Diamonds Are a Girl's Best Friend!!

Above picture is taken from Karuizawa, Japan in Autumn 2006..

This Saturday I had an interesting encounter at the jewellery shop. My bf and I were looking at some pieces when a young and loving couple walked in choosing wedding bands. They were very loving until the salesperson somehow placed a S$26,000 diamond on me. Of course we were not going to buy it. However from her perspective, it looked like the guy beside me was buying me the S$26,000 one carat.

Interestingly, the loving mood for them quickly disappeared. She was slouching and sulking while the boy beside her tried to cheer her and manage the loving mood that disappeared as soon as the grandeur diamond surfaced. Whoever said that the size of the diamond correlates to love? But that is what the jewelley industry says, that was how the significance of diamond becomes important in a relationship, and that was what couples who just started earning their income believed, so that was how some couples correlates the brilliance of the rock to their relationship.

Come on Girls!!?

Vacations Rock!

This time it is going to happen - NYC. Ditching the two weeks Europe trip, as my sister seemed more committed to planning her reporting deadlines (way to go audit, you got yourself a faithful fan!)

My favourite vacation plans were usually targeted towards a non-city destination, as most of my photos around here would show. However, the choice this time is very different - more of human factors than destination driven. I am travelling with my good friend from Tokyo, and to visit a good friend I met in Tokyo now working in NYC. I also want to visit my first boss in Tokyo who has now relocated back to NYC...isnt the world very much inter-connected?

Having a better work life balance now, I wonder if this is really what I want. Life becomes stable, domestic and less exciting. Been spending my evenings in front of the television before I go to bed. Can my time be better enriched?

All the talk about Being Prim & Proper

Till today I still remember what a university friend said to me "I dont mind being a mistress" - how dangerous can women be.

Hanging out with MXXX frequently, I often see how different women clinged on to him. At mid 30's, he has a landed property, sports car, flies SQ business class for vacations & pays for the girl, a waterbed, constant supply of Cordon Bleu, and almost always offer a sum of money to help the lady in distress & her family. How does it sound when someone offers to buy an apartment for your family & almost instantly changes your standard of living, which otherwise might never be possible?



I admit - - I despise such behaviours. However, having gone through some emotional roller coaster myself over the last two months, I realize you have to experience the down times in life yourself, see how you coped with it, before deciding if you can make a call and despise others' behaviours. Tough times can bring out the ugliest of the personalities. If you havent been there, dont keep preaching about how the world should behave.

I dont agree with her behaviour. But I am attempting to move away from despising. For a girl with no proper education, no family to care for her, but she has the looks, the figure, hardworking in the kitchen and garden, the best deal she can ever make in her life would be to clinch a good husband. Dont know how things would turn out in the long run, but at least I now understand where she is coming from...not that I agree, but I understand.

For me, in tough times... I am a cheater. Since 21 years old, whenever I feel sad or heartbroken, guess what I'll do... I read the newspapers. Losing your child overnight when the car suddenly goes into flame. Crossing the finishing line, not knowing it is the last they would ever see their family or loved ones... There are so much more people out there in desperate need of help, in an unfortunate state of flooding or suffering, those living under conditions of poverty, hardship and pain. I am not taking relative joy in their plights, but really there is a lot more real pain out there and you realize what you are going through is probably nothing... at least for my problems I try to think this way.

Amed, Bali's Charm

"I dont like Bali". That is what I frequently hear. But of course, if you choose to go South to the touristic spot that was once bombed. I chose to drive all the way to the East which of course took longer hours. In Amed, I was constantly approached by friendly locals - "Hi!". No push selling, which is what I hate most - but hey only in Amed.. if you went out of Amed and a little more central, you would be surrounded by aggressive salesman/ woman again. I hope it never changes there.

Everyone thinks I have an interesting opportunity at work, having to start up a new team. Apart from learning new technicals, products and P&L pieces, I also had to do more administrative planning for my team. Yes I had to set up a Deployment and Administrative Shared Folder. I now monitor system performances, processes causing time lag to even birthdays and vacation days of team members. It is all not that easy, but I guess that satisfies my fear of being stagnant. More work, but more learning, and less complains of feeling bored.

Sweet...But Killer

Today is Medical Leave day. Of all days, I had to miss the CDS workshop conducted by the London guys. How would I start a weekday at home though? Best thing to occupy me was to hit the newspapers. The first article that caught my attention was of course impact of the U.S. Subprime Concern. When is the best time for me to sell my yen? Should I cash in on my investments already or wait to see the market hopefully corrects itself and take an optimistic longer view?

Another article that caught my fancy was "Killer Heels"... how women cannot live without them despite the risk of developing foot problems. Unfortunately (or fortunately) deformities might start to become significant only later in life, and the damage could already been done now. Sarah Jessica Parker says "I used to spend 18 to 20 hours a day filming in heels. I’ve totally destroyed my body by running and dancing in them."

Somehow I keep feeling guilty about not being able to attend the training @ work today. At a critical timing where Breno has to return to London soon and our handover is incomplete, I decided to take the Medical Leave. I had to. Forcing myself to work despite being sick last week was a bad mistake. Somehow the effects spilled over to a prolonged two weeks of poor health. Not sure if it is cultural differences, the London people dont seem to say "take care", "please rest" or "thank you" when you work while sick. I miss my Japanese team who would say "Stop working, go and rest!".

Or are these negative thoughts self-created? Fear, anger, guilt and helplessness are mental and emotional responses that can intensify pain (HH Dalai Lama). Maybe I need to modify my outlook and attitude - have a good rest, dont think and overcomplicate what they think, be healthy and go back to work tomorrow with the same enthusiasm.. there's so much to do... I need calmness..

NDP ~ One of the Best...

For those of you who watched the parade, you will agree, its one of the best so far!!!

Like most Singaporeans, I was losing interesting in watching the parade year-on-year, being held @ the National Stadium or the Padang. This year, as evident, efforts were put into creating a more innovative theme. You better agree with me on that.

I remember last year I celebrated National Day @ Westin, Tokyo. A video screening of the parade was put up in the background. However, hardly anyone took more than a wink.

Now, lets get to the point. Actually I was really glad it was a day off for me as I am now following UK Holidays instead. Since Tuesday I was down with stomach virus, however having too much things on my plate at that time I didnt take any medical leave. I survived the week, although I now have a sore throat instead. I think it was due to the Ginseng Multi-vitamin that the doctor prescribed. Its soo "heaty".

Thus, apart from meal times and watching the NDP, I practically had to spend my public holiday in bed. Had to sleep the nausea feeling away... Did I feel absolutely miserable? I guess our attitude and mental outlook have an impact on the degree to which we suffer when in physical pain. While the physical torment was present, I guess I cant help rejoicing a little in my heart -- how else would I actually take an entire day of rest like that - without feeling guilty - which I was in need of...

Swiss Vs BELGIAN Chocolates

I love them both. Cant take my mind off chocolates even though I am out sick. But anyway, planning a trip to both Switzerland and Belgium in October. Anyone with any recommendations of "Must-Dos" - please let me know!!

Pain: The Gift Nobody Wants

This week went by very swiftly. Kinda busy to post something detailed. But here's one article I read that I felt was interesting.

A little serious, but worth a think!

Dr Brand, a world-renowed hand surgeon and leprosy specialist has spent most of his life caring for the forsaken lepers in India.

He discovered that the disease itself was not causing the rotting of the flesh, but rather it was the loss of pain sensation.

Leprous people live a virtually pain-free existence. Many of us would do anything to live a pain-free life. Yet in fact, the absence of pain is the greatest enemy of the leper. Again and again they wound and impale themselves. Yet they don’t feel a thing.

Without pain, they would sometimes even stick their hands in a fire to retrieve objects.

"If leprosy is the inability to feel pain, then alcohol and drug addiction, which deaden our pain, are forms of modern day leprosy."

Rev. Ed Hird

I guess we should be thankful after all, be it physical or non-physical pain that we have to go through...

What's the Hype?

The new 7 Wonders of the world was recently announced this month on 07.07.2007. As a girl who loves travelling, I couldnt help but feel excited with the new list - with the 105-foot-tall "Christ the Redeemer" statue in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil joining the winners. Good that I just got to meet a new Brazilian friend too ;)

Despite all the hype on the Man-made 7 Wonders of the World, my personal preference for travelling is still Nature. The New7Wonders committee is launching nominations for the New7Wonders of Nature. Nominations will continue through 08.08.2008. I can't wait that long can I? Here are some valid examples for nominations.

Aletsch Glacier, Switzerland
Baikal Sea, Russia
Dinosaur Provincial Park, Canada
Galapagos Island, Ecuador
Geirangerfjord, Norway
Grand Canyon, USA
Great Barrier Reef, Australia
Iguaçu Waterfalls, Argentina/Brazil
Ha Long Bay, Vietnam
Kilimanjaro, Tanzania
Redwood National Park, USA
Sagramatha Park, Nepal
Serengeti Park,Tanzania

Have you not wondered who started the 7Wonders listing? The New7Wonders organisation is a Zurich-based company, which had promised to give 50% of the revenues from its campaign. However in a recent article, it expressed that "We invested 10 million euros in the campaign for selecting the 7 new wonders. We have just been able to break even". Dont get me wrong, but 10 million euros to put up a voting system, global publicity and maintaining a staff of 20 people? The non-profit organisation insisted that they are not into money-making; but surely the world does not require 10 million euros zapped out to create a world ranking list for "tourist inflow"?

Still, I am a sucker for rankings and listings. Knowing that I have travelled and "conquered" the world's best is one of my motivations & interest in life!

Just spoke to a friend who feels that there is "no meaning in life". Dont some people fall into that trap from time to time? All I can say is, when there is a problem, the trick is to solve it. With an optimistic eye, when you are faced with pain and suffering, take it as an opportunity to develop empathy, so you can increase your capacity to understand others better, connect better with others and develop better compassion.

When all else fails - travel - so you can find yourself.

History packed Kyoto


Kyoto, the capital of Japan from 794 until the Meiji Emperor moved the capital to Tokyo in 1869. I spent a good 4 days 3 nights in Kyoto. I took this picture at the old imperial palace. Although every corner was packed with history, I thought this shot captured a touch of contemporary at the Kyoto Imperial Palace.

Nothing extraordinary happened this week. Perhaps I was a bit more of a tour guide for my London visitors. I introduced Killiney, Dim Sum and Char Siew Rice to my colleagues. On Friday evening, we attended the corporate bowling event. The traders won. We later went to a colleague's apartment @ Fraiser and played beer drinking games... funny... Left after a while, and for the first time I stepped into St James. I had more champagne and whiskey. Crazy evening!

Walking Out Our Path

Reading Eeps' post on fresh graduates pay in London versus Singapore was interesting, as I didnt think there will be many news articles around that would comment on the parallel or differences between London & Sg directly. Good to have insights of friends who are staying out of Sg. Reading friends' blog becomes somewhat like a insider news feed to me - from Japan, London, and New York.

Talking about fresh graduates, I was part of a mass recruitment drive last Saturday @ the bank. I was stationed at the meeting room where I would meet 5 candidates at a go, and chatted casually with them in a group. It was amazing that at a relaxed setting, some became very frank about why they wanted to join an investment bank. Some didnt know what they exactly wanted to do, but just wanted to start off in a IB - looking for good pay, better hours than what they currently have, and good contacts so they can set up their own business in future - shocking frankness, but okay there's "honesty". Of course, they were striked off the list.

This week was another madness for me. Three more new joiners and another visitor from London. Quite a challenge to start up a fresh team. But I feel lucky to have good support from my bosses both in London and Sg. I am constantly asked "how things are going" and "if there are any problems, I can always talk to them about it". When there is a problem or issue at work, I usually always find a logical way of dissecting them.

How about emotional issues? Is it about adopting the right mental attitude (whats that anyway??)? I guess that means instead of being overwhelmed by anxiety and worry, always lamenting about a situation, or feeling "Why does life seem so unfair for me", we can save ourselves from the mental pain by having the right attitude. Gosh... its a much more complex subject than a well-salaried job...

1st Snowboarding

Are we heading in or returning?
We all looked clownish - but we were all happy!!

Behind the Happy Smiles

Looking at old pictures again. That was in 2004 and 2003. Carefree days spent at the beach!

This was taken with my ex-colleagues @ KP and diving buddies from DT as below. 3-4 years later, it is interesting to see how each of us have evolved. At least I know one is happy married last Sunday @ Equinox. Most of our careers have progressed well. But we all have time less than before to head to the beach together!

In my workplace, while preparing the P&L, we do often chat heartily. Everyone around me seems very happy. But this can't be true. I am sure at various points in our life, we would be faced with problems that can be depressing and unsettling. Pregnancy is one, as I have witnessed two of my happily married girlfriends showing me tears in their eyes when they first learnt about their pregnancy, and couldnt accept this reality or the changes that are about to take place in their life.

For a start, if you suspect depression, there are online depression tests.
http://testyourself.netdoctor.co.uk/interactivetests/goldberg.php

If immediate help is recommended, you can always start with a GP, who will recommend if a psychiatrist is required. Antidepressant medication may be prescribed. A psychiatrist charges approximately S$120 for the first 20 minutes, and S$180 for the next one hour. How about the less priviledged then? They may be the ones with the real depression problems - poverty, dysfunctional homes, debt, no qualifications or skills to enable them to work & prosper, alcohol, drug addiction, lone parents, criminality or disabled.

For the rich, maybe depression is self-inflicted - maybe "not finding the right guy"; Paris Hilton was said to experience depression and anxiety while in jail, but now "grateful to be home and excited to have real food". In Hollywood, for the divorced seen on the streets, "casual clothes suggested depression, and party clothes meant desperation".

But of course we all know that antidepressant medication does not solve the problem. You need to work through the root of the problems, and know that you are going to be alright.

So Much to Learn!

Hooh, finally it is over. Can't believe I actually lost sleep over a new business process model. Thought through the reasonings last night why I didnt think it would work out in the long term; and asked my boss for a meeting before he flew back to London today.

Fortunately he was very receptive; but (maybe unfortunately) I would have to take on heavier review responsibilities.

It was a load off my mind. I feel more confident should I need to voice my opinion in future. I am beginning to appreciate challenges now - although if I reflect back, I should be cooler - and not lose sleep over work!

This year's Singapore Chef of the Year award goes to a Marriot Hotel chef. The creation is "King Prawns with Potato Cake Served with Cod & Dry Scallop Wanton" - complex!!

According to Channel News Asia:

Judges picked his "King Prawns with Potato Cake Served with Cod & Dry Scallop Wanton" as one that truly represents Singapore.

This dish is for the 4 races in Singapore - the Eurasians, Chinese, Indian and Malay.

When I finished reading the above, in my tired mind, I was wondering which delicacy represented each race?!!

Luckily, it goes on to explain...
The sauce is hot and sweet, and the potato cake is very soft and crispy. Because Asians like sweet, hot and sour stuff, and Europeans like potato very much. You can taste the 4 tastes - bitter, sweet, sour and hot," said chef Kek.

Ok, I didnt have to guess which food item was representive of which race... zzz

Me in My Own World of Travelling

鎌倉市

Yesterday evening, I spent some good time looking through my travel pictures. Yet again, I can never get bored of it.

Last Spring @ 新宿御苑

In a world of your own, you feel loneliness, you get out of your comfort zone, and discover things around you and about yourself, which you would never do if you were constantly surrounded by a familiar environment. My boss from London has spent a good year travelling in Asia Pacific - a mentality most Asians would not (perhaps not even myself).

My bf who has stayed in the States and has travelled frequently since young, says that Japan is the only country he misses on a daily basis. The food quality, architecture standard, interesting merchandises, customer service that cares, diversity of cultural events, abundance of nature out of the city and pleasant politeness despite the crowd, makes everyday living a desirable combination. I think I may want to retire in Hokkaido.

I read about Viktor Frankl today, who was imprisoned by the Nazis in World Was II. Throughout his ordeal, he could not help but see that, among those given a chance for survival, it was those who held on to a vision of the future -- whether it be a significant task before them, or a return to their loved ones -- that were most likely to survive their suffering. It was not based on youth or physical strength. One of the ways he found the strength to fight to stay alive and not lose hope was to think of his wife. Frankl clearly saw that it was those who had nothing to live for who died quickest in the concentration camp.

On a lighter note, check out this Whatever video... So Cute!

Take a Break

Tucked away at home now on a Friday, and started the day with personal administrative work. As I am embarking on a new London project next week, I needed a break to feel excited again.

On the right are pictures of Cat Country's kitchen - a place I visit at least once a week. Realized that I have dished out bits and pieces of the kitchen, but never a picture of how it entirely looks like. For now it shall remain still a mystery.

Above - Kitchen's Chandelier with Swarovski Crystal.

These days, an underlying feeling of discontentment is causing me to feel the extreme. Thinking about whether I can be doing more with my life, exploring more with my life. Thinking about the possibilities can be appealing and exciting. Or perhaps, only exciting on the surface; or maybe even harmful.

Are You Getting

Married? That is the most frequent question I hear on a weekly basis.

Started: 2002

Status: Approaching 5 years in September

Disconnected Pattern: Nearly broke up once

Major challenge: Survived one year via long-distance (of course, in the beginning it was hell)

Book that can help an Engineer/ Finance Combination: Men are from Mars, Women are from Venus.

A rather close friend of mine is getting hitched this August. This was decided after 5 months of dating. Most of us around him are rather worried, although he supported that he has done a thorough analysis (while being madly in love).

Personally my thoughts are, if you decide that you are going to spend the rest of your lives together anyway, why not hold off the decision to formalize it with pen and paper, and spend good time getting to know each other well. I dont deny peer pressure may kick in from time to time, as everyone younger around me are getting the certificates. But everyone has to choose their own life; and not follow the herd with the sheep mentality.

Divorce rate in Singapore stands at approximately 17.2%, with Sweden (54.9%), United States (54.8%) and Belarus (52.9%) topping the chart [Source: wikipedia]. If things doesn't turn out well, you can break up a relationship, but if a marriage fails, legally you need to be separated for three years before you can file for a divorce. With children involved, this further complicates the emotional distress. People around you would then be asking "Why are you getting a divorce?" -- a far more frustrating question than "When are you getting married?".

EXCITING REMAINING JUNE

Or, how to meet my needs and fear of not feeling stagnant and bored

Especially after having had a stimulating & enriching year in Japan

2 weeks left to June. 4.5 months since relocating back (only 4.5? why does it feel so long already?)

I cannot live the same as I used to before I ventured out of this country. I am not contented with doing nothing, no progression.

Here's a lineup of activities to keep myself busy & stimulated for the rest of June.

Every Wednesday, to attend yoga classes @ Planet Fitness. Read that European countries have resorted to yoga in order to increase productivity. Patents on Yoga positions? haha check this out.

June 23: Join Company's Volunteer Trip to Pasir (okay but I have to confess I screwed up, I didnt register although I always talked about joining, and T-shirts have already been issued to volunteers). Need to sort this out, and squeeze myself in!

June 23: Visit new Japanese Karaoke started up by friend who used to live in Tokyo. Chat, drink and catch up with old friends from Tokyo - first time since I got back!

June 28: Chartered Accountants dinner, a fine occasion to meet up fellow CA mates and attend an investment session "Managing our wealth in the current market" conducted by an Investment Consultant, Executive Director, from UBS.

June 30th: Friend flying from Tokyo, finally, thats why I say the world is really small. This friend wrote me an email recently and told me Tokyo is really small as we realize that a lot of our friends are inter-connected. Imagine, if Tokyo is small, what about Singapore? The world is indeed connected in many ways, in a much larger sense than we ever realize.

As a human being, I want to be happy and dont want to feel pain or distress. Other humans, like myself, want to be happy too and dont want to feel distress. Based on this logic, I made a rather major decision. Consulted no one this time.

Title..(Reflecting with a Life?)

I often wonder why I continue with blog-writing. Sometimes you feel the burden of people watching and reading your lines, and probably even judging you. Its amazing how I initially thought it is quite a loser to document your personal encounters and have thousands of eyes view it and say "What the hell". But for now at least, blog writing seems to be sticking to me like a super-glue. All thanks to Darren, my cousin who was the first to encourage me to kick-off one, when I was all alone in Tokyo.

I know my mum views it @ work, and sometimes show my travel photos about Japan to her colleagues. When I was back and showed my father my blog, he said "Can you save it on a CD so I can read it, and since you can write so well, can you help me update the 4th Edition of my Revenue Accounting book." I wonder what he will write about, if he were hooked to blog writing. He is a man who sticks very strongly to his own viewpoint - but very often too rigid and too narrow in his thinking.

Often I look back at my blog entries, and collection of photos. It is nice to reminiscence my isolated memories and experiences, how I have evolved in terms of thought processes or photo-taking. It may seem cold, but it has also become a way of keeping in touch with friends I dont have the chance to frequently meet. Dont ask me to elaborate or illustrate further why we should write. There are so much more I would say.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Stella, welcome to online writing! I am secretly persuading my closer friends and sister to start one.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I really enjoy this "special one-on-one" relationship with my notebook, and the somewhat unknown online world..unknown because you never know who is reading it, and best of all - its good alone time for me.

Flexible Thinking

Scary Crow

Real Fisherman in Amed, who also shows an interest in the tourism industry. Our captain for the sunrise journey

To my ex-colleagues, a toast to having survived some good years in the Big 4. Now I realize the value of the challenging times we had to take on @ a tender age. It has tide me through the past weeks of "business restructuring". A flexible mind helps address problems from a variety of perspectives. It can be an important survival tool. True enough, species that are flexible & adaptable to environmental changes, survived and thrived. Check out this article Flexible genes allow ants to change destiny. I was surprised by the lack of fear and composure as I went through changing conditions.

SFW and its Evolution

What is the latest fad? Well both Malaysia and Singapore have built a Ferris Wheel! Tuscora Park's Ferris Wheel (New Philadelphia) is re-opening this summer after two children fell out of its gondolas in June 2006.

Last year, I was on board the Ferris Wheel in Odaiba, Tokyo; in 2002, on London eye (visited by 3.5 million people a year). Singapore's Ferris Wheel ("Singapore Flyer") opens on Feb 14th 2008. Apparently, 100,000 tickets have already been sold for couples looking for different altitudes on that special day.



Enough of the Ferris Wheel that spins money, this week I read an interesting article, which very much reflected my thoughts. To open-minded expatriates, tourists and friends from overseas this is similar to how I will describe my country. Extracts of the article reproduced here; I doubt this will ever make it to our local press:

Casinos or culture? Singapore seeks tourists

"Disneylands all over the world seem to pull in the crowds. And the casinos, given the propensity of the Chinese to gamble, will probably be a success." Perhaps Singapore's biggest handicap is its lack of famous sights: it has no Angkor Wat or Taj Mahal. For many years, it prided itself on its innumerable shopping malls, and promoted its annual "Singapore Sale".

Abroad, it is often better known for its authoritarian ways -- it canes vandals, executes drug offenders, crushes political opposition, and bans the sale of chewing gum. Culturally, its development has been crippled by restrictions on freedom of expression and censorship of films and plays.

But with an eye on the newly affluent Chinese, Indians and other Asians who increasingly travel overseas, Singapore has begun work on several new attractions, including two big casinos, a Universal Studios theme park, and a ferris wheel, even though none of these is particularly Singaporean.

Bollywood blockbusters
In a bid to generate more "buzz" abroad, it has opened clubs such as Ministry of Sound and is even pitching itself as a film location, eager to emulate New Zealand's success with hits such as Lord of the Rings. By "starring" in Bollywood blockbusters such as Krrish, Singapore hopes to entice more Indian tourists.

Earlier this month, Singapore snagged the rights to host Formula One racing, which it hopes will raise its profile abroad. Citigroup expects the race to generate S$150-200 million a year. "They want to send a message that Singapore has changed," said Christopher Wood, CLSA's regional strategist.

"They have to have more than shopping centres. Formula One is a brilliant idea. But nobody in Asia does culture well. Japan is the only place in Asia that has it. There's nothing cultural happening here now, zero." The government wants to double the number of visitors to 17 million a year by 2015, while nearly trebling tourism receipts to S$30 billion. Its new attractions could well succeed in pulling the crowds, economists say, particularly given Macau's experience.

Inspired by Macau, Singapore scrapped its decades-long ban on casinos and is now building two gambling resorts, due to open in the next three or four years, at a cost of nearly $7 billion. One of those casinos will include a Universal Studios theme park. That too could attract millions of visitors from the region, given that the one in Japan had 8.7 million visitors in the year ending March 31, up 4.6 percent from a year ago.

Sleepy backwater

Thousands of Singaporeans signed a petition objecting to the casinos, citing fears about the social impact and risk of crime. "It's wrong to think that by putting up a casino that will attract tourists. It will attract a niche market - gamblers," said Hans Hoefer, who founded the Insight Guides. "I haven't seen a tourist in Las Vegas, I've only seen gamblers."

Bugis Street, once the haunt of transsexuals, is now lined by unremarkable, could-be-anywhere shopping malls, while many of the old shop houses in Chinatown were demolished to make room for modern office blocks and apartment blocks. While westerners and writers such as Theroux want history and culture, Chinese and Indians see Singapore as a beacon of modernity and efficient infrastructure, in stark contrast to many of Asia's chaotic cities, says tour guide Geraldene Lowe.

"All they want to see is a modern city," said Lowe, whose walking tours take in Singapore's historic quarters and craftsmen such as those who make wood carvings for the temples, or paper statues for traditional Chinese funerals. "The government builds these ferris wheels and (gambling) resorts that you can get anywhere. Why not promote the culture we do have?" said Lowe.

The Sunday Times, Sri Lanka
By Sara Webb

In the Wrong Pool

I was waiting for my lunch when this lovely pair took flight out of their own pond, and decided to take a dip in the more luxurious swimming pool. The owner was chasing them back, until they noticed I was taking pictures of the mischievous pair (who knew what they wanted!).

I remember it was very warm that day in Amed. It must have been global warming & the higher temperature causing the pair to flock for the larger cooler human pool. It is a challenge right now trying to stay fresh if I stay outdoor for more than one minute. I can feel the change in temperature as compared to a year ago before I left for Tokyo.

On Sunday, I visited Lama Shifu with my bf's family. We asked some questions, and received some blessings. During the Q&A, he encouraged us to break out of our own limited perspective. He mentioned that most couples these days have high expectations of each other which can become a problem. It is natural that a man wishes for his lady partner to be pretty, gentle, and able to take good care of him. A woman on the other hand hopes that the man be rich and successful.

look up

Religious symbol relating to the mountains in Amed, Bali.

This week was crazy with bosses coming from Tokyo and London. In addition to the extra P&L book I had to take care of, I had to attend three one-on-one meetings, and lunches & dinner. Still, meeting the heads was rewarding. It was an opportunity to stretch my perspective and deliberately try on new viewpoints. It was a good chance to gain simultaneous awareness of the big picture, as well as the individual circumstances that are about to change...

View for Four Days

This is the view from my cottage for four days. It is really inspiring to be with nature, and to be so close to the horizon:

Four days of peace and healthy food served @ Dancing Dragon was truely refreshing. The resturant prides itself on "No Msg" and no heating up of food in microwave ovens. I remembered asking for soy sauce to go with the eggs, and the waiter replied "sorry we don't serve artificial flavouring".

Unfortunately, you can't bring the serenity back to city life. In fact, for the past week my team just moved up to the trading floor. You hear "Sell Sell Sell" especially around the 4pm window. As they speak louder, I begin to yell louder on my phone. Still, I am amazed @ the energy level, and love this new environment.

A Cat's Life



Chinese has this saying "tong ren bu tong ming". This also applies to my friend's cat Tiger, housed in a landed property he named "Cat Country".

Tiger is the most well-fed (fat) cat I have ever seen in my life. Tiger's sleeping and sitting posture is almost human-like. Recently, another kitten, named Sushi was adopted from the Animal Lovers League (for abandoned & abused pets). Sushi was very defensive as we tried to bring her out of the cage. She was even reluctant to drink the first feed of milk from a tablespoon. Of course, she refused to swallow the de-worming tablet as we tried to force her to swallow. But little does she realize, she is about to become one of the luckiest cats you can find.

As I mentioned "tong ren bu tong ming", I also read the following from The Sunday Times, UK, by AA Gill:

"Last week, I came this close to eating at the furry bowl, but it was dashed away before I could get stuck in. I have at last found a nation that eats cats for pleasure. Stand up, Ghana, and take a miaow. Innocently, a chap I was travelling with in the bush mentioned that he had to get home. “We’re having cat tonight,” he said. “Mmm-mmm.” Cat? Real cat? Moulty, lap-needling, stink-spraying, baby-scratching pretty kitty? “The same,” he said. Is this just you and your wife, or do others eat it, I inquired, trying to keep the excitement out of my voice. “Oh, everyone eats cats – they’re delicious, a great delicacy. We have restaurants that serve cats.” Do you keep them as pets as well? “Yes, of course. We love cats. The children play with them, then we eat them.”

With nature

Amed, Bali - on a fisherman's boat, a journey that started @ 5am.

Investments, Financial Security, Returns, Insurance, Marriage, Property

At my age bracket, these seem to be the most common conversation topics as I slowly catch up with various groups of friends. It is important to manage them well, however can there be too much emphasis such that it takes the fun out of life.

Today is Japan's national holiday, Showa Day 昭和の日! Thus, it is also public holiday for me here. I spent the morning visiting my insurance agent, asking him various & many questions to ensure that I am working hard, and that my money earned is working hard for me too.

I then met up with an university friend @ Icekimo started up by our university hallmate. Besides catching up on who's doing what, when is someone getting married, we also touched on business strategies.

I wanted to leave after a scoop of ice-cream, to come home to look @ my funds allocation. But I stayed on, as the girly white-pink atmosphere somehow threw me back to the age where you are more carefree, and not calculating how much returns or value something is giving you.

It was a nice way to spend my holiday which otherwise would have been spent on my investment portfolio. Also the boss was generous enough to let me serve some customers - I scooped ice-cream!

Yesterday evening I watched Blood Diamond, and was astonished by the cruelty of the 14-year civil that was ended only in 2003. As I watched on, I felt ashamed that I frequently waste food without thinking about the poverty that still exists around the world. Well, at least I started making donations on a regular basis. But there is definitely more to life than just money, finances and investments isnt it?

Deep thoughts the night before, but today I am aggressively studying investments again.

I have just booked a trip to Bali this weekend, so as to make use of the Golden Week holiday in Japan. Its time to espcape from city life, and explore something more relaxing. But then again, without proper management of funds, how can one truly enjoy a vacation in style, and without any worries?

Disco Fever @ Dinner & Dance

It was the 1st time I attended the annual D&D with Sg office - some of us decided to enjoy the event with a splash.

Well, here are some pictures from the evening. Although only 4 out of the Finance department dressed up, we were joined by many others in their Afro costumes. We decided that next year, we will go with the theme again. To my colleagues in Tokyo - some were a little puzzled over what D&D was, and thought it was rather bold. Still, it was interesting to see how some work hard, and enjoy playing hard at the same time.

Recently in Maui, Dalai Lama held a talk which was attended by 11,000! Apparently, Richard Gere visits India frequently to meet the Dalai Lama. It goes to show that no matter how rich or successful one can be, it can also be totally meaningless without truely understanding life, compassion or happiness.

Relaxing Holiday!

I went to the beach. I am not going to say too much about the scenary, but I enjoyed myself as I was playing with a childhood toy - blowing bubbles. A pity I didnt have my SLR with me, but soon a group of 6 energetic Malay kids were gathered around me, jumping up and down, trying to catch and burst the bubbles, and then trying to eat them.

With the mounting emphasis on climate change, I couldnt help but noticed a heavy vehicle emitting huge amounts of black exhaust "parked" at a carpark lot, for two hours. I didnt know what I could do, because going up to him personally, I might get a scolding (or beating?). Luckily I saw a newspaper article the next day which touched on climate change. I emailed the writer - Lynn. I was amazed that she replied within an hour. Anyway, in such scenarios, we can always contact NEA 1800-CALL NEA (1800-2255 632).

Tibetan saint, Langri Thangpa once wrote:

Whenever I associate with someone, may I think myself the lowest among all and hold the other supreme in the depth of my heart!

...pratical or not, I think it serves as a good reminder.

Working in an IB, there seems to be a lot of ego uncalled for. I remember going out for drinks with my colleagues recently, and we were soon joined by others from Barclays and Macquarie. I think most of the guys couldnt wait to flash their platinum cards.

Pay for Frustration

The roller-coaster emotional struggles with customer service for the past two months never seem to cease.

A shopping experience @ Nine West @ Wisma frustrated me to the core on Saturday. Eventually I wrapped up spending $ only at Nike and SK II, where staff was couteous and knowledgeable.

I am beginning to wonder if the problem was me. Or are most Singaporeans contented with what is provided in Singapore and simply stomach it? A study in 2005 revealed that 80% of Singaporeans do not give feedback to companies. However I noticed a trend. Most of my fellow friends who are always ready to provide constructive feedback are those who have lived overseas; and know that - quite a shame - but we still have a long way to go to reach world class.

Customer service can be simple, pleasant to bring about satisfaction.




Another cool moment of Japan's brilliant customer service:

Of course we are not expecting this in Singapore - but Tokyo really has it good, you pay and often you get excellent customer service AND product.

Want some video of it? Here it is:



Pretty cool and funny as he pushed the HELP button. As long as the experience is pleasant and efficient, this will definitely bring about a bigger pool of satisfied customers and even greater job satisfaction for staff!

Singapore service standards: Praised by IMF-World Bank delegates

The survey was conducted by the Singapore Tourism Board (STB). Close to 1,000 delegates took the poll, and 3 out of 4 (meaning app. 750) were very satisfied with hotel service standards and venue facilities. Over 83% also said they were likely to visit Singapore again for leisure. STB says "Singapore has what it takes to develop a world-class service culture". Since relocating back to Singapore, I noticed that the word "world-class" has been splashed several times on our home newspaper.

Based on my own experience, two months in Singapore now and a year in Japan, I have the following positive conclusion: "It is better off to have a goal/ intention than none." Indeed I have noticed apparent change in service standard of some. However, general customer service is still very frustrating as compared to Japan.

One recent experience I had was with Sistic - an online ticketing company. I wanted to give a birthday treat to my sister to Phantom of the Opera this April, and bought tickets via Sistic. Unfortunately, I received two email confirmations but with the Same Seat Number. I immediately sent an email to ask if they could check whether I accidentally purchased only one or the system made a mistake. I also painted a picture of how important the tickets are to my sister, stating that I could show my sister's Identification Card, and asked them to check availability of two tickets on April 6th.

The reply was "sorry the system shows you purchased only one ticket". I totally blew and replied that "This is not customer service....". I called them immediately, painting the picture, and inquired for alternative tickets, and one of the staff said "...So you made the mistake lah", again I blew..."I dont know whether I made the mistake or your system made the mistake, but bottom line is I need two tickets on that day". Apparently the call center previously won awards in 2004/05.

I forgot that I was no longer in Japan. Most of the time in Japan, I experienced either customer service or exceptional customer service. My bf who was recently in Tokyo told me that he was waiting for a train when his paper bag filled with items broke. A lady from a shop my bf didnt buy anything from immediately ran over with a new paper bag...

Personally, I wasnt surprised. For me, even visiting washrooms in most places in Japan was very pleasant. The cleaners are very polite and take pride in their jobs.

Still, at least we are trying to be world class, and this is a step forward -- meanwhile I will take these "opportunities" to practice patience and tolerance to counter the disappointments.

The Gathering

Maybe this picture is coming up a litte late? Yes this was taken during the Chinese New Year celebration back in February. Putting it up today as our extended family gathered today to visit our grandfather as a mark of respect and filial piety in conjunction with Qing Ming.

At the prayer's table, various sweets, food, fruits and coffee had been laid out. The rain made the temple crowd a little less pleasant that it could have been.

Grandmother

During Chinese New Year this time, the grandkids decided to come up with a special gift. Actually my brother Evan came up with this idea. We did a compilation pictures of all grandchildren.

Granny brought us up when we were younger. Back then, she always talked about how she would like to have 10 grandchildren in total. Well, our parents' generation sort of reached the target -- @ 9. The memory compilation hopefully made her very happy - as you can see above.

Recently in our extended family, we had a little crisis. Believe it drained some of us both on a mental and financial sense. In another light, it brought all families closer. Reading this, I know we should all feel very fortunate that we still have one another, and in fact, happy occasions to look forward to.

Looking back, a year in Japan felt like escapism. There was nothing much to worry about except language barrier. My only focus was work and exploration. Life could have been less stressful being away and alone. Being back now feels more like reality, there are decisions to be made, problems to listen to, stress of your loved ones sometimes you cant take away...

The 3rd generation - 9 grandchildren + Partners (Mark & Corina)