Jap Curry
Didnt know what exactly, maybe cos I had meatballs at Ikea, so I guess the thought of minced meat struck me as something I could use in the cooking of Jap curry. It appealed to me cos I used it similarly in my version of pasta bolognese.
Bought the hot version of the curry (not even a hint of heat) and minced pork. Parents went back and my job was to look after my sis. Help out. So felt like cooking a bit. Helped use up the carrots, potatoes and onions at home. So the preparation was kinda typical. Wash, peel and chop into smaller pieces. I fried the carrots and potatoes for a while then transfer to a pot. Then fried some garlic then onions and added the minced meat and stir until cooked. Then added 1liter of water, bring to boil, throw in the Jap curry blocks and keep stirring over a lower fire, to soften the carrots and potatoes. Also to let it thicken as some of the water is boiled off. Tasted okay, then scoop and serve beside a bed of rice.
It was my lunch and dinner, and lunch and dinner the next day. It was enjoyable. My sis also ate that for dinner and lunch the next day. By the second heating up of the curry, all the carrots and potatoes have softened up. Definitely something u prepare when u are not too hungry. To me, its good cos not too salty, every bite has either minced meat, carrot, onion and potato. Not like the authentic ones which has just a few cubes of meat which doesnt last until u finish the rice.
Burger n meatballs - minced pork
Before the hols, I got a basic recipe from my colleague that I wanted to try out. Cross-checked with another one. Plus I had to use up the spring onions and I wantee more onions. Modified the recipe.
First time making my own version of a burger. Wanted it to be "healthier" so more onions and later added the spring onions. Put in 2 eggs and 2 slices of bread. After mixing all in, seems more onions than meat. Or can say the patty didnt resemble outside patties. I had wanted to add shredded carrots but it was already bursting with all the ingredients so skipped that. Maybe next one to make will be carrot burger. Chilled in the fridge while I cleaned up and prepared the sliced tomatoes, washed the lettuce and cut up the cucumber sticks and even made pickled cucumber.
Fried the patties about 4 mins on each side over low fire once the oil is hot. I had 6 patties and made the rest into meatballs on a whim. Experimented with frying only, frying then baking and baking frying. 3 different batches with slight differences. The pure fried tasted between a burger and a meat patty my mom usually cooks but this is more moist. The fried then baked is moist and jucier inside. Btw cucumber sticks without the seeds is nice and crispy. The 3rd is crispy outside. Didnt eat that cos my sis packed and passedpto other sis.
I considered quite successful, played around with 3 ways of cooking. Ate and finished off some of the ingredients at home. Sister also ate. So considered.successdul. That was lunch and dinner was meatballs. Added some flour and pan-fried. Later baked with a small square of cheese over. The ones with cheese over it ends up being moist. And the overheated cheese became a brown layer like pastry. Adds a dried cheese taste which is not bad too.
So these two-three cooking attempts dont mark the end. Will rest up a bit then try to practice my drums which I haven't touched in 3 weeks. Later on, see which food item strikes my fancy to give it a try.
Monday, March 31, 2014
Sunday, March 23, 2014
Batam Trip, shoulder, Fraud and the 1st week
Lemme start with the most pleasant entry,
The Batam Trip
Last year Tab and I went for a day spa at Angsana in Bintan. It was really luxurious and of course expensive but worth it. While we were on the ferry, traveling. We chatted how it might be better to have just a night stay over. Less hassle, can stone. I told her I haven't been to Batam too. So the plan was to go there for spa and do a one night stay
I looked up the Internet and typed spa package Batam and different ones pop up. One caught my attention cos it covers everything, all-in, ferry tax, transport to and from the ferry terminal, one night stay, with breakfast and later lunch and has a spa and a second massage. Seems pretty decent, though I didn't think it would be the same as Angsana cos from the Internet pics, can see it's lower but no harm giving it a try cos it's just one night getaway. Not too picky. I forwarded to Tab and asked for her decision. She was ok with it and so in the last week of my work, I made the bookings, fax and later went down to pay.
So we were set for a 1-night getaway. My plan was to do nothing. In the end I read just one chapter of my jap tb. The rest of the time was spent just really really stoning. Bought minimal stuff, just a change of clothes, 1 towel, toothbrush and some food (instant noodles, Kettle's chips, packs of coffee and tea) just in case the food was very pricey like in Bintan. (it was actually pretty affordable)
Met up with Tab n FH who were at Harbour front chatting away. My new big square scarf just arrived so I decided to use it to make good use of its price. It costs about $6.50 USA. So I reckon 1-2 times of using is fair. When I reached there, first thing was the comment I was becoming more Japanese cos I wore the scarf. Later it was about the bunch of Korean women who all wore scarves. While eating my last I was worried about spilling on it so FH got to wear it as I tied it for him and he happily posed for Tab's camera. Think the pirate style suits him a lot. Tab later put together a photo montage of all 3 styles.
So we sat and chatted, including my views of being Malaysian esp in wake of the missing plane and the bomoh thing. Later we walked to firm and collected our ferry tixs, sticker for identification, and even our arrival and departure cards were filled in already. How convenient. The ride was ok, 45mins according to Tab cos I wasn't keeping track of time once we headed into immigration. Just wanted to enjoy the moment. We did buy a small bottle of vodka (cos I found the small bottle cute and can reuse), some mineral water, orange juice and coke as mixers. Vodka Coke and Screwdriver. Really didn't regret those. They really helped make looking at the sea and sky from the balcony very enjoyable.
But the only bad thing was my nose was unsheltered from sun in that 10m walk towards the van. Once I got one, I put on the sunblock on my nose. Later after we checked-in, walked.less than 5mins under the sun with the sunblock on. Threw our stuff and went to explore. I decided to use the umbrella cos it was hot. We walked towards the Guan Yin giant statue there and then thru the playground and the nine dragons feng shui thing and went to the dining cafe for lunch. I felt my nose was a bit painful and asked Tab if she saw any white heads on my nose. She said yes. I went to the toilet to confirm that my UV-ALLERGY on my nose tio again!!! Urgh... no steroid cream with me so I have to endure the pain, damn unsightly nose and the urge to pop all the pusy white pimples forming. The pain continued until Sat. Luckily there was our own alcohol to numb it but it's an irritation constantly.
Despite what people might think upon seeing the posted pics (all those bluff people pics) the room was really sparse and does bring us back to the days of the Redang huts. But the view from the balcony made it all worthwhile. Can see the 'beach'/lagoon, green/blue sea and blue skies. The most enjoyable part aside from their really surprisingly delicious n affordable food in the dining area, the surprisingly good spa and massage, and stoning and staring at the hazy view of the Singapore skyline and skies/sea at the dining area, was to sit at the balcony, sipping Vodka Coke and later Screwdriver and just chat or stare at the skies, clouds, sea, lagoon and the occasional other visitors walking about. Those were what we did. Just be in the moment. Time seemed to slow down.
Tab remarked that it felt like we had spent an entire weekend but in reality it was just a day and a night. It was refreshing for me because could finally slow down and get away even if it was just a day. Cast the rest of the problems and issues and anxieties away as we stared at the SG in the horizon. Like what Tab said, that all the worries and troubles are back in SG which is at the distant horizon. We would sail back to it the following day.
My nose kept me waking up 3-4hrs. Cos of the pain. Burning sunburnt pain and the sheer number of pimples that are pusy added to the pain. Bi bian, by the next day even more has sprouted. Covered my unsightly nose with the scarf to prevent staring, also protect my facefrom uv not umbrella. Later on Thursday, after I reached home, put on the steroids cream overnight but still painful and pimples are still coming out so saw the docs. He gave me an antiseptic cream to put and antibitoics to eat and it slowly got better. By tomorrow, once the the pimples have reduced their inflammation, I would have to pore-pack my nose. Can see all the heads left behind by the pus. Sian...
We saw fish in the lagoon, a turtle, fishing eagle-type bird, monkeys besides insects like ants. And mostly.just sat around, drink and chat, watched a bit of the news, Sg programs are received clearly. Makes ya feel like u haven't left Sg. Potato chips feast with drinks.And taking more "Deceptive" photos. The trip including the food and drinks cost slightly less than $185 is worth it, to me. But dun think it's for everyone unless u just want to do nothingood, sit and chill. As I was telling Tab, the younger me, at the time of Redang, didn't enjoy this type of lax. As in I couldn't slow down my pace and mind. So I would be bored after a short while but the current me could just stone and do nothing but stare at the skies and sea. What a change indeed.
Shoulder - Still hurts a bit and numb pain. Don't dare to use it yet. Don't want to go back to that second physican. I'll try to rest it and then see if I need to seek treatment again. So dunno when can I recover to go for KM.
Fraud - found an unauthorised transaction to that left me $211 poorer. The fraud mgt team contacted me. My card is replaced, pending a fraud dispute for to fill in to hope to recover the money. I hope to get it back. Then spend on my shoulder treatment. Sian... so no more online transactions and once it's settled, I would change to a credit card.
1st week - has seen me out wandering to Ikea, bought some organizers and ate the meatballs, salmon (think standard dropped a lot) and the hot dog. Bought some alcohol from the Ikea food store. Walked about Anchor green and Queensway shopping center. Been really a long time since I went.
On Sat, Ting came and fetched me to go to Westgate Mall. Tab joined us later. They were surprised that the two malls; Westgate and Jim had quite a bit of stuff, including its own unique shops not found elsewhere. Showed them the Famous Bishan Curry stall and Tab was perplexed. Though by the time we came out, most places were closing. They won't mind coming down to explore it more. Mission accomplished.
The Batam Trip
Last year Tab and I went for a day spa at Angsana in Bintan. It was really luxurious and of course expensive but worth it. While we were on the ferry, traveling. We chatted how it might be better to have just a night stay over. Less hassle, can stone. I told her I haven't been to Batam too. So the plan was to go there for spa and do a one night stay
I looked up the Internet and typed spa package Batam and different ones pop up. One caught my attention cos it covers everything, all-in, ferry tax, transport to and from the ferry terminal, one night stay, with breakfast and later lunch and has a spa and a second massage. Seems pretty decent, though I didn't think it would be the same as Angsana cos from the Internet pics, can see it's lower but no harm giving it a try cos it's just one night getaway. Not too picky. I forwarded to Tab and asked for her decision. She was ok with it and so in the last week of my work, I made the bookings, fax and later went down to pay.
So we were set for a 1-night getaway. My plan was to do nothing. In the end I read just one chapter of my jap tb. The rest of the time was spent just really really stoning. Bought minimal stuff, just a change of clothes, 1 towel, toothbrush and some food (instant noodles, Kettle's chips, packs of coffee and tea) just in case the food was very pricey like in Bintan. (it was actually pretty affordable)
Met up with Tab n FH who were at Harbour front chatting away. My new big square scarf just arrived so I decided to use it to make good use of its price. It costs about $6.50 USA. So I reckon 1-2 times of using is fair. When I reached there, first thing was the comment I was becoming more Japanese cos I wore the scarf. Later it was about the bunch of Korean women who all wore scarves. While eating my last I was worried about spilling on it so FH got to wear it as I tied it for him and he happily posed for Tab's camera. Think the pirate style suits him a lot. Tab later put together a photo montage of all 3 styles.
So we sat and chatted, including my views of being Malaysian esp in wake of the missing plane and the bomoh thing. Later we walked to firm and collected our ferry tixs, sticker for identification, and even our arrival and departure cards were filled in already. How convenient. The ride was ok, 45mins according to Tab cos I wasn't keeping track of time once we headed into immigration. Just wanted to enjoy the moment. We did buy a small bottle of vodka (cos I found the small bottle cute and can reuse), some mineral water, orange juice and coke as mixers. Vodka Coke and Screwdriver. Really didn't regret those. They really helped make looking at the sea and sky from the balcony very enjoyable.
But the only bad thing was my nose was unsheltered from sun in that 10m walk towards the van. Once I got one, I put on the sunblock on my nose. Later after we checked-in, walked.less than 5mins under the sun with the sunblock on. Threw our stuff and went to explore. I decided to use the umbrella cos it was hot. We walked towards the Guan Yin giant statue there and then thru the playground and the nine dragons feng shui thing and went to the dining cafe for lunch. I felt my nose was a bit painful and asked Tab if she saw any white heads on my nose. She said yes. I went to the toilet to confirm that my UV-ALLERGY on my nose tio again!!! Urgh... no steroid cream with me so I have to endure the pain, damn unsightly nose and the urge to pop all the pusy white pimples forming. The pain continued until Sat. Luckily there was our own alcohol to numb it but it's an irritation constantly.
Despite what people might think upon seeing the posted pics (all those bluff people pics) the room was really sparse and does bring us back to the days of the Redang huts. But the view from the balcony made it all worthwhile. Can see the 'beach'/lagoon, green/blue sea and blue skies. The most enjoyable part aside from their really surprisingly delicious n affordable food in the dining area, the surprisingly good spa and massage, and stoning and staring at the hazy view of the Singapore skyline and skies/sea at the dining area, was to sit at the balcony, sipping Vodka Coke and later Screwdriver and just chat or stare at the skies, clouds, sea, lagoon and the occasional other visitors walking about. Those were what we did. Just be in the moment. Time seemed to slow down.
Tab remarked that it felt like we had spent an entire weekend but in reality it was just a day and a night. It was refreshing for me because could finally slow down and get away even if it was just a day. Cast the rest of the problems and issues and anxieties away as we stared at the SG in the horizon. Like what Tab said, that all the worries and troubles are back in SG which is at the distant horizon. We would sail back to it the following day.
My nose kept me waking up 3-4hrs. Cos of the pain. Burning sunburnt pain and the sheer number of pimples that are pusy added to the pain. Bi bian, by the next day even more has sprouted. Covered my unsightly nose with the scarf to prevent staring, also protect my facefrom uv not umbrella. Later on Thursday, after I reached home, put on the steroids cream overnight but still painful and pimples are still coming out so saw the docs. He gave me an antiseptic cream to put and antibitoics to eat and it slowly got better. By tomorrow, once the the pimples have reduced their inflammation, I would have to pore-pack my nose. Can see all the heads left behind by the pus. Sian...
We saw fish in the lagoon, a turtle, fishing eagle-type bird, monkeys besides insects like ants. And mostly.just sat around, drink and chat, watched a bit of the news, Sg programs are received clearly. Makes ya feel like u haven't left Sg. Potato chips feast with drinks.And taking more "Deceptive" photos. The trip including the food and drinks cost slightly less than $185 is worth it, to me. But dun think it's for everyone unless u just want to do nothingood, sit and chill. As I was telling Tab, the younger me, at the time of Redang, didn't enjoy this type of lax. As in I couldn't slow down my pace and mind. So I would be bored after a short while but the current me could just stone and do nothing but stare at the skies and sea. What a change indeed.
Shoulder - Still hurts a bit and numb pain. Don't dare to use it yet. Don't want to go back to that second physican. I'll try to rest it and then see if I need to seek treatment again. So dunno when can I recover to go for KM.
Fraud - found an unauthorised transaction to that left me $211 poorer. The fraud mgt team contacted me. My card is replaced, pending a fraud dispute for to fill in to hope to recover the money. I hope to get it back. Then spend on my shoulder treatment. Sian... so no more online transactions and once it's settled, I would change to a credit card.
1st week - has seen me out wandering to Ikea, bought some organizers and ate the meatballs, salmon (think standard dropped a lot) and the hot dog. Bought some alcohol from the Ikea food store. Walked about Anchor green and Queensway shopping center. Been really a long time since I went.
On Sat, Ting came and fetched me to go to Westgate Mall. Tab joined us later. They were surprised that the two malls; Westgate and Jim had quite a bit of stuff, including its own unique shops not found elsewhere. Showed them the Famous Bishan Curry stall and Tab was perplexed. Though by the time we came out, most places were closing. They won't mind coming down to explore it more. Mission accomplished.
Tuesday, March 11, 2014
recent updates
Since after my shoulder got injured before CNY, it's been 6 weeks of no KM. In this period, many things happened. Just saw another Chinese doc on Sunday cos there was something loose and just carrying next to nothing resulted in a sort of numbing dull ache. The doc pulled my shoulder and fixed the dislocated tendon but it's inflamed so advised to put Ice over it, no other cream or stuff n I had to do 3 exercise to strengthen it. Can't do any exercise with it until it heals. WTF... I missed this great doc who could fix me up previously with tui na and just paste his medicine over. This one is like chiropractic so he adjusted my shoulder without any holding any acupuncture points and pulled. It was veryvvery sore the whole of Sunday and the pain resumed today from morning... Still painful at this moment... so I have been icing it and trying to do the physio exercise he told me to do. Resist putting medicated plaster... The dull pain is not nice to endure.
These past 3 weeks, I have been falling asleep before 8th and later waking up in the wee hours like 1-3am. Just so tired mentally that I could fall in a deep sleep after dinner. Turning flabby. With the no stretching not no heavy thing on my left shoulder, meant continued absence from KM until it recovered. Sian, I'll try to rein in my eating.
Just need to survive another week before I can enjoy the massage and 1N overnight stay at batam. Just settled payment today. Midweek next week. Need to get away even if it's for just one night. I best pack some instant Cup noodles and instant drinks I'm. Case food is.suer pricey. Haven't been there before. The Bintan day spa last year made me realise how expensive food was in Bintan, but of course I truly enjoyed the spa. Felt pampered nd really refreshed. It was pricey. This one we aren't sure of the quality but cos it's more hassel-free. As in there's accommodation, ferry tix, transport to-and-back n short spa not massage, all-in. Seems like a decent deal thus far. Would have to try it out for the verdict. Feeling really tired and empty by now. Need to survive for a couple more days.
These past 3 weeks, I have been falling asleep before 8th and later waking up in the wee hours like 1-3am. Just so tired mentally that I could fall in a deep sleep after dinner. Turning flabby. With the no stretching not no heavy thing on my left shoulder, meant continued absence from KM until it recovered. Sian, I'll try to rein in my eating.
Just need to survive another week before I can enjoy the massage and 1N overnight stay at batam. Just settled payment today. Midweek next week. Need to get away even if it's for just one night. I best pack some instant Cup noodles and instant drinks I'm. Case food is.suer pricey. Haven't been there before. The Bintan day spa last year made me realise how expensive food was in Bintan, but of course I truly enjoyed the spa. Felt pampered nd really refreshed. It was pricey. This one we aren't sure of the quality but cos it's more hassel-free. As in there's accommodation, ferry tix, transport to-and-back n short spa not massage, all-in. Seems like a decent deal thus far. Would have to try it out for the verdict. Feeling really tired and empty by now. Need to survive for a couple more days.
Wednesday, February 26, 2014
Cravings is abating but definitely plumper
The feasting excuse, birthdays is finally over.my pants felt a bit tighter and stomach is more flabby from all the eating and cravings and munching. Slowly it is abating. And I am restarting some exercise and also my strict diet, porridge.
It had been difficult cos I am thwarted by the stress not sian-ess from the job that I can't seem to dispell since I haven't been going for KM for about a month. Will resume that in March. My left shoulder still has crackling sounds when I lift it though...
One of my shirt is tighter around the stomach, so can't wear it until I have slimmed down. All these gorging meant my stomach is acting up again. Think the porridge lunch and plainer food should be easier to follow though my mouth disagrees cos it's been too pampered by all the good food.
My work motivation has dropped drastically. Tired, zombies not uninspired. Contemplating... but I need some time to make the preparations. Thinking for just one more year, I will try n see no make preparations.
It had been difficult cos I am thwarted by the stress not sian-ess from the job that I can't seem to dispell since I haven't been going for KM for about a month. Will resume that in March. My left shoulder still has crackling sounds when I lift it though...
One of my shirt is tighter around the stomach, so can't wear it until I have slimmed down. All these gorging meant my stomach is acting up again. Think the porridge lunch and plainer food should be easier to follow though my mouth disagrees cos it's been too pampered by all the good food.
My work motivation has dropped drastically. Tired, zombies not uninspired. Contemplating... but I need some time to make the preparations. Thinking for just one more year, I will try n see no make preparations.
Monday, February 10, 2014
Food Cravings is going crazy...
After the work trip, after sleeping and kinda going to the toilet a number of times, not diarrrhea but like heat and all the spicy and non-usual food eaten.
By Sun, mentally I know I have to try to eat plainer food but my actions differ. On Sunday alone, I ate Laksa, popeye 2 piece meal, a char siew roasted duck rice, old cucumber soup and later still ate a bowl of rice with some curry.
Today ate a Mee Siam, 2 bread and a pack of curry economical rice. My craving for something meaty is still there. I think cos during the trip, I didn't eat much meat, mostly veg with few slices of meat. Suddenly keep wanting to eat slabs of meat, like those all-u-can-eat Shabu or grills... *sigh* I'll try to keep it in check by forcibly switching to porridge if that stall opens. Long CNY holiday.
Meat... meat.......
By Sun, mentally I know I have to try to eat plainer food but my actions differ. On Sunday alone, I ate Laksa, popeye 2 piece meal, a char siew roasted duck rice, old cucumber soup and later still ate a bowl of rice with some curry.
Today ate a Mee Siam, 2 bread and a pack of curry economical rice. My craving for something meaty is still there. I think cos during the trip, I didn't eat much meat, mostly veg with few slices of meat. Suddenly keep wanting to eat slabs of meat, like those all-u-can-eat Shabu or grills... *sigh* I'll try to keep it in check by forcibly switching to porridge if that stall opens. Long CNY holiday.
Meat... meat.......
Saturday, February 08, 2014
Second Work Trip
Being in the same level meant this academic year, I have to go for the school trip. To me, it's a painful trip based on my first experience last year. It was lots of the same-old, slight variations.
First day: 3hrs sleep, temple and dinner with performance and the Kong Ram lanterns
I skipped KM this week in view of the work trip plus my shoulder just healed up and still had some earlier injuries like a bump on the head, sore spots on my jaw. Used the rest time to massage and rub down the bumps. Still feeling irritation at the shoulder injury. When I resume KM, I am not going for the Mon lesson for a while. During to the shoulder injury, u resolutely decided not to go for grading. Skipping KM practice next week. It's the exam week. Will do conditioning exercise at home.
The same-ole, assembled, waited, lots of speech, depart. The good point was a professional photographer was engaged so I didn't feel compelled to take much photos. Only for the May Thai session, then I did. This time at the transit shopping part, I bought a pack of dehydrated strawberries to munch. Also just 2 Krispy Creme doughnuts, a dark chocolate *very nice* and a cookies and cream one, that was rather sweet. I didn't eat themin the waiting area. But after the plane took off, I was munching one and a student turned and saw me. She said something like I wasn't supposed to. Like the teacher have to follow the rules that applies to students. "Huh? Really not supposed to?" Then I put the doughnut aside like a guilty person, in a sort of role-reversal. But refreshments came later and I continued eating the doughnuts.
Arrived and I gotta sit in the bus along with students, unlike a private van previously. The Head of the level sat in our bus so it was surprisingly peaceful. I closed my eyes and try to rest up as and when I could. No real sleep but just to catch a quick mental recharge.
The temple was about the same except I followed my class around and they attended a prayer part where the monk sprayed holy water and all of us tio some droplets.the class photo was taken later and my hair was messy cos have to take off the cap. Dun care. Didn't do much except I saw the Auzzie colleague sitting down and just sat down too. Helped a couple of groups to take pics on their own personal cameras. I didn't go around taking pics so it was not as tiring.
The dinner place was the same but since it didn't rain, we sat at the outdoor part and there was a series of cultural performance in the outdoor seating area. U are seated on the floor with the triangular cushions and eat the same dishes as last year. The sky was beautiful and one could see some stars including Orion and some Kong Ram lanterns were released that looked surreal. This was refreshing for me. The bus ride there I recovered enough mental zest to look out at the shops that we passed by. There were really lots of international food and cafes and stuff. Very vibrant with lots of variety. Definitely better than Malaysia.
After dinner was giving keys and going to their rooms later to check. This time they didn't screw up the phone SIM cards and we had a list with all teachers contacts. I finisheda hot shower and my phone rang. Had to do room check with the Head. But cos he's a guy so he waited outside. No master card key given so I had to knock and ask to open. Earlier on, they were instructed not to open up unless someone calls out in Japanese. So had 2 amusing incidents. Went to one, I knocked and said "Open up, Ms Y here. Room check" twice and no one open the door though there was an initial "Hai" when I knocked. 3rd time I switched to Japanese then opened. Another one, after several tries still no response until I spoke louder and they opened up. They told me that they didn't recognise my low voice (all the rushing made my voice lower cos didn't drink so much water) and both were too short to look into the peephole. They were trying to carry a chair over. Told them it would be weird if I called out to them in a high pitched voice cos that ain't me... Collected their booklets, told them to lock all locks once I leave. Then the Head did something straight out of medevial times. He took a piece of tape and pasted it over the door & the frame so that if they open the door, it would break the seal and teacherswwould know and students theoretically couldn't reseal their own rooms... I looked on in amusement. The meeting I didn't pay attention so it kinda went by. I remembered the time for breakfast. Pitied the Japanese for who had to check those booklets, put it outside their students room n check that the seals weren't broken.
I went back, packed my day bag with the stuff I needed and slept.
Day 2: Double Muay That, meals, Night market.
This time, I was assigned to stay at one of the That experience venues the entire duration except for meals. Breakfast this time, I just ate a slice of bread, a chicken, a pork hotdog, a single bacon slice. A plate of salad that I picked out with a few slices of chicken ham and salad sauce. The salad combination I made was really good. Coffee and it's back to work. Though I arrived there just to see most finish up and go off. So left me and the Auzzie eating.
Didn't have much to do so I sat down and stoned at the chair. Was talking with the Auzzie a lot cos while students were eating, we just hang around like how Japanese do a lot. So we kinda make it more comfortable by sitting and later chatting. He shared with me his experience of previous trips years ago and I shared about how things went last year. Got to know some interesting stuff about him. He had a more outstanding range of things going then I did, except the Japanese didn't find that out from talking to him.
So I set off with the first group for Muay Thai. I only realised it this year that we went to a Thai Sports University of sort but cos I opened my eyes and saw the name and much later on asked a staff about the age of students. The dojo was better than previously, having shifted. So again I stayed by the girls. They were enthusiastic and did nicely. A couple wanted to see me in action but I didn't get to do it. Actually I didn't want to cos with 1.5yrs of KM undermy belt, the basic Muay Thai that they did weren't things I haven't done before except for some atks that are unique to Muay Thai. Helped take pics and 2 videos using mySSamsung. More reliable than that stupid sch camera that refused to work on the chargeable and even brand new Ever ready batteries. It only works on Energizer... waste to bring all these useless stuff...
Lunch was at the same place as before. Very Chinese style. Don't see much of real authentic Thai food cos of the spiciness, I am guessing. The papaya salad sucked. There was ice cream cos one of the main let slipped and made a mistake in his speech so had to deliver on the words. I put ice cream in hot coffee so I could drink it still.
After lunch was another round of Muay Thai with a different batch of students. The girls this time were very reluctant and weak willed to try. Even with the main instructor and I trying to coax, I wondered why did they even choose this. But the boys did an excellent job. Took pics and again didn't try. A cheeky boy kept asking if I would do the practice cos they were curious but I didn't.
It was kinda amusing cos a few boys kept joking around and parroting my phrase "No violence", so when I found out thru chatting that the Auzzie who's their sub teacher had done Muay Thai for several years, of a higher level, and another Auzzie PE teacher was a boxer, I told that and the boy replied,"I had better be nice to Mr K." Then proceeded to ask me why the non Japanese teachers are so violent (cos we learn fighting arts) LOL.
Back to the hotel and had an hour. Bathed and I also set up the bath tub for a soak. But 5 minutes into, I got bored. How do people sit in it for so long? There wasn't much to do or look at. Went to lie on the bed. The pillows were super soft and comfortable. Changed and headed out. Dinner was Chinese steamboat. I ate 2 bowls of fried rice, some meat, liver. It wasn't as nice as other hotpots I had. But I ate my fill.
Onwards to the night market. Walked over behind the class and they dispersed. I walked through quickly til the Starbucks at one end, bought a Grande Green Tea Latte, 2 gums and a mint. Just when I was leaving, encountered a group of boys. Saw my drink and asked for a treat. I asked,"don't u have $$$" and one cheekily replied no. Then his friend said liar... guess just wanna play with me. Told them I got to stand at my assigned spot near the BK. Later on, I encountered them when they walked over to take a peek to see if it was true.
Just when I thought all was peaceful n routine at my spot, cos it's the same as last year, I spotted 2 girls walking at the area past my station which they weren't supposed to. I stopped them n got them to my spot. They were looking for a teacher. Wanted to speak to their form. Could tell visibly unwell, got them to sit on the stools of a table for customers at a street hawker. Took out my phone and the list to call. But cos their form is a typical no English, so I just say in mixed Eng-Jap; Miss Y here. Ur students want to talk. Passed the phone over and both talked to their form. Not well and they had to make their way back to the initial dinner spot. At least their form knows and would inform the Head who was stationed along the route back. I brought them to the crossing and told the guide we used, stationed there to help them cross over. Can't leave my spot but there were tour agents, guides and teachers stationed along the route. They made it back safely and we're very ill. This I saw later on when I returned. The nurse looked after them when we returned to our hotel and into the next day. They sat in wheelchairs and were wheeled about until Singapore. Then their parents.collected them and would bring them to the hospital the next day with accompanying Jap teachers, tour agents.
Didn't meet many groups, most didn't try to go beyond my spot, they just crossed over the road before reaching. Just a couple of groups from my form class. Tod them not to go beyond, either cross or turn and walk back. My legs didn't enjoy the standing about for an hour plus but the Green Tea Latte helped. I also chewed the gum and people watched. At the allocated time, I tried to walk to one end to usher students back. Midway through, encountered another colleague ushering them so I made my way back. Behind the last few stragglers who were shopping until the last minute. I made it back to board the bus and zipped back to the hotel.
I showered again and laid on the bed. Still had half an hour before the assigned time to repeat the room check at 11pm. I didn't realise I fell asleep. I woke up with a jolt at 11.20pm, thinking I missed the room check and headed out to the meeting to find out if I was late, missed stuff cos though I had the itenary, it's entirely in Japanand they add stuff to it. Especially just the day before during the meeting or even decide without telling u.
So I went there and apologise for being late for the meeting?? Missing out on the room check which I was ready to go do, then I noticed my main forum had the booklets. Apparently another female main forum went. Huh? Then there were students in the meeting room cos aapparently they did not stick to their assigned groups of 5 but combined with another group, split up into smaller groups of 2s-3s which kinda compromised their safety in numbers and the group-buddy system. The Japanese would deal with them then have a meeting after. Told us we didn't have to attend. On, went back and packed my bags. Fell asleep about 1am.
Final day; Passport duty, returning
I woke up with a jolt again, at 6.30am. Where was the bloody wake-up call. Went down hurriedly cos by the time I brushed, changed and headed down, teacher's allocated breakfast time was over. Went down, saw students trickling down for theirs and I headed for breakfast by myself. Ate the same stuff as yesterday. Really enjoyed the salad I made. Generous scoops of french dressing helped.Surprised at myself too. An example of the changed eating habits and taste.
Went up and saw the Auzzie colleague and we just stayed out of the way and chatted. I didn't have to follow for the sch exchange cos I tio the passport duty. I was to go to the airport with the tour agents. I had to carry the 2 bags of passports, luckily I wasn't a small, frail and weak woman. Just carry lor. Then one of the senior tour agent said I would be bored cos it will be boring. I told him it's fine cos I had books, music.
He would eat his own words later with the drama. Apparently the teachers didn't take the suitcases they needed with them to the school. They were still with the tour agents at the front desk. So I was in the van and they had to deliver to them before heading to the airport.Then at the airport counter, doing the massive check-in, the aagents weren't sure where the P's passport was. So I looked thru each classes bag and realised 2 teachers didn't hand over their passports for check-in so u see the agents calling.
As the first class was processed, the agents had to separate the boarding passes, highlight on a paper the seats allocated so that they can reassign seats by class and gender as per our demands. So u see like 4 agents all in suit. The lady rookie was highlighting while another was reading off the seat numbers based on the sorted boarding passes. One was sorting the boarding passes. Huh? Very typical Japanese way of doing things. Another was standing around and helped to bring finished passports over from the counter. I helped out by quickly looking thru the passports to check the identity, sort by gender, took the form and co-form to verify the total number of passports and packed into the bag. I wondered why I had to help do their job. The guy mentioned I could work in the tour agency. I told him jokingly to hire me. Took a while so I went to the loo, went for a quick walk around and bought candied pineapple, and a dehydrated mangosteen. Came back they had got 3 counters processing instead of the initial one counter.
I carried the bags and we settled into a cafe. We sat at different tables do while the lady continued highlighting as one guy read off the rest of the boarding passes. I looked through the menu and was ready to pay for my own meal when she said they would pick up the tab, company account. This part I wasn't sure but since she said so. I had a green tea latte, a sesame grilled salmon side and a Tom Yam soup and a glass of warm water, cos how could u go to Thailand, and not eat their Pat thai, Tom Yam or Curries and that's exactly what was missing from the meals, due to the spicy nature. Seriously I am not one of those who must eat Chinese food in every country that I go to. One of the main points is the local cuisine. I took my time to savor the food especially the Tom Yam that burned. Had fun with the alphabet biscuits that came along with my tea. Finally I could eat very leisurely, not like only having 30-45mins to eat. I glanced over at the lady and she was busily engrossed in seat allocation and having to write up small slips of paper with seat numbers. She didn't take a break the entire time. Later on, maybe 2hrs, we went to meet the rest who had just cleared the coming into the airport liquid check.
So I kinda stood around and waited and followed some for the toilet breaks. Later set off after a while. The class behind me was the cheeky class and they had a lot of fun asking me questions. Like what was I chewing? To which when I replied Gum, they gave me a u-broke-the-sg law. Which I have to explain that a small qty is on but not a large amt nor for selling... They wouldn't let me jump but allowed for the couple of class girls whom I was tailing to jump over, saying that students is ok but not teachers... So my class waited for me to clear the immigration just 2 of the other class girls queuing and blocking in front of me. Man, playing around with me...
The plane ride was ok but I sat at every opportunity. Stoned and close my eyes when I am not needed. At the Bangkok airport we had 25 mins to shop. I went and bought a Camomile tea and was sipping it. Again when the class moved. The same class behind me, another boy would ask me "how many hours did u sleep?" Even "What are u drinking? " To which I would reply cos to encourage English usage. Though when I answered Camomile, initially couldn't comprehend cos the Japanese in their own brand of English say "Camomi". Then I had to repeat how to pronounce Camomile a few times so that student can try to mirror.
On the plane, the boy beside me saw I was looking thru the game selection and asked me if I wanted to join them for a link-up Poker. I thanked but declined telling him that I wanted something non-thinking because I am too sleepy to think. Poker requires thinking so nvm, go ahead. I played a few rounds of Pac-Man and later listened to music instead. English, Japanese and Chinese songs. The flight dinner of omelette with pork and fried rice was delicious. Think dinners are nicer than lunch.
The rest was typical. Final toilet break then parents pick up. Waited around until every single one was collected then a quick debrief. I was the first at the taxi and hopped on without bothering to ask about sharing. It's covered and too much trouble to ask the rest. Reached home, bathed and slept.
First day: 3hrs sleep, temple and dinner with performance and the Kong Ram lanterns
I skipped KM this week in view of the work trip plus my shoulder just healed up and still had some earlier injuries like a bump on the head, sore spots on my jaw. Used the rest time to massage and rub down the bumps. Still feeling irritation at the shoulder injury. When I resume KM, I am not going for the Mon lesson for a while. During to the shoulder injury, u resolutely decided not to go for grading. Skipping KM practice next week. It's the exam week. Will do conditioning exercise at home.
The same-ole, assembled, waited, lots of speech, depart. The good point was a professional photographer was engaged so I didn't feel compelled to take much photos. Only for the May Thai session, then I did. This time at the transit shopping part, I bought a pack of dehydrated strawberries to munch. Also just 2 Krispy Creme doughnuts, a dark chocolate *very nice* and a cookies and cream one, that was rather sweet. I didn't eat themin the waiting area. But after the plane took off, I was munching one and a student turned and saw me. She said something like I wasn't supposed to. Like the teacher have to follow the rules that applies to students. "Huh? Really not supposed to?" Then I put the doughnut aside like a guilty person, in a sort of role-reversal. But refreshments came later and I continued eating the doughnuts.
Arrived and I gotta sit in the bus along with students, unlike a private van previously. The Head of the level sat in our bus so it was surprisingly peaceful. I closed my eyes and try to rest up as and when I could. No real sleep but just to catch a quick mental recharge.
The temple was about the same except I followed my class around and they attended a prayer part where the monk sprayed holy water and all of us tio some droplets.the class photo was taken later and my hair was messy cos have to take off the cap. Dun care. Didn't do much except I saw the Auzzie colleague sitting down and just sat down too. Helped a couple of groups to take pics on their own personal cameras. I didn't go around taking pics so it was not as tiring.
The dinner place was the same but since it didn't rain, we sat at the outdoor part and there was a series of cultural performance in the outdoor seating area. U are seated on the floor with the triangular cushions and eat the same dishes as last year. The sky was beautiful and one could see some stars including Orion and some Kong Ram lanterns were released that looked surreal. This was refreshing for me. The bus ride there I recovered enough mental zest to look out at the shops that we passed by. There were really lots of international food and cafes and stuff. Very vibrant with lots of variety. Definitely better than Malaysia.
After dinner was giving keys and going to their rooms later to check. This time they didn't screw up the phone SIM cards and we had a list with all teachers contacts. I finisheda hot shower and my phone rang. Had to do room check with the Head. But cos he's a guy so he waited outside. No master card key given so I had to knock and ask to open. Earlier on, they were instructed not to open up unless someone calls out in Japanese. So had 2 amusing incidents. Went to one, I knocked and said "Open up, Ms Y here. Room check" twice and no one open the door though there was an initial "Hai" when I knocked. 3rd time I switched to Japanese then opened. Another one, after several tries still no response until I spoke louder and they opened up. They told me that they didn't recognise my low voice (all the rushing made my voice lower cos didn't drink so much water) and both were too short to look into the peephole. They were trying to carry a chair over. Told them it would be weird if I called out to them in a high pitched voice cos that ain't me... Collected their booklets, told them to lock all locks once I leave. Then the Head did something straight out of medevial times. He took a piece of tape and pasted it over the door & the frame so that if they open the door, it would break the seal and teacherswwould know and students theoretically couldn't reseal their own rooms... I looked on in amusement. The meeting I didn't pay attention so it kinda went by. I remembered the time for breakfast. Pitied the Japanese for who had to check those booklets, put it outside their students room n check that the seals weren't broken.
I went back, packed my day bag with the stuff I needed and slept.
Day 2: Double Muay That, meals, Night market.
This time, I was assigned to stay at one of the That experience venues the entire duration except for meals. Breakfast this time, I just ate a slice of bread, a chicken, a pork hotdog, a single bacon slice. A plate of salad that I picked out with a few slices of chicken ham and salad sauce. The salad combination I made was really good. Coffee and it's back to work. Though I arrived there just to see most finish up and go off. So left me and the Auzzie eating.
Didn't have much to do so I sat down and stoned at the chair. Was talking with the Auzzie a lot cos while students were eating, we just hang around like how Japanese do a lot. So we kinda make it more comfortable by sitting and later chatting. He shared with me his experience of previous trips years ago and I shared about how things went last year. Got to know some interesting stuff about him. He had a more outstanding range of things going then I did, except the Japanese didn't find that out from talking to him.
So I set off with the first group for Muay Thai. I only realised it this year that we went to a Thai Sports University of sort but cos I opened my eyes and saw the name and much later on asked a staff about the age of students. The dojo was better than previously, having shifted. So again I stayed by the girls. They were enthusiastic and did nicely. A couple wanted to see me in action but I didn't get to do it. Actually I didn't want to cos with 1.5yrs of KM undermy belt, the basic Muay Thai that they did weren't things I haven't done before except for some atks that are unique to Muay Thai. Helped take pics and 2 videos using mySSamsung. More reliable than that stupid sch camera that refused to work on the chargeable and even brand new Ever ready batteries. It only works on Energizer... waste to bring all these useless stuff...
Lunch was at the same place as before. Very Chinese style. Don't see much of real authentic Thai food cos of the spiciness, I am guessing. The papaya salad sucked. There was ice cream cos one of the main let slipped and made a mistake in his speech so had to deliver on the words. I put ice cream in hot coffee so I could drink it still.
After lunch was another round of Muay Thai with a different batch of students. The girls this time were very reluctant and weak willed to try. Even with the main instructor and I trying to coax, I wondered why did they even choose this. But the boys did an excellent job. Took pics and again didn't try. A cheeky boy kept asking if I would do the practice cos they were curious but I didn't.
It was kinda amusing cos a few boys kept joking around and parroting my phrase "No violence", so when I found out thru chatting that the Auzzie who's their sub teacher had done Muay Thai for several years, of a higher level, and another Auzzie PE teacher was a boxer, I told that and the boy replied,"I had better be nice to Mr K." Then proceeded to ask me why the non Japanese teachers are so violent (cos we learn fighting arts) LOL.
Back to the hotel and had an hour. Bathed and I also set up the bath tub for a soak. But 5 minutes into, I got bored. How do people sit in it for so long? There wasn't much to do or look at. Went to lie on the bed. The pillows were super soft and comfortable. Changed and headed out. Dinner was Chinese steamboat. I ate 2 bowls of fried rice, some meat, liver. It wasn't as nice as other hotpots I had. But I ate my fill.
Onwards to the night market. Walked over behind the class and they dispersed. I walked through quickly til the Starbucks at one end, bought a Grande Green Tea Latte, 2 gums and a mint. Just when I was leaving, encountered a group of boys. Saw my drink and asked for a treat. I asked,"don't u have $$$" and one cheekily replied no. Then his friend said liar... guess just wanna play with me. Told them I got to stand at my assigned spot near the BK. Later on, I encountered them when they walked over to take a peek to see if it was true.
Just when I thought all was peaceful n routine at my spot, cos it's the same as last year, I spotted 2 girls walking at the area past my station which they weren't supposed to. I stopped them n got them to my spot. They were looking for a teacher. Wanted to speak to their form. Could tell visibly unwell, got them to sit on the stools of a table for customers at a street hawker. Took out my phone and the list to call. But cos their form is a typical no English, so I just say in mixed Eng-Jap; Miss Y here. Ur students want to talk. Passed the phone over and both talked to their form. Not well and they had to make their way back to the initial dinner spot. At least their form knows and would inform the Head who was stationed along the route back. I brought them to the crossing and told the guide we used, stationed there to help them cross over. Can't leave my spot but there were tour agents, guides and teachers stationed along the route. They made it back safely and we're very ill. This I saw later on when I returned. The nurse looked after them when we returned to our hotel and into the next day. They sat in wheelchairs and were wheeled about until Singapore. Then their parents.collected them and would bring them to the hospital the next day with accompanying Jap teachers, tour agents.
Didn't meet many groups, most didn't try to go beyond my spot, they just crossed over the road before reaching. Just a couple of groups from my form class. Tod them not to go beyond, either cross or turn and walk back. My legs didn't enjoy the standing about for an hour plus but the Green Tea Latte helped. I also chewed the gum and people watched. At the allocated time, I tried to walk to one end to usher students back. Midway through, encountered another colleague ushering them so I made my way back. Behind the last few stragglers who were shopping until the last minute. I made it back to board the bus and zipped back to the hotel.
I showered again and laid on the bed. Still had half an hour before the assigned time to repeat the room check at 11pm. I didn't realise I fell asleep. I woke up with a jolt at 11.20pm, thinking I missed the room check and headed out to the meeting to find out if I was late, missed stuff cos though I had the itenary, it's entirely in Japanand they add stuff to it. Especially just the day before during the meeting or even decide without telling u.
So I went there and apologise for being late for the meeting?? Missing out on the room check which I was ready to go do, then I noticed my main forum had the booklets. Apparently another female main forum went. Huh? Then there were students in the meeting room cos aapparently they did not stick to their assigned groups of 5 but combined with another group, split up into smaller groups of 2s-3s which kinda compromised their safety in numbers and the group-buddy system. The Japanese would deal with them then have a meeting after. Told us we didn't have to attend. On, went back and packed my bags. Fell asleep about 1am.
Final day; Passport duty, returning
I woke up with a jolt again, at 6.30am. Where was the bloody wake-up call. Went down hurriedly cos by the time I brushed, changed and headed down, teacher's allocated breakfast time was over. Went down, saw students trickling down for theirs and I headed for breakfast by myself. Ate the same stuff as yesterday. Really enjoyed the salad I made. Generous scoops of french dressing helped.Surprised at myself too. An example of the changed eating habits and taste.
Went up and saw the Auzzie colleague and we just stayed out of the way and chatted. I didn't have to follow for the sch exchange cos I tio the passport duty. I was to go to the airport with the tour agents. I had to carry the 2 bags of passports, luckily I wasn't a small, frail and weak woman. Just carry lor. Then one of the senior tour agent said I would be bored cos it will be boring. I told him it's fine cos I had books, music.
He would eat his own words later with the drama. Apparently the teachers didn't take the suitcases they needed with them to the school. They were still with the tour agents at the front desk. So I was in the van and they had to deliver to them before heading to the airport.Then at the airport counter, doing the massive check-in, the aagents weren't sure where the P's passport was. So I looked thru each classes bag and realised 2 teachers didn't hand over their passports for check-in so u see the agents calling.
As the first class was processed, the agents had to separate the boarding passes, highlight on a paper the seats allocated so that they can reassign seats by class and gender as per our demands. So u see like 4 agents all in suit. The lady rookie was highlighting while another was reading off the seat numbers based on the sorted boarding passes. One was sorting the boarding passes. Huh? Very typical Japanese way of doing things. Another was standing around and helped to bring finished passports over from the counter. I helped out by quickly looking thru the passports to check the identity, sort by gender, took the form and co-form to verify the total number of passports and packed into the bag. I wondered why I had to help do their job. The guy mentioned I could work in the tour agency. I told him jokingly to hire me. Took a while so I went to the loo, went for a quick walk around and bought candied pineapple, and a dehydrated mangosteen. Came back they had got 3 counters processing instead of the initial one counter.
I carried the bags and we settled into a cafe. We sat at different tables do while the lady continued highlighting as one guy read off the rest of the boarding passes. I looked through the menu and was ready to pay for my own meal when she said they would pick up the tab, company account. This part I wasn't sure but since she said so. I had a green tea latte, a sesame grilled salmon side and a Tom Yam soup and a glass of warm water, cos how could u go to Thailand, and not eat their Pat thai, Tom Yam or Curries and that's exactly what was missing from the meals, due to the spicy nature. Seriously I am not one of those who must eat Chinese food in every country that I go to. One of the main points is the local cuisine. I took my time to savor the food especially the Tom Yam that burned. Had fun with the alphabet biscuits that came along with my tea. Finally I could eat very leisurely, not like only having 30-45mins to eat. I glanced over at the lady and she was busily engrossed in seat allocation and having to write up small slips of paper with seat numbers. She didn't take a break the entire time. Later on, maybe 2hrs, we went to meet the rest who had just cleared the coming into the airport liquid check.
So I kinda stood around and waited and followed some for the toilet breaks. Later set off after a while. The class behind me was the cheeky class and they had a lot of fun asking me questions. Like what was I chewing? To which when I replied Gum, they gave me a u-broke-the-sg law. Which I have to explain that a small qty is on but not a large amt nor for selling... They wouldn't let me jump but allowed for the couple of class girls whom I was tailing to jump over, saying that students is ok but not teachers... So my class waited for me to clear the immigration just 2 of the other class girls queuing and blocking in front of me. Man, playing around with me...
The plane ride was ok but I sat at every opportunity. Stoned and close my eyes when I am not needed. At the Bangkok airport we had 25 mins to shop. I went and bought a Camomile tea and was sipping it. Again when the class moved. The same class behind me, another boy would ask me "how many hours did u sleep?" Even "What are u drinking? " To which I would reply cos to encourage English usage. Though when I answered Camomile, initially couldn't comprehend cos the Japanese in their own brand of English say "Camomi". Then I had to repeat how to pronounce Camomile a few times so that student can try to mirror.
On the plane, the boy beside me saw I was looking thru the game selection and asked me if I wanted to join them for a link-up Poker. I thanked but declined telling him that I wanted something non-thinking because I am too sleepy to think. Poker requires thinking so nvm, go ahead. I played a few rounds of Pac-Man and later listened to music instead. English, Japanese and Chinese songs. The flight dinner of omelette with pork and fried rice was delicious. Think dinners are nicer than lunch.
The rest was typical. Final toilet break then parents pick up. Waited around until every single one was collected then a quick debrief. I was the first at the taxi and hopped on without bothering to ask about sharing. It's covered and too much trouble to ask the rest. Reached home, bathed and slept.
Thursday, January 30, 2014
Late Birthday Post
This year, I actually forgot to do a birthday post. Hmm... getting lazy to blog cos of the inconvenience of the Samsung interface.
Anyway I had originally intended to choose Todai @ MBS for a buffet dinner cos never been there and heard it had the biggest buffet spread. But later as the date drew nearer, heard that the standard had dropped so I decided to change. Carousel came to mind as I have been there twice for the high-tea buffet and it was memorable. But the dinner was pricier than Todai so I decided on lunch. Looking through the menu selection, there seems to be something for everyone, especially DF.
There was no lack of drama to get the reservation though. I did a phone reservation and had to email back a form with a credit card authorisation. I provided my work email on Fri evening and could only check it on Monday. Due to email migration, my outlook wasn't working but I didn't realised that. So I called them up again and used my personal email. Printed out the credit card authorization and scanned it and email them back. They confirmed the reservation for 6 pax. Phew a lot of work.
Then on the actual day I left home an hour earlier to travel down leisurely by bus. But due to road work, partly through I changed to train, but in a roundabout manner cos it's the circle line to NE line to Red. So by the time I reached Dolby Ghaut, it was 5 mins to 12pm. I checked if anyone was reaching cos they hold the reservation for 15mins but everybody seemed to be stuck in traffic. So I decided I would run there once I get off the train. Indeed that was what I did. First at the train door, dashed up the staircase to the gantry, ran through the link to Wheelock place. It's my first time ever getting thru that link in such a short time. The thinner crowd then also helped. Half ran into the Shaw link and to the surface. Reached the place with 5 mind to spare...
Went to the table and started at the seafood part. Took a plate of prawns, crab, cooked salmon, a plate of tuna and salmon sashimi and a plate of salad. Started eating then the rest gradually came. Think all of us enjoyed the food a lot. They were more experienced buffet eaters and mentioned that the selection was good and there was something for everyone. Better than some of the hotel buffets they had gone for.
After I polished thru the 3 plates, I walked over to the other side and haven't seen the rest of the selection and was halted at the cheese selection. Cut myself a serving of every cheese on the selection, some crackers and a mini baguette. A small western seafood soup. Came back to see a big bowl of Chinese style fish soup which F'S kindly got for me. She heard me asking Tab about soup while I was still polishing off my 3 plates. It was really good and I thanked her. Ate the plate of cheese and 2 soups.
Midway thru there was a birthday song by the staff and a whole bunch of cupcakes. But as during reservation, I didn't mention bdae so I didn't get any. FH asked for one and it came. Became my only sweet dessert. To a photo with a slice of cheese. Literally "say cheese". The rest were instant photos with Tab. Waiting for her photo of photos.
My last plate was yoghurt and choose a plate of fruits - watermelon, dragonfruit, pineapple, honey dew from the fruits section & strawberries and apricot from the chocolate fountain. The yoghurt was so good I went for a second generous helping. Ate until really full. We waited for Quetzal and helped her get some food. We were the last to leave, literally seating until they were ready to open the high-tea buffet.
This time, I discovered the salad area had pre made salads and a couple tasted really good. My own with the sauce was good too, especially to offset the seafood taste. The cheese was also good, some of the cheese were really tasty on bread and crackers maybe except the blue cheese... The yoghurt was delicious, not too sweet, bit sourish neat with fresh fruits. The salmon sashimi was nicer than the tuna this time. There were stuff I didn't have the stomach for but it's okay. More next time. I dun mind the lunch, just slightly more than the high tea. Can consider.
Then we walked around, windows shopping and went to Tiffany. Walked around back and ended up with drinks in Ion basement. For me, it was tea and more tea to aid digestion. We headed home around 5pm. I drank more tea and didn't eat anything else that night. Been looking forward to this cos the actual day before I was so tired from work...
My form class knew cos I told them to write a message to cheer me up cos I had 6 periods instead of 4 due to timetable changes and had to check their dairies. Later got 1 period break cos FW surprisingly decided she would rotate so I didn't have to go for the first lesson of that series. I had to go for the second. Was still tired nonetheless but one student made an extra bookmark from FW lesson and gave it to me. It was unexpected so I thanked her. Later on, a bunch of boys from last year who had been wishing me Happy birthday for an entire year came and especially say Happy Birthday. I told them thanks and finally they got the right day. Asked them about their high school, most leaving to go back to Japan to study. Ended the day and the form class sang English bdae song. I was too stoned and didn't expect that. Kinda awkward so just smile and stand there. Thanked them after. At the bus duty, a few more former students greeted me happy birthday.
Went home cos supposed to go with family to the airport to eat dinner. I thought it was for special occasion but cos my mom's friend is arriving and then taking another plane, had to pass her something so shun bian go there and meet my sister after work there to eat dinner too. I fell asleep in the car on the way there. So dinner at Astons and we waited from 8.30pm until 10th plus dunno why airports always is a place to keep waiting. I walked with sis to explore the basement of T1 and queued for coffee. Kinda just enjoying the lax and not having to rush around. After we reached home, near twelve, just slept. Kinda like a rather uneventful day of sort so i looked forward to Sat.
Anyway I had originally intended to choose Todai @ MBS for a buffet dinner cos never been there and heard it had the biggest buffet spread. But later as the date drew nearer, heard that the standard had dropped so I decided to change. Carousel came to mind as I have been there twice for the high-tea buffet and it was memorable. But the dinner was pricier than Todai so I decided on lunch. Looking through the menu selection, there seems to be something for everyone, especially DF.
There was no lack of drama to get the reservation though. I did a phone reservation and had to email back a form with a credit card authorisation. I provided my work email on Fri evening and could only check it on Monday. Due to email migration, my outlook wasn't working but I didn't realised that. So I called them up again and used my personal email. Printed out the credit card authorization and scanned it and email them back. They confirmed the reservation for 6 pax. Phew a lot of work.
Then on the actual day I left home an hour earlier to travel down leisurely by bus. But due to road work, partly through I changed to train, but in a roundabout manner cos it's the circle line to NE line to Red. So by the time I reached Dolby Ghaut, it was 5 mins to 12pm. I checked if anyone was reaching cos they hold the reservation for 15mins but everybody seemed to be stuck in traffic. So I decided I would run there once I get off the train. Indeed that was what I did. First at the train door, dashed up the staircase to the gantry, ran through the link to Wheelock place. It's my first time ever getting thru that link in such a short time. The thinner crowd then also helped. Half ran into the Shaw link and to the surface. Reached the place with 5 mind to spare...
Went to the table and started at the seafood part. Took a plate of prawns, crab, cooked salmon, a plate of tuna and salmon sashimi and a plate of salad. Started eating then the rest gradually came. Think all of us enjoyed the food a lot. They were more experienced buffet eaters and mentioned that the selection was good and there was something for everyone. Better than some of the hotel buffets they had gone for.
After I polished thru the 3 plates, I walked over to the other side and haven't seen the rest of the selection and was halted at the cheese selection. Cut myself a serving of every cheese on the selection, some crackers and a mini baguette. A small western seafood soup. Came back to see a big bowl of Chinese style fish soup which F'S kindly got for me. She heard me asking Tab about soup while I was still polishing off my 3 plates. It was really good and I thanked her. Ate the plate of cheese and 2 soups.
Midway thru there was a birthday song by the staff and a whole bunch of cupcakes. But as during reservation, I didn't mention bdae so I didn't get any. FH asked for one and it came. Became my only sweet dessert. To a photo with a slice of cheese. Literally "say cheese". The rest were instant photos with Tab. Waiting for her photo of photos.
My last plate was yoghurt and choose a plate of fruits - watermelon, dragonfruit, pineapple, honey dew from the fruits section & strawberries and apricot from the chocolate fountain. The yoghurt was so good I went for a second generous helping. Ate until really full. We waited for Quetzal and helped her get some food. We were the last to leave, literally seating until they were ready to open the high-tea buffet.
This time, I discovered the salad area had pre made salads and a couple tasted really good. My own with the sauce was good too, especially to offset the seafood taste. The cheese was also good, some of the cheese were really tasty on bread and crackers maybe except the blue cheese... The yoghurt was delicious, not too sweet, bit sourish neat with fresh fruits. The salmon sashimi was nicer than the tuna this time. There were stuff I didn't have the stomach for but it's okay. More next time. I dun mind the lunch, just slightly more than the high tea. Can consider.
Then we walked around, windows shopping and went to Tiffany. Walked around back and ended up with drinks in Ion basement. For me, it was tea and more tea to aid digestion. We headed home around 5pm. I drank more tea and didn't eat anything else that night. Been looking forward to this cos the actual day before I was so tired from work...
My form class knew cos I told them to write a message to cheer me up cos I had 6 periods instead of 4 due to timetable changes and had to check their dairies. Later got 1 period break cos FW surprisingly decided she would rotate so I didn't have to go for the first lesson of that series. I had to go for the second. Was still tired nonetheless but one student made an extra bookmark from FW lesson and gave it to me. It was unexpected so I thanked her. Later on, a bunch of boys from last year who had been wishing me Happy birthday for an entire year came and especially say Happy Birthday. I told them thanks and finally they got the right day. Asked them about their high school, most leaving to go back to Japan to study. Ended the day and the form class sang English bdae song. I was too stoned and didn't expect that. Kinda awkward so just smile and stand there. Thanked them after. At the bus duty, a few more former students greeted me happy birthday.
Went home cos supposed to go with family to the airport to eat dinner. I thought it was for special occasion but cos my mom's friend is arriving and then taking another plane, had to pass her something so shun bian go there and meet my sister after work there to eat dinner too. I fell asleep in the car on the way there. So dinner at Astons and we waited from 8.30pm until 10th plus dunno why airports always is a place to keep waiting. I walked with sis to explore the basement of T1 and queued for coffee. Kinda just enjoying the lax and not having to rush around. After we reached home, near twelve, just slept. Kinda like a rather uneventful day of sort so i looked forward to Sat.
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