Boss came over and told me: Hey poh... you've still got quite a lot of leave for 2006... why aren't you going for more holidays?
me: yea, i did. I just came back from Hong Kong...and I'm planning to bring forward some of the days to 2007.
Boss: oh, why? you're planning to get married next year as well?
me: ....
the last of my colleagues will be officially married as of 29th dec 2006, leaving me the only single in the office.
Wednesday, December 27, 2006
Monday, December 18, 2006
Tuesday, December 12, 2006
Driving & Traffic in Delhi
En route to Jama Masjid- Delhi traffic
Caught in jam along Delhi-Harayana-Agra Highway
driving outside Agra Fort
like the music?
anyway, to continue where Khan left off, he said
‘People just like to horn. I have 8 different horns in this car. Sometimes police, sometimes ambulance, sometimes bus. To bluff people. To get them to give way to me. And you know, when driving in Delhi, what are the three GOOD things you must have?’
I shrugged and he said,
GOOD brakes, GOOD horns and
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
GOOD luck.
I so totally agree. They have signs like this at the back of EVERY vehicle. some designs are actually quite pretty.
how not to HORN like that??
I had a short driving experience in Delhi too. I drive car without license. ha ha. at night la. ha ha. ok, basically i was just controlling the steering wheel, going at a speed of 30-40km/hr. fwah, tell you hor, they drive without side mirrors one leh (see above horn picture). NO side mirrors.
but still, i controlled the steering wheel leh! steer wrong direction hit the cow/bull
or the horse
or the people,
then HOW?!
Caught in jam along Delhi-Harayana-Agra Highway
driving outside Agra Fort
like the music?
anyway, to continue where Khan left off, he said
‘People just like to horn. I have 8 different horns in this car. Sometimes police, sometimes ambulance, sometimes bus. To bluff people. To get them to give way to me. And you know, when driving in Delhi, what are the three GOOD things you must have?’
I shrugged and he said,
GOOD brakes, GOOD horns and
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
GOOD luck.
I so totally agree. They have signs like this at the back of EVERY vehicle. some designs are actually quite pretty.
how not to HORN like that??
I had a short driving experience in Delhi too. I drive car without license. ha ha. at night la. ha ha. ok, basically i was just controlling the steering wheel, going at a speed of 30-40km/hr. fwah, tell you hor, they drive without side mirrors one leh (see above horn picture). NO side mirrors.
but still, i controlled the steering wheel leh! steer wrong direction hit the cow/bull
or the horse
or the people,
then HOW?!
AIF Gala Dinner @ Meritus Mandarin
I was kinda dreading to go for tonight's aif award gala dinner..... considering that my calfs are STILL aching since Saturday, i'm limping and i'm wearing a black baby doll dress with flat pumps. everything combined, i'm walking like a pregnant woman dressed in maternity clothing. but i changed into heels for the dinner la.... first time i feel unstable in wearing heels. can u imagine how painful it is for me to walk?!
Mr goh still says it's good for me. says my body will be conditioned for Hong Kong's mai dong xi chi dong xi mai dong xi chi dong xi.
anways, Guest of Honour was Minister Lim Swee Say
and there were pyrotechnics.....and confetti... machiam like explosion wor!
it was so loud that the waiter carrying the wine glasses had a fright and almost topple the tray. I had a fright too, and let out a squeak. Yeek!
The menu
The food, which was really not bad...
I felt even more like a pregnant woman after the dinner.
but it was nice walking along orchard at night. I love christmas lights. =)
i'm soo tired.. and a little high on wine...
BYE!
Monday, December 11, 2006
Dinner with Khan
I had the most wonderful dinner with Khan tonight (061202). I’ve been trying to get him to dine with me since he started driving me around for the week. His quiet sense of humour, his warm smile and his thoughts and dreams; all of these make him such a nice person to be with. It was very comfortable being around him.
He told me this Germany girl once asked him to marry her, but he didn’t agree cos it would mean leaving his family behind. Shaking his head, he said, ‘I cannot leave my family behind. If she wants to be with me, she has to stay in India with me.’ Being the sole bread winner, he simply cannot do that. And of course, he was not in love with the German girl. Now he’s a married man, the girl still makes her trips to India to find Khan. I can tell he is very much in love with his wife and they have an adorable son – Fardeen, meaning ‘Son of God’. So I said to him, which means you’re god! He laughed.
He told me of his dreams…. Of sending his son to school, buying his own car so he can drive his wife and family around. Bring his wife to see the Taj Mahal every now and then, cos the Taj is the ultimate symbol of love. He wants to start his own business. He will need 200,000 Rs to start one. 45,000 Rs to get a car. And dunno how much to send his son to school. He only earns Rs 3,000 a month, basic salary. The extra money he gets from tips from tourists and he saves every bit of it. For a better life, a brighter future. Those are his dreams.
He loves music. He enjoys singing but he doesn’t turn on the radio in the car because he thought I would be disturbed by Indian music. I should have told him I really enjoyed Bollywood stuff earlier! He learnt how to play the harmonica by himself. At the dining place tonight, there were some people playing the Indian drums and zither and Khan was strumming his fingers away on the table. ‘I feel the music in my head, and my fingers will just start moving.’
He is extremely conscientious and hardworking. He used to be a car mechanic until he became a driver for Manzoor’s tour agency six years ago. When he left the car place, he was jobless for 3 months. No one else in his family works. His father does not like women to find jobs. He is paying for his sibling’s education. Until he met Manzoor…. During the six years as a driver, he learnt how to speak English by himself, learning from the tourists. He reads grammar phrases books. He practices writing the alphabets when he’s waiting for me. He’s learning other languages now. He learnt how to use the computer and the Intenet… all by himself.
He says he is dieting, whenever I asked him if he’s hungry or not. But he is not fat. Just have a slight paunch. And he runs around the park in front of his house every morning.
He likes to laugh and joke. This afternoon, when I asked him if different horns (length of horn-ing, number of times, etc) meant different signals. He laughed and said no and went on to do multiple horns.
More about driving and traffic in India later.
Here’s a picture of my dear friend, Khan.
He told me this Germany girl once asked him to marry her, but he didn’t agree cos it would mean leaving his family behind. Shaking his head, he said, ‘I cannot leave my family behind. If she wants to be with me, she has to stay in India with me.’ Being the sole bread winner, he simply cannot do that. And of course, he was not in love with the German girl. Now he’s a married man, the girl still makes her trips to India to find Khan. I can tell he is very much in love with his wife and they have an adorable son – Fardeen, meaning ‘Son of God’. So I said to him, which means you’re god! He laughed.
He told me of his dreams…. Of sending his son to school, buying his own car so he can drive his wife and family around. Bring his wife to see the Taj Mahal every now and then, cos the Taj is the ultimate symbol of love. He wants to start his own business. He will need 200,000 Rs to start one. 45,000 Rs to get a car. And dunno how much to send his son to school. He only earns Rs 3,000 a month, basic salary. The extra money he gets from tips from tourists and he saves every bit of it. For a better life, a brighter future. Those are his dreams.
He loves music. He enjoys singing but he doesn’t turn on the radio in the car because he thought I would be disturbed by Indian music. I should have told him I really enjoyed Bollywood stuff earlier! He learnt how to play the harmonica by himself. At the dining place tonight, there were some people playing the Indian drums and zither and Khan was strumming his fingers away on the table. ‘I feel the music in my head, and my fingers will just start moving.’
He is extremely conscientious and hardworking. He used to be a car mechanic until he became a driver for Manzoor’s tour agency six years ago. When he left the car place, he was jobless for 3 months. No one else in his family works. His father does not like women to find jobs. He is paying for his sibling’s education. Until he met Manzoor…. During the six years as a driver, he learnt how to speak English by himself, learning from the tourists. He reads grammar phrases books. He practices writing the alphabets when he’s waiting for me. He’s learning other languages now. He learnt how to use the computer and the Intenet… all by himself.
He says he is dieting, whenever I asked him if he’s hungry or not. But he is not fat. Just have a slight paunch. And he runs around the park in front of his house every morning.
He likes to laugh and joke. This afternoon, when I asked him if different horns (length of horn-ing, number of times, etc) meant different signals. He laughed and said no and went on to do multiple horns.
More about driving and traffic in India later.
Here’s a picture of my dear friend, Khan.
Sunday, December 10, 2006
Thai vs Indian humour
I'm damn bored at work.... can u imagine working on a sunday??
and it doesn't help that the roadshow downstairs is blasting all kinds of hip hop music.
Saturday, December 09, 2006
26-11-06 New Delhi
Sunday 26-11-06
I slept with the aircon off last night. It was too cold; I was trembling under my blanket. If only I’ve got someone to warm my bed. I could feel my skin drying up, just after one night!
I dilly-dallied in the room; still apprehensive to explore the city on my own. From the hotel window, I see the people on the streets. I see stray dogs. I’m glad I didn’t plan to go to Agra today. I wouldn’t have made it out of bed in time.
Objective today: Get train tickets to Agra
How: Get to New Delhi train station
Warning from hf: N’s friend, a Canadian girl, was in Delhi n there’s a lot of eve-teasing, ie guy go up to girl n just grab her ass, etc.
Reminder: Do not believe anyone who talks to you there. Do not follow them when they say they want to bring you to their shop.
So, I finally stepped out of the office. It’s sunny but cold! Such a strange combination but it feels nice, until I sat on the auto rickshaw and it starting moving. It izzz cold! And I realized I haven’t brought enough clothes to keep me warm. =_= Great, my fats will be burnt faster, or built up faster in the cold-works both ways. Hur
The train station is very very busy. I tried to look for the ticket office and this guy offered to show me the way. I reached some gate and the guy told me I’ll have to go to Connaught Place to get my tickets to Agra since I’m only going to Agra next Sat. So, I took another auto rickshaw to Connaught Place. Mistake #1. I believe the ticket office is at the train station, and not somewhere else. But you just go with the flow in India, man. It’s tough to travel alone.
I reached the N-block and was told that the office in front of me is where I can get advance train tickets to Agra. But I got more than I wanted after the visit. I hired a driver to bring me to places wherever I want to go for a week, changed hotels, and got myself a date with the boss. He offered to bring me to dinner and I thought, why not? If he rapes and kills me, or kills and rapes me, I’d have his particulars sent to the police. At least justice can be done.
off to sight seeing first!
| View Show | Create Your Own
Dinner was niceee.... Great food, nice drinks... good company.
--Tikka Murgatani and Panr. Mirch Masala Platter--
It's chicken in some spicy sauce, accompanied with mint sauce and the other is vegetables and cheese. Eat with naan. velly velly nice.
--my bailey's irish cream--
We went to watch a bollywood movie after dinner.
Apna Sapna Money Money
MOvie synopsis from http://www.movietalkies.com/movies/index.asp?MovieId=18667
Apna Sapna Money Money revolves around a bunch of madcap characters that eat, drink, sleep and worship money. A fast-paced situational comedy, it is glorified by an ensemble of assorted and interesting characters. The story revolves around a mechanic, a conman, a club dancer, an upright cop, an obsessed father & his homely daughter, a tabela owner, a ruthless gangster, a deadly don & his moll and an unpredictable dog. A journey filled with rib-tickling moments throughout. If one runs after money, the other runs after love and the one who runs after love eventually runs after money. A hilarious journey of 11, a limitless quest for money, and a twisting and turning tale of love; the money swings around them and creates amusing and maddening circumstances. A dramatic turn evolves when all the characters starts looking for the hidden diamonds that are worth a lump-sum! Greed. Craze. Obsession. Fun. Takes over. And a madcap comedy of crime, love and complete zaniness continues... don’t be too surprised if by the end it turns into your own SAPNA! Money Money!
It's a hilarious show. Lotsa dancing and singing. Although I didn't understand Hindi, I could kinda make out what is happening. Very entertaining.
It was a lovely evening.
I slept with the aircon off last night. It was too cold; I was trembling under my blanket. If only I’ve got someone to warm my bed. I could feel my skin drying up, just after one night!
I dilly-dallied in the room; still apprehensive to explore the city on my own. From the hotel window, I see the people on the streets. I see stray dogs. I’m glad I didn’t plan to go to Agra today. I wouldn’t have made it out of bed in time.
Objective today: Get train tickets to Agra
How: Get to New Delhi train station
Warning from hf: N’s friend, a Canadian girl, was in Delhi n there’s a lot of eve-teasing, ie guy go up to girl n just grab her ass, etc.
Reminder: Do not believe anyone who talks to you there. Do not follow them when they say they want to bring you to their shop.
So, I finally stepped out of the office. It’s sunny but cold! Such a strange combination but it feels nice, until I sat on the auto rickshaw and it starting moving. It izzz cold! And I realized I haven’t brought enough clothes to keep me warm. =_= Great, my fats will be burnt faster, or built up faster in the cold-works both ways. Hur
The train station is very very busy. I tried to look for the ticket office and this guy offered to show me the way. I reached some gate and the guy told me I’ll have to go to Connaught Place to get my tickets to Agra since I’m only going to Agra next Sat. So, I took another auto rickshaw to Connaught Place. Mistake #1. I believe the ticket office is at the train station, and not somewhere else. But you just go with the flow in India, man. It’s tough to travel alone.
I reached the N-block and was told that the office in front of me is where I can get advance train tickets to Agra. But I got more than I wanted after the visit. I hired a driver to bring me to places wherever I want to go for a week, changed hotels, and got myself a date with the boss. He offered to bring me to dinner and I thought, why not? If he rapes and kills me, or kills and rapes me, I’d have his particulars sent to the police. At least justice can be done.
off to sight seeing first!
| View Show | Create Your OwnDinner was niceee.... Great food, nice drinks... good company.
--Tikka Murgatani and Panr. Mirch Masala Platter--
It's chicken in some spicy sauce, accompanied with mint sauce and the other is vegetables and cheese. Eat with naan. velly velly nice.
--my bailey's irish cream--
We went to watch a bollywood movie after dinner.
Apna Sapna Money Money
MOvie synopsis from http://www.movietalkies.com/movies/index.asp?MovieId=18667
Apna Sapna Money Money revolves around a bunch of madcap characters that eat, drink, sleep and worship money. A fast-paced situational comedy, it is glorified by an ensemble of assorted and interesting characters. The story revolves around a mechanic, a conman, a club dancer, an upright cop, an obsessed father & his homely daughter, a tabela owner, a ruthless gangster, a deadly don & his moll and an unpredictable dog. A journey filled with rib-tickling moments throughout. If one runs after money, the other runs after love and the one who runs after love eventually runs after money. A hilarious journey of 11, a limitless quest for money, and a twisting and turning tale of love; the money swings around them and creates amusing and maddening circumstances. A dramatic turn evolves when all the characters starts looking for the hidden diamonds that are worth a lump-sum! Greed. Craze. Obsession. Fun. Takes over. And a madcap comedy of crime, love and complete zaniness continues... don’t be too surprised if by the end it turns into your own SAPNA! Money Money!
It's a hilarious show. Lotsa dancing and singing. Although I didn't understand Hindi, I could kinda make out what is happening. Very entertaining.
It was a lovely evening.
Friday, December 08, 2006
whistles...don't worry, be happy
The whistling song in the ad is this....
Sung By Bobby Mcferin
"Here's a little song I wrote
You might want to sing it note for note
Don't worry, be happy
In every life we have some trouble
But when you worry you make it double
Don't worry, be happy
Don't worry, be happy now
Don't worry, be happy Don't worry, be happy
Don't worry, be happy Don't worry, be happy
Ain't got no place to lay your head
Somebody came and took your bed
Don't worry, be happy
The landlord say your rent is late
He may have to litigate
Don't worry, be happy
Don't worry, be happy
Don't worry, be happy, Don't worry, be happy
Don't worry, be happy, Don't worry, be happy"
I first heard it in Sec 2, 14 years old. We were rehearsing for Dream Dare Do (yearly St nicholas eldds theatre production), and this is one of the song pieces we danced to.
I loved it the moment i heard it, it sets my toes dancing.
ooh, i wish to be on that big stage again.
Wednesday, December 06, 2006
25-11-06 New Delhi
It took me one hour plus to pass the customs (see photo of long queue from previous entry). People were queueing until there was no space to queue anymore and had to stand on the staircase.
While I was queueing, there was this old lady, born in India but became Australian, who is going back to her home country after many many years. She doesn't look Indian though. maybe it's the white hair from the slightly tan skin. She was telling the people in the Q how the markets in Sydney had lotsa cheap stuff, something like a coat would cost 5 usd only. She bought lotsa stuff back for her family. too many bags for her to carry. she had to wear some of the clothes she bought for her sis. too many layers of clothes. good thing she's visiting during winter.
It was 16 degrees when I stepped outside the airport. For someone who is too scared of cold and who has never been to countries during winter, I shivered and gritted my teeth. My hair stands even when I’m in the office and that’s like 23 degrees?
Anyway, my hotel people came to pick me up from the airport. First time I see my name on hotel placard. First time to be surrounded by so many Indians. The roads were dark, hardly lit. The driver played Indian music. I tried to converse with them, but they don’t seem to want to talk.
Another Australian guy was with me in the car. His name is Quinn and he’s here for a trade exhibition. We talked, not very much, cos we were both tired…. He even more since he came from Sydney, transit in Singapore. Had the urge to ask if he’d like to explore New Delhi together with me the next day, but decided not to. I should be able to survive on my own. Hurhur.
TL told me I’d be overwhelmed the moment I cross the customs and I was indeed overwhelmed, in a good way. It’s a nice feeling, to be exploring somewhere on your own.
The adventure has begun.
While I was queueing, there was this old lady, born in India but became Australian, who is going back to her home country after many many years. She doesn't look Indian though. maybe it's the white hair from the slightly tan skin. She was telling the people in the Q how the markets in Sydney had lotsa cheap stuff, something like a coat would cost 5 usd only. She bought lotsa stuff back for her family. too many bags for her to carry. she had to wear some of the clothes she bought for her sis. too many layers of clothes. good thing she's visiting during winter.
It was 16 degrees when I stepped outside the airport. For someone who is too scared of cold and who has never been to countries during winter, I shivered and gritted my teeth. My hair stands even when I’m in the office and that’s like 23 degrees?
Anyway, my hotel people came to pick me up from the airport. First time I see my name on hotel placard. First time to be surrounded by so many Indians. The roads were dark, hardly lit. The driver played Indian music. I tried to converse with them, but they don’t seem to want to talk.
Another Australian guy was with me in the car. His name is Quinn and he’s here for a trade exhibition. We talked, not very much, cos we were both tired…. He even more since he came from Sydney, transit in Singapore. Had the urge to ask if he’d like to explore New Delhi together with me the next day, but decided not to. I should be able to survive on my own. Hurhur.
TL told me I’d be overwhelmed the moment I cross the customs and I was indeed overwhelmed, in a good way. It’s a nice feeling, to be exploring somewhere on your own.
The adventure has begun.
the day i said goodbye
post dated entry for the day I left our sunny island set in the sea...
So, it was my first time to Changi Airport's T2. A bit suah ku i know, but I'm really so fascinated by all the stuff/places there!
It's realllly velly velly nice......
I should have checked in like 8 hours before my flight.
| View Show | Create Your Own
see, nice right? but of course, I haven't seen enough airports to benchmark singapore's standard. But it's good for me.
Inflight meal was okay.
I watched the Lakehouse.... velly velly nice! a bit bizarre but nice. plus, i'm a keanu reeves fan. and there's no need to say more about his chemistry with sandra bullock.
i'd LOVE to stay by a lakehouse too.
I want to see the world, meet with all kinds of people and live my dreams.
But what are my dreams?
Hm, too late to think clearly now.
Anyway, this was the picture that greeted me after a 5 ++ hour flight.
So many things happened while I was there, I hope i don't forget them.
Welcome to Incredible India.
So, it was my first time to Changi Airport's T2. A bit suah ku i know, but I'm really so fascinated by all the stuff/places there!
It's realllly velly velly nice......
I should have checked in like 8 hours before my flight.
| View Show | Create Your Ownsee, nice right? but of course, I haven't seen enough airports to benchmark singapore's standard. But it's good for me.
Inflight meal was okay.
I watched the Lakehouse.... velly velly nice! a bit bizarre but nice. plus, i'm a keanu reeves fan. and there's no need to say more about his chemistry with sandra bullock.
i'd LOVE to stay by a lakehouse too.
I want to see the world, meet with all kinds of people and live my dreams.
But what are my dreams?
Hm, too late to think clearly now.
Anyway, this was the picture that greeted me after a 5 ++ hour flight.
So many things happened while I was there, I hope i don't forget them.
Welcome to Incredible India.
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