New Friend...

Met a new friend this evening.. Mark from Philippines,working in IT. Has only been here about 4 months. Got along well and had a nice time chatting. Glad to make new friend and hope to keep in touch.

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Travelling Again...

Will be travelling to Hong Kong tomorrow afternoon.... a couple of meetings/inspections on Friday and then personal matters on Saturday. Envy me??!!!! Don't! Hahahahahaha!

Will be back on Sunday. Short trip....

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Carrot Cake....

'What's the difference between this carrot cake and that carrot cake??!!!' One is 'ang moh' carrot cake and the other is 'dng nang' carrot cake!!! This was the topic for discussion in the office today!

ANA celebrates the 1st anniversary of its morning flight to Tokyo and brought us a huge carrot cake...(ang moh carrot cake). One colleague was trying to get another to try but the other colleague only take 'Chinese' carrot cake and not 'ang moh's. 'It's still carrot cake'...yes.. 'but it's not the same carrot'! Huh????? !!!!! Confused!!!!!!

Well, the 'ang moh' carrot cake uses real carrot but the 'Chinese carrot cake' uses radish... right? I think so..... hahahahahaha!

Anyway,..... at the end of the day...her piece of 'ang moh' carrot cake was still there..... she is pro 'Chinese'.... hahahahahahaha!


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Pen Friend of Yesteryears.....

This afternoon I received a call from my China pen friend! Yes, pen- friend! Never heard of???!!!! Hahahaha!

We started writing to each other since 1982 when my Pre-U teacher went to China on an exchange programme and brought back some contacts. About year 1999/2000, we managed to catch up in ShenZhen and also in Singapore. Since then, we continued to keep in touch through calls and emails. I have not seen him for the last 8 years!

We spent the evening at the coffee house catching up on old time...there's simply so much to talk about...so little time.... we promise to try and catch up again as often as possible....be it in Singapore or in ShenZhen.

After so many years, glad to know he still treasures the friendship. Spoke to his father and wife on the phone separately and they could still remember me! So touched.....

Will definitely make a point to catch up again...

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Old Friend....

Met up with a old friend....old not in age but in years of friendship! Hahahahahaha! Managed to find some time off from his 'busy schedule' to have lunch with me. Went to Food Republic at VivoCity. He loved it! He loved the deco! He thought the place was great!

Though we have caught up before in Singapore and KL the last few months, there's still a lot to talk about...especially when we lost touch for many years! We will definitely be meeting up again time to time and slowly catching up on those lost years.

Glad to have 'found' him again after all these years and will surely treasure the friendship!

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Very Special....

Today, I sent a sms to someone very dear to me...... and received a reply. Though it was just a reply..it meant a lot to me.... it did...

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Don't Ever Let Go...

I don't ever want us to let go

of each other,

Maybe our paths will go

in separate directions,

but that won't change the bond

we share and what's in our heart.

No matter where I am

or what I am doing,

when you come to mind

a smile comes to my face

and a warmth settles in my heart.

The day you and I met

will always be cherished

And no matter what,.

we always let each other know

that we do love and care

about each other.

You are more than just

a friend to me.

I often struggle to say how I feel,

but I hope we never let go

of what we share,

because whether it's across the miles

or just a short distance,

you are and will always be

a part of my life and me.

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

Thanks......

One a blue moon, I will receive a sms from someone that is special and that always brightens up the moment.... tonight.... I received such sms again!

Thanks for telling me .... at least I know.... you are always in my thoughts too....

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Work & Miscellaneous..

November and December are busy months.... many colleagues travelling overseas (tour leading)... still have many people booking last minute. Managed to grab some seats to Japan in December for a good friend this morning! Well...if you are thinking of travelling and have not booked anything..... chances are you will not be able to get anything on Free n Easy, unless you join group tours.... some companies may still have some seats left.... Good luck! Hahahahahaha!

Some friends travelling overseas this weekend...safe trip! A dear friend flying in from KL this weekend.... looking forward to catching up with him....

A dear family member leaving for Hokkaido this weekend for 10 months..safe trip and take care of yourself! Hope to catch up soon!

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So Thankful.....

This morning I received an sms from a friend who asked if she needed visa to go Japan...she is holding Malaysia Passport... Well... She needs and her flight is tomorrow morning!

Realising the problem, managed to ask her to go to the Embassy to apply for visa...but was told slim chance as needed 3 days for application. Still, she went and as the documents were not in order, she was asked to go again in the afternoon. The officer was quite helpful but could only help her get the visa out by tomorrow afternoon. There was nothing anyone could do....

Trying to change her flight but needed a colleague to help...using her special relationship with the airline's manager. After hearing my problem, she tried to talk to the dispatch to see if they could help. The dispatch was very helpful and made calls to the embassy.... even went down to the embassy to try and get them to help.

After getting all the necessary documents for the embassy, the visa application was approved! It's really amazing! It's almost impossible to get the visa on the same day! I am so fortunate! Thank God!

The moral of the story.... be nice to your colleagues....you may need their help one day! Hahahahahahaha!

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Not myself today....

Overheard my colleagues talking.... about me.... that I am not myself today.....

Indeed... though I seemed to be very busy with my work, somehow I was not the usual me....

My mind was thinking of someone.... someone very special... still could not get that someone off my head..... missing that someone very much.....

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Do Me A Favour, My Friend....

For the times when

we're apart,

I want you to keep me in your heart

and in your mind.

Just quietly close your eyes once in a while

and imagine me here smiling and thinking

such thankful thoughts of you.

For I spend so many quiet moments

of my own

thinking how much I miss you,

and how hard it is to be apart,

and how wonderful it is

that you're always with me,

warm and cherished...

here in my heart.

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

South Australia - Brilliant Blend

Spent the whole day at Marina Square.... South Australia has a consumer awareness exhibition and being part of the consortium for Brilliant Blend, need to be present to help promote the destination...... just the presence.... did not sell anything...... hahahahahaha!

Many people passed by, tried wine tasting, children took part in the drawing contest..... famous guitarist from Australia performed a few numbers..... etc.... nothing really exciting.... just awareness.....

South Australia is really scenic.... should visit ...... need travel advice? Ask me! Hahahahahaha!

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Cleaning Up....

This morning, I went to office to try and tidy up all my brochures (collected from the trips and workshops attended).... so much of them.... finally got everything done and realised that there's no more space under my desk! Jam packed! Need to find space elsewhere...... (otherwise, will need to throw away some brochures.....hmm.... which ones to throw away...?)

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Safe Trip...

Good friend of mine is going to Hong Kong and Bangkok with the wife..... safe trip, my friend and have fun! Enjoy yourself!

Call me when free and I will tell you where to go at night..... don't bring your wife.....hahahahahaha!

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Pictures of Canberra n Sydney...

Here are some pictures from the trip...


Hotair ballooning in Canberra

Picture with the Minister of Tourism



Floriade, Spring Festival


Bateman's Bay
Kiama Beach

Coastal Scenery from Wollongong to Sydney

Koalas in Sydney Wildlife Centre
Sydney Opera House

Sydney Fish Market
Darling Harbour

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I'll Always Be There....

There are a thousand things

I would like to be for you...

but one of the most important

is just being

the someone

you can talk to.

There are many things

I would like

to do for you....

and so many things I would like

to say and give and share.

But for today

I just want you to know

that I promise to be

your friend for life.

I 'll always be there,

and I'll always care.

---- Sawbear Travel ----

Busy Forecast Ahead...

This work is definitely a lot busier than my previous! In my previous job, Nov and Dec are slow months and not so busy.... but I am expected to be busy in Nov and Dec, preparing my packages for Jan to June..... product training in Jan and another Mega Travel Fair in February! Hey, this is more than I bargain for! Hahahahahaha!

Some datelines to meet by end of October but I have hardly even started! Been away...... too long! Hahahahahaha! Haiz.......

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Birthday Greetings Again.....

A special Day today..... 3 close friends' Birthday ( I have many close friends!)

Lee Hong joined the travel industry same time as me and in the same company many years ago... (she will kill me if I reveal her age!) All these years, we have kept in touch even when she married off to Hong Kong. In fact, she sms today to remind me to buy her dinner! Anytime, my dear!

Yasu is a dear friend in Osaka. We met in the early nineties! Wow.... so long time ago! Over the years, we have met up several times, in Osaka, Singapore and even Bangkok! He is a very dear friend and every year, without fail, I will send him birthday greetings!

The 3rd person is a very special friend.... in fact, he was my customer when I was in the travel industry years ago! I met CH when he came to book Japan Tour (I think)....in 1991! He was impressed with my service (I hope so! Hahahaha) and made an effort to keep in touch. All these years, I have known him and his family and had the privilege to arrange tours for them. To make the Birthday even more special, it is also his wedding anniversary! Happy Birthday and Happy Anniversary!

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Back to Busy Life Again....

Back to busy life again....

Have to write reports on the trip..... and to clear all the emails ......

Caught up with Gerald and Pobe (your names are being mentioned again!) for dinner..... Pobe going back to Thailand tomorrow....Have a safe trip, and see you again soon!
A new friend, Dave, joined us for dinner...

Busy Sunday..... have to attend exhibition at Marina Square.... also many agencies having travel fair (AGAIN!!!!)


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Trip to Canberra n Sydney

Well.... let me tell you about my recent trip (CAPEX 6 - 12 Oct / TNSW 12 - 15Oct)

Left on the morning on the 6th of Oct and flew to Perth. Cleared immigration and custom and then took a ride to the domestic airport to catch the connecting flight to Canberra! Why did we fly via Perth? Well..... because the flights to Sydney were full!!!! Hahahahahaha! By the time we got into Canberra, it was about 10pm! We literally spent the whole day in the air!!!!
Tired and hungry, we tried to look for a supermarket and after walking for more than 30 mins, we finally found Woolsworth.... we got there 5 mins before closing time! Certainly a great way to start the trip! Hahahaha!

The next morning.... I got up and walked around the apartment and found a 24 hours minimart (at a petrol kiosk) just 5 mins away!!!!!!!

The highlight of the Canberra trip was Floriade... the Spring festival. The Gardens was filled with BEAUTIFUL FLOWERS! It was really SPECTACULAR! I had a wonderful time walking and admiring the flowers! The Minister of Tourism was also there to welcome us! I managed to take a picture with him!

Throughout the 4 nights in Canberra, we visited a lot of places.... Parliament House, War Memorial, National Museum, Institute of Sports, etc... Canberra certainly has a lot to offer..... but may not be suitable for Singaporeans..... shh.... do not tell the Tourism people who invited me!

We had different types of food - Indian, Turkish, Pizzas, Chinese..... and during one lunch, we had wraps and we thought that was starters... we were wrong! Hahahahahaha!

The self drive to the coastal areas in New South Wales was very interesting - great scenery along the way. We drove to Batemans Bay, Jervis Bay, Kiama, Wollongong and up to Sydney airport. We had 7 Taragos, travelling in a convoy... rather spectacular and we were even mentioned in the local newspapers!

Most of the agents flew back on Friday but I extended my stay in Sydney till Monday and Tourism New South Wales organised my stay with lots of hotel/apartment inspection and sightseeing as well. Most of the time, I was walking all over Sydney, looking at hotels and apartments! Very tiring!

Still, I managed to visit the Wildlife Centre and Sydney Aquarium (which are location at Darling Harbour). Also visited the Rocks market (only on Saturday), Paddy's Market and the Fish Market. A trip up Sydney Tower is certainly a must!

In Sydney, I managed to meet up with my dear brother, Kelvin. It was really wonderful and thanks for spending time with me, Brother! I also managed to meet up with a dear friend I met in Sydney maybe 10 years ago... had dinner with his family. It was really memorable as I have not seen them for more than 8 years!

This trip has been very good for me....especially when I have left the trade for more than 6 years! So much to catch up..... and guess what? My team won in the quiz we had during the self drive! Wow! I had great team mates!

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Home Again..

Got back a while ago...finally!

Did not manage to update my blog while in Australia....sorry!

Rather tired...will update my blog another day...


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

Still Packing.......

Leaving this morning... still packing.....

Hmm...... have I left out anything.... charger, adapter, camera......

Heat wave in Sydney...... ok....bring shorts........

Looking forward??? I really do not know..........

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

Birthdays Again....

4th of October is a special day because I have 4 close friends who are celebrating their birthday!

Let me share a little about these 4 friends...

Donald is a close friend since 1983... during Interact / Rotaract Days (it's ok if you have no idea what I am talking about...hahahahaha!), All these years, he would at least get a call from me on his birthday.

Next, is Omori - my big brother from Osaka. I met him in 1984 (through Interact / Rotaract Days)... I think...hahahaha! All these years we have kept in touch and I have stayed at his place in Osaka many times! There was 1 year where we met up in Hawaii!

In the early 1990s, I met David...who is the husband of my ex-colleague. We got along very well and used to catch up for meals..but sort of lost touch for years, except on his birthday!

Gerald is a tour guide and he used to help me do tour leading when I was in the travel agency years ago! All these years, I have always been in touch with him and of course on his birthday, I will call him, without fail! I used to send him greeting cards, though! Hahahahaha!

They are close friends and will continue to be. Happy Birthday, my friends!

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

Travelling Again Soon.....

Well..... my flight to Australia is confirmed and I will be flying off this Saturday to Canberra! Will be there for 1 week before heading to Sydney for a few days for some hotels/attractions inspection! Expected to be back in office on 16th October..... such hard life...haiz....hahahahahaha!



Need to clear as much work as possible......busy, busy, busy.....

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Back at Work....

Back in office today and heaps of emails to read! Wow! Spent half the day clearing them and only managed to clear half only! Help!!!!!!!!

Nothing major happened while I was away and my colleagues had been very kind to cover my duty while I was away. Thanks!

Well..... I may be off to Australia again! May be going to Canberra and Sydney this weekend for a week. Now awaiting airline to revert and also accommodation. The lady that was supposed to go could not make it and I have to go instead since it's my area. The trip only covers Canberra and so I am extending my stay to visit Sydney (have not been there for years!) Should be able to finalise everything within the next 2 days... Envy me? Well, don't! Hahahahhaha! It's hard work but someone has to do it! Hahahahahahaha!

Will be a busy week again.... since when it has not been busy????!!!!!!!! Hahahahahaha!

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