the bin because it's not doing any good to my waistline ;) Sorry, boss. But buttery is truly Aberdonian, just in case you can't find them in other parts of Scotland.
Haggis
A mash of sheep's organs, or as Wiki said, sausage in casing of sheep's intestine. I didn't have it this time but I had it over 5 years ago when I was on a tour around Scotland. I guess it's a hate or love relationship, just like the foreigners have with durian. LOL. The closest thing I tried was Haggis flavored chips and they fortunately didn't taste anything like the real thing!
On the side note, I must mention that I brought over durian sweets for my Scottish colleagues and almost all of them spat it out within seconds. This is how some people hate the taste of durians. I felt so apologetic thereafter but everyone especially boss was having a good laugh watching their expressions. One of the guys actually went red in the face... and it cracked everyone up.
A Scottish soft drink, or also an energy drink? My colleague termed it like "Red Bull", but instead of yellow it's orange. Apparently it does contain caffeine but as said on Wiki, the exported version excludes it. Kristy kindly got me one to try, after a few nights in the hotel, I finally had to courage to open it ;) It was sweet, that's my first impression, but unlike the normal soft drinks, it tastes more like a sports drink to me. Or like a combination of coke, fanta orange and sports drink! Kinda weird! They also have it in a few variety, check here.
Buttery
Flaky, buttery, salty and a crossiant which has been ran over by a truck, and so... flattened. But it feels like a compact piece of pastry that has been deep-fried till crispy. It feels very heavy, even with my tea. After a few bites, I had to chuck it in the bin because it's not doing any good to my waistline ;) Sorry, boss. But buttery is truly Aberdonian, just in case you can't find them in other parts of Scotland.
Haggis
A mash of sheep's organs, or as Wiki said, sausage in casing of sheep's intestine. I didn't have it this time but I had it over 5 years ago when I was on a tour around Scotland. I guess it's a hate or love relationship, just like the foreigners have with durian. LOL. The closest thing I tried was Haggis flavored chips and they fortunately didn't taste anything like the real thing!
On the side note, I must mention that I brought over durian sweets for my Scottish colleagues and almost all of them spat it out within seconds. This is how some people hate the taste of durians. I felt so apologetic thereafter but everyone especially boss was having a good laugh watching their expressions. One of the guys actually went red in the face... and it cracked everyone up.
3.2.11
Happy Labbit Year!
2011 is the year of Rabbit, also the year my mum was borned... Gosh, time is flying and we're all getting old. Sometimes I wish time will pause for a moment, and let us look back at the years. I almost have forgotten many of the things that have happened... probably best especially when it comes to bad stuff ;)
Jet lag is hitting me hard. I was so tired when I got home past 1pm and immediately went for the bed. I think I slept a good 3-4 hours before being awakened by everyone for dinner.
Reunion dinner today was steamboat, the usual we would always have when mum doesn't feel like cooking. It was good, easy and very filling. Then we had raw fish salad, which we usually tossed for luck and prosperity. Then I helped dad to sort out his red packets (except those for us, of course)... always feel good to have money in my hands ;)
I just managed to put away my 2 luggages to clear the space for welcoming guests the next days. But the place is still in a little mess due to my sisters' laziness. But I think we have done pretty well this year, as we grow older, we are more willingly to dump away things. The problem with people is that we always want to keep something with sentimental value and it seems like everything comes with it! But I guess we've learned more to let it go ;)
There's a tradition that the children have to stay up late on the eve of Lunar New Year for the longevity of the parents and somehow we always managed to do it every year. It is a new year for the Chinese as it's the next animal down the cycle, somehow I feel the same (New year is 1st January for me). But we have this habit of reading the prediction for our animal sign for the Rabbit year, the telly always show it during the countdown and some fengshui master will be giving a brief summary of the luck this coming year. I don't really believe in them, if I do, then all roosters will have the same luck?!
It's half past 12, already into the 1st day of the Rabbit year... and hereby wishing my readers:
Jet lag is hitting me hard. I was so tired when I got home past 1pm and immediately went for the bed. I think I slept a good 3-4 hours before being awakened by everyone for dinner.
Reunion dinner today was steamboat, the usual we would always have when mum doesn't feel like cooking. It was good, easy and very filling. Then we had raw fish salad, which we usually tossed for luck and prosperity. Then I helped dad to sort out his red packets (except those for us, of course)... always feel good to have money in my hands ;)
I just managed to put away my 2 luggages to clear the space for welcoming guests the next days. But the place is still in a little mess due to my sisters' laziness. But I think we have done pretty well this year, as we grow older, we are more willingly to dump away things. The problem with people is that we always want to keep something with sentimental value and it seems like everything comes with it! But I guess we've learned more to let it go ;)
There's a tradition that the children have to stay up late on the eve of Lunar New Year for the longevity of the parents and somehow we always managed to do it every year. It is a new year for the Chinese as it's the next animal down the cycle, somehow I feel the same (New year is 1st January for me). But we have this habit of reading the prediction for our animal sign for the Rabbit year, the telly always show it during the countdown and some fengshui master will be giving a brief summary of the luck this coming year. I don't really believe in them, if I do, then all roosters will have the same luck?!
It's half past 12, already into the 1st day of the Rabbit year... and hereby wishing my readers:
HAPPY LUNAR NEW YEAR TO ALL WHOM ARE CELEBRATING!!!
2.2.11
When I was in the UK...
There are some things I miss about Singapore.
There are also many things I love about UK.
- Long opening hours for shops
- Cheap yummy Asian food (I pretty much had bread/salad everyday!)
- Cheaper transport fee (Especially in London! Not that Singapore is getting any cheaper though!)
- Not being able to wear rings (with gloves on!!)
- Flip-flops anytime!
- My family and friends
There are also many things I love about UK.
- The liberal TV programmes, where sex is discussed openly and not frown upon like in Singapore
- Cheap chocolates (Something selling for over S$12+ costs only approximately £2 there)
- Cold weather
- (due to the above) Ability to accessorize with scarf, coat and boots
- The eye candies (fashionably dressed people) everywhere
- The abundance of markets, I never will be sick of them
- Vintage stuff that would cost a bomb in Singapore
- Winter sale that has done a big hole in my pocket
- PAUL, my favourite French bakery is now all over London
- TK Maxx - where designer labels go cheap :D
- LUSH - handmade cosmetic
- My BFF and doing things together in London
- Very good lemonade (and I don't mean sprite, real lemonade)
1.2.11
Hello Aberdeen
I shall write a little summary of my trip to the UK, as it was a business trip, there wasn't much I did in Aberdeen really... In London, I met Angela, my BFF and we spent some good quality time together, I shall share about this later on.
Aberdeen, Scotland's 3rd most populous city, is truly scottish. I think I can really tell the Scottish architecture apart from the English, they are so different, it reminds me of Edinburgh, not quite but some resemblance. As Aberdeen is near the coast, many would expect it to be colder but it's not. In fact, the winter was quite mild when I was there, it was always about 6°C and only when it rained, it was a bit harsh. But otherwise, I quite enjoy the weather. Aberdeen is also well known as the Granite or Grey city as most buildings were made from granite, and thus a little grey. It is also increasingly becoming a popular place for business because of its reputation as the Oil Capital of Europe since the 1970s.
As I was staying near the office, everywhere I went was on foot, even to the shopping district which is not far away from our office. The shopping wasn't great but it was good enough for me, I found more good buys than I did in London where everyone was competing with you for the winter sale.
The working hours in Aberdeen is also much better than Singapore's, there they do 7 hours daily whereas we do 8.5 hours here (crazy!!). I should try to find a chance and land myself somewhere in the cold ;) My team is a bunch of easy-going people, and they did make my life easy over there :) My extended team too, everyone else in the Web Application team are quite fun-loving and I realised that on the Dinner & Dance night in Aberdeen.
Thanks to Gordon, he was very patient teaching me my very first Scottish dance, I think I almost stepped on his foot a few times... but I was quite a quick learner, in no time, I have memorized the steps and I was actually enjoying it! Also Kristy, whom has been a really great friend to hang out with, she took me on a daytrip to see New Slains Castle outside the city, and also with James (with his cutie pie, Rosa) to see Haddo House and have a lovely tea there.
My boss (from Singapore) left earlier to see his family and headed back to London and Singapore. It was a weird feeling, as I have always been an independent traveller, but once on business trip, I actually felt a little handicapped. LOL. But I got used to it pretty soon; solitude and Blackberry (fortunately with data plan) were my best companions. I also got to meet my boss (based in London) as he was in for 2 days.
Everyone had a great laugh with the durian sweets experiment. In fact, no one really liked it except for one lady whom said she actually enjoyed it. Most people spat it out in like 2 seconds. I felt a little guilty introducing them to something they didn't like... LOL. Hopefully I have compensated that with the other stuff I brought.
7 nights passed by in Aberdeen real fast, I was feeling reluctant to leave on the last day but I had to as I was going to see my best friend in London. But I felt so relieved to be out of the hotel (read about my complaint on the earlier post)!
Just in case you are wondering, the Aberdonians' English isn't anything like those in glasgow, I managed to understand them without much difficulty (unless they're drunk!). They don't have a very strong Scottish accent, fortunately ;)
Aberdeen, Scotland's 3rd most populous city, is truly scottish. I think I can really tell the Scottish architecture apart from the English, they are so different, it reminds me of Edinburgh, not quite but some resemblance. As Aberdeen is near the coast, many would expect it to be colder but it's not. In fact, the winter was quite mild when I was there, it was always about 6°C and only when it rained, it was a bit harsh. But otherwise, I quite enjoy the weather. Aberdeen is also well known as the Granite or Grey city as most buildings were made from granite, and thus a little grey. It is also increasingly becoming a popular place for business because of its reputation as the Oil Capital of Europe since the 1970s.
As I was staying near the office, everywhere I went was on foot, even to the shopping district which is not far away from our office. The shopping wasn't great but it was good enough for me, I found more good buys than I did in London where everyone was competing with you for the winter sale.
The working hours in Aberdeen is also much better than Singapore's, there they do 7 hours daily whereas we do 8.5 hours here (crazy!!). I should try to find a chance and land myself somewhere in the cold ;) My team is a bunch of easy-going people, and they did make my life easy over there :) My extended team too, everyone else in the Web Application team are quite fun-loving and I realised that on the Dinner & Dance night in Aberdeen.
Thanks to Gordon, he was very patient teaching me my very first Scottish dance, I think I almost stepped on his foot a few times... but I was quite a quick learner, in no time, I have memorized the steps and I was actually enjoying it! Also Kristy, whom has been a really great friend to hang out with, she took me on a daytrip to see New Slains Castle outside the city, and also with James (with his cutie pie, Rosa) to see Haddo House and have a lovely tea there.
My boss (from Singapore) left earlier to see his family and headed back to London and Singapore. It was a weird feeling, as I have always been an independent traveller, but once on business trip, I actually felt a little handicapped. LOL. But I got used to it pretty soon; solitude and Blackberry (fortunately with data plan) were my best companions. I also got to meet my boss (based in London) as he was in for 2 days.
Everyone had a great laugh with the durian sweets experiment. In fact, no one really liked it except for one lady whom said she actually enjoyed it. Most people spat it out in like 2 seconds. I felt a little guilty introducing them to something they didn't like... LOL. Hopefully I have compensated that with the other stuff I brought.
7 nights passed by in Aberdeen real fast, I was feeling reluctant to leave on the last day but I had to as I was going to see my best friend in London. But I felt so relieved to be out of the hotel (read about my complaint on the earlier post)!
Just in case you are wondering, the Aberdonians' English isn't anything like those in glasgow, I managed to understand them without much difficulty (unless they're drunk!). They don't have a very strong Scottish accent, fortunately ;)
Forgetful I
Strangely, I managed to get to bed at 1am despite a long sleep on my flight back to Singapore. I'm adapting well ;) except for a head that probably hasn't quite woke up. 130pm, I am yawning. It must be about 530am there in UK right now.
This morning, I happily went to a cafe and ordered toast and eggs before I realised my wallet is not with me! It was embarrassing and I had to cancel it because I didn't have a cent on me to pay for it! I hope there's not a second time... And I had to borrow lunch money from colleague today. Argh.
Edited.
Kaoz, I actually forgot it's Tuesday, not Monday, damn.
This morning, I happily went to a cafe and ordered toast and eggs before I realised my wallet is not with me! It was embarrassing and I had to cancel it because I didn't have a cent on me to pay for it! I hope there's not a second time... And I had to borrow lunch money from colleague today. Argh.
Edited.
Kaoz, I actually forgot it's Tuesday, not Monday, damn.
Ridiculous service @ Park Inn Aberdeen
Below is the review I wrote for Park Inn, the hotel I stayed in Aberdeen (pardon all the grammatical errors as I wrote all these off my head and has no time to amend before sending it in).
"The 1st night, everything seems perfect except for having a sandwich which said to have avocado (my favourite) in it but turned up without it! I was put up in the Business room for 7 nights (which appears like a normal room to me) but is an okay size for me since I was there alone. The location was great as it was near to my office.
 |
| Rubbish hotel |
I ordered room service a couple of times and they were pretty efficient, also the breakfast in bed was delivered on time - impressed with this one. But after one time of breakfast in bed, housekeeping never seems to replace another door hanger for me to request for other occasions. I didn't mind going down for breakfast as the food is always nice and warm, but there wasn't a varied menu for 7 days.
Not to mention that I am in a business room and complimentary water was not replenished on a daily basis. I don't mind if I have some water left on some days, but I am AMAZED at how terrible the housekeeping service is, they left my EMPTY BOTTLE there and never bring up a new one. On two occasions, I have to ring up for water to be delivered to the room. I have to say I have never been to a hotel that never replenishes drinking water - even if you have not drank the ones in the room, additional ones are always put in the room on a daily basis. Also complimentary tea bag, coffee or hot chocolate packet are not being replenished in the room. BUSINESS ROOM but crap service!! I have to also say once when I rang up reception, and was transferred to room service, no one actually picked up the phone!
I saw a sign that says put the stuff on the floor in the bathroom if you want them changed, so I left the towels and bath robe one of the days. To my HORROR, they hanged back the bath robe (without replacing a new one), though they did change my towels. I have to say I'm very pissed with such service. How can you not take it away for me??! I was presented with 2 bath robes when I checked in, they could have just taken the dirty one away, I do have another spare but instead they put back the dirty one for me. This sucks.
On the weekend (saturday morning) where I slept a little longer (about 9+am), I was awaken by noises of someone dragging the furnitures around. This is not good!!!
The worst experience is they never pick up my laundry. What's the point of having a checklist, laundry bag and drawer for laundry in the room when we actually have to bring it down (later the manager told me)?!! As laundry was not available during the weekend, I packed the stuff for it to be done on Monday as I was checking out on Tuesday. When I got back, it was to my DISBELIEF that the laundry bag is still there! I even left a note to say I have to get it back before I check out. Is the housekeeper blind or just didn't bother - what customer service is this?!! Even if we were to bring it down (we weren't told), someone cleaning the room would have spotted and if the service is that great, they would kindly bring it down. But no, instead, I came back to a room with dirty laundry, dirty bathrobe, empty water bottle and complimentary tea bags/coffee that wasn't replenished.
This is one of the worst stays I ever had, I would not recommend it. Maybe for 1 night if you're in town for business, but anything longer it is a nightmare. My boss wasn't impressed with them too. I don't need a reply to re-assure me of the bad service, please look into your lousy housekeeping, maybe you need to change/train your staff."
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