Overall the Taipei trip is a good one. Our hotel in Ximending is convenient, not sleazy. It's just round a corner of Ximending itself, just not right smack in the middle like Rainbow. My sis was telling me, her colleagues told her Rainbow hotel is haunted. Ximending, the youth belt, is still very much the type of place, my sis n I, are comfortable with and the stuff here suits us. We were unimpressed with some of the commercialized areas with shopping malls cos those malls resembled the ones in SG too much. The retail range revolves around things lime branded bags, cosmetics, clothes. Too sterile an environment and too reminiscent of SG. Ximending has a bit of the night market food, some food stalls that are cha chan ting style, some that are cafes that look real shabby on the outside but when one goes in, it leads to a big inner sitting area with cool furnishings. There are good food in Ximending (Ah Zhong Mian Sian, 3bro n sis dessert, lots of cafes and restaurants that didnt try) and many of the small shops are interesting (comics, idol, plushies, hair salons) They even have movies theatres and a pub lane which we stumbled across while exploring the place at night. Think it's really a nice place to be staying. You can get a better sense of the way of live. Though the place is really so big that many lanes still weren't explored, like the US street, the Cosplay street, and others. There were many many blocks and grid of shops that just radiated out in every direction from the centre of the main Ximending area. So really still not fully explored.
The memorial halls that we visited plus the Kong Zhi temple are really straight out of those ancient wu xia show esp the Kong Zhi Temple. All are built to commemorate these people and they stuck to very traditional chinese architecture. The Sun Yat Sen and Chiang Kar Shiek Memorial are really huge ass buildings and the compounds are huge. So big a space that one can't help bit feel small when walking around the compound. The Long Shan Temple is another
one where really there are numerous devotees. Xiang huo hen wang.
The handicraft centre is another impressive place - 3 storeys of Chinese art, handicraft, ornamental displays and local produce. It's really an all-in-one with everything, for those who appreciates Chinese art and wants to decorate the home with such displays. Too bad house no space otherwise tempted by some stuff. We bought cheena ceramic coasters for family members.
The common local gift to buy back seems to be pineapple tarts, tai yang bing, zhong tong bing, yu tou su. Then different confectionary shops have their own specialty: I bought Green bean ping that is very refined tasting green bean (yellow) bar with some tou sa inside. Then the tea is another common local produce. The green tea powder is much cheaper than back in SG. Now know why so thin. If after every meal drink good tea, flushes out the oil. I should do that too.
The Jap influence is quite obvious, from the brochures having Jap, to seeing Jap fashion inspired styles dressing and accessories, to numerous sushi, Jap food but we didn't eat due to the nuclear contamination issue. Decided not to eat sushi and my sis avoids beef so no wagyu beef BBQ buffet.
Quite satisfied with the food I ate though I didn't have enough stomach to eat everything and anything. Worth mentioning are the Orh Jian, mango shaved milk ice dessert, Ah Zhong main sian, honey milk tea, fen yuan with ru hui, pork cutlet, chick cutlets, pasta. All good. Though most of the shops we only ate there once, cos we wanted to try diff food, I ate at the dessert stall 3 times, twice mango shaved ice, once is a warm soup with ru hui, fen yuan, dumpling and yu yuan. The accidental discovery of that niu jiao crossiant also is very nice, the Ginger tea near the Confuscious temple. The fruits bought from a street vendor in Ximending also all very tasty and sweet. The strawberries all red n sweet, juicy cheery tomatoes, chewy guava and one which I dunno the name. All good, definitely must try.
Retail wise, buying the complete set if the Angry Bird at a steep discount compared to other shops in the Ximending area is a good deal. Also I did buy some souvenirs for myself from the toilet restaurant, keychain from memorabilia shop, a jing nan from this Chinese craft shop we went into, a new scarf cos I dirtied my diaso one from having s phlegm cake attack.
Spending wise is not uncontrollable. I calculated all in: $1748, inclusive of flight, hotel, new luggage bag, alcohol and spending money. Flight and hotel plus insurance was already $1030. So its the more expensive flight but it is in comfort in SQ instead of Jetstar. The total amount spent is about the same as the 3D2N stay in Hong Kong and Macau but I spent it over 6D5N. Didn't go crazy over the food nor spending. Pure spending after buying quite a bit of gifts and confectionary is about $585. (I was re-looking through some old travel posts to Bangkok twice and HK, my spending money ranges from $550 to $750, excluding alcohol. Usually I buy alot of alcohol but this trip I spent about $65 only on 2 Absolute vodka and 2 tiger classics) So compared to HK and Macau, I feel Taiwan is cheaper if you dont buy branded clothing, bags and shoes and stuff. Based on food and transport and even confectionary gifts, Taiwan is affordable than Singapore.
Overall a nice trip. Don't mind going back cos there are still so many areas haven't covered, plus can go a bit of the outskirts, gondola rides, theme parks. Definitely try to eat more of their night market stuff.
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Sunday, March 27, 2011
Day 6 - Magic curry, 三兄妹 and flight home
Woke up for the last round of porridge breakfast. My sis decided on toast and jam. I was still eating porridge, egg, pock floss and pickled 菜心. After that our box of pastries ordered came and we repacked into our luggage. I forgo certain box packaging and repacked more stuff into a box. After squeezing all my stuff, I end up with 1 luggage, 1 backpack and 1 bag of biscuits on my hand. So dunno if I could board with a backpack n a bag of biscuits. We left our stuff at the front desk and checked out. Then we walked around Ximeng area.
It was another cold n windy day. We went into a couple of stalls and looked. About 1pm,, we headed into this cafe called 'Magic Curry' and ate curry. I ordered the most popular chicken curry and can taste the flavor and stuff but as I am not used to eating Jap style curry, it got a bit 腻, after a while. The chicken is really soft and flavorful. My sis ordered something like curry baked rice. It has quite a following but not to our taste. After that we went to the 3兄妹 dessert stall where I ordered the 芒果雪冰, where the shaved ice is a milk block of ice. It's really very good. My sister ordered a warm red bean soup. We ate slowly, partly full, partly kill time. When it's time to go, head back to the hotel.
The ride was this old style Mercedes (boxy) black and our stuff got loaded up and we were off. It was quite a distance to the airport and in the daylight, going via another way (avoid highway toll), there were quite some things to see. The outskirt of the city, saw the ocean with strong swirls cos the freeway was built close to the sea. As we sped off, saw a ghost abandoned town of sort. There are very very dilapidated houses left standing, unoccupied. Saw a power plant of sort too. Was wondering if it was a nuclear plant cos taiwan has too. We arrived without a hitch and checked in. We managed 32kg with 2 luggages, so checked in my backpack so I am left with just 1 bag of biscuits.
We headed inside and the no of stalls with duty free is impressive. Just that didnt feel like buying anything else. We settled in a cafe to eat some western food. Though its a bit pricey, $6+ for a set of sandwiches and drink and a biscuit. The sandwich had lots of meat and veg and actually taste good. Nice. After killing some time, headed to board the flight. On the plane, I was watching Glee Season 2 5 episodes. Even had time to play some mahjong before arriving and it was switched off.
Unexpectantly we saw our parents as we slowly checked out; finding toilet, finding way out, buying duty-free alcohol also. Surprised to see them. Apparently they last minute decided to come and fetch but cos my phone was off, they couldnt contact us. That was near 11.10pm already. So we went to the Macs to have some food. Then by the time we were done, it was 12 midnight and my dad drove us home.
Once I reached home, I started unpacking. Got lots of stuff to sort through, especially the bulky confectionary we bought. Then just knocked out around 1-2am. Next day have guitar but whole week away so no practice at all. Got to call a collegue to get an update about the 'contract' status. Signz... back to reality. It was good while it lasted. I really totally didnt think about troubling issues until flew back.
It was another cold n windy day. We went into a couple of stalls and looked. About 1pm,, we headed into this cafe called 'Magic Curry' and ate curry. I ordered the most popular chicken curry and can taste the flavor and stuff but as I am not used to eating Jap style curry, it got a bit 腻, after a while. The chicken is really soft and flavorful. My sis ordered something like curry baked rice. It has quite a following but not to our taste. After that we went to the 3兄妹 dessert stall where I ordered the 芒果雪冰, where the shaved ice is a milk block of ice. It's really very good. My sister ordered a warm red bean soup. We ate slowly, partly full, partly kill time. When it's time to go, head back to the hotel.
The ride was this old style Mercedes (boxy) black and our stuff got loaded up and we were off. It was quite a distance to the airport and in the daylight, going via another way (avoid highway toll), there were quite some things to see. The outskirt of the city, saw the ocean with strong swirls cos the freeway was built close to the sea. As we sped off, saw a ghost abandoned town of sort. There are very very dilapidated houses left standing, unoccupied. Saw a power plant of sort too. Was wondering if it was a nuclear plant cos taiwan has too. We arrived without a hitch and checked in. We managed 32kg with 2 luggages, so checked in my backpack so I am left with just 1 bag of biscuits.
We headed inside and the no of stalls with duty free is impressive. Just that didnt feel like buying anything else. We settled in a cafe to eat some western food. Though its a bit pricey, $6+ for a set of sandwiches and drink and a biscuit. The sandwich had lots of meat and veg and actually taste good. Nice. After killing some time, headed to board the flight. On the plane, I was watching Glee Season 2 5 episodes. Even had time to play some mahjong before arriving and it was switched off.
Unexpectantly we saw our parents as we slowly checked out; finding toilet, finding way out, buying duty-free alcohol also. Surprised to see them. Apparently they last minute decided to come and fetch but cos my phone was off, they couldnt contact us. That was near 11.10pm already. So we went to the Macs to have some food. Then by the time we were done, it was 12 midnight and my dad drove us home.
Once I reached home, I started unpacking. Got lots of stuff to sort through, especially the bulky confectionary we bought. Then just knocked out around 1-2am. Next day have guitar but whole week away so no practice at all. Got to call a collegue to get an update about the 'contract' status. Signz... back to reality. It was good while it lasted. I really totally didnt think about troubling issues until flew back.
Day 5 - Handicraft centre, CCK Memorial and Shida Night Mkt
The first stop is the Handicraft Centre where there's 3 storeys of Chinese handicrafts. Stuff like painting, engraving, all sorts imaginable. Including local produce; tea, spirits, vinegar. I ended up buying tea, and we bought cheena coasters for family. My sister bought a whole bunch and she asked the lady there for direction to find the Chinese handicraft shop but didn't get any street name or anything, just that it's near to the children's hospital.
We walked along and saw some ancient looking buildings, and decided to walk towards there. It turned out we are at the Chiang Kai Sek Memorial. There's also 2 other buildings. The concert hall and the library, both done in ancient style and huge ass big. Took photos (in sis's camera)
After that it was getting dark but sister still wanted to find Mom's request. So we walked around and on trying to locate the children's hospital. I was getting irritated cos it's cold, plus no street names given dunno where we were walking to, also can't ask if don't even know where heading to. The maps we looked at doesn't not mention the small roads and alleys' names. So we walked and walked. I lagged behind cos tired plus I didn't want to say anything, later argue or verbal tiff. I just followed my sister n walked until she herself decided that no point. Think we walked continuously more than 20mins in the open cold. When almost going to stop, we decided to walk to these rows of shops in the nearby distance, lo and behold is the children's hospital and found the bloody shop. They don't have the exact thing but bought something approximate to it.
Too tired after that to go search n walk around to find a nearby mrt then have to search for the night market, so we hailed a cab to go straight to the Shida Night Market. It's not that far away nor was it expensive. We walked and settled in a 卤味 shop where the food is laid out yong tau fu style and u choose the bits u want. It's chopped up and dumped into this 车轮 style cooker full of boiling soup. There are 3 nets like noodles nets and each order goes into one. When it's cooked, the 'wheel' is turned and the cooked contents poured onto a big dish, garnished with some garlic and sauce. Luckily is not the Hotpot 沾酱 cos it's quite peculiar and I don't like that. Phew! So it's all good. Love the 猪血, 猪肝, a yam bits jelly bar, the asparagus, mushroom and cabbage. Don't like the 猪血糕 cos inside have rice that tastes very like barley. First time ate it from my sis's hot pot the day earlier at 茶街 and didn't like it. Since my sister liked it, I chose it. The meatball n tofu not so good but overall it's good. Then it turned out we ate at the featured one in the guidebook.
After dinner just walked around. We went into a jig-saw shop and my sis bought a mini jig saw of an art piece called "the kiss". I was tempted by one of many many beers but thinking how there's not much space in luggage, decided not to. Shida Night mkt is a. Very long street but with 5 or do perpendicular roads through it so there are many cross-road intersections. We kept turning right like how one would do so when lost in a maze. But at one point we smelt 臭豆腐 but after walking on, kinda lost the scent. So we didn't eat that at all this trip though we know the smell of it. Looking for toilet, we ended up in a dessert stall. It's called 甜. And my peanut soup with tang yuan is too sweet for my taste. My sister had red bean soup. Bub think the 3兄妹 stall in Ximeng was way more generous in 料 and better in taste too. Definitely would eat there some more. It rained while we were inside but we had umbrellas so we walked a little bit more and decided to go back via cab. The taxi ride was 'thrilling' in a sense like how it was weaving in and out of lanes at high speed despite the wet roads but we got back safely. Decided not to head out to Ximeng cos by 10pm, most stales are starting to close except for food stalls.
The last day would be spent around Ximeng area. We have to check out by 12 noon. The transport arranged via the hotel to the airport would come at 2.40pm, we would have to come back by 2.30pm. Our flight is at 6pm.
We walked along and saw some ancient looking buildings, and decided to walk towards there. It turned out we are at the Chiang Kai Sek Memorial. There's also 2 other buildings. The concert hall and the library, both done in ancient style and huge ass big. Took photos (in sis's camera)
After that it was getting dark but sister still wanted to find Mom's request. So we walked around and on trying to locate the children's hospital. I was getting irritated cos it's cold, plus no street names given dunno where we were walking to, also can't ask if don't even know where heading to. The maps we looked at doesn't not mention the small roads and alleys' names. So we walked and walked. I lagged behind cos tired plus I didn't want to say anything, later argue or verbal tiff. I just followed my sister n walked until she herself decided that no point. Think we walked continuously more than 20mins in the open cold. When almost going to stop, we decided to walk to these rows of shops in the nearby distance, lo and behold is the children's hospital and found the bloody shop. They don't have the exact thing but bought something approximate to it.
Too tired after that to go search n walk around to find a nearby mrt then have to search for the night market, so we hailed a cab to go straight to the Shida Night Market. It's not that far away nor was it expensive. We walked and settled in a 卤味 shop where the food is laid out yong tau fu style and u choose the bits u want. It's chopped up and dumped into this 车轮 style cooker full of boiling soup. There are 3 nets like noodles nets and each order goes into one. When it's cooked, the 'wheel' is turned and the cooked contents poured onto a big dish, garnished with some garlic and sauce. Luckily is not the Hotpot 沾酱 cos it's quite peculiar and I don't like that. Phew! So it's all good. Love the 猪血, 猪肝, a yam bits jelly bar, the asparagus, mushroom and cabbage. Don't like the 猪血糕 cos inside have rice that tastes very like barley. First time ate it from my sis's hot pot the day earlier at 茶街 and didn't like it. Since my sister liked it, I chose it. The meatball n tofu not so good but overall it's good. Then it turned out we ate at the featured one in the guidebook.
After dinner just walked around. We went into a jig-saw shop and my sis bought a mini jig saw of an art piece called "the kiss". I was tempted by one of many many beers but thinking how there's not much space in luggage, decided not to. Shida Night mkt is a. Very long street but with 5 or do perpendicular roads through it so there are many cross-road intersections. We kept turning right like how one would do so when lost in a maze. But at one point we smelt 臭豆腐 but after walking on, kinda lost the scent. So we didn't eat that at all this trip though we know the smell of it. Looking for toilet, we ended up in a dessert stall. It's called 甜. And my peanut soup with tang yuan is too sweet for my taste. My sister had red bean soup. Bub think the 3兄妹 stall in Ximeng was way more generous in 料 and better in taste too. Definitely would eat there some more. It rained while we were inside but we had umbrellas so we walked a little bit more and decided to go back via cab. The taxi ride was 'thrilling' in a sense like how it was weaving in and out of lanes at high speed despite the wet roads but we got back safely. Decided not to head out to Ximeng cos by 10pm, most stales are starting to close except for food stalls.
The last day would be spent around Ximeng area. We have to check out by 12 noon. The transport arranged via the hotel to the airport would come at 2.40pm, we would have to come back by 2.30pm. Our flight is at 6pm.
Thursday, March 24, 2011
Day 4 - Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hall & Taipei 101
Today we headed out around noon, cos the weather was bloody cold. It was as low as 13 degrees with strong cold wind blowing. The face is especially cold and we wrapped our scarves over half our faces. No point buying the masks cos we be going back soon and it would be useless. The finger tips are cold too, icicles.
We headed first to Zhong Xiao Fuxing to the Flower Market, when we got there, I asked for direction and the lady told me it's only available on holidays. Okay nothing much in the area. It looked like the Bank/Office area.
We headed to the next station Zhongxiao Dihua to go to this 24hr Eslite Bookshop. I ended up buying 3 books. 2 books about JLPT 3N for 580NT ($26) with Chinese is okay cos Jap-Chinese translation is very close compared to Jap-Eng. Also bought a book about macarons. Then we looked for lunch at about 3.40pm. Following the little guidebook I bought, we found one of the featured cafe but it's for a all-you-can-eat cakes plus tea. So we went into one called "茶街" and I ordered their 招牌 curry chicken. It comes with soup and drink for NT130 ($5.80) a large servin of rice, egg, curry chicken n veg plus soup n yam milk tea. Nice! My sister ordered the Hot Pot and it really is alot for just 200NT ($9).
We headed to the Sun Yat-Sen station to go see how it's like. To partly show our dad some pics that we can 'see things' on a free & easy trip instead of those packaged tour. We headed to the Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hall. It's huge ass big. Very broad expanse of space. We took pics here n there. Even played with the vending machine to get a hot can of coffee to warm the fingers. We went inside also to look. Quite impressive.
After that we went to the Taipei City Hall mrt and straight and headed to this big Eslite Bookshop. There's shopping stuff available n we bought tea, a book about transforming the plain toast into 70 styles. There's also small retailers like in a mall where there's lot of unique stuff. Like this 2D bag is actually 3D and some kick ass stickers. Lol don't think they can be bumper sticker. We walked over to Taipei 101, its freezing cold outside man. The cold wind kept blowing. I am becoming a masked person by then. Man kept yearning for alcohol to warm the body, now I can understand why the Koreans, Jap drink so much.
We reached Taipei 101, it reminds me of Taka, with all the posh branded stuff. I took a floor plan, 6 floors n 1 basement. Looking through the list of branded stores, we decided that we would go to the basement instead. It's my 2nd time at 101. Been here before in the last visit. The basement had a large food court style dining and lots of 手信 stalls selling by now the familiar "黄梨饼，芋头酥， 太阳饼，老婆饼＂which are the common gifts of choice, besides the tea. I saw this outlet selling 铜锣烧 with filling. Too bad it needs to be chilled. I bought 2 to eat, one Hokkaido milk and another Mango. Intend to being back to hotel room to eat. Then walking around at the stalls, we settled in Omu Rice. My sister has pork cutlet cordon blue (cheese filling) Omu rice. Mine is Hamburg Omu Rice. It comes with soup. About 160NT to 180NT, less than $10. The cutlet is very tender and nice. The hamburg is moist and very well flavored. It's like so far even some 阿狗阿猫 stall we ate at, their meat is really very well flavored, 排骨，鸡排 etc are very delicious.
After that we headed back to Ximengding through all that cold wind again. Wanted to try Iry's recommended Shabu Shabu but my sis had hot pot n the sauce is really... So she worried later we reach, that's the only sauce they have. Hmm another trip perhaps. We aimed for this 3兄妹 dessert stall, famous in Ximeng. We ordered the 削冰, one strawberry one mango. Very delicious! The 粉圆 aka frog egg with the shaved milk ice plus mango, mango syrup n mango ice cream. Very nice, nicer and cheaper than the ones we ate back in Spore.
After that headed back to hotel. Slept a bit late due to the cold. My toes were so cold despite the double layer socks, it's very cold inspire of the heater which wasn't doing much. The room reached 15 degrees at one point. Fell into a deep sleep still wake up earlier than sister.
Every morning I am the first to wake, just in time to eat breakfast. Though it's simple; porridge, egg, some dishes plus 4 types of preserved veg, 4 cold beverages n 2 hot ones and
toast, 1 fruit. I find I can stomach the porridge easily n it's quite nice to eat even if it appears simple. Breakfast is the amazing meal where one can eat the same food everyday by choice.
We got the hotel to arrange transport to the airport cos didn't want to lug the luggages trying to find the bus pick-up point. So that l's 1000NT for the cab ferried by the hotel to he airport. Works out to less than $23 per person. For the less hassle I don't mind. My sister not complaining so it's good and settled.
Tom is last night out. Explore a bit of the south plus go to the nearby Shida night market. To challenge the 臭豆腐, eat the 卤味.
We headed first to Zhong Xiao Fuxing to the Flower Market, when we got there, I asked for direction and the lady told me it's only available on holidays. Okay nothing much in the area. It looked like the Bank/Office area.
We headed to the next station Zhongxiao Dihua to go to this 24hr Eslite Bookshop. I ended up buying 3 books. 2 books about JLPT 3N for 580NT ($26) with Chinese is okay cos Jap-Chinese translation is very close compared to Jap-Eng. Also bought a book about macarons. Then we looked for lunch at about 3.40pm. Following the little guidebook I bought, we found one of the featured cafe but it's for a all-you-can-eat cakes plus tea. So we went into one called "茶街" and I ordered their 招牌 curry chicken. It comes with soup and drink for NT130 ($5.80) a large servin of rice, egg, curry chicken n veg plus soup n yam milk tea. Nice! My sister ordered the Hot Pot and it really is alot for just 200NT ($9).
We headed to the Sun Yat-Sen station to go see how it's like. To partly show our dad some pics that we can 'see things' on a free & easy trip instead of those packaged tour. We headed to the Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hall. It's huge ass big. Very broad expanse of space. We took pics here n there. Even played with the vending machine to get a hot can of coffee to warm the fingers. We went inside also to look. Quite impressive.
After that we went to the Taipei City Hall mrt and straight and headed to this big Eslite Bookshop. There's shopping stuff available n we bought tea, a book about transforming the plain toast into 70 styles. There's also small retailers like in a mall where there's lot of unique stuff. Like this 2D bag is actually 3D and some kick ass stickers. Lol don't think they can be bumper sticker. We walked over to Taipei 101, its freezing cold outside man. The cold wind kept blowing. I am becoming a masked person by then. Man kept yearning for alcohol to warm the body, now I can understand why the Koreans, Jap drink so much.
We reached Taipei 101, it reminds me of Taka, with all the posh branded stuff. I took a floor plan, 6 floors n 1 basement. Looking through the list of branded stores, we decided that we would go to the basement instead. It's my 2nd time at 101. Been here before in the last visit. The basement had a large food court style dining and lots of 手信 stalls selling by now the familiar "黄梨饼，芋头酥， 太阳饼，老婆饼＂which are the common gifts of choice, besides the tea. I saw this outlet selling 铜锣烧 with filling. Too bad it needs to be chilled. I bought 2 to eat, one Hokkaido milk and another Mango. Intend to being back to hotel room to eat. Then walking around at the stalls, we settled in Omu Rice. My sister has pork cutlet cordon blue (cheese filling) Omu rice. Mine is Hamburg Omu Rice. It comes with soup. About 160NT to 180NT, less than $10. The cutlet is very tender and nice. The hamburg is moist and very well flavored. It's like so far even some 阿狗阿猫 stall we ate at, their meat is really very well flavored, 排骨，鸡排 etc are very delicious.
After that we headed back to Ximengding through all that cold wind again. Wanted to try Iry's recommended Shabu Shabu but my sis had hot pot n the sauce is really... So she worried later we reach, that's the only sauce they have. Hmm another trip perhaps. We aimed for this 3兄妹 dessert stall, famous in Ximeng. We ordered the 削冰, one strawberry one mango. Very delicious! The 粉圆 aka frog egg with the shaved milk ice plus mango, mango syrup n mango ice cream. Very nice, nicer and cheaper than the ones we ate back in Spore.
After that headed back to hotel. Slept a bit late due to the cold. My toes were so cold despite the double layer socks, it's very cold inspire of the heater which wasn't doing much. The room reached 15 degrees at one point. Fell into a deep sleep still wake up earlier than sister.
Every morning I am the first to wake, just in time to eat breakfast. Though it's simple; porridge, egg, some dishes plus 4 types of preserved veg, 4 cold beverages n 2 hot ones and
toast, 1 fruit. I find I can stomach the porridge easily n it's quite nice to eat even if it appears simple. Breakfast is the amazing meal where one can eat the same food everyday by choice.
We got the hotel to arrange transport to the airport cos didn't want to lug the luggages trying to find the bus pick-up point. So that l's 1000NT for the cab ferried by the hotel to he airport. Works out to less than $23 per person. For the less hassle I don't mind. My sister not complaining so it's good and settled.
Tom is last night out. Explore a bit of the south plus go to the nearby Shida night market. To challenge the 臭豆腐, eat the 卤味.
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
Day 3 - Taipei station & Flower Expo... Shilin Night Market
Today the plan was to explore the Northern Red Line. First stop was the Taipei train station area. There was a Jap mall there but half way up just looking around, my sister got irritated, say no point just going up as we not going to buy. Well haven't finished going up, how u know won't see anything. So she turned around and headed down. She led the way with me feeling irritated behind. Her this 'Xiao jie' temper is quite irritating at times. But how different was this except it seemed a more expensive mall than the others we explored. I wasnt speaking much, cold n irritated when we headed out of the mall. One reason why we headed in was to find toilet n get out from the cold wind. It was 16 degrees. Well we headed out and walk along the streets n walked around the area. I was hoping for food n drink. When we walked past a shop called 金客多, and a strong aroma of pasta. My sister turned around and asked me whether I want to eat here. I said okay. Glad to stop walking about, out of the wind and get some warm food. Man jeans is not enough to keep the legs warm. It can make do. The worse is the finger tips, so cold despite the gloves n heat pack. The cold wind blowing against the face n neck also jialat. Wrapped my scarf around the neck n part of the face.
We settled in and ordered the pasta. It's simple, pasta in tomato paste, egg n pork cutlet, my sister got bacon with pasta in tomato paste. Each is about 100NT. It's very very good! Best tasting pasta. It's not refined looking cos the shop looks like those far east eateries but the taste is very good. Best tasting pasta. Sauce very thick n tasty, spaghetti soft and easily eaten. We ate hungrily and the free flow of tea taste good too. After lunch, we were on speaking terms again and we headed back to the mrt.
We reached YuanShan mrt where the flower expo is at. Eh need to get tickets? Not free? Plus it was in the open. My sister was feeling jialat from the cold. We decided to explore the nearby shops to see if can buy a scarf. She was wearing thin clothing plus v-neck thin cardigan. I kept asking her if she need the heat pack. She kept saying no. Fine. We walked somemore and went into a tea shop. It sells tea. The shoplady let us sample the tea, very glad for a warm drink. The Ginger n date tea tasted real good. They have 12 flavors but given already limited space in luggage but I am going to ditch the packaging, can put in. We got 3 packs of the tea. It's like a 2-3cm cube block of tea that u dissolve in 500ml of boiling water. Once melted, can drink. Very unique. Got a name card too.
We walked along the shops, older style double storey type like in Malaysia. We walked around and the wind was blowing. We walked n stumbled upon a shop selling winter wear on sale. My sister paid about $35 for a top n a scarf. Wrapped snugly, she was more okay. The Confuscious temple was nearby and we headed there.
The temple is really like those straight out of the 古代 show. We went around taking some pics. Walked around inside then headed out. Nearby we chanced upon a shop selling 牛角 croissant. It's very tasty n unique. Outside is hard n inside is soft. Very nice. Too bad can't buy back cos really have alot of stuff. I took a name card. Then walking on a bit nothing much, we walked back n went to a handicraft shop n bought something for mom n her friend. I got something for myself. We made our way back to the station, tired then n not visiting the flower expo.
We took a train to Shilin mrt but I don't know how to walk there. Asking directions, the lady said she dunno how to walk there, take a train. We walked a bit, nothing that much special. Just rows of 2-3 storey old style building with shops on the 1st-2nd floors. I looked at the map and we went to the Jintian mrt which is very near to the Shilin Night Market.
I was getting hungry. We walked around and there didn't seem much food. I was looking at the food but my sister just walked on and on. I was getting weighed down by the bagpack with all the stuff. After stumbling around, we walked into this herbal ba kut the style shop. We ordered their herbal rou gu plus mian sian, Lu rou fan and veg. Soup is good, veg is nice too, Mian sian also but meat n Lu ruo fan is not so. After that we walked and found the 吵大鸡排, and this roasted sugar cane stall. We dabaoed back. The verdict back at the hotel room is ji pa is okay, I still like our own pasar malam version and the sugar cane taste thicker and has a nice roasted after taste. Guess the roasted sugar cane would concentrate the juices more. Not bad. But haven't challenged the 臭豆腐 yet.
Glad to back to the hotel around 9pm after all the walking. I was knocked out by 1.30pm
We settled in and ordered the pasta. It's simple, pasta in tomato paste, egg n pork cutlet, my sister got bacon with pasta in tomato paste. Each is about 100NT. It's very very good! Best tasting pasta. It's not refined looking cos the shop looks like those far east eateries but the taste is very good. Best tasting pasta. Sauce very thick n tasty, spaghetti soft and easily eaten. We ate hungrily and the free flow of tea taste good too. After lunch, we were on speaking terms again and we headed back to the mrt.
We reached YuanShan mrt where the flower expo is at. Eh need to get tickets? Not free? Plus it was in the open. My sister was feeling jialat from the cold. We decided to explore the nearby shops to see if can buy a scarf. She was wearing thin clothing plus v-neck thin cardigan. I kept asking her if she need the heat pack. She kept saying no. Fine. We walked somemore and went into a tea shop. It sells tea. The shoplady let us sample the tea, very glad for a warm drink. The Ginger n date tea tasted real good. They have 12 flavors but given already limited space in luggage but I am going to ditch the packaging, can put in. We got 3 packs of the tea. It's like a 2-3cm cube block of tea that u dissolve in 500ml of boiling water. Once melted, can drink. Very unique. Got a name card too.
We walked along the shops, older style double storey type like in Malaysia. We walked around and the wind was blowing. We walked n stumbled upon a shop selling winter wear on sale. My sister paid about $35 for a top n a scarf. Wrapped snugly, she was more okay. The Confuscious temple was nearby and we headed there.
The temple is really like those straight out of the 古代 show. We went around taking some pics. Walked around inside then headed out. Nearby we chanced upon a shop selling 牛角 croissant. It's very tasty n unique. Outside is hard n inside is soft. Very nice. Too bad can't buy back cos really have alot of stuff. I took a name card. Then walking on a bit nothing much, we walked back n went to a handicraft shop n bought something for mom n her friend. I got something for myself. We made our way back to the station, tired then n not visiting the flower expo.
We took a train to Shilin mrt but I don't know how to walk there. Asking directions, the lady said she dunno how to walk there, take a train. We walked a bit, nothing that much special. Just rows of 2-3 storey old style building with shops on the 1st-2nd floors. I looked at the map and we went to the Jintian mrt which is very near to the Shilin Night Market.
I was getting hungry. We walked around and there didn't seem much food. I was looking at the food but my sister just walked on and on. I was getting weighed down by the bagpack with all the stuff. After stumbling around, we walked into this herbal ba kut the style shop. We ordered their herbal rou gu plus mian sian, Lu rou fan and veg. Soup is good, veg is nice too, Mian sian also but meat n Lu ruo fan is not so. After that we walked and found the 吵大鸡排, and this roasted sugar cane stall. We dabaoed back. The verdict back at the hotel room is ji pa is okay, I still like our own pasar malam version and the sugar cane taste thicker and has a nice roasted after taste. Guess the roasted sugar cane would concentrate the juices more. Not bad. But haven't challenged the 臭豆腐 yet.
Glad to back to the hotel around 9pm after all the walking. I was knocked out by 1.30pm
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
Day 2 - Long Shan Si & Modern Toilet
I woke up bloody early at 7.30am. Then there was nothing to do cos my sister slept with the controller in her blanket somewhere. I resorted to manually switching and watching tv. There's over a 100 channels. Ate the Mister Donut dabaoed earlier the nite before.
Finally around 9.10am, my sister woke up. We ate the complimentary breakfast. It's simple. Porridge and the dishes, toast n jam. We ate a light one then went back to the room. Around 10.30am, we left, following the various maps, we walked to places that didn't explore or were closed when we went the day before. We walked towards a famous gift - Chinese 饼屋, bought quite a bit and would be delivered to our hotel on departure day. We sampled n got quite a bit. Some for work and home.
I had to ask for directions if we don't seem to get there. But it was close enough to Ximeng, we made it there to go to a comic shop - Animate. It closed when we reached yesterday there by stumbling upon it. When it was time to pay, I offered to help my shy sister pay on her behalf (I bought 1 myself) Yet when I was paying, the counter guy asked to check my ID!!! Err it's prohibited sale to under 18. Err so I look that youthful?!? Had to dig out my money belt where passport n ic are to show one to him... Dunno to be happy that I was checked or unhappy due to the whole bit abt struggling to get my passport from the money belt... Never expected to be checked. My sister said that there was a sign hat those who purchase any of these have to show identification (but later on, at another shop, buying the comics, despite the signage, I wasn't asked for ID) hmmm...
We continued along and found the "Ah Zhong" mee sua. I ordered a takeout cos still quite full. We headed to one station away to go to Long Shan Si cos got the 月老 there housed among the gods. We bought some simple flowers from a road side lady then proceeded in. It's very crowded, lots of people praying. We did our praying one round offering the incense then another to put in money for thanks. After the praying, I ate the mee sua outside. It's very tasty and light. Not salty n I mistaken the intestines as tasty chicken skin but didn't eat the rest of the intestines. My sister didn't even want to taste one spoon, oh well. Then we searched around the area for pharmacy for some medicines on an errand.
Headed back to Ximeng, hungry n tired by now the amount of walking around for the pharmacy. We found the big bookshop franchise n nearby was the Modern Toilet Restaurant. Found it! We ordered a hotpot n a porkchop set. Came in toilet bowls which we took pics n posed around with. Even the complimentary sundae came in toilet bowls - squatting style. The huge ass ice cream sundae u can order comes in his super pile of overtopping squat style ma-tong. It's quite fun to be amused yet as u eat, become queasy as the remainding food swirl around the toilet bowl utensils. After resting and getting memobrailla, we walked along somemore to explore another book shop but mainly fashion mall. Nothing much. Then we lugged our purchases back to the hotel. It was about 4.30pm. I managed to buy a adapter for the plugs for 100NT, so means I can surf the wireless without worry o flat battery. Intend to rest until dinner. I actually fell asleep for 2 hrs.
When I woke up, it was 6 plus. My sister was watching the tv show, 大胃王 and it was interesting. We dragged going out until 8 plus. She didn't feel like going to the Shida Night market, so we explored the final bits of missed out malls. We walked past the Plushie stall. It had another 3 more Angry Bird Plushies. I had to get them. So my sister also itchy and wanted another Plushie. So I asked for discount. She charged the extra sister Plushie 20NT cheaper. Again knowing how overpriced the rest of the stalls were charging, I happily bought the remaining 3 for 300NT. Total is 580NT or $26. Cheap. We headed to the basement of one of it, it was old style. The basement was full of little shops selling food. For less than 100NT, we got a main, free soup and a big flask of tea. The serving also very big. I had 排骨饭, my sis had 鸡排面. Taste good and really generous with the meat and veg and rice. I couldn't finish the rice. After that we shared another frog egg with ru hui. Nice.
We explored the last mall and then made our way back. We walked around, looking for Idol stuff for sis. We went to comic shop, idol merchandise shops, even walked to a lane full of pubs. Then took another way and discovered another 饼屋. End up with more stuff. Think I cannot buy anymore foodstuff. Packing them might be diff with so many boxes... No more. The wind turned very cold and around eleven when the wind got a bit strong, throngs of shop closing n stall holders packing, we dabaoed each a cup of hot milk tea. Very nice! Loved honey milk tea here. On the way back saw this fruit stall, I decided to buy a cup of strawberries but the cherry tomatoes, guava and one more caught my eye. Ended up with 4 packs of fruits. Lugged them all back to the hotel room. In the warmth n safety, relaxed n eat the super nice and sweet strawberries. The rest were very good too! Totally with the 340NT (less than $16) I've paid. There are still fruits left n in the fridge. Tomorrow eat after breakfast. At least a more varied diet than just rice, fried, strong tasting saucy food.
Tomorrow's plan is to head up the North line to places like Shilin n stay out for dinner at the Shilin night market. So tomorrow sleep late a bit, leave room about 11am. Now it's 3.08am. I better get to sleep.
Finally around 9.10am, my sister woke up. We ate the complimentary breakfast. It's simple. Porridge and the dishes, toast n jam. We ate a light one then went back to the room. Around 10.30am, we left, following the various maps, we walked to places that didn't explore or were closed when we went the day before. We walked towards a famous gift - Chinese 饼屋, bought quite a bit and would be delivered to our hotel on departure day. We sampled n got quite a bit. Some for work and home.
I had to ask for directions if we don't seem to get there. But it was close enough to Ximeng, we made it there to go to a comic shop - Animate. It closed when we reached yesterday there by stumbling upon it. When it was time to pay, I offered to help my shy sister pay on her behalf (I bought 1 myself) Yet when I was paying, the counter guy asked to check my ID!!! Err it's prohibited sale to under 18. Err so I look that youthful?!? Had to dig out my money belt where passport n ic are to show one to him... Dunno to be happy that I was checked or unhappy due to the whole bit abt struggling to get my passport from the money belt... Never expected to be checked. My sister said that there was a sign hat those who purchase any of these have to show identification (but later on, at another shop, buying the comics, despite the signage, I wasn't asked for ID) hmmm...
We continued along and found the "Ah Zhong" mee sua. I ordered a takeout cos still quite full. We headed to one station away to go to Long Shan Si cos got the 月老 there housed among the gods. We bought some simple flowers from a road side lady then proceeded in. It's very crowded, lots of people praying. We did our praying one round offering the incense then another to put in money for thanks. After the praying, I ate the mee sua outside. It's very tasty and light. Not salty n I mistaken the intestines as tasty chicken skin but didn't eat the rest of the intestines. My sister didn't even want to taste one spoon, oh well. Then we searched around the area for pharmacy for some medicines on an errand.
Headed back to Ximeng, hungry n tired by now the amount of walking around for the pharmacy. We found the big bookshop franchise n nearby was the Modern Toilet Restaurant. Found it! We ordered a hotpot n a porkchop set. Came in toilet bowls which we took pics n posed around with. Even the complimentary sundae came in toilet bowls - squatting style. The huge ass ice cream sundae u can order comes in his super pile of overtopping squat style ma-tong. It's quite fun to be amused yet as u eat, become queasy as the remainding food swirl around the toilet bowl utensils. After resting and getting memobrailla, we walked along somemore to explore another book shop but mainly fashion mall. Nothing much. Then we lugged our purchases back to the hotel. It was about 4.30pm. I managed to buy a adapter for the plugs for 100NT, so means I can surf the wireless without worry o flat battery. Intend to rest until dinner. I actually fell asleep for 2 hrs.
When I woke up, it was 6 plus. My sister was watching the tv show, 大胃王 and it was interesting. We dragged going out until 8 plus. She didn't feel like going to the Shida Night market, so we explored the final bits of missed out malls. We walked past the Plushie stall. It had another 3 more Angry Bird Plushies. I had to get them. So my sister also itchy and wanted another Plushie. So I asked for discount. She charged the extra sister Plushie 20NT cheaper. Again knowing how overpriced the rest of the stalls were charging, I happily bought the remaining 3 for 300NT. Total is 580NT or $26. Cheap. We headed to the basement of one of it, it was old style. The basement was full of little shops selling food. For less than 100NT, we got a main, free soup and a big flask of tea. The serving also very big. I had 排骨饭, my sis had 鸡排面. Taste good and really generous with the meat and veg and rice. I couldn't finish the rice. After that we shared another frog egg with ru hui. Nice.
We explored the last mall and then made our way back. We walked around, looking for Idol stuff for sis. We went to comic shop, idol merchandise shops, even walked to a lane full of pubs. Then took another way and discovered another 饼屋. End up with more stuff. Think I cannot buy anymore foodstuff. Packing them might be diff with so many boxes... No more. The wind turned very cold and around eleven when the wind got a bit strong, throngs of shop closing n stall holders packing, we dabaoed each a cup of hot milk tea. Very nice! Loved honey milk tea here. On the way back saw this fruit stall, I decided to buy a cup of strawberries but the cherry tomatoes, guava and one more caught my eye. Ended up with 4 packs of fruits. Lugged them all back to the hotel room. In the warmth n safety, relaxed n eat the super nice and sweet strawberries. The rest were very good too! Totally with the 340NT (less than $16) I've paid. There are still fruits left n in the fridge. Tomorrow eat after breakfast. At least a more varied diet than just rice, fried, strong tasting saucy food.
Tomorrow's plan is to head up the North line to places like Shilin n stay out for dinner at the Shilin night market. So tomorrow sleep late a bit, leave room about 11am. Now it's 3.08am. I better get to sleep.
Taipei Day 1 - Ximengding
My parents came and sent us off. With minor mistakes made, we boarded safely. The ride was quite turbulent, was feeling a bit queasy even before lunch was served. For the drinks before lunch I ordered a Singapore Sling, never had one before. It's good n strong. We ate
international set, there's so much food. The main was fish potatoes n veg, appetizer ham n macaroni, cheese n crackers, asked for coke light n Chinese tea and a bread bun. Couldn't finish and the turbulence was making me nauseous but with the tv entertaining, it helped distract the mind. Watched 'Red', bit of Tangled n Glee S2. Aiya then arrived.
The airport picking up luggage and immigration also okay. Got the bus tix without much hassle. When we got to the Taipei train station, then make bit more mistakes but still arrived at Ximen. But when we came up, suddenly kinda lost. The road signs are not prominent, dunno which direction. Then we looked at map and walked towards The Red House, then I went to ask for directions to the street. We walked towards the street n walked along it for about 10+ mins and found the hotel. It's not pleasant to be lost with an irritated sister. As if printing the map would help when it's the street name but can't navigate due to everywhere are shops etc. We checked in with no other hassle near 8pm.
Then we got out around 8.30pm to look for food. We walked around Ximeng looking for dinner. My sister was enticed by the Doll catcher machines. There are 3 of them in a whole stretch of shops. I even tried catching the Angry Birds Plushies that I saw but failed. Bubu. My sister got two little Plushies. Each try is 10NT equivalent to 50cents.
We settled in one of the side food stalls with wholesome type. We ordered 卤肉饭, 蛤煎 and tea. Then we walked around. Still trying to navigate the area and get our markings. With food in our stomach, then we ended with walking around. Bought Mister Donuts, very nice n chewy. Think the ones back home don't have the very nice chewiness. Also bought the Frog egg with Ru Hui tea. Very nice and the Frog eggs very chewy. We also bought this grilled corn with a dark sauce. The corn is sweet but sweet n savory is not my thing. Also on the way back, we saw a stall that sold Plushies at 100NT. Saw the angry bird Plushies there. So I asked the lady if all are 100NT. There were 3, she sold me 280NT. That is way cheaper than what those other shops quoted me. The same one angry bird Plushie cost 290NT!!! So I was very willing to buy those three. The Red, Yellow and Blue. Then We bought water and headed back,it was eleven plus. Settled and bathed. Didn't sleep until 2am, my sister didn't sleep until 5am. She told me this morning, confirm nothing dirty cos she didn't sleep a wink.
international set, there's so much food. The main was fish potatoes n veg, appetizer ham n macaroni, cheese n crackers, asked for coke light n Chinese tea and a bread bun. Couldn't finish and the turbulence was making me nauseous but with the tv entertaining, it helped distract the mind. Watched 'Red', bit of Tangled n Glee S2. Aiya then arrived.
The airport picking up luggage and immigration also okay. Got the bus tix without much hassle. When we got to the Taipei train station, then make bit more mistakes but still arrived at Ximen. But when we came up, suddenly kinda lost. The road signs are not prominent, dunno which direction. Then we looked at map and walked towards The Red House, then I went to ask for directions to the street. We walked towards the street n walked along it for about 10+ mins and found the hotel. It's not pleasant to be lost with an irritated sister. As if printing the map would help when it's the street name but can't navigate due to everywhere are shops etc. We checked in with no other hassle near 8pm.
Then we got out around 8.30pm to look for food. We walked around Ximeng looking for dinner. My sister was enticed by the Doll catcher machines. There are 3 of them in a whole stretch of shops. I even tried catching the Angry Birds Plushies that I saw but failed. Bubu. My sister got two little Plushies. Each try is 10NT equivalent to 50cents.
We settled in one of the side food stalls with wholesome type. We ordered 卤肉饭, 蛤煎 and tea. Then we walked around. Still trying to navigate the area and get our markings. With food in our stomach, then we ended with walking around. Bought Mister Donuts, very nice n chewy. Think the ones back home don't have the very nice chewiness. Also bought the Frog egg with Ru Hui tea. Very nice and the Frog eggs very chewy. We also bought this grilled corn with a dark sauce. The corn is sweet but sweet n savory is not my thing. Also on the way back, we saw a stall that sold Plushies at 100NT. Saw the angry bird Plushies there. So I asked the lady if all are 100NT. There were 3, she sold me 280NT. That is way cheaper than what those other shops quoted me. The same one angry bird Plushie cost 290NT!!! So I was very willing to buy those three. The Red, Yellow and Blue. Then We bought water and headed back,it was eleven plus. Settled and bathed. Didn't sleep until 2am, my sister didn't sleep until 5am. She told me this morning, confirm nothing dirty cos she didn't sleep a wink.
Saturday, March 19, 2011
Taking it easy (easier said than done though) but have to try
The whole term has been dominated by this unknown and being kept in the dark. Whenever try to sort clarification, end up waiting and waiting for answers. Then the whole eat-in situation affected my sense of time n I feel more tensed than usual cos no change in environment. Time seemed to slow down alot. Now with the joke of a contract... I am kept under this tense and womdering mode.
Enough.
The hols are finally here. I am going to enjoy it fully. I am not too worried about the expenditure for the upcoming Taipei trip, nor the reserve which I have replenished back to $30k. The 'sian' part is the look for job phase. It can be done but it have to wait. For now I want to focus on relaxing this 'tensed and stressed' self, take things easy slowly.
I just went to the Guan Ying Temple to pray for a safe trip plus blessing for job plus Healy n family. That eases the mind somewhat. I have to take it easy.
The spa that Tab and I went to yesterday was also quite relaxing, especially the bath (this wooden modern bath and it's quite luxurious. Not that used to the full-body scrub but the massage was good too, my neck not crackling n I was more 精神 after that. Also in line with our tradition of eating this sushi buffet during holidays, we had buffet lunch earlier at Suki sushi. More own-made salmon miso hotpot :) Dinner of Soup Spoon. Went to the Art museum but really I don't get some stuff... And driven home in Quet's new Beetle.
Enough.
The hols are finally here. I am going to enjoy it fully. I am not too worried about the expenditure for the upcoming Taipei trip, nor the reserve which I have replenished back to $30k. The 'sian' part is the look for job phase. It can be done but it have to wait. For now I want to focus on relaxing this 'tensed and stressed' self, take things easy slowly.
I just went to the Guan Ying Temple to pray for a safe trip plus blessing for job plus Healy n family. That eases the mind somewhat. I have to take it easy.
The spa that Tab and I went to yesterday was also quite relaxing, especially the bath (this wooden modern bath and it's quite luxurious. Not that used to the full-body scrub but the massage was good too, my neck not crackling n I was more 精神 after that. Also in line with our tradition of eating this sushi buffet during holidays, we had buffet lunch earlier at Suki sushi. More own-made salmon miso hotpot :) Dinner of Soup Spoon. Went to the Art museum but really I don't get some stuff... And driven home in Quet's new Beetle.
Friday, March 18, 2011
Disappointed n time to search for a job
We have been waiting for news with regards to the contract renewal esp remuneration package, pay, since the last time we've spoken. I gave a letter to highlight 3 areas of concern. That was in mid-Feb. Ever since then, hear nothing. Then recently, on one occasion, Headless told me that the pay increase is ... Think hinting about the contract remuneration that I assumed to be Jedi-master didn't let much through... But she hopes I will enjoy teaching still n the challenge of it. I listened to her intently and told her "Realistically pay matters"
I dunno if it even was registered to the P. Then the other collegues are renewed, but all with marginal increment of less than a hundred. Me n my counterpart are left out and left wondering if it was ever to happen and if they would let it dragged until hols are over which was too much.
True enough, my counterpart was asked in first. I was to go in after her. She took a while hen came out. I asked her if she signed, she said no. Obviously we used Mandarin which nobody unless a local can understand. I was surprised n yet that spoke volumes of the pay. We had already analyzed the situation, which wasn't bright. The worse case was they pay us the same on basis of our current position, though I would be teaching solo lessons, have to plan that still present LC but now is subsumed under English periods. That meant an increase from 3hrs of solo to 16hrs of teaching. Plus they don't account for the work involved in the planning and preparation of extra resources or wS. Just cos u buy a tb n a wb, doesn't mean that nothing else needs to be done but just teach using those. So if they are just going to pay the same as my current to do these. I don't think it's unfair to increase my pay n recognize our change in position to a full-fledge teacher instead of asst.
I sat down, saw the contract which only shows my particulars n pay offered. It's just $50 extra. Really I am disappointed and in disbelief. Emotions getting riled up. I asked these questions
1. What is my position? Why is it not changed to "full fledged" and hence my pay.
2. Why is the pay still at the current given I am no longer 'assisting' But doing solo.
3. Due to responses I heard translated from the P, I made several points; I asked those Alts what they actually did in Japan and compared to them already did more. Plus in the interview, there's no mention of the LC solo but when I started, I took it in stride n cca.
4. Why was the current system of the Alt scrapped so quickly n in a year only to be deemed a failure?
Then after a round of back n forth (ask me for details), it reached a silence. They look at me and I look at the contract infront of me. I could have just sign then screw them over by finding another and serving 1 mths notice. But I don't wish to do that. There is a need to let them be aware of other pple's culture n the fact that they shouldn't just be the ones making the demands. The issue is not the increment but the payscale which is tied to the position. They are not recognizing a change in position, so no change in pay.
The thing is while I had hoped to stay on, I am also concerned abt still drawing this type of salary which is 'okay' as asst but not okay as a full-fledge. I do not want to under-price myself just to have a job n the following year, what if the same argument is used? So year on year, I am getting this? If that's the case, I can start somewhere entry level and work upwards. At least gain a skill outside the industry.
My brows were frowning at this point, I was choked with irritation n disappointment, I told them I need to think about this offer. I need to consider. Respectfully I turned the paper toasted the P and pushed it over a bit. There was no mention of if there's going to be another contract renewal. I don't know but I didn't ask. I walked out angry n very disappointed.
Fearful that I have to give up this income in a 'gamble' of pushing it higher but to me it's not a gamble. It's a change of responsibilities n scope of worker so a change in title should be in order. Even a pay increase of $200-300 minimum would have suffice. The reason quoted abt their economy hence the minimal increment, token at least. But that's not the point. Initially I bought my previous pay was decent, then revised downwards more and more. My pay is enough to get by but I don't expect myself to be on hat same pay year after year even as I am getting older... It's those comfortable but not high figure. Signz...
How can I be motivated? Happy? Inspiring? And focused on doing a good job when despite giving the letter and hence informing them of these concerns result in nothing concrete except for a pay of $50 difference?
I was talking and complaining with my counterpart while she drove us to nearby mall. Ate more substance cos lunch was so light. We are in the same boat. Signs I have to focus on things I can do; enjoy my hols then come back n look for a job.
I bought a travel luggage and she drove me home too. We have to plan our next step. Didn't wish for it to reach this 'worst' scenario and yet it did. I am okay with my decision not to sign because though I know my counterpart didnt sign, she had other reasons, I actually wanted to stay on and continue. But with this, dunno if there will be a contract renewal at all. If negotiations will actually happen or they go find replacements during this hol.
I have to start making my own plans and act upon them.
I dunno if it even was registered to the P. Then the other collegues are renewed, but all with marginal increment of less than a hundred. Me n my counterpart are left out and left wondering if it was ever to happen and if they would let it dragged until hols are over which was too much.
True enough, my counterpart was asked in first. I was to go in after her. She took a while hen came out. I asked her if she signed, she said no. Obviously we used Mandarin which nobody unless a local can understand. I was surprised n yet that spoke volumes of the pay. We had already analyzed the situation, which wasn't bright. The worse case was they pay us the same on basis of our current position, though I would be teaching solo lessons, have to plan that still present LC but now is subsumed under English periods. That meant an increase from 3hrs of solo to 16hrs of teaching. Plus they don't account for the work involved in the planning and preparation of extra resources or wS. Just cos u buy a tb n a wb, doesn't mean that nothing else needs to be done but just teach using those. So if they are just going to pay the same as my current to do these. I don't think it's unfair to increase my pay n recognize our change in position to a full-fledge teacher instead of asst.
I sat down, saw the contract which only shows my particulars n pay offered. It's just $50 extra. Really I am disappointed and in disbelief. Emotions getting riled up. I asked these questions
1. What is my position? Why is it not changed to "full fledged" and hence my pay.
2. Why is the pay still at the current given I am no longer 'assisting' But doing solo.
3. Due to responses I heard translated from the P, I made several points; I asked those Alts what they actually did in Japan and compared to them already did more. Plus in the interview, there's no mention of the LC solo but when I started, I took it in stride n cca.
4. Why was the current system of the Alt scrapped so quickly n in a year only to be deemed a failure?
Then after a round of back n forth (ask me for details), it reached a silence. They look at me and I look at the contract infront of me. I could have just sign then screw them over by finding another and serving 1 mths notice. But I don't wish to do that. There is a need to let them be aware of other pple's culture n the fact that they shouldn't just be the ones making the demands. The issue is not the increment but the payscale which is tied to the position. They are not recognizing a change in position, so no change in pay.
The thing is while I had hoped to stay on, I am also concerned abt still drawing this type of salary which is 'okay' as asst but not okay as a full-fledge. I do not want to under-price myself just to have a job n the following year, what if the same argument is used? So year on year, I am getting this? If that's the case, I can start somewhere entry level and work upwards. At least gain a skill outside the industry.
My brows were frowning at this point, I was choked with irritation n disappointment, I told them I need to think about this offer. I need to consider. Respectfully I turned the paper toasted the P and pushed it over a bit. There was no mention of if there's going to be another contract renewal. I don't know but I didn't ask. I walked out angry n very disappointed.
Fearful that I have to give up this income in a 'gamble' of pushing it higher but to me it's not a gamble. It's a change of responsibilities n scope of worker so a change in title should be in order. Even a pay increase of $200-300 minimum would have suffice. The reason quoted abt their economy hence the minimal increment, token at least. But that's not the point. Initially I bought my previous pay was decent, then revised downwards more and more. My pay is enough to get by but I don't expect myself to be on hat same pay year after year even as I am getting older... It's those comfortable but not high figure. Signz...
How can I be motivated? Happy? Inspiring? And focused on doing a good job when despite giving the letter and hence informing them of these concerns result in nothing concrete except for a pay of $50 difference?
I was talking and complaining with my counterpart while she drove us to nearby mall. Ate more substance cos lunch was so light. We are in the same boat. Signs I have to focus on things I can do; enjoy my hols then come back n look for a job.
I bought a travel luggage and she drove me home too. We have to plan our next step. Didn't wish for it to reach this 'worst' scenario and yet it did. I am okay with my decision not to sign because though I know my counterpart didnt sign, she had other reasons, I actually wanted to stay on and continue. But with this, dunno if there will be a contract renewal at all. If negotiations will actually happen or they go find replacements during this hol.
I have to start making my own plans and act upon them.
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
Feels like I am a fish (in a fish-bowl) swimming around and around
This thought suddenly struck me just now. I was taking a dump in the toilet. Students are dismissed at 1.30pm, educators obviously not. I dont have much to do really. My solo lessons are over, just finished my last asst teaching class (and that was only cos I scheduled myself in, cos I really dont have anything else) then the rest of the time is free.
Good?
Nope. Its too much free time with no privacy in the office. Dunno what I am supposed to do with myself sometimes. Then going up to hide in the kitchen prep room means privacy but mainly just chatting and playing with I-phone. I feel so sedentary, even my fats are piling up. The whole Zar Chai Fang and my messed-up depraved craving is not helping my waist line. My pants feels tighter. So about 2.30pm, I decided to come down to the office. So I went to the toilet. After taking my time, even surfing Internet inside, I came out and saw the fish tank.
There's a fish tank along the corridor to the toilet, near the office. Most of the time, I dont take a closer look. Today with so much time to burn, I decided to stop and look. There are quite a number of fishes; angelfish, guppies and more, no goldfish. So I saw them swim from one end to another, from the other swim back to one end. Though its a big tank but still the space is limited. Even if swim to one corner, there are other fishes. Some kept swimming laps from one end to another. Then a thought struck me. Isnt that what I am doing now? I keep walking around and hiding up in the kitchen to kill time. Though if I look closer, not every teacher is as busy. Its just I need the privacy of personal space without having to keep hearing Jap for one. Gradually I am finding my ability to slowly 'tune out' a bit of the jap that is all over the place. I find relief in the prep room because I can speak in English without having to consider whether they will understand, I dont hear jap, I can slack in peace. But that's also not a long term solution. Its kinda limiting to have to resort to chatting, playing Iphone, surfing internet via Iphone and in very tiring cases, snooze to recharge the frazzled nerves from the constant on-the-edge esp when there are events and they dont tell you exactly what you are supposed to do and later last min, might or might not have to do.
Like for today, there is a whole period of cleaning. I know that. They gave us each a page full of instructions in Jap with no translation. I looked through it and while I can understand the gist of it, I dunno exactly what am I supposed to do? My level has graduated, so the cleaning of the room I was in-charge, there are no students. So I am not sure whether there would be other students assigned by other level's teachers to come to clean the special room. Mine was a science room. Its not being mentioned on the plan, nor has any collegues come to explain. So I took 5 sponges, 1 washing liquid and the room key. Opened up and sat inside to wait and see. I had the sense enough to bring a reading material "Wattention", my insurance claim forms and my I-phone in. In the end, I sat inside until it was almost over, closed and locked up and returned the stuff. Obviously inside, I was reading, filling forms and also surfing internet and what's apping friends. After that though, I felt tired. Its really these type of non-events that makes one tired.
Also had to help do a bit of "clean up" for a colleuge who didnt come today but last minute Headless eye-balled and saw 2 students comments not done. So I called her and got the grades and comments. Then did up and printed out in 15mins. Bo bian. I dont like to do clean up but I am the one present, the other was on leave. Yup these types of events drains the energy. Plus alot of not knowing, esp with regards to the contract renewal. Specifically the pay issue.
So back to the fish tank. I was looking closely at the fish. Even making fish faces at them but obviously nobody was around to witness cos most in the office. Then I walked back to my seat. I came down and intend to read my book. Its a thick book so obviously not anybody can open my book to see the contents. Anyway its an book about investing in Gold and metals. I want to do my homework on this aspect. A few Ang mohs are not at their tables. They are in their own subject rooms doing their stuff. I have no room of my own and hence feel the lack of personal space plus Headless sits on my left. I am still not used to having a neighbour.
The thing is that even if there is nothing to do, cannot go back early. That is the difference. Its kinda inefficient use of time. If I could have leave earlier, I could go gym, sleep etc. Instead of stuck somewhere hiding to use i-phone (toilet, kitchen, back of school) Its kinda very limiting. I am mostly an efficient person and I get my work done quickly and well, and also when I have more tasks, I do them in these types of lull period, free periods. But inspite of doing all these, still have time to burn. Argh!
I bought 4 x 0.5kg dumb-bells to put at workplace to fight the sedentary. I was just using my right arm to do some weights since I shouldnt be doing left arm yet. Later the plan is to go gym to do brisk walking or cycling and sit-ups. Its kinda boring at the moment.
I am looking forward to the holidays and the true lull. Looking forward to sushi buffet plus spa. Then looking forward to Taipei trip. Looking forward to sleeping late and being really free for a change. Until now, still havent told me which meeting I am supposed to attend. So out of courtesy, I shall turn up on April 1st and then if nothing explicit is said to me, I shall not appear until school reopens. Too bad about more travel but they keep delaying and couldnt tell anything concrete inspite of us asking for clarification, highlighting our concerns and after waiting for a few days, reminded them to ask and wait and wait and wait. We would be told part of the answer and then wait and wait. Sometimes the answers give rise to more questions. Its really more and more wait and wait and wait.
Like now how I am waiting to go home but there's still 1hr 25mins more. How I cant concentrate on reading, how I have already done 2 sets of reps on my right arm and am considering the 3rd any moment.
I have a suddent urge to go do crunches but cant cos not that 2hr after food thingy plus the felt mat thingy I bought is upstairs in the cooking room. If I had known, maybe I should have considered cooking but I felt it wasnt too appropriate to do so too often plus after my mom bought the oven, I've decided to bake at home. More control of the time. Plus home territory.
Signz.
Good?
Nope. Its too much free time with no privacy in the office. Dunno what I am supposed to do with myself sometimes. Then going up to hide in the kitchen prep room means privacy but mainly just chatting and playing with I-phone. I feel so sedentary, even my fats are piling up. The whole Zar Chai Fang and my messed-up depraved craving is not helping my waist line. My pants feels tighter. So about 2.30pm, I decided to come down to the office. So I went to the toilet. After taking my time, even surfing Internet inside, I came out and saw the fish tank.
There's a fish tank along the corridor to the toilet, near the office. Most of the time, I dont take a closer look. Today with so much time to burn, I decided to stop and look. There are quite a number of fishes; angelfish, guppies and more, no goldfish. So I saw them swim from one end to another, from the other swim back to one end. Though its a big tank but still the space is limited. Even if swim to one corner, there are other fishes. Some kept swimming laps from one end to another. Then a thought struck me. Isnt that what I am doing now? I keep walking around and hiding up in the kitchen to kill time. Though if I look closer, not every teacher is as busy. Its just I need the privacy of personal space without having to keep hearing Jap for one. Gradually I am finding my ability to slowly 'tune out' a bit of the jap that is all over the place. I find relief in the prep room because I can speak in English without having to consider whether they will understand, I dont hear jap, I can slack in peace. But that's also not a long term solution. Its kinda limiting to have to resort to chatting, playing Iphone, surfing internet via Iphone and in very tiring cases, snooze to recharge the frazzled nerves from the constant on-the-edge esp when there are events and they dont tell you exactly what you are supposed to do and later last min, might or might not have to do.
Like for today, there is a whole period of cleaning. I know that. They gave us each a page full of instructions in Jap with no translation. I looked through it and while I can understand the gist of it, I dunno exactly what am I supposed to do? My level has graduated, so the cleaning of the room I was in-charge, there are no students. So I am not sure whether there would be other students assigned by other level's teachers to come to clean the special room. Mine was a science room. Its not being mentioned on the plan, nor has any collegues come to explain. So I took 5 sponges, 1 washing liquid and the room key. Opened up and sat inside to wait and see. I had the sense enough to bring a reading material "Wattention", my insurance claim forms and my I-phone in. In the end, I sat inside until it was almost over, closed and locked up and returned the stuff. Obviously inside, I was reading, filling forms and also surfing internet and what's apping friends. After that though, I felt tired. Its really these type of non-events that makes one tired.
Also had to help do a bit of "clean up" for a colleuge who didnt come today but last minute Headless eye-balled and saw 2 students comments not done. So I called her and got the grades and comments. Then did up and printed out in 15mins. Bo bian. I dont like to do clean up but I am the one present, the other was on leave. Yup these types of events drains the energy. Plus alot of not knowing, esp with regards to the contract renewal. Specifically the pay issue.
So back to the fish tank. I was looking closely at the fish. Even making fish faces at them but obviously nobody was around to witness cos most in the office. Then I walked back to my seat. I came down and intend to read my book. Its a thick book so obviously not anybody can open my book to see the contents. Anyway its an book about investing in Gold and metals. I want to do my homework on this aspect. A few Ang mohs are not at their tables. They are in their own subject rooms doing their stuff. I have no room of my own and hence feel the lack of personal space plus Headless sits on my left. I am still not used to having a neighbour.
The thing is that even if there is nothing to do, cannot go back early. That is the difference. Its kinda inefficient use of time. If I could have leave earlier, I could go gym, sleep etc. Instead of stuck somewhere hiding to use i-phone (toilet, kitchen, back of school) Its kinda very limiting. I am mostly an efficient person and I get my work done quickly and well, and also when I have more tasks, I do them in these types of lull period, free periods. But inspite of doing all these, still have time to burn. Argh!
I bought 4 x 0.5kg dumb-bells to put at workplace to fight the sedentary. I was just using my right arm to do some weights since I shouldnt be doing left arm yet. Later the plan is to go gym to do brisk walking or cycling and sit-ups. Its kinda boring at the moment.
I am looking forward to the holidays and the true lull. Looking forward to sushi buffet plus spa. Then looking forward to Taipei trip. Looking forward to sleeping late and being really free for a change. Until now, still havent told me which meeting I am supposed to attend. So out of courtesy, I shall turn up on April 1st and then if nothing explicit is said to me, I shall not appear until school reopens. Too bad about more travel but they keep delaying and couldnt tell anything concrete inspite of us asking for clarification, highlighting our concerns and after waiting for a few days, reminded them to ask and wait and wait and wait. We would be told part of the answer and then wait and wait. Sometimes the answers give rise to more questions. Its really more and more wait and wait and wait.
Like now how I am waiting to go home but there's still 1hr 25mins more. How I cant concentrate on reading, how I have already done 2 sets of reps on my right arm and am considering the 3rd any moment.
I have a suddent urge to go do crunches but cant cos not that 2hr after food thingy plus the felt mat thingy I bought is upstairs in the cooking room. If I had known, maybe I should have considered cooking but I felt it wasnt too appropriate to do so too often plus after my mom bought the oven, I've decided to bake at home. More control of the time. Plus home territory.
Signz.
Monday, March 14, 2011
Misfortune or Fortunate?
It is fortunate that our intended planned trip to Japan fell through given the recent earthquake, tsunami and now nuclear reactor problem. Our destination was Tokyo which was one of the places struck by earthquake though no tsunami. The nuclear reactor is in Fukushima in middle of Japan, not that very far from Tokyo.
I'll be beading to Taiwan this Sunday. Checked the world map. It's on the other side of Japan and so much further away from the bottom tip of Japan. In fact countries that are more worried about the nuclear fallout is south and north Korea and central Japan. It's scary how things can change in an instant. Many were looking forward to the coming holidays until these series of tragedies make certain problems seem small in comparison.
The other is my contract. Headless is like the translator for the P. She was telling me around Thur or Fri that they tried to fight for our salary increase, but seems it is not flexible. That there wasnt time for negotiations with us. Huh? WTF? For increase in workload in terms of preparation and planning and even having to make own resources cos they dont have anything in terms of resources thus far. Still expect me to take same pay? Where got such deal? If that's the case, I rather keep my current position... Then said something like next year will definitely have negotiations, pay increase (all these sounds empty and very unrealistic) and expect me to enjoy the challenge of teaching. WTF? Sometimes dunno wth is the Headless trying to achieve by saying such crap. I did tell her, "Realistically, the pay matters."
There are a whole lot of issues that leaving us in our current position as asst is not gonna cut it. We would be doing solo lessons all the way through in English. You think dont need preparation meh? Given their tb is so simple and their wb has a combination of eng n jap. Duh! This is what happens when the Headless gets to plan. Like a typical teacher-planned project, its all paper but nothing in logistical nor resources aspect. Then the lame meeting on last Friday. All of us sat down and had to discuss about how to do the lesson based on this 1-liner 'prepare qns and interview teacher'. HUH? we were all giving each other question marks. Then in my group of 4-5, we had to devise some more concrete things like how to conduct the lesson, how the lesson should flow over the 2 weeks, design 1-2 ws for the acticivities. WHAT type of planning is this? Then there was silence about the other 3 lessons which I would be doing solo. WTFH? I think for all the increased trouble, I should be reimbursed. Its a change in work responsibilities and scope, a change in position, dont expect me to work 100% n be happy at the same pay. That would be under-paying. The financial maxim "When you pay peanuts, you get monkeys" *peanuts is not 1mil in NKF scandal case* I am not sure if I would work as hard nor be as creative in resource making as I am now if I have to do all of the stuff at the same pay... WTH?
I better start on my job search right after Taipei trip. Stupid stockmarket is going nowhere and I am in for the ride. Not much gains and losses in current position. No gains except for dividends. Unfortunately cannot survive on dividends alone.
Fortunate or Unfortunate....
I'll be beading to Taiwan this Sunday. Checked the world map. It's on the other side of Japan and so much further away from the bottom tip of Japan. In fact countries that are more worried about the nuclear fallout is south and north Korea and central Japan. It's scary how things can change in an instant. Many were looking forward to the coming holidays until these series of tragedies make certain problems seem small in comparison.
The other is my contract. Headless is like the translator for the P. She was telling me around Thur or Fri that they tried to fight for our salary increase, but seems it is not flexible. That there wasnt time for negotiations with us. Huh? WTF? For increase in workload in terms of preparation and planning and even having to make own resources cos they dont have anything in terms of resources thus far. Still expect me to take same pay? Where got such deal? If that's the case, I rather keep my current position... Then said something like next year will definitely have negotiations, pay increase (all these sounds empty and very unrealistic) and expect me to enjoy the challenge of teaching. WTF? Sometimes dunno wth is the Headless trying to achieve by saying such crap. I did tell her, "Realistically, the pay matters."
There are a whole lot of issues that leaving us in our current position as asst is not gonna cut it. We would be doing solo lessons all the way through in English. You think dont need preparation meh? Given their tb is so simple and their wb has a combination of eng n jap. Duh! This is what happens when the Headless gets to plan. Like a typical teacher-planned project, its all paper but nothing in logistical nor resources aspect. Then the lame meeting on last Friday. All of us sat down and had to discuss about how to do the lesson based on this 1-liner 'prepare qns and interview teacher'. HUH? we were all giving each other question marks. Then in my group of 4-5, we had to devise some more concrete things like how to conduct the lesson, how the lesson should flow over the 2 weeks, design 1-2 ws for the acticivities. WHAT type of planning is this? Then there was silence about the other 3 lessons which I would be doing solo. WTFH? I think for all the increased trouble, I should be reimbursed. Its a change in work responsibilities and scope, a change in position, dont expect me to work 100% n be happy at the same pay. That would be under-paying. The financial maxim "When you pay peanuts, you get monkeys" *peanuts is not 1mil in NKF scandal case* I am not sure if I would work as hard nor be as creative in resource making as I am now if I have to do all of the stuff at the same pay... WTH?
I better start on my job search right after Taipei trip. Stupid stockmarket is going nowhere and I am in for the ride. Not much gains and losses in current position. No gains except for dividends. Unfortunately cannot survive on dividends alone.
Fortunate or Unfortunate....
Thursday, March 10, 2011
No energy n on a short fuse
Last nite after returning from the library, I couldn't get any taipei travel guides cos the 4 loaned out. After dinner, I was so tired I laid in bed to rest. Waiting for the 2 hrs to pass so can exercise, but shortly about 9 plus I dozed off, only to sake the next morning, about 7pm. Really knocked out.
Went to work on empty stomach cos no time to buy or will miss bus n be late. So I ate 2 snacks given last time by colleagues n made instant coffee. I haven't even finished half the coffee, one EL collegue come n tell me that for tomorrow's lesson, since I am with her n it's my last lesson with them, to play a game for the whole class. She asked if I got any ideas... She still wants it to be conversational... Obviously on such short notice, nope. She gave an example of dunno what 'fruit basket' where all sit around, then 2 come up and ask and answer a simple question like "Are you a boy?" then they exchange places... Which has many problems. I am not awake yet, I have absolutely no idea how is that a game, no idea about what type of conversational game they can play without coming up with crappy short lame questions... All these flash past my mind in a second. I told her I have no idea irritably. She asked what we do as games in my solo lessons, I showed her the card games we made n how it's conducted in small gps of 3-4. So guess I can't help but I end up being irritated. I sipped coffee n surfed the Internet for classroom filler ideas but none of them can take up a 50min plus allow them to converse. I don't see the point of it. In local school, a filler can be reading, drawing, writing a journal style, creative writing and even things like murder which involves listening n following instructions... There are speaking, writing, listening and reading activities to fall upon. Ask me out of the blue to think of a conversational game with the whole class, I have nothing but irritation.
Two hrs later, I am irritated again. This time by Headless. Yesterday's certificates n comments print out. I did one level, my counter part did another. Then she came with another stack of certs so I told her I will continue today. First she went to the stack n did something, I dunno what and don't care. Then she got something up, she asked if I was free n said something along the line of "could you start on these" which again I can't say no. So I told her to leave it n I will continue. I was eye-balling thru my counter part's comment sheets. I had class earlier n came down n was eye-balling. Since she seated there at the table, I decided to eyeball the comments first. What's the point of squeezing there for 2 people to do 1 work. Then she went back to her own seat n then while I was still eye-balling, almost finished. She looked at me and said something utterly stupid "when is ur free period n yr counterpart's free period? We should sit down together to do it." I tell ya by this time I was showing a super irritated face, very short of rolling my eyes. What is the point of getting 3 pole to sit around when it's about mostly done. If u wanted to 3 pole do, then why pass the whole bloody stack to us to do. Bloody hell, it's sorting the comments n certs by class cos they bloody stupid never have any class written on the comments n certs so it has to be done twice. So need 3 pole now to crowd over the few remaining comments to do what? One person read aloud, one person find and one person tick? DUH! I was mumbling n visibly irritated. I controlled myself n just looked at her n shake my head n went to another table to continue sorting through n ticking off the namelist. She had gone ahead to put another batch of certs into the classes but never ticked off. So I ticked off the names of those newly added comment sheets n certs. Quite tired after that. Cos I didnt even finish my cup of coffee n been doing stuff straight after coming down... My face black lor and after those were done. I went for another lesson. After which was lunch. Didn't do much after that.
Had another lesson n cca n assignment. Lagi tired myself. Just wish for the weekend soon. Think my short fuse is really from a whole combination of being really tired from the hrs at work, the zhuobuoness of all those events which drains Jin sheng. Plus body clock also reaching the end of the year, can't wait for the year to end timer. Plus stupidity irritates me. Grrr... Zzzzzz....
Went to work on empty stomach cos no time to buy or will miss bus n be late. So I ate 2 snacks given last time by colleagues n made instant coffee. I haven't even finished half the coffee, one EL collegue come n tell me that for tomorrow's lesson, since I am with her n it's my last lesson with them, to play a game for the whole class. She asked if I got any ideas... She still wants it to be conversational... Obviously on such short notice, nope. She gave an example of dunno what 'fruit basket' where all sit around, then 2 come up and ask and answer a simple question like "Are you a boy?" then they exchange places... Which has many problems. I am not awake yet, I have absolutely no idea how is that a game, no idea about what type of conversational game they can play without coming up with crappy short lame questions... All these flash past my mind in a second. I told her I have no idea irritably. She asked what we do as games in my solo lessons, I showed her the card games we made n how it's conducted in small gps of 3-4. So guess I can't help but I end up being irritated. I sipped coffee n surfed the Internet for classroom filler ideas but none of them can take up a 50min plus allow them to converse. I don't see the point of it. In local school, a filler can be reading, drawing, writing a journal style, creative writing and even things like murder which involves listening n following instructions... There are speaking, writing, listening and reading activities to fall upon. Ask me out of the blue to think of a conversational game with the whole class, I have nothing but irritation.
Two hrs later, I am irritated again. This time by Headless. Yesterday's certificates n comments print out. I did one level, my counter part did another. Then she came with another stack of certs so I told her I will continue today. First she went to the stack n did something, I dunno what and don't care. Then she got something up, she asked if I was free n said something along the line of "could you start on these" which again I can't say no. So I told her to leave it n I will continue. I was eye-balling thru my counter part's comment sheets. I had class earlier n came down n was eye-balling. Since she seated there at the table, I decided to eyeball the comments first. What's the point of squeezing there for 2 people to do 1 work. Then she went back to her own seat n then while I was still eye-balling, almost finished. She looked at me and said something utterly stupid "when is ur free period n yr counterpart's free period? We should sit down together to do it." I tell ya by this time I was showing a super irritated face, very short of rolling my eyes. What is the point of getting 3 pole to sit around when it's about mostly done. If u wanted to 3 pole do, then why pass the whole bloody stack to us to do. Bloody hell, it's sorting the comments n certs by class cos they bloody stupid never have any class written on the comments n certs so it has to be done twice. So need 3 pole now to crowd over the few remaining comments to do what? One person read aloud, one person find and one person tick? DUH! I was mumbling n visibly irritated. I controlled myself n just looked at her n shake my head n went to another table to continue sorting through n ticking off the namelist. She had gone ahead to put another batch of certs into the classes but never ticked off. So I ticked off the names of those newly added comment sheets n certs. Quite tired after that. Cos I didnt even finish my cup of coffee n been doing stuff straight after coming down... My face black lor and after those were done. I went for another lesson. After which was lunch. Didn't do much after that.
Had another lesson n cca n assignment. Lagi tired myself. Just wish for the weekend soon. Think my short fuse is really from a whole combination of being really tired from the hrs at work, the zhuobuoness of all those events which drains Jin sheng. Plus body clock also reaching the end of the year, can't wait for the year to end timer. Plus stupidity irritates me. Grrr... Zzzzzz....
Wednesday, March 09, 2011
没精神
Feel very very tired mentally. I slept abt 12 plus plus. Work at 7.20, snooze until 7.40. Despite breakfast n coffee, by the 1st period I am feeling very zoned out. Knowing I have class, I just 养神 a bit then go for the last set of solo lessons. 2 instead of 3 cos the S3 graduated already.
I just came down and then the next thing, I haven't even drink a drop of water then the next thing, Headless told me to sort this stack of comments and certificates. Err I have super black face n I was super irritated... Was listening to mp3 on I-phone and grumbling in Chinese n mix of english... Cos I couldn't even focus on eye-balling the name list with the amount of mental tiredness I have plus with the irritation meter at super high levels. After I've finished one stack, decided to call it quits for lunch first then continue after that.
After lunch slightly better then have a power-down of 10min shut-eye. Now feel good enough to continue with that stack. Feel my temper and stuff back to normal. Today is another gym or do-at-home strength building session. Plus need to go library to borrow travel guides to Taipei. Just so can do iternary.
Just hope the weekend can come quickly.
I just came down and then the next thing, I haven't even drink a drop of water then the next thing, Headless told me to sort this stack of comments and certificates. Err I have super black face n I was super irritated... Was listening to mp3 on I-phone and grumbling in Chinese n mix of english... Cos I couldn't even focus on eye-balling the name list with the amount of mental tiredness I have plus with the irritation meter at super high levels. After I've finished one stack, decided to call it quits for lunch first then continue after that.
After lunch slightly better then have a power-down of 10min shut-eye. Now feel good enough to continue with that stack. Feel my temper and stuff back to normal. Today is another gym or do-at-home strength building session. Plus need to go library to borrow travel guides to Taipei. Just so can do iternary.
Just hope the weekend can come quickly.
Tuesday, March 08, 2011
Paid but tired
I got paid the outstanding fee in cash. My ex-collegue SMS me back n we would start another set at the reduced fees n timing today. I was half-hoping that it was the end, at the expense of $115, I could have the freedom of all my free days. Well... Okay just continue, keeping in mind that once the PSLE is over, I am done... At least I hope.
The salary nego, the P came back that he does not have the power. It's his boss, the Jedi-master whom decides. Problem is we only get to see the Jedi-master during the time to sign the contract. Where is the room to negotiate if any at all??? So in a sense, I am glad I did register my concern through that letter though it's all in English. Better than wait until actual contract-signing day?!? So whether I have to continue assignments depends on the pay condition. I want to be paid decent enough so that I won't have to do assignments to supplement, as this new position would require more lesson planning n stuff... So that's what I hope for.
Tomorrow is 2nd gym or home with weights. Or if I can put some 1kg weights at workplace, can exercise during free periods even more, instead of just sitting around and stone and play I-phone or read stuff... Too sedentary, last time I still go out for lunch. Still can walk out n back.Hmm okay time to go Daiso to buy those 1kg small dumbbells.
Today a whole morning of graduation ceremony for the sec 3. It's an eye-opener to how they graduate but it's really very formal n I actually zoned out during the one-too-many speeches, though usually I am 'brain-fried' by the auto response of translating half, understand half thingy. Last nite I ironed a set of formal clothes, both jackets: black n white. One for the school ceremony, one for the graduation party that I had un-wittingly signed up but seems to be one I must go as I am considered in the level. It's again buffet style in s function room in a famous hotel, with round tables n a stage. Students perform singing n band, then the teachers have to perform one item too. Yes it's singing a Jap song. I can romanjinise the lyrics and actually read the hiragana but mouth cannot catch up fast with pure hiragana. Need the romanji to be on par with eye-mouth coordination. Err kena saboed n stood in the middle... Nevermind.
After that, I left with a collegue to look at electric appliances to spend her work budget on. We ate at Soup Spoon n then I left for assignment. Now just reached home, mentally n physically tired. Tom I'd last set of solo lessons for this tern. Jia you.
I just wanna exercise n sleep n practice guitar n make money from shares. Unfortunately, nothing much is happening, so no sale to realize profit. Only dividends at the moment. It's into March already... Oh well just have to be patient.
The salary nego, the P came back that he does not have the power. It's his boss, the Jedi-master whom decides. Problem is we only get to see the Jedi-master during the time to sign the contract. Where is the room to negotiate if any at all??? So in a sense, I am glad I did register my concern through that letter though it's all in English. Better than wait until actual contract-signing day?!? So whether I have to continue assignments depends on the pay condition. I want to be paid decent enough so that I won't have to do assignments to supplement, as this new position would require more lesson planning n stuff... So that's what I hope for.
Tomorrow is 2nd gym or home with weights. Or if I can put some 1kg weights at workplace, can exercise during free periods even more, instead of just sitting around and stone and play I-phone or read stuff... Too sedentary, last time I still go out for lunch. Still can walk out n back.Hmm okay time to go Daiso to buy those 1kg small dumbbells.
Today a whole morning of graduation ceremony for the sec 3. It's an eye-opener to how they graduate but it's really very formal n I actually zoned out during the one-too-many speeches, though usually I am 'brain-fried' by the auto response of translating half, understand half thingy. Last nite I ironed a set of formal clothes, both jackets: black n white. One for the school ceremony, one for the graduation party that I had un-wittingly signed up but seems to be one I must go as I am considered in the level. It's again buffet style in s function room in a famous hotel, with round tables n a stage. Students perform singing n band, then the teachers have to perform one item too. Yes it's singing a Jap song. I can romanjinise the lyrics and actually read the hiragana but mouth cannot catch up fast with pure hiragana. Need the romanji to be on par with eye-mouth coordination. Err kena saboed n stood in the middle... Nevermind.
After that, I left with a collegue to look at electric appliances to spend her work budget on. We ate at Soup Spoon n then I left for assignment. Now just reached home, mentally n physically tired. Tom I'd last set of solo lessons for this tern. Jia you.
I just wanna exercise n sleep n practice guitar n make money from shares. Unfortunately, nothing much is happening, so no sale to realize profit. Only dividends at the moment. It's into March already... Oh well just have to be patient.
Monday, March 07, 2011
Signz... Ultimate Pig (Peak) and Tired (Holiday come quickly)
To start off, I am currently in a bit of a sian state cos my ex-collegue whom I have been tutoring her kids, didnt transfer the full amount to me. I sms her once I've checked that account and have heard no reply since Friday. I did check that account on Sunday. Its the end of the 8th lesson, so I should get the full payment. Then one of her daughters couldnt make it for the current arrangement, so for the NEXT set of 8, I made changes to the timing and hence recalculated to a fee less $115. So that was what was transferred to me, I am $115 short. The next set of lesson is starting this week... I have just sent another sms to her to inform her that the fees is wrong, $115 short, that the lowered fees arrangement only starts this coming week. I would give a benefit of doubt though I personally find it doubtful. In my sms, I wrote that payment is short, new lowered fees start next lesson onwards, plus whether she still want to continue.
Actually I am fine without this assignment. Its extra money to let me ease my worries about lowered pay. I can definitely survive on my current salary. Even this $115 is not such a big deal financially. But its the Principle of it. I came for lessons dilligently, putting in the hours, plus travelling time. Then this sort of antics. I dont believe I will start the new set of lessons until payment of the outstanding amount is carried out. Incidentally its tomorrow. SO if by tomorrow late afternoon, still nothing, I am not showing up and will sms that I will not show unless payment is done because what is there to stop her from not paying my outstanding fees that would not only include this but also with every lesson that I go?
Partly also is I can really do without it, so instead of going for 2 days of assignment. I can go to the gym more often. For one, I am at an even heavier weight than my previous PIG of my life. This is the Ultimate PIG (peak) of the life... I am heading to the gym straight after work today. I intend to up the no of times. SO if this assignement thing fall through, at most I lose that outstanding amount but gain the freedom to go to gym, practice my guitar, bake and even plan the Taipei trip. More free time on weekdays are definitely more welcomed. I am always trying to find time to bake, exercise and even go out. Then there's a strong sense of deja vu whenever I reached home at 11pm plus daily and sleep at 12am plus from Mon to Thur, 2 days due to assignement, 2 days due to running errands, going out, gym, cooking.
I am looking forward to the end of the last term. I feel my energy levels falling (havent exercised in 3 weeks) and also lack of sleep due to the later nights during the week. Just want it to end at this point. Think reaching the limits.
Tonight, exercise then go and iron formal clothes and then sleep early. Tomorrow I have to make it a point to be early and dressed. Think I shall bring my stuff and change at work. Intend to wear contacts too.
A stupid thing just happened. I paid $61 for the S3 graduation party thinking that this is one of those "you know" thingy only to later on find out that its not. Then I was told just now that the teachers who were attending have to meet up at 3pm later to discuss some sort of performance to put up for the graduating students? WTF???? I paid $61 to go put on a show? If I had known earlier, I wouldnt have paid at all...
Actually I am fine without this assignment. Its extra money to let me ease my worries about lowered pay. I can definitely survive on my current salary. Even this $115 is not such a big deal financially. But its the Principle of it. I came for lessons dilligently, putting in the hours, plus travelling time. Then this sort of antics. I dont believe I will start the new set of lessons until payment of the outstanding amount is carried out. Incidentally its tomorrow. SO if by tomorrow late afternoon, still nothing, I am not showing up and will sms that I will not show unless payment is done because what is there to stop her from not paying my outstanding fees that would not only include this but also with every lesson that I go?
Partly also is I can really do without it, so instead of going for 2 days of assignment. I can go to the gym more often. For one, I am at an even heavier weight than my previous PIG of my life. This is the Ultimate PIG (peak) of the life... I am heading to the gym straight after work today. I intend to up the no of times. SO if this assignement thing fall through, at most I lose that outstanding amount but gain the freedom to go to gym, practice my guitar, bake and even plan the Taipei trip. More free time on weekdays are definitely more welcomed. I am always trying to find time to bake, exercise and even go out. Then there's a strong sense of deja vu whenever I reached home at 11pm plus daily and sleep at 12am plus from Mon to Thur, 2 days due to assignement, 2 days due to running errands, going out, gym, cooking.
I am looking forward to the end of the last term. I feel my energy levels falling (havent exercised in 3 weeks) and also lack of sleep due to the later nights during the week. Just want it to end at this point. Think reaching the limits.
Tonight, exercise then go and iron formal clothes and then sleep early. Tomorrow I have to make it a point to be early and dressed. Think I shall bring my stuff and change at work. Intend to wear contacts too.
A stupid thing just happened. I paid $61 for the S3 graduation party thinking that this is one of those "you know" thingy only to later on find out that its not. Then I was told just now that the teachers who were attending have to meet up at 3pm later to discuss some sort of performance to put up for the graduating students? WTF???? I paid $61 to go put on a show? If I had known earlier, I wouldnt have paid at all...
Thursday, March 03, 2011
Animal Porn n Orange Cheesecake
Yar. I am aware that there was a school field trip planned for the graduating students but since I wasn't told anything up until mon late afternoon, I assumed I dont need to be involved. Wrong.
Tuesday morning, the level head come and tell me that at 1pm, two others have to head down, so I go with them. Okay. We are the ones with lessons at other levels unlike the level teachers whose timetable is suspended cos their students are graduating.
Fine luckily I have a period free to eat and rest up after 3 consecutive periods. So we headed down in a cab. When I arrived, was told earlier to bring a chop to stamp on student's paper if they spot us. Then the level head say that maybe I don't need to chop cos my name is not reflected in the student's ws. Thanks lor but I made my way solo around the zoo, to increAse their chance of spotting me. When they do, they are surprised that I am here. Then I still chop at some space on their ws, saying I am extra.
But when I first entered the zoo, I heard this loud splashing and loud shrill sound. I followed the sound to the otters enclosure. First thing see these 2 otters at the side of the water. The one under is making all the loud shrill sound and the top one is splashing lots if water in a frenzy of movement underwater. 2 other otters were looking intently from the bank. Err it doesnt take much brain nor time to figure out that they are mating. In fact many visitors were gathered around, drawn by the very very loud shrill sounds. I had taught it was something else than animal porn... In fact when I reached the tapir exhibit, still can hear lor. Walao. First few sight is animal porn. What a great way to start...
Then I walked on. I wanted to go to the KFC area in the inner part of the zoo but I kept following diff paths to parts where parts are closed or even a 'vehicle' only. I kept walking in this huge loop that ended up me being back at the otter enclosure... Huh? I though I followed that bloody map and the footpath??
But we arrived around 1.20pm and must start assembling around 2.30pm. So I didn't make it to the KFC inside. The outside one also not nice to be seen. So hang around until 3pm then finally depart. So glad for aircon cos I was wandering about in the hot afternoon sun in the area with little air con. Man! I should have stayed at the elephant place,
At least it was sheltered n relatively cooler. Not that smelly, I think sheeps were much much worse.
But went back n I rested until dismissal. We decided to head to town with about 40mins left on the clock and ended up in TCC where I ordered the high tea set. It's very rare for me to eat something like this and end up in a cafe around 5pm so early. The high tea set wS delicious. Love the scones with the cream cheese, the pizza roll, the Oreo cheesecake and stuff. It came with 6 mini items and tea. A very very delicious and welcome change from Zar Chai Beng.
I was deciding to jio others for dinner cos my collected would meet their spouses after the TCC but no one could make it. FH kindly offered to meet around 9 cos he had appt and he called later at 9pm to check if can still meet up. But seeing how rush it is for him and he's got to finish stuff to rush for this weekend's Jay Chou concert so I told him it's okay. Catch up after this weekend.
Anyway I decided to catch a movie otherwise like just go home a bit boh. So watch the Gnomeo n Juliet in 3D. Played $2 of tokens in the arcade. Man, jewel puzzle fighters is a good time killer. Then headed into the cinema. The build up is a bit slow but some parts quite amusing. It's a bit clunky to wear over my own spectacles.
After that I went to eat the ultimate delicious fish soup at the food court. Ate happily, it's been ages since I've last eaten that.
Still taste as good as ever. Then headed home by met for a change. Reached home near 11, bathed n brushed teeth, already 12. Then knocked out until this morning. It's only thur???
Plus my sprained wrist is hurting even more today... Going to be wearing medicated plasters n bandages for the next few days.
Today's assignment got cancelled so I happily went home and on the way back, dropped by to buy some ingredients to make 'Orange Cheese Cake'. Seems easy enough but my first few steps already made grave mistake. I kept thinking 1 small pack of milk is 150 and poured one pack in when I was supposed to use just 150ml. So mixture turned watery. So added natural yoghurt plus extra cream cheese to make back the proportion... Signz, so far both tries at cheesecake always make some mistake. Guess cos of space limitation, not easy to weigh out ingredients plus equipment is lacking. Just keep making do and leaving a mess like splatters of cream and stuff here and there and have to clean up which I did during the long cooking time.
So after two hrs of baking, now it's cooling before I can put it in the fridge to chill overnite. Now stoning wrist still painful.
Tuesday morning, the level head come and tell me that at 1pm, two others have to head down, so I go with them. Okay. We are the ones with lessons at other levels unlike the level teachers whose timetable is suspended cos their students are graduating.
Fine luckily I have a period free to eat and rest up after 3 consecutive periods. So we headed down in a cab. When I arrived, was told earlier to bring a chop to stamp on student's paper if they spot us. Then the level head say that maybe I don't need to chop cos my name is not reflected in the student's ws. Thanks lor but I made my way solo around the zoo, to increAse their chance of spotting me. When they do, they are surprised that I am here. Then I still chop at some space on their ws, saying I am extra.
But when I first entered the zoo, I heard this loud splashing and loud shrill sound. I followed the sound to the otters enclosure. First thing see these 2 otters at the side of the water. The one under is making all the loud shrill sound and the top one is splashing lots if water in a frenzy of movement underwater. 2 other otters were looking intently from the bank. Err it doesnt take much brain nor time to figure out that they are mating. In fact many visitors were gathered around, drawn by the very very loud shrill sounds. I had taught it was something else than animal porn... In fact when I reached the tapir exhibit, still can hear lor. Walao. First few sight is animal porn. What a great way to start...
Then I walked on. I wanted to go to the KFC area in the inner part of the zoo but I kept following diff paths to parts where parts are closed or even a 'vehicle' only. I kept walking in this huge loop that ended up me being back at the otter enclosure... Huh? I though I followed that bloody map and the footpath??
But we arrived around 1.20pm and must start assembling around 2.30pm. So I didn't make it to the KFC inside. The outside one also not nice to be seen. So hang around until 3pm then finally depart. So glad for aircon cos I was wandering about in the hot afternoon sun in the area with little air con. Man! I should have stayed at the elephant place,
At least it was sheltered n relatively cooler. Not that smelly, I think sheeps were much much worse.
But went back n I rested until dismissal. We decided to head to town with about 40mins left on the clock and ended up in TCC where I ordered the high tea set. It's very rare for me to eat something like this and end up in a cafe around 5pm so early. The high tea set wS delicious. Love the scones with the cream cheese, the pizza roll, the Oreo cheesecake and stuff. It came with 6 mini items and tea. A very very delicious and welcome change from Zar Chai Beng.
I was deciding to jio others for dinner cos my collected would meet their spouses after the TCC but no one could make it. FH kindly offered to meet around 9 cos he had appt and he called later at 9pm to check if can still meet up. But seeing how rush it is for him and he's got to finish stuff to rush for this weekend's Jay Chou concert so I told him it's okay. Catch up after this weekend.
Anyway I decided to catch a movie otherwise like just go home a bit boh. So watch the Gnomeo n Juliet in 3D. Played $2 of tokens in the arcade. Man, jewel puzzle fighters is a good time killer. Then headed into the cinema. The build up is a bit slow but some parts quite amusing. It's a bit clunky to wear over my own spectacles.
After that I went to eat the ultimate delicious fish soup at the food court. Ate happily, it's been ages since I've last eaten that.
Still taste as good as ever. Then headed home by met for a change. Reached home near 11, bathed n brushed teeth, already 12. Then knocked out until this morning. It's only thur???
Plus my sprained wrist is hurting even more today... Going to be wearing medicated plasters n bandages for the next few days.
Today's assignment got cancelled so I happily went home and on the way back, dropped by to buy some ingredients to make 'Orange Cheese Cake'. Seems easy enough but my first few steps already made grave mistake. I kept thinking 1 small pack of milk is 150 and poured one pack in when I was supposed to use just 150ml. So mixture turned watery. So added natural yoghurt plus extra cream cheese to make back the proportion... Signz, so far both tries at cheesecake always make some mistake. Guess cos of space limitation, not easy to weigh out ingredients plus equipment is lacking. Just keep making do and leaving a mess like splatters of cream and stuff here and there and have to clean up which I did during the long cooking time.
So after two hrs of baking, now it's cooling before I can put it in the fridge to chill overnite. Now stoning wrist still painful.
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