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.
Friday, September 9, 2011
Saturday, August 27, 2011
Funny customers
NATAS travel fair this weekend but I'm stationed in office. Lots of calls coming in, some silly questions from customers. One inquired about turkey and wanted to know if December will snow. Even though I know I am not a fortune teller, I said it will "confirm snow" in the hope that the customer will buy from me.
Another fellow on the phone asked me about the itinerary for 5 days 3 nights Tokyo, Mt Fuji and Yokohama. She's a very price-sensitive customer seeking dates with 1-for-1 promotion.
Me: Day 1 check in at airport. Day 2 reach Tokyo, go Mt Fuji and later Yokohama. Day 3 Tokyo city tour. Day 4 Tokyo free at leisure. Day 5 return to Singapore.
Woman: Oh! Actually very short hor.
Me: Because you're asking for 5 days mah!
Woman: Oh, ok thanks.
Another fellow on the phone asked me about the itinerary for 5 days 3 nights Tokyo, Mt Fuji and Yokohama. She's a very price-sensitive customer seeking dates with 1-for-1 promotion.
Me: Day 1 check in at airport. Day 2 reach Tokyo, go Mt Fuji and later Yokohama. Day 3 Tokyo city tour. Day 4 Tokyo free at leisure. Day 5 return to Singapore.
Woman: Oh! Actually very short hor.
Me: Because you're asking for 5 days mah!
Woman: Oh, ok thanks.
Thursday, August 18, 2011
2 funny customerz
In a week alone I encountered 2 funny customers.
Customer 1 has been calling me since the third day of my work regarding Vietnam until the third week of my work which is today. Over the phone she said she wanted a triple room, all with single beds because they are all women and not used to sleeping with each other. Suddenly she reminds of myself, because I don't like to share a bed too! So for that matter, I can put myself in her shoes. But 3 individual beds in a room?? I have stayed in over a hundred hotels worldwide, but have never come across such a configuration as yet (with the exception of youth hostels). My colleague told me some customers are like this. They thought our company owns everything - airplanes and hotels.
Customer 2 walked-in yesterday. She was from Canadian on holiday in Singapore and wanted to visit somewhere near on a solo trip. I suggested Bali and she really liked the idea, taking down notes of the places that she can visit (Rock Bar at Ayana Resort especially) and hotels to stay. In the end, she said she will try booking online. LOL. Because as I was presenting those ideas to her, I showed her the websites that she could do her own booking! She was such a nice person to talk to, and I even became an ambassador of Singapore, promoting No Signboard restaurant because she wanted to try chilli crab, and One Altitude bar for the most captivating bird's eye view of Singapore's skyline.
This morning, my colleague told me she saw the same lady (customer 2) wearing the same clothes the day before at the bus stop. I thought it was nothing to be excited about, because I can wear 1 shirt for 1 week in a row when I'm on holiday!
Customer 1 has been calling me since the third day of my work regarding Vietnam until the third week of my work which is today. Over the phone she said she wanted a triple room, all with single beds because they are all women and not used to sleeping with each other. Suddenly she reminds of myself, because I don't like to share a bed too! So for that matter, I can put myself in her shoes. But 3 individual beds in a room?? I have stayed in over a hundred hotels worldwide, but have never come across such a configuration as yet (with the exception of youth hostels). My colleague told me some customers are like this. They thought our company owns everything - airplanes and hotels.
Customer 2 walked-in yesterday. She was from Canadian on holiday in Singapore and wanted to visit somewhere near on a solo trip. I suggested Bali and she really liked the idea, taking down notes of the places that she can visit (Rock Bar at Ayana Resort especially) and hotels to stay. In the end, she said she will try booking online. LOL. Because as I was presenting those ideas to her, I showed her the websites that she could do her own booking! She was such a nice person to talk to, and I even became an ambassador of Singapore, promoting No Signboard restaurant because she wanted to try chilli crab, and One Altitude bar for the most captivating bird's eye view of Singapore's skyline.
This morning, my colleague told me she saw the same lady (customer 2) wearing the same clothes the day before at the bus stop. I thought it was nothing to be excited about, because I can wear 1 shirt for 1 week in a row when I'm on holiday!
Monday, August 8, 2011
Another week
Was totally shacked by the end of first week. Doing sales is indeed tiring. Talked so much during day time and don't feel like talking to anyone after work. Yesterday was most challenging. Was at travel fair ground for 12 hours. Was stationed at Turkey booth. Closed a few sales on Turkey and South Africa.
My first office sales was Bangkok and then Cambodia last week. But these two are far from my sales target of 65k for this month alone. Don't know how now.
Been reading on South Africa and I am really interested in that place. I hope I can visit it one day.
Today's my off day and I slept through the afternoon.
My first office sales was Bangkok and then Cambodia last week. But these two are far from my sales target of 65k for this month alone. Don't know how now.
Been reading on South Africa and I am really interested in that place. I hope I can visit it one day.
Today's my off day and I slept through the afternoon.
Tuesday, August 2, 2011
Intensive product training
Yesterday was my first day at work.
As usual, HR matter briefing first thing in the morning at HQ. Can't name my company.
Went to my office in Bugis, new and super bright. Made my head spinning. Aircon directly above me. So I can best describe how winter is like to my clients. It's bitterly cold and desolate..
Learned about company's businesses and products. 1001 itineraries for me to get familiar with. Sights description, visa, climate, travelling time between cities, meals, hotels. My goodness..
Today I was being trained on using the reservation system before heading to HQ for almost 4 hours product training on long haul tours - EU, USA, NZ, AU, Egypt, South Africa, India, Dubai, Israel. The price structure looked so much like stock prices.
Reached home and researched on Europe and attractions info.
Goodnight world.
As usual, HR matter briefing first thing in the morning at HQ. Can't name my company.
Went to my office in Bugis, new and super bright. Made my head spinning. Aircon directly above me. So I can best describe how winter is like to my clients. It's bitterly cold and desolate..
Learned about company's businesses and products. 1001 itineraries for me to get familiar with. Sights description, visa, climate, travelling time between cities, meals, hotels. My goodness..
Today I was being trained on using the reservation system before heading to HQ for almost 4 hours product training on long haul tours - EU, USA, NZ, AU, Egypt, South Africa, India, Dubai, Israel. The price structure looked so much like stock prices.
Reached home and researched on Europe and attractions info.
Goodnight world.
Sunday, July 31, 2011
Officially graduated
Yesterday was my convocation. Reached at almost 9am, and lasted until 1pm. Professor Wong Sze Sze who taught me strategic management was on stage, as well as Professor Geoffrey Chua who taught me service operations. Was hoping to see Professor Henderson but she was not present.
It was good to say goodbye to my friends, Wei Cai, Wen Jie and Ruoyi, three of whom were my very first project mates in year 1. And for which our project grade was an unforgettable C+ for Accounting I.
I'm happy to leave university because it was very stressful. But I am sad to leave because student life is really "own time own target." I can skip school anytime I like, and just be present for the exams.
My 'ou ou' ken was my photographer of the day. Mum, sis, ken and I had our lunch at MCD before heading home.
Nothing beats having a long nap after having woken up so early.
Went Marina Square for a graduation treat to Cafe de Waraku by my dearest friend. Watched NDP preview fireworks along Esplanade Drive.
Now that I am officially graduated, it marks the beginning of my working life. The thought of working a long way towards retirement scares me to the max.
It was good to say goodbye to my friends, Wei Cai, Wen Jie and Ruoyi, three of whom were my very first project mates in year 1. And for which our project grade was an unforgettable C+ for Accounting I.
I'm happy to leave university because it was very stressful. But I am sad to leave because student life is really "own time own target." I can skip school anytime I like, and just be present for the exams.
My 'ou ou' ken was my photographer of the day. Mum, sis, ken and I had our lunch at MCD before heading home.
Nothing beats having a long nap after having woken up so early.
Went Marina Square for a graduation treat to Cafe de Waraku by my dearest friend. Watched NDP preview fireworks along Esplanade Drive.
Now that I am officially graduated, it marks the beginning of my working life. The thought of working a long way towards retirement scares me to the max.
Friday, July 22, 2011
Time flies
It's more than a month since I last made an entry. So many obstacles have occurred that I was almost overwhelmed. In fact not many, but really major one - where MOE rescinded my contract for some obvious discrimination. So much so that I am really hoping that I will land myself a job overseas one day and never to return to Singapore. So I shall gain a few years of working experience, visit the temple more often to accumulate better karma, and try my luck.
Passion or money? Which one will you work for?
Money is indispensable.
Money is power.
Money can buy happiness.
And in Economics, we learn that "money makes the world go round."
Suddenly, I am engulfed by the above notions that I am losing sight of my passion - my passion for the tourism industry. Transition in life is always difficult. I'm too settled in the life of a student. For the first time I am faced with the questions of how to start repaying my school loans, take charge of my personal finance and contribute to household. These questions were never tested as far as I remember. And more difficult question that I have been asking myself since the last day of school - should I switch industry?
If I switch industry, will it also mean going against the course of my life map? Alas! I should have consulted Goddess of Mercy on this...
Time flies and soon I'll be starting work on 1 August 2011. I need to set my mentality right before I start, so that I can carrying with me a positive attitude towards my work. I have always wanted to be a good employee. But I am quick to pose my idea that may challenge authority. Since I am starting my career proper, it is time that I set the right foot forward.
Bangkok here I'm coming. Visiting the Four-Faced Buddha is the primary purpose of this trip. And I have done my research on the correct method of praying. Somehow I wish I am less detail-oriented, so that I can go with the flow! And sometimes how I wish I resemble less of my mother who is a constant worrier!
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!
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