Wow, time really flies... it's time for my year end last blog entry again!! So far have not been really consistent with my entries... just too many things happening, and so many events happening.
Last week, I co-organised my company's x'mas party. It was quite fun as i introduced the C&W Awards thing where everyone has to cast their votes on 8 categories like Best Hair and Gregarious Laugh Award. And my boss reward me (as well as my co-organisers) gift vouchers!! Now that vouchers came as a surprise as we have been really hard at work trying to reduce the cost. Our final tally came to 70% of the inital budget. Well, even with the vouchers, we are still within budget. :P
The next day was another activities packed day, with a hi-tea session at Novotel where I ate to my heart's content for only $18 (cos a fren got a 50% discount voucher). This followed by the annual Yuppies X'mas gathering, this time at JH and VVN's new abode.
I got a few presents... A nice long sleve T, quick dri towel, a CD rack shaped like a beer barrel only it's made of obvious plastic, a chic glass wine cannister, an Evian special edition specially flown in from France and a $40 Taka voucher. Not bad I should say, generally satisfied with the gifts. Then we played with our presents.. starting with Bingo where i eventually won $6. We followed up with this silly board game REHAB, with silly cards like Dry Humping the nearest chair... and yes, i was the one who got that card. :P
So far so fun for X'mas 2008. . . and hopefully it will get better.. x'mas day itself will be in bangkok, my 2nd overseas christmas! (1st was in 1993 in Brisbane with my family on a family trip)
Just read about my horoscope for 2009, seems really good. Hopefully it turns out as well as it has been predicted!!..
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to everyone whom I do not have the chance to wish you in person!
Monday, December 22, 2008
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
gongxi gongxi
2008, a year of many weddings... well, at least for me. so far, i've attended at least 5 weddings, missed around 3, and with 3 more to go before 2009 arrives. Out of these, i've been and will become brothers for 4 of them and MC for 2. A great 2008 filled with happy couples!
My wedding circuit is gonna start real soon, this sunday will be Emily & Gerard's Wedding where i will be MC cum Brother. Then nex saturday will be JH & VVN's big day where i will be brother, and then Dec's 1st sat will be PF and Derric's wedding. Can be quite tiring, but fun as well... it's a great way to meet and catch up with old frens, since you cant really say no to such a joyous invitation.
To all my friends tying the knot, Congratulations to You!! And many many great years ahead!!
My wedding circuit is gonna start real soon, this sunday will be Emily & Gerard's Wedding where i will be MC cum Brother. Then nex saturday will be JH & VVN's big day where i will be brother, and then Dec's 1st sat will be PF and Derric's wedding. Can be quite tiring, but fun as well... it's a great way to meet and catch up with old frens, since you cant really say no to such a joyous invitation.
To all my friends tying the knot, Congratulations to You!! And many many great years ahead!!
Sunday, November 02, 2008
pounding all the way... ...
It's almost always that someone near me will say i'm skinny and odd to put on some weight. I was at 65kg last year for a brief 3 months period b4 it plummeted down to 60kg... and then everyone was again back to informing me that i became thin and skinny....
truth is, i also no wanna lost weight, but gaining weight is not easy for me. since last year till last month, i managed to hover ard 61kg only... tat's up to only mid Oct 2008.... for no reason, i began piling up my weight, 0.1kg per day... shocking to me.. and then the real bomb came... last tuesday i was at 61.7kg.. and on Wednesday i was weighed at 63.3kg!
Could it be that my met rate is starting to fall now? heard from a fren that met rate will fall quite suddenly.... Or have my weight gaining tactics finally seeing the light of day? anyway, i'm still targeting 65kg.... hmmm... :P
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
derold travel planner
It's the end of the year again!! And it's the mood for holidays!! Well, this year should be a rather gloomy year for everyone of us... due to the cloudy economic crisis. My company has begun its retrenchment process for the USA and Europe. Fingers crossed, APAC region will be strong enuff to weather it off....
Anyways, time to think about holidays! For those whom have not yet plan anything, I shall offer you lazy bums some interesting holiday ideas!! Not that I will be going to these places this year.
Anyways, time to think about holidays! For those whom have not yet plan anything, I shall offer you lazy bums some interesting holiday ideas!! Not that I will be going to these places this year.
Sway Away at Surat Thani
9 Days Escape to the wonders of Southern Thailand
Day 1
Depart via Jetstar Asia Flight 3K 511 at 0710hrs, arrive Bangkok at 0835hrs. (SGD115 per pax)
Transfer to Airasia Flight FD 3185 at 1340hrs, arrive Surat Thani at 1455hrs. (SGD 52.81 per pax) Proceed to check in Surat Thani Town Hotel (Tapi Hotel).
Free & Easy walk around, visiting the town’s own attractions and night markets
Day 2
Wake up early to visit the Oyster Farms. Lunch at Oyster Farms area. Then head to Wat Khao Suwan Pradit for a panoramic view of the seascape before heading for dinner at Laem Pho or ak Nam Tapi (Tapi River Estuary).
Day 3
Depart via Jetstar Asia Flight 3K 511 at 0710hrs, arrive Bangkok at 0835hrs. (SGD115 per pax)
Transfer to Airasia Flight FD 3185 at 1340hrs, arrive Surat Thani at 1455hrs. (SGD 52.81 per pax) Proceed to check in Surat Thani Town Hotel (Tapi Hotel).
Free & Easy walk around, visiting the town’s own attractions and night markets
Day 2
Wake up early to visit the Oyster Farms. Lunch at Oyster Farms area. Then head to Wat Khao Suwan Pradit for a panoramic view of the seascape before heading for dinner at Laem Pho or ak Nam Tapi (Tapi River Estuary).
Day 3
Take a ferry from Surat Thani to Ko Pha-ngan’s Pha-ngan Ferry Terminal (ard BHT250). Rent a car (ard SGD50 per day per car) and drive to the resort. Wind down and enjoy the beaches and the resort.
Day 4
Wake up as late as you want, relax at the beach and the swimming pool. Have a lazy afternoon. Head for the Full Moon Party.
Day 5
Check out from beach resort in the afternoon and head to Surat Thani. Check in to Surat Thani Hotel, and explore the town sights. Visit the famous Night Market of Surat Thani and feast your dinner senses with the local delicacies.
Day 6
Day 4
Wake up as late as you want, relax at the beach and the swimming pool. Have a lazy afternoon. Head for the Full Moon Party.
Day 5
Check out from beach resort in the afternoon and head to Surat Thani. Check in to Surat Thani Hotel, and explore the town sights. Visit the famous Night Market of Surat Thani and feast your dinner senses with the local delicacies.
Day 6
Check out Hotel in the early morning and head to Surat Thani Airport by 9am. Depart via Airasia Flight FD 3182 at 1045hrs, arrive Bangkok at 1155hrs. (SGD33.30 per pax)
Check in to our hotel and take a refresher before hunting for lunch. Enjoy the many malls in the Pathum Wan area, which includes MBK, Discovery Centre and Siam Paragon, an up-market spacious super mall. Catch a movie experience at Siam Paragon with the deluxe cinematic novelty!
Day 7
Sawatika! Welcome to ancient Thailand. Today shall see you exploring the historical sights in Bangkok. Lesson 101: Wat is Thai for Temple. And since Thailand is mainly a Buddhist country, there are plenty of temples around!!
The Grand Palace & Wat Phra Kaeo, 8.30am to 3.30pm ( Baht 200 per pax)
Wat Pho (Sleeping Buddha), 8.00am to 5.00pm (Baht 20 per pax)
Wat Arun, 7.00am to 5.20pm
Wat Benchamabophit, 8.00am to 5.00pm (Baht 20 per pax)
Enjoy the famous river cruise along the river market.
Night falls, and it’s time to be awake! Time to visit the night spots of Bangkok! Chill out at the many innovative bars such as Bed Supperclub and Q-bar.
Day 8
Check in to our hotel and take a refresher before hunting for lunch. Enjoy the many malls in the Pathum Wan area, which includes MBK, Discovery Centre and Siam Paragon, an up-market spacious super mall. Catch a movie experience at Siam Paragon with the deluxe cinematic novelty!
Day 7
Sawatika! Welcome to ancient Thailand. Today shall see you exploring the historical sights in Bangkok. Lesson 101: Wat is Thai for Temple. And since Thailand is mainly a Buddhist country, there are plenty of temples around!!
The Grand Palace & Wat Phra Kaeo, 8.30am to 3.30pm ( Baht 200 per pax)
Wat Pho (Sleeping Buddha), 8.00am to 5.00pm (Baht 20 per pax)
Wat Arun, 7.00am to 5.20pm
Wat Benchamabophit, 8.00am to 5.00pm (Baht 20 per pax)
Enjoy the famous river cruise along the river market.
Night falls, and it’s time to be awake! Time to visit the night spots of Bangkok! Chill out at the many innovative bars such as Bed Supperclub and Q-bar.
Day 8
Wake up to a day of Flea Market shopping! Brace yourself for at least 4 hours of hot and sweaty walk through the maze of small shops selling everything from clothing to pets to food stuff at the famous Chatuchuk market!
Wrap up the day with a relaxing spa experience before heading down to the red light districts of Patpong and Silom districts. Happy hours all night long!!
Day 9
Wake up late from last night’s party and prepare for packing and check-out. Depart via Airasia Flight FD 3505 at 1645hrs, arrive Singapore at 2005hrs (SGD 126.99 per pax)
As always, you can never squeeze in everything with just one trip. Great sights and magnificent company will always make a long trip seems rather short. Till the next trip!!
Estimated Airfare Total: SGD 328.10 per pax
Estimated Hotel Cost Total: SGD 400 per pax (est $50 per pax per nite)
Estimated Entertainment Cost Total: SGD 500 per pax (over budgeting by 20-30%)
Estimated Admission Fees Total: SGD 50 per pax
Estimated Shopping Cost Total: God-knows. Haha
Estimated Grand Total: SGD 1,300 or SGD 144 per day (all inclusive)
Estimated Min Grand Total: SGD 1,000 (based on more economical accommodations)
Wrap up the day with a relaxing spa experience before heading down to the red light districts of Patpong and Silom districts. Happy hours all night long!!
Day 9
Wake up late from last night’s party and prepare for packing and check-out. Depart via Airasia Flight FD 3505 at 1645hrs, arrive Singapore at 2005hrs (SGD 126.99 per pax)
As always, you can never squeeze in everything with just one trip. Great sights and magnificent company will always make a long trip seems rather short. Till the next trip!!
Estimated Airfare Total: SGD 328.10 per pax
Estimated Hotel Cost Total: SGD 400 per pax (est $50 per pax per nite)
Estimated Entertainment Cost Total: SGD 500 per pax (over budgeting by 20-30%)
Estimated Admission Fees Total: SGD 50 per pax
Estimated Shopping Cost Total: God-knows. Haha
Estimated Grand Total: SGD 1,300 or SGD 144 per day (all inclusive)
Estimated Min Grand Total: SGD 1,000 (based on more economical accommodations)
The Great Java Trail
7 Days Journey of Discovery
Day 1
Depart via SIA SQ 958 at 1240hrs, arriving Jakarta at 1315hrs. Free and Easy in the Capital City of Indonesia
Day 2
Wake up early next day. Transfer to morning train departure for Yogyakarta. Arrive in the afternoon and check into Hotel. Explore Yog’s city bazzar and night life.
Day 3
Wake up for a relic getaway to the sacred grounds of Borobudor, the largest building of Buddhist worship place in the 9th Century. This ancient structure has 9 levels, depicting the 9 levels of Heaven.
Located just 17km from the city centre lies Prambanan, also known as the Most Beautiful Hindu Temple in the World. Soaring 47m, the 10th Century structure has 3 main temples in the primary yard, plus several hundred smaller ones surrounding it.
Located Just beside Prambanan lies Candi Plaosan, also known as the Twin Temple. It has 116 ancillary domes and 50 ancillary temples
Experience the wondrous relaxing power of the Javanese Massage.
Day 4
Yogyakarta to Jakarta via Train (Overnight Train)
Day 5
Jakarta, Free & Easy
Day 6
Jakarta, Free & Easy
Day 7
Head to Jakarta International Airport for our SIA flight SQ 967, departing 2015hrs, arriving Singapore 2250hrs.
Depart via SIA SQ 958 at 1240hrs, arriving Jakarta at 1315hrs. Free and Easy in the Capital City of Indonesia
Day 2
Wake up early next day. Transfer to morning train departure for Yogyakarta. Arrive in the afternoon and check into Hotel. Explore Yog’s city bazzar and night life.
Day 3
Wake up for a relic getaway to the sacred grounds of Borobudor, the largest building of Buddhist worship place in the 9th Century. This ancient structure has 9 levels, depicting the 9 levels of Heaven.
Located just 17km from the city centre lies Prambanan, also known as the Most Beautiful Hindu Temple in the World. Soaring 47m, the 10th Century structure has 3 main temples in the primary yard, plus several hundred smaller ones surrounding it.
Located Just beside Prambanan lies Candi Plaosan, also known as the Twin Temple. It has 116 ancillary domes and 50 ancillary temples
Experience the wondrous relaxing power of the Javanese Massage.
Day 4
Yogyakarta to Jakarta via Train (Overnight Train)
Day 5
Jakarta, Free & Easy
Day 6
Jakarta, Free & Easy
Day 7
Head to Jakarta International Airport for our SIA flight SQ 967, departing 2015hrs, arriving Singapore 2250hrs.
Monday, October 20, 2008
OktoberfeSt
Wow, it's been almost 5 months since my last entry! Time really flies. The past 5 months have been sooo busy.... rushing through work, OTs, 3 weeks ICT... now finally things are slowing down a bit...(yea, the economy as well)..
October is like the month of new starts... Firstly, my office moved to Ocean Tower, and a new (but smaller) desk for me. The new open concept takes quite some time to get used to (still not used to it yet) as people talks without partitions.... can get a bit annoying sometimes. Well, I sometimes am guilty of that as well. haaha... So now I'll been occassionally seen with ear-piece and perhaps humming some tunes while i work my way through heaps of administrations. :P
October also presents my first holiday trip, well, even though it's KL. Going there really soon this weekend. Gonna really do nothing and eat and shop (not a lot though) and think nothing. hahaha.. Be a himbo (even though i'm not good looking to qualify, but perhaps dumb enuff?) :P
October also see me joining yoga for a change. Yea, pressured by a bunch of friends to take it. Went for 1 lesson, and it was alright.. haha. Elementary class lesson 1. Well, I know nuts about yoga.. so see how lor.. :P
October also may potentially see me record my 2nd single (Love Departs) on my iMac. 1st one done (but not published to all my frens to listen yet) last month... took me so long to complete the 2nd song's arrangement.. haiz.. what to do? Me lazy wat.. :P But must buck up more.. 10 songs in total to be recorded.. stressed.. -_-
What a busy October month. ahhah..
October is like the month of new starts... Firstly, my office moved to Ocean Tower, and a new (but smaller) desk for me. The new open concept takes quite some time to get used to (still not used to it yet) as people talks without partitions.... can get a bit annoying sometimes. Well, I sometimes am guilty of that as well. haaha... So now I'll been occassionally seen with ear-piece and perhaps humming some tunes while i work my way through heaps of administrations. :P
October also presents my first holiday trip, well, even though it's KL. Going there really soon this weekend. Gonna really do nothing and eat and shop (not a lot though) and think nothing. hahaha.. Be a himbo (even though i'm not good looking to qualify, but perhaps dumb enuff?) :P
October also see me joining yoga for a change. Yea, pressured by a bunch of friends to take it. Went for 1 lesson, and it was alright.. haha. Elementary class lesson 1. Well, I know nuts about yoga.. so see how lor.. :P
October also may potentially see me record my 2nd single (Love Departs) on my iMac. 1st one done (but not published to all my frens to listen yet) last month... took me so long to complete the 2nd song's arrangement.. haiz.. what to do? Me lazy wat.. :P But must buck up more.. 10 songs in total to be recorded.. stressed.. -_-
What a busy October month. ahhah..
Friday, May 30, 2008
my montage
Been feeling a bit silly and bored lately and scrolling my over 3000++ online photo album. Sure sounds like a lot of photos, but actually not really so. Then this crazy idea to chronicle the pictures according to the years i've posted my online photos.. and the result was just crazy.. haha. i didnt know i could actually look fat in some pictures.. :P well, 2007 and 2008 will be out soon.. :P
Monday, May 12, 2008
The Emperor and his Men
Why is it always the men who are nervous and worrying for the Emperor when he himself is not at all worried?
Friday, April 18, 2008
As my birthday draws nearer (7 more hours to be exact, taking into consideration it's 5pm now), I'm beginning to have that new year feel again. It's that goals and aims I wish to accomplish before my nex birthday. Yes, it sure does sounds like another resolution in the making. Well, everyone has unlimited wants, so here goes:
1) My target of 4 new destinations for 2008 is nearly there, with Melaka, Helsinki and London visited. So from tmr, I shall set another target... I wish to travel to another 4 overseas destinations this year, regardless whether I've been there before or not, or whether it is near or far. If my tentative Dallas conference in Oct comes true, I should have no problem attaining this target. Plus my plan for either Hokkaido or NZ in Jan 2009, suddenly this target seems not so tough already. :P
2) I hope to take the A380 SIA flight to somewhere far. Then again, SIA flies her A380 to destinations of at least 8hrs.
3) I hope to out perform with my work. So far I think I've done much more than I expected of myself, but it always seems not enuff at work...
4) I have been delaying buying of my recording equipments. Hopefully this year I will still have time to write and record at least 5 songs by year end, and 10 songs before my next birthday. But first, need money to buy the stuff.
5) I hope to find time to do some cooking, this time less with the sweet stuff, and more on my favourite savoury dishes... perhaps coming up with some new recipe at the same time.
mm.. seems not too daring with my targets.. but should be attainable bah.. :P
1) My target of 4 new destinations for 2008 is nearly there, with Melaka, Helsinki and London visited. So from tmr, I shall set another target... I wish to travel to another 4 overseas destinations this year, regardless whether I've been there before or not, or whether it is near or far. If my tentative Dallas conference in Oct comes true, I should have no problem attaining this target. Plus my plan for either Hokkaido or NZ in Jan 2009, suddenly this target seems not so tough already. :P
2) I hope to take the A380 SIA flight to somewhere far. Then again, SIA flies her A380 to destinations of at least 8hrs.
3) I hope to out perform with my work. So far I think I've done much more than I expected of myself, but it always seems not enuff at work...
4) I have been delaying buying of my recording equipments. Hopefully this year I will still have time to write and record at least 5 songs by year end, and 10 songs before my next birthday. But first, need money to buy the stuff.
5) I hope to find time to do some cooking, this time less with the sweet stuff, and more on my favourite savoury dishes... perhaps coming up with some new recipe at the same time.
mm.. seems not too daring with my targets.. but should be attainable bah.. :P
Saturday, April 12, 2008
April Surprise
10 April 2008, my 1st birthday celebration of the year. My great gang of ex-colleagues and now great frens. Had a wonderful dinner cum chatting session at Swenson PS where I had a sliced birthday ice-cream cake. Then when we were abt to leave, they presented me a brown box with the brand Raoul on it. The first thing that came to mind was cuff links, or maybe even a tie. As I unravel the ribbon and opened the box, my anticipation turned into a pleasant surprise. It was a watch! To think just 2 weeks ago I had almost lost my watch, and just last week I was thinking of finally buying myself one. With this new watch, it will mean an unbroken chain of free watches since secondary school.. haha..
After dinner programme was just a party of 5 at Clementi coffee shop with drinks and sinful fried chicken. But it was yet another great session.
Thank you all of you from Club CKSian!!
Europa Adventura 5
My 3D2N stay in London was very action-packed, tiring and cold... to some point even miserable. But i maganed to make new friends with my room mates. The unexpected snow (the 1st snow in over 20 years in April) brought several unexpected surprises: the sight of people scurrying to see the snow, and also the unexpected coldness that attacked me.
It was so cold that I only showered once in london. On the 2nd day, it was too cold to shower at night, and in the next morning as well. I had to check out and then explore London in unclean clothings... and then took the TUBE to the airport... and a 12hr flight home. It was basically a straight 3 days of no showering! I found myself with really stinky clothings when i finally shower. And no prizes for guessing that i spent a fair time in the bathroom bathing that evening. hehe..
All in all, it was a great trip, though I did not feel really fantastic like a holiday trip. Guess i am still too pampered to stay in bunkers... haiz..
It was so cold that I only showered once in london. On the 2nd day, it was too cold to shower at night, and in the next morning as well. I had to check out and then explore London in unclean clothings... and then took the TUBE to the airport... and a 12hr flight home. It was basically a straight 3 days of no showering! I found myself with really stinky clothings when i finally shower. And no prizes for guessing that i spent a fair time in the bathroom bathing that evening. hehe..
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| me and my bunk mates having a beer session |
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| the original Madame |
All in all, it was a great trip, though I did not feel really fantastic like a holiday trip. Guess i am still too pampered to stay in bunkers... haiz..
Europa Adventura 4
I've finally arrived at one of the greatest civilisation of the world: England. Due to tight budget constraints (only had GBP 200 to spare), I found myself in a rather unenviable position to save wherever I go. First up, the famous Tube.... or should I call it the infamous Tube. The first person I talked to upon stepping outta Heathrow was the ticket seller, who happened to be supremely rude. Apparently, many of my friends who went there told me the same thing as well. Seems Singapore's so called lousy service still can manage to win London's crappy attitude hands-down anythime.
Well, day 1 was not too bad as I occupied myself with 2 back to back musicals. First up, The Lion King. The much anticipated musical has a few added scenes, and it's really amazing how you actually can related to each character even when they are supposed to be animals. With just a short break of less than 2 hrs, I had myself a 1-pounder burger for dinner before I head for another musical. The Lord of the Rings Musical cost me GBP20, a great discount since I was given the 1st row seats. A supposedly great show with great displays of special effects.. but at front row, I can't see the stage floor to fully appreciate the true beauty. Well, can't complain with that price I'm paying.
A cold, drizzling night greeted me as I made my way to the red light distric of SOHO for a short walk. The place was crowded with so many people you could almost feel the heat of the beat.. literally.. Well, didnt have budget to go into any one of those shops, so headed back to my humble hostel for a quick shower and then to bed.
Well, day 1 was not too bad as I occupied myself with 2 back to back musicals. First up, The Lion King. The much anticipated musical has a few added scenes, and it's really amazing how you actually can related to each character even when they are supposed to be animals. With just a short break of less than 2 hrs, I had myself a 1-pounder burger for dinner before I head for another musical. The Lord of the Rings Musical cost me GBP20, a great discount since I was given the 1st row seats. A supposedly great show with great displays of special effects.. but at front row, I can't see the stage floor to fully appreciate the true beauty. Well, can't complain with that price I'm paying.
A cold, drizzling night greeted me as I made my way to the red light distric of SOHO for a short walk. The place was crowded with so many people you could almost feel the heat of the beat.. literally.. Well, didnt have budget to go into any one of those shops, so headed back to my humble hostel for a quick shower and then to bed.
Europa Adventura 3
5 days of conference from Monday to Friday saw me meeting my global colleagues for the very 1st time: 1 from Beijing, 2 from USA, and 1 from Finland. Very friendly people with lotsa experience for me to absorb and learn from.
Experiencing my 1st business trip since my days with Stamford Tyres required some adjustments. For one, I have to adjust to the fact that I can eat whatever I want for all the meals.. haha. Well, that's really not too difficult to adjust to. Since lunches were settled mostly at Nokia's premises, dinners were the events that I look forward to daily.
1st dinner on Sunday was a hotel restaurant affair, followed by Italian the next day. 3rd night was Thai, as requested by my American colleague. It was surprisingly nice considering it was in Helsinki. 4th night was the star as I sampled Finnish cruisine. I had reindeer meat, which is really popular in Finland. It tasted like beef marinated in butter, and it almost melted in my mouth. My reindeer 3 course meal cost me around EUR 50. It sure does sounds alot in SGD terms (SGD110). Thursday was free and easy with Italian dinner.
The 5th night saw me consuming the costliest dinner I've had so far in SGD terms. We went to a Michellin star restaurant and I had EUR69 dinner set accompanied by champage. My total bill came to SGD170!!
During the 1 week meeting, I've also visited this quint little town of Salo and Nokia's phone factory. Didn't buy any mobile phones, but I got a huge bag of chocolates costing me a fortune.
From a luggage of 18kg, I've increased to 22kg for my flight to London in the early morning of Saturday. It was a great week in Helsinki with lotsa great food and snow scape.
Wednesday, April 02, 2008
Europa Adventura 2
Day 2 of my stay at Helsinki saw me sailing out of the city centre. Yes, I set sail for the Suomenlinna, a Finnish isle fort. It was so damn freezing cold there, with very visible snowscape and chilly winds. So chilly the skin on my fingers began to peel... and it was not funny at all. But the place was beautiful with great architectures and solid fort structures.
Lunch was on the isle, with a chocolate bar and a local beer costing me a total of Euro 2.50. Yes, beer is cheap cheap here! I endured another chilly ferry ride back to the mainland, and began exploring the day time Helsinki again, visitng Uspendski Church as well as Senate Square with all the important buildings.
Checkin into my room at SAS Radisson Hotel at the highest level with nice bed and bathtub was a great change from my backpacker's environment. (then again, i will be staying at backpackers in london.. haiz) Oh, and nursing my sore eye.. haiz... This year has really been a sick year for me.. Been attacked by so many virus.. so sianz...
Lunch was on the isle, with a chocolate bar and a local beer costing me a total of Euro 2.50. Yes, beer is cheap cheap here! I endured another chilly ferry ride back to the mainland, and began exploring the day time Helsinki again, visitng Uspendski Church as well as Senate Square with all the important buildings.
Checkin into my room at SAS Radisson Hotel at the highest level with nice bed and bathtub was a great change from my backpacker's environment. (then again, i will be staying at backpackers in london.. haiz) Oh, and nursing my sore eye.. haiz... This year has really been a sick year for me.. Been attacked by so many virus.. so sianz...
Sunday, March 30, 2008
Europa Adventura 1
Since the start of the new millennium, I've been taking the airline that is A Great Way to Fly countless time.. in fact I would say all the time except 1 time when i flew Qantas for uni, and 1 time with the airline where Everyone Can Fly (Air Asia) to Bangkok in 2006. And now, I've taken my virgin flight with The World's Favourite Airline to London, followed by Finnar to Helsinki. My BA flight was alright, thanks to a major part that I took a sleeping pill which knocked me out for 8 hours. The shows were alright, I watched the entertaining Enchanted. Supposed to be flying the Flying Kangaroo, but it was delayed. The seats were reminiscent of budget airlines', but with personal TVs. Yea, they were small can cramped, and all the angmos looked like their intestines are going to be squeezed out! Food was ok, since I've had the worst expectation for the airline. The crew, however, were amazingly friendly. Though the hardwares were lousy, the softwares were not too bad.
Heathrow was an amazingly big yet small airport. With 5 terminals, and moving between them required buses, I would expect a seriously spacious terminal. But while I was at the departing lounge, there were only a few shops and limited seats. Was a little disappointed though, but it was Terminal 1, so maybe the long haul terminal might be better. Finnair was up next. This Finnish airline surprised me. The seats were budget similar, but the crew were fantastic! They were warm and personal, amongst the best I've seen so far for sure. Thankfully this royal Finnish treatment didnt stop there.
Took a cab to my packpackers' inn, but took 1 hr to reach cos driver went holand. It was when I entered my dorm that I realised today could be a day with many 1st, potential my most number of significant 1sts in a day. 1st European airlines flights, 1st European destination since 1997's Instanbul, 1st hostel stay since 2003's Great OZ Trip, 1st snowy winter trip since 1997's XingJiang trip, 1st time I lose something during a trip. Yes, that i will elaborate later...
The temperature here was good today, after 5 straight days of snow storms. clear blue skies with chilly winds blowing, i did a walking tour of the small city center. I still haven not had a European vibe yet, but perhaps I'm still affect with the time difference. Well, after the walking tour, I headed for a true blue finnish tradition: The Finnish Sauna. The 1st shock b4 entering was seeing 2 naked men in towels sitting outside the main entrance to cool down. I soon realised that this was only the tip of the iceberg. The sauna is a traditional Finnish sauna (link to be provided soon) with many steps. 1st, you strip to nothing and go to a public shower area where u clean yourself. Then, u walk for the sauna to heat up yourself until your uppermost tolerance level. Then you come out to cool down, and relax with a beer. I must have done this process at least 4 times, sitting amongst totally naked Finnish men numbering to around 30 arms almost touching arms in the small 'area styled' sauna. The feeling of liberation got more intense as I joined them guys to cool down with only a towel, outside the shopfront. There sitting on the pavement with snow by my side and pedestrians walking, it was a difficult feeling to describe. But it was truely a great feeling. The most awkard part soon came when I went for the Finnish scrub.. This lady just came into the men's shower room and, amongst the dozens of naked men, she began scrubing one a a time. who!
After 2 hours, I left the wonderful place filled with the memories of friendly Finns whom I've managed to miggled around with. Little did I realise that I have left my watch there at the sauna! Guess I will have to call them to see if they have it at the counter b4 i return for another great session!
(photos to be uploaded soon)
Heathrow was an amazingly big yet small airport. With 5 terminals, and moving between them required buses, I would expect a seriously spacious terminal. But while I was at the departing lounge, there were only a few shops and limited seats. Was a little disappointed though, but it was Terminal 1, so maybe the long haul terminal might be better. Finnair was up next. This Finnish airline surprised me. The seats were budget similar, but the crew were fantastic! They were warm and personal, amongst the best I've seen so far for sure. Thankfully this royal Finnish treatment didnt stop there.
Took a cab to my packpackers' inn, but took 1 hr to reach cos driver went holand. It was when I entered my dorm that I realised today could be a day with many 1st, potential my most number of significant 1sts in a day. 1st European airlines flights, 1st European destination since 1997's Instanbul, 1st hostel stay since 2003's Great OZ Trip, 1st snowy winter trip since 1997's XingJiang trip, 1st time I lose something during a trip. Yes, that i will elaborate later...
The temperature here was good today, after 5 straight days of snow storms. clear blue skies with chilly winds blowing, i did a walking tour of the small city center. I still haven not had a European vibe yet, but perhaps I'm still affect with the time difference. Well, after the walking tour, I headed for a true blue finnish tradition: The Finnish Sauna. The 1st shock b4 entering was seeing 2 naked men in towels sitting outside the main entrance to cool down. I soon realised that this was only the tip of the iceberg. The sauna is a traditional Finnish sauna (link to be provided soon) with many steps. 1st, you strip to nothing and go to a public shower area where u clean yourself. Then, u walk for the sauna to heat up yourself until your uppermost tolerance level. Then you come out to cool down, and relax with a beer. I must have done this process at least 4 times, sitting amongst totally naked Finnish men numbering to around 30 arms almost touching arms in the small 'area styled' sauna. The feeling of liberation got more intense as I joined them guys to cool down with only a towel, outside the shopfront. There sitting on the pavement with snow by my side and pedestrians walking, it was a difficult feeling to describe. But it was truely a great feeling. The most awkard part soon came when I went for the Finnish scrub.. This lady just came into the men's shower room and, amongst the dozens of naked men, she began scrubing one a a time. who!
After 2 hours, I left the wonderful place filled with the memories of friendly Finns whom I've managed to miggled around with. Little did I realise that I have left my watch there at the sauna! Guess I will have to call them to see if they have it at the counter b4 i return for another great session!
(photos to be uploaded soon)
Sunday, March 16, 2008
Smashing Saturday...
Went for some sorts of a recording breaking day yesterday. Went with KK to Brewerkz and splurged $57 per person for dinner... Never thought I would spend so much for jus 1 meal. Well, I did it. 2 portions of beer, plus my 400g beef patties burger. I was so stuffed with those sinful food. Definitely over took my dinner the night before at Still Road with my company department.
After dinner, I did another record breaking thing.. Well, 2 actually. We went for bowling at Chevron, and I scored my best ever score of 158 points in at least 3 years. It was just 6 points shy of my record 164 points I registered in 2002. My 1st game of the night was, well, my usual average of 102.. But then I was on the roll.
My 3rd game would become a game to remember. I registered my highest and best ever (so far) game with 184 point!! What a way to end my Saturday! :)
Thursday, March 13, 2008
愚公移山
My boulder has officially grew into a mountain now.... Seems that even as I try to inch it sideways, more sediments have built up incessantly. Greater level of intensity is now required to remove my obstacle, but then again... my surname is 余。 So I shall do a '余' 公移山, bit by bit, try not to be waivered by the avalanche of pressures building atop this mountain, and eventually reduce this inner demon. Yeah!!
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
Euro Euro
My first business trip in more than 18 months... actually not that long ago I flew to Delhi and Nepal for my last business trip... And now just 4 months into my new job, I'll be flying again! This time, it's to another continent, Europe!! And this will mark my 2nd, 3rd and 4th European cities, the 1st being Istanbul.
First stop: Finland... Staying at the Capital city of Helsinki, wtih trips to neighbouring Espoo for conference training. Gonna stay there for 7 nights in the freezing end winter place... hope it's not raining..
Next up will be London!! But only for 2 niights.. Wish I can extend more, but this trip being so unexpected, I dont have the budget to spend more, especially everything is in pounds, which is almost 3 times SGD!!
Monday, March 03, 2008
a boulder in my path
Sometimes in life, you feel like giving up. But sometimes, you just push on. Strangely, some of those times you don't even have any reason what keeps you going. But you just keep pushing.
I guess for me, I'm jus pushing and pushing, hoping that someday, that boulder will be pushed away to reveal a lighted pathway. Life will be easier then. I've seen people who gave up after some tries, some even gave up with minimal effort. I know I'm not some one who gives up so easily, unless it really something not in my arena. But most of these times, I am clueless as to why I pushed on.
Right now, I'm pushing on on several aspects of life. I think now, I'm experiencing one of my most difficult pushes so far in my life journey. Injuries, pain, agonies, shocks, self-pity, inferior.. all these I've experienced. But I guess I will still continue to push on... cos I know in the end, I'll be able to move that boulder out of my way for a smoother walk path.
I guess for me, I'm jus pushing and pushing, hoping that someday, that boulder will be pushed away to reveal a lighted pathway. Life will be easier then. I've seen people who gave up after some tries, some even gave up with minimal effort. I know I'm not some one who gives up so easily, unless it really something not in my arena. But most of these times, I am clueless as to why I pushed on.
Right now, I'm pushing on on several aspects of life. I think now, I'm experiencing one of my most difficult pushes so far in my life journey. Injuries, pain, agonies, shocks, self-pity, inferior.. all these I've experienced. But I guess I will still continue to push on... cos I know in the end, I'll be able to move that boulder out of my way for a smoother walk path.
Monday, February 11, 2008
coming of spring
the 5th day of CNY 2008. not a great cny this year, have been sick since the last week of january 2008 until now, with my throat currently feeling like there is a gash or knife wound rotting for attention. well, 10 more days to the end of the CNY celebration, and this coming weekend will be packed with visitations... Ren Ri or People's Day this wednesday will be a double whammy, with company lunch and my own family reunion steamboat dinner. coupled with my inability to exercise and all those eatings, i do feel weak nowadays. hopefully my illness will go away soon and i can finally hit the irons. think i'm really addicted to exercising even though i have been forcing myself to the gym. :P
one look back to december 2007 when i made my 2008 resolutions. i had intended to make at least 4 trips this year. so far, it seems things are going well for trips for 2008. Melaka in january 2008 was my 1st trip, and it will hopefully be continued with more places i've never been before, potentially to Helsinki in Finland coming april for a conference, potentially my 1st Hong Kong trip in june/ july, and a yet-to-be ascertained city for my company's annual conference (hope it's Bali and not bangkok). with all these potentials fuifiled, it will mean i would have completed my target of 4 trips by mid-year! haha.. ok, i shall revise it to at least 4 trips to places i've never been to for 2008. Hahaha.. greedy greedy. now i just have to recover from my illness asap and start building a healthy body for 2008 (horoscope say this year my health not good... so accurate cos i sick thru-out the new year.. sian)
one look back to december 2007 when i made my 2008 resolutions. i had intended to make at least 4 trips this year. so far, it seems things are going well for trips for 2008. Melaka in january 2008 was my 1st trip, and it will hopefully be continued with more places i've never been before, potentially to Helsinki in Finland coming april for a conference, potentially my 1st Hong Kong trip in june/ july, and a yet-to-be ascertained city for my company's annual conference (hope it's Bali and not bangkok). with all these potentials fuifiled, it will mean i would have completed my target of 4 trips by mid-year! haha.. ok, i shall revise it to at least 4 trips to places i've never been to for 2008. Hahaha.. greedy greedy. now i just have to recover from my illness asap and start building a healthy body for 2008 (horoscope say this year my health not good... so accurate cos i sick thru-out the new year.. sian)
Tuesday, January 15, 2008
Monday, January 07, 2008
gula melaka
My 1st overseas trip of 2008: The historical township of Melaka. The great journey began early in the morning as I woke up at 6am and made my way to Golden Mile Complex for the coach to my destination. My ex-colleagues (now good friends and all 15 of them inclusive of spouse and baby) gathered and awaited with thin patience as the bus delayed our set-out timing. Finally, the 2 by 2 seater came to ferry us to the Malaysian customs. We boarded our SVIP 26 seater to Melaka enroute a 3.5hr journey where I slided into immediate slumberland....but only for 2 hours. I woke up to the sound of joy from baby Gerald (vivian and amoz's baby boy). Who would have thought his stamina could be so good to shout almost non-stop throughout the entire trip!
We checked into our fabulous Holiday Inn at level 12. My room offered an expansive seaview whilst some rooms ( we had 7 rooms in total) enjoyed the sleepy Melaka township view. Our 1st objective of arrival was to Makan!! We went to nearby Newton Food Centre where there were a huge variety of tasty nimbles and main courses available. Thereafter, we took the free hotel shuttle bus to the old Melaka town. The Stubhuys was our 1st tourisy stop, basically the famous red buildings of Melaka that used to house the Dutch a few hundred years ago. We proceeded to walk along Jonker Street but the sudden downpour dimmed our hopes to explore any further. We ended up chit-chatting in a local cafe with great ambiance.
The rain finally reduced to a mere drizzle as we made our way out into the street, scouring for some local delicacies. We entered a Noya restaurant with traditional Peranakan Interiors, and began slurping down hot and spicy Noya delights such as Noya Assam Laksa and Curry Noodles. And a very befitting dinner it was with the cool weather. The main attraction was the Durian Chendol for dessert. So cool and nice, but the durain taste was very mild. Instead, the Gula Melaka's taste was more intense! A great way to wash down the heaty dinner!
After dinner plans qucikly became a woman's desire destination. We went the shopping district of Melaka and the girls just went wild with their purchases, again. Haiz.. I really wonder what is there to buy. For the sake of things, I bought a burner at one of the smaller shops.
Shop Shop Shop, and then, Drink Drink Drink!.. ok, we didnt really drink a lot. We gather at the hotel's lounge for a drinking session, and celebrated Ada's last day with CKS. She was the 17th person to tender, but as of tat nite, 21 ppl have already tendered since last week of August 2007! Anyhow, I did get a little high from drinking 2 portions of redwine that night..
The next morning saw me having 4 helpings for breakfast... it's almost like lunch! :P We explored the hotel's pool and did some relaxing chit-chat sessions before we headed out to Bukit St Paul.
Bukit St Paul basically was named after St Pauls Church that was situated atop. Built by the Portugese in 1521, it was taken over by the Dutch and re-named St Pauls Church.The ruins of the church immediately reminded me of one of several structures I saw in Hobart when i visited the ghost town several years ago. It was a simple building with no roof but very solid walls.
The final 2 hours were spent at Makodta Shopping Centre where i basically walked rather aimlessly. Lunch was Chicken Rice balls, though not from the most famous store. It tasted so-so. And then we gather at the lobby of Holiday Inn were we enroute to Singapore.
The whole trip was nothing but pure fun, and with so many activities, it certainly stretched my weekend much longer. I cant wait for the next one soon!
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