It is said that one must always try his best.
But when the best is not enough, do you still keep on trying?
But when the best is not enough, do you still keep on trying?
Monday, December 27, 2010
Monday, December 06, 2010
My first ever marathon!!!
The few days leading up to D-day wreck havoc on my sleep pattern. I couldn't fall asleep well.
And the night before, I could only muster about 4 hours of sleep before waking up at an ungodly 3am.
The pre-race ritual was to have a dump to clear my bowels (thus making me lighter :P), and a light breakfast of milo & a piece of bread. I don my "battle" gear, did a check on the equipments, and off I go to pick my race kaki - mr. paperbox.
So we thought we were on time, until we hit a massive jam en route to Orchard, our starting point. Minutes ticked, and we heard the horn sound off at 5am for the full marathon route. We finally parked the car at my workplace nearby, did a final check, and started running to the flag off point. Hehehe. Luckily it wasn't that late, we started at around 5:20am.
The weather was purrfect: the air crisp, and the morning breeze cooling. You could not have asked for a better start than this :)
And so, we were on our way... a long way from the finish line, but determined to finish every last step of it, no matter how long it would take.
We made our way down Orchard road, past Chinatown and towards CBD, the F1 pit building before turning out to Nicoll highway and onwards to ECP, where we have spent a month training for this day.
By then I had already started walking, not because of exhaustion but rather my stomach felt queasy from the consumption of the power gel. Sweat was also dripping profusely, so much so my socks were soaking wet! I had to take off my shoes and squeezed the socks dry on a few occasions, damn disgusting! haha.
Somehow I didn't felt as relieved to see the halfway mark, just a stone throw's away from the national sailing club. Perhaps fully well aware that it is just going to get harder for the 2nd leg. True enough, my pace has slowed considerably. And I have lost sight of my kaki completely. Hell, I thought to myself, it's not about the timing - it's the race that matters. Maybe that's when the complacency sets in I guess. But still, tried as I may, the legs just won't run fast enough. Running a marathon is a completely different animal altogether.
By now, the morning sun had turned into a scorching noon sun. The route had meandered its way down the marina golf course area, past an ongoing construction site which is the death zone for me. The stiffling heat & dusty air makes for a deadly combo. It was with much relief that I reached the marina barrage, not before downing cup after cups of 100plus & water. I had even contemplated jumping into the reservoir to cool myself down! Ok that was a joke lah, but when you're dead tired like this, you could have given a second thought about it :P
I was approaching the final leg of the race, but not before one last obstacle: the climb up ECP highway in seriously sickening heat. I see alot of runners crumbling to the ground by the grass patch, or taking a breather under shelters provided by the trees lining the road. A good number were receiving treatment care by the medics, and rehydrating in order to prevent heat stroke. I saw a few couples walking until the girl cannot take it, and I really feel for her. Which crazy boyfriend would ask their significant other to take part in marathons to suffer?! hahaha.
At this time my right feet is feeling the full brunt of running a marathon. I had to hobble, jog & rest towards the finish line, roughly about 5km more. More than ever, the mental state of mind had to win over the fatigue that your body is crying out for rest. With every step I take, nerves carrying the pain signal threaten to shut down the whole body completely. But I persevered, knowing that my darling is already waiting for me at the finish line since 11am! hahahaa!!!
I have overestimated myself to finish in under 6 hours, but it took almost 2 hours longer. I eventually crossed the finishing line in 7:57:09hrs. Strange, but I was not overcome by the emotion of this achievement. It was already well numbed by the pain and exhaustion. I walked to get my finisher's tee & medal, and met the rest including my darling who took some uncompromising pictures of me! hehehe.
It will always be a run to remember, but it won't be the last.
Adidas sundown marathon 2011 in May, here I come :)
Sunday, July 25, 2010
Exhausted!
First soccer session I've had after many months out...
Words cannot describe but tired is an understatement.
It's more like burnout, to the point of exhaustion where you just don't feel like doing anything.
Except lie on your bed, and stare at the ceiling...
Speaking of which, I am going to do that right now... Ciao...
Words cannot describe but tired is an understatement.
It's more like burnout, to the point of exhaustion where you just don't feel like doing anything.
Except lie on your bed, and stare at the ceiling...
Speaking of which, I am going to do that right now... Ciao...
Sunday, July 18, 2010
First Post of 2010
To think it actually took me more than 6 months to pen my first entry for 2010.
Well, better late than never :)
If you don't already know, I quit my job back in Feb this year and went back to my first love - plastic resins.
I can already feel this is the path I want to take.
I can envision where I am and where I want to be.
Now, there is nothing more important than that.
Well, better late than never :)
If you don't already know, I quit my job back in Feb this year and went back to my first love - plastic resins.
I can already feel this is the path I want to take.
I can envision where I am and where I want to be.
Now, there is nothing more important than that.
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
Finale to 2009
Time really flies, I think most probably this would be my last entry for 2009.
As it is life itself, full of ups and downs, happiness and sorrow, leaving one with mixed emotions. But the moral of the story is always to treasure what you have, and live like there is no tomorrow. Never, never leave a chance for regret.
2009 begins with a mission, to end the year with a bang on the career front, and build on the foundation of my future. Things started ok but it was really until the 2nd half of the year that the sales result began to show. From then on things look much rosier, and sales came by much easier, due largely in part to the amount of effort put in, and with the support of able colleagues.
In August, I finally proposed to my significant other after almost 3 years of dating. It was her birthday and we were staying at Sentosa for the night. Nothing fanciful and I just wanted to do it in the most sincere way possible with words from the bottom of my heart. I don't think anyone can refuse after what I said and did. Hehe.
Next up, the HDB dream. Months and months of waiting for Bedok Reservoir DBSS didn't materialise, that project is apparently put on hold due to unknown reasons. That would have been the ideal location for home. And so, Punggol Residences came by during this time. This BTO premium flat is located in the heart of the proposed town centre, beside the MRT/LRT and conveniently located near the proposed waterway in the new Punggol 21 landscape that was being envisioned by HDB. Competition was stiff for the 5 room flat I was balloting and it ended up being oversubscribed by 1:11.
Imagine the look on our face when we were listed as no. 64 in the queue. Better than striking toto I tell ya! Speaking of which, my car license plate no. strike 4D on 3 separate occasions. All these within a space of 1 year! And the best part is everybody won something during the 3 times the number came up. And I'm banking it to come up as first prize soon!
So we finally selected our unit on the 8th floor, its not too bad and we're waiting for the flat to be ready by 2013. Yeah long time if you asked me, but allows me to save up for the renovation costs & such. Its really a lot of money if you want things to be done up nicely. And the wedding of cos.
December was to be a sad month. First I lost my grandma, whom has been bedridden for years with deteriorating health. The only thing I can take comfort from it is, that she passed away peacefully and I managed to catch her for the last time. But why is it always when you have to wait till someone has gone, that you regret not visiting them more often? Even though she could not speak, I knew she was happy her "ah chao" was here to visit her, sometimes with his girlfriend. I also knew she could hear me everytime, trying to converse with her in my limited hokkien. My grandma was a tough woman who was widowed very early in her married life and had single handedly raise up 9 children who in turn gave her many grandchildren and great grandchildren who had the privilege to be around her in her lifetime. I think she could not ask for a more blessed life than this. Rest in peace ah ma.
Second was to receive news of the sudden death of one of my motorcycling acquaintance. A gung-ho, friendly and affable guy who is always willing to lend a helping hand to others. Even though we weren't very close, I could feel the loss of a guiding light to the motorcycle & adventure community where he was very active. It was a cruel way to take away the life of someone who had the whole future in front of him, and the irony was he wasn't even in a motorbike when the accident happened. I hope you've found peace up above my friend.
As I've mentioned, life is a rollercoaster ride but still, life must go on. We will all strive to be better people for ourselves, for our loved ones, and for mankind. I think love makes the world a much better place to live in. While in pursuit of your material goals, always take a step back and ask yourself if you still remember how to love the ones around you?
Happy new year everyone and may all of you have a great 2010 ahead!
As it is life itself, full of ups and downs, happiness and sorrow, leaving one with mixed emotions. But the moral of the story is always to treasure what you have, and live like there is no tomorrow. Never, never leave a chance for regret.
2009 begins with a mission, to end the year with a bang on the career front, and build on the foundation of my future. Things started ok but it was really until the 2nd half of the year that the sales result began to show. From then on things look much rosier, and sales came by much easier, due largely in part to the amount of effort put in, and with the support of able colleagues.
In August, I finally proposed to my significant other after almost 3 years of dating. It was her birthday and we were staying at Sentosa for the night. Nothing fanciful and I just wanted to do it in the most sincere way possible with words from the bottom of my heart. I don't think anyone can refuse after what I said and did. Hehe.
Next up, the HDB dream. Months and months of waiting for Bedok Reservoir DBSS didn't materialise, that project is apparently put on hold due to unknown reasons. That would have been the ideal location for home. And so, Punggol Residences came by during this time. This BTO premium flat is located in the heart of the proposed town centre, beside the MRT/LRT and conveniently located near the proposed waterway in the new Punggol 21 landscape that was being envisioned by HDB. Competition was stiff for the 5 room flat I was balloting and it ended up being oversubscribed by 1:11.
Imagine the look on our face when we were listed as no. 64 in the queue. Better than striking toto I tell ya! Speaking of which, my car license plate no. strike 4D on 3 separate occasions. All these within a space of 1 year! And the best part is everybody won something during the 3 times the number came up. And I'm banking it to come up as first prize soon!
So we finally selected our unit on the 8th floor, its not too bad and we're waiting for the flat to be ready by 2013. Yeah long time if you asked me, but allows me to save up for the renovation costs & such. Its really a lot of money if you want things to be done up nicely. And the wedding of cos.
December was to be a sad month. First I lost my grandma, whom has been bedridden for years with deteriorating health. The only thing I can take comfort from it is, that she passed away peacefully and I managed to catch her for the last time. But why is it always when you have to wait till someone has gone, that you regret not visiting them more often? Even though she could not speak, I knew she was happy her "ah chao" was here to visit her, sometimes with his girlfriend. I also knew she could hear me everytime, trying to converse with her in my limited hokkien. My grandma was a tough woman who was widowed very early in her married life and had single handedly raise up 9 children who in turn gave her many grandchildren and great grandchildren who had the privilege to be around her in her lifetime. I think she could not ask for a more blessed life than this. Rest in peace ah ma.
Second was to receive news of the sudden death of one of my motorcycling acquaintance. A gung-ho, friendly and affable guy who is always willing to lend a helping hand to others. Even though we weren't very close, I could feel the loss of a guiding light to the motorcycle & adventure community where he was very active. It was a cruel way to take away the life of someone who had the whole future in front of him, and the irony was he wasn't even in a motorbike when the accident happened. I hope you've found peace up above my friend.
As I've mentioned, life is a rollercoaster ride but still, life must go on. We will all strive to be better people for ourselves, for our loved ones, and for mankind. I think love makes the world a much better place to live in. While in pursuit of your material goals, always take a step back and ask yourself if you still remember how to love the ones around you?
Happy new year everyone and may all of you have a great 2010 ahead!
Sunday, July 26, 2009
Painting Singapore RED!!!
The Reds are in town!
As a lifelong supporter, I shouldn't be sitting in front of the telly cheering them on. In fact, I should be soaking up the atmosphere at the national stadium!!! Sheesh, seriously I felt the ticket were overpriced, and by the time I wanted to even consider buying the tickets, only the north and south stands were left. Not the best of places to view those players yeah? And bob had to give me only 1 ticket to the East stand... hehe
Oh well, a throwback to Istanbul, happy memories of Stevie G lifting the European Cup on that glorious night!
As a lifelong supporter, I shouldn't be sitting in front of the telly cheering them on. In fact, I should be soaking up the atmosphere at the national stadium!!! Sheesh, seriously I felt the ticket were overpriced, and by the time I wanted to even consider buying the tickets, only the north and south stands were left. Not the best of places to view those players yeah? And bob had to give me only 1 ticket to the East stand... hehe
Oh well, a throwback to Istanbul, happy memories of Stevie G lifting the European Cup on that glorious night!
As expected, the Lions were soundly trounced 5-0. I thought our boys played all right until the end where they lost all shape. Still, there's a lot of room for improvement. Raddy must have sounded them out after the match. A reporter asked a Liverpool player what the scoreline would be, and he said 1-0 or 2-0 to the Reds. Ahhh, he couldn't get any more modest. :P
Shigoto (work)
Hey people, its been ages since I last logged in.
Everything's fine, just that it's only about work work and work.
Which is good, if you have a goal in mind, and motivated to achieve it.
Other than, life will pretty much stay stagnant and you will grow complacent.
Never a good thing for people my age.
The only reason why I'm able to pen this entry is because:
1) There is no sunday soccer session (for the past 3 weeks already) and I'm getting irritated by some people whom I perceive to be very childish and immature in their behaviour. Looks like I have to regroup and recruit new people already.
2) I've been sick for the past few days. Guess the late nights have been getting to me. I need a break soon! Anyhow I have just deferred my ICT from 13th July to 5th Oct. All this in anticipation of a huge breakthrough in my sales. Hehe. There has to be someone getting a hold of things and on top of it. It is too big a case to lose.
Going to finish the remainder of my Blood+ now.
Liverpool FC vs Lions beckons.
Let the slaughter begin!!!
Everything's fine, just that it's only about work work and work.
Which is good, if you have a goal in mind, and motivated to achieve it.
Other than, life will pretty much stay stagnant and you will grow complacent.
Never a good thing for people my age.
The only reason why I'm able to pen this entry is because:
1) There is no sunday soccer session (for the past 3 weeks already) and I'm getting irritated by some people whom I perceive to be very childish and immature in their behaviour. Looks like I have to regroup and recruit new people already.
2) I've been sick for the past few days. Guess the late nights have been getting to me. I need a break soon! Anyhow I have just deferred my ICT from 13th July to 5th Oct. All this in anticipation of a huge breakthrough in my sales. Hehe. There has to be someone getting a hold of things and on top of it. It is too big a case to lose.
Going to finish the remainder of my Blood+ now.
Liverpool FC vs Lions beckons.
Let the slaughter begin!!!
Wednesday, April 08, 2009
New mobile phone!
Hehehehe... presenting the NOKIA E71!!!
First time trying out a smartphone/pda phone... whatever you call it.
Still trying to get used to the QWERTY layout, the tiny buttons are a bit tricky for my pudgy fingers.
First time trying out a smartphone/pda phone... whatever you call it.
Still trying to get used to the QWERTY layout, the tiny buttons are a bit tricky for my pudgy fingers.
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Goodbye dearest xiao hei!
Good bye my dearest xiao hei!
For all the time you've given me endless joy & excitement
From Cameron to Katong
There was never a moment's dull with you by my side
Who can forget the days we rode with the wind
Cruising and cornering we've conquered many a miles
Falls & crashes we've been through thick & thin
Even dying on me on a wet sunday afternoon on the PIE
I just want to say you will remain close to my heart no matter who you are with
I hope he will take care of you as much as I do
Bye Xiao hei...........
For all the time you've given me endless joy & excitement
From Cameron to Katong
There was never a moment's dull with you by my side
Who can forget the days we rode with the wind
Cruising and cornering we've conquered many a miles
Falls & crashes we've been through thick & thin
Even dying on me on a wet sunday afternoon on the PIE
I just want to say you will remain close to my heart no matter who you are with
I hope he will take care of you as much as I do
Bye Xiao hei...........
Saturday, January 10, 2009
Shanghai trip with the gf
This is a very backdated entry about our trip to Shanghai from 25/Dec '08 to 3/Jan '09.
We had planned for our trip about 2 months in advance, in order to make full use of the Krisflyer miles I had accumulated & the long holiday season break. We wanted to have a break to somewhere far far away, and shanghai it was to be (actually not that far... haha).
Uncle Jerry had graciously invited us to stay at his place during the trip. Ever the hospitable man he is, as was the last time when I had stayed over during a short stint working in Shanghai. I returned to familiar places which brings back memories of me trying to navigate around this huge-ass metro city.
We had set up base camp at Shanghai. We arrived into Pudong International Airport and was greeted by the chilly weather (winter finally!!!) & Uncle Jerry's personal chaffeur, Uncle Quhui. We really appreciate the efforts to make us feel welcomed, much as I don't mind trying out public transport in Shanghai. :)
We have already planned our schedule & this is how it will look like over the next 10 days:
25/Dec: Touchdown Shanghai
26/Dec: Shanghai & dinner with old friends
27/Dec: Depart for Huangshan (Yellow Mountains)
28/Dec: Huangshan
29/Dec: Huangshan/Back to Shanghai & dinner with Uncle Jerry
30/Dec: Suzhou day trip
31/Dec: Depart for Hangzhou
1/Jan: Hangzhou/Back to Shanghai
2/Jan: Shanghai city tour & last min shopping
3/Jan: Back to Singapore midnight flight!
Detailed account of day to day activities...
25/Dec: Touchdown Shanghai
Me and the gf checked in early into Changi airport T3, eagerly anticipating SQ830 scheduled to leave for Shanghai at 10:05am. We had MacDonald's for breakfast, then proceed to do some window shopping in the duty free zone. Soon after, time to board the plane.
After a 5 hr journey, we finally landed at Pudong International airport. It feels great to be able to finally experience winter time, but the sad thing is no snow. But dunno why I just lurrrvee cold weather!!! and wearing those cool looking winter clothing! hahahaha!!! Uncle Quhui fetched us in a swanky new 7 series, and I felt like some VIP really. Hahaha! I caught up with him since 2005 and he would dropped us off at Uncle Jerry's place for OTOT.
We unpacked our stuffs, and went out searching for food cos' apparently we get hungry more easily in winter! Strolling along the streets in the cold is damn shiok, and we finally settled for dinner at a nice restaurant serving steaming boiled soup brewed with the richest of ingredients. Satisfied, we proceed to walk around the surburbs look look see see before tucking in after a long day. So much for X'mas day in Shanghai! Hehe.
26/Dec: Shanghai & dinner with old friends
Spent the day shopping at Qipu lu, the garment & textile market. The gf is damn happy & ecstatic about able to choose any material, in which the tailors can copy into exactly the same piece of clothing which you show them. Sheer pleasure for the lady, unspoken pain for the man.
Afterwards we went back to the office which I worked in before, met up with old friends & do some catching up. The office address hasn't changed, it is still located in the heart of the city, overseeing the entire metropolitan from its 51st floor viewpoint. Truly a remarkable sight to behold. Later in the evening, Uncle Ho invited us for a delectable meal of mushroom hotpot! Oishii!!!
27/Dec: Depart for Huangshan (Yellow Mountains)
We woke up early morning to make ourselves breakfast consisting of instant noodles & dumplings. Then it is off to the Shanghai South Bus Station where we will take a 3 hr journey by coach to Tunxi, the nearest city before the ascent up to the foot of Huangshan. We still have to transfer to another smaller bus, together with some funny looking people... :S
It will be another 1.5hr before we make it to foot of Huangshan. Guess what, another transfer again! Nabeh wtf!!! this time to the place where we either climb up this monster of a mountain, or take the cable car up to the western steppes. No prizes for guessing what we chose :P
FYI, Mt. Huangshan (Yellow Mountains) is a mountain range in southern Anhui province (Eastern China) and listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The cable car ride was so damn bloody high that it got the gf really scared. The strong gusts of winds didn't help much either. She was so stiff to the extent that she even held her breath and control as she exhale. Hahahaha! She couldn't be more relieved to have make landfall.
Upon disembarking from the station, we searched for signs to direct us to our hotel, which means navigating the sometimes confusing pathways in the omnipresent mist. And be careful of the path you take! Make sure it is correct cos' I don't think you want to retrace 1km+ of roads! I must say the air up there is damn bloody fresh lor, I feel so energetic and raring to go! Not even the slight drizzle that is falling down on us can dampen my spirits!
After 2km+ of walking up and down undulating terrain, we finally reached our hotel - Shilin hotel. Machiam oasis in the desert, cos' we were walking for quite a while with nothing in sight. Starting to get worried as the dark starts to creep in at 4 plus. We put down our backpacks and took a hot shower. Then, it was time to feed our hungry stomach at the hotel restaurant, cos' thats the only place that serves food. No choice, eat whatever lah!
28/Dec: Huangshan
Day 2 began with us waking up at 5am trying to catch hold of the famed sunrise at Huangshan. That morning was raining, damp, dark & with nothing to guide us, we gave up. Anyways nobody could catch hold of any sunrise as the mist is shielding that fabled sight from us all. So we checked out of the hotel after breakfast to embark on day 2 of Huangshan tour! Armed with a map in hand, we tried to cover the various peaks noted for their distinct names & naturally formed unique rock formations.
The walking really damn siong for this day. I think we have covered about 8km of paths, be it winding roads or steep steps, we overcame it. I was particularly impressed with the gf. All along I thought she would be complaining about this & that. + 1 point :P Guess I have to compensate her with more shopping when we get back to Shanghai city. :( We finally reached Tian Hai Shan Zhuang about 4pm. Just nice also. Hehe
29/Dec: Huangshan/Back to Shanghai & dinner with Uncle Jerry
We got up early again, to catch the sunrise of cos. Where got people come all the way to Huangshan to miss it one? Fortunately the heavens is smiling on us. The weather is good today, but not good enough to see the fully glory of the majestic sunrise. This was where we took tonnes of pictures, along with many crazy chinese people who risked their lives by hanging precariously near the ledge of the barriers. Yes, I do have a serious case of height phobia.
Satisfied with our catch of the day, we proceed back to hotel, washed up, had breakfast, then hurriedly made our way to the cable car station located at the eastern steppes, which will bring us down to the foot of the mountain. There, we would need to get on a bus to catch which would need to bring us to Tunxi bus interchange to catch our coach back to Shanghai. Had we missed it, that's it man.
It was then I made the decision to pay extra money to get a local taxi that would sped us up to our destination. It was really money well spent I tell you. I shudder to think how we would spend our day at Tunxi had we really missed the return coach. Upon arriving in Shanghai, there was uncle Quhui waiting patiently to fetch us to have dinner with Uncle Jerry who would be flying back to Singapore that same night.
30/Dec: Suzhou day trip
We had went on this impromptu trip at the suggestion of Uncle Jerry, who thought we might as well made full use of our trip here. He recommended that we visit the state silk museum & store that sells authentic silk products. We didn't mind at all since Uncle Quhui was driving us there... Not too far actually, it was roughly an hour and a half's journey by the comfy 7 series. :P
We visited some touristy spot - The Tiger Hill upon reaching Suzhou city, and then off to the state silk museum before calling it a day. We asked uncle Quhui to drop us off near the office as we wanted to take a stroll at Nanjing Road - a long stretch of pedestrian shopping district filled with bright lights & hordes of people. Dinner was settled over MacDonald's - Shanghai flavour. Eh must try fast food all over the world mah...
31/Dec: Depart for Hangzhou
We got up early morning as usual to catch a train to Hangzhou. Damn, never had chance to sleep late one! We had earlier booked the tickets for the best seats of a newly set up train service that runs between the 2 cities. It was one of the fastest & well maintained trains you can ever find, we had clean seats, with city dwellers as fellow passengers. Nothing of the sort where you have to squeeze with total strangers, stand throughout the journey and contend with livestock shoved in your face. Hahahaha!
The journey took no longer than 2 hours and we were in Hangzhou. Then we hailed a cab, and checked into the Merchant Marco hotel which we had booked online via CTRIP. The view was fantastic cos' we asked for a lakeview room but the West Lake ("Xihu") wasn't that close as we thought. It was still about a good 10min's walk away, but in those cool weather, we aren't complaining much.
The rest of the day was spent walking around Xihu and admiring the various attractions around it. As night falls, we went for a stroll at the local night market where we bought some tea leaves for the folks back home, and then proceed to have our dinner at a local restaurant. We continued the slow walk back to the hotel, guided by the tourist map, having already covered half of Xihu. Along the lake front, there were celebrations in place for the countdown happening in a few hour's time and we took the opportunity to soak in the rather muted activities.
We walked past a nice cafe, had some hot drinks to warm ourselves, along with some cakes to satisfy our sweet tooth. Seeing there was nothing much to do, we went back to our hotel room for a good night's rest. And so new year's eve was spent watching channel newsasia (yes they have that) on cable tv, and admiring the city lights & some small scale fireworks from our 21st floor suite.
1/Jan: Hangzhou/Back to Shanghai
In Hangzhou, locals say a visit to "Lingyin temple" is a must on the first day of the new year. We also went there to jostle with the crowd, and to pray for a good start to 2009. After that, we came back to Xihu lake area, where we took a boat ride that takes us to some of the little islets on Xihu. The sun was shining brightly, but it was anything but hot. The breeze didn't help things much, as soon as you take out your gloves to take some pictures (or dig your nose), you will be dying to put them back on because it is soooo cold lor! Before we left for Hangzhou, we still have so many other places yet to cover, maybe should do another trip again next time.
2/Jan: Shanghai city tour & last min shopping
This is exclusive shopping day reserved for the gf, after her commendable performance at Mt.Huangshan. Hehehe. We started off with breakfast at this really nice roadside stall that sells traditional Shanghainese style "la-mian". Fuckin' cheap & delicious also, nevermind the rundown conditions. One of the best I've ever tasted. We went to hunt down brand name shops like H&M, and Uniqlo around Shanghai city downtown. We also went to the "must-go" bund area, which the trademark oriental pearl tower can be seen & have a photo taken with you. Hahaha. Actually that place is really damn blardy boring can?
Afterwards, we went back to Qipu lu to get our tailored clothings. I had made for myself some business shirts which is quite value for money, I must say. The gf was also quite satisfied with how they managed to replicate her dresses. We then bought some gifts for friends back home before proceed to take a cab back home.
By this time, we more or less had our stuffs packed nicely, save for the shopping we just finished earlier in the day. Uncle Quhui was ready to pick us up at 9:30pm to send us to the airport. With a heavy heart, we bade farewell to Shanghai (and the "pubic" carpark sign I saw prior to entering the airport area) Damn funnnyyyy can????
3/Jan: Back to Singapore midnight flight!
Time to board the plane SQ825 back to Singapore. I'll miss the nice cold weather, but unfortunately I still didn't get to see snow this time round cos' Shanghai rarely snows...
Many thanks to Uncle Jerry & Uncle Quhui for taking good care of us during this trip, we'll be back! hopefully soon! :)
Leaving you with a nice pic from Huangshan...
We had planned for our trip about 2 months in advance, in order to make full use of the Krisflyer miles I had accumulated & the long holiday season break. We wanted to have a break to somewhere far far away, and shanghai it was to be (actually not that far... haha).
Uncle Jerry had graciously invited us to stay at his place during the trip. Ever the hospitable man he is, as was the last time when I had stayed over during a short stint working in Shanghai. I returned to familiar places which brings back memories of me trying to navigate around this huge-ass metro city.
We had set up base camp at Shanghai. We arrived into Pudong International Airport and was greeted by the chilly weather (winter finally!!!) & Uncle Jerry's personal chaffeur, Uncle Quhui. We really appreciate the efforts to make us feel welcomed, much as I don't mind trying out public transport in Shanghai. :)
We have already planned our schedule & this is how it will look like over the next 10 days:
25/Dec: Touchdown Shanghai
26/Dec: Shanghai & dinner with old friends
27/Dec: Depart for Huangshan (Yellow Mountains)
28/Dec: Huangshan
29/Dec: Huangshan/Back to Shanghai & dinner with Uncle Jerry
30/Dec: Suzhou day trip
31/Dec: Depart for Hangzhou
1/Jan: Hangzhou/Back to Shanghai
2/Jan: Shanghai city tour & last min shopping
3/Jan: Back to Singapore midnight flight!
Detailed account of day to day activities...
25/Dec: Touchdown Shanghai
Me and the gf checked in early into Changi airport T3, eagerly anticipating SQ830 scheduled to leave for Shanghai at 10:05am. We had MacDonald's for breakfast, then proceed to do some window shopping in the duty free zone. Soon after, time to board the plane.
After a 5 hr journey, we finally landed at Pudong International airport. It feels great to be able to finally experience winter time, but the sad thing is no snow. But dunno why I just lurrrvee cold weather!!! and wearing those cool looking winter clothing! hahahaha!!! Uncle Quhui fetched us in a swanky new 7 series, and I felt like some VIP really. Hahaha! I caught up with him since 2005 and he would dropped us off at Uncle Jerry's place for OTOT.
We unpacked our stuffs, and went out searching for food cos' apparently we get hungry more easily in winter! Strolling along the streets in the cold is damn shiok, and we finally settled for dinner at a nice restaurant serving steaming boiled soup brewed with the richest of ingredients. Satisfied, we proceed to walk around the surburbs look look see see before tucking in after a long day. So much for X'mas day in Shanghai! Hehe.
26/Dec: Shanghai & dinner with old friends
Spent the day shopping at Qipu lu, the garment & textile market. The gf is damn happy & ecstatic about able to choose any material, in which the tailors can copy into exactly the same piece of clothing which you show them. Sheer pleasure for the lady, unspoken pain for the man.
Afterwards we went back to the office which I worked in before, met up with old friends & do some catching up. The office address hasn't changed, it is still located in the heart of the city, overseeing the entire metropolitan from its 51st floor viewpoint. Truly a remarkable sight to behold. Later in the evening, Uncle Ho invited us for a delectable meal of mushroom hotpot! Oishii!!!
27/Dec: Depart for Huangshan (Yellow Mountains)
We woke up early morning to make ourselves breakfast consisting of instant noodles & dumplings. Then it is off to the Shanghai South Bus Station where we will take a 3 hr journey by coach to Tunxi, the nearest city before the ascent up to the foot of Huangshan. We still have to transfer to another smaller bus, together with some funny looking people... :S
It will be another 1.5hr before we make it to foot of Huangshan. Guess what, another transfer again! Nabeh wtf!!! this time to the place where we either climb up this monster of a mountain, or take the cable car up to the western steppes. No prizes for guessing what we chose :P
FYI, Mt. Huangshan (Yellow Mountains) is a mountain range in southern Anhui province (Eastern China) and listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The cable car ride was so damn bloody high that it got the gf really scared. The strong gusts of winds didn't help much either. She was so stiff to the extent that she even held her breath and control as she exhale. Hahahaha! She couldn't be more relieved to have make landfall.
Upon disembarking from the station, we searched for signs to direct us to our hotel, which means navigating the sometimes confusing pathways in the omnipresent mist. And be careful of the path you take! Make sure it is correct cos' I don't think you want to retrace 1km+ of roads! I must say the air up there is damn bloody fresh lor, I feel so energetic and raring to go! Not even the slight drizzle that is falling down on us can dampen my spirits!
After 2km+ of walking up and down undulating terrain, we finally reached our hotel - Shilin hotel. Machiam oasis in the desert, cos' we were walking for quite a while with nothing in sight. Starting to get worried as the dark starts to creep in at 4 plus. We put down our backpacks and took a hot shower. Then, it was time to feed our hungry stomach at the hotel restaurant, cos' thats the only place that serves food. No choice, eat whatever lah!
28/Dec: Huangshan
Day 2 began with us waking up at 5am trying to catch hold of the famed sunrise at Huangshan. That morning was raining, damp, dark & with nothing to guide us, we gave up. Anyways nobody could catch hold of any sunrise as the mist is shielding that fabled sight from us all. So we checked out of the hotel after breakfast to embark on day 2 of Huangshan tour! Armed with a map in hand, we tried to cover the various peaks noted for their distinct names & naturally formed unique rock formations.
The walking really damn siong for this day. I think we have covered about 8km of paths, be it winding roads or steep steps, we overcame it. I was particularly impressed with the gf. All along I thought she would be complaining about this & that. + 1 point :P Guess I have to compensate her with more shopping when we get back to Shanghai city. :( We finally reached Tian Hai Shan Zhuang about 4pm. Just nice also. Hehe
29/Dec: Huangshan/Back to Shanghai & dinner with Uncle Jerry
We got up early again, to catch the sunrise of cos. Where got people come all the way to Huangshan to miss it one? Fortunately the heavens is smiling on us. The weather is good today, but not good enough to see the fully glory of the majestic sunrise. This was where we took tonnes of pictures, along with many crazy chinese people who risked their lives by hanging precariously near the ledge of the barriers. Yes, I do have a serious case of height phobia.
Satisfied with our catch of the day, we proceed back to hotel, washed up, had breakfast, then hurriedly made our way to the cable car station located at the eastern steppes, which will bring us down to the foot of the mountain. There, we would need to get on a bus to catch which would need to bring us to Tunxi bus interchange to catch our coach back to Shanghai. Had we missed it, that's it man.
It was then I made the decision to pay extra money to get a local taxi that would sped us up to our destination. It was really money well spent I tell you. I shudder to think how we would spend our day at Tunxi had we really missed the return coach. Upon arriving in Shanghai, there was uncle Quhui waiting patiently to fetch us to have dinner with Uncle Jerry who would be flying back to Singapore that same night.
30/Dec: Suzhou day trip
We had went on this impromptu trip at the suggestion of Uncle Jerry, who thought we might as well made full use of our trip here. He recommended that we visit the state silk museum & store that sells authentic silk products. We didn't mind at all since Uncle Quhui was driving us there... Not too far actually, it was roughly an hour and a half's journey by the comfy 7 series. :P
We visited some touristy spot - The Tiger Hill upon reaching Suzhou city, and then off to the state silk museum before calling it a day. We asked uncle Quhui to drop us off near the office as we wanted to take a stroll at Nanjing Road - a long stretch of pedestrian shopping district filled with bright lights & hordes of people. Dinner was settled over MacDonald's - Shanghai flavour. Eh must try fast food all over the world mah...
31/Dec: Depart for Hangzhou
We got up early morning as usual to catch a train to Hangzhou. Damn, never had chance to sleep late one! We had earlier booked the tickets for the best seats of a newly set up train service that runs between the 2 cities. It was one of the fastest & well maintained trains you can ever find, we had clean seats, with city dwellers as fellow passengers. Nothing of the sort where you have to squeeze with total strangers, stand throughout the journey and contend with livestock shoved in your face. Hahahaha!
The journey took no longer than 2 hours and we were in Hangzhou. Then we hailed a cab, and checked into the Merchant Marco hotel which we had booked online via CTRIP. The view was fantastic cos' we asked for a lakeview room but the West Lake ("Xihu") wasn't that close as we thought. It was still about a good 10min's walk away, but in those cool weather, we aren't complaining much.
The rest of the day was spent walking around Xihu and admiring the various attractions around it. As night falls, we went for a stroll at the local night market where we bought some tea leaves for the folks back home, and then proceed to have our dinner at a local restaurant. We continued the slow walk back to the hotel, guided by the tourist map, having already covered half of Xihu. Along the lake front, there were celebrations in place for the countdown happening in a few hour's time and we took the opportunity to soak in the rather muted activities.
We walked past a nice cafe, had some hot drinks to warm ourselves, along with some cakes to satisfy our sweet tooth. Seeing there was nothing much to do, we went back to our hotel room for a good night's rest. And so new year's eve was spent watching channel newsasia (yes they have that) on cable tv, and admiring the city lights & some small scale fireworks from our 21st floor suite.
1/Jan: Hangzhou/Back to Shanghai
In Hangzhou, locals say a visit to "Lingyin temple" is a must on the first day of the new year. We also went there to jostle with the crowd, and to pray for a good start to 2009. After that, we came back to Xihu lake area, where we took a boat ride that takes us to some of the little islets on Xihu. The sun was shining brightly, but it was anything but hot. The breeze didn't help things much, as soon as you take out your gloves to take some pictures (or dig your nose), you will be dying to put them back on because it is soooo cold lor! Before we left for Hangzhou, we still have so many other places yet to cover, maybe should do another trip again next time.
2/Jan: Shanghai city tour & last min shopping
This is exclusive shopping day reserved for the gf, after her commendable performance at Mt.Huangshan. Hehehe. We started off with breakfast at this really nice roadside stall that sells traditional Shanghainese style "la-mian". Fuckin' cheap & delicious also, nevermind the rundown conditions. One of the best I've ever tasted. We went to hunt down brand name shops like H&M, and Uniqlo around Shanghai city downtown. We also went to the "must-go" bund area, which the trademark oriental pearl tower can be seen & have a photo taken with you. Hahaha. Actually that place is really damn blardy boring can?
Afterwards, we went back to Qipu lu to get our tailored clothings. I had made for myself some business shirts which is quite value for money, I must say. The gf was also quite satisfied with how they managed to replicate her dresses. We then bought some gifts for friends back home before proceed to take a cab back home.
By this time, we more or less had our stuffs packed nicely, save for the shopping we just finished earlier in the day. Uncle Quhui was ready to pick us up at 9:30pm to send us to the airport. With a heavy heart, we bade farewell to Shanghai (and the "pubic" carpark sign I saw prior to entering the airport area) Damn funnnyyyy can????
3/Jan: Back to Singapore midnight flight!
Time to board the plane SQ825 back to Singapore. I'll miss the nice cold weather, but unfortunately I still didn't get to see snow this time round cos' Shanghai rarely snows...
Many thanks to Uncle Jerry & Uncle Quhui for taking good care of us during this trip, we'll be back! hopefully soon! :)
Leaving you with a nice pic from Huangshan...
Thursday, January 08, 2009
CANON sales training
And so the official training for new inductees has finally began. Soon, I'll be out on the field come Feb 2009. Time to fight for a better future!!!
Hope 2009 will be a bright new start!!!
Hope 2009 will be a bright new start!!!
Friday, December 19, 2008
I can be so lucky... lucky lucky lucky!
Apparently, someone out there decided to make it up to me for all the years of luckless-ness with lucky draws & such.
It seems that I do have a penchant for winning some really smashin' prizes in the first year D&D of the company which I joined.
At Asahi, I still remembered winning the iPod video & $500 worth of shopping vouchers from takashimaya & robinson's, along with the envy of green-eyed colleagues.
Now in Canon, it looks like the winning ways still continue. Barely a month into the job, I had already won for myself the 8th prize - a 32" Hitachi LCD TV at the company's annual D&D held at Suntec Convention Centre.
The theme of the night was "Olympics fever" & it was simple enough for me to just wear my sunday soccer attire. No need to spend unnecessary money on renting costumes. Being relatively new & considering the fact I was placed in a table with so many unfamiliar faces, I got lost & uninterested naturally. I swear to God I had so wanted to go off halfway and meet the gf, but something... something just made me glue my ass to the seat & wait for the lucky draw.
Needless to say, the wait was well worth it. I left home a very happy man... and a spanking new LCD TV. :D
It seems that I do have a penchant for winning some really smashin' prizes in the first year D&D of the company which I joined.
At Asahi, I still remembered winning the iPod video & $500 worth of shopping vouchers from takashimaya & robinson's, along with the envy of green-eyed colleagues.
Now in Canon, it looks like the winning ways still continue. Barely a month into the job, I had already won for myself the 8th prize - a 32" Hitachi LCD TV at the company's annual D&D held at Suntec Convention Centre.
The theme of the night was "Olympics fever" & it was simple enough for me to just wear my sunday soccer attire. No need to spend unnecessary money on renting costumes. Being relatively new & considering the fact I was placed in a table with so many unfamiliar faces, I got lost & uninterested naturally. I swear to God I had so wanted to go off halfway and meet the gf, but something... something just made me glue my ass to the seat & wait for the lucky draw.
Needless to say, the wait was well worth it. I left home a very happy man... and a spanking new LCD TV. :D
Friday, December 12, 2008
Doong & Charmaine's Solemnization
So the man has finally did it (after ah hui beat him at his own game)... the first in our clique to get hitched... I tell ya, Doong ah pui has been waiting for the longest time. He's the family man among the family man... even before getting engaged to his sweetheart.
From playing gay barbie dolls in primary school to wearing fashion disastrous clothings till this very day, this man has been there & done that. Not many can honestly admit to that.
At a time when we kids like to sweat it out by playing basketball, he prefers putting on makeup & a very gay looking bee costume to sing in a choir. Even when we are playing Genghis Khan, a turn based strategy PC war game, he prefers planning for a heir to his virtual throne rather than build up his army to rule the land. Actually, what I meant to say was, things can't get any gayer for him.
Now that he is happily engaged, fulfilling his life long dream since he had pubes, hehehehe... we shall look forward to the actual wedding dinner next year!
Actually wait... the fun has already climaxed, things can't get any funnier than that night when he was drunk so freakin' pissed. Of cos there were many stupid things & funny incidents, and there was a side of him we never saw in his drunken state. This guy can be damn funny aiighht!
Shall leave this group pic for memories' sake...
From playing gay barbie dolls in primary school to wearing fashion disastrous clothings till this very day, this man has been there & done that. Not many can honestly admit to that.
At a time when we kids like to sweat it out by playing basketball, he prefers putting on makeup & a very gay looking bee costume to sing in a choir. Even when we are playing Genghis Khan, a turn based strategy PC war game, he prefers planning for a heir to his virtual throne rather than build up his army to rule the land. Actually, what I meant to say was, things can't get any gayer for him.
Now that he is happily engaged, fulfilling his life long dream since he had pubes, hehehehe... we shall look forward to the actual wedding dinner next year!
Actually wait... the fun has already climaxed, things can't get any funnier than that night when he was drunk so freakin' pissed. Of cos there were many stupid things & funny incidents, and there was a side of him we never saw in his drunken state. This guy can be damn funny aiighht!
Shall leave this group pic for memories' sake...
Friday, November 21, 2008
Avenue Q da musical
So my baby got us this 2 free tickets to one of Broadway's most popular show "Avenue Q".
It is being described as the adult version of Sesame Street, with people acting alongside puppets which they control & mime with.
Ok I must admit I slept for a few parts during the show... its either:
1) I'm not that smart to catch their jokes because I'm not culturally attuned to their jokes.
2) I don't know how to appreciate the musical & I should be better off watching toilet humor like those of Stephen Chow.
Actually, why I'm writing this post is because in parts where the actors tell jokes which I deem as not funny, people actually laugh. Hey, if there's anyone more receptive to jokes & funny stuffs, then I'm the man for you. But if I'm not even laughing, why are you?
Pretentious stinkaporeans who act atas by going to la esplanade to watch some ang moh musical where I think you people don't even understand the jokes they are telling half the time.
So stop the silly acting people. Laughter is meant to be real & true, like words from the bottom of your heart when you say "I love you" to your girlfriend. If it ain't funny, don't laugh for the sake of laughing. Afraid of getting scorned upon by your colleagues or friends whom you went together with? Come on, get a life.
Watch some Shaolin Soccer instead.
:)
P.S. Oh, by the way, those actors inside the musical can really sing very well. Just not my cup of tea though!
It is being described as the adult version of Sesame Street, with people acting alongside puppets which they control & mime with.
Ok I must admit I slept for a few parts during the show... its either:
1) I'm not that smart to catch their jokes because I'm not culturally attuned to their jokes.
2) I don't know how to appreciate the musical & I should be better off watching toilet humor like those of Stephen Chow.
Actually, why I'm writing this post is because in parts where the actors tell jokes which I deem as not funny, people actually laugh. Hey, if there's anyone more receptive to jokes & funny stuffs, then I'm the man for you. But if I'm not even laughing, why are you?
Pretentious stinkaporeans who act atas by going to la esplanade to watch some ang moh musical where I think you people don't even understand the jokes they are telling half the time.
So stop the silly acting people. Laughter is meant to be real & true, like words from the bottom of your heart when you say "I love you" to your girlfriend. If it ain't funny, don't laugh for the sake of laughing. Afraid of getting scorned upon by your colleagues or friends whom you went together with? Come on, get a life.
Watch some Shaolin Soccer instead.
:)
P.S. Oh, by the way, those actors inside the musical can really sing very well. Just not my cup of tea though!
Monday, October 13, 2008
Jasmine's wedding (11th Oct 2008) - Pt. II
And they say red bombs come in pairs.
Immediately after Alex's wedding comes dearest Jasmine's, who is tying the knot with Mr.Nice Guy Jonathan Chin. But I think even Jon would soon be polluted by Jasmine, who doesn't quite behave as demure as she looks. My foot! Hehe...
Yup, again I become the gang of brothers determined to break into the house to "rescue" the bride. Well, abit more kachiao these bunch of girls, namely Mag, Karen & Jennifer. Put these 3 siao char bohs together and you get the "jie meis" from hell!
After give angpow already go in kenna shit already (pun intended). At least it only looks like it. Peanut butter spread disgustingly on a baby diaper which they claimed is clean lah. Wah piang eh, kenna sai leh. Chut pattern liao. But limpeh like... hurhurhur... so I was first to try lah, must help ah Jon give him courage to eat shit mah... HAHAHA!!!
Then later is some stupid food tasting contest which is supposed to represent the 4 tastes. You know lah, sweet (honey), bitter (awful boiled cooling tea), sour (shit, I forgot what we ate) & spicy/hot (wasabi coated crackers). This one chicken feet lah. Nice try girls!
Ok then later later is Ah Jon take over the show liao... what sign love contract lah, declaration of unlimited love lah, sing song lah... all these Ah Jon very gamely do! R-E-S-P-E-C-T! Then finally all these, open the door & lovely Jasmine was there waiting already... Awwwww....
Cut the whole story short, we drove to the Asian art museum for some phototaking. Then its to their new house in Jurong west for tea ceremony. There we were all famished, Gary the lao beng immediately swept the buffet like hungry wolf. I think drive BMW is very the tired & hungry. That's why must eat first. Sibeh haolian...
The banquet was served at Holiday Inn Atrium near Zouk in the evening.
Only at this time, lao da aka nerdy boy ah lum came to help out for the program later. All the hard work over in the morning liao!!! Hahahaha!
We had initially wanted to go cheong after the dinner. But wah lau I think is everyone old liao, no energy to go shake our bon bons anymore. So we settled down at the lobby lounge, chit chat, eat peanuts, drink (more) red wine & watch soccer, before finally calling it a day at abt 1am.
So shag!!!!
Immediately after Alex's wedding comes dearest Jasmine's, who is tying the knot with Mr.Nice Guy Jonathan Chin. But I think even Jon would soon be polluted by Jasmine, who doesn't quite behave as demure as she looks. My foot! Hehe...
Yup, again I become the gang of brothers determined to break into the house to "rescue" the bride. Well, abit more kachiao these bunch of girls, namely Mag, Karen & Jennifer. Put these 3 siao char bohs together and you get the "jie meis" from hell!
After give angpow already go in kenna shit already (pun intended). At least it only looks like it. Peanut butter spread disgustingly on a baby diaper which they claimed is clean lah. Wah piang eh, kenna sai leh. Chut pattern liao. But limpeh like... hurhurhur... so I was first to try lah, must help ah Jon give him courage to eat shit mah... HAHAHA!!!
Then later is some stupid food tasting contest which is supposed to represent the 4 tastes. You know lah, sweet (honey), bitter (awful boiled cooling tea), sour (shit, I forgot what we ate) & spicy/hot (wasabi coated crackers). This one chicken feet lah. Nice try girls!
Ok then later later is Ah Jon take over the show liao... what sign love contract lah, declaration of unlimited love lah, sing song lah... all these Ah Jon very gamely do! R-E-S-P-E-C-T! Then finally all these, open the door & lovely Jasmine was there waiting already... Awwwww....
Cut the whole story short, we drove to the Asian art museum for some phototaking. Then its to their new house in Jurong west for tea ceremony. There we were all famished, Gary the lao beng immediately swept the buffet like hungry wolf. I think drive BMW is very the tired & hungry. That's why must eat first. Sibeh haolian...
The banquet was served at Holiday Inn Atrium near Zouk in the evening.
Only at this time, lao da aka nerdy boy ah lum came to help out for the program later. All the hard work over in the morning liao!!! Hahahaha!
We had initially wanted to go cheong after the dinner. But wah lau I think is everyone old liao, no energy to go shake our bon bons anymore. So we settled down at the lobby lounge, chit chat, eat peanuts, drink (more) red wine & watch soccer, before finally calling it a day at abt 1am.
So shag!!!!
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