Tuesday, October 11, 2011

My First Overseas Assignment

I suppose I'm fated to Hainan Island, doubted as the Hawaii of the East. This I can truly agree when the sun is out and the ocean shimmers with sparkling diamond. Led a tour to Hainan from 05-10 October. Was raining from Day 1 to 4; one moment it was rain, the other moment it was sunny. Typhoon season marked my first overseas assignment! Mr. Sun finally showed his face on Day 5 for the whole day, so that my group had a happy ending after all.

My clients were good people, mostly elderlies, with only two 1987's girls who were friendly. Never before have I PR with so many people (25 in total) and for so long hours (from morning call to end of day). I hate meal time as I had to sit with the tour guide and driver because we simply have nothing to talk about. Our meals weren't as fantastic as those clients, and one aunty sent twice of their leftover food for us.

Rainy weather on the first few days had greatly dampened my already anxious mood, to the point I hated morning call so much because it's time to get on stage!

Company-paid tours aren't as good as what some clients may think. Firstly, I can't sleep well knowing that I'm on 24-hour standby. Secondly, I have to wake up at 6am instead of my usual 8.15am. Thirdly, I don't end my day until at least 8pm. Fourthly, I have to assign rooms taking into consideration requests for adjoining room. Lastly, I brought my loads of clients to the wrong flight check-in zone and made them walk a mile with my company's flag flying high.

Back to office again tomorrow. Have to face stupid computer and idiotic phone.

Friday, September 16, 2011

Cheapo

One female client called today asking for discount for a group of 5 people going to Turkey. I know by hard that my company follows a strict discount policy, I don't really know how to put it nicely to the customer. If she studies business, I can simply say "no" so as to reduce "brand dilution." But I can assume. So I could only say "I would want to give you discount but I can't."

Had my manager over to handle the call and she sounded stern and no discount means no discount. The customer kept telling us she could easily go to another competitor of ours. Now I can think of a good answer to call upon next time: "we do not compete on price alone. if we simply give discount, we will lose the trust of customers who don't even ask for it!"

Price consistency is very important, and now I thought of some agencies that collapsed because they were too desperate to close the sales.

One walk-in customer inquired on some cheap tours to Taiwan, and later Beijing. Our 5 days Beijing already costs almost S$1,500 by SQ. Her expression was so funny when I told her about the price. She immediately brushed away the itinerary, without even the slightest interest in reading the itinerary. Wasted my pen ink and paper. She walked away and now I realised I should sell the right thing to the right customer.

Called a customer who initially wanted to come down to book a Maldivian package. 2 hours passed and he still hasn't appeared. So I gave him a call and he said he got a better quote. I asked how was the quote like. He told me S$2,588 + S$300 plus taxes for 8 nights at Adaaran villa. I was amazed at that price. Usually a night stay would cost around S$800. When I worked out if we can give him a similar quote, my manager told me: "call him and tell him we can't match that price."

Maldives is one of my dream destinations. S$2,588 albeit is a bargain, is so expensive to me. I will rather go on a cruise and sail on the ocean, even when I'm asleep.

TTG Asia - Leader in Hotel, Airlines, Tourism and Travel Trade News - Voyager of the Seas to embark on maiden Asia-Pacific foray

TTG Asia - Leader in Hotel, Airlines, Tourism and Travel Trade News - Voyager of the Seas to embark on maiden Asia-Pacific foray

Voyager of the Seas will be home-porting in Asia next year onwards... counting down to 14 July 2012 - Shanghai, Fukuoka, Okinawa, Jeju!

Going California gym inquire about the package tomorrow.

Hainan next month for tour leading. Really don't feel like going there. It's going to be my third time. I'm not a Hainanese!

Friday, September 9, 2011

So tired

is the only two words I can think of now.

Today's my 9th day of work. Finally I'm off tomorrow.

Have been dreading over the long hours of work and lack of play.

Saturday, August 27, 2011

Funny customers

NATAS travel fair this weekend but I'm stationed in office. Lots of calls coming in, some silly questions from customers. One inquired about turkey and wanted to know if December will snow. Even though I know I am not a fortune teller, I said it will "confirm snow" in the hope that the customer will buy from me.

Another fellow on the phone asked me about the itinerary for 5 days 3 nights Tokyo, Mt Fuji and Yokohama. She's a very price-sensitive customer seeking dates with 1-for-1 promotion.

Me: Day 1 check in at airport. Day 2 reach Tokyo, go Mt Fuji and later Yokohama. Day 3 Tokyo city tour. Day 4 Tokyo free at leisure. Day 5 return to Singapore.

Woman: Oh! Actually very short hor.

Me: Because you're asking for 5 days mah!

Woman: Oh, ok thanks.

Thursday, August 18, 2011

2 funny customerz

In a week alone I encountered 2 funny customers.

Customer 1 has been calling me since the third day of my work regarding Vietnam until the third week of my work which is today. Over the phone she said she wanted a triple room, all with single beds because they are all women and not used to sleeping with each other. Suddenly she reminds of myself, because I don't like to share a bed too! So for that matter, I can put myself in her shoes. But 3 individual beds in a room?? I have stayed in over a hundred hotels worldwide, but have never come across such a configuration as yet (with the exception of youth hostels). My colleague told me some customers are like this. They thought our company owns everything - airplanes and hotels.

Customer 2 walked-in yesterday. She was from Canadian on holiday in Singapore and wanted to visit somewhere near on a solo trip. I suggested Bali and she really liked the idea, taking down notes of the places that she can visit (Rock Bar at Ayana Resort especially) and hotels to stay. In the end, she said she will try booking online. LOL. Because as I was presenting those ideas to her, I showed her the websites that she could do her own booking! She was such a nice person to talk to, and I even became an ambassador of Singapore, promoting No Signboard restaurant because she wanted to try chilli crab, and One Altitude bar for the most captivating bird's eye view of Singapore's skyline.

This morning, my colleague told me she saw the same lady (customer 2) wearing the same clothes the day before at the bus stop. I thought it was nothing to be excited about, because I can wear 1 shirt for 1 week in a row when I'm on holiday!

Monday, August 8, 2011

Another week

Was totally shacked by the end of first week. Doing sales is indeed tiring. Talked so much during day time and don't feel like talking to anyone after work. Yesterday was most challenging. Was at travel fair ground for 12 hours. Was stationed at Turkey booth. Closed a few sales on Turkey and South Africa.

My first office sales was Bangkok and then Cambodia last week. But these two are far from my sales target of 65k for this month alone. Don't know how now.

Been reading on South Africa and I am really interested in that place. I hope I can visit it one day.

Today's my off day and I slept through the afternoon.

Tuesday, August 2, 2011

Intensive product training

Yesterday was my first day at work.

As usual, HR matter briefing first thing in the morning at HQ. Can't name my company.

Went to my office in Bugis, new and super bright. Made my head spinning. Aircon directly above me. So I can best describe how winter is like to my clients. It's bitterly cold and desolate..

Learned about company's businesses and products. 1001 itineraries for me to get familiar with. Sights description, visa, climate, travelling time between cities, meals, hotels. My goodness..

Today I was being trained on using the reservation system before heading to HQ for almost 4 hours product training on long haul tours - EU, USA, NZ, AU, Egypt, South Africa, India, Dubai, Israel. The price structure looked so much like stock prices.

Reached home and researched on Europe and attractions info.

Goodnight world.

Sunday, July 31, 2011

Officially graduated

Yesterday was my convocation. Reached at almost 9am, and lasted until 1pm. Professor Wong Sze Sze who taught me strategic management was on stage, as well as Professor Geoffrey Chua who taught me service operations. Was hoping to see Professor Henderson but she was not present.

It was good to say goodbye to my friends, Wei Cai, Wen Jie and Ruoyi, three of whom were my very first project mates in year 1. And for which our project grade was an unforgettable C+ for Accounting I.

I'm happy to leave university because it was very stressful. But I am sad to leave because student life is really "own time own target." I can skip school anytime I like, and just be present for the exams.

My 'ou ou' ken was my photographer of the day. Mum, sis, ken and I had our lunch at MCD before heading home.

Nothing beats having a long nap after having woken up so early.

Went Marina Square for a graduation treat to Cafe de Waraku by my dearest friend. Watched NDP preview fireworks along Esplanade Drive.

Now that I am officially graduated, it marks the beginning of my working life. The thought of working a long way towards retirement scares me to the max.

Friday, July 22, 2011

Time flies

It's more than a month since I last made an entry. So many obstacles have occurred that I was almost overwhelmed. In fact not many, but really major one - where MOE rescinded my contract for some obvious discrimination. So much so that I am really hoping that I will land myself a job overseas one day and never to return to Singapore. So I shall gain a few years of working experience, visit the temple more often to accumulate better karma, and try my luck.

Passion or money? Which one will you work for?

Money is indispensable.
Money is power.
Money can buy happiness.
And in Economics, we learn that "money makes the world go round."

Suddenly, I am engulfed by the above notions that I am losing sight of my passion - my passion for the tourism industry. Transition in life is always difficult. I'm too settled in the life of a student. For the first time I am faced with the questions of how to start repaying my school loans, take charge of my personal finance and contribute to household. These questions were never tested as far as I remember. And more difficult question that I have been asking myself since the last day of school - should I switch industry?

If I switch industry, will it also mean going against the course of my life map? Alas! I should have consulted Goddess of Mercy on this...

Time flies and soon I'll be starting work on 1 August 2011. I need to set my mentality right before I start, so that I can carrying with me a positive attitude towards my work. I have always wanted to be a good employee. But I am quick to pose my idea that may challenge authority. Since I am starting my career proper, it is time that I set the right foot forward.

Bangkok here I'm coming. Visiting the Four-Faced Buddha is the primary purpose of this trip. And I have done my research on the correct method of praying. Somehow I wish I am less detail-oriented, so that I can go with the flow! And sometimes how I wish I resemble less of my mother who is a constant worrier!

Thursday, June 16, 2011

Living life on South China Sea for 1166 Nautical Miles

Back from a 12-day Asian voyage on Royal Caribbean's Legend of the Seas. Really missed that beautiful boat!

Cabin no. 2028

Crowds were mostly Australians, followed by Singaporeans and other Europeans. I had a chance to speak with a Mexican while dipping in the whirlpool and he told me how much he liked the transport system in Singapore and Hong Kong. He told me it would be difficult to get around in Mexico if you don't own a car. I asked how many cars his household own back home and he said "5." Each car (Ford) costs only around 10,000USD. This means that his 5 cars can trade in for 1 car in Singapore.

On the second day of our cruise, mum and I saw a Filipino elderly woman on the verge of crying and walking frantically along the corridor on deck 2. I asked her if she needed help and she told me she can't remember her room number (there were hundred over cabins on deck 2 alone!), and her husband must also be waiting for her.

I asked if she remembers her own name (although a little crude) and when she said "yes," bingo! Then I calmed her down by saying I'll bring her to the reception desk on deck 5 where they'll be able to help locate her room number.

She walked very slowly due to age and trembling in fear. Each time she repeats the same old story that her husband is waiting for her and on the verge of crying, I just need to repeat the same old remedy that the reception desk will be able to locate her room number, and then she would be in delight again. I held her hands and at times I had a tendency to walk rapidly, forgetting that I am assisting an elderly and need to have more patience. The receptionist from South Korea was very kind to say to the elderly woman as she held both her hands that "it is okay you're not the only one faced with this problem, this is only your first night of the cruise. Someone will escort you to your room." The receptionist thanked us profusely and off we went to catch a sunrise and buffet breakfast.

It's a scary thought that one may get senile when we come of age.

The rest of the cruise was smooth sailing.

Had mud bath in Vietnam's Nha Trang, voted as one of the world's most scenic bays. Still, that place really sucked to the max. Although I believe good people does exist, those whom we met were horrible! We initially agreed with the driver who can't speak English on 40USD for a 3-hour car hire. Towards the end of the trip, he stopped at a roadside where he sought the help of his English-speaking friend to dig another 10USD from us. He said 10USD is to drive us back to the pier. I told him that if he didn't drive us back to the pier immediately, he don't even have to think of that 40USD! I rolled up my window pane and he drove off immediately. At Cho Dam (Central) Market, we had a simple lunch (rice with meat) and coconut for 5USD per person! Simply conned. But I must say that one simple lunch alone beats the fine dining main course on board. The cod fish we had on board tasted like chicken breast, dry and hard. Mum said they use frozen fish. Obviously, how can they use fresh fish when the ship calls at a port only days later to re-stock? What's more is that they don't take in supplies from every port but main ports such as Singapore and Hong Kong where the stock is available and quality is good.

Thap Ba Mud Bath


On a tender boat (deep water docking) back to ship in Nha Trang

Spotted our ship from afar

On Hainan Island, I bought an iPhone cover. The seller's initial price was 50CNY, although I managed to bargain and bought at 20CNY (less than 4SGD). Happy!

Upon reaching Hong Kong, it was the Victoria Harbour that stunned me as the ship sailed past the Lantau Bridge.


Reached Shanghai and the weather turned chilly and started drizzling. It was only a transit stop and soon, we were on our flight to Xiamen in Fujian Province.

Xiamen was nice and the buildings looked just like those in Taiwan. And now I know, both Xiamen and the Taiwanese share close relationship in terms of trade and kinship.

Xiamen (view from Nanputuo Temple)

Took a ferry across to Kinmen from Xiamen, a remote island of Taiwan (just like how Okinawa Island is so remote from mainland Japan). Much of Kinmen's remnants came from the Japanese occupation and civil war that took place on the island in the 1940's. Land mines still exist and one is safer sticking to proper roads. This half-day tour to Kinmen has earned me another passport stamp - "Admitted R.O.C, Duration of Stay: 30 Days."

Kinmen - my immediate thought was "what happen if tsunami come?"

Flew back from Shantou, a place near to the Tropic of Cancer.

Lots of sun, sea and sand. Simply love a cruise vacation! Free-style!

Thursday, June 2, 2011

Here's June again

May 2011 ended with my last paper on the 19th and trips to Suzhou (19-23 May), Bali (23-27 May) and Malacca/Port Dickson (28-29 May). Back-to-back trips are cool but tiring! It's my only few chances left to do it cos I'll lose my stamina soon when I start work, and when I hit 30 in 4 years' time.

Come tomorrow I'm bringing mum for health check at Raffles Hospital. She still don't know she has to undergo it. Cos I told her MOE required me to bring 1 parent for pre-employment health check. No choice cos she won't go otherwise.

Weather is freaking hot today as I went to Bugis' temple this afternoon. My skin is melting.

Throat felt itchy halfway when asleep last night, and I know I'm getting heaty with fried food. So I bought 1kg of mangosteen for 5 bucks to cool down. Durian is the king of fruits. Mangosteen is the queen!

Tuesday, May 3, 2011

26th Birthday

It has been a long time since I last blogged.

Yesterday was my birthday. Went Sentosa with dearie, and then to Suntec. Had dinner at Old Town. The Javanese Mee was very nice.

Walked to One Fullerton and had my usual dragonwell tea at Coffeebean. Started drilling myself with revenue management notes because exam is around the corner.

I'm looking forward to my vacation.

Sunday, January 23, 2011

Bedok











Tourism Court

Went Tourism Court resource centre on friday to do some research. Small, but the ambience was damn elegant. Got an English feel.

































Sunday, January 16, 2011

Back from 18 days of travelling

Returned home yesterday after 18 days of travelling on the road.

Left on 29 December 2010.

Spent my new year in Hong Kong, watching countdown tv channel in the room instead of Victoria Harbour, which was so full of people until I could imagine Kowloon sinking. Ronald, my ex-China colleague, spent his new year (0000hrs) in the shower. Lol. Anyway, Chinese nationals don't really celebrate new year (gregorian calendar), but Chinese new year (lunar calendar).

I prefer Christmas and new year because they usually coincide with end-of-year clearance sale.

Went Suzhou to meet up with my friends there. They treated me to lavish dinner. I am praying hard they won't come to Singapore in the near future, or else I can only treat them to dinner at Lau Pa Sat. Satay. Ooo.. missing it.

Went Shanghai and Shaoxing alone. Weather was at freezing point. Worn 5 layers of clothing which made me felt heavy and clumsy.

Flew by budget carrier to Hong Kong, and toured for 5 days before returning back to Singapore.

One more week left before school reopens on 24th January 2011.