Back in Singapore....

Got back yesterday evening..... lots of laundry to do....

Need to sort out the stuff from the trip (what stuff? Brochures, of course!) and get ready for office tomorrow....



---------- Sawbear Travel -------------

Last Day in Adelaide..

Got back from Kangaroo Island today.... Been a very hectic trip....

Left yesterday early morning about 6:20am and had to travel around 2 hours to Cape Jervis to catch the ferry (SeaLink) to Kangaroo Island. The scenery along the way was simply spectacular! The coastal scenery was breathtaking! Wow! The ferry took 45 mins to reach Kangaroo Island and then it was sightseeing for the whole Day! Went to quite a few places...Emu Ridge, seal bay, remarkable rocks, admiral's arch, flinders chase visitor centre, etc... by the time we checked into the hotel at Kingscote, it was already after 6pm! The staff from Kangaroo Island Tourism hosted dinner and as usual... you do not get free meal! We had 3 rounds of quizes and guess who won? Yes, my table!!!!! We won! My lucky star
shining very bright this trip! Hahahahaha!

This morning we left Kingscote at 7am and travel to Penneshaw to catch the ferry back to mainland. Choppy sea...and quite a few could not take it... then it's another 2 hours back to Adelaide. Upon arrival, we had to do some hotel inspections and I had to meet up with a land operator as well (who specialised in customised tour for upmarket clients).

Managed to get some free time to walk around the city before meeting the group for dinner - Chinese dinner, FINALLY!!!!! Dinner was rather good and there was announcement of the best team for the entire trip.... Guess who won??????!!!!!! Yes, my team!!!!!! I won again!!!!!! Hahahahahahaha! I won 3 times, thanks to the team members!!!!!!

Well.... it's farewell time and ready to get back to Singapore to work.... have yet to pack....will stay up late..... since the last night....

--------- Sawbear Travel ------------

It's Adelaide Again..

Shiraz, Sauvignon, Chardonnay Merlot, Riesling, etc..... the list goes on.... Any idea what I am talking about???!!!!! It's the the famous Barossa Valley .. the wine region of Australia!

Today, we drove up to the Barossa Valley where we visited the Chateau Barossa for its famous grape liqueurs and also the antique collection + the Rose Garden. We actually got lost trying to get there but in the midst of finding our way, we saw the Chateau Yahdara, so BEAUTIFUL!!!!!
We also visited Angas Park, which is famous for its dried fruits, and also Barossa Cheese Factory and did cheese tasting....yummy!

Lunch was at Notovel Resort in the Valley...... great view..... (no.... I did not mention anything about the lunch....)

After lunch, it was wine tasting at Jacob's Creek and we spent some wonderful time at the Barossa Lavender Farm which has about 90 varieties of Lavender and not all are purple in colour! Final stop at the Whispering wall.... shhh.... before getting back to Adelaide.

Long day but fun!

It's off to Kangaroo Island tomorrow.....

------- Sawbear Travel -------

From Adelaide Again...

It's self drive today! We picked up HERTZ rental car and then drove down South to Victor Harbour and the Peninsula. We were given some questions and we had to check out the various places of interests to get the answer.

The scenery down south was really beautiful...similar to New Zealand! Really brought back lots of memories! Took us more than an hour to reach Goolwa wharf were we visited the Brewery. Then, it was off to Victor Harbour to see the famous Horse drawn Tram. We were supposed to find out the horses' names! Lunch was good (at Whalers Inn).... seafood! Big plates of seafood!

The afternoon was at the Fleurieu Peninsula where we visited the Chocolate factory - Medlow Confectionery & FruChocs Showroom. I had the opportunity to coat the apricots with chocolate. It was a real treat! The only problem was no one would buy! Hahahahaha!

We also stop at Primo Wine Estate where we had wine tasting. It was very well done. The wines were very good! I actually cannot tell one from another! Hahahahahah!

The last stop was at Red Pole where we were given the opportunity to paint ... as a group.

It was an eventful day.... we had a great time! Another self drive day tomorrow.....

---- sawbear Travel -----

Reporting from Adelaide...

Quite a busy day today... had a city challenge..going around the city getting answers to a list of questions given. It was rather fun, and a good way to know the city better.

The weather here is rather good...cool in the morning...and at night.

Took the tram ride to the Glenelg... nice place and beautiful scenery there. Took the sail out to see seals and dolphins. A great way to sail!

Had an official dinner with 19 operators. We were given 56 questions and we had to see all the 19 operators to get the answers! Guess who was the champion???!!!!! It's an easy guess!!!! Me!!!!!!Hahahahaha! I 've the most correct answers! And the prize...some fresh produces /wine from here!

---------- Sawbear Travel ---------

From Down Under....

G'Day! It's me, reporting from Adelaide, South Australia!

Arrived this early morning about 6:30am! Immigration and custom were rather long due to the large crowd and finally got into the Apartment at about 8:15am! Breakfast at 8:45 and the tour started at 9:30!

There's about 20 agents, 10 from Singapore and 10 from Malaysia.
Today we visited the Cleland Wildlife Park, The cheese shop at Hahndorf, the Farm Barn and finally Melba Chocolate factory! It's been a very tiring day, especially when most of us did not sleep well on board the plane...

Well... it's back at the apartment... waiting for dinner..... soon...

Will update you again!


--------- Sawbear Travel ---------

Adelaide...Here I come!

Leaving for Adelaide tonight......

-------- Sawbear Travel -------------

Busy Day.....

A really busy day today!

Lots of tickets to issue..... well....the tickets were not issued by me...but..... I have to check through all the issuance!!!! Someone misunderstood the terms of the special fares and overlooked the issuance date. I had to assist to write to the airline to seek special approval and then go through a lot of paperwork to get the tickets issued!

Realised that I loaned my luggage to a friend few years ago....only last night! Managed to buy a luggage during lunch for tomorrow's trip!

Thai family arrived this evening (again!) and brought them out for dinner.... local dinner at local place!!! Hahahaha! They would be travelling to Malacca tomorrow! Well, have an enjoyable trip!

Tiring day...... still have not packed...... got to cover duty tomorrow......

-------- Sawbear Travel -----------

I still have it......

The result from the Travel Fair is finally out.... we achieved more than double the sales of the last Travel Fair... the Best so far! Great achievement! Fantastic! Give a pat on your own shoulder! hahahaha! So, what's the reward? Sob... sob..... sob.... don't have...... just ' thank you'..... hahahahahahahaha!

The recent Travel Fair was my 1st since 2001! It has been a long time since I was involved in a Travel Fair. Many people at the Fair asked how I felt and I said it was great! Well, they have been involved year after year and they are probably sick of it! I am considered the new kid in the block!

The frontline colleagues were given a target each and few of them managed to achieved above the target. I was also given a target and...... (drum roll, please) I achieved about my target too!!!!!! To me, it's an achievement! I can still do it!!!!Not only that, my packages were doing pretty well at the Fair as well!

This morning, many of the office colleagues are away in Phuket for a retreat. I am in the office, covering duty. It also means... No government! Hahahahaha!

Looking forward to my trip tomorrow......

---------- Sawbear Travel -----------

祝福你

关心很简单，不靠甜言蜜语来形容，
只用心感受。
幸福也很简单,无须多余的语言来形容，
只用心体验。
只希望你的生活过得很幸福.
只希望你笑着过一生．

-------- Sawbear Travel ----------

I've Been Thinking About You, My Friend

When you read these words,

chances are that I'll be sitting here

thinking of you....

as I so often do.

I'll probably be smiling

one of the smiles that I always do

when thoughts of you come my way.

When you read these few words,

I hope you'll think,

just for a moment,

how much you mean to me

and how much you always will.

And when you continue on with the things

you need to be doing in your day,

smile a smile for me, and remember

that I'll be thinking of you still.

-------- Sawbear Travel-----------

Life after NATAS Travel Fair...

At this moment of writing this blog (about 10:30pm).... my colleagues are still in the office trying to clear all the reservation! Why I am not with them, you wonder..... well.... it's their turn to be busy! Hahahaha!

It has been a busy day! Have been working out tailored programmes for New Zealand, Australia, Hong Kong and Japan for my customers... spending a lot of time on the web to look for information and prices! The information I had was already outdated and I have to go through all the details again! 谁来可怜我！Hahahaha!

Had a team meeting and now I have to look after Macau and international cruises as well! My portfolio is getting bigger and bigger!

Will continue to be busy for the next few days, especially..... some VIPs from Australia coming tomorrow..... must look my best........ wait....... I am already at my best! Hahahahahaha!

----------- Sawbear Travel --------------

It's All Over!

Hooray!!! The Fair is over! Finally!

After 3 days of intensive selling, amidst all the confusion along the way... the Fair has come to an end! Very tiring! Well...it's not the end yet..... in fact, it's just the beginning!

The next few days will be busy making all the necessary reservation of packages and hotels with the overseas agents. As the airfares are on special for the last 3 days, issuance has to be done within the next few days as well! Not only that, I have to re-package with the new prices again!!!! All has to be within the next few days! So much work!!!!!! Help!!!!!!!!!!!! Hahahahaha! Anyone interested to work part-time????!!!!!!!!

Will be another busy week and then, I 'm off to Australia! Hooray!!!!!!

----------- Sawbear Travel --------------

Last Day of NATAS Travel Fair

Last Day of the Travel Fair...soon it will be all over......hooray!!!!!!!


------- Sawbear Travel ---------

1st Day of NATAS Travel Fair

"Why the booth is not ready???!!!" "Where's the co-ordinator??!!!"...sheer chaos.. before the opening.....

" Where's the file?""how to charge?" " How to book?""where's lunch/ dinner?"..... sheer chaos..through the whole day! Help! Help!

Finally....... 9:30pm...closing time..... time to go home.. chaos starts again tomorrow.......

--------- Sawbear Travel ----------

NATAS Fair 14 - 16 Sep 07 Expo

Today is the first day of NATAS Fair.... 1st day of 3 days of nightmares! Hahahaha!

Not keeping my fingers crossed..... keeping them doubly crossed! How do I do that ??!!!!!! Years of experience, my friend!

--------- Sawbear Travel --------

Never too Busy for you...

Remember, no matter how busy I could be, I will always make time for you..


-------- Sawbear Travel ---------

More Birthdays.....

Today is the anniversary for Hong Kong Disneyland! Happy Anniversary! How old? I am not sure..... and what does it has to do with me? Well... nothing!!!!!

Today is Frankie's brother's Birthday. I always remember because it is the same day as Disney's anniversary! Happy Birthday!

Today is also Alex Iskandar's birthday! Many years ago (when policemen wore shorts), I met this Indonesian (who ended up as the tour guide for my tour group in Los Angeles) and we became good friends. All these years (almost 20 years!) we have kept in touch and every year, without fail, I would call him to wish him. Happy Birthday again!

I seem to have many friends celebrating birthday this month....? You are absolutely right and a few more coming up! Ah, The beauty of modern technology..... in case card cannot arrive on time, send e-greetings! I try as much as possible to call, to show my sincerity and my appreciation of the friendship.

For friends, I will try to go out of my way; for my families, I am all theirs!

---------- Sawbear Travel --------------

Otanjobi Omedeto

Called a dear friend in Japan today..... its his Birthday! I have not seen him for quite a while...well.. I have not been to Japan for quite a while! Hahahaha!

He was surprised that I left my previous job and laughed when he heard that I am in the travel industry. 'Back in your old job', he said. He is also in the travel business.

Certainly looking forward to catching up with him again... and before I forget,

Happy Birthday, Jiro san!

-------- Sawbear Travel ----------

Another Busy Day.....

Got into office earlier than usual to prepare as much as possible before my presentation to the colleagues. New updates from airlines mean that I have to re-package my packages again! Frustrating!!!!!!! Just need to pull through this week...... steady........

Caught up with the Thai Family again for dinner..... great meal...great company (me! Of course! Hahahaha!).

--------- Sawbear Travel ----------

Travel Fair coming......

It's a busy week.... Travel Fair on Friday to Sunday at Suntec.

Still sorting out the packages for the Fair and conducting product briefing to the colleagues who would be at the Fair..... really busy....

Got 2 surprise calls today. Chartchai arrived today for a surprise visit and my Big Brother from Japan called to inform me that his son would be in Singapore at the end of the month for a week (business trip).

No matter how busy... I would still catch up with Chartchai for dinner... Chartchai is family.... and I will always make time for family. Just need to work doubly hard tomorrow! Hahahaha!

--------- Sawbear Travel -----------

Friends We Hold Close to Our Hearts

As we walk our path of life,

we meet people every day.

Most are simply met by chance,

but some are sent our way.

These become the special friends

whose bond we can't explain -

the ones who understand us

and share our joy and pain.

Their love contains no boundaries,

so even when apart,

their presence still embraces us

with a warmth felt in the heart.

This love becomes a passageway

when even miles disappear.

And so these friends life sends our way

remain forever near.

---------- Sawbear Travel ------------

Happy Birthday!

Today is a special day for 2 good friends...... one across the causeway and the other from China, living here.

Happy Birthday to you!

May you have a wonderful day today and

May you always stay happy and healthy!

A gift for you... refer to pic (flavour - cookie n cream)!

------- Sawbear Travel --------

解不开的心结

心中的这个结, 始终还是解不开. 好累, 真的好累!

------- Sawbear Travel ---------

Congratulations!

Yesterday, a close friend sms me to inform that his wife had given birth the night before!

Congratulations, Alvin! Welcome to the world of sleepless nights and changing of diapers! Hahahahaha!

Now that you have reached 'Fatherhood status, ENJOY! (What do I mean???? Nothing!!!!! Hahahahaha!)

---------- Sawbear Travel -----------

Welcome Back!

Spoke to the friend (who had an operation recently) last night and glad to know he is recovering. Well, he's got his voice back! I told his wife that my peaceful days are over! Hahahahaha!

Glad to have you back , my dear friend!

----------- Sawbear Travel -----------------

I am not above human.....

There are some people in my life who are very special and no matter what they say or do, I will never be upset or angry with them. The truth is, I would just be disappointed with myself.... but not with them.

Well, you may think I am stupid (I am sure many would agree! hahaha!) but it's just me and how I value my friendship with them. (By the way, don't try your luck. You may not be one of the privileged few! Hahahahahaha!)

Still, I hope they understand... much as I would never be upset or angry with them,..... I am, after all, not above human......


-------- Sawbear Travel ---------

Old Friend....

This evening, I called the friend in Portugal. He was surprised, yet very happy to receive my call. We chatted for a while and I felt really good to have made the call. Every year I remember his birthday and so far (touch wood.. hahahaha) without fail, I have managed to call him or email him. He was very touched and glad that I have continued to keep in touch. He turned 55 yesterday and I just realised that he is 1 cycle older than me (have you figure out how old I am??!!!).

I hope he will always get an email or call from me on his birthday. Though we may not get to meet, I am sure he treasure my friendship just as much as I treasure his.


---------- Sawbear Travel --------------

Happy Birthday , My Friend (2)

This morning, I sent a sms to a dear friend in Hong Kong to wish him 'Happy Birthday' and followed with a call.

This friend used to play a very important role in my life and though that was in the past, his friendship will always be a part of me.

Happy Birthday, my friend!


---------- Sawbear Travel ---------

Happy Birthday , My Friend (1)

Somewhere in Oct 1991, I was in Japan for a long break and I met this guy at a chinese restaurant near Asakusa. He had problem ordering the dish he wanted and I helped him. He was from Portugal (migrated from HKG since young). All these years, we have kept in touch through emails and once a blue moon, through phone calls.

I could barely remember how he looked like and I believe it's the same for him. Yet, that did not deter us from keeping up with each other.

Due to some family matters, he had to take a long break from work.

Yesterday was his birthday and I sent him a email. It did not occur to me till after the email that we have been friends for so long, though we have not met each other since.

I just want him to know that I appreciate his friendship and I hope that he is getting on fine.


---------- Sawbear Travel ----------

Trying hard.......

So many things in my mind..... trying to stay focus..... matters of the heart are most difficult to control..... need to try.....


--------- Sawbear Travel ------------