One night in Beijing

2008-11-10T22:39:00.001+08:00

To: The one who calls me mouldy.

Missed you! =D

2008-11-08T12:58:00.002+08:00

Ok peeps. Its home sweet home in a few days - less than a week.
I'm glad yet unglad its gona be this way.

Well, i really missed my friends and family.
and i want to celebrate christmas and new years with 'em.

Then again, it'd be an eye opener to do this in china.
To suck in an entirely different atmosphere of snowyland.

Ah, there's its pros and cons.
The chinese always ask, Singapore or China better?
I always reply, Singapore is my home, Of course its Singapore.

Yeps. I'm heading home to where i belong. =)

13 November.
Near midnight.

Goodbye Beijing, i have had beautiful memories of you.

Summer Palace

2008-10-28T17:39:00.009+08:00

Setting: Summer Palace
Description: Place where somebody of the past visit during summer
Sidekicks: Gen and Minyu
Theme: Jump shots!

Let the pictures speak! =D

changee

2008-10-21T00:47:00.004+08:00

I am so happy in housekeeping.
Today's the first day and i was taken aback by the trust that was entrusted to me.
At first i was to follow some kid to learn how to do rooms and all.
Then, after less than half an hour,
i was called down to the office once again.

This time, they threw me two batches of keys,
a tape, a paper with weird markings and A PAGER.
omg, WHO THE HELL uses PAGER at this space and time?
haha. moreover, it was a PINK PAGER. holy.
So yes, my job was to open doors for THE lock man to change the room locks,
do some sticking job and vaccum the area after that.
How slack can housekeeping get? I'm so thrilled by it.
It, meaning, the slackness of my job. =D

The rest, i heard, were doing more physical stuffs.
Like vaccumming the entire hotel, cleaning every flower pot, wiping every door handle and doing beds(its bloody tiring, i say)
Lucky me, i take it as good karma after my phone incident.
Can't wait for tmr. I get to slack again! Wee!

phlegms

2008-10-16T14:55:00.002+08:00

Been out almost every night.
Drinking, eating, -
Somehow, it helped with.. things.
I have to conc on forming proper chinese sentences.
Really keeps you tired here.
Plus you have to listen hard to them,
they speak really really really fast. lol.

Just jumped on the scale not long ago,
and i weigh a whopping extra ONE kg.
That totally turned me off.
I am gona start exercising, tomorrow.
Maybe i should start slow. Jogging?
which brings me to a conclusion.
I think minyu sleep walks. HAHA.
This morning, she woke me up JUST to ask if i wanted to jog with her.
I was still unconcious when i politely turned her down.
Like wth? I have work in like an hour and she wants to jog?
There is no where to jog in the cbd area. lol, Siao!

Oh oh, i have news.
My visa has an extremely high chance of NOT passing.
Dont' ask why cause i dont' know, so he said.
This means that i'd probably have to head back in dec.
and (hopefully not) continue sip.
Yeps, because of this, my next dept is HOUSEKEEPING.
with pat, gen and xiaohan.
YAY. been waiting since forever.
Its the dept that can slack LIKE MAD.
Unlike FandB, at least housekeepers get full off days.
so this means, i can go to the theme park soon! =)

-

Black Knight. 10rmb. sigh.

it begins

2008-10-14T00:11:00.005+08:00

I am finally quite settled wherever i am
and now, i am started to finish L word and OTH.
Both a new season. Can't wait for the next ep.
Am growing fat doing nth but being a couch potato,
not that there's a couch here for me to sit and watch
but, yea, an enclosed area with fast connection and food.
Enough to make me fat, which i am already getting.

Somewhere this week i'd be having my test.
Its a mthly test in each department.
Well, other than having to speak chinese,
i think its easy to ace the practical. yea.
So what if i fail the test, doubt i'd fail osip.
After the first theory test, merit's no possible anymore.
So why bother trying so hard to please right.
PLUS, i'm earning like 6dollars a DAY.
So.Not.Worth.

Other than that, living here's been great.
Weather's just breezing its way through.
I wish everyday was like that. Good weather good food.
Its the life.

-

On the flip side, i, was feeling rather pissed at.. someone.
I had my off today, it was clearly written on the chart.
Yes i was alone on this particular off day but i didnt' mind.
Knowing that, that someone went out without asking me.
I know this sounds uberly petty but come on,
its a no-tell that i should be asked, at least.
Pls, we had our numbers exchanged and
that someone knew i had my phone with me. Gosh.
Ok, i can't be bothered with going out with that someone anw.
Probably thought at least, i was asked out of courtesy.
What's worse, i found out from another person, by chance.
and when i went to ask, that someone nicely boosted abt the day.
Gee, thanks. Now i know who you really are.
Thought it was us against them. I am so let down.
Now maybe, its you against the rest of us.

-

I started.
It didn't stop at 3.

It was too sudden - the news, yet expected.
I shouldn't have gotten into this, mess.
My sobriquet's yoyo, the assumed fool.

-

They say we leave this world just the way we came into it
naked. and alone.
So if we do live with nothing, what then is the measure of life?
Is it defined by the people we choose to love?
Or is life simply measured by our accomplishments?
OR what if we fail or never truly loved?
what then, can we ever measure up?
or will the quiet inspiration of the wanting drive us mad.

Extracted, OTH

In tune

2008-10-12T00:28:00.002+08:00

I am still alive, and kicking, and not very into blogging.
Why? Cause i realise I can watch the L word when i'm free.
and continue with One Tree Hill. YAY.
Plus, i have a story book to read.
Something that my singapore friends are all passing ard.
Now its my turn and for no reason, i am excited.
PLUS PLUS, i have tons of shopping to do.
Been stocking up on loads of junk food.
Didn't know i could munch so damn much when i'm bored.
haha, my life here is just beginning.
I am getting accustomed to the lifestyle here.
and the weather, yes, its so damn cooling.
Which singapore was like that all year round.
Love it!

Peking duck!

2008-10-01T17:34:00.005+08:00

Days are slowly turning into weeks.
Its already october. 15 days since i last saw Sg.
Well, to be truthful, i didn't miss home much.
Not if i had to think about it but well,
i'm kept busy most of the time so,
there isn't much to really meditate on it anw.
Besides, i try to spend time with friends so,
time do pass.

Been keeping in contact with friends till now.
I am quite surprised as to 'who' still bothers.
There are those who surprise me, those who disappoint me.
All these really tells me, who cares.

Today, i chit chatted with my manager.
She actually seeked my help to settle a guest's bill.
Of course, it was in eng and i gladly assisted her.
Felt good somehow. Like i'm finally useful? lol.

After work, i got back to see the trio's ready to head out.
These 3 have becomed the people i rely on here in china.
Anyhows, we went out for supper and it was fun.
We had malaTang with beer. Beautiful combination, i say.
Btw, their beer is tasteless and has VERY low alc content.
and my china friends got high with just 2 small cups. LOL!

Backtrack a little.
Last weekend, minyu's cousin and gf came to town.
He decided to give us all a treat (whoever that was on off)
I only tagged along cause the itinerary after was the birdnest.
Who knew, we dined at a restaurant. A grand one at that.
Total cost was S$107 for 6 of us. Worth eh.
and OMGOMGOMGGG. The highlight of the meal was the peking duck.
I finally got to taste it. And its only the 2nd week! haha.

A little description to those in sg.
Well, its really crunchy on the outer layer and
with the fat lining the skin of the duck,
the temperature melts it quickly.
Especially when dipped in sugar,
the flavours MELT in your mouth and speads in all corners.
This is so literal.
Can't forget the taste. So want to eat it again! haha.

Other dishes include some caramel apple, cheesy cabbage and others.
Seriously, the peking duck is heavenly. MMmmm!

bye phone

2008-10-01T17:19:00.005+08:00

27th Sept 2008

Today, i lost my phone.
It sucks, big time.
Its not the fact that the phone is gone but more so cause its my bro's phone.
SIGHS.

First was me being maligned about holding my colleague's hand,
no, its my phone. Lady luck must have gone for tea.

The chinese here says its a blessing in disguise.
and i'm trying my best to convince myself that it is.
Who knows, the time used in searching for my phone could have saved my life!
Ok, that's being uberly optimistic.

Sorry bro, i wish it was my phone. I'd get one for you.
Using what money i earn here. Promise.

And the malign case? It was my manager who gave that accusation.
Like hello? She wasn't even there to witness me holding his hand.
oh and COME ON, how is that possible?
It may seem as if we're close friends but surely we know our limits.
Besides, he has a gf, he wouldn't do anything and i know where i stand.
No, i do not like him or any part of him. Not at all.
He is just a sweet talker and i happen to know how to play back.
That's all to it!

Anyhows, the locals here are really helpful.
and that's an understatement already.
June and cordeli, two of which, helped me ALL the way.
One gave me her old phone and the other accompanied me to get a new sim card.
They took time off to do all these. Really touched me.
Thus, together with nicole, we have becomed a small clique.
FINALLY, something to look forward to after work.

Thou hast decided to live life simple from now on.
The next time i'm out, i'd probably bring only
a subway card, cash and myself.
Hm, maybe water bottle, tissue and lipbalm? haha. yea.
Don't want to be another victim.

Btw, today, i bought loads for myself.
A hoody top, white skinny, underwear and a shirt w/ vest!
Spent about 50sing altogether. So worth.
But now, i'm currently a broke fellow who's left with 100rmb.
HOW TO SURVIVE!

Used.

2008-09-25T23:14:00.003+08:00

The people in beijing are really friendly.
Ok, maybe i'm just refering to my dept.
Well, though they have their tampers at times, they do have big hearts.
There's like initiative and willingness to help you.
So unlike singapore where work is nicely segregated. Zz.

Staffs are mostly located at my dorm are thus,
i was able to know many many locals.
and recently, i think communicating with them improved my chinese quite a bit.
Yep, its easier to talk to talk now WHICH MEANS, i can be myself again!

There's this person, whom i named corella, stepped on my evil side.
She simply LOVEs to order people around. And totally NO SMILE from her.
She thinks so highly of herself that her head is close to bursting, gosh.
I wish for her to get some form of scolding so that she'll know how we feel. Baa.

Anyhows, work's getting fun. I stuck to my own values and lived life to the fullest.
Now, I do look forward to work. Surprise, surprise!

I miss people. Esp you and you.
Hope you're sneezing nowwwwwww. hahhaha

Oh, btw, its freezing here. 10 freaking degrees.
The locals are wearing at least 2 layers.
And we singaporeans? still in tee and fbts. haha. Rebellious.
Need to get some warm clothes soon.
This sat, i'm going shopping again! yays.

Oh oh, and i found courage to get my hair cut here.
Its some saloon a the back of the hotel.
Draped with purple theme, they did impress me with their service.
What's more, the hair cut's only 10 sing! Madness, really.
That amount includes wash cut wash and blow. How crazy is that?
And when i told my china friends, they said it was quite ex already,
cause their normal hair cut is only 2sing?
Talk about china and its cheapness!

This is it.

2008-09-23T13:48:00.006+08:00

Not gona say i'm getting used to this shock anyrmore.
Its just there, nothing more that can surprise me further.
My work sucks, big time.
They work you to daath and pay you an amount that is barely enough for a week in sg.
I'm not even let off during their public holidays!
What the crap is that! Been complaining to xh since.
She's my trusty partner by the way,
the one who'll work with me throughout my osip. =)
SO yea, its a hardlife here.
Sometimes, i wish for an earthquake so that i can get shipped back to my humble abode.
Drats.

Well, on the brighter side, at least i got to know a few friendly chinese.
They can make working so much lighter esp if you start laughing with them.
haha.

HELLO YOU.
I can't msg and i am barely online, how to reply. Zz.
Trust between is is so yesterday.
Its impossible, not even friends.
Everytime i'm reminded of you, i'll remember what you did.
How sad is that?
There's no forgiving, not this time.
Like you said, once bitten twice shy.
It applies to me as well. Take care.

The starting.

2008-09-20T22:10:00.001+08:00

This is day 4, is it? I am losing count here already.
Well, life's been rather good, i'm toning down on my complaints.
Yes there are countless things to diss about but just saying it is no use.
Solve it or ignore it. I choose both.

8 of us got spilted into 4 places. 2 each.
There's housekeeping, cafe atrium, sampan and front office.
Felt like the starting point of my life begins here.
I am working for real now. Kinda surreal.
I still wish for an invalid extention of my visa, lol.

Tomorrow, i'd offcially start work at Sampan Restaurant.
Its a restaurant restaurant and i'm just wishing i need not take orders in chinese.
haha, i can imagine myself huh-ing like hell.
Got my uniform today and here's the breakdown:
1. Red cheongsam-like top
2. Black skirt
3. Black stockings
4. Black court shoes
5. Ribbon on the head (Not applicable for short-haired me) lol.

I AM SO HOT! hahaah. (Pics coming soon, took tons!)

-

YOU.
Whether i gave her the lighter or not is none of your business.
I am not obliged to tell you, more so since you did a fucked up thing.
Tell me, who in the world would forgive your sin?
I wouldn't, not now.
Go repent, you need GOD.
I wish 4 months is enough.
For you, for me.

a test.

2008-09-17T18:25:00.003+08:00

By the way, i just had a weird test an hour ago.
Deep info about the hotel and its operations.
I was so freaked out PLEASE. Haven't read chinese in eons!
For that, i had special treatment with the tester. haha.
A one-to-one read out for anything i don't understand. What a privilage.
The passing grade's 60. I hope i needn't go back for the re-test.
I am seriously gussing every answers.
As long as i've seen the answers somewhere, i'd just circle it. Bull.

Okay, the MAN is coming in to fix the wireless for us all.
I am so excited. This means i can use the net from my bed.
Ah drats, no plug. Ok, i can use it for 30mins max? At least its something.

Life's getting better. I'm getting use to things.
Got to go shopping now, everyone's rushing me. haha.
Ok, last note, i miss everyone in singapore! =)

Yesterday's journal.

2008-09-17T18:24:00.001+08:00

There is so much to dread about that i'm almost out of words to describe how i'm feeling.
Really it makes you appreciate what you have in Singapore.
Then again, the way of life here is.. different.
I am living each day as it is, just like that.
Somehow or rather, i am regreting. I have never liked working in a hotel, NEVER.

Yesterday was a brief on what's about to happen and i.am.beyond.apprehensive.
My hair's one, needless to elaborate any further.
And my chinese is the biggest fear. Front desk, come on, i even stutter on the welcoming words!

So much is swirling that i can barely grasp the reality of it all.

Things back at home isn't making my life here any better.
Thanks for fucking changing my password.
You have been a great help in increasing the assurance of my stay here in Beijing.
I wish you all the best as well. Whatever.

Anyway friends, keep the emails coming, its becoming my life support! =)

Busted

2008-09-16T16:41:00.000+08:00

Internet access is uber limited so i'm rushing out a draft summary to my life here.

The toilets have no doors,
i'm bunking with 15 other people in a small room,
i have to wash my own stuffs (no laundry service provided),
the food is salty and
the cigs are damn cheap. S$1 per pack. COOL SHIT.

Ok, that's about it for now. More to come.
I'm hogging the internet like mad. haha.

SAVE MEEEEEE!!

2008-09-15T13:18:00.002+08:00

Finally, I'm nicely settled at the transit area in hongkong.
My feet is screaming its guts out now. (I'm in heels by the way)
I think i walked like 5km to where i am now. OUCH.
I'm surprised i could use the wireless here in hk.
Just a click and TA-DAH, here i am. =)

The flight was tiring. I did all my sleeping in the plane.
SO sad i missed my show. haha. Narnia. DAMN!
Anyhows, at the airport when i saw my besties waving to me,
i ALMOST shed a tear. Its like uber sad. I'll miss them!!

So wanna scream at those who ask me what time i'm flying!
and thanks for that thing you stuff into my wallet. =)

-

YOU, thanks for reading my mailbox again.
For that you breach my trust, badly.
Whatever i say isn't going into your head.
I meant what i announced last night, maybe not anymore.
It sucks having to know that the element of faith is broken.
Not once but twice. You never learn your lesson.
so this will be a lesson to you, perhaps the last.
Going away is good, i'm sure its a blessing in disguise.

Before

2008-09-15T00:58:00.000+08:00

Alright, this could be my first and last entry.
Depending on whether my hostel allows me to have good connection.
I so wish i do. Unlike the shanghai people, who only had cable. lol.

Ok, that's about all.
Bon voyage me. =)