Wednesday was pretty much a busy day. We spent the whole day packing. At the same time, contractor came to fix the tiles, Sharon came to collect some documents and we went to watch Transformers. But let us divert our attention to something else.

Many of you might be wondering if I’ll be shaking my legs in Hong Kong once I move there. Not very lucky as I can’t shake leg for long. Lucky that I got a job and I’ll be starting work soon.

That explains why I had to leave so sudden. Originally I’ve planned to go HK in August, but things turn out to be different. An ex-colleague PM-ed me over facebook, and over a few casual chat, I sent my CV to him, just to try out if I can get a job over there. Next thing I knew, the Hiring Manager e-mailed me and we had our 1st phone interview that very evening. The week after, I had another phone interview with the Regional Manager, and 2 days later I was offered the job. HR called me to inform me about the package and sent me all the details.

It all happened so fast, that I had to discuss this with Hon over what’s app to get his opinion.

Now how am I going to juggle with working and caring for the 2 kids? I actually told the interviewer that I need a job with flexibility. Flexible to work from home when I need to, and go to office as and when required. Of course, Hon & myself will have to work out a schedule, when he’s not flying, he can pick the kids up, else I’d be the one doing that and working from home.

The package offered from this company is pretty good. We have medical & dental coverage for the whole family, which is the most important. Now that his & my company also provides coverage, we have more flexibility.

They also convert my dependent visa to work visa, which is great. So we both have our own working visa.

I’ll be meeting my new manager next week for a casual chat. Over the phone, he sounds really nice and someone that cares to explain all the details to you. I’m keeping my fingers crossed that I get an account that gives me alot flexibility.

I can’t wait to join this company again, after I left 2.5 years ago. So you all should be able to guess where am I heading to .

Last few days got a bit busy and didn’t have time to sit down in front of the PC. Finally now have some time to write a few words.

Photo captured on 9 Oct 2009. This is how they look when I tell them I don’t need to travel for work

So Friday, 8th July 2011, was my last day in Lenovo. And till the last day of work, I was still busy teaching my apprentice what to do in the morning, whilst trying to sort out some items with HR as well. By right I had to return my laptop by 3pm, but time was not on my side and I had to drag it till 430pm.

I finally sent out my farewell note to the Comrades in my now ex-company. Some very concern individuals replied with shock, while others urge to keep in touch, there were also some that ask me to call them when I arrive in HK.

Each time I read the replies from these individual, it makes me very emotional. And I seriously can’t believe some people are just so nice, while some are rather cold blooded. But whatever it is, it’s already the pass. Time to look into the future.

It’s been a great experience working in this company. One of the main thing I’ve picked up is speaking Mandarin. I used to speak Mandarin when I was much younger, but after that didn’t have much chance to practice, but ever since I joined this company, it’s easier to get things done when you can converse in Mandarin. It was not easy listening to China Mandarin, as most of them come from different parts of China, and they have their own slang. But we somehow got used to it and able to catch what they speak after sometime. Even fast enough to translate English-Mandarin in the brain while speaking at the same time LOL.

There has been many challenges as well working in Lenovo. I started to travel so often, that my kids got used to it, but it took a toll on myself. It’s pretty exhaustive that you gotta do this, and when you are back, you need to do the housework & take care of the kids. Not forgetting, it’s exhaustive for my MIL as well as she needs to take care of my kids while I travel.

With that, I’m officially jobless for now. Can fully concentrate to clean up the house and pack my stuff.

Will I be working in Hong Kong? You’ll find out soon .

Ah, the blog is getting boring with all the farewell dinners LOL.

Photo taken one evening as I leave our office. For the pass 2.5 yrs, I rarely leave the office when the skies are still bright. I miss sunset at times.

Had another one last night with my colleagues. Many of you might not know, after I left my previous company, I work with Lenovo, as Service Delivery Manager. I shall leave the details of this job for another Day post. Now lets talk about the dinner .

Was indeed very honoured that Cindy came for the dinner because it’s very rare Lencare agent attends dinner. We had dinner at Marche, The Curve. Food was abundance and company was great. As usual, Sean was late. He was the previous resignee, now it’s my turn LOL. Are we all cursed or what .

Before I left the dinner, I was presented a Good Bye card. Reading it makes me hold on to my tears. And they even made me recorded a speech O.o.

To all of you in Services Delivery Team (be it ex-team mate or present team mate), thanks for everything. Let the *curse* continue .

It’s time again to go Singapore for a business trip. Among all the 3 countries I manage, I enjoy going SG the most, cause I feel so much closer to home. Flight is short. I get to meet my friends and catch up. I love going to SG. Only thing is shopping there is more expensive .

I was there for 5 days this round. Shiaks…now I recall, my last year SG trip I’ve not even posted the photos O.o. *Smacking myself*.

This round it’s more relaxing trip. I went out almost every other night either with friends or business dinner or hunting for iPad. Yeah, I lug not only 1, but TWO iPads back for my BIL & MIL. Yes, you read me correct, my MIL uses iPad .

this the room, so big right. So busy, no time to enjoy the room except sleeping.

Last year, I stayed in Intercontinental Hotel, Singapore. But this year, our corporate hotel has changed to Marina Sands Bay Hotel.

I’ve also got my room upgraded for free for they ran out of city view room for the smaller room. Double whammy eh . A very nice view definitely. Simply breathtaking. With such a big room, I will definitely not require insomnia natural treatment during my stay in the hotel.

Honestly, I didn’t take much photos except of those in the hotel because I was too lazy to bring my camera everywhere. So there are no other photos except photos of Marina Bay Sands Hotel LOL.

The only complains I have for this hotel:

1. They didn’t gave me new mineral water until my last day O.o.
2. The TV channels sucks. Only 20 channels and only 1 Movie channel, the rest are news.
3. The shower water is not strong enough. I prefer the shower in other hotels.

Things which amazes me:

1. The minibar fridge uses a electronic system, the moment you remove the stuff from there, they will charge you!!
2. They even provide you a whole set of wine glasses, maybe for those guest that want to celebrate after a big win at the Casino LOL
3. They provide 3 key card for me, so I can actually bring 2 guest + myself to the SkyPark

Anyway, here are more photos of this latest masterpiece in Lion City.

Roof top of The Shoppe @ Marina Sands

A closer view of Esplanade at day time

Where all the financial institution buildings are

Night view of Esplanade

SkyPark. World tallest infinity pool

Another view of SkyPark

McLaren Mercedes Car in the shopping mall

Branded shopping outlets

The Sands Casino

Oh, they are so efficient, I got my loyalty member card on the same day I register!! It even comes with a picture of me. Cool eh.

A long blog hiatus since my previous update about our Cameron Highlands Trip & our SOHO rented out. OMG!!! It’s almost 1 month O.o.

Much had happened over the last month.

1. From a dear friend that passed away due to cancer relapse, attended her funeral service.
2. Then it was a trip to Vietnam for work & of course meet up with my other half .
3. Next came the sad news that my manager is leaving …We had a farewell dinner with him last Thursday, followed by karaoke session till 1am (I stayed till 1, they partied till RedBox asked them to leave LOL)
4. My double trouble keeping me busy every other day with their love-hate relationship.
5. I’m now sitting here, trying to whip up a quick post before get back to my editing work, gotta finish previous’ session photos and at the same time, planning for my next trip which is due next week.

Seriously, where got time to even sit and read blog!! Want to go toilet also need to book a time!!

Sometimes I wish I have more time in my hands, or simply I can spin 2 extra hours with my fingers.

The 1st event that happened gave a new reflection to my life. That life is fragile. Treasure your loved ones.

The 3rd event left me wandering where is the light at the end of tunnel. I’m still searching for one at the moment. I’m gonna miss my boss dearly, as he has been my boss for nearly 10 yrs for 2 different companies.

And I’ll be making a few trips for the new few months, I’m so missing my 2 kiddos .

Here’s leaving you with 2 photos.

A toast for our departing boss.

My kids, trying to hold each other’s head and pose for me.

Have a great week ahead and I won’t be back so soon .

I’m definitely not done with my travel photos . If you are bored with travel photos, you may skip this post .

As mentioned earlier, I spent 2 weeks in Jakarta. Longest time spent overseas since I started work in my current company. Not forgetting, longest time ever I’m separated with my 2 kids. The last time it was only 9 days, when we went to Melbourne.

I guess my stay was way too long till Faythe asked, “Mommy, how long more I have to stay with Grandma O.o”.

I tried not to lock myself up in the hotel room during the weekends cause I’m already working OT every night during weekdays.

On the 1st Saturday weekend, I decided to make a trip to Jakarta National Museum. It was not far from Hotel, just take a cab there. Very easily accessible.

As I mentioned before, I’m pretty much of a history freak. Hence a visit to Museum would anytime be better than a visit to Shopping Mall .

When I first enter the Museum, I was greeted with plenty of stone statues collection from all walks of life & places in Indonesia. All of them are marked with date, some as old as BC dates. Amazing!! Makes me wonder how come we don’t have such thing in Malaysia’ Museum .

Most of these are brought from outside of Jakarta I believe.

After this section, then you are brought to another section where it tells you about the history of human kind. Another thing which I don’t recall that’s available in our National Museum. There were also alot of historical goodies on display. Seriously, this place is filled with artifacts!!

Gamelan & Wayang Kulit

Then, they have this huge room, where they display all the 80+ ethnics in Indonesia and all the details of it. Very interesting, but I was too lazy to read thru every single thing. Just scanning thru the artifacts to me is good enough .

This I remember very clearly is from Bali. I took this photo cause I want to show my children this the Indonesia Version of Lion Dance. The eyes looks pretty scary.

Then this part of the Museum is connected to another new building where they display newer items which is of our generation. I decided to skip this since it’s not really history to me .

So I went outside and took some photos of the National Museum. The building was probably built during the Dutch Era. Still very well maintained.

Then I walk across the road to Monas (Tallest Monument in Jakarta)….While walking across the pedestrian bridge, I some photos too, as this place is actually facing a huge roundabout.

On weekends, it’s a bit more quiet at this part of the world. But on weekdays, the traffic is horrendous.

I admire their buildings because the designs are very different from those in KL. I’d say they are more creative .

After I cross the bridge, then I realised that Monas entrance was not that side, but another part, I got a bit lazy and decided to skip Monas.

I took a cab to Jalan Sibu, to buy some souvenirs for MIL. This place is like our Central Market. They sell all sort of local stuff.

There were also student artist sitting by the roadside drawing.

It started drizzling shortly after that, so I took a cab back to the Shopping Mall next to my hotel. The Loft. There’s nothing much at this mall, but there are plenty of food here. I spend most of my meals trying out each and every restaurant, except those which are not Indonesia Authentic, e.g. Singapore Chicken Rice ^.^.

I went to this Restaurant for many many times…cause the food they serve is simple & quick haha…I usually take a quick bite & head back to hotel, hence I try to avoid places which are too crowded. They serve local Indonesia cuisine.

This is a plate of Nasi Liwet. Don’t really like this cause it’s a bit too dry. If it comes with some kuah, will be perfect.

A glass of drink I ordered. The green ones are jelly strips, while the ones that looks like frog eggs are selasih. Nice cooling drink.

Everyday after meal, I’d take a short walk back to hotel. It’s very convenient. Definitely better than Shangri-La.

This is a Service Apartment that is next to the hotel.

Looks more like an office than an apartment right .

At the Loft, there’s also a factory outlet which I discovered eventually. I went there a few rounds to do some shopping. Bought plenty of clothes for my children particularly (it’s about RM20/piece – top & bottom). Luckily I didn’t bring extra bag, so I had to buy with cautious LOL. If not I think the damage would have even been more.

The selection of clothings there are much more better than our FOS/Brands Outlet. Cheaper too!! Good thing I didn’t have any baby, if not I probably gone broke buying baby clothes.

That’s all about Jakarta for now.

If you ask me if I like travelling for work, definitely it’s not something I can choose over. If I don’t have family et al. that’s absolutely OK.

But one of the things I enjoy travelling for work is I actually managed to catch up with alot of movies/series that I’ve not watched in recent years. Since I continue working every night in my hotel room, I usually switch on the TV while checking my emails, etc.

I listed down the movies that I watched during my 2 weeks tenure in Jakarta:

1. Changeling – Must watch. So touching that I cried.
2. Hellboy II
3. 7 pounds – bought the DVD, but never watch it at home. Another touching movie. Guarantee needs tissue .
4. Edward Scissorhand – whoa..ancient years movie
5. Radio Flyer
6. Elizabeth – Golden Age
7. Connected (Cantonese)
8. Australia
9. Curious Case of Benjamin Button – OK, it’s another tear shedding movie.
10. Rob-B-Hood (Cantonese – Jackie Chan)
11. Red Cliff 1 & 2
12. Seoul Raiders (Cantonese) – another old Cantonese movie
13. Tudor II Series – thumbs up!! Now I’m tempted to buy rest of the season
14. S@x & City Series – not sure season what though

I won’t be going there so soon since my right hand man is there now . Phew…what a relieve.

I’ve also stopped travelling for now. Time to plan for other stuff in office.

What is it with Jakarta & me? I’ve been going there like it’s the best tourism spot every other month or so.

My initial plan was to be in Jakarta on 21st onwards, cause we have finally identified a candidate to be on board to help up with the work there (so that I don’t have to go there so often…thank god). So I had planned to make a trip there before month end to train him up. But some mishap happened a week before that and I had to change my flight very last minute and took the earliest available flight there on 15th March itself.

Definitely not something I look forward to as I need to spend 2 weeks there now instead of 1 week. Moreover, it’s a public holiday on 16th March in Indonesia!! Nope, I didn’t get my holiday, but I was working thru my nose on that day to tidy up and merge 4 reports into 1!! I worked from 9am up till 12am midnite and finally manage to send the summary out to everyone on the latest status there.

A week passed, then 2nd week, I fell sick on Tuesday, caught a cold. Since there isn’t any local doctor around which I could find, I was lucky enough to find a pharmacy in the shopping mall & went to stock up some panadols, the-likes-of strepsils & Redoxon. Good thing I was feeling better by Thursday after a few dosage of panadol & Redoxon.

The only bonus was I found out there’s a shopping mall next to my hotel and there’s a factory outlet in the mall, so I went shopping spree there during the weekend to take a break from my work.  Clothes were as cheap as RM20/piece (on average). I bought a lot of disney clothing for my kids. I also managed to visit the National Musuem, which it’s 10 times better than ours!!

After my Jakarta trip, I did a personal trip to Yogjakarta, to visit Borobodur. This place is absolutely stunning!! I’ll blog bout it in a separate post with photos.

Meanwhile, here’s a photo of the view from my hotel room. Every night when I work in hotel, this is what behind me. The tallest building in the photo (the one 2nd from the left with a few blue lines), that’s my office. Unfortunately, I don’t go there everyday. On those days that I go there, I actually walk to office. Yes!! It’s walking distance, though not near, it’s definitely very fast especially when you are in a jam city.

And here’s a photo during day time. Jakarta is a city that is never shy of tall buildings. And obviously, their architects are pretty creative too. The building where my office is located, looks like a fountain shape pen eh . On the left next to it is Shangri-la, where I’m supposed to stay but it’s fully booked .

I’m really glad that I’m finally home after 2 long weeks.

Work aside, I really need to sit down and settle all my AMEX bills, my income tax & get term life insurance quotes again. Time of the year again as usual.

I was away on the last week of October for my biz trip in Jakarta & Bandung. This is my 1st time setting my foot in Jakarta. I’ve been warned about the *Hunt-for-Malaysian* Campaign. I’ve been warned about the bomb threats. I’ve been warned about taxi rides. I’ve received so many warnings from Daddy. Good thing is for this trip, I travel with another colleague of mine. Hence we can look after each other at times, though not all the time since we are both gonna be there to execute different things.

this is how bad the jam is. And it’s only 6pm in evening!! The traffic jam is on both side of the highway. All the way, I don’t know how many km seriously.

Seriously, there isn’t much time for sight seeing. I stayed in Shangri-La Jakarta. Very nice and probably the safer hotel around. Office is just walking distance. Yes!! our office is just next to the hotel. What a blessing. But the problem is, I only go to office for 1/2 the day. Rest of the time, I’m either at the Service Centre or Resellers. Means I’m on the road. Means I have to waste my time stuck in the traffic jam.

Getting from 1 place to another takes at least 30mins. Even though it’s a nearby location. That’s how bad the condition is. Then funny thing about their roads is. They have this 2 lane road next to the normal road, which they call like fast lane. Only cars with 3 occupants above can hop on to this fast lane. Along the fast lane, there are many people standing by the roadside. Wonder why? If your car has only 2 occupants, you can just pick one of the person on the road as a *temporary-passenger* so that you can use the fast lane without any problem. You just have to pay them 1USD. Then they get off once the fast lane ends.

Our day starts at 9am, and usually ends around 6pm Jakarta time. By 6pm when you get on the road, the streets are like 10pm at night. It gets dark very early here!! So there isn’t much to see or talkabout, except that I took alot photos of the food I ate haha…

When I reach hotel, it’s probably 7pm or so. We usually settle in the hotel, except for 1st night we went to eat at a local restaurant recommended by our local colleague.

Satay Senayan. A local satay chain restaurant. It’s packed!!

We flew in on Sunday, and after check in it was already close to 6pm. We went to eat Satay at a restaurant for dinner.

After Sunday, it was work all the way. On Wednesday we went to Bandung, again to audit the Service Centre. We had a bit of time after we finish off, that was the only time I managed to do some shopping at Factory Outlets.

We head home on Thursday noon. Didn’t go into office that day itself, and next day was already flooded with mails to clear, work to follow up and what nots.

Shangri-La Hotel. That where I stay. Took this photo while walking back to the hotel on the 1st night. Next, Hyatt Hotel. Super huge. Somewhere downtown. Took the photo during our car ride to have dinner.

But seriously, I prefer to go Jakarta than Vietnam. I really hate the roads in Vietnam. With all those bikes honking, it really makes me sick. Unless I’m on a bike, then it’s not so bad. At least Jakarta, you still sit in the car. And I didn’t have any car sick..pheww…I get car sick all the time when I’m in Vietnam. SUCKS .

My next biz trip is scheduled next month, 2 trips indeed!! Lets hope I don’t need to travel in Jan/Feb. Then resume travelling again in March.

Here are more photos taken during the trip, alot of food photos. Hold your saliva!!

Waiting for Aerotrain.

I got pretty bored as I arrived in Airport early and my colleague took ages to come LOL. So I started taking weird pictures of my sandals, my phone, people’s bag and what have you.

Don’t have an Ipod, Handphone with MP3 will do. Maybe I need an Ipod for my Christmas Present. *Ahem*

Satay. Served on a bed of peanut sauce. There’s actually charcoal burning at the bottom to keep the sauce warm. Simply delicious. The sauce taste like melted peanut butter haha…

Sup Buntut. Served with fried emping & fried carrots & potatoes. Nothing to shout about. I think my ABC soup taste better.

Fish, Sudanese style. This one is nice .

Taufu with egg. I love this dish. Very appetizing.

On Sunday, there were alot of weddings in the hotel. We saw this at the lobby. So weird right, they congratulate the couple by giving flower arrangement like this. Reminds me of funeral more than wedding.

Day 1. I had to visit the Service Centre. Before that, they brought me to have lunch in a Chinese Restaurant. Nothing special, taste just like KL Chinese Food.

Roast duck, non fattening.

Spinach with soup & lots of century egg & salted egg. Yummy!! Fruits served on shaved ice. Creative I’d say?

Taufu & mushroom.

Day 1, at night we went to eat Sundanese food again with our colleague. Decided not to post too many food photo :p. On the left, LV Advertisement, super huge at one of the shopping mall. On the right, a locally branded beer, Bintang.

One of the dish that caught our attention is the fried taufu. It’s stuffed with prawns & veg. Our favourite.

Day 2, we had dinner in the hotel restaurant. Buffet style!! This the only photo I took inside the hotel as they stopped me from taking photos later on.

Day 2, earlier I visited the IT Mall. Our Lowyat equivalent, only thing it’s older. On the right, that’s my colleague that travel with me. He’s posing outside the hotel lobby, next to the scanning device. We go thru this everyday without fail. That’s how tight the security is. 1st scan, the taxi entering the hotel. 2nd scan, the lobby.

This is lobby to the office. See, there’s a scanner as well waiting for you.

Starbucks coffee in Jakarta. This is just outside the office building.

Day 3, Bandung. This is where we had lunch.

A man doing apam balik Jakarta Style. In Green colour!!

And beside the apam balik, there’s a man preparing some taufu with some sauce. Forgot what’s the name, but I ate the taufu.

Some ulam served during our lunch. I like their sambal. In KL you only have 1 type of sambal. In Jakarta, you have all sorts of sambal. You name it, they have it.

Chicken cooked with kunyit.

A house nearby to the reseller in Bandung.

A view from my room. That’s an apartment right in the middle of the city. On the right, something that caught my attention, look at the word Male Print. Only for guys isit .

That’s all. Seriously, I don’t mind going back to Jakarta, minus the traffic jam.  The air is also not very clean, probably due to the no. of vehicles on the road. I wonder how often I have to clean my air conditioner filter if I live here. In KL I have to do it every 2 weeks. Probably I’ll be coming back here soon, maybe 3 months time. But next trip will surely be Jakarta and a few more cities, not just Bandung like this round.