Today marks the day that i see snow! no no, seeing snow! December 19 at 2AM! And it is the first time after so long that im kinda enjoying the cold. strange i know.
I am so swamped with exams and projects because i will be leaving here for london on wednesday; so i have to complete everything a month earlier. But i guess it is all worth it for the travelling and experiences that i am going to have for the next month.
I am not usually a festive junky, but this year felt especially special and different, and... im really looking forward for christmas! i hope it will be a good one.
Stay tune!
Friday, December 18, 2009
Monday, October 5, 2009
Pre Trip Summary!
after much procrastination and laziness, i am finally done with the finances for the pre trip! (hooray!~ ) If you are planning to use this as a guide, please note that my spending is skewed as i have free accommodation in Paris and Barcelona. Also, the expense for activity is rather high as we "Pacha" (this famous club in ibiza that cost us entrance of euro40 (from the black market)), parasail in Ibiza too that cost 55euro and surfing in Peniche cost 135. (this includes accommodation)
stay tuned for the video.. coming soon!
Monday, September 14, 2009
After 2 weeks of travelling...
been to paris, nice and im currently in barcelona. will be heading to ibiza in the next 3hrs. then i will be in portugal alone, before flying back to meet with the rest (cecilia, alan and jonathan) in london and back to istanbul.
I am actually feeling kinda tired right now. =(
I am actually feeling kinda tired right now. =(
Saturday, September 5, 2009
woah!
guess what! we are in riga! transitting for paris tomorrow. Honestly, i was really scare that we might miss the flight as we took the train to the other direction. its like instead of going to Tanah Merah and going to Changi Airport, we were at Jurong East! Oh well, i am it all turns out well.
Have to had Salmon sandwich on flight, because we did not have enough time to grab lunch. It cost us EURO5.25 for 2 thin slices of bread with 2 thin salmon and some vege + mineral water and a small chocolate waffel bar.
Anyway, Riga is really peaceful and relaxing for the old town. The rest of the part that we saw on the way to our hostel, Dome Pearl Hostel from the airport was really quiet. As compared to the crowded and dense Taksim square area that we were in, this is like less than 1% of the human traffic.
Apparently, Latvia is much stronger than EU and UK. Their currency is Lita, and the exchange rate is about 1Lita to SGD2.98! thats even more than Pound and EURO! In fact, we just changed EURO50 for like Lita32. We spend 10 on hostel, 1.2 on bustide here, and 9.58 on grocery. decided to make dinner and breakfast as it is rather costly to dine out.
Japanese ramen cost LT4 and normal meal cost about 5ish at decent restaurant. And thats the average of what they have here. However, beer is about 0.5 so thats about SGD1.50. Cheap cheap!
Anyway, i should get some sleep as tomorrow have to wake up early to make breakfast and catch a flight at 11:30AM! Will try to load my photos and videos once i have stable internet connection. Tomorrow we are going to PAris!~
Have to had Salmon sandwich on flight, because we did not have enough time to grab lunch. It cost us EURO5.25 for 2 thin slices of bread with 2 thin salmon and some vege + mineral water and a small chocolate waffel bar.
Anyway, Riga is really peaceful and relaxing for the old town. The rest of the part that we saw on the way to our hostel, Dome Pearl Hostel from the airport was really quiet. As compared to the crowded and dense Taksim square area that we were in, this is like less than 1% of the human traffic.
Apparently, Latvia is much stronger than EU and UK. Their currency is Lita, and the exchange rate is about 1Lita to SGD2.98! thats even more than Pound and EURO! In fact, we just changed EURO50 for like Lita32. We spend 10 on hostel, 1.2 on bustide here, and 9.58 on grocery. decided to make dinner and breakfast as it is rather costly to dine out.
Japanese ramen cost LT4 and normal meal cost about 5ish at decent restaurant. And thats the average of what they have here. However, beer is about 0.5 so thats about SGD1.50. Cheap cheap!
Anyway, i should get some sleep as tomorrow have to wake up early to make breakfast and catch a flight at 11:30AM! Will try to load my photos and videos once i have stable internet connection. Tomorrow we are going to PAris!~
Friday, September 4, 2009
3rd Day in Istanbul
After spending 2 days alone in Taksim Sofa Hostel, Cecilia (my travelmate) arrived this morning. Travelling alone was quite interesting and carefree. Alot of freedom to do whatever i want whenever and wherever. And as a female traveller, has its advantages. I am loving this place. the weather, architecture, people and demographics of the people i see on the street. It is truly metropolitan city!
Will be without my lappy for the next weeks, as i am storing it in KOC... will load the clips asap!
Will be without my lappy for the next weeks, as i am storing it in KOC... will load the clips asap!
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
the last few moment
after 2 weeks of meeting people, shopping, eating, partying and etc! Finally i am almost done packing and getting ready to go! but the bad news is, i somehow clumsily hurt my back while trying to move the luggage onto the weighting scale... so... this dampen my excitement alil. Then again it is good as i will spend more time sitting and resting, that means bloggin too! not forgetting the hongkong drama im watching!
just had 3 pills from the doctor to stop the pain, doesn't seems to be working yet. maybe, i can request for a special seat or something later! woah! *idea*
oh well.. im going to have a 8hrs transit in dubai..what should i do? hpmmm...
just had 3 pills from the doctor to stop the pain, doesn't seems to be working yet. maybe, i can request for a special seat or something later! woah! *idea*
oh well.. im going to have a 8hrs transit in dubai..what should i do? hpmmm...
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
OMG... nightmare!
we are pretty screwed for now coz the ONLY airline that fly from istanbul to italy is suspending it's service! we are short of only ONE flight out of istanbul and we have book the rest of the 8 flights! ARGH! #!@^$&%*^&$#
Looking on the bright side, luckily we didnt book anything from them yet!
Friday, August 14, 2009
realisation
i realised after 3 weeks of india, i grew to like singapore and malaysia more. how strange when people spend all their lives looking for the perfect place to stay when the place is where they are!
oh well, maybe because i have not been to much places yet. i kinda hope that europe will be as fantastic! just wrote down my flight details for my mum yesterday, i will be flying like 8times for the confirmed flights for the pre-travel. i think i will be so sick of flying after that!
Also, i realised i really enjoy a slow stroke from SMU down to Borders at the evening time. Seeing people rushing to their destination and occassionally seeing familiar faces, stopping by whichever mall as i like, eating the local food! i think i am really going to miss all the local food! =/
also, suddenly the unpleasant bus ride from larkin (bus interchange at johor bahru, malaysia) seems comfortable, my hometown seems so beautiful and green. I hope that i can maintain this "slowness" and experience and absorbing things wherever i go!
oh well, maybe because i have not been to much places yet. i kinda hope that europe will be as fantastic! just wrote down my flight details for my mum yesterday, i will be flying like 8times for the confirmed flights for the pre-travel. i think i will be so sick of flying after that!
Also, i realised i really enjoy a slow stroke from SMU down to Borders at the evening time. Seeing people rushing to their destination and occassionally seeing familiar faces, stopping by whichever mall as i like, eating the local food! i think i am really going to miss all the local food! =/
also, suddenly the unpleasant bus ride from larkin (bus interchange at johor bahru, malaysia) seems comfortable, my hometown seems so beautiful and green. I hope that i can maintain this "slowness" and experience and absorbing things wherever i go!
Thursday, August 13, 2009
Inspired to inspire.
I find these 3 words the best sum up of my MindTree India Immersion Experience. Being a management major, the first thing that attracted me to apply for this programme was the values that MindTree advocated. After reading "The Making of MindTree 1", it reassured me that i should give this a shot. True enough, this experience had exceed my expectations and surprises me in many ways. These 3 weeks has taught me more about organisation structure, management, motivations, values, mission and vision, social enterprises, energy issues, innovation, friendships, communication, India, asking the right question and attitude, as compared to many modules that i have done in school.
I am inspired by the people that i met; their attitude, thinking, character, that kind of organisation, country and world that they aspired to build, their visions and aspirations. The list includes Subroto Baghi, Sanjay Shelvankar, Venky B, Head of Selco Research Lab and even some of the SMU friends whom i have met during the trip.
Subroto Baghi, COO of MindTree, The Legend
We spent about 4hours with him in total when we were in Bangalore and a full day in Chennai for our presentation. I am amazed by how he "predicted the future" by building MindTree based on the "soft" aspect of the company when most of the start ups companies 10 years ago where focusing more on process, product and managing their people. He and his 9 other co-founders chose to build MindTree base on CLASS value (Caring, Learning, Achieving, Sharing, Social Sensitivity).
During the course of our visit, I was shocked that everyone is talking about the same stuff (values, culture and vision) when we interacted with the MindTree Minds (aka their staffs). To be honest, at one point it was quite scary when the thought that everyone are being brainwashed crossed my mind. However, after talking to Subroto Baghi, i am convinced that it is indeed possible! For his strong belief in what needs to be done and his foresight, not forgetting his charisma that will charm anyone off their feet and his knowledge that will awe you.
He sees Asia and the world as one collaborative effort and how MindTree and himself can do to promote such interaction. This immersion programme is just one of the many steps to foster such understanding and collaboration. He sees the world as one and not a zero sum game. This is good stuff!
Sanjay Shelvanker, Head of Talent Recruitment, the cool-dad-husband-boss-friend
I have the priviledge to spend 2 days of travelling time with him in our vehicle and several sense-making sessions with him. My group is also honoured to meet his wife and daughters and had dinner at his dining table. This man sees so much hope and future in us that it overwhelmed me. (sometimes even i myself question about what i might become) But for him, he has so much faith and you can see/feel/hear through his eyes and voice. This leader leads by his heart and soul. When i look at him, I felt that i have so much so much more to learn.
Not forgetting that he actually remembered i love Ambassador (this really old car by Hindustan company) and he managed to get one to come to our guesthouse (which is way in the outskirt of Chennai) and took us for a ride. Sanjay, if you're reading this, i am really thankful, you've made my final night in Chennai super special and i will always remember that! Thank you for having so much faith in us, stay in touch!
Venky B, One of MindTree's Project Leader, the funny, caring, giving one
A day and a half with him is definitely not enough. He has such a bubbly personality that always bring laughter and joy to people around him. I admire his way of bringing the team together and that kind of connection that he created among his team. He has demostrated the CLASS values to the fullest! How he care for his employees, his open and learning attitude that always willing to take feedback, believing in his people, understanding and satisfying customers requirements.
Venky B, thats for sharing your "tips" and being such a good guide!
Head of Selco Research Lab, the-one-i-want-to-give-my-namecard-to
The way that he speaks, it is filled with passion; you can see his face lighted up and eyes glowing! Although i dont know what he is talking about sometimes, but i am pretty certain that he knows what he is doing. I am exploring the possibilities to go back and work with him for a few months next year if the time permits.
Chen Lu
You taught me how to talk SLOWLY and THINK THOROUGHLY! When you speak, i listen (seriously). I think you have what it takes to be the greatest professor or whichever profession you choose to be. How i wish i could have just half of your thought process!
Eugene
You are such a motivation for me to start taking risk and do something of my own! You desire and boldness inspired me. Remember to remind me to start my own social entreprise in 5 years time when i should be really caught up with the rat race! ; )
Despite of the screwed up with airfare that i ended up paying 120 bucks more that what i need to pay, the ubber expensive visa, this trip is all worth it! For the lessons that i have learnt and the people that i have met and the experiences that i had.
I am inspired by the people that i met; their attitude, thinking, character, that kind of organisation, country and world that they aspired to build, their visions and aspirations. The list includes Subroto Baghi, Sanjay Shelvankar, Venky B, Head of Selco Research Lab and even some of the SMU friends whom i have met during the trip.
Subroto Baghi, COO of MindTree, The Legend
We spent about 4hours with him in total when we were in Bangalore and a full day in Chennai for our presentation. I am amazed by how he "predicted the future" by building MindTree based on the "soft" aspect of the company when most of the start ups companies 10 years ago where focusing more on process, product and managing their people. He and his 9 other co-founders chose to build MindTree base on CLASS value (Caring, Learning, Achieving, Sharing, Social Sensitivity).
During the course of our visit, I was shocked that everyone is talking about the same stuff (values, culture and vision) when we interacted with the MindTree Minds (aka their staffs). To be honest, at one point it was quite scary when the thought that everyone are being brainwashed crossed my mind. However, after talking to Subroto Baghi, i am convinced that it is indeed possible! For his strong belief in what needs to be done and his foresight, not forgetting his charisma that will charm anyone off their feet and his knowledge that will awe you.
He sees Asia and the world as one collaborative effort and how MindTree and himself can do to promote such interaction. This immersion programme is just one of the many steps to foster such understanding and collaboration. He sees the world as one and not a zero sum game. This is good stuff!
Sanjay Shelvanker, Head of Talent Recruitment, the cool-dad-husband-boss-friend
I have the priviledge to spend 2 days of travelling time with him in our vehicle and several sense-making sessions with him. My group is also honoured to meet his wife and daughters and had dinner at his dining table. This man sees so much hope and future in us that it overwhelmed me. (sometimes even i myself question about what i might become) But for him, he has so much faith and you can see/feel/hear through his eyes and voice. This leader leads by his heart and soul. When i look at him, I felt that i have so much so much more to learn.
Not forgetting that he actually remembered i love Ambassador (this really old car by Hindustan company) and he managed to get one to come to our guesthouse (which is way in the outskirt of Chennai) and took us for a ride. Sanjay, if you're reading this, i am really thankful, you've made my final night in Chennai super special and i will always remember that! Thank you for having so much faith in us, stay in touch!
Venky B, One of MindTree's Project Leader, the funny, caring, giving one
A day and a half with him is definitely not enough. He has such a bubbly personality that always bring laughter and joy to people around him. I admire his way of bringing the team together and that kind of connection that he created among his team. He has demostrated the CLASS values to the fullest! How he care for his employees, his open and learning attitude that always willing to take feedback, believing in his people, understanding and satisfying customers requirements.
Venky B, thats for sharing your "tips" and being such a good guide!
Head of Selco Research Lab, the-one-i-want-to-give-my-namecard-to
The way that he speaks, it is filled with passion; you can see his face lighted up and eyes glowing! Although i dont know what he is talking about sometimes, but i am pretty certain that he knows what he is doing. I am exploring the possibilities to go back and work with him for a few months next year if the time permits.
Chen Lu
You taught me how to talk SLOWLY and THINK THOROUGHLY! When you speak, i listen (seriously). I think you have what it takes to be the greatest professor or whichever profession you choose to be. How i wish i could have just half of your thought process!
Eugene
You are such a motivation for me to start taking risk and do something of my own! You desire and boldness inspired me. Remember to remind me to start my own social entreprise in 5 years time when i should be really caught up with the rat race! ; )
Despite of the screwed up with airfare that i ended up paying 120 bucks more that what i need to pay, the ubber expensive visa, this trip is all worth it! For the lessons that i have learnt and the people that i have met and the experiences that i had.
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
Back in Chennai
ZZzz... its 2:30AM and we are still up trying to finish our presentation x.x just got inform that there will be ppl from the press to watch our presentation. and the readership is about 9million...
stress level just go up by one notch man... = /
stress level just go up by one notch man... = /
Sunday, July 26, 2009
Day 6 in INdia and a Superb Shopping Sat and Sun!
Day 6: Met our first lady speaker today. FYI the population of female in MT is about 22%! thats roughly about 5% more than the industrial average. however it seems like there's not much of an issue.
mt preached about respect and merit base on one's work... seems like it really works!
Weekends: Shopping was awesome! bought quite alot of stuff on Saturday and some stuff on SUn!
Saturday 战胜品！
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alot of things are FLAT 50% meaning everything in the store is 50%!! woohoo!~ loves the word FLAT! =0 and... levi is cheaper here. So is united colour of benetton(UCB). not to mention books! and their local publication of magazines.
UCB is quite popular and big here. their presense in most of the malls and their own 3 storey flagship store. Got a green top from there! LOVe it! The best buy however is the SGD 2bucks headphone from philips.
SUNday 战胜品！
mt preached about respect and merit base on one's work... seems like it really works!
Weekends: Shopping was awesome! bought quite alot of stuff on Saturday and some stuff on SUn!
Saturday 战胜品！
.JPG)
alot of things are FLAT 50% meaning everything in the store is 50%!! woohoo!~ loves the word FLAT! =0 and... levi is cheaper here. So is united colour of benetton(UCB). not to mention books! and their local publication of magazines.
UCB is quite popular and big here. their presense in most of the malls and their own 3 storey flagship store. Got a green top from there! LOVe it! The best buy however is the SGD 2bucks headphone from philips.
SUNday 战胜品！
Friday, July 24, 2009
my typical day now and forward..
700AM - Rise and shine
730AM - Breaky
900AM - Leave for Mindtree (MT) on the mini van
930AM - Meet with Head or Senior Managers of one of MT's functions
1100AM - Meet with another Head or Senior Managers of one of MT's functions
1PM - Lunch (Vegetarian stufff) and netowrking lunch w the other junior members in MT
2PM - Meet with project team from different industry or account
630PM - Leave MT for guest house.. usually we will leave about 7ish...
745PM - Home sweet home...
830PM - Dinner
10PM - Laundry... and i will load all the videos and the photos...
12PM - ZZZZzzZzzz... after one episode of my drama series! the thing i always look forward to all day!
730AM - Breaky
900AM - Leave for Mindtree (MT) on the mini van
930AM - Meet with Head or Senior Managers of one of MT's functions
1100AM - Meet with another Head or Senior Managers of one of MT's functions
1PM - Lunch (Vegetarian stufff) and netowrking lunch w the other junior members in MT
2PM - Meet with project team from different industry or account
630PM - Leave MT for guest house.. usually we will leave about 7ish...
745PM - Home sweet home...
830PM - Dinner
10PM - Laundry... and i will load all the videos and the photos...
12PM - ZZZZzzZzzz... after one episode of my drama series! the thing i always look forward to all day!
INdia Day 2 to 6!
It had been beeen almost a week since we arrived. been really busy. schedule is really packed. it is more than just 9 to 5 for sure! Just a short note on the different days and how my typical day has been.
Day 2: Visited the MT campus (their offices are called campus) at Chennai. Briefed about our schedule and expected deliverables. Rushed for train to go to Bangalore. after 6 long hrs, we arrived at the current guesthouse about 10ish. This guest house is not as awesome as the one in Chennai. Here is more like a condominium.
Day 3: First day in MT! Met Subroto Bagchi, the gardener of MT. please dont take gardener literally. He is the co-founder of MT, now moving on to doing more on the leadership training aspect of MT. Very knowledgeable, warm and inspiring guy!
If you have a chance, read his books. The high performance entrepreneur and Kiss the world. He took us out for dinner with his wife and his friend's daughter from America. Got home really late. another late night... sleep deficit starts to accumulate...
Day 4: Met with the HR person, they called it the People Function. -interesting- and had our first sense making session. Very heated discussions revolving about many topics across organization, people, culture, system, processes, perceptions, IT in india etc. Talked about expectations, what we have learnt, what are lacking, discoveries and provoking thoughts?
Day 5: Did laundry last night, yesh…. Being really domesticated. Unbelievable… Spent the day on Systematic Innovation. Being taught how to be creative and innovative. Learnt 5 frameworks! Namely, 9 windows, Ideal final result, TRIZ, resources & Time-Cost-Size. Pretty useful and comprehensive.
So, can creativity be taught? Is there really a systematic way to innovate?
Day 2: Visited the MT campus (their offices are called campus) at Chennai. Briefed about our schedule and expected deliverables. Rushed for train to go to Bangalore. after 6 long hrs, we arrived at the current guesthouse about 10ish. This guest house is not as awesome as the one in Chennai. Here is more like a condominium.
Day 3: First day in MT! Met Subroto Bagchi, the gardener of MT. please dont take gardener literally. He is the co-founder of MT, now moving on to doing more on the leadership training aspect of MT. Very knowledgeable, warm and inspiring guy!
If you have a chance, read his books. The high performance entrepreneur and Kiss the world. He took us out for dinner with his wife and his friend's daughter from America. Got home really late. another late night... sleep deficit starts to accumulate...
Day 4: Met with the HR person, they called it the People Function. -interesting- and had our first sense making session. Very heated discussions revolving about many topics across organization, people, culture, system, processes, perceptions, IT in india etc. Talked about expectations, what we have learnt, what are lacking, discoveries and provoking thoughts?
Day 5: Did laundry last night, yesh…. Being really domesticated. Unbelievable… Spent the day on Systematic Innovation. Being taught how to be creative and innovative. Learnt 5 frameworks! Namely, 9 windows, Ideal final result, TRIZ, resources & Time-Cost-Size. Pretty useful and comprehensive.
So, can creativity be taught? Is there really a systematic way to innovate?
Thursday, July 23, 2009
internet, oh yesh!
finally! there's internet!! hooray!~ reporting from bangalore, mindtree campus 1 level 0. we are currently working for our transportation back to the guest house. time now is 710pm in india and 930pm in sg!!
HOooray~! stay tuned for more! ;)
HOooray~! stay tuned for more! ;)
Sunday, July 19, 2009
India - Day 1 in Chennai
i am here in Mindtree's guest house in Chennai, at last. was stunned when the gate personnel cant find my reservation. and true enough my booking didnt go through. so, in the end have to pay $455 on the spot for the last seat... phew... =S this is a super expensive trip! damnit!
another drama happens when one of our two vans was being hitted by a taxi! dont really know the whole story yet, coz i wasnt in the van. BUt everyone is safe and sound here!
this place is really comfortable and nice. =)
another drama happens when one of our two vans was being hitted by a taxi! dont really know the whole story yet, coz i wasnt in the van. BUt everyone is safe and sound here!
this place is really comfortable and nice. =)
Saturday, July 11, 2009
India!
i have been so busy and caught up with exchange that i totally forgotten to mention about my india trip!
Yesh! looks like im going to be travelling quite abit! for the next half of the year! whee!~
to make the start of it all will be my 3 weeks india immersion programme with Mindtree. if you have a minute, do give the making of mindtree a read. http://www.mindtree.com/aboutus/making_mindtree.html
very interesting company in terms of their formation and their visions. I would have to say the preparation for the trip is more than what i expected. besides the 2 making of mindtree articles, there are 3 other articles from economist and 2 other books. x.x i have only covered the making of mindtree 1 and 2 articles... i dont think i can even start on the book before we leave.
to be honest, im quite apprehensive about this trip. india has never be on my top list of places to visit and i have no clue what to expect. on the other hand, i think it can be good as expectations do limits one's view and discoveries at times.
Oh well, i just have to recover from this flu that i am suffering right now so that i can enjoy my trip! i am currently looking for adobe premium pro so i can edit my videos. if you have it let me know!
Yesh! looks like im going to be travelling quite abit! for the next half of the year! whee!~
to make the start of it all will be my 3 weeks india immersion programme with Mindtree. if you have a minute, do give the making of mindtree a read. http://www.mindtree.com/aboutus/making_mindtree.html
very interesting company in terms of their formation and their visions. I would have to say the preparation for the trip is more than what i expected. besides the 2 making of mindtree articles, there are 3 other articles from economist and 2 other books. x.x i have only covered the making of mindtree 1 and 2 articles... i dont think i can even start on the book before we leave.
to be honest, im quite apprehensive about this trip. india has never be on my top list of places to visit and i have no clue what to expect. on the other hand, i think it can be good as expectations do limits one's view and discoveries at times.
Oh well, i just have to recover from this flu that i am suffering right now so that i can enjoy my trip! i am currently looking for adobe premium pro so i can edit my videos. if you have it let me know!
VISA BEware!
i am currently having problems with my visa right now as it is only single entry. i am running the risk of not being able to istanbul if i fly out. =/
so for those applying or have yet to apply please make sure that it is either a multi entry or it starts at a later date. Mastura, the lady at the Turkish embassy is suggesting that we re-do a new student visa that will start at a later date.
So, the first entry when i arrive on the 3rd Sept will be under a tourist visa and the next entry on the 23rd sept will be the start of my student visa. i am really reluctant to spend another $66 bucks. Anyway, Ccli is going to go down and "bargain" for them to re-do for us for sure. Wish her luck!
it seems that luck is not on my side lately. booked the exp tix, and now this visa issue.
i have booked most of my flight for my pre-turkey travel at a higher price as well =/ @#!*&I&^$#%@$%#^$&
so for those applying or have yet to apply please make sure that it is either a multi entry or it starts at a later date. Mastura, the lady at the Turkish embassy is suggesting that we re-do a new student visa that will start at a later date.
So, the first entry when i arrive on the 3rd Sept will be under a tourist visa and the next entry on the 23rd sept will be the start of my student visa. i am really reluctant to spend another $66 bucks. Anyway, Ccli is going to go down and "bargain" for them to re-do for us for sure. Wish her luck!
it seems that luck is not on my side lately. booked the exp tix, and now this visa issue.
i have booked most of my flight for my pre-turkey travel at a higher price as well =/ @#!*&I&^$#%@$%#^$&
Thursday, July 2, 2009
the magic keyword is FE3S6N
oh yesh! i have finally part with my SGD1331 and booked the tix! the dude at emirates is very nice to change a connecting flight to dubai to a direct flight for me! whee! =)
Monday, June 29, 2009
what a day!
the drama started when one of my prospects late for our appointment. so, instead of meeting them at 1030AM and meet ccli at 1130AM at Raffles Place. I was still in the office at 1145AM! SO, ccli has to go find her own way and stop the embassy from closing so we can do our application TODAY. (oh yes, the visa application is from 9AM to 12PM)
managed to reach the officer in the embassy on the phone while i was on the train and pursue him to wait up for 10mins and surprisingly he agrees! But he said ONLY 10 mins. RUSH-ed! 12:09PM when i stepped in, really quite amaze by myself of the speed i can walk (semi-run) in my heels.
this is like dejavu for my BSM trip with ccli to cambodia and thailand. We practically rush through the whole trip, including all the breakfast, showers, boarding for transport. oh man! history pls dont repeat itself.
drama 2, not enough $$ for application! seriously, the info from OIR can be quite outdated at times. so, if you're going exchange this sem, please check with the MFA or the embassy website of the country that you'll be going before application. it turns out that it is not $38, its $66 for student visa to turkey. And it doesnt take 6 - 8 weeks according to the info sheet, it only takes 3 days! -_-" i can actually collect it on Friday if i have my flight details.
taking about flight, it is so upsetting that the price for emirates to istanbul went up. form $1214 to $1331 =~( argh! the price i pay for procrastinating, been bitching about it the whole night to most of the gym users i know just now while i was working. sigh, still pretty ypset over it.
OH well, i have a new idea to fly to london and just leave my luggage in a hostel and fly from lon to istanbul! so that will solve the baggage problem. ;)
sometimes, i think my so called plans are so fluid that i dont think it fit to be a plan. plans have to be more concrete than these lil options that i come up with.
BUt, it was a good and fun day after all. we applied for visa, had good korean ramen at lau pa sat, introduced my blog to several ppl. Beverly, Melinda and Alan.
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and i learnt that i have to be more decisive! so, i will call up STA and check on the rates and book by weds/thurs for sure!
P/S to Bev: faster book yr tix and come visit me in IST! See you at munich if im going! ;)
P/S to Alan: im sure the slip is the coolest "namecard" you ever receive! :p
managed to reach the officer in the embassy on the phone while i was on the train and pursue him to wait up for 10mins and surprisingly he agrees! But he said ONLY 10 mins. RUSH-ed! 12:09PM when i stepped in, really quite amaze by myself of the speed i can walk (semi-run) in my heels.
this is like dejavu for my BSM trip with ccli to cambodia and thailand. We practically rush through the whole trip, including all the breakfast, showers, boarding for transport. oh man! history pls dont repeat itself.
drama 2, not enough $$ for application! seriously, the info from OIR can be quite outdated at times. so, if you're going exchange this sem, please check with the MFA or the embassy website of the country that you'll be going before application. it turns out that it is not $38, its $66 for student visa to turkey. And it doesnt take 6 - 8 weeks according to the info sheet, it only takes 3 days! -_-" i can actually collect it on Friday if i have my flight details.
taking about flight, it is so upsetting that the price for emirates to istanbul went up. form $1214 to $1331 =~( argh! the price i pay for procrastinating, been bitching about it the whole night to most of the gym users i know just now while i was working. sigh, still pretty ypset over it.
OH well, i have a new idea to fly to london and just leave my luggage in a hostel and fly from lon to istanbul! so that will solve the baggage problem. ;)
sometimes, i think my so called plans are so fluid that i dont think it fit to be a plan. plans have to be more concrete than these lil options that i come up with.
BUt, it was a good and fun day after all. we applied for visa, had good korean ramen at lau pa sat, introduced my blog to several ppl. Beverly, Melinda and Alan.
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and i learnt that i have to be more decisive! so, i will call up STA and check on the rates and book by weds/thurs for sure!
P/S to Bev: faster book yr tix and come visit me in IST! See you at munich if im going! ;)
P/S to Alan: im sure the slip is the coolest "namecard" you ever receive! :p
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
15kg baby?!
alright. i STILL have not book my ticket and it is making my really paranoid as the day goes by. Anyway in order to help me in my decision making, i done a lil bag test. Would i wanna carry 15Kg ard with me for 3 weeks?
So, for a start i use my blanket as the base. Thats about like less than 1kg with the bag.
Followed by my dictionaries, dumbbell, notebooks, a bag of old clothes i wanna give away and of coz the newly borrowed Turkey guidebook on the nice places to stay.
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And lastly i used 3 bottle of water and my beloveed fitness instructor course book to make up for the last 5kg.
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and..voila!~
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the conclusions are:
(a) i definitely need to hit the gym more than i do right now.
(b) maybe flying into IST and travelling with smaller backpack is a better idea after all.
So, for a start i use my blanket as the base. Thats about like less than 1kg with the bag.
Followed by my dictionaries, dumbbell, notebooks, a bag of old clothes i wanna give away and of coz the newly borrowed Turkey guidebook on the nice places to stay.
.jpg)
And lastly i used 3 bottle of water and my beloveed fitness instructor course book to make up for the last 5kg.
.jpg)
and..voila!~
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the conclusions are:
(a) i definitely need to hit the gym more than i do right now.
(b) maybe flying into IST and travelling with smaller backpack is a better idea after all.
Sunday, June 21, 2009
flight
was so certain that i wanna fly on the 4th Sept to London, as thats the only day in the first week with the cheapest fare. However! everyone seems to be flying to Istanbul first before heading over the Spain or Greece.
Now, im swayed! =/
to be honest, i have been watching the flight prices everyday and we should really decide and book it now. If not, i will forever be in this state of checking on the prices everyday, but no action.
all this planning has turn into a "sales talk" with cecilia asking me to sell portugal to her, while i asking her to convince me why must we fly into turkey first.
oh man, i need to BOOK a flight to IST or LON and get this over and done with!
Now, im swayed! =/
to be honest, i have been watching the flight prices everyday and we should really decide and book it now. If not, i will forever be in this state of checking on the prices everyday, but no action.
all this planning has turn into a "sales talk" with cecilia asking me to sell portugal to her, while i asking her to convince me why must we fly into turkey first.
oh man, i need to BOOK a flight to IST or LON and get this over and done with!
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
Saturday, April 4, 2009
Purpose!
created this blog for my exchange to turkey in september 09 and GRAD trip around Europe after that! -cant wait!-
In this blog, you'll find many nice photos/videos of the places i will be going and i will try to include the expenses, recommendations and etc. I hope this blog will be a good source of information for future travellers to the places i am visiting!
So, stay tune! ; )
In this blog, you'll find many nice photos/videos of the places i will be going and i will try to include the expenses, recommendations and etc. I hope this blog will be a good source of information for future travellers to the places i am visiting!
So, stay tune! ; )
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