Catching Up

It started with a sms greeting to Mr Tan on his birthday. Also his wedding anniversary. A thank you reply and another sms about catching up for a meal/drink soon.

This afternoon, we finally met for lunch! After a very long time!

Looking back, I knew Chong Huat somewhere in 1991 when I about about to leave Chan Brothers for New Zealand. I offered some travel advice on Japan and he was grateful and asked for my contact. Since then, we kept in touch and even when I got back and went to a few agencies, he and his family let me handled all their travels.

Even when I was no longer in travel, I was still helping them. Ban Ser (his wife) would contact me for advice.

It was great catching up with him. Happy to know that his career is doing well, his wife and children are doing well too!

Chong Huat is a very busy man but he made the effort to catch up lunch with me. I am very touched by his friendship and I am glad to know that he appreciates mine as well.

Take care, my friend! May good health and happiness be with you for many more years to come!

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TEAMBUILDING...22 Oct

1st time ....the hot line is closed on a weekday! No work! Hooray!

Assembled at the main lobby for the transfer into Sentosa for our team building event - The whole Business Sales was involved.

The event was handled by FOCUS ADVENTURE (www.FOCUSAdventure.com). The session started with going through the objective of the event and then followed by some 'games'. There were lots of laughter's and fun.....

We were splits into 16 groups and my group started off looking for some required information on the GPS. We had to find the spot X to get the 1st task. The 1st task was to try the luge ride. It was really fun! Brought back memories.... I used to play the Luge rides up on Mount Ngongotaha at Rotorua, new Zealand, many times!

It was quite challenging trying to find the required information and then making back to the 'campsite' on time for lunch.

After lunch, some of the colleagues got to try more challenging tasks - climbing up poles and walk on tight ropes, etc.....it looked scary!

Then, we were given some pictures to find the words that were blank out. We had to travel to waterfront station on the monorail and then into the resorts to look for the necessary words. It was kind of interesting as I did not realise that that were so much 'to do and see''!

We ended at the beach where we had to build sand castle. So many funny looking models!

To round up the session, we were shown a video of the event - so many candid moments throughout the day and we had so much laughter's looking through it!

It was a very tiring but fun day! I got to see Sentosa that I never knew before! So much has developed and changed and I did not finish exploring the whole place! Definitely would be going back again.......

www.sentosa.com.sg

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HONG KONG AGAIN .......

14 Oct

Soon we will be arriving into Hong Kong international airport (again)...kindly fasten your seat belt, put your seat upright and tray table stow away . We thank you for flying with CX......

Clearing immigration was a breeze but waiting for luggage needed a lot of 'patience'! Took a while before I finally saw my luggage on the belt!

Stephen was already waiting for me at the arriving hall, wondering what happened. Took the airport express to Hong Kong station and then the free shuttle to City Garden Hotel before making our way to South China Hotel in Northpoint.

Left the hotel to go over to Tai Po to visit Stephen's Dad in the hospital. We took the MRT ride to Yau Tong and changed to Wong Tai Sin and then took a cab ride to the hotel. It was my 1st time meeting the parents and I had a good time chatting with his Dad.

We left the hospital and proceeded back to the hotel to have dinner with Derrick. Original wanted to have Chinese but settled for Japanese (Wada Japanese Restaurant) on the 2nd level of the hotel. The restaurant has a stagger charge for meals and on weekday after 9pm, it was at HK$148+

The dinner buffet was surprisingly good, better than expected. We had fair share of sashimi, sushi, etc,..... it was good and better still, Derrick treated us!

The night ended well......

15 Oct

Breakfast at the hotel.... at the Japanese restaurant (make into breakfast venue in the morning). The breakfast was rather pathetic....but as it was included in the room rate, cannot complain....hahahahaha!

After breakfast, we checked out and proceeded over to Tsimshatsui to check in to the other hotel - Bauhinia Hotel at Observatory Court (http://www.thebauhinia.com.hk/). Initially we had some problem locating the hotel but finally found it up the slope from Empire Kowloon Hotel and opposite of Standford Hillview. The hotel's lobby is on the 19th floor. As it was too early to check in, we left our stuff at the hotel and went off for movie at MongKok - The girl with the dragon tattoo, a foreign language movie. It was a challenge sitting through the movie! Hahahaha! There was a choice between 3D and non 3D but patrons either bring their own or buy disposable 3D glasses (HK$6). Back home, the glasses are handled out free!

After the movie, we went for dim sum lunch at 稻香(Mongkok). As usual, I would call that 'few' dishes......the food was good. While having lunch, Omori called. They had arrived and was on the airport express to Kowloon station.

Was to meet him at his hotel - Nathan Hotel around 4pm. Went over and finally met him and his wife....... after 7 years! It was great seeing both of them again! All these years, I have been constantly in touch with them but the last time we met was in Osaka in 2003! We went over to Starbucks , next to the hotel, for a

drink. So much to talk about!

Then, we arranged to meet again for dinner at 7pm. Stephen and I went back to the hotel where we freshened up for the evening. When we got back, we were prepared to find a very small room, similar to Largos or smaller. To our Big Surprise, the room we had was VERY NICE! It had a view of the harbour, on the 22nd floor! Everything looked new and there was even free Internet!

Met with Omori & wife again at the lobby and proceed to the Star Ferry to see the daily laser show. Showed them the esplanade with the avenue of stars as well. The laser show was interesting with the whole esplanade packed with tourists!

Then, we slowly made our way to the restaurant, stopped at a few sights along the way. Dinner was at 稻香, our favourite steamboat venue. We ordered 烧鹅and烧腊 for them to try and followed with steamboat. The restaurant was extremely crowded! Stephen managed to get a table with his connection......great to have such friend around! hahahahaha!

We had a lot of fun chatting and eating and by the time we finished, we have added on a few more kg!

16 Oct

A last minute decision to go to Shenzhen for the day and we stopped over at my favourite American Embassy for breakfast before meeting with with the Omoris. We took the train ride from Jordan station over to MongKok ( Think)... and changed MRT to Kowloon Tong and then to the rail towards Lo Wu (Shenzhen).

It happen to be 重阳节 and many people were heading towards Shenzhen. After some time clearing immigration, we were finally in Shenzhen!

We went to the nearby shopping complex and Mrs Omori managed to get some real bargains on sandal, wig, doll and dress! Thanks to Stephen who bargained like a pro! Stephen also brought them to a stall that was selling jade and they managed to buy real jade at a steal! Mr Omori was very pleased with his buy!

Next in the program was lunch and we went over to Shangri La Hotel for the famous dim sum buffet. We had to wait a while as the restaurant was full. We ordered a spread of many dim sum dishes and it was a feast! There was lots to eat (great to have buffets) and by the time we finished (2 hours later), we were very sleepy!

Back to another building where we went for foot reflex/ massage. Originally we though it would cost RMB100 per person for the reflex/massage but it turned out it only cost RMB20 per hour. Both Japanese seemed to enjoy the massage, while occasionally you could hear Stephen 'groaning in pain'. For me, it was more like massage rather than reflex.

By the time we finished, it was almost evening and we decided to head back to Hong Kong. Stephen left half way to visit his father in the hospital while we proceeded to MongKok where we went for a walk at the Ladies' Street. They managed to do some shopping on their own as I had to leave them for my own appointment.

Met up with Wallace & Frankie at The Kumatei Japanese Restaurant over at Central. This is one of my favourite restaurants. As usual, we will order lots of food and eat till we could barely move! It was great catching up with both of them.

Caught up with Mr Omori again for a drink at MacDonald's before heading back to hotel to rest. Our friendship goes back to 1982/83 and all these years we have kept in touch! I have stayed with the family many times in Osaka and they have already become a part of my family.

Slept in this morning and only checked out after 11am. Went to look for my favourite Wanton noodle shop for lunch. Did not really enjoy the meal....soup was bland, wantons were bland and noodle was tasteless! utterly disappointment! Used to be very good!

Took a cab ride to Kowloon station and checked in the luggage before proceeding to Starbucks for a drink. Soon, had to go to the airport to catch the flight back to Singapore..........

The trip has been very good....Not only I managed to meet up with my Japanese friends, I also got to meet Stephen's parents. being able to be there for him also mean a lot for me.

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STORY

Mork and Mindy are a couple who met each other by chance and fell in love. They would chat, sms and web came whenever possible. Both of us are very much in love with each other.

Recently , Mindy had to go overseas to attend a course. There would still be sms and web cam initially. Then, with entertainment and stuff, Mindy returns back late. Mork, on the other hand, would patiently wait for Mindy to return. Though Mindy would text Mork to inform him that she would be late, Mork would still wait up for her, no matter how tired he is. It was not about the advance notice given by Mindy. Without seeing her, Mork could not rest well.

Mork loves Mindy very much and decided not to add pressure to her. So, he sent her a message to inform her that he would not trouble her further during her course.

The last few days, Mork would always check his mobile to see there was any message from Mindy. Though there was no message, Mork would restrain himself from sending any text to Mindy. He does not want to add any burden to her.

Mork loves Mindy and the last few days has been terrible for him. He misses Mindy very much. He thinks of her all day long ........... he feels miserable.....but, he does not want to be a nuisance to her. He just wants her to finish her course , and come back to him again.


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More Birthdays

More old friends' Birthdays.....


11 Sept - Jiro's Birthday. I met Jiro many years ago in Singapore. He was a travel agent. Then, I was also in travel and thus we had many common interests. Come to think of it, Come to think of it, I have known him for more than 10 years! We have met a couple of times and the last time we met was in 2003! Time to catch up again, my friend! Otanjobi Omedeto Gozaimasu!

12 Sept - Alex's Birthday. I believe it was in 1988, my first time to USA. Alex was my LA guide and since then we kept in touch. Alex came back to Indonesia many years back and have settled down in Jakarta. All these years, we have been in touch and we met again, 2 -3 years ago, in Singapore. Happy Birthday, my friend.

12 Sept - Albert's Birthday. He is currently holiday in Taiwan. Happy Birthday and enjoy your holiday!

14 Sept - Cheng Nee's Birthday. She has been a mentor, ex boss and a dear friend to me, all these years. Many times, I would go to her for advice. I owe a lot to her and every year, on the 14 of Sept, I would always wish her good health and happiness for many years to come!

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1st 10 Days of September

Few old Friends' birthdays....

2nd Sept - Wilson's Birthday. Met this friend in Tokyo many, many years ago when I was there on holiday. He's from Portugal. Tried calling him but could not get through. Hope everything is fine with him.

3rd Sept - Gary's Birthday. An old friend from Hong Kong. Spoke to him and wished him

8th Sept - Ernest's Birthday. A friend from KL since 2006

8th Sept - Johnson's Birthday. A dear friend/neighbour who was from China and now Singapore Citizen. Met up with him for steamboat dinner at M Hotel. Was supposed to treat him dinner but ended up he paid! His credit card has higher discount! Hmm...... the moral of the story is... Hahahahaha!

9th Sept - Darryl's Birthday. A dear friend that I met 1982/3...many years ago! We belonged to a youth movement and we hosted the Japanese members when they were in Singapore. All these years, we continue to keep in touch.

10th Sept - Derrick's Birthday. A very dear friend who has been very supportive and have been catching up often for meals. Happy Birthday, my friend!

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A Breath of Fresh Air

The last few weeks have been extremely busy at work.....

Since I agreed to help answer the other team's calls, I have been flooded with a lot more work and I started to stay back to clear my work..... not only that, I started to have problem following up.

Today, I realised that I had more time to clear my work and less calls.......my boss was kind enough to revert me back to my previous capacity..... I started to feel like myself again.........


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