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My First Overseas Assignment

2011-10-11T19:10:00.001+08:00

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.

Cheapo

2011-09-16T22:06:00.002+08:00

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

2011-09-16T00:07:00.003+08:00

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!

So tired

2011-09-09T23:58:00.000+08:00

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.

Funny customers

2011-08-27T23:05:00.002+08:00

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.

2 funny customerz

2011-08-18T21:14:00.003+08:00

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!

Another week

2011-08-08T19:40:00.003+08:00

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.

Intensive product training

2011-08-02T23:26:00.002+08:00

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.

Officially graduated

2011-07-31T18:07:00.004+08:00

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.

Time flies

2011-07-22T03:16:00.006+08:00

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!

Living life on South China Sea for 1166 Nautical Miles

2011-06-16T17:27:00.009+08:00

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!

Here's June again

2011-06-02T18:38:00.003+08:00

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!

26th Birthday

2011-05-03T01:08:00.002+08:00

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.

Bedok

2011-01-23T19:52:00.010+08:00

Tourism Court

2011-01-23T18:38:00.004+08:00

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

Back from 18 days of travelling

2011-01-16T14:58:00.002+08:00

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.

1 more to go

2010-12-17T21:54:00.002+08:00

One more paper to go. I'm already in christmas mood. This is the first time I am having such a late exam, ending near christmas.

I am enjoying every second of my study now. Left with half a year more and that's the end of my student life, forever.

I hate working.

But have to work, so as to survive. That's life.

Last day of presentation

2010-11-30T23:43:00.002+08:00

Finalli ma projs r cleared. tis sem was de most shiong cos i was away in china for half a year.

Ended with strategic management presentation today. The following major group projs were done:

Strategic management: The Sapphire - eco-boutique hotel in Sapa
Services marketing: Inner Harmony Wellness Resort
Econs of tourism: China Outbound Tourism

Current undertaking includes FYP: "Destination Marketing: A comparative analysis between Singapore and Hong Kong." Still more than half undone.

Gonna start ma exam next fri. Suddenly i miss exam. Projs haf overwhelmed mi n gave mi few times of nightmare.

Oh, went universal studio evening admission on sat. 5 bucks onli. but onli can roam around hollywood section. gonna start revision proper.

Flu

2010-10-26T22:52:00.002+08:00

Yesterday slept halfway through caught a cold. Suddenly can't sleep at 1.30am. Tossed till 3am, got out of bed and ate bread with butter. Den popped a sleeping pill before I managed to sleep, all the way till 10am. So in de end skipped strategic management class, 4 hours of lecture. In de end went for 2 hours tutorial onli.

Tis sem was really heavy on mi. Because I went china and was absent from school. No regrets though.

Went orchard central do proj after school. On de way there i went to guardian pharmacy, food republic n uniqlo. Realised later I lost ma book which I carried by hand.

Went back to guardian pharmacy, de staff said din see it. I remembered placing the book on de counter.

Then went to food republic, and was told no lost book was returned.

Never mind that. I went to uniqlo, de staff said din see it too.

In de end I went back to guardian, and requested to see cctv because I was not convinced. It has shown that I have brought the book along when I left after purchasing 2 bottles of mineral water.

I went back to food republic and requested to see cctv, but de security man said the camera wasn't pointing towards where I was seated.

In de end I went back to uniqlo again, approached the counter staff and tis time round, dey said they found it.

Unlucky day.

Reached home and ma best friend nb told mi her ipad had gone missing at swensen's in vivocity. she placed it on de table and moments later it was gone. she oso requested to see cctv but de manager said need 1 working day. while dey walked into de cctv office, waitresses shouted at my fren even. de waitresses then picked their bags and left. lol. wat a scene to make in front of customers. some people just aren't meant to be in service line. just like me. i prefer planning and strategy more. back office =)

okay now i shall continue wif ma services marketing proj. servicescape, servicescape n servicescape.

RWS

2010-10-03T20:52:00.004+08:00

No time to make an entry. Aniwae i managed to go rws last wed wif ryan. It was amazing, felt just like I was overseas.

I should be going into universal studio by this year end, as soon as de rides are all fully opened.

Went airport yesterday and today to do ma sch proj. Notihng worth mentioning.

Two more weeks to recess.

Numbed is my heart

2010-09-26T21:07:00.002+08:00

One word to describe my heart - numb....

Lost my iPhone few weeks ago, now laptop is going to spoil anytime... and today? My bicycle was being stolen while I parked it at tanah merah mrt station. I think the thief must be really poor... even a 79 bucks' bicycle oso don't let off. Maybe because my bicycle looks beautiful. Coz I'm good at buying a product cheap and looks good. Tat's a true value-for-money item.

Now I gotta walk that lonely long road home. 10 mins! Cycle onli needs 3 mins.

If onli got circle line to ma block.

Lost so much at one go. Don't feel anything liao. Numbed. Better to lose maself oso. Life sucks.

Villon's wife

2010-09-16T22:15:00.002+08:00

Watched the villon's wife on tue after school with wc. Very cheem show to understand. Japan in the 1940's.

Yesterday went raffles city to study, and bumped into mel. Then we shared table to study, had dinner at 8 plus at ion. Hokkien mee was nice but costs 5.50 bucks.

Today stayed home till 7 plus before having dinner at bedok north market..

Many assignments to clear and if onli i can outsource some of them.

Mum's birthday

2010-09-11T23:41:00.002+08:00

Went airport for dinner at soup restaurant cos it's mum's birthday today.

Saw many idols carrying a signboard with korean words written on it, as they screamed and ran around like crazy. Dunno which korean star it was.

Went ya-kun before going home.

So tired.

Lucky day

2010-09-10T17:36:00.002+08:00

Went for project meeting with my mates at raffles city. then I went to starbucks at one fullerton, waiting for dearie to pick me up. While waiting I saw our minister mentor lee walked past! I was so excited... I waved at him and he waved back. Lol... He must have been out for a stroll, along with his bodyguards. I think without him singapore will not be where it is today.

Although I don't like to stay in Singapore, I feel proud holding that red passport when i'm overseas.

Long weekend

2010-09-09T00:03:00.001+08:00

Today's the start of long weekend.

Been reading up on strategic management and doing some research on Banyan Tree.

And then I stoned for the whole day because of the rain.

The photocopy room

2010-09-03T23:46:00.003+08:00

After 2 years of education in NTU, I have not only been taught on business concepts, but life-skills that are self-taught also. One of these life-skills include learning the ropes of operating a photocopy machine (a.k.a. the photocopier).

I was given the opportunity to photocopy textbooks in the reference library, which would otherwise cost me a bomb if I were to purchase them. (More than 7 textbooks by now).

My mentor was an auntie who works in the photocopy room. From the moment I stepped into the room, she would start off by saying: "2-sided? Book type? etc etc......"

Now I am confident in doing the work by myself, and making the necessary adjustments accurately (otherwise I would waste 1 cent for every print that wasn't well-aligned).

Photocopy machines these days are so advanced. Not only do they have only one button "start," they have many other functions requiring me to tap into my intuition and correct judgment before I hit on that button, in order to yield the best print result.

If there is a module on the complexities of modern photocopy machines, I think I can get 'A' for it.

When can I ever graduate from the photocopy room?

Photocopying work is so mundane. But still, it is better than having so many projects to clear for this semester. If only they just require me to flip from right-to-left, right-to-left, right-to-left...

My brain is now functioning from right-to-left as well (and hope you do so too in order to get an understanding of my core idea):-

.SSERTS-REDNU

Heart attack

2010-08-31T23:08:00.002+08:00

Today is May-Day or D-Day. Sigh.

So many projects are flooding in.

Strategic Management module alone has 6 projects to do (although no final examination). I rather sit for final paper in this case. Exchange student from Canada seated beside me was shocked.

It is really a courageous choice for those exchange students to choose Singapore's universities (SMU, NTU or NUS) as their host universities (although most of them only need to transfer either a 'pass' or 'fail' grade back home). If I have a choice I will choose to go somewhere more relaxed.

I got a total of 5 modules today, or 6 if final year paper is to be included.

- Services marketing
- Accounting 2
- Strategic management
- Economics of tourism
- Personal information

I will be amazed if I won't collapse even when lying horizontally on bed one day.

Back to school

2010-08-30T19:51:00.004+08:00

Woke up at 6am. Have never woken up so early this year to attend school, save for catching early flight! Back in Suzhou I woke up only at 7.40am everyday for work when the sun was high up in the sky (during summer) or just nicely bright (during winter).

Reached Pioneer station at 7.45am, just nice for me to have a plate of duck rice. Never before have I eaten duck rice so early in the morning. But my appetite is the biggest in the morning. I can also eat a packet of nasi lemak.

I eat more because I have to attend 6 hours of lesson straight, from 0830-1430 without any lunch break.

Still feeling abit sad because from now until next year June I will be busy like siao. Because of final year project. Many exchange students in my class. I thought I was in America! But one student from Hong Kong. So envious of them now.

Tune Hotel Danga Bay

2010-08-25T23:30:00.003+08:00

Went Tune Hotel Danga Bay by coach from MBS yesterday. 12 SGD one way. Journey time about 1.5 hrs.

Had foot reflex in Festive Street Market - 38 MYR/1hr. Cheap cheap. In Singapore, I pay 38 SGD/40mins. Foot reflex is good because it aids in blood circulation. I felt pain when they pressed the acu-point on sinus and gastric... Very true. Cos I always wake up having running nose, and food never gets digested in my stomach. Too much gastric juice.

Next time I go I must tell that old lady from Chiangmai to be gentler, cos I had to walk back to the hotel limply. Power!

Napped in the room until it was dinner time. Bought 1 roti boy from that same market which I had to walk for 10 minutes. Then had mee rebus which doesn't taste like our usual mee rebus. Cos the mee rebus that I ate was indonesian style. Still it was a good try and new experience, and I turned out to like it.

Watched a show on National Geographic on air disaster. After I slept I dreamt of 1 old lady committing suicide by jumping down a building. Today news reported the crash of an Air China flight in China.

Reached back MBS at about 12nn.

Took bus to Esplanade and walked to Raffles City. Met mum, sis and jeck. Had lunch at Shokudo before checking into Fullerton Bay Hotel room 620. Sis booked for her 3 nites stay there to celebrate her birthday.

One night 388 SGD! Very nice hotel. I loved the pool overlooking Marina Bay.

Mum and I walked to MBS for dinner. Fried rice tasted horrible! Plain. Char siew puff was so dry. Both of them wasted the space in my stomach! Could have filled it with something better. I don't usually fuss over food, and when I does, you know the standard.

Left with 4 more days to play before school starts on mon. Finally.

Back from Australia

2010-08-15T19:34:00.003+08:00

My trips for this year have ended, finally.

For once I felt soooo tired jetting around!

My trip to Australia was relaxing though.

Some uniqueness about Australia:

- Aussies can wear t-shirts and shorts with slippers in winter
- Most don't wash hands after pee-ing
- Fish & chips!
- 3.50 AUD per mineral water bottle
- Friendly with lots of smiles
- Shops close by 6pm

And I met a mad woman at the hostel! She can really talk nonstop. Was telling me how Australia should learn from Singapore by banning chewing gums. Got one time she sat on it at the bus stop and had to waste 9 AUD sending it to the laundry.

The next day, she repeated the same old story to other hostelites while we were in the kitchen.

The first moment I saw the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Opera House, I was soooooo excited! But after a few minutes, I felt that they were nothing special. Its only that our version is called the Benjamin Sheares Bridge and the Esplanade respectively.

Melbourne? I like it better than Sydney. At least our drive to the Great Ocean Road was something memorable. But then, after a few minutes of driving along the coast, we see the same thing - sea after sea!

I still enjoy Japan more.

Oh well tomorrow have to go collect my dental retainer at 9.30am at SGH! sigh... i am lacking of sleep.

Consultation with prof

2010-08-02T23:19:00.000+08:00

Met prof for final year proj consultation. Went running in the gym.

Met GIP groups on Sentosa Island. Watched Songs of the Sea performance. Dinner at Carl's Jr. in Vivocity. Tired.

iPhone 3GS

2010-07-30T15:15:00.001+08:00

Finally got some songs downloaded into my iPhone.

Another rainy day.

Going to take a nap now.

Back from Beijing

2010-07-29T23:21:00.008+08:00

Been super super busy planning for my upcoming melbourne trip next wed. And I'm just back from Beijing on monday. Lots of travelling this year! Until they are wearing me down. No more fun elements in them.

Beijing was extremely hot and stuffy. But the dry weather made me sweat lesser than I would in Singapore. The air was forever bad, with very poor visibility. Dusty roads. I still prefer Shanghai and Suzhou anytime.

Enjoyed Peking Roasted Duck the most and the turtle soup at 全聚德烤鸭店. Expensive though! At about S$40 per pax for dinner with only three dishes in total. Yet there were many Chinese tourists patronising the famed restaurant, besides foreign tourists.

Flew to Xi'an (18 July 2010) and I found the Army of Terracotta Warriors stunning. They were excavated in 1974, after being discovered by a nearby village digging a water well at that time.

Went to Inner Mongolia (19 July 2010) as well. Stayed at a Mongolian Yurt for a night (20 July 2010), and the weather at night and the next morning was chilling, with vapour that came out from my mouth when I speak. Regretted not bringing along a jacket. The Mongolians work only during summer season from June to August. Come September temperature drops and snow starts falling in October. Winter temperature dips as low as minus 30. No tours come after August.

Rode a horse for two hours, until my hips and butt ached. After my china trip, I could manoveur a horse! And ride with confidence. Most Chinese from Northern China know how to ride a horse since young, because it is their transport.

My butt got a second blow the next day (21 July 2010) when I rode on a camel. Thank God the weak-looking camel could not run, but sauntered along the desert path as though it would collapse anytime due to heatstroke.

On the bus back to the city, a french guy seated behind me asked: "Is this bus going back to Hoh-hot?"

Hoh-hot is the capital city of Inner Mongolia. I replied "yes, going back to Hoh-hot."

Then I told dearie that I should have said we're going back to "Hot-yit" (which means very hot in cantonese) and not Hoh-hot!

Got back to Beijing (23 July 2010), visited Temple of Heaven and had Peking Roasted Duck for the next two nights!

Joined a tour to Tianjin (24 July 2010), the fifth busiest port in China, but it wasn't busy at all. I can't see any cargo-lifting work in action. It was 1.30pm, and perhaps the workers were still taking an afternoon nap. The tour bus stinked like hell. I wouldn't want to remember this unpleasant experience, but I wouldn't want to forget that I have to carefully choose the right tour operator next time. No more CYTS!

Still, I would say the Great Wall (25 July 2010) is still the most marvellous structure amongst the other six wonders of the world. Even surpassed the colosseum in Rome. Needless to say, Tower of Pisa.

This Zha Jiang Mian 炸酱面 that I had at the Great Wall filled my final night in China with unforgettable trips to the toilet, even in the sky back to Singapore. SIA should consider installing TV in toilets. So I can come out only when it's about time to land.

A simple cup, above a simple sky. Don't you think I have a flair for marketing photography? I love this pic the most.

Went for my second IPL treatment yesterday at Vivocity. Had an injection on my face after doing carbon peeling. Carbon peeling was kinda unbearable due to the high heat. Felt as though a construction worker was performing soldering work on my face.

Dental appointment today. Paid almost 140 bucks for my broken retainer. Met jc and jm for fyp project discussion, amidst an impending stress. So I went running at Bedok Stadium.

IPL Laser

2010-07-15T23:10:00.000+08:00

Dearie brought me for IPL laser yesterday for my acne at Derma Solutions in China Square Central. The package consists of 6 treatments. Went ecp for dinner. Ate my favourite duck rice.

Went cycling with ken this morning. Cycled from home to ecp to changi village. Then had nasi lemak for lunch. Then cycled back to ecp and then home. Took 3 hours man! That's the longest bike ride ever.

Met sis and bro-in-law for dinner at Dian Xiao Er in Tampines One today after my haircut. I still think singapore's salons are more ethical and skillful.

Gonna sleep now. Early flight to beijing tomorrow.

方大同 Singalong song 正式MV版

2010-07-13T21:34:00.002+08:00

My china friend said I looked abit like 方大同 when I wear specs, but he's way much taller than me.

And so, I got this song dedicated to me as farewell. Learning piano in China is cheap. At only 100 yuan (22 sgd) per hour.

At Genting now

2010-07-09T00:45:00.003+08:00

Woke up at 8 am plus for breakfast.

Checked out at 1130. Walked to KL Sentral but was told that the 12noon express bus to genting was full. Have to wait for 3pm. In the end spent 24 ringgit for sharing taxi with a family of 3 - father from switzerland, mother from indonesia.

I became an uncertified tour guide explaining the height of the mountain, facilities and recreation at Genting, widening of mountain access roads in recent times etc. They ask me why Singaporeans still come here since we have 2 casinos in Singapore. The only reason I can give is the high entrance fee. 100 bucks per entry. Genting package only 80 bucks.

Why Genting will win the bid to set up casino in Singapore? Otherwise the 100 bucks levy won't work.

If the two casinos were run by Sands and MGM Mirage, Genting Highlands will definitely unroll extraordinary casino promotion deals to entice Singaporeans. Now that Genting has a casino in Singapore, it cannot put forward such deals perhaps due to the fear of cannibalising effect?

To put it nicely, of course Genting has experience in the Asian market, so this is a winning factor.

Again, today's journey seemed shorter and I reached Genting Highlands about the same time as mum.

Got room 7144 at Genting Hotel. Renovation on-going, so this time round I'll rather stay at First World Hotel.

Went to gym, ran and performed yoga before using the jacuzzi, steam bath and sauna. Costs me 60 ringgit! But sweating that calories out is more important to me now.

Had claypot chicken rice which costs me about 16 ringgit. Nice though. Southeast Asian food is indeed more appetising, although I have not much preference, anywhere! Had gui ling gao and herbal tea to cool down.

Dusk falls

Slept for two hours till 10 plus and came to coffeebean to use wifi.

Going back to room soon.

Parting time

2010-07-07T23:53:00.001+08:00

Yesterday was a difficult time for me, and my china friends as we have to part today. Many flashbacks...

Went Guan Qian Street, wanted to have japanese buffet, but it was closing soon. Lucky for me, otherwise my rigorous fat-shedding routine would have been wasted. Ate 过桥米线 (vermicelli soup) instead.

This morning was especially difficult for me as I made my way to Hangzhou Xiaoshan Airport. Even more difficult when I had to pay 58 yuan for a plate of distasteful yangzhou fried rice and 25 yuan for a can of coca-cola which could be bought for 6 yuan and 3 yuan in town respectively.

Upon boarding, I thought I have already reached Singapore. You will know what I mean by looking at the picture below:

Isn't this car similar to our cab?

Plane took off at 2.50pm. Took AirAsia, a bigger plane model A330-300 this time round, to Kuala Lumpur.

Bought a ribena, mineral water and sandwich onboard.

Landed at 7.20pm, helped 2 vietnamese women with immigration cards, and chatted with a china man from the low cost terminal all the way to KL Sentral while on the bus. Asked me how to get jobs in Singapore, told me he likes Singapore alot, and that Singapore is very safe.

Checked into Hotel Sentral. 157 ringgit. Got room 914. Ate mee siam goreng with teh tarik at Old Town for 5.40 ringgit in total. Super nice! At least this cheered me up. Returned to room and realised the hotel did not provide toothpaste. So I have to make my way down again to the minimart.

Going to sleep now. Meeting my mother tomorrow in Genting. Another reason to be happy.

Come to think of it, fortunately I went ahead with the work attachment in China. At least I know I can live overseas independently and handle strangely new problems as they arise.

But now I can't spit on the road as I like whenever I have phlegms or litter whenver I can't find a litter bin.

Humble Administrator's Garden

2010-07-05T23:06:00.000+08:00

Went gym this morning, then had lunch at In City. Ate hokkien fried mee from a Singapore cuisine outlet called Sin Chew Kee (新洲记). Not nice at all. Initially did not give me sambal chilli. How to eat?

Went to the Humble Administrator's Garden (拙政园) and was happy to be able to use my student card. So paid half price entrance fee at only 35 yuan. Inside the garden got a pavilion called Celestial Spring Pavilion (天泉亭) and I overheard a tour guide saying that by looking at one's own reflection in the well, one will grow more handsome. So I decided to look 3 times because I need an overhaul!

This well is about 700 years old

Of particular interest to me initially was the Tower of Reflection (倒影楼). But it turned out to be nothing more than a corridor's shadow being reflected on the water.

Got generous bites from mosquitoes, which thrives endlessly since spring time. Other things else......

Went for massage in order to use up my remaining 2 hours on the prepaid card.

Bought taiwanese sausage and braised eggs rice rolls (台湾香肠卤蛋饭团) and a black soya bean for 10 yuan. Returned home before going to Moonlight Harbour (金鸡湖) at about 9pm overlooking the Golden Chicken Lake (金鸡湖).

Reached home at ten plus.

First three days of July

2010-07-03T21:00:00.009+08:00

First day of July (Thu)

Went to find my colleagues for lunch after gym near where I worked for the past six months. Had omelette fried rice at a restaurant called New Island Coffee along Zhuhui Road (竹辉路). Only 28 yuan. Purpose for finding them was also to have them help me print out my e-ticket.

Booked an AirAsia flight from Hangzhou to KL next wed. Then I will meet mum for Genting before returning back to Singapore on Saturday.

Time really flies. 6 months just whizzed past in a slow blink of eyes. Yesterday seems like 13 Jan 2010. That dinner at Dian Xiao Er in T3, that Braun Buffel wallet that I received.

Anyway after my lunch, I went to buy ticket for the airport coach. Suzhou, being a booming financial city, has no airport unfortunately. The nearest airport is either in Shanghai, Hangzhou, Wuxi or Nanjing. To Shanghai and Hangzhou, it's about 2-hour bus journey. Sickening~

Went to a salon which I still had a prepaid card with credit left unused worth over 60 yuan. So I decided to go for a thai style head massage for 30 plus yuan. Now I'm still left with 30 plus yuan. But don't think I am going anymore. Each time I enter a salon in China I will have stage fright. Because there are many staff standing there, countless pairs of eyes looking at you. Low labour cost. That's why.

A bar along Shiquan Street (十全街) where my salon is located

Final stop was Times Square (圆融时代广场). On the way there I saw a guy carrying umbrella. The sun here is indeed harzardous. Especially now that heatwave is sweeping across China, in what seems like an outdoor sauna. You'll sweat just by standing outdoor in less than 1 minute. But I don't detest it, because I know this will help me burn my calories.

Outside Auchan Supermarket (欧尚超市)

九光 Department Store in Times Square

Went to a dessert outlet and have coconut sago (海底椰西米露) and a banana pancake. Beside my table were Singaporeans. 1 of them was so "yaya" (arrogant) when demanding that the service crew be "快点！" (faster). That fat ugly man.

Walked to Moonlight Harbour (月光码头), which is my favourite spot, to see it for the one last time, and to say goodbye.

This ferris wheel (摩天轮) is where I visited first and foremost when I reached here in January; it always reminds me of Singapore Flyer and Marina Bay

In fact, Suzhou industrial park is very much like Singapore, with plenty of tree-lined boulevards, and high-rise apartments.

Dinner at a crab specialty restaurant (迷宗蟹).

Second Day of July (Fri)

Went to the gym in the morning. Boarded a bus (no. 2) wanted to go to Lingyan Mountain (灵岩山) but got off the bus 2 stops later due to the sweltering heat. Returned home and slacked before going to Hanshan Temple (寒山寺) at 3.30pm instead after the weather got better, even though still hotter than Singapore. Taxi from home was 37 yuan. Entrance fee 10 yuan (student). Went in to ring the bell 3 times inside a pagoda 5 yuan.

Visiting temple in China isn't like visiting temple in Singapore. Temples in China can earn big bucks from entrance fees and sale of joss sticks (some 60 yuan and upwards depending on the size and popularity of the temple).

Being a poor student like me, I can only afford to press both of my palms together, and drop 2 yuan coins into the donation box.

Took a bus to Guan Qian Street, and then bus 178 to Xiangmen (相门) where I had dinner at a street known as 相门后庄 with full of foodstalls. I had cold noodles (凉面)

Third Day of July (Sat) - Today

Went to Mudu Watertown (木渎水乡古镇) and Lingyan Mountain today. Was super sunny and hot when I left home, but upon reaching it was drizzling. Hate the rain. The former paled in comparison with Zhouzhuang, Tongli and Zhujiajiao watertowns. And with the summer season into play now, trees are growing thick into what looks like a tropical rainforest to me.

Lingyan Mountain reminded me of climbing Bukit Timah Hill, with a temple at the top and boasts of good view of Suzhou city and beyond (entrance fee 1 yuan, cheapest joss stick here 10 yuan). The walk downhill was challenging. Fell once due to the steep incline and slippery path with algae. Then almost slipped another time.

同人不同命啊 (Same human, different lives)

Reached back to my neighbourhood at 4pm and went to the gym till 5.05pm.

Had dinner at In City of spicy soup mee hoon (麻辣汤) but I requested for non-spicy.

Postal office

2010-06-28T22:53:00.004+08:00

Went gym this morning despite the drizzle. Returned home to pack my items to be freight back to Singapore. Carrying the luggage down the stairs from the 5th level was no joke. Brought it to the postal office nearby and then purchased a cargo box for 10 yuan. Transferred all the items from the luggage to the box.

Weighed 18 over kilogrammes and costs me almost 280 yuan. Still cheaper than paying excess baggage fee at the airport.

Bought Subway Today's Special "Seafood Sensation" at 15 yuan.

Returned home and after eating that sandwich, I went to Suzhou University to collect my certificate of attendance.

While walking to the bus stop, saw a minor accident. Few days ago I heard loud skid on the road while waiting for the bus. But did not see any accident. Anyway, the way the locals drive are bound to have accidents everywhere.

Then went to Cang Lang Pavilion (滄浪亭), which is a garden. Entrance fee costs 30 yuan.

借景 - a window 'lending' the view from outside

Went for massage at 刀馬旦 from 6pm to 7.30pm (masseur no. 157 was good) before buying 台灣香腸滷蛋飯糰 for 10 yuan for dinner and a vegetable soup for 3 yuan. Headed for In City and saw that a hard disk (500 gb) costs about 800 plus yuan. So in the end I did not buy. Only bought a refillable facial cleanser bottle from Muji for 10 yuan, because I left it at the hotel in Zhengzhou.

Reached home at about 9 plus.

So fast it's mid-week

2010-06-22T23:03:00.005+08:00

Bought train tickets to Zheng Zhou city in Henan Province yesterday, for my trip tomorrow. The train will depart at 10.35, and will reach only at 0006 after 13 hours 13 mins of journey. Returned home to pack my stuff for my return back to Singapore. I'm starting to miss Suzhou now.

Too dusty

When I opened the drawer in the wardrobe, I was shocked to see winter clothes still lying around (because I thought I had handed them all over to mum and sis for them to bring back when they visited me in April)

Laptop is so heavy

Books are in aplenty

And oh, yesterday was the official start date for summer season, known as "夏至" where, according to ronald, people in the past would eat salted duck eggs and hang salted duck eggs around their neck... at least I don't see people hanging such things now, or it will be a laughing stock.

Because it is "夏至, " the sun yesterday would be in a 12 o'clock position (right in between east where the sun rises and west where the sun sets) at 12 noon sharp; I went out to the balcony to see and it was damn accurate.

Had dinner at a food court in In City, yong tau foo-like.

Today I went to the gym in the morning, and then went to highlight my hair at a salon called 丝度发型 because I wanted to use up my credit on the VIP card that I bought in February. As usual, the stylist will keep pressing me to choose a higher price category, but this time round, I am not to be swayed by their hard selling tactic! I got cunning as well, and said I forgot to bring the VIP card, so that they cannot check the balance and persuade me to top up more money.

After dying, the stylist kept asking me to buy a hair treatment at 80 yuan (about 18 sgd). I said no it's ok. He continued saying it's good, and even said it's not expensive. My heart was saying: "If not expensive then you pay for me lor!" But of course, I remained silent and not giving him any facial expression. He kept quiet.

After the hair cut, I flashed my VIP card at the stylist's face, and I could see his expression changed! HAHA. I just said "oops, I thought I forgot to bring."

Now I am still left with a balance of 68 yuan. Shall go for a hair wash and massage at 45 yuan next week. The remaining credit I will give back to the salon for free (or as tips haha).

Passed by a small roadside along Feng Men Road (封门路) leading to Suzhou University, selling street-side food. So I sat down to have my late lunch. Ate noodles (凉面) and seaweed soup (紫菜汤) for only 3 yuan and 1.5 yuan respectively.

Walked past this building and thought I am already in Singapore - HDB-look-alike

Returned home and then went to the gym again for body jam lesson at 1915 hrs, and then to In City.

Shall sleep now.

Singapore chicken curry

2010-06-20T23:15:00.003+08:00

Went gym in the morning, napped in the afternoon, before having chicken curry at Food Loft restaurant in In City for dinner. 30 yuan. Ronald had hainanese chicken rice for 25 yuan, and said it tasted similar to the one he had in Singapore. I felt my chicken curry was nice too.

Went for body massage and cupping (拔灌) before returning home at about 9 plus.

Karaoke

2010-06-18T23:48:00.003+08:00

Went to the gym this morning, and then to Guan Qian Street. Had lunch at Yong He Soya Bean (永和豆浆). Ate century egg porridge, you char kway and warm soya bean.

Sang for an hour at a KTV, although the package was 3 hour at 38 yuan. Left home when wl called to say she has forgotten to bring her key. Anyway I can't sing any further, so I left home. Cooked white porridge for dinner.

Putuoshan Island 普陀山 16-17 June 2010

2010-06-18T19:40:00.014+08:00

Went Putuoshan Mountain on Wednesday 16 June 2010 by overnight ferry from Shanghai. During the day time I went Postal Office in Shanghai to post a gift to my prof. That postal office is a landmark in Shanghai in itself. Had a long walk from the Bund (上海滩) as the security officer whom I sought for help pointed out to the wrong direction. So I had to u-turn.

My ferry left Wusong Port (吴淞码头) at 8pm. I reached just in time to board the ferry and while walking halfway to the ferry along the walkway, I stopped to take a photo of the ferry. Then I heard a woman shouted at me from faraway under the dimly-lit shelter "小姑娘快一点儿！船都快开了! 还拍什么照！ (Young lady hurry up! Ferry is leaving!)

Upon nearing the woman who turned out to be a fruit seller, she then said: "叫错了。这小伙子。到了普陀再拍嘛！" (Called out wrongly, you this little dude. Take the photo when you reach Putuo!)

I think my stature is sexy. That's why people often mistook my figure as a female from afar! Omg. Indeed I think I am more sexy than both of my sisters whom that same fruit seller might have otherwise mistaken as "uncles in the late 30s" with a beer belly.

So I boarded the ferry and then located my berth (bed on a ship/ferry is called "berth") on Deck 3A, berth no. 36. It was a middle-class standard cabin, with 8 berths in total. My lower berth was occupied by a mother and her daughter, who had difficulty climbing up the ladder. So I took her berth. Anyway, I prefer upper berth so I don't have to get near to the shoes of others left on the floor.

I went to the outdoor deck and watched Shanghai slowly disappear from my sight as we sailed out on the pearl river delta (珠江). For the next few hours, I indulged myself in a snoring symphony as soon as I sunk into my berth, hard as rock. Two old ladies were competing in a snoring contest. So much so that I began to question the quality of my ear plug.

Woke up at 0445 in the hope of watching the sunrise, but the sky was shrouded with thick, dark clouds. It was drizzling and I returned to my dreamy state of mind before hearing the announcement that breakfast could be bought on Deck 3 Cafe. So I had a bowl of minced meat noodles for 15 yuan, just to realise that I should have taken vegetarian instead, since I was on a pilgrimage trip to one of the 4 most reputed Buddhist mountains in the whole of China.

Reached Putuoshan at 0730am, sky turned sunny! And temperature began to soar above 30 degree celsius, unbearably hot!

Paid half price for admission to Putuoshan (just like an airport tax) for 80yuan upon presentation of my Foreign Student Pass. So I was delighted! As usual in China, I began hearing hagglers calling out for tourists who need accommodation and guide. And so I began to feign deaf by ignoring and not lend any facial expression.

Walked up a hill to Southern Sea Goddess of Mercy Statue (南海观音圣像). That was when I felt Putuoshan is just like Pulau Ubin on a bigger scale. Winding and steep roads, with green trees alongside. And that reminded me of my torturous cycling trips with my mates such as nb, ken and sc many years ago. Time really flies!

I sought for accommodation later at Puji Temple (普济寺) but was told that the 100 yuan single rooms were all taken. Only left with the 200 yuan twin rooms. Initially I wanted to go for it, but when I came to read "No in-room television," I decided to take my leave. What am I gonna do if without laptop with me and no TV? I put accommodation matter aside for the time being, and then took a minibus to a ropeway station.

The ropeway (cable car) which costs me 50 yuan roundtrip took me up to 佛顶山 (Buddha-top mountain), which commanded a bird's eyeview of Putuoshan and where the Huiji Temple (慧济寺) is sited.

Very soon, I was on the way downhill, and went to Thousand Steps Beach (千步沙) where I caught a good amount of sunlight. I looked at my watch, it was only midday, and I have covered the main attractions in Putuoshan. So I decided to leave the island and caught a 1235 ferry to Ningbo (one of the richest city in China).

While waiting for the ferry, a lunch of rice with tomato fried eggs and cabbage cost me 25 yuan. All things on the island are double the price as compared to elsewhere. Still, I had to waste 1/4 of the food since I am on a light diet these days.

Slept unglamorously on the ferry, lying horizontally across the 3-seater row as I was really really exhausted from the walking. And my flip-flops left blister on my feet.

Reached the port, and took what turned out to be the longest ride on a public bus ever - 2.15 hours - to the train station, for 5 yuan. Indeed worth the ride (travelling through time from cultivated fields to modern city), but not worth the havoc wreaked unto my skinny ass.

My ass felt a second major blow when I later took a 3-hour coach ride back to Suzhou for 115 yuan. Got to travel along the Hangzhou Bay Bridge (杭州跨海大桥), which seemed endless to me, and the longest sea-bridge I've ever travelled on. I later googled the bridge and came to know it is 36km long, the world's longest trans-sea bridge. My coach travelled along the bridge for over 15 minutes, across the sea can you imagine?? And this is happening in China, unbelievably.

I reached home at 9.30pm. Shack. I think I'm one of the few who managed to tour Putuoshan in such a few hours. Because I can walk really fast! The usual route is to stay overnight on the island. But I managed to save the cost on accommodation.

Shanghai

2010-06-16T00:59:00.003+08:00

Watched a movie on "Chanel No. 5" at In City. Prior to that had lunch at sushi outlet. But the fresh salmon wasn't fresh. So I had to reject.

Rushed to Shanghai by bus. Stayed overnight at a guest house. Only 130 yuan. Was quite clean, except that the wall partition wasn't sound-proof. So I could hear an irritating couple talking nonstop, until a woman had to knock on their door twice. It did not go off until 3am. Or maybe that was the time I finally dozed off. But they started talking since 7am again. I wonder if their mouths are battery-operated.

Took a taxi to Wusong Pier to buy ferry ticket for Putuoshan - one of the four most famous Buddhist mountains in China, apart from Mount Emei in Sichuan, Mount Jiu Hua in Anhui and Mount Wutai in Shanxi. Costs me 189 yuan for a 6-man bunk.

Taxi uncle told me the pier wasn't far. But the fare came up to 110 yuan (21 sgd). He still could ask if I want a ride back. I said it was too expensive, and off I went to inquire on how to get back to Shanghai City. In the end, a metro station was only nearby (30 minutes walk), so I took a taxi to the train station. When I opened the taxi door, I was too forceful and bang the door onto the kerb. I thought it would be dented. It was really loud. But thank God, the door only suffered visible trademark (scratches) left by Melvin Ng in Shanghai, China. HAHAHAHA

Returned back to Suzhou later by bus. Slept all the way back. Went to the gym before having lunch and then returned home. Went In City with Ronald for dinner at the sushi outlet again, this time round the raw salmon was fresh.

Returning back to Shanghai tomorrow to catch my ferry. Will depart at 8pm, and arrive the next morning at 7am.

And oh, it's a three-day public holiday in China, since Monday, in celebration of Duan Wu Jie (dumpling festival).

Farewell dinner

2010-06-13T22:09:00.005+08:00

Had my farewell dinner yesterday at Guan Qian Street before going ktv. A taiwanese and japanese cuisine restaurant.

My farewell gifts...

A keepsake since I don't know really use it... 488 yuan!

I like blue, so I'm always having "blues" - no wonder!

Although the size fits me, but I can keep a small chicken inside

From Shanghai World Expo - Romania Pavilion

And this?? Oh! It's my dinner. Initially it was one piece. I thought of heating it up in the microwave so that its oil will secrete and I can absorb it using tissue paper (health-conscious); who knows the salted egg exploded inside the microwave - what a mess!

Thank God its not the whole microwave that had exploded... now I have 1 more phobia besides phobia of height.

Going to bed soon. Yesterday had insomnia again. This time round caused by hazy weather condition due to forest fire somewhere. And irritating mosquito bites!

Last day of work

2010-06-11T21:59:00.005+08:00

Yesterday was my last day of work, ended earlier than expected! Was even more happy when boss gave me an extra 1000 bucks, in rmb unfortunately, but better than nothing?

Went Guan Qian Street to buy a book titled "英语导游教程" (tour guiding in English) and "写在旅游研究边上" (Research on Tourism Industry). And also a map on Beijing because I'll be there next month.

While I was in the bookstore near the main entrance (4 storeys in total), I heard a familar accent asking "请问这里有没有英文的书har?" Saw quite a few tour groups from Singapore, and I realised it's june school holiday now.

Ate fried eggs with tomato and rice at a 米线 outlet with ronald after we knocked off. Gone walk walk awhile before returning home. Is that my farewell dinner? Omg..

Gonna have farewell dinner with 3 other colleagues tomorrow.

Went running in the gym today. Have been running everyday for almost a month. 5km each time and now my joints and knees are really painful.

Ate salmon at In City again (3 plates this time instead of 4 plates, each sushi plate costs 6 rmb). Bought kiwis, mangosteen and tomatoes, green beans to reduce heat, and vegetables (dou miao) for dinner. And also "bi luo chun" (碧螺春) - 50 rmb - green tea leaves from Suzhou.

Winter made my appetite grew extremely huge, so I ate alot few months back. Now that summer is here, I have to shed some fats away. Believe it or not, I got very full eating half of the rice portion now as compared to winter. So I gave the other half to my colleagues or had to throw away.

College entrance exam

2010-06-08T22:57:00.004+08:00

Yesterday was the college entrance exam (9am) held all over China for secondary school leavers. This exam will determine their fate on whether they can enter prestigious colleges, and it was such a big affair that road closures were implemented near schools conducting this exam. I walked past one on my way to work.

Today I had the spicy pot again at In City. Frogs' legs, prawns and vegetables, all mixed together in one pot of medium spice. You can choose low or the highest intensity of 'spicy-ness.'

Got this polo tee at 50% staff discount given by a common friend working at Muji in In City

Suzhou's theme park

2010-06-06T21:02:00.003+08:00

Went Suzhou's theme park today (苏州乐园). Rode on tornado, vertical drop and 2 other types of roller coaster. Returned h0me feeling nauseous and took medicine before going In City for dinner at a 麻辣锅 (spicy pot) restaurant.

Had orange and lemon juice for 10 yuan from the food court.

My usual breakfast - cornflakes, scrambled eggs

Suzhou's theme park reminded me of Tokyo Disneyland, although the rides here are much more thrilling.

Guan Qian Street, Massage, Simon's Cafe

2010-06-06T20:22:00.006+08:00

Thursday 03 June 2010

Went gym after work before taking a cab to Guan Qian Street where I bought 1 book on Cruise Vacation (for work purpose because I am doing a cruise guide booklet for Chinese market), a hand-drawn map of Suzhou and a book on China's top sceneries (for keepsake).

Bought dinner from Ajisen (char siew ramen) for 25 yuan, and took it to an outlet selling "过桥米线" where Ronald then told me that this food originated from yunnan. Men there have to do cultivation and going home for lunch is difficult. So, they will pour a layer of oil over the noodles in order to store it for a longer period of time.

Friday 04 June 2010

The sun at 4.30am... waking up to wear eye mask so i can sleep in total darkness

During the day, went Tian Hong Department (天红百货) and sat at coffeebean to use internet. Bought a coffee bread from a bakery opposite, after buying a bottle of vitamin b, melatonin and mosquito's ointment. Mosquitoes are in full blast now that summer is here. And oh, China is officially in summer w.e.f. from (21st of June) - 夏至.

At night about 9 plus, went massage at Ichiban Massage House in Suzhou New District - 1.5 hours for 75 yuan/pax. My neck almost broke.

Saturday 05 June 2010

Went Simon's cafe (where I had my birthday celebrated) for fruits, before going to the gym. Dinner at In City. Ate salmon at a Sushi restaurant (24 yuan) before having 麻辣烫 (spicy soup with vermicelli) for 10.50 yuan at a newly-opened food court. And a cup of freshly squeezed orange juice for 8 yuan.

Bringing the Singaporean culture to Suzhou

Bought eggs and fruits on the way back.

Cheap eggs, 10 for only 4.90 yuan (1.10 sgd)

My two favourite fruits now besides apple (these alone costs me 36 yuan)

Body massage

2010-05-30T11:35:00.002+08:00

Went for body massage on friday with ronald at Suzhou New District, an outlet called "Ichiban Massage Club."

Indeed my masseur was skillful enough, such that I could hear the cracks and feel the pain.

Two hours for only 100 rmb. Includes "ba guan" (拔罐) (known as "cupping"), such that my back is now full of dark circles.

Prior to that we had lunch at In City. Conveyor belt sushi. Many plates with fresh salmon for only 75 rmb.

Just returned from running. Ate subway's smoked turkey ham sandwich for 23 rmb. Spooned half of the watermelon I bought for 1o rmb. Then cooked green bean soup again as dessert for afternoon tea.

Stress

2010-05-22T23:03:00.008+08:00

Spent 4 nights in Shanghai last week (17-22 May 2010). Got this mont blanc watch and ax berms from dearie as belated birthday presents.

Went Expo, Zhujiajiao (朱家角) watertown and city tours. Only managed to visit Finland Pavilion, which had the least people queuing at that time.

Tea time at Zhujiajiao

Have started running again, because my belly is now visible after eating so much rice in china. Stress!

Fruitful weekend

2010-05-09T21:17:00.005+08:00

Another weekend is gone, this one is especially fruitful.

Got a shock seeing Walmart's trolley downstairs

Sichuan cuisine - middle dish was frogs' legs

Heading for night ride, partially opened top in cool late spring weather

I will miss this moment

Invitation to home-made dinner

Now Singaporeans are gathering at my place for barbequing at the roof top.

I am starting to miss Suzhou and my friends here...

I miss winter

2010-05-03T14:41:00.010+08:00

Winter was long, spring seems short-lived, is summer here?

Past few days have been scorching hot during the day. Just like in Singapore, the kind of sun that you'll expect while walking down Siloso Beach on Sentosa Island, totally shadeless. I've blended into Singapore's weather now, so it won't be torturous when I return home in July.

Jan/Feb

Mar

April

May

Having four seasons are good. Now I miss winter.

Toured Wuxi, Suzhou and Changzhou over the 3-day weekend. Quite unlucky in two instances.

Instance 1 - Friday 30 April 2010

While in Wuxi, I boarded an earlier train hoping to get back to Suzhou earlier. I thought all Shanghai-bound train would stopover in Suzhou. In the end I got home nearly midnight. If I have abided by the time stated on my train ticket, I would have reached home by 10pm.

Instance 2 - Sunday 02 May 2010

As soon as gj and I reached Changzhou by coach, we went to the ticket office to buy our return ticket back to Suzhou. We told the counter gal 7 in the evening same day. But she said no more left. Only left with 10 o'clock. No choice we took the 10 o'clock ticket. Who knows when we turned up at 10.20pm, we saw that the coach station was already closed. On closer scrutiny, the ticket follows 24-hour format, and printed on the ticket was "1020."

In the end, we had to take a midnight train (0148) back to Suzhou. Reached home at about 0330.

Anyhow, I have spent a fruitful weekend. Fruitful in the sense that I have spent most of my time queueing (being labour day public holiday in China).

Sunday 02 May 2010 - Changzhou

Queued 3 hours for a thrill ride yesterday at Changzhou's Dinosaur Park (常州中华恐龙谷乐园), a theme park which is said to be China's disneyland. I felt extremely disappointed. No crowd and queue control. China people cutting queues like nobody's businesses, and I've seen incidences of near-fight.

At 1211...Queues starting to form behind me in less than 10 mins

At 1226...
At 1322...On the second level

At 1330...

At 1430...

At 1410...

GAME OVER!

Now I learn a new technique in cutting queue, but it can only work with 2 or more people. First of all, you must buy a cup of coke and some snacks, rush up from behind and then follow the script as follow:-

Person A (carrying some snacks，with head turning back to Person B while walking): 快到了，快到了。他们就在前面 [we're reaching soon, they are in front!].

Person B (carrying a cup of coke, with his head frantically looking out for his "invisible" friends ahead of the queue): 不好意思啊，请让开谢谢。哦！我看到他们了！Excuse me, I am sorry. Oh I've seen them!

Intially I don't even know they were cutting queues, until my china friend told me about it. Haha. Can try this out next time in Singapore's Universal Studios.

Saturday 01 May 2010 - Suzhou

Decided to stay in Suzhou. Went Tiger Hills where there was a flower festival. Instead of admiring the beauty of flowers, gj and I turned out to be admiring "human" nature. For once the whole of China's population seemed to have descended upon Suzhou. Every of my photo turned out to have some unknown heads or full-length photo of other people, either left or right or mutually inclusive!

This is what I mean, who's supposed to be the lead?

Bought mangosteen. To quench our thirst, as the weather soared to about 30 degrees celsius.

Saw this Singapore float by the river... felt homely, although I don't miss home

Went Carrefour to buy grocceries.

Friday 30 April 2010 - Wuxi

No class today. So I went Wuxi alone. Woke up early at 0700. Heard birds chirpping for the first-time, as the migratory birds are here to enjoy the warm weather.

Visited Lingshan Big Buddha 灵山大佛. Many people, but not too many, on this day since it was a friday and people needed to work. So I've enjoyed myself, and an ice cream under Buddha's feet.

Buddha are you craving for it too?

Seasons change

2010-04-26T12:41:00.005+08:00

Seasons change, I am missing winter which I used to detest initially.

Went to a Watertown called "Tong Li" in Suzhou on saturday. Took a pic (right half of the photo below). Isn't Suzhou - Venice of the East - nice?

My days here are numbered.

全国默哀3分钟

2010-04-21T22:37:00.006+08:00

The whole of China is in a state of mourning for 3 minutes today, a week after a 7.1 magnitude earthquake hit Qinghai province, resulting in loss of lives of some 5,000 people.

All entertainment and services were suspended during the mourning.

This morning when I started using the Internet, the homepage (baidu search engine) was purely black and white. I thought there was something wrong with my monitor and I kept wondering what's wrong. Then people told me it was also in a state of mourning.

At roy's house, I tried to switch the tv programme. But somehow the next channel, next next channel, and next next next channel were all repeating the news on mourning. Then we came to realise it was due to the mourning.

As the whole state went under a sombre mourning session, us Singaporeans abroad unite together for the wrong purpose - to have nasi lemak and vegetable curry OMG! I miss nasi lemak so much.

Season change

2010-04-19T20:49:00.003+08:00

Went jogging outdoor after work today... in t-shirt and shorts. Season has changed!

Jogged with hl to 金鸡湖 (golden chicken lake haha) before ending up in In City for dinner at Saizeria. Had mushroom spaghetti for 12 yuan and a mini mineral water for 3 yuan.

Lazy weekend

2010-04-18T17:43:00.007+08:00

Spent a lazy weekend. Yesterday's class was cancelled because instructor was sick. We reached the class and waited for 45 minutes. The instructor did not turn up. So we called up the school coordinator who came in later to inform us.

So I head to guan qian street and gone ktv with my china friend before returning home to steam my fish.

Breathless!

This is the first time I cooked my own fish. Nice... Cos I put alot of ginger to cover up the fishy smell, squeezed lemon and tomatoes, soy sauce, and rub with salt to marinate it.

While marinating-in-process, I put on my trunks and dipped into the pool at the indoor swimming complex opposite my apartment. Since this is my first visit, I had to go for the so-called physical examination in the medical room just located at the entrance.

When I entered the medical room, I was asked to just sit down and look at the camera. That doctor just took my face pic and issued me a record card certifying that I am free from health and skin diseases.

For once I didn't know China is so high-tech. Just by taking a face pic alone will know whether I am free from health defects. 3 yuan for taking that face pic. Another 35 yuan to enter the pool which I thought was heated water, to realise only the shower is heated.

Nevertheless, I swam a few laps in order to make my money worth. But the longer I swam, the colder I became. I did not understand why.

This morning I had brunch with wl, hl, roy and 2 other friends from shanghai at Saizeria restaurant, at a nearby shopping centre. Ate bacon and pineapple pizza for only 20 rmb. But my tiramisu ice cream from Iceason costs a whopping 30 rmb. Had coconut sago dessert for 20 rmb.

Spent another 59 rmb on a sports pants before returning home.

Should have stayed home instead.

Back from Qingdao, Taishan and Shanghai

2010-04-11T17:29:00.002+08:00

Qing Ming Festival is so fast over. Got public holiday off, so I went sightseeing in Qingdao, climbed Mount Taishan and shopped in Shanghai with mum and sis.

Now I am having post-holiday blues, because 9 days have whizzed past so quickly!

Qingdao can be a good summer destination, owing to its beaches.

Mount Taishan has a very steep inclination, unlike other mountains I have climbed before.

Shanghai is just like Hong Kong, although on a much larger scale, so I love it!

Shall post my photos later.

Half-drunk

2010-04-02T23:36:00.004+08:00

Went Jin Ji Lake 金鸡湖 and saw that there was a musical fountain on display. Reminded me of sentosa, although sentosa's songs of the sea is much more spectacular.

Had a drink at Maple Bar. Lemon vodka, long island tea and flaming lambo really made me half-drunk now.

Flaming lambo

Lights off, please.

BBQ buffet dinner

2010-04-02T14:54:00.002+08:00

Went bbq dinner with colleagues after work yesterday. Nice, price even nicer at only 33 yuan per pax. But I kept eating pears so as to reduce heatiness.

Over 200 sticks for the 4 of us

I will hate bbq-ing in Singapore from now on, because the weather is too hot.

Carnivore

2010-03-31T15:56:00.005+08:00

Colleague bought very nice 汤包 for me for breakfast today. Initially I thought I could never finish the whole pack, then came to realise I am a big-time meat eater.

I must go running tonight!

Went for HK disneyland training session. Got a free photo frame (with magnet that I can stick onto the fridge) for answering a question during Q&A session. Like it very much.

Now random photos taken earlier this week.

Getting nicer

View from Suzhou Tourism Board, while accompanying a colleague there during lunch time

I have been busy for the whole day doing design work again. Have yet to let my boss vet through all my masterpieces, even though I've completed.

Hungry now, wonder if I have energy to run later.

Monday again

2010-03-29T19:46:00.005+08:00

It is another new week again, week 11 now. Still got 10 more weeks to go, which means I am now at the mid-point. Oh my, time really flies. I am just not having it enough. Living abroad can be lonely initially, but as time goes by and I have fully adapted to the new environment, it's when the fun begins.

This trip to China has confirmed my desire to find a job overseas when I graduate in 2010! Singapore is good, but it's just another place where I was born.

Come to think of it, Singaporeans (including me) are quite fortunate. Being a small country, one doesn't have to relocate to another city away from family and friends. This is very unlike in big country such as China.

Most of my friends in Suzhou aren't born in Suzhou. But further afield in the north. Many have gone through separation from families for extended period of time, that is why I admire their willingness to get out of their comfort zone, often without a choice in search of employment.

Anyhow I got back from Shanghai yesterday, this time round I like Shanghai for its vibrancy.

I shall let the photographs do the talking now.

Xin Tian Di with an English ambience

An evening by Huangpu River

Breakfast al-fresco

Sunday morning madness

Waiting for train back to Suzhou

Porridge

2010-03-25T10:00:00.003+08:00

Wasn't feeling good over the weekend due to flu, so I had people accompany me to eat porridge.

Baby porridge which tasted 80% similar to what my granny and mum used to cook

Next time I shall add scallops (干贝) to make it even sweeter.

Last day of work for the week again! School again tomorrow, then Shanghai on Saturday woohoo!

Raining cats and dogs

2010-03-24T11:04:00.003+08:00

Woke up to a rainy day, cold air is sweeping down Jiangnan once again. And I have to wear my thermal once more.

Waiting for bus

Outside my room, full of umbrellas

Good colleague brought me pears to soothe my throat and cough

But I am 90% recovered. In a tra-la-la~ mood now.

Travelling in China

2010-03-20T17:43:00.004+08:00

Our class this morning was interesting: 中国旅游及地理 (China Travel & Geography).

Tibet and Xian are on my wish-list, after my work attachment ends. Otherwise a ferry-crossing to either Japan or Korea; North Korea; or Inner Mongolia may be good as well.

Returned home to rest while the rest went to visit the Humble Administrator's Garden because I have yet to fully recover.

As I was preparing porridge for lunch, I peeked out of the window and thought to myself:

Oh man, I pity the grass... This is how people here park their cars

Ohh, steaming apple with honey for 10-15 mins is super nice, which is good for cough.

Sick

2010-03-19T19:22:00.003+08:00

Came down with flu and sore throat yesterday. Thanks to the weather, dry weather especially, which is making my throat unbearable. This morning my condition got worse, so I decided to skip the afternoon class and returned home to sleep.

Woke up to do house cleaning, that was when I realised living abroad is so challenging because I have to be independent. When I am sick back in Singapore, there is always father around to buy me food and mother around to do the cleaning. Although now it seems a little weird for me to write in such a manner, because it seems as though my parents are my domestic workers.

By right I'm supposed to go Shanghai tomorrow with osc who have bought the train tickets for 62 rmb for 2. Now I can't go so the tickets have to be forfeited. Such a waste. Shall go on next weekend.

Anyhow, I went Times Square 2 nights ago. Nice lights, although the area (full of branded boutiques) was like a ghost town.

The gal from Harry Potter movie

Must be very careful walking along this bridge because the stairs are very dark! I almost missed a step

Spring time, flowers in bloom right below my apartment

Work, work and more work

2010-03-18T13:20:00.006+08:00

It's been two months since I first started work in Suzhou.

Have been busying with designing work. These are few of my masterpieces...

Think I am quite bias in this piece, coz I put Singapore in the first level; intially it was mostly red, but decided to make it as colourful as possible - colours of Asia!

I like this piece most, and kept it to two colour tones

5 Days Hong Kong Ocean Park & Disneyland

5 Days Hongkong & Macau

6 Days Taiwan

7 Days Taiwan Train Travel

Oh God! I still have 1001 things to do, including nothing!

I'm stuck with Europe now. Europe is so vast and I shall familiarise myself with its geographical divisions namely Central, Northern, Eastern and Western Europe.

To do list:-

- Europe

- East Asia

- Hong Kong & Macau

- America

- South Africa

- Australia

- Resorts & Cruises

Shoot me dead now!

Hair makeover

2010-03-14T20:26:00.004+08:00

Went Inn's City for brunch, of nasi lemak and bobur cha cha. Very nice! I will definitely return again. Hopefully twice every month. Total 48 rmb.

Went fengmen street yesterday again. Sky was cloudy.

Suzhou is known as "Venice of the East," but many of the waterways these days have been cleared to make way for urban development.

Nice weather to have a coffee by the canal

Went Inn's City again for lunch today. Ate tomato chicken chop set for a whopping 48 rmb! I should really watch my expenses lately. Not at all worth it although it was nice. But still, yesterday's nasi lemak was nicer.

Went to salon with a colleague and I decided to undergo a hair makeover, which is to straighten my otherwise permed hair.

Satisfied!

Tragedy

2010-03-12T21:00:00.004+08:00

Went Inn's City for dinner with shane yesterday at Old Grandma's Kitchen. Heard it was very popular so we decided to try it. Had to take a queue number, and even after returning from grocery shopping at walmart for 1.5 hours, we still had to wait for half an hour. 4 dishes for only 75 rmb! Cheap, no wonder so many people. I wouldn't say nice, because Dian Xiao Er in Singapore is far nicer (SGD though).

Shane later pointed out to me that there's a Singapore cuisine restaurant beside; as we walked past the glass panel, i saw 1 lady inside eating a plate of rice, then go ikan bilis, cumcumber, chilli padi. I can't control myself and said "OH MY GOD!!!" IT'S NASI LEMAK!" LOL. I shall go eat it tomorrow night!

Bean curd with "kou rou"

Pig's skin with fish and meat balls

Radish

Roasted chic (nicest)

During lunch break today, had lunch with the rest at a japanese restaurant in 石全街.

I shall have this 玉米油拉面again next time; the ramen noodles is just like 'wanton' noodles.

Wanted to cut my hair initially. But the stylist recommended me to do some stuff. He said it in mandarin which I don't understand what was it. So I just said "ok."

Later I realised something was going amiss, and realised they were going to perm my hair! In a shock I sms-ed wl, who came to see me. The chinese here like to say "真的是遭遇啊!"

Putting on my fake smile, I was really very sad by then

Nevertheless, I decided to go to the park for a walk, because the weather was especially good. 23 degree celsius today, which was a dramatic increase from only 5 degree celsius just yesterday morning.

This dog cheered me up... I shall buy a dog next time, but I like only big dogs, which I can't have it in HDB... haiz

Reached home and washed my hair 6 times in order to lessen the curl, and finally my LV snow cap comes in handy

Was watching the news on tv and I was awe-strucked by this gigantic cruise liner - Celebrity Eclipse - which was inagurated only earlier today in Germany.

My ambition last time was to work on Star Cruises... now I must consider other liners that will bring me further?

Unseen Suzhou

2010-03-10T20:07:00.008+08:00

Was on the bus home and saw endless crowds on the bridge. The KPO me decided to get off the bus to see what's happening. To my horror, here's what I have seen.

Bare in the cold weather

I am still clueless as to how the car got ramped into the river.

Left for dinner at a nearby food outlet called 好吃面. But the 面 is 不好吃 so these days I eat rice there. The tofu is nice.

As usual, I had to cross the notorious road to get to that food outlet, with traffic from all direction, where I almost got hit just last week. The motorcylist, who was a ccb woman, cursed and swore at me while I was geared with my headphone blasting lady gaga song that I don't even care to give a damn fuck face back. Stupid woman appearing out of nowhere when I've already checked my blindspot a few times.

Each time I cross that road, I feel that my life is so fragile. Hurrr~~

Snow once more

2010-03-09T20:02:00.007+08:00

Went to the gym opposite my apartment yesterday. Got in using a trial pass from wl. Attended the cycling class. Sweat like crazy. First time I sweat in China.

Today I decided to buy 手抓饼 (shou zhua bing) for breakfast while on the way to work. It is same as roti prata, just that they don't have curry or sugar. Still remember the very first time I bought the same 手抓饼 somewhere else, I asked the aunty seller:-

Me: 有没有糖啊？[do you have sugar?]
Aunty (seller): 什么糖啊！[what sugar?]
Me: 白糖。[white sugar]
Aunty: 哪有人放糖地啊！放糖不好吃！[where got people put sugar? put sugar not nice!]
Me: 哎哟！你不懂啊！放糖才好吃！我们在新加坡都是那么吃啊！[aiyoh! you don't know lah! we put sugar in Singapore!]

Come to think of it, I had expected people elsewhere to follow the same way of eating as me initially. When I went to KFC, they had no chilli! From then on, I will never go KFC here.

3 rmb per piece

This afternoon I was in a tra-la-la mood because it started snowing heavily, then stopped again.

My colleague told me he is going to a travel agency and asked if I would like to follow him, so I tagged along and had him take a photo of me under the snow...

Bus stop outside my office

Strong wind and snow, hard to keep my eyes opened

I decided to go 观前街 to enjoy the last few days of freezing cold weather before warm weather sets in this coming friday. Had dinner at a fast food chain known as 'kungfu' selling Chinese food.

This herbal chicken soup set with steam egg and soya bean cost me 30 rmb, it's daylight robbery!

Was waiting for bus 178 home, but came a man telling us people who were waiting for buses at the bus stop:-

Man: 这里没公交车了啊！路关闭了！

Me: (in shock I asked) 啊！为什么关了啊！那怎么办啊！

Man: He told me something in Mandarin, which I could not understand. Indeed, I saw no bus at all, only buses still running at the opposite side.

Me: 为什么对面还有１７８啊？

Man: 有去不回。我送你到另一个公交站。那里有１７８。

Me: 怎么这样子地啊！哪可能有去不回呢！

Man: 真的我没骗你！　我送你到另一个公交站。５元！

Me: 你就奇那台电瓶车(motorcycle)吗？天气很冷啊。我会冷死！

Man: 不会怎么样的！

Me: 那你就载我到我家好了。

Once I got on the motorcycle, I regretted! I almost frozen to death.

My ears turned speechlessly numbed!

Plum blossom viewing

2010-03-08T11:25:00.004+08:00

Went xishan (西山) with my china friends to view the plum blossoms.

This is Lake Taihu (太湖), the third largest lake in China

Had lunch in one of these boat restaurants (船菜)

I think these are snails, but I ate them anyway and they were yummy

A sea of plum trees

At Situ Temple (司徒庙)

Back home at dusk

Went to a bakery and saw this; however bread from Singapore aren't nice

Home-cooked food

2010-03-06T15:21:00.003+08:00

I miss mee siam and nasi lemak the most. Unfortunately I do not know how to make them, but only normal dishes such as the ones below. My first time cooking in China. I think I did quite a good job haha. Fried onion with eggs and vegetables with meat. I like cooking but hate washing the utensils.

Cooked broccoli, mushrooms and cabbage for lunch today...

As well as the green bean soup which almost got "chao ta" because I forgot to look after the fire.

Lecturer told us yesterday that today is known as 惊蛰, which means that it will definitely rain with thunder, such that the fields (田地) will be awoken and species that hibernate for the whole of the winter will now wake up too. It rain today indeed, as well for the past few days. Today is only 3 degrees celsius. Almost frozen while waiting for bus earlier.

While walking out of school, I shall a black pouch on the floor. With my right hand I picked it up, left hand holding onto my umbrella, I opened it to see a very new touch screen handphone.

This will replace the handphone that I lost in Shanghai. People took (steal) mine without returning to me here, I shall also keep this without returning to others. Anyway this is China.

Shall take a nap now.

Random

2010-03-03T20:32:00.004+08:00

Bought this contact lens solution from Tokyo. Like this packaging very much. Because it is blue in colour and the bottle is transparent. Only 13 sgd.

Heard a loud bomb and saw fireworks being blasted into the sky again, although cny was over.

Have been raining for the whole day so I have been feeling lazy. The weather is turning crazy too. It's supposed to be getting warmer since it's spring, but I have added another layer of clothes since yesterday night.

Another random day is gone.

Stress

2010-03-02T22:05:00.002+08:00

When there isn't much work to do, life seems unmotivating. When there are countless task to be completed, life is understress.

I think I fall into the latter category. Piles of research to do. And tonnes of design work to be done. I think I belong more to an IT department now than in marketing!

Got hundred over pages of brochures awaiting me to be designed and published! Before I could complete my Europe section (and somemore Europe is further divided into Northern, Southern, Easten, Western and Central), boss rushed me to complete 1 brochure design on Hong Kong package that is now selling like hotcakes. Arggg!

I converted Microsoft Publisher into PDF format, which I thought would be user-friendly for my colleagues. Who knows 1 fellow told me he can't open for don't know what reason, and told me to better convert to Microsoft Word, just in case customers and suppliers don't have PDF or "don't know" how to use PDF.

Never mind that. Since Mircrosoft Publisher can't be converted into Microsoft Word, I had to "group" my images, copy and paste them onto Microsoft Word. When I re-send it to them, another fellow told me he can't open. Maybe I should be more sensitive to my situation. They are using Mircrosoft 2003 version still, instead of our 2007 version.

I think I should slow myself down and unlearn the things I have learnt back home. Now I really can't consider myself as a computer idiot here, which I so often call myself back home.

元宵节

2010-03-01T08:14:00.000+08:00

Went Kunshan after school on sat. Did a massage for 50 yuan.

Bought a firecracker and firework which we intend to light on our balcony on yesterday night.

Fireworks at our neighbourhood

Here we have our very own in-house entertainment.....

Light up the fireworks

Firecrackers was darn deafening

How could we miss out on 汤圆 on 元宵节？团团圆圆

My wish on my 孔明灯

Launching my A380, the first to fly!

Me taking charge of my hot air balloon now

Successful launch, mission accomplished

Kula's balloon was the next to launch, followed by wl and ken.

Here comes March, happy march!

First day of school

2010-02-26T21:18:00.002+08:00

Omg! It's first day of school today. And the weather wasn't so welcoming. Rose to an early morning of chilly weather, dipping below 10 degrees celsius compared to over 20 degrees celsius yesterday.

Learned about Chinese history and culture. Initially it was okay. Subsequently it put me on "zZZ" mode. When I turned around, wl had already fallen asleep so I had to wake her up haha.

Went guan qian street for dinner. Had mei cai kou rou rice.

School again tomorrow.

Spring time

2010-02-23T14:25:00.004+08:00

Since sunday night I have been wearing only a long trousers to sleep. And it was the first time I got to wear slipper to a nearby mall. No longer need to waste time wearing my forever tight thermal wear.

Weather now is slightly colder than Genting Highlands? Woke up this morning to find myself shrouded in fog.

18 d.c.? This is so pleasant

Bus stop at my apartment

On my way to work

Work is so stressful that I don't know where to start from.

In the end I trim my finger and toe nails

Boss gave me a new assignment, which is to publish a catalogue book that will include all our product and destination information from Asia all the way to America. I can die a slow death alone now!

Going for dinner and movie later.

Japan in February 2010

2010-02-22T15:42:00.006+08:00

Nagoya's famous kishimen, or handmade flat noodle

Nagoya's ferris wheel; I want to take all the wheels possible in Japan~ taken Tokyo's Odaiba, Yokohama, now Nagoya and where's next?

Nagoya TV Tower

Me in Yukata

Nijo Castle in Kyoto
Sakura in bloom

Kyoto Tower

Kiyomizu Temple

Hakone

View of owakudani valley from the ropeway

Hotel Green Plaza hotspring in Hakone

Tokyo Tower

Night view from Tokyo Metropolitan Building

Tokyoites also study in cafes just like in Singapore, but the differences are that they need blanket to cover up their legs and they can smoke cigarettes and study at the same time.

Back home

2010-02-21T19:59:00.002+08:00

Back home and felt super tired!

I miss the hotspring in Hakone Hotel Green Plaza. Was soaking in the outdoor while it started to snow.

Went Ueno's Ameyoko or flea market yesterday, had strawberry and vanilla ice cream in Tully's Coffee in Hamamatsucho before going to see Tokyo Tower. Dinner (チヤーハン or fried rice, vegetables with pig's liver, beansprouts and 锅贴. Had grapefruit juice in a bar before returning to hotel at about 10pm plus.

Woke up this morning at 4.45am; checked out of hotel at 5.30; Narita Express to Narita Terminal 1 was at 6am. Had a weak stomach this morning but got in time to the toilet upon reaching the airport.

Reached Shanghai at 11am plus. Took long distance bus back to suzhou at 1210. Reached home only at about 3pm. While in Singapore I just need 15 mins to get home.

Went to collect my laundry and had early dinner of kimchi fried rice which tasted like #$%!.

Back to work tomorrow!

Kyoto now

2010-02-18T19:20:00.003+08:00

Reached tokyo 2 days ago and was glad to have warmer weather compared to suzhou. Went akihabara, shibuya and back to Ikebukuro. While walking along the shopping street in Ikebukuro, rain turned into snow flakes and I was kinda reluctant to return back to Sakura Hotel for the night.

Went Nagoya by shinkansen the next day; took the ferris wheel at Nagoya port this time round. Still I felt Yokohama Port was more spectacular. Nagoya is like a dead town. Had dinner at Sakae district, which later turned out to be a red-light district to my dismay. Ate kishimen (hand-made flat noodles) in which Nagoya is famous for.

Took shinkansen this morning to Kyoto, checked-into Matsubaya Inn which is Japanese-style room. Went to Kiyomizu Temple by bus 206. It was full of people, unlike the last time I visited in 2008 April, which was as though I chartered the whole area for private function.

Was lucky enough this time round to see sakura tree blossoming while in Nijo Castle. As well as plum trees which was in full season just about a week ago.

Had dinner at Gion Oishinbo in Hanami-koji. Toufu nabe (hotpot), some french loaves where you dip in a sauce, sushi, sashimi, salad maki etc... Hanami-koji is a district famous for geisha. Was lucky enough to spot 3 geishas walking past, although I wasnt quick enough to snap a close-up view of the geishas.

Tomorrow going Hakone for outdoor hotspring bath, overlooking Mount Fuji. Getting bare in winter is a challenge, but after soaking for 10 mins should daijyo-bu!

Cant post my pic now because I am using a pc station from the inn. Shall post when I get home.

Solo CNY

2010-02-15T21:10:00.004+08:00

Spent the CNY alone in Nanjing on sat 13 feb 2010 for a night.

CNY in China is a big affair. Firecrackers were let off round-the-clock (yes I mean nonstop!) on the night of the eve of CNY. Even in my sleep I could hear it. Initially I found it exciting, but after a while, I am glad that Singapore has banned firecrackers. Why do I say so? Because while walking on the street, firecrackers were let off it all direction, and if you aren't careful, it's gonna be like the "Bali bomb" incident. I mean no joke! I have to be on high alert everywhere I go, and it was super tiring can!

The first time when I heard the sound of firecrackers 2 weeks ago, I thought it was some sort of gun fire. My colleagues had a good laugh when I spoke about it.

Anyway I went to the Sun Yat Sen's Mausoleum (中山陵) had a good climb of 300 over steps to the top which commanded a good view of the city of Nanjing.

Then I went to the Nanjing Massacre Memorial Hall (南京抗日军同胞大屠杀纪念馆), with lots of pics displaying the brutal act of the Japanese soldiers during the Japanese Occupation. Nanjing fell under the hands of the Japanese on 13 November 1937, the day after Shanghai was occupied. The Japanese soldiers went on to raping young girls and even old women were not let off (I agree that some people have a fetish for old women?) Haha! This incident became what is now known as the Rape of Nanjing. I have read a novel written by Iris Chang titled the Rape of Nanjing. Very heart-breaking. Over 300,000 Chinese soldiers and civilians were killed.

Is there still a very strong anti-Japanese sentiment in China? A fellow hostelite who shared the same dorm as me told me he was very anti-Japanese, such that he did not take up Japanese language during university. But he confessed that he was contradictory, in the sense that he only buy Japanese-brand camera.

One colleague of mine dislike the Japanese people, but told me he has completed Japanese language (elementary level) during university days and requested me to help him buy a Citizens' watch.

Another colleague of mine is Korean-Japanese crazed! Because she's after Japanese cosmetics and sundries' products.

What about my own observation over the years? I still remember there aren't any Japanese outlets in Shanghai about 10 years ago, let alone Suzhou. Now, you can even find Muji and Uniqlo in Suzhou.

What about my own views? Forgive but not forget. We shall never forget about history, and to treat history as learning lessons. The past, if not remembered at present, will repeat in the future. Nevertheless we have to forgive because:-

1) I enjoy learning Japanese language (OMG! HAHA!! It's so much fun compared to learning Chinese language)
2) Of the need to facilitate international trade

But then again, I was told by a Chinese that every where there are good and bad people. Same for Japan and same for China.

Mentality of the Chinese nationals is gradually changing as China becomes one of the fastest growing countries in the world. Thus, my next stop was the Yangtze River Bridge, which is testimony to China's engineering marvel. Had a torturous climb up to the top of the bridge, with steep stairs that left my legs wobbling. I was the only one there, during that eerie night! Kept worrying what will happen if I see ghost. Kula even told me the night before I came to Nanjing that I have to be very careful because of the victimisation of countless number of civilians during the gangrape by the Japanese soldiers!

Reached back to my hostel (Jasmine Youth Hostel) at about 10 plus. McDonald's saved my life during that night because most of the food outlets were closed on the eve of CNY.

Woke up the next day to see that the whole of Jiangsu Province (Suzhou included) was snowing... I had a more "Christmas-sy" mood rather than a CNY mood! I was even humming Christmas songs LOL! On the first day of Christmas my mother gave to me... lalalalahhhhh

McDonald's saved my life the second time as I had the most important meal of the day - breakfast! Of hotcakes and sausage.

Returned to Suzhou thereafter. And saw my apartment was blanketed with snow. Elated!

Today (15 Feb 2010) I moved to Shanghai for a night. Almost missed my train because there wasn't any taxi in sight. Rained in Shanghai, so I just went for dinner at a cantonese restaurant and bought some snacks back.

Stoned

2010-02-12T22:05:00.002+08:00

Today was feeling extremely stoned. Did not sleep well the last night again due to the cold weather and because my stomach was feeling uncomfortable. Woke up at 7 plus, did laundry and surfed the net before napping at 10 plus till noon.

I am getting very fed up with the washing machine because no matter how I wash, the shirts are always sticked with bits and pieces of tissue-like substance.

Went to the laundry shop to get my bedsheet washed, before heading for guan qian street with ken and wl.

Went to a bookshop and I was amused at the thought of looking for japanese language book instead of learning how to speak and write better Chinese language when I am in China!

Wl, on the other hand, was so engrossed in finding her French book. She wanted to go France for exchange, while I badly wanted to go Tokyo, but the high expenses put me off.

Bought this for only 36 rmb

Yesterday before knocking off, there came 2 boxes of lanterns with LED light from taiwan tourism board. Very cute tiger, so I took 10 packets home. In each packet there is a guide sheet to enable us to assemble it ourselves...

Year of Tiger

Oh! Sis told me the coming Tiger year is WHITE tiger, which is bad because it is "beh hor!" So must wear black underwear~~

Boss' 500 rmb ang bao allowed me to buy a new pair of shoes to replace my worn out Zara white shoes which I have worn for 2 years? This new pair of Kappa costs me 438 rmb and I hope it will last me for another 2 year; bought a black one this time because China road is really dirty

Steamboat dinner with my colleagues 小杨 and 小张, which was very nice but left my stomach feelin uncomfortable due to the mutton, which I seldom eat, and which now explain why I had a bad sleep last night

Shall sleep soon.

Persistently cold

2010-02-11T15:44:00.002+08:00

At 3pm, 1 degree celsius... on the heater in the room also don't feel any warmer.

Headache. All colleagues slacking at work. In the mood for CNY already. Going guan qian street for shopping and dinner with my two colleagues after work. Hurray ~

Bad weather is killing me

2010-02-11T10:17:00.004+08:00

2 days back it was 20 degrees celsius such that I don't need to wear any coat on the street.

Yesterday it began to turn slightly colder again, at 10 degrees celsius.

This morning when I woke up, weather dipped to zero and it was raining with snow and ice.

Today is thursday and weekend is coming soon!

Going to have a one-week off during the Chinese New Year.

Finally I can sleep in and recover the many nights of lost sleep due to cold weather. If this weather persists, I will fall sick soon.

Hangover

2010-02-08T09:31:00.005+08:00

Yesterday had reunion dinner (年夜饭) with colleagues at a restaurant known as 明星粗菜馆 in 绿宝广场 which was an hour's bus ride from my apartment.

On bus 307

This shopping mall looks like Amsterdam to me, except for the "La Piazza" signboard which is Italian? And also the Chinese signboard which is obviously China

Ma colleagues, both of whom were drunk towards the end of the dinner

This coconut milk and a big bottle of orange kept me from being drunk, even though I've never drank so much red wine in the whole of my life before

When 小龚said that I could hold my liqour well, I could only say that for every glass of red wine I gulped down, I will take a glass of orange juice to hydrate myself... And of course, back in sg dr gave me quite a number of red wine training sessions?

This dinner has exposed me to the Chinese (in China) culture. Everyone will take turn to toast to each other. It's either 随意, which means you can just take a sip of the wine; but most of the time, they prefer to 干掉, which means you must drink all! I then recall an article that I read which said that once you take the first glass, there'll always be second and more to come. Thus, in order to not get drunk, the guest must not touch the glass wine at all from the start, & to firmly give a reason such as "I have sore throat."

This is the Sg curry crab; boss asked me to taste first if this is similar to Sg's recipe... I could only say this taste even better than the chilli crab I had back home.

Went KTV and I sang 2 songs (yang cong by yang zhong wei, & another oldie song requested by a colleague called "Nothing's gonna change my love for you") before I left home.

Can't sleep well due to the alcohol effect, which left me feeling extremely stoned.

Woke up this morning and I thought I was in Genting Highlands

My target is to sleep at 2130 tonight in order to make up for my poor sleep last night. Hoo hoo~

Hangzhou

2010-02-06T21:07:00.006+08:00

Omg today I woke up earlier than normal work day, at 0530. Went on a tour to Hangzhou, which is a 2-hr bus ride from Suzhou. Slept throughout the journey, reluctant to wake up even upon reaching West Lake (西湖).

There's a saying which goes like this: "上有天堂，下有苏杭," which means that "just as there is paradise in heaven, there are Suzhou and Hangzhou on earth." Indeed both cities are very beautiful, but I still like Suzhou more... Although people say these two cities are where China's most beautiful women come from, I could say Singapore has more pretty women. One friend told me it was only a legend. Another friend told me over the years the pretty ones did not get married and only the ugly ones got married, thus giving birth to ugly babies. And yet another friend told me pretty ones went to big city Shanghai to look for job.

Anyway I've been to Hangzhou once in 2001 with mum, and I am back here for one purpose: to buy longjing tea. Haha. It is very tasty, in fact, we call it 吃茶(eat tea) instead of 喝茶 (drink tea) because the tea leaves are usually eaten instead of throwing away.

Bought only one small bottle, top grade longjing tea leaves, because it was very expensive at 75 rmb per bottle.

West Lake

Big tea pot

Ox is both my zodiac and horoscope; 牛上加牛

And oh, my shoes were wrapped with 鞋套 because it was raining lions and tigers, instead of cats and dogs this time round; nevertheless, rainwater still seeped into my shoes and I wondered why. Only when I reached home did I then realise that my shoes now have a MOUTH! There's a hole now! My shoes can now really talk =(

Fengshui Caves; which almost cheated us of paying for a boat ride at 25 yuan, to buy a torchlight for 10 yuan; fortunately this time round I am not to be swayed

Tram ride which was included in the admission fee

Took this photo and when I took a closer look, I realised my shoes were extremely "tak glam"

I was reminded of my trip to jiuzhaigou 九寨沟 in 2006, where I could see the bed of the lake, even though it was 9 metres deep; the water at jiuzhaigou was really crystal clear... It really lift up to its reputation of “黄山归来不看山，九寨归来不看水." I shall make a trip to Huangshan come May, maybe

Incessant rain, which is called 春雨, a rainy season as we enter the spring season; although for now, it is still 春如冬寒

Our dinner at home

Am now having stomachache because I drank 1 glass of fresh milk plus 1 cup of green tea with fresh lemon squeezed into it... must detoxify myself...

Sexual harrassment

2010-02-05T17:17:00.002+08:00

Yesterday after work I went to a massage parlour, wanting to have a relaxing foot reflexology session.

I was brought to a room, which I didn't even realise that usually for clean massage parlours, they ought to be in full view of the public. So the masseur closed the door, and kept asking me why not have a full body massage. I thought it was only a recommendation. But as she massaged my neck, she brushed her "that one" on my holy shoulder! I felt very scared.

So I quickly sent an sms to woonling, who then called me to my rescue and talked to me on the phone.

Suddenly I asked myself why foot reflexology must close the door!

When I told the masseur I wanted to have merely foot massage and continued chatting on the phone with woonling, I tell you, her face totally turned very black, which I felt like giving one tight kick~

So scary to be harrassed! I really thank Goddess of Mercy that I could come out in one piece.

Mid-week

2010-02-03T21:02:00.004+08:00

This week is so fast. Already wednesday. Yesterday my colleague gave me a big pack of water chestnut. I peel off one water chestnut to eat, but almost puked. Am not used to eating water chestnut, so I boiled them to drink instead. Cooling indeed.

Today's weather turned super cold. Initially wanted to go guan qian shopping street 观前街，but decided not to cos I did not wear thick enough. Reached home and my whole body felt numbed. So frightening.

Ate instant pack of 梅菜扣肉饭which was veri nice but expensive. About 1.70 sgd. China is getting really expensive these days. Did some laundry after that. So dreadful.

Going to sleep soon.

夜上海

2010-02-01T20:10:00.005+08:00

Went Shanghai on saturday. Was raining cats and dogs... By the time we got to Shanghai, the rain has stopped, and the weather was warmer; in fact the warmest day since my first day in China, about 14 d.c. I thought spring has come, but who knows the temperature has dropped to 0-7 d.c. again overnight, such that I did not have a good sleep last night.

We went massage in Shanghai, near to the hotel that I stayed alone on the day of my arrival, which we stayed yesterday again, cos it was value for $. Only 139 rmb per room for 2, inclusive of breakfast (buns, glutinous rice ball, hard boiled egg and soya bean milk). The massage costs me 30 rmb; cheap but wasn't up to my expectation. The masseur was more like applying lotion on my foot than a proper foot reflexology. I still miss the massage I had at Berjaya Times Square.

Went Raffles City in People's Square for dinner at Ajisen. Nice clam ramen for only 29 yuan. I guess I should quit the bad habit of converting rmb back to sgd, cos I am earning rmb now?

And I should not take taxi to work every so often, even though it costs about only 3 sgd per way? Oh! No more conversion! Today I took bus to work, for only almost 1 sgd =)

Anyhow, we went to Shanghai Technology Museum. Watched the Haunted Lighthouse at IMAX　　　4D theatre. Have to wear the glass, got water and other special effects too! My bag was wet after that. Costs 30 yuan for a short 15 minutes movie. I don't really like 4D, cos some parts were damn gross. Especially when it's showing countless number of rats heading in all direction, you could feel as though rats are really scuffling through your legs!

We went to the Bund too (上海滩）, but Shanghai was covered with heavy fog yesterday, with thick clouds hovering at half the height of the Oriental Pearl TV Tower (东方明珠塔).

I don't know why I had been so unlucky lately. While walking along the Bund, I tripped onto a wire on the road. Thank God I did not fall because my two mates were walking beside me and held onto my arms. Otherwise I could imagine both my retainers and teeth dropping off. Poor me, I am already short of 4 teeth compared to a normal being, having extracted them while undergoing the gruelling process of fixing braces.

Even more unlucky was that I lost my nokia phone yesterday while on the way back to Suzhou. I remembered I still used it to call dearie while on the bus, but it was gone later when ken and I had dinner near our place. Must be the stupid bitch from the immigration centre! While I was standing at the counter paying for my visa application fee just a few days ago, she shoo-ed me away using an old and tattered broom. Fuck it sia! I wondered if she's mute or uncivilised as to not knowing how to say a simple "ass-KILL me!"

Now I really have a phobia for broom. The last incident I had was at long john silver in centrepoint while revising for my exam. Both women! Jinxed! 死扫把星，看我不杀掉你！！！臭你妈的鸡！！！！！

So on overall，I don't like Shanghai! Too many people, too many cluttered buildings, and too noisy. I still think Suzhou is the best place to live in the whole of China. But of course, Tokyo is still the best. I miss Tokyo. I want to go Tokyo! Bring me to Tokyo! Oh no! Now I miss home...

Buttoning up after dripping some eye drops... the air is really dry

Ajisen in Raffles City

Forgot where already, everywhere looks the same to me now

Shanghai Tang boutique shop

This isn't a zoo, but Shanghai Technology Museum; I wonder what has this tigress gotta do with technology; but tell you what, I got a bit scared while taking this photo, cos I imagined this tigress to suddenly pounce on me! Think I watch too many movies such as the Night at the Museum liao

Omg! This time please kill me

Oriental Pearl TV Tower covered with fog

Rainy day

2010-01-27T20:36:00.008+08:00

Went Rainbow Centre for dinner yesterday with ko, ate chinese sausage fried rice. Sugoi!

Ohh, we could have saved on buying utensils on our own?

While walking home wind started to blow. Woke up this morning and it was raining, did not stop until after we reached home at about 7pm.

Went Suzhou Tourism Centre with my new colleague xb today to schedule his tour guide license renewal test. Then went Master of Net's Garden for tour, despite me having many work to do. At least I can take a breather?

We walked through the back of our office building and to my delight, the scenery was super power can!

Scenery at the back of our building

Xb said this is the smallest bridge in the whole of China

I'm inspired to be a tour guide next time too

My white shoes were soiled having walked under the rain; I need to return to Nikko so that the snow can wash away the dirt

Away from home

2010-01-24T20:38:00.005+08:00

Work again tomorrow. Real sian. Am trying to get access to facebook but still got problem.

Yesterday went soochow university wanted to get my visa issue done but was closed. Then went guan qian street and shan tang .

Today went zhou zhuang today on a group tour for rmb 140. Nice waterways.

Work again tomorrow. So boring. All in chinese words which really stressed me. So I copy and paste into google translator.

Shall let the pic do most of the talking now:

Yesterday...

Soochow University

I thought this is supposed to be a park?

Today...

Departing tonight

2010-01-13T15:13:00.005+08:00

Time really flies and tonight I'll be leaving Singapore for half a year. Thinking of it, I am feeling very scared now. Gotta go out all alone and faced with new challenges.

Watched the last movie, Sherlock Holmes, with dearie yesterday. Did not understand what the movie was all about. Dozed off quite a few times...

Sad, sad.

3 more days to go

2010-01-10T22:09:00.018+08:00

Am dead this time round. Still yet to find accommodation when I am going china next wed. Tink i really have to sleep on the street this time round. Collect some cardboards and lay on the floor. And also take out a handkerchief to beg for money. Oh! I'm a more classy begger. So I'll lay my new burberry muffler which I got as a farewell gift, as well as an LV snow cap + S$200 lucky ang bao yesterday...

Burberry burberry, felt a little spoilt this time round, indeed any btm's dream comes true? But then, how am I supposed to match it with my uniqlo jacket?

I'm starting to miss everyone close to me, even before I'm leaving already.

Went ecp for dinner. Wanted to have claypot rice at the famous claypot restaurant but waiting time was 30 minutes. In the end we had dinner at Old Town next to it. Who knows the waiting time was more than 30 minutes due to wrong order argh! Was damn hungry and angry. As the saying goes: "a hungry man is an angry man."

Then had my last hair raising ride from east to west and west to east of Singapore. Weather was cool, but my hair was all messed up despite having double-sprayed.

Today met my dog for the last time at Orchard Central. Had lunch at Quiznos. Went taka, far east plaza before having dinner at lucky plaza.

Went for my haircut at tampines 1. Bought 3 pieces of donuts from J.CO.

Reached home at 8 plus.

3 more days to go.

Have to wake up at 8 tomorrow morning, then travel all the way to school just for one stupid flu vaccine.

Then I shall spend my time with mum tomorrow.

Sentosa

2010-01-09T10:52:00.002+08:00

Watched Old Dogs at vivocity, and was quite a hilarious movie. Had dinner at Japanese Gourmet Town. My pork keema yaki soba (豚肉キーマ焼そば) was very nice. Had jellyfish and also soup as well.

Went tanjong beach on sentosa island before taking bus 30 back to bedok at about 10 plus. Stupid bus ride made me dizzy, cos the driver kept depressing on the brake pedal. And a china man sitting directly behind me talked nonstop loudly from harbourfront all the way to bedok and still talking. Few rows behind me got an old man kept scolding vulgarities (woman's private part) and thus made me all the more wanna puke, though at some point of time i can't help laughing. Uniquely Singaporean?!

Had a nightmare cos I dreamt of my teeth falling off, just days after I've removed my braces.

Went breakfast with sis at the market just now. Had my favourite wanton noodles with soya bean milk and then carrot and tomato juice for the last time before I leave for China this coming wednesday night.

Am I mentally prepared? I could only say half-half. Cos my chinese language proficiency is less than half past six kind.

Back from KL

2010-01-07T23:31:00.005+08:00

Had an enjoyable time in kl from 4-6 Jan 2010. Stayed in Renaissance Hotel. Big and nice pool, steam bath, sauna and jacuzzi. Ate, slept, sweat.

Reached home last night. Went to remove my braces this morning. Met dearie for lunch at airport, and then nb for dinner at night.

Before braces

After braces

3 years of hardship, enduring the pain of swollen mouth and ulcers from braces finally paid off

Flu again

2010-01-02T23:11:00.000+08:00

Damn jialat. Am down with flu again. Must be those sickening dust in my room, and the construction work going on around my block. Wanted to use my old luggage for china work attachment. But turned out to be faulty.

Went temple in bugis this afternoon. On the train saw a guy reading "Kite Runner," the book which I also bought from Kinokuniya in KLCC last month. He's only reading the first few chapters. I've already stopped reading it by chapter 12 cos it was so full of dialogues. Almost fell asleep reading it.

Went SMU with my dog and surfed the Internet.

Bought a jeans from topman in raffles city for 69 bucks.

Luggage from Chinatown for 180 bucks. My goodness. I'm spending money till I'm so scared already. Yet I have not received scholarship cheque from school until now. School told me I will get it at month's end. But I am not in sg already, so my family will have to collect on my behalf.

I am all ready for the 3 seasons that I will face. Bitterly cold winter, spring and then summer. Don't have to buy much clothes there already.

Now is winter, I also don't have to wash clothes till spring time. Maybe bathe once a week?

These are only half of what I'm bringing

Bought this "philips' stewardess iron" for 29 bucks at Marina Square, but am no stewardess!

Come to realise three quarter of my ties are blue

If only I can bring my baby over... wonder how am I gonna sleep without smelling it nightly... wonder who will look after it my baby. He looks very sad le...

Since I am taking up a marketing post at a travel agency in Suzhou, I shall re-read this book; although I know translating them into Chinese will be like asking a pig to climb the tree? Will be good if I'm just given photocopying work... or make coffee and tea

Less than 12 days to go. Am feeling scared and somewhat lonely inside me at the thought of going there alone already. Spoke to Tadashi who has been working abroad for many years... he told me that relocation and migration are both a lonely process. So scary. No wonder many returned home after living overseas for only a few years?

Am afraid later I drop out halfway. What if I can't get along with those china people? Can die down there.

Mum told me that I'm only there for 5 months. If people bully me or shout at me, just ignore them. At the end of the day, it's not as though I'm going to stay there forever?

Marina Float

2010-01-01T23:23:00.006+08:00

Watched chipmunks at vivo with dearie yesterday. Nice but I thought part 1 was even nicer.

Had dinner at secret recipe in suntec city.

Tom yum soup was savoury but which left me so tasty thereafter

Cappucino to perk me up

Fish & chip; fish was fresh; but I should have taken the pic before I start conquering them for better presentation

And oh my! Hazelnut cream... new product which was sooooooooo fabulickcious...

Walked to marina waterfront for countdown party.

Reached at 8pm. Stayed for 4 hours all the way till the clock striked oooo hrs.

Did not dare to drink water, cos I can discharge almost immediately.

Nevertheless the 4 hours of wait that could have landed me in Taipei was worthwhile cos the fireworks display was stunning! 8 minutes...

Video-ed the fireworks but unfortunately, the file size was too large to be able to upload.

Shall upload my fireworks display pics after I get them from dearie.

Got our comfort zone with a good view; category 2 seats coz there's a tree in front of us

I've never seen Singapore so beautiful before; my first NYE countdown in Singapore

It's gonna be a hard time for the road sweeper; inconsiderate people! damn...

Went cycling with ma dog this afternoon. Had my last plate of duck rice from the hawker centre. I'll miss it for the next 5 months, badly =(

1001 things to do

2009-12-30T23:13:00.010+08:00

Results was okok. Very happy. Although could have been better? 2A, 1A-, 2B+.

Woke up at 0830 today.

Rushed down to China embassy in Tanglin Road to apply for visa.

Went to school for medical check. Had 2 injections today for typhoid and H1N1. Nurse asked if I am right or left-hander. I said left-hander, but wondered why she still injected on my left arm. Maybe she can't tell left or right?

Head down to Global Immersion Programme office which is situated atop a hill to submit cheque payment for Soochow University course fee. My goodness. Running around on flat surface with a laptop was already a torture. Let alone that endless flight of stairs up the hill.

Took bus to Jurong Point, had my X-ray taken at a radiological clinic. Already so tired, yet many of my body cells were killed just at that instance when the X-ray was taken.

Went temple in Bugis to get amulet. Aunty at the counter told me to walk around the joss stick urn (stove) 3 times. So round and round I walked, squeezing through endless crowds of worshippers packed together like sardines. Thank goodness I am small size. Can easily squeeze through. I see only myself walking round and round. People must have thought if I am crazy?

Bought beads chain and chanted. The beads chain was very long, and it took me about 5 mins to complete a loop. I repeated 3 times so it took me a total of 15 mins.

Went to pray for gui ren 贵人, hit small people 打小人 and pray to 太岁 opposite the temple.

Before I entered the temple, the sky was sunny. By the time I was out, it started drizzling.

Went Raffles City and Marina Square to buy necessities for my trip.

Reached home and dumped my stupid laptop and stuff down.

Went downstairs to tailor-made 3 long pants for work purposes. Total 100 bucks. Cheaper than if I were to buy from G2000.

Thereafter, I applied for exit permit online via http://www.ns.sg/.

I've still got 1001 things to do...

Have to:

- collect my passport back on Monday morning

- return to school to get 3rd injection (flu vaccine): Why is NTU so far??? Sigh...

- purchase air tickets

- purchase travel insurance

- read up on China, Suzhou especially

- look for hotel accommodation for the first few days

- print some maps

- start packing luggage

- visit National Dental Centre (NDC) twice on 7 Jan 2010 to remove my braces and 14 Jan 2010 to get my retainer

Most likely I'm flying off on 14 Jan now, since NDC is unable to change to an earlier slot for me.

And oh, I bought this trench coat from G2000 yesterday using sis' discount card. 80 plus... Think it was a reasonable.

So tired.