Although this was the second session that has been conducted since I joined the company, it was my first. Unfortunately, I had to miss the first because of meeting. Hence, this morning was filled with excitement with not knowing what to expect.
Since this was the Chinese New Year period, the theme revolved around the festive season. We started with a bang. There was a lion dance to kick off the event before the big big boss summarised some of the key happenings in the company. This was to create greater awareness among all staffs of the company's latest development so that all staffs could feel ownership and involvement.
The second half of the communication session involved some of the heads of departments sharing their achievements and projects under the theme of fortune telling - a common activity during CNY. Some of the heads had injected lots of humour on fengshui and fortune telling in their sharing. This drew rounds and rounds of laughter from the audience.
The highlight was when the bosses "bai4 nian2" to all the staffs with oranges and ang paos. This was the moment we have been waiting for, ie to get the ang paos (no cash, just vouchers). *Grin* There was lots of food provided as well. There was a breakfast, a tea-break and lunch. The lunch was especially satisfactory and fulfilling, with bee hoon, rice, mussels, ginseng chicken, stewed duck, ebi tempura, sweet and sour fish, etc. Before the start of the lunch, there was also a lo hei to busk in the luck and fortune for the new lunar year.
However, the best news was saved for the last. To reward us for our hardwork, we were given half day off to go home and spend time with our family. Yes! Yes!!
Of course, it was time for some weekday shopping. *Wink Wink*
February 27, 2007
February 24, 2007
Unusual Gathering
For our February outing, Ms Chan had to leave early for elsewhere. Only Ah Peng and I were left after our Lo Hei session.
I have never done window shopping at the high end boutiques in the likes of LV, Gucci, etc, before. They were obviously way beyond my league. This was the first time since both Ah Peng and Ms Chan were contemplating investing in a long-lasting working bag, so we have decided to pop into the boutiques for some 'advanced' marketing research.
Since it was the new year, we have decided to try something different by being more cultured. It was the first for Ah Peng, but the second time for me to step into Opera Gallery to admire the art works. Despite us being novices, we were trying to make sense of the different pieces and share with each other our opinions. Somehow, we were more captivated by the more vibrant and colourful pieces. Despite we having similar preferences for many things, we still differ for our preference of art pieces - I liked a red, black and gold piece which was extremely eye-catching from afar; Ah Peng preferred the painting of a vase which was very life-like.
Next was the favourite haunt of Ah Peng - Kinokuniya bookshop. Personally, I still felt that she was the most cultured person among my friends with her interests in books and art. We were looking at some "for-the-soul" kind of books. Some were cute with many pictures. Some led us to a penny for thoughts with the anecdotes. One has even attempted to rationalise why one could never be friends with your ex.
It was definitely an usual gathering, ie the activities we were doing were vastly different from the usual shopping and dining.
I have never done window shopping at the high end boutiques in the likes of LV, Gucci, etc, before. They were obviously way beyond my league. This was the first time since both Ah Peng and Ms Chan were contemplating investing in a long-lasting working bag, so we have decided to pop into the boutiques for some 'advanced' marketing research.
Since it was the new year, we have decided to try something different by being more cultured. It was the first for Ah Peng, but the second time for me to step into Opera Gallery to admire the art works. Despite us being novices, we were trying to make sense of the different pieces and share with each other our opinions. Somehow, we were more captivated by the more vibrant and colourful pieces. Despite we having similar preferences for many things, we still differ for our preference of art pieces - I liked a red, black and gold piece which was extremely eye-catching from afar; Ah Peng preferred the painting of a vase which was very life-like.
Next was the favourite haunt of Ah Peng - Kinokuniya bookshop. Personally, I still felt that she was the most cultured person among my friends with her interests in books and art. We were looking at some "for-the-soul" kind of books. Some were cute with many pictures. Some led us to a penny for thoughts with the anecdotes. One has even attempted to rationalise why one could never be friends with your ex.
It was definitely an usual gathering, ie the activities we were doing were vastly different from the usual shopping and dining.
Lo Hei with the Musketeers
To busk in the CNY mood, we have decided to order a Yu Sheng for a Lo Hei session. We have also heard the Yu Sheng at Sakae Sushi was quite yummy too, so all the more we should try it. :-)Ah Peng informed us that Yu Sheng was a dish created by and in Singapore. Wow, we were proud that Singapore could actually come out with such an innovative and auspicious dish. It seemed like this dish had already started to be trendy overseas too.
Lo Hei should be rowdy, with lots of well-wishes and "action". We remained oblivious to any stares (disgusted or curious) and were the loudest table. Hey, what is CNY without the rowdiness? In the ancient era, even fire crackers were lit during the celebrations with lots of merriment.Let's hope the new year will bring in better luck for all of us!!!
:-)
February 23, 2007
Another JC Mates' Gathering
We gathered for Mr Lau's birthday celebration.
My former class rep has suggested meeting at Mad Jack (near Serene Centre) for dinner. Mad Jack is famous for its fish-and-chips which is very Aussie-like (I still regret not trying the fish-and-chips at Freemantle). The portion was relatively big. As I usually shy away from Western food, I am rather ignorant when it comes to discerning if the fish-and-chips are better than elsewhere. Then, we adjourned to Ice-cream Island for dessert (at Serene Centre). The flavours available were rather exotic, such as Teh Tarik.
As usual, the next activity was Board Games. Since Dear's house was nearest. The 7 of us then squeezed into Mr Lau's car. Hmm, it seemed like the Honda City was still pretty sturdy to be able to take the weight of 7 of us.
As we got off the car, I noticed that the night skies were clear enough to show off the stars. They were brilliant. I was introduced to the Orion, which was made up of 7-stars with 3-stars in a row in the middle and 4-stars guarding each corner. Although I like to look at stars, I have absolutely no idea what stars are where or how they look like.
Big Apple was at home and he still remembered me. When he was younger, Dear and I would bring him out together for our shopping and dinners. He has grown taller and sturdier (even with his girlfriend), but he is still the same Big Apple with his wide grin. It seemed like yesterday when he was in his kindergarden uniform sharing with us his frog-folding skills. Time flew and we have aged.
Railway Tycoon centred building tracks so that one could transport goods from one city to another. Points were awarded when goods were delivered using the rail of the player to the different cities. The player with the most points at the end of the game would win. The end of the game was defined as when 14 cities were built. It was not too long a game and we wrapped up around 10.30 pm.
It was supposed to be yet another relatively brainless game, yet I still spent ages trying to comprehend the instructions. Only towards the end of the game did I manage to better grasp how the game worked. Sigh! I guessed I was hopeless for any ‘intellectual’ activity.
My former class rep has suggested meeting at Mad Jack (near Serene Centre) for dinner. Mad Jack is famous for its fish-and-chips which is very Aussie-like (I still regret not trying the fish-and-chips at Freemantle). The portion was relatively big. As I usually shy away from Western food, I am rather ignorant when it comes to discerning if the fish-and-chips are better than elsewhere. Then, we adjourned to Ice-cream Island for dessert (at Serene Centre). The flavours available were rather exotic, such as Teh Tarik.
As usual, the next activity was Board Games. Since Dear's house was nearest. The 7 of us then squeezed into Mr Lau's car. Hmm, it seemed like the Honda City was still pretty sturdy to be able to take the weight of 7 of us.
As we got off the car, I noticed that the night skies were clear enough to show off the stars. They were brilliant. I was introduced to the Orion, which was made up of 7-stars with 3-stars in a row in the middle and 4-stars guarding each corner. Although I like to look at stars, I have absolutely no idea what stars are where or how they look like.
Big Apple was at home and he still remembered me. When he was younger, Dear and I would bring him out together for our shopping and dinners. He has grown taller and sturdier (even with his girlfriend), but he is still the same Big Apple with his wide grin. It seemed like yesterday when he was in his kindergarden uniform sharing with us his frog-folding skills. Time flew and we have aged.
Railway Tycoon centred building tracks so that one could transport goods from one city to another. Points were awarded when goods were delivered using the rail of the player to the different cities. The player with the most points at the end of the game would win. The end of the game was defined as when 14 cities were built. It was not too long a game and we wrapped up around 10.30 pm.
It was supposed to be yet another relatively brainless game, yet I still spent ages trying to comprehend the instructions. Only towards the end of the game did I manage to better grasp how the game worked. Sigh! I guessed I was hopeless for any ‘intellectual’ activity.
February 21, 2007
False Alarm
First day at work after a long weekend. First day at work in the new lunar year.
My laptop has gone MIA!!!
Wait! Calm down. Maybe some kind-hearted soul has kept it for me in my cabinet. I opened the top. I opened the bottom. I even opened up my drawers. Nothing. No docking station, no laptop. I moved around, peeping into other cubicles to see if my laptop has somehow been moved to other cubicles. Still no sign of any laptop or docking station.
Has someone stolen it?
Oh my! I should have locked it before I left for my leave last week despite being in a rush to run out of the door.
Has my laptop been confisticated?
Afterall, I am due for confirmation. Maybe this is a sign to tell me that I have outlived my welcome and it is time for me to pack my bags, albeit not confirmed and been asked to move out.
I could not determine which is worse.
The clock ticked by. More people streamed in.
There was only so much I could do to appear busy without my laptop. It's time to ask around to see if anyone has clue what was the fate of my laptop. I met with replies of "nope, haven't seen" or "you mean your laptop has gone missing?"
Finally, my saviour appeared. She pointed out that my boss might have taken it away. In the end, we found out that my boss, for fear of my laptop falling into bad hands, had taken the liberty to keep my laptop in his locked drawer while I was away. Thank goodness!
Although I was relieved that it was a false alarm, I was slightly chided by my boss for not taking better care of my belongings. =p
My laptop has gone MIA!!!
Wait! Calm down. Maybe some kind-hearted soul has kept it for me in my cabinet. I opened the top. I opened the bottom. I even opened up my drawers. Nothing. No docking station, no laptop. I moved around, peeping into other cubicles to see if my laptop has somehow been moved to other cubicles. Still no sign of any laptop or docking station.
Has someone stolen it?
Oh my! I should have locked it before I left for my leave last week despite being in a rush to run out of the door.
Has my laptop been confisticated?
Afterall, I am due for confirmation. Maybe this is a sign to tell me that I have outlived my welcome and it is time for me to pack my bags, albeit not confirmed and been asked to move out.
I could not determine which is worse.
The clock ticked by. More people streamed in.
There was only so much I could do to appear busy without my laptop. It's time to ask around to see if anyone has clue what was the fate of my laptop. I met with replies of "nope, haven't seen" or "you mean your laptop has gone missing?"
Finally, my saviour appeared. She pointed out that my boss might have taken it away. In the end, we found out that my boss, for fear of my laptop falling into bad hands, had taken the liberty to keep my laptop in his locked drawer while I was away. Thank goodness!
Although I was relieved that it was a false alarm, I was slightly chided by my boss for not taking better care of my belongings. =p
February 19, 2007
Gong Xi Fa Cai
I have passed the age where I get excited even a few days before Chinese New Year.
I used to look forward to the goodies, the ang paos and the new clothes. The CNY mood would be extremely strong starting from the eve itself where there was steamboat, helping to take out the sweets and goodies in preparation of the next day’s visits and helping my mum put in money into the ang paos.
Now CNY has diminished to just like any other public holiday. In some of the years, we have even ceased some of the practices, like wear new clothes, go visiting or spring cleaning. In the years where we have spent the CNY overseas, it was even harder to be excited by the CNY mood.
Although this year, I have yet again spent the eve and the first day overseas, I have managed to uphold some of the traditions. I have worn new clothes on the first day. I have even had new bedsheets for the new year.
I used to look forward to the goodies, the ang paos and the new clothes. The CNY mood would be extremely strong starting from the eve itself where there was steamboat, helping to take out the sweets and goodies in preparation of the next day’s visits and helping my mum put in money into the ang paos.
Now CNY has diminished to just like any other public holiday. In some of the years, we have even ceased some of the practices, like wear new clothes, go visiting or spring cleaning. In the years where we have spent the CNY overseas, it was even harder to be excited by the CNY mood.
Although this year, I have yet again spent the eve and the first day overseas, I have managed to uphold some of the traditions. I have worn new clothes on the first day. I have even had new bedsheets for the new year.
(My new bedsheet)
Anyway,
Gong Xi Fa Cai!
February 18, 2007
Adventures in Bangkok - Conclude
This trip in Bangkok was concluded with less hiccups than that in Taiwan which was about 2 years ago. There was no anxiousness of not being able to secure train tickets back to Taipei. There was no fear of missing the flight when the airport transfer did not appear at the pick-up point. The only slight nervousness we experienced was when we were nearly lost in Chinatown and could not get a cab back to the hotel.
This was the first time I have attempted to clear customs using the automated custom clearing system introduced by Changi Airport. It was indeed faster then the conventional clearing system.
We have also learnt to use the public pay phones in Bangkok.We have first made reservation at the Chinese restaurant at our hotel for the reunion dinner. However, when we found a better restaurant at MBK, we had to cancel our first reservation. Since calling the hotel using a public phone in Bangkok was cheaper than using our mobile to make an international call, we decided to go for the former. When we could not get through despite entering the number several times, we had to seek assistance from the shop assistant. Then, we discovered that we had to enter the area code first before entering the number.
Somehow, as reunion dinner and CNY was spent abroad, the spirit and festive mood were somehow diminished. There was less excitement associated with the first day of CNY.
All of us have managed to buy something for ourselves. As you would have guessed, the one who has ended up with the most purchases is me again. I have bought 4 pairs of shoes, 4 tops and 1 bag. I have always bought some snacks for some friends and colleagues (I hope they like them). One of the tops was bright red which I have worn on the first day of CNY. This was the first time in years where I have worn red during CNY. *Grin* It required some getting used to as I felt eyes on me wherever I walked.
However, I still felt that the trip was a little too short. It would have been perfect if I have had another 1 to 2 days. There were still places not seen and food not tasted.
Well, I am already looking forward to my next trip. Perhaps, it is time to start planning again. *Wink Wink*
This was the first time I have attempted to clear customs using the automated custom clearing system introduced by Changi Airport. It was indeed faster then the conventional clearing system.
We have also learnt to use the public pay phones in Bangkok.We have first made reservation at the Chinese restaurant at our hotel for the reunion dinner. However, when we found a better restaurant at MBK, we had to cancel our first reservation. Since calling the hotel using a public phone in Bangkok was cheaper than using our mobile to make an international call, we decided to go for the former. When we could not get through despite entering the number several times, we had to seek assistance from the shop assistant. Then, we discovered that we had to enter the area code first before entering the number.
Somehow, as reunion dinner and CNY was spent abroad, the spirit and festive mood were somehow diminished. There was less excitement associated with the first day of CNY.
All of us have managed to buy something for ourselves. As you would have guessed, the one who has ended up with the most purchases is me again. I have bought 4 pairs of shoes, 4 tops and 1 bag. I have always bought some snacks for some friends and colleagues (I hope they like them). One of the tops was bright red which I have worn on the first day of CNY. This was the first time in years where I have worn red during CNY. *Grin* It required some getting used to as I felt eyes on me wherever I walked.
However, I still felt that the trip was a little too short. It would have been perfect if I have had another 1 to 2 days. There were still places not seen and food not tasted.
Well, I am already looking forward to my next trip. Perhaps, it is time to start planning again. *Wink Wink*
The end.
February 17, 2007
Adventures in Bangkok – Food
I have always been a great lover of Asian cuisines, be it Chinese, Japanese, Thai or Indonesian. Western was not so much my cup of tea. Hence, Bangkok was practically a food heaven for me.
MBK
There were many restaurants which offered various cuisines at prices lower than Singapore’s. Some of which were even household names in Singapore – Swensen’s, Dunkin Donuts and Sushi Tei. There were even both a food court and a food centre. The food court was a series of stalls set in a nice ambience, much like the concept of Central @ Marina Square. On the other hand, the food centre was similar to our food court.
Our favourite was the food centre. It offered a variety of local fare at very reasonable prices. There was also a smattering of other cuisines, such as Japanese, Indian and Chinese.
No cash is accepted at each stall. To purchase the food, one would need to go to the information counter to purchase coupons which worked like cash vouchers.
As this was our first meal (outside the hotel breakfast) in Thailand, we were very excited about what to eat. Everything smelled and looked delicious. We were simply overwhelmed by the choices.
We have decided to order and share so that we could try as many as possible. Soon, the table was lined with mango salad, pad thai, stewed pork rice, fried pork dumpling, tom yam goong and shark’s fins.
o The mango salad, consisted of the tiny tomato, green mango, cucumber and peanuts, was very spicy, sour and refreshing which whetted one’s appetite for more.
o The hor fun used in the pad thai was smooth, without being too starchy or hard. There was not even a tinge of burnt smell from any over-frying which was commonly found in fried hor fun.
o The stewed pork rice was a rice dish with pork stewed in black soy sauce and pickled vegetables. The pork was cut in cubes and tasted more like duck than pork.
o I was initially drawn to the look of the pork dumpling because of their sheer size and the golden skin. We have decided to order one to try after we found out from the helper that it was wrapped with pork meat.
o The tom yam goong was with a milky based soup. It was filled with fragrance of the spices. The seafood was used lavishly where big prawns were served. The balance of the spiciness and the sourness was splendid where neither overpowered the other.
o The shark’s fins soup was contained in a claypot. Although the fins were smaller, one was treated to several pieces of the full fins in the claypot. There were also pieces of crab meat and oyster mushrooms in the stew.
All these came with a price tag of less than S$20. All the tables were provided with tissue paper. For those who were generally forgetful when it came to bringing along tissue paper, this place offered great convenience.
We were attracted by the myriad doughnuts on sale in Mister Donut. Doughnuts were no longer in their conventional shape and taste. There were round and rectangular doughnuts with fillings of strawberry, blueberry and others. The icings were no longer made only of sugar. They could come in the form of shredded coconuts, custard and chocolate.
There were also different stalls found at different levels selling snacks and dried goods. One of the most commonly found snack in Bangkok was the sweet pancake. It was a small piece of pancake filled with sweet cream and shredded coconut. The chendols sold had thick coconut milk, but they were a little too sweet. The rice dumplings were bigger than those found in Singapore. The fillings used were slightly different from Singapore’s – gingko nuts and red dates were also added.
For one of the lunches, we have ventured into a restaurant selling Asian cuisines due to the divided interest among my family – my sister and I preferred Thai cuisine while my parents preferred Chinese food. We were proud and delighted to find out that the owner of the restaurant was also a fellow Singaporean. The pineapple rice and the fried fish cake were tasty. The prawn fried glass noodle and the seafood hor fun were more ordinary.
We had our reunion dinner at MBK. We were kiasu. For fear of not securing a table for reunion dinner, we had reserved a table at the restaurant we liked. The crew had gone the extra mile by reserving 2 tables for us when we were undecided on whether we want a round or long table. My family preferred the round table but it was near the entrance while the long table was at a corner at the inside of the restaurant. Typically, Chinese preferred round tables for meals as they signified reunion.
It was a 6-course dinner with dessert. We had a chilli kang kong, sweet and sour claypot chicken, claypot shark’s fins, herbal black chicken soup and deep fried sweet and sour garoupa. The desset was gingko nuts in sweet milk. The few tables around us were all Singaporeans judging from their accent when they spoke. It really felt close to home.
Platinum Mall
There was a food centre found at the top of Platinum Mall which was similar to that at MBK. The tables, the uniforms of the staff and even the variety were similar. It was probably a franchised food court chain, such as Food Junction and Kopitiam in Singapore. There were drop-down windows from the ceiling to the floor on one side of the food centre. Seated at this area, one could easily view the opposite Pratunam and the Amari Hotel. Unlike a voucher system at MBK, the food centre at Platinum Mall operated on a card system where one could top up the card to a certain value before making purchases of the food. Any unutilized amount could be refunded just as that at MBK.
We hade decided to try more food this time round. Craving for more delicious pad thai and shark’s fins, we have decided to eat these again. We have also tried some of their dim sums and fried carrot cakes which we found them to be less satisfactory. The fried carrot cakes were in larger cubes and were harder with a slightly burnt smell. We had bird’s nest for dessert. It was slightly herbal with strong cordycep smell.
Enticed by the waft of aroma from the crepes, we tried the chocolate and banana flavour. It was heavenly – with the crispy crepes softened slightly by the chocolate and banana. The sweetness of the banana was enhanced by the slightly bitter chocolate. For those who have a sweet tooth, this was definitely a must-try.
Chinatown
I have heard from my colleagues that Chinatown was a good place for shark’s fins and birds’ nest and decided to explore a little. It was a rather cramped and chaotic place. To our disappointment, there was hardly any decent looking eatery. We have decided to make a move shortly.
The food was the more flavourful sort. For those who prefer the blander food, they may find the taste to be slightly heavier. The desserts were very sweet. They were so sweet that for one of the desserts, we had to ask the waiters for water to dilute the sweetness.
To be continued... ...
February 16, 2007
Adventures in Bangkok – Shopping
Bangkok is well-known for its great shopping. Many Singaporeans have made Bangkok a weekend shopping trip.
A common ‘trait’ for Bangkok shopping was that many shops found in Siam Square, MBK, Pratunam and Platinum Mall did not allow trying of the clothes on sale, not even pulling over what you were wearing. Hence, one must be pretty certain of one’s size before making a purchase.
MBK
We have spent 2 days at MBK as it was simply too huge to be completed in a single day. The size of MBK was similar to Ngee Ann City but less spacious and organized.
The aisle between the shops was half or even a quarter of the size of that in a Singapore shopping mall. This somewhat ‘eased’ the shopping process as there were shops on both sides of the aisle. Imagine if the aisle were the size of Singapore’s, one would need to walk down the same aisle twice to look at the shops on both the left and right hand side, especially when it was crowded.
MBK was a comprehensive shopping mall, with an anchor departmental store – Tokyu which targeted the mid range shopping. There was the once familiar Tops supermarket, which has since disappeared from Singapore, for one to do some groceries shopping. There were many shops selling clothes, bags, leather goods, jeans and shoes. There was individual level devoted to selling furniture, handphone and IT gadgets and tourists’ souvenirs. We have found reasonably priced Thai snacks here too – dried mango, papaya, coconut, durian crackers, etc. The highest level was a Cineplex.
Siam Square
Next to MBK was a three-storey Siam Square which sold mainly ladies’ shoes, bags, clothes and accessories. The size of each shop, on average, was even smaller than that found in Far East Plaza in Singapore, ie if you stand at the shop entrance, you can see all the goods with one glance.
For shoe lovers, this was a shopping paradise, in terms of the selection and the prizes. This place definitely offered the lowest prices which were unmatchable elsewhere for shoes. Most shops have single prices of 199 baht for their shoes (less than S$9). Flip flops could be found at 45 baht (about S$2) a pair. However, for clothes, bargaining was required. How much value one could get from your purchase would depend on how skilful one is at bargaining.
Shopping alley between Siam Square and Siam Discovery Centre
There was a long alley leading from Siam Square to the opposite of Siam Discovery Centre. Shopping could be a sweatier affair here as there was no aircon. It was lined with many different stalls selling more clothes. To get mini denim skirts, this place offered quite good selection, though at higher prices than that in Siam Square or Pratunam.
Siam Discovery Centre & Siam Paragon
Upmarket shopping can be found at Siam Discovery Centre and Siam Paragon where the layout and variety were similar to that found in Ngee Ann City or Paragon. Siam Discovery Centre and Siam Paragon were adjacent to each other and connected by a square between them.
Mid-range or upper mid-range shops, such as Giordano, Mango, Levi’s M)phosis, U2 and G2000 could be found in Siam Discovery Centre. High range shops, such as Chanel and Gucci can be found in Siam Paragon, in addition to the anchor tenant – Paragon Departmental Store. Prices were less attractive here. Although there were sales ongoing for U2 and M)phosis, the discounted prices were similar to those before any discount in Singapore.
What attracted me most were the washrooms in these 2 places. They were clean, spacious and automated. There was even plasma TVs in the washrooms. I do not recall ever seeing plasma TVs in any washroom in Singapore, not even at the airport.
Pratunam and Platinum Mall
Pratunam and Platinum Mall were found facing opposite each other on the same road and connected by an overhead bridge. Both were wholesalers for clothes, ie the Thai version of the Taiwanese’s Wu Feng Pu. Hence, greater discounts would be given for purchase of 3 pieces or more. Notwithstanding, clothes here typically were cheaper and of greater range than those found in MBK or Siam Square. Once could almost spend the whole day shopping at these 2 places.
Pratunam was smaller than Platinum. The orientation for Pratunam was more disorganized than that of Platinum. Platinum was sectioned into 3 parts and there were 6 storeys in total. One would need to plough through the Mall systematically for fear of getting lost and confused.
Due to time constraints, I have missed some of the other well-known shopping areas, such as Chatuchak market or Suan Lum night market. I will definitely mark them down as my must-go places in my next itinerary. *Wink*
A common ‘trait’ for Bangkok shopping was that many shops found in Siam Square, MBK, Pratunam and Platinum Mall did not allow trying of the clothes on sale, not even pulling over what you were wearing. Hence, one must be pretty certain of one’s size before making a purchase.
MBK
We have spent 2 days at MBK as it was simply too huge to be completed in a single day. The size of MBK was similar to Ngee Ann City but less spacious and organized.
The aisle between the shops was half or even a quarter of the size of that in a Singapore shopping mall. This somewhat ‘eased’ the shopping process as there were shops on both sides of the aisle. Imagine if the aisle were the size of Singapore’s, one would need to walk down the same aisle twice to look at the shops on both the left and right hand side, especially when it was crowded.
MBK was a comprehensive shopping mall, with an anchor departmental store – Tokyu which targeted the mid range shopping. There was the once familiar Tops supermarket, which has since disappeared from Singapore, for one to do some groceries shopping. There were many shops selling clothes, bags, leather goods, jeans and shoes. There was individual level devoted to selling furniture, handphone and IT gadgets and tourists’ souvenirs. We have found reasonably priced Thai snacks here too – dried mango, papaya, coconut, durian crackers, etc. The highest level was a Cineplex.
Siam Square
Next to MBK was a three-storey Siam Square which sold mainly ladies’ shoes, bags, clothes and accessories. The size of each shop, on average, was even smaller than that found in Far East Plaza in Singapore, ie if you stand at the shop entrance, you can see all the goods with one glance.
For shoe lovers, this was a shopping paradise, in terms of the selection and the prizes. This place definitely offered the lowest prices which were unmatchable elsewhere for shoes. Most shops have single prices of 199 baht for their shoes (less than S$9). Flip flops could be found at 45 baht (about S$2) a pair. However, for clothes, bargaining was required. How much value one could get from your purchase would depend on how skilful one is at bargaining.
Shopping alley between Siam Square and Siam Discovery Centre
There was a long alley leading from Siam Square to the opposite of Siam Discovery Centre. Shopping could be a sweatier affair here as there was no aircon. It was lined with many different stalls selling more clothes. To get mini denim skirts, this place offered quite good selection, though at higher prices than that in Siam Square or Pratunam.
Siam Discovery Centre & Siam Paragon
Upmarket shopping can be found at Siam Discovery Centre and Siam Paragon where the layout and variety were similar to that found in Ngee Ann City or Paragon. Siam Discovery Centre and Siam Paragon were adjacent to each other and connected by a square between them.
Mid-range or upper mid-range shops, such as Giordano, Mango, Levi’s M)phosis, U2 and G2000 could be found in Siam Discovery Centre. High range shops, such as Chanel and Gucci can be found in Siam Paragon, in addition to the anchor tenant – Paragon Departmental Store. Prices were less attractive here. Although there were sales ongoing for U2 and M)phosis, the discounted prices were similar to those before any discount in Singapore.
What attracted me most were the washrooms in these 2 places. They were clean, spacious and automated. There was even plasma TVs in the washrooms. I do not recall ever seeing plasma TVs in any washroom in Singapore, not even at the airport.
Pratunam and Platinum MallPratunam and Platinum Mall were found facing opposite each other on the same road and connected by an overhead bridge. Both were wholesalers for clothes, ie the Thai version of the Taiwanese’s Wu Feng Pu. Hence, greater discounts would be given for purchase of 3 pieces or more. Notwithstanding, clothes here typically were cheaper and of greater range than those found in MBK or Siam Square. Once could almost spend the whole day shopping at these 2 places.
Pratunam was smaller than Platinum. The orientation for Pratunam was more disorganized than that of Platinum. Platinum was sectioned into 3 parts and there were 6 storeys in total. One would need to plough through the Mall systematically for fear of getting lost and confused.Due to time constraints, I have missed some of the other well-known shopping areas, such as Chatuchak market or Suan Lum night market. I will definitely mark them down as my must-go places in my next itinerary. *Wink*
To be continued... ...
February 15, 2007
Adventures in Bangkok – Prelude
Bangkok has always been touted as a great place for a short vacation trip. The people are friendly. The shopping and food are good. Finally! Yes, finally, I have the chance to experience it for myself.
This break came at an opportune time when I am suffering from slight fatigue from the recent rush for budget and project. I have been looking forward to the trip for weeks. Moreover, my last vacation was about 2 years ago, I have been longing to travel and explore a different land and to immerse in a different culture.
Suvarnabhumi Airport
The airport looked better in the day than at night. As it was domed-like with large glass panels, with the sunlight shining through, it was brightly lit. However, the lights were dimmer at night.
Perhaps because of green house effect, the airport was warmer than usual. Food in the airport was also more expensive than elsewhere. The price of a set meal in Burger King’s was higher than that of Singapore’s.
Streets of Bangkok
As one walked along the streets, one would notice that they were bustling with numerous hawker stalls selling local snacks and sundries. The stalls were mainly family business – with the children helping out their parents at the stall, either helping to string the flowers or helping to do the washing. In the morning, many locals grabbed a coffee or sandwich while they were on their way to the office. Despite the piping hot food, we were still hesitant in trying out the food.
There were portraits of the King hanging on the walls or building facades almost everywhere. Some showed both the King and the Queen. Some portrayed only the King looking radiant and smiling. The Thais’ respect and admiration for the loyal family was apparent.
It was interesting to observe that while the tourists clustered at the lower end Siam Square, MBK, and Platinum Mall, the locals were shopping at the higher end Siam Discovery Centre and Paragon. While the tourists looked sloppy in their Bermudas and flip flops, the locals appeared groomed in their heels, make-up and branded apparel.
Bangkok is well-connected by its public transport which comprised the BTS system (our MRT), bus and taxis. The BTS system has stations at the more prominent landmarks, such as MBK, Central Plaza, Siam Paragon, etc. The buses were without aircon and its windows would open upwards. Taxis could come in the form of metered taxis or Tu-tus (open-aired, tricycle like vehicle). Metered taxis were typically Toyota Corollas or Altis and painted in bright colours, such as shocking pink, mandarin orange or even red-and-blue split.
Walking along the roads of Bangkok, it presented a sight familiar to the older generation of Singapore. There were roads that had to be closed temporarily while the trains choo-ed choo-ed past. There were bright red post boxes standing proud at major landmarks. The locals would pray with fruits and flowers for prosperity before the start of the business daily. On the days of lotteries, there would be newsagents selling pieces of the results moving among the vehicles on the roads, just like Singapore’s Mah-bee-poh.
The People
Despite the language barrier, the locals were friendly. The shop and restaurant assistants were always eager to help.
In addition, the locals were also a pretty superstitious group where they were eager to have a good start each day. In addition to the daily ritual of praying for prosperity, they viewed their first patron importantly. Many believed that if they could close the deal successfully, it would bring them luck and success for the day. If you happened to be their first customer, they would be willing to undercut their prices for you to make the purchase.
Just as its food and shopping were colourful, the Thai culture was similarly colourful where each day spent unveiled a new revelation of Thailand.
This break came at an opportune time when I am suffering from slight fatigue from the recent rush for budget and project. I have been looking forward to the trip for weeks. Moreover, my last vacation was about 2 years ago, I have been longing to travel and explore a different land and to immerse in a different culture.
Suvarnabhumi Airport
The airport looked better in the day than at night. As it was domed-like with large glass panels, with the sunlight shining through, it was brightly lit. However, the lights were dimmer at night.
Perhaps because of green house effect, the airport was warmer than usual. Food in the airport was also more expensive than elsewhere. The price of a set meal in Burger King’s was higher than that of Singapore’s.
Streets of Bangkok
As one walked along the streets, one would notice that they were bustling with numerous hawker stalls selling local snacks and sundries. The stalls were mainly family business – with the children helping out their parents at the stall, either helping to string the flowers or helping to do the washing. In the morning, many locals grabbed a coffee or sandwich while they were on their way to the office. Despite the piping hot food, we were still hesitant in trying out the food.
There were portraits of the King hanging on the walls or building facades almost everywhere. Some showed both the King and the Queen. Some portrayed only the King looking radiant and smiling. The Thais’ respect and admiration for the loyal family was apparent.
It was interesting to observe that while the tourists clustered at the lower end Siam Square, MBK, and Platinum Mall, the locals were shopping at the higher end Siam Discovery Centre and Paragon. While the tourists looked sloppy in their Bermudas and flip flops, the locals appeared groomed in their heels, make-up and branded apparel.
Bangkok is well-connected by its public transport which comprised the BTS system (our MRT), bus and taxis. The BTS system has stations at the more prominent landmarks, such as MBK, Central Plaza, Siam Paragon, etc. The buses were without aircon and its windows would open upwards. Taxis could come in the form of metered taxis or Tu-tus (open-aired, tricycle like vehicle). Metered taxis were typically Toyota Corollas or Altis and painted in bright colours, such as shocking pink, mandarin orange or even red-and-blue split.
Walking along the roads of Bangkok, it presented a sight familiar to the older generation of Singapore. There were roads that had to be closed temporarily while the trains choo-ed choo-ed past. There were bright red post boxes standing proud at major landmarks. The locals would pray with fruits and flowers for prosperity before the start of the business daily. On the days of lotteries, there would be newsagents selling pieces of the results moving among the vehicles on the roads, just like Singapore’s Mah-bee-poh.
The People
Despite the language barrier, the locals were friendly. The shop and restaurant assistants were always eager to help.
In addition, the locals were also a pretty superstitious group where they were eager to have a good start each day. In addition to the daily ritual of praying for prosperity, they viewed their first patron importantly. Many believed that if they could close the deal successfully, it would bring them luck and success for the day. If you happened to be their first customer, they would be willing to undercut their prices for you to make the purchase.
Just as its food and shopping were colourful, the Thai culture was similarly colourful where each day spent unveiled a new revelation of Thailand.
To be continued... ...
February 14, 2007
Happy Valentine’s Day
This is the week of Valentine’s Day or Friendship Day.For those who have found their soulmates, hope you have an enjoyable time with your loved ones.
For those who have yet to find their soulmates, hope you have an equally enjoyable time with your friends.
Cherish your loved ones and be happy always!
Spinelli Coffee
I had a Spinelli Coffee yesterday afternoon. It must be super powerful. In the end, I had insomnia last night.
Today, I felt worse than when I OT till 1 am last week.
Sigh!
Today, I felt worse than when I OT till 1 am last week.
Sigh!
February 13, 2007
Memories & Dreams
Did you ever get this sentiment?
When you are trying to recall events that have happened ages ago and when everyone around you has ceased to remember, it makes you wonder if it was a memory or a dream?
The further away this memory is, the more dreamlike quality it has assumed. I wonder if there will come a point where you will relegate it to a dream.
Will there be a point where all your memories become dreams?
When you are trying to recall events that have happened ages ago and when everyone around you has ceased to remember, it makes you wonder if it was a memory or a dream?
The further away this memory is, the more dreamlike quality it has assumed. I wonder if there will come a point where you will relegate it to a dream.
Will there be a point where all your memories become dreams?
February 12, 2007
Aftermath of Shopping Spree
Much as I enjoy going on shopping sprees, I often suffer from serious bouts of guilt when I receive my credit card bills 1 month later. Heartaches and more heartaches over thinner and thinner wallets.
Although I was pretty excited about my fruitful shopping trips (perhaps too fruitful?) from mid December to early January, I was still astounded by the amount I have spent. Fortunately, I have not gone overboard, my total outflow is still lower than my inflow, ie budget surplus position. The silver lining is some of these new purchases can form my CNY new clothes.
I can already see the impending shopping spree which is in about 2 weeks’ time. Usually, it is very difficult to resist the temptation of the post-CNY sale. Sigh!
Although I was pretty excited about my fruitful shopping trips (perhaps too fruitful?) from mid December to early January, I was still astounded by the amount I have spent. Fortunately, I have not gone overboard, my total outflow is still lower than my inflow, ie budget surplus position. The silver lining is some of these new purchases can form my CNY new clothes.
I can already see the impending shopping spree which is in about 2 weeks’ time. Usually, it is very difficult to resist the temptation of the post-CNY sale. Sigh!
February 11, 2007
Ungentlemanly Boyfriend
Girlfriend saw empty seats and asked if the seats were taken before beckoning Boyfriend over. He appeared with no smile and sat down.
Girlfriend asked Boyfriend what he would like to eat. He mumbled something. She took out wallet and told him that she would give him money to buy what he wanted to eat. Boyfriend mumbled something else. Girlfriend stood up, asked him to look after her bag before she went to buy food.
Girlfriend came back and placed the food in front of him. Boyfriend never uttered a single word of thanks and ate everything. He never offered anything to her despite her hinting that she would like to try the chicken. During the meal, Girlfriend was chatting happily to Boyfriend while he hardly said anything and continued to maintain the no-smile expression.
After they left, I could not suppress my anger anymore and complained to my mum on how un-gentlemanly that Boyfriend was. She concurred. The Boyfriend was practically taking everything for granted. As a gentleman, the least one can do is to get your own food. Regardless of how moody, or upset one is, the basic courtesy is to offer a word of thanks to the Girlfriend.
Is he an exception? Or is he representative of the current generation of guys?
Fortunately, none of the guys I have known have displayed such an ungentlemanly behaviour. In fact, many of them, be it colleagues or friends, have often taken good care of the ladies present, such as helping to buy the food or the drinks. Let's hope he is just an exception.
Girlfriend asked Boyfriend what he would like to eat. He mumbled something. She took out wallet and told him that she would give him money to buy what he wanted to eat. Boyfriend mumbled something else. Girlfriend stood up, asked him to look after her bag before she went to buy food.
Girlfriend came back and placed the food in front of him. Boyfriend never uttered a single word of thanks and ate everything. He never offered anything to her despite her hinting that she would like to try the chicken. During the meal, Girlfriend was chatting happily to Boyfriend while he hardly said anything and continued to maintain the no-smile expression.
After they left, I could not suppress my anger anymore and complained to my mum on how un-gentlemanly that Boyfriend was. She concurred. The Boyfriend was practically taking everything for granted. As a gentleman, the least one can do is to get your own food. Regardless of how moody, or upset one is, the basic courtesy is to offer a word of thanks to the Girlfriend.
Is he an exception? Or is he representative of the current generation of guys?
Fortunately, none of the guys I have known have displayed such an ungentlemanly behaviour. In fact, many of them, be it colleagues or friends, have often taken good care of the ladies present, such as helping to buy the food or the drinks. Let's hope he is just an exception.
Bustling Chinatown
I have not gone to Chinatown during the CNY period since about 5 years ago. The last time I went was during my uni days. After tuition at SAD, the whole bunch of tutors went there for food, goodies shopping and to bustle in the spirits of CNY.
It is equally bustling, if not more. People crowd along the streets and by the various stalls set up between the rows of shop houses. The roads are decorated with lanterns, flowers, lightings, and auspicious greetings, similar to the Christmas decoration along Orchard Road. Long queues are still apparent in front of the famous bak kwa (roast pork slices) shops. Business is so prosperous that the bak kwas are sold out by four plus in the afternoon.
The tables in People’s Park Complex Food Centre are almost fully occupied. Queues formed in front of the more well-known stalls, like the Yong Tau Hu (not Ko Kee, but another one). Every stall attempts to capture your attention with excerpts from newspapers or TV where the stall has been featured for its delicacies.
Typically, we will observe the food ordered by other patrons before deciding if they are worth trying, rather than wholly driven by how many features the stalls have secured. We have settled for a salted fish meat-cake with rice, handmade noodles and the Shanghai xiao long bao. The handmade noodles are thinner than the normal noodles which we have seen elsewhere. They are springy without being too hard or starchy. The xiao long bao taste better than that of Crystal Jade’s or Din Tai Fung’s. They are scorching hot with ample soup. They are so hot that I accidentally scalded the front of my tongue when I tried one of them. The skin is soft without being too floury and the meat is succulent and melts in your mouth. The teh tarik is aromatic and soothing. It does not leave any stiff after-taste on your tongue.
Are you already salivating from what I have described above?
Chinatown has always been known for their food. There are three well-known food centres within walking distance of one another – Hong Lim, People Park’s Complex and Chinatown (currently under renovation). In addition, there are many other coffee shops, eateries which can be found among the shophouses. For the foodies, it is definitely an area not to be missed.
It is equally bustling, if not more. People crowd along the streets and by the various stalls set up between the rows of shop houses. The roads are decorated with lanterns, flowers, lightings, and auspicious greetings, similar to the Christmas decoration along Orchard Road. Long queues are still apparent in front of the famous bak kwa (roast pork slices) shops. Business is so prosperous that the bak kwas are sold out by four plus in the afternoon.
The tables in People’s Park Complex Food Centre are almost fully occupied. Queues formed in front of the more well-known stalls, like the Yong Tau Hu (not Ko Kee, but another one). Every stall attempts to capture your attention with excerpts from newspapers or TV where the stall has been featured for its delicacies.
Typically, we will observe the food ordered by other patrons before deciding if they are worth trying, rather than wholly driven by how many features the stalls have secured. We have settled for a salted fish meat-cake with rice, handmade noodles and the Shanghai xiao long bao. The handmade noodles are thinner than the normal noodles which we have seen elsewhere. They are springy without being too hard or starchy. The xiao long bao taste better than that of Crystal Jade’s or Din Tai Fung’s. They are scorching hot with ample soup. They are so hot that I accidentally scalded the front of my tongue when I tried one of them. The skin is soft without being too floury and the meat is succulent and melts in your mouth. The teh tarik is aromatic and soothing. It does not leave any stiff after-taste on your tongue.
Are you already salivating from what I have described above?
Chinatown has always been known for their food. There are three well-known food centres within walking distance of one another – Hong Lim, People Park’s Complex and Chinatown (currently under renovation). In addition, there are many other coffee shops, eateries which can be found among the shophouses. For the foodies, it is definitely an area not to be missed.
February 10, 2007
Spider Scare
It was early in the morning. I was trying to open the windows in my living room. Suddenly, I was gritted by this huge spider which is the size of my palm (with its legs), swinging down from the balcony of the neighbour upstairs. Eeeeeek!!!!
I went screaming to my sister's room and told her about the big spider. She thought I was exaggerating again when I decribed its size. To me, all insects look huge. I pulled her out to take a look. She also got a good scare when she saw it. Both of us dared not open our windows for fear of it crawling, swinging or been blown into our living room.
My mum decided to 'combat' it with newspaper. She was aiming the spider with a crunched-up newspaper and hoping to knock it down. Missed and failed! Next, she decided to take out her bamboo pole to push it away. She broke the web of the spider and swang it out. Phew! It was finally gone.
This is the first time I have seen such a huge spider with such long legs.
I went screaming to my sister's room and told her about the big spider. She thought I was exaggerating again when I decribed its size. To me, all insects look huge. I pulled her out to take a look. She also got a good scare when she saw it. Both of us dared not open our windows for fear of it crawling, swinging or been blown into our living room.
My mum decided to 'combat' it with newspaper. She was aiming the spider with a crunched-up newspaper and hoping to knock it down. Missed and failed! Next, she decided to take out her bamboo pole to push it away. She broke the web of the spider and swang it out. Phew! It was finally gone.
This is the first time I have seen such a huge spider with such long legs.
Mishap with Eye Shadow
I have a confession to make.
I usually take shortcuts when putting on make-ups. In order to add colour to my face for special occasions, like wedding dinners, I will just put on eye-shadow and lip gloss and skip the rest. (The rest includes foundation, concealer, blusher, etc).
I did likewise when I was attending Mich’s wedding about one month ago. The previous times I have tried, the lighter eye shadow did not show very well. This time I have decided to increase the ‘dosage’ by applying the darker eye shadow over a larger area. Without any foundation, the eye shadow did not stay on well. I had to apply several coats to bring out the colour.
Then I rushed out of the door to meet my friends. With the wind blowing and the sun shining bright, soon the eye shadow started to smudge. Before long, the darker eye shadow started to spread all over my eyes. I guess you could very well imagine how I looked then. Spot on! A panda!
It was too late to salvage them, so I just went to the wedding looking like a panda. Fortunately, the lights were dimmed and could help somewhat camouflage the mishap. At most, I would just try to carry it off as the ‘smoky eye’ effect which was in vogue.
When I received the photos from Mich recently, I was relieved. Hey, I could hardly notice the ‘panda’ effect. *Grin*
I usually take shortcuts when putting on make-ups. In order to add colour to my face for special occasions, like wedding dinners, I will just put on eye-shadow and lip gloss and skip the rest. (The rest includes foundation, concealer, blusher, etc).
I did likewise when I was attending Mich’s wedding about one month ago. The previous times I have tried, the lighter eye shadow did not show very well. This time I have decided to increase the ‘dosage’ by applying the darker eye shadow over a larger area. Without any foundation, the eye shadow did not stay on well. I had to apply several coats to bring out the colour.
Then I rushed out of the door to meet my friends. With the wind blowing and the sun shining bright, soon the eye shadow started to smudge. Before long, the darker eye shadow started to spread all over my eyes. I guess you could very well imagine how I looked then. Spot on! A panda!
It was too late to salvage them, so I just went to the wedding looking like a panda. Fortunately, the lights were dimmed and could help somewhat camouflage the mishap. At most, I would just try to carry it off as the ‘smoky eye’ effect which was in vogue.
When I received the photos from Mich recently, I was relieved. Hey, I could hardly notice the ‘panda’ effect. *Grin*
February 09, 2007
Many Firsts
1) Worked past midnight
I worked till 1am on Wednesday night to rush for a presentation at 8am the next morning.
Basically, by 11pm, I was busy brushing off the sleep bugs which were beckoning me to dreamland. My colleague, upon seeing my soon-to-doze-off expression, urged me to join him in jumping jacks. I ignored him and told him I needed concentration.
2) Mercedes Benz
As I was calling a cab home on Wednesday night (it was more like Thursday morning), I have managed to get a Mercedes cab.
Given the state I was in, I thought I had heard wrongly when the automated operator informed that it was a Mercedes cab. It was indeed a Mercedes cab! Wow, it was spacious inside and the ride was very smooth and quiet.
You might wonder what there was to be amazed of and that I was behaving like a 'mountain tortoise'. Well, I do not have many chances to ride in a Mercedes and this was the closest to the life of a rich man, with a 'chauffeur' in the 'package'. Hee Hee.
3) Pokka Peach Green Tea
It has a nice soothing sweet fragrance. It is very soothing to the throat too.
This is the first time I have tried Pokka Peach Green Tea. My colleague has bought me this while he sneaked off to take his short break. He has very short attention span, often finding excuses to sneak off to buy drinks or food. This is often under the pretext to get me something to eat or drink, but in reality is for him to get something to eat or drink for himself or just to take a breather.
I begin to crave for the drink again.
4) Curry-leaf Chicken
Anticipating it would be a long night, my colleague has suggested that we should take our dinner first. We went to the nearby 'zhi char' stall.
He strongly recommended the curry-leaf chicken which I was rather wary. Would it be too spicy? He reassured me that it is an aromatic dish which is non-spicy. It was fried chicken, then stired-fried with curry leaves, onion and soya sauce in a claypot. When it was first served, it was piping hot with a nice aroma.
The other 2 dishes of oyster-sauce kai lan and prawn tofu were more mediocre. It was a full dinner. We were so happy with the food that we went off without paying. My colleague has to ask another group of colleagues whom we had spotted just before we were leaving to help settle the bill first.
I worked till 1am on Wednesday night to rush for a presentation at 8am the next morning.
Basically, by 11pm, I was busy brushing off the sleep bugs which were beckoning me to dreamland. My colleague, upon seeing my soon-to-doze-off expression, urged me to join him in jumping jacks. I ignored him and told him I needed concentration.
2) Mercedes Benz
As I was calling a cab home on Wednesday night (it was more like Thursday morning), I have managed to get a Mercedes cab.
Given the state I was in, I thought I had heard wrongly when the automated operator informed that it was a Mercedes cab. It was indeed a Mercedes cab! Wow, it was spacious inside and the ride was very smooth and quiet.
You might wonder what there was to be amazed of and that I was behaving like a 'mountain tortoise'. Well, I do not have many chances to ride in a Mercedes and this was the closest to the life of a rich man, with a 'chauffeur' in the 'package'. Hee Hee.
3) Pokka Peach Green Tea
It has a nice soothing sweet fragrance. It is very soothing to the throat too.
This is the first time I have tried Pokka Peach Green Tea. My colleague has bought me this while he sneaked off to take his short break. He has very short attention span, often finding excuses to sneak off to buy drinks or food. This is often under the pretext to get me something to eat or drink, but in reality is for him to get something to eat or drink for himself or just to take a breather.
I begin to crave for the drink again.
4) Curry-leaf Chicken
Anticipating it would be a long night, my colleague has suggested that we should take our dinner first. We went to the nearby 'zhi char' stall.
He strongly recommended the curry-leaf chicken which I was rather wary. Would it be too spicy? He reassured me that it is an aromatic dish which is non-spicy. It was fried chicken, then stired-fried with curry leaves, onion and soya sauce in a claypot. When it was first served, it was piping hot with a nice aroma.
The other 2 dishes of oyster-sauce kai lan and prawn tofu were more mediocre. It was a full dinner. We were so happy with the food that we went off without paying. My colleague has to ask another group of colleagues whom we had spotted just before we were leaving to help settle the bill first.
February 08, 2007
Bad Pronounciation
My bosses had teased me once. Yet, I have committed the same mistake again. Oh no!
I kept mispronouncing "seen" as "sinned" which led to bouts of laugher from my bosses. The first time I mispronounced, they were trying hard to stifle their giggles. The second time I said it, they were practically laughing off their heads. This was especially so when I was trying to increase the screen size.
I meant to say "... It's quite to be seen, let me blow it up...".
It sounded to them like "...It's quite hard to be 'sinned', let me blow it up...'
They were laughing and teasing me that they did not wish for their sins to be blown up.
Uh-oh, I better try to improve my diction. Strangely, the more deliberately careful I try in pronouncing, the worse I sound. I wonder whether this is an early sign of aging where my memory starts failing and my tongue becomes less and less flexible.
I kept mispronouncing "seen" as "sinned" which led to bouts of laugher from my bosses. The first time I mispronounced, they were trying hard to stifle their giggles. The second time I said it, they were practically laughing off their heads. This was especially so when I was trying to increase the screen size.
I meant to say "... It's quite to be seen, let me blow it up...".
It sounded to them like "...It's quite hard to be 'sinned', let me blow it up...'
They were laughing and teasing me that they did not wish for their sins to be blown up.
Uh-oh, I better try to improve my diction. Strangely, the more deliberately careful I try in pronouncing, the worse I sound. I wonder whether this is an early sign of aging where my memory starts failing and my tongue becomes less and less flexible.
February 07, 2007
Tidiness
Recently, I have received some comments from those who happened to visit that my workstation seemed relatively empty. I cannot decide if they are meant to be compliments or hints. They either perceive me as a neat person or that I have less work to do.
This emptiness is partly due to my aspiration to be a minimalist. A cluttered place often aggravates my claustrophobia and drastically reduces my efficiency. However, this emptiness is mainly due to two rather embarrassing blunders I have previously encountered.
Incident 1
A few years ago, one of my colleagues dropped by to request some notes. Then, I was way behind in filing and piles of papers stacked on my workstation.
I could not recall which stack of papers I have left the notes, so I began to search through the piles. Suddenly, my workstation seemed to balloon in size, with papers everywhere. After a wait of 15 minutes, he gave up and joined in the search. He was showing disgust while helping me leaf through the loose sheets. My whole professional image was tarnished instantly. At that time, I thought he was being overly intolerant, until I popped by his workstation a few weeks later.
He was out of office that day. He wanted me to retrieve something from one of his drawers. Initially, I was rather apprehensive, thinking that I might need to spend ages searching through his drawers. I was astounded to find that his workstation was cleaned and tidy with no loose papers lying anywhere. This tidiness was not superficial, ie not just restricted to places people can see. It has extended to the insides of his drawers. I managed to find what I want within a short while. If not for the fact that I needed to go through the different drawers since he could not recall which drawer it was, I would have taken even a shorter time.
From then onwards, whenever he was at site meeting or on leave, I have obtained standing permission to take what I need from his workstation and return after use. All the times I have been there, his drawers have always remained neat and tidy.
His disgust at my disorganization was totally justified.
Incident 2
History repeats itself. Despite the prior blunder, I have committed a similar blunder again.
A few weeks after I joined the company, a small pile of loose papers has gradually accumulated on my desk as a result of rather backward filing. Filing is often a job which I procrastinated even though I am fully aware of its importance. When my boss came by to ask for some documents which she has passed to me, I began searching through the pile frantically and to no avail. Not wanting to cause me further embarrassment and stress, my boss has requested me to search for it before passing it to her later. Fortunately, I managed to locate it later.
Moral of the Story
I will try to accelerate my filing and find free pockets of time in between meetings to catch up on my filing, so as to maintain a neat workstation.
This emptiness is partly due to my aspiration to be a minimalist. A cluttered place often aggravates my claustrophobia and drastically reduces my efficiency. However, this emptiness is mainly due to two rather embarrassing blunders I have previously encountered.
Incident 1
A few years ago, one of my colleagues dropped by to request some notes. Then, I was way behind in filing and piles of papers stacked on my workstation.
I could not recall which stack of papers I have left the notes, so I began to search through the piles. Suddenly, my workstation seemed to balloon in size, with papers everywhere. After a wait of 15 minutes, he gave up and joined in the search. He was showing disgust while helping me leaf through the loose sheets. My whole professional image was tarnished instantly. At that time, I thought he was being overly intolerant, until I popped by his workstation a few weeks later.
He was out of office that day. He wanted me to retrieve something from one of his drawers. Initially, I was rather apprehensive, thinking that I might need to spend ages searching through his drawers. I was astounded to find that his workstation was cleaned and tidy with no loose papers lying anywhere. This tidiness was not superficial, ie not just restricted to places people can see. It has extended to the insides of his drawers. I managed to find what I want within a short while. If not for the fact that I needed to go through the different drawers since he could not recall which drawer it was, I would have taken even a shorter time.
From then onwards, whenever he was at site meeting or on leave, I have obtained standing permission to take what I need from his workstation and return after use. All the times I have been there, his drawers have always remained neat and tidy.
His disgust at my disorganization was totally justified.
Incident 2
History repeats itself. Despite the prior blunder, I have committed a similar blunder again.
A few weeks after I joined the company, a small pile of loose papers has gradually accumulated on my desk as a result of rather backward filing. Filing is often a job which I procrastinated even though I am fully aware of its importance. When my boss came by to ask for some documents which she has passed to me, I began searching through the pile frantically and to no avail. Not wanting to cause me further embarrassment and stress, my boss has requested me to search for it before passing it to her later. Fortunately, I managed to locate it later.
Moral of the Story
I will try to accelerate my filing and find free pockets of time in between meetings to catch up on my filing, so as to maintain a neat workstation.
February 06, 2007
Reminiscing the Past
When I was younger (ie during teenage days), I hate taking photos. One of the reasons was I thought I look ugly then. Not that I look better now, but at least I have greater self-confidence and acceptance now. Well, my look will not change very much until I leave this world, I might as learn to like my look more. *Grin*
I was doing spring cleaning for CNY. When I saw my photo album, I could not resist the temptation of looking at the old photos. At the same time, I was looking for empty space in the album for some photos that I have just received. These were the photos of my friend’s wedding 1 month ago and for which I was one of the emcees. Here’s some sharing of the photos taken during the wedding.
This album contains the photos of my school days, graduation photos, photos with the uni girls and my excolleagues. As I flipped over the pages, I was instantly overwhelmed with nostalgia where the emotions and events started reliving in my mind.
Now, I do not hate taking photos anymore. In fact, sometimes taking photos help to commemorate a certain event or emotion. As one grows older and memories start to fail, photos gradually take on the important role of becoming a second memory. They chart the life of individuals and mark the various milestones.
Hence, if I take out my camera in future when I meet you to ask for a photo, do not shy away. It is merely my attempt to capture the happy times we share. :-)
I was doing spring cleaning for CNY. When I saw my photo album, I could not resist the temptation of looking at the old photos. At the same time, I was looking for empty space in the album for some photos that I have just received. These were the photos of my friend’s wedding 1 month ago and for which I was one of the emcees. Here’s some sharing of the photos taken during the wedding.
This album contains the photos of my school days, graduation photos, photos with the uni girls and my excolleagues. As I flipped over the pages, I was instantly overwhelmed with nostalgia where the emotions and events started reliving in my mind.
Now, I do not hate taking photos anymore. In fact, sometimes taking photos help to commemorate a certain event or emotion. As one grows older and memories start to fail, photos gradually take on the important role of becoming a second memory. They chart the life of individuals and mark the various milestones.
Hence, if I take out my camera in future when I meet you to ask for a photo, do not shy away. It is merely my attempt to capture the happy times we share. :-)
February 05, 2007
Management of Human Resources
Recently, there is an award given for recognizing organizations which have been successful in the management or retention of their human resources.
One of the comments reported was that many local organizations are not very proactive when it comes to talent search. These organizations often recruit the more junior staffs and groom their executives from within.
Grooming potential junior candidates to take over the rein of the company in future has both its pros and cons.
On the pro side, leadership and technical skills require time to build up. It is thus essential to start early so that the leaders will be skilled when the time calls for them to take over. Having a leader who is familiar with the culture and processes of an organization will facilitate a smoother handover with minimum disruption. Moreover, there will be faster buy-in of the management decisions.
On the con side, this can hamper adequate rejuvenation of organization and leads to group-think. A leader who has been submerged in a culture for a substantial time is less prone to think out-of-the-box. There is higher demand on the management than the technical skills of a leader. Depending on the training provided to the leader who is groomed from within, if the potential leader has not gained adequate management skills, this promotion may be both detrimental to the organization and the personal development of him / her.
I am not a management guru. It is difficult to ascertain whether it is more beneficial to have a leader groomed from within or be scouted in the market. Regardless of whether it is from the perspective of the organization or the potential leader, it is important to be aware of the pitfalls of the mode and the factors required for a successful leadership.
One of the comments reported was that many local organizations are not very proactive when it comes to talent search. These organizations often recruit the more junior staffs and groom their executives from within.
Grooming potential junior candidates to take over the rein of the company in future has both its pros and cons.
On the pro side, leadership and technical skills require time to build up. It is thus essential to start early so that the leaders will be skilled when the time calls for them to take over. Having a leader who is familiar with the culture and processes of an organization will facilitate a smoother handover with minimum disruption. Moreover, there will be faster buy-in of the management decisions.
On the con side, this can hamper adequate rejuvenation of organization and leads to group-think. A leader who has been submerged in a culture for a substantial time is less prone to think out-of-the-box. There is higher demand on the management than the technical skills of a leader. Depending on the training provided to the leader who is groomed from within, if the potential leader has not gained adequate management skills, this promotion may be both detrimental to the organization and the personal development of him / her.
I am not a management guru. It is difficult to ascertain whether it is more beneficial to have a leader groomed from within or be scouted in the market. Regardless of whether it is from the perspective of the organization or the potential leader, it is important to be aware of the pitfalls of the mode and the factors required for a successful leadership.
February 04, 2007
Suburban Cinema
I am not a regular movie goer. Hence, to accomodate everyone, the cinemas which we choose are often in town. Yesterday was the second time I watched a show at a suburban cinema which is within walking distance from my home.
Seats were abundant despite it being a Saturday afternoon. If you go to town, you are unlikely to get tickets unless you pre-book. In addition, the tickets are slightly cheaper ($0.50 cheaper). In addition, free gifts - ang pao packets and calendar were given.
The ang pao packets are pretty festive looking and reminded us that CNY is in 2 weeks' time.
The calendar is that of the a similar 'gang' or cast to Happy Feet with different pictures on both sides. It is an upcoming movie in June.
I still regret failing to catch Happy Feet when it was shown as I could not get a movie khaki. Perhaps I should learn to watch a movie alone just like one of my friends. He can watch movies alone even when he is overseas. Then, I will not miss movies that I like and my friends will not need to accomodate me by going to movies which they do not like watching. *Grin*
Seats were abundant despite it being a Saturday afternoon. If you go to town, you are unlikely to get tickets unless you pre-book. In addition, the tickets are slightly cheaper ($0.50 cheaper). In addition, free gifts - ang pao packets and calendar were given.
The ang pao packets are pretty festive looking and reminded us that CNY is in 2 weeks' time.
The calendar is that of the a similar 'gang' or cast to Happy Feet with different pictures on both sides. It is an upcoming movie in June.
I still regret failing to catch Happy Feet when it was shown as I could not get a movie khaki. Perhaps I should learn to watch a movie alone just like one of my friends. He can watch movies alone even when he is overseas. Then, I will not miss movies that I like and my friends will not need to accomodate me by going to movies which they do not like watching. *Grin*
Happy Birthday
Xiao Mi and Xiao Nan felt in love with each other during the college days. Xiao Nan was very popular among girls. Xiao Mi was an insecure girl with constant fear of her closest kin leaving her since her mother abandoned her. To avoid hurt, Xiao Mi chose to remain as best friends with Xiao Nan because friends were forever and a couple could part eventually. Regardless of how far apart they were, they kept on the promise of wishing each other happy birthday on each other’s birthday…
Some may think that Xiao Mi was foolish to let go of Xiao Nan who simply adored her. Some may be baffled at their self-denial that they were meant for each other. Some may lament at their life-long regrets of having missed each other.
I hope Xiao Mi have had more confidence in their relationship and more courage in taking risks. Yet, I can perfectly relate and empathise with her caution and holding back. When you like a person, you wish to be with him / her throughout your life. The only way to do this is to be friends forever with him / her.
You may wonder why being in a serious, committal relationship will not allow you to stay with each other forever? Is this purely insecurity or a pessimistic outlook on relationship? Some may feel that to avoid going into a relationship totally as a self-protecting measure is an act of cowardice. Some feel that this person will fail to enjoy the joy and meaning of life by sharing it with a soul mate.
I guess from Xiao Mi’s point of view, being in a relationship entails too much expectations and stress which also heightens the possibility of a soured relationship. Unhappiness with each other can lead to break-ups. Not only is a relationship lost, it also meant the loss of friendship.
Expectation? Stress? Indeed, one’s expectation of a friend is definitely less stringent than that of a boy / girl friend.
§ One will not expect your friends to devote time weekly to meet you.
§ One will not get upset when your friends have to cancel meet-ups repeatedly.
§ One will not get jealous when your friends hang around often with more attractive friends.
§ One will not expect your friends to drop everything to attend to you when you are sick, in an emotional conundrum or you are jumping up for joy.
§ One will not expect your friends to remember anniversaries and to devote the entire day with you.
When one or your better half cannot meet such stringent expectations, disappointment and conflict set in and stress in a relationship develops. When this stress cannot be resolved, breakups result. Hurt follows.
Not everyone is strong enough to withstand and to recover from this hurt. To avoid the hurt, Xiao Mi chose to live her life in regrets.
P.S. Coincidentally, Xiao Nan shared the same birthday as me. *Smile*
Some may think that Xiao Mi was foolish to let go of Xiao Nan who simply adored her. Some may be baffled at their self-denial that they were meant for each other. Some may lament at their life-long regrets of having missed each other.
I hope Xiao Mi have had more confidence in their relationship and more courage in taking risks. Yet, I can perfectly relate and empathise with her caution and holding back. When you like a person, you wish to be with him / her throughout your life. The only way to do this is to be friends forever with him / her.
You may wonder why being in a serious, committal relationship will not allow you to stay with each other forever? Is this purely insecurity or a pessimistic outlook on relationship? Some may feel that to avoid going into a relationship totally as a self-protecting measure is an act of cowardice. Some feel that this person will fail to enjoy the joy and meaning of life by sharing it with a soul mate.
I guess from Xiao Mi’s point of view, being in a relationship entails too much expectations and stress which also heightens the possibility of a soured relationship. Unhappiness with each other can lead to break-ups. Not only is a relationship lost, it also meant the loss of friendship.
Expectation? Stress? Indeed, one’s expectation of a friend is definitely less stringent than that of a boy / girl friend.
§ One will not expect your friends to devote time weekly to meet you.
§ One will not get upset when your friends have to cancel meet-ups repeatedly.
§ One will not get jealous when your friends hang around often with more attractive friends.
§ One will not expect your friends to drop everything to attend to you when you are sick, in an emotional conundrum or you are jumping up for joy.
§ One will not expect your friends to remember anniversaries and to devote the entire day with you.
When one or your better half cannot meet such stringent expectations, disappointment and conflict set in and stress in a relationship develops. When this stress cannot be resolved, breakups result. Hurt follows.
Not everyone is strong enough to withstand and to recover from this hurt. To avoid the hurt, Xiao Mi chose to live her life in regrets.
P.S. Coincidentally, Xiao Nan shared the same birthday as me. *Smile*
February 03, 2007
Overseas Gifts
December was a peak period for vacation. Some friends and colleagues had traveled far for their vacation and brought back souvenirs to share with their friends.
New Lunch Bag
This is a gift from one of the uni girls who had gone to Shangri-la. It is a tribal looking bag which I used as a lunch bag to house my staff card, wallet, mobile and tissue paper. If I need to go for long meetings, I carry this around as well with my calculator, mobile, pen and staff card. It is indeed very convenient.
Medicinal Herbs and Pouch
My colleague went Hong Kong and brought back rather unique souvenirs – herbs. She was the main budget coordinator for her department and we talked long distance (SIN-HK) for at least an hour daily on the numbers. I felt rather embarrassed to receive these as I was bothering her constantly, robbing her of her vacation.
Gan Cheong Spider
“Gan-Cheong” Spider is a term that is coined by some friends for a person who appears jittery and hapless in the event of any crisis, no matter big or small. Gan-cheong, in dialect, means very flustered and anxious.
Recently, I kept hearing friends and colleagues asking me not to give myself so much pressure, be it personal or work related. I begin to wonder if I look more and more like a “gan-cheong” spider, or I have an all-day, too-stressed expression.
1 month ago, a friend actually apologized for creating pressure when he needed me to make a decision.
1 day ago, a colleague immediately called and directly asked me not to create so much pressure for myself upon seeing my reply for his email.
Perhaps they are merely showing their concerns. Perhaps I really carry a stressed-out look all-year round. I am not a fan of spider, much less “gan-cheong” spider. To avoid becoming a real “gan-cheong” spider, I must learn to take a more measured and even nonchalant approach to matters.
Hmm, maybe I am already a “gan-cheong” spider without realizing…… Urgh! I seriously hope not.
Recently, I kept hearing friends and colleagues asking me not to give myself so much pressure, be it personal or work related. I begin to wonder if I look more and more like a “gan-cheong” spider, or I have an all-day, too-stressed expression.
1 month ago, a friend actually apologized for creating pressure when he needed me to make a decision.
1 day ago, a colleague immediately called and directly asked me not to create so much pressure for myself upon seeing my reply for his email.
Perhaps they are merely showing their concerns. Perhaps I really carry a stressed-out look all-year round. I am not a fan of spider, much less “gan-cheong” spider. To avoid becoming a real “gan-cheong” spider, I must learn to take a more measured and even nonchalant approach to matters.
Hmm, maybe I am already a “gan-cheong” spider without realizing…… Urgh! I seriously hope not.
February 02, 2007
369
369
The number of SMSes I have clocked between 24 Dec to 23 Jan 07. My personal record high number of SMSes.
I have exceeded the threshold for SMS under my subscription plan for the first time! This means a $0.05 per SMS charge imposed for any SMS above the threshold. Strangely, I cannot remember who I have sent the SMSes to and whether I have really sent so many (average 12 per day?).
I have always been one of the low-consumption users for talk time and SMSes. I am one of those “old-technology” kind of person. I prefer meeting up with the person than keeping in touch via phone calls or SMSes which seem rather impersonal and often subject to misinterpretation. Since I have been on a subscription plan, I have never exceeded the threshold.
It will be wonderful if the telco can allow ‘bringing forward’ of unconsumed talk-time or SMS for 1 month, in the same way as some companies allowing their staffs to bring forward their unconsumed leave for 1 year. This will greatly benefit end consumers as in certain months consumption will be greater because they are the festive months (eg, Dec, Jan, Feb), more eventful or the months are simply longer (eg, 31 days vs 28 days). More of us will be able to keep within the limit.
From an accountant’s point of view, such a scheme will simply be nightmare in terms of the billing and collection system. The logic to put into the system to compute the brought-forward unconsumption, to derive the net consumption for the month, before determining the chargeable amount already sound like a mammoth task. From a business’ point of view, such a scheme will simply mean more resources (in terms of the complex billing system) and less returns (since consumers are less likely to be imposed additional charges).
However, I am a selfish consumer. As long as I am not the one owning the business or doing the billing’s work, I will choose whatever is best for the end consumers. I will continue to hope for the day that a ‘bring-forward’ plan is introduced to all users.
The number of SMSes I have clocked between 24 Dec to 23 Jan 07. My personal record high number of SMSes.
I have exceeded the threshold for SMS under my subscription plan for the first time! This means a $0.05 per SMS charge imposed for any SMS above the threshold. Strangely, I cannot remember who I have sent the SMSes to and whether I have really sent so many (average 12 per day?).
I have always been one of the low-consumption users for talk time and SMSes. I am one of those “old-technology” kind of person. I prefer meeting up with the person than keeping in touch via phone calls or SMSes which seem rather impersonal and often subject to misinterpretation. Since I have been on a subscription plan, I have never exceeded the threshold.
It will be wonderful if the telco can allow ‘bringing forward’ of unconsumed talk-time or SMS for 1 month, in the same way as some companies allowing their staffs to bring forward their unconsumed leave for 1 year. This will greatly benefit end consumers as in certain months consumption will be greater because they are the festive months (eg, Dec, Jan, Feb), more eventful or the months are simply longer (eg, 31 days vs 28 days). More of us will be able to keep within the limit.
From an accountant’s point of view, such a scheme will simply be nightmare in terms of the billing and collection system. The logic to put into the system to compute the brought-forward unconsumption, to derive the net consumption for the month, before determining the chargeable amount already sound like a mammoth task. From a business’ point of view, such a scheme will simply mean more resources (in terms of the complex billing system) and less returns (since consumers are less likely to be imposed additional charges).
However, I am a selfish consumer. As long as I am not the one owning the business or doing the billing’s work, I will choose whatever is best for the end consumers. I will continue to hope for the day that a ‘bring-forward’ plan is introduced to all users.
February 01, 2007
Little Thoughts
1) Nice Weather
A strong cool breeze blows in the morning when I walk. It is almost if I were in a temperate country. Although the sun shines brightly, it becomes chilly when there is a gust of wind.
I like this climate. It makes walking enjoyable and no more a sweaty affair. It helps to bring a spring to your step as well.
2) Morning Crowd
The morning crowd seems to worsen considerably from December to January. I used to be able to get into the train cabin and still have a comfortable space around me; now, I encounter difficulty squeezing into the cabin. I used to be able to get my copy of Today when I reached the train station near my office; now, the papers are fully distributed when I reach the train station.
I check my watch. I am still keeping to my previous routine for going to work. Is this due to people clearing leave in December or is this due to the booming economy?
3) Intrusion of Privacy
The passengers are literally packed like sardines in the train cabin every morning. My above average height (in my heels) often allows me to easily look over another person’s shoulder. Hence, sometimes I get to free-ride on a person’s reads or writes which includes SMS.
I do not mean to intrude on another’s privacy. However, being packed close, it is almost difficult to look anywhere else except in front where the person’s SMS will be shown to me in full view.
Therefore, if one wants to read or write any personal messages, it is best not to do it in a crowded train if one views accidental read of the message by a third person as an intrusion of privacy.
A strong cool breeze blows in the morning when I walk. It is almost if I were in a temperate country. Although the sun shines brightly, it becomes chilly when there is a gust of wind.
I like this climate. It makes walking enjoyable and no more a sweaty affair. It helps to bring a spring to your step as well.
2) Morning Crowd
The morning crowd seems to worsen considerably from December to January. I used to be able to get into the train cabin and still have a comfortable space around me; now, I encounter difficulty squeezing into the cabin. I used to be able to get my copy of Today when I reached the train station near my office; now, the papers are fully distributed when I reach the train station.
I check my watch. I am still keeping to my previous routine for going to work. Is this due to people clearing leave in December or is this due to the booming economy?
3) Intrusion of Privacy
The passengers are literally packed like sardines in the train cabin every morning. My above average height (in my heels) often allows me to easily look over another person’s shoulder. Hence, sometimes I get to free-ride on a person’s reads or writes which includes SMS.
I do not mean to intrude on another’s privacy. However, being packed close, it is almost difficult to look anywhere else except in front where the person’s SMS will be shown to me in full view.
Therefore, if one wants to read or write any personal messages, it is best not to do it in a crowded train if one views accidental read of the message by a third person as an intrusion of privacy.
Simple is Beautiful
I was intrigued by the trailer as the theme of simplicity is refreshing. I have always reminded myself to catch the program when it airs. However, I have always forgotten about it completely when Tuesday comes. Then I lament about my forgetfulness the next day. On the Tuesday which has just passed, I have managed to catch it when it was aired.
This program is a welcoming breath of fresh air amidst the spate of reality series. It is an informative program which shares tips on D-I-Y via the happenings of the main character and is delivered in an almost diary-like, narrative style. The tips shared are simple to apply for both beginners and slackers.
There is a theme / event for the episode to link the DIY tips. For instance, it was a picnic date on last Tuesday, so the DIY tips centre around the preparation of food suitable for a picnic. The recommendation was Japanese food, as a change from normal sandwiches and sushi typically taste better when cool. This reduces the hassle of keeping the food warm. In addition to sharing information on the ‘hows’, the program shares the rationale for performing certain steps. For instance, vinegared water has to be prepared when making sushi because sushi are made with hands and vinegared water serves as an antiseptic for the hands.
For people who are big on DIY or those who crave for something uniquely made, Simple is Beautiful is definitely a must-watch.
This program is a welcoming breath of fresh air amidst the spate of reality series. It is an informative program which shares tips on D-I-Y via the happenings of the main character and is delivered in an almost diary-like, narrative style. The tips shared are simple to apply for both beginners and slackers.
There is a theme / event for the episode to link the DIY tips. For instance, it was a picnic date on last Tuesday, so the DIY tips centre around the preparation of food suitable for a picnic. The recommendation was Japanese food, as a change from normal sandwiches and sushi typically taste better when cool. This reduces the hassle of keeping the food warm. In addition to sharing information on the ‘hows’, the program shares the rationale for performing certain steps. For instance, vinegared water has to be prepared when making sushi because sushi are made with hands and vinegared water serves as an antiseptic for the hands.
For people who are big on DIY or those who crave for something uniquely made, Simple is Beautiful is definitely a must-watch.
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