Kiss Goodbye

May 28, 2006 Leave a comment


Felicia has flew back today…Nothing spectacular like the last Changi Airport send-off…Just the 2 of us…side by side…at Pudong Airport.
 
Over the past few days, I have blocked and tried to deny reality from hitting me. I told Meijie last night that I like to forward my time ahead…not that I am looking forward, but I have no wish to lock any moments at this time. I just want to quickly settle my life and excel my agenda here. I tried not to remember the effects of a departure…I just want to get over it fast so that I can quickly be united with my family and friends again.
 
Today, Felicia painted a strange picture to me. Our family is so dispersed right now – Felicia will be in Singapore, Elkan is now in Malacca and Daddy me is now in Shanghai. Such a strange illustration, I tot. (Elkan will be back on Wed and Feli can hug our little baby all week long. :)
 
It is just so difficult to say goodbye. At the departure gate, we hugged and she shed tears… For about 15 minutes, Feli can’t bear to walk thru the gate. We just stood there…holding each other back…counting down the minutes and seconds. Eventually, she left.
 
Early this afternoon, I called Meijie & Kalinda to give Feli a ride. Guess she will be delighted to see Meijie at the other end of the journey.
 
When I came back to my hotel, the room that we have stayed was so empty…. Still can feel her presence around… Is Feli lazing on the bed, watching HBO?..Or is she soaking herself in the hot tub now…. I guess I am begining to miss all that now.
 
11pm – Just went down to get my dinner…or supper. Was sitting at "YongHe", waiting for my food when I heard this song playing over the radio…. The lyrics… it perfectly describe my feelings right now….
 

歌手：王力宏 | 作曲：王力宏

填詞：王力宏 | 編曲：王力宏/吳慶隆


Baby不要再哭泣　這一幕多麼熟悉

緊握著妳的手彼此都捨不得分離

每一次想開口　但不如保持安靜

給我一分鐘專心好好欣賞妳的美

 

幸福搭配悲傷　同時在我心交叉

挫折的眼淚不能測試愛的重量

付出的愛收不回　還欠妳的我不能給

別把我心也帶走去跟隨

 

＊每一次和妳分開　深深地被妳打敗

　每一次放棄妳的溫柔　痛苦難以釋懷

　每一次和妳分開　每一次Kiss You Goodbye

　愛情的滋味此刻我終於最明白＊


幸福搭配悲傷　同時在我心交叉

挫折的眼淚不能測試愛的重量

付出的愛收不回　還欠妳的我不能給

我才明白愛最真實的滋味

Filed under Life in Shanghai

A Small World

May 28, 2006 Leave a comment

I always wonder how American is able to identify their own country mates in a foreign land. I mean, especially in China, you see lots of "Ang Mohs" on the street. Is there any difference between an English, American, Australian and German? They are all "white skin" and coloured eyes… How is it possible to identify that "Ang Moh" is an American and the other "Ang Moh" is an Australian? Perhaps by their accents and slang.
 
Yet, I am always amazed by the power of the Singapore Identity. Consider it is really difficult to tell the difference between a Singaporean Chinese and Mainland China Chinese… We Singaporeans have distinctive accents and behaviour…From far, within 10m range, you are able to detect them.  
 
It is not that I dislike associating myself with my country mates in a foreign land. But most of the time, I am not too impressed by my first impression of them… You see, Singaporeans are a bunch of proud and arrogant metrocrates.. We displayed an distinctive atttitude… Some coined it "Ugly Singaporean"… I call it the "Uniquely Singaporeans".
 
On the streets of Shanghai…it is so easy to catch a Singaporean. Usually, they like comparing standards…For examples: "ai yo…their people so dirty one…so messy, so little trees…" or "Wah lau, China cars like to horn so much…damn noisy and rude leh!"… or "soooooo cheap! back home, this item cost more!"
 
Lately, it is getting difficult not to bump into a Singaporean…especially along Huai Hai Lu and Nanjing Lu. From sight, you can tell a few things about a Singaporean tourist:
 
1) Waist Pouch
2) Bermudas with sandals
3) Digital Cameras
4) BCG scars on their arms
5) Fancy glasses
 
Yesterday, I was dining with Felicia in a very remote dining outlet. Just when I was ordering my food, I overheard a familiar slang… I whispered to Felicia and sighed,  "Dear…got Singaporean again…on your right, sigh…Man, Singaporeans are everywhere!" (My common casual remarks)
 
Felicia looked at that man and suddenly exclaimed (with a grin on her face) "Dear…i think that singaporean is Duuk’s best man!"
 
I turned and stared at that man for 5 seconds… I called out "JOHN?" At first, he didn’t responded.. He slowly turned his head around and we looked at each other for like 2-3 seconds before he recognised me.
 
"Joe!????"
 
What a damn small world! Of all places, I met Duuk’s buddy at the most unlikely place! Of course, we traded our telephone number and news about one another… (See photo). It is just so unbelievable and unreal… Duuk told me about his friend "John" in Shanghai but Duuk has never given me his contact.
 
Man, now I am seeing Singaporean i know on a foreign soil! Are you sure there are only 4 million collectible citizens like me? (Of course, I am happy to meet a familiar face… but what’s the chances like? In 10 billion?)
 
After dinner, I made up my mind and told Feli this:
 
"Dear, maybe I am going to reconsider the option of getting a girlfriend in Shanghai… Man, it is just too risky too…cos’ China is just too small liao"
 

Filed under Life in Shanghai

Somewhere Out There

May 22, 2006 Leave a comment

(Photo Taken: Google Earth – Home is just a click away.)

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Meanwhile back at Hotel 25…

May 21, 2006 Leave a comment


While the cat is out, the mice comes out to play. This is exactly what happened when I was away 3800km away from home. (How to I get 3800km? Click here) Put the calculation aside…I can see my "guests" are having a great time themselves… Surely, they illustrated the term "make yourself at home" perfectly.
 
When I downloaded these images from my hotmail 2 hours ago.. I was so "delighted".. First, I see Meijie playing a great role of mine – hugging all the babes in my clan! Well done Meijie! You should start buying more insurance for those 2 arms of yours.. Really! The left and right hugs are…mmm…ermm… lovely! (especially those solo shot of you and Kalinda – our undisputable sexy babe).
 

Then, I realised they just upgraded my Hotel 25 into a neighbourhood IR - "Integrated Resort".. Best of all, they live feed their activities online for me to watch… so thoughtful. At first, I thought they are playing strip-poker so I glued my eyes on my tiny MSN web-screen the whole night. How "delightful"…they are playing cashless mahjong. In order not to disturb my neighbor, someone from the clan discovered a way to play silent mahjong…(Yes…on my new $8/m bubble-wrap sheets! I saw it…) Dun you love my friends?
 

Seeing these photos… they made me miss my home so so much… So glad to see Sweety Tracy posing with my gifts (my gifts arrived on time for her birthday)… And Joanne’s sunny pretty smile. Man, how I wish to photoshop myself inside the photo too… (of course, replacing Meijie’s head..haaaa.. and maybe enlarge Kalinda’s you-know-what).. Okay, I am getting kinky again.
 
Anyway, for those who miss the IR, here are the pix. It is delightful… :)
 
Sian, tomorrow Monday liao!


Filed under Wahbiang

1st 10 days

May 20, 2006 Leave a comment


I started my 1st day of the week with lots of reading and catching up. Getting used to the way the local work, I found myself swimming in a fast moving river. There were lots for me to pick up and get on with the pace. I have so much research to read and I am just not used to it. Still the people that I have met are generally nice and friendly people… they are always there to help…
 
Before I knew it, it was already the end of the week… Time flies so fast here.. (A good sign, Meijie said) At least, I dun find it draggy and slow. There are enough errands to keep me occupied here during the weekdays. For the past 5 nights, I have been doing a lot of "house-visiting". Echo, Felicia and I would spent every evening searching for my ideal apartment. Till date, we have visited 11 houses… (We are seeing 2 more houses tomorrow).
 
Not an easy choice you know… cos’ we Singaporeans are looking for good & cheap… certainly dun apply here in Shanghai. When it is good, it is expensive. When it is cheap, you know the answer. I am trying to find a 2-room nice condo that is near their business and shopping district – with generally new furnishing and "clean" neighbours. Most condo look nice on the outside…but once you walked in…you see the most unsightful corridors.. The internal maintenance is bad.
 

We had dinner with Francis and Echo almost every night. It has been fine-dining every night..and it is kinda freaking me out. Imagine me eatng at Tok Lok or Jumbo Seafood every night…I am getting sick liao… No doubt it is cheap..but i miss the normal foodcourt and hawker food. One of my staff told me that "rich Singaporean like us" will not find their "normal food" appealing. In fact, I enjoyed their "cheapo lunch box" more than the expensive fine-dining. Too bad..even the office "auntie" dun want to recommend me their so called "cheap takeaway box".
 
Anyway, I got my wish granted today. Francis and Echo brought us to this place call "Bugis".. They serve really good Singaporean dishes… (not "Cross Road" certainly). In fact, i was kinda doubtful about the dishes..cos’ we have tried bad Singaporean dishes overseas… but I was wrong…the Hokkien Mee (RMB28), the Satay (RMB5/stick) and even the carrot cake (RMB20) tasted just as the real thing. What’s more, they have my favourite STRAITS TIMES! And yes, it is the latest edition!
 
As we are Singaporean… we automatically got 20% off our bill. So nice of the boss!
 
Movie is expensive here. Each ticket will cost you RMB80 (that is about SDG16). Francis has a special VIP Gold Card… we got our tickets for "The Da Vinci Code" at 50% off (which is RMB40). So, that is almost the same price we are paying back home. No wonder the local are all going for pirated DVD (RMB5).
 
Started missing my son, my home and my life…Thanks to my IP Phone, I can easily call back home and chat with some of you (so easily and no IDD). Been chatting with my mum, Elkan, Joanne and Tracy… Hearing their voices over the IP make me feel so much at home….
 
I know my "void" has caused some difficulties.. It is really a bad transition for many… Joanne has been working round the clock (still managed to keep her smile and positiveness for me)… Tracy is wandering somewhere in USA now… Meijie is going to miss a mahjong and Xbox buddy… my mum is going to miss "nagging" at me… And Elkan…he is going to have less interesting weekend outings.
 
How I wish I can move my whole kampong over…I wonder, how the hell my grandfather did that 60 years ago.
 

Filed under Life in Shanghai

Earthquake at Joanne House

May 14, 2006 Leave a comment

Poor Joanne, she must have a BIG party last weekend. Basically, her guest must have rocked her house. Someone, please call the NEW PAPER! (No lah, according to her, it is HDB’s fault. Her tiles popped out. Looks bad)

Filed under Wahbiang

Keeping up to their pace

May 14, 2006 Leave a comment

The pace in Shanghai is really fast. There is no such thing like "honeymoon week" or "take some time to settle down". Things are moving really fast…and I have to double my pace. Dubbed as the "Manhattan of the East"…Shanghai is becoming the city that never sleep.
 
Setting up my IP Phone
Over the past 2 days, I quickly get my IP Phone up (so that I can communicate with my clan back in Singapore). At first, the IP Phone didn’t work…I have to buy a new wireless router (RMB400) to connect the IP Phone. Still, it is worthwhile…cos’ I get to call back home without bearing any IDD charges. The audio quality is good…calling speed is fantastic! It is a typical Singapore fixed line number…so everyone back home can contact me. (For those who wish to contact me, get the number from Joanne).
 
Meeting Old Friends
I met a lot of good friends in Shanghai – Francis, Echo, Cousin Yei, Monica, Julian, Jin Ling & Hubby and Ow Yong. It is great to meet fellow Singaporean in Shanghai – especially the familiar old faces.. :)
 
Finding My New Apartment
Today, Echo brought me to see an agent to arrange my long-term accomodation in Shanghai. We saw an apartment…I like it at the first sight… It was 10 min within Xin Tian Di and my office. Still, I will be seeing another 1-2 more before I made my final decision. Will make the decision end of the week. Meanwhile, I will stay in this 5-star service apartment until 10th June.
 
Stocking up Food and Drinks
Just 2 hours ago, Felicia and I were shopping at Carrefour to stock up the neccessities (RMB350). We bought a lot of things (Shampoo, drinks, cookies, noodles, bread, egg, ham, vegetables, cereals, chocolates, fruits, batteries etc).  All these should be able to last for only 1 week…. Funny, I felt like setting a new home now…
 
Collecting my DHL
Only 70% of my DHL are now in my hands… except for my XBOX…Shit, the China Customs are still inspecting it. Heard from Echo that I may need to pay lots of tax to clear it. So far, I got almost everything I need here… Yes, I brought my Robot Sapian, Talking Yoda and my PSP Games. Hope the custom clear it tomorrow.
 
Happy Mother’s Day. 

Filed under Life in Shanghai

It’s so hard to say Goodbye

May 12, 2006 2 Comments

They say a big man shouldn’t cry. To be honest, I never know it is so hard to say goodbye. Especially to my small boy.
 
Elkan is 18-month now..and he seems to understand things around him. He has better memory now…recognised places and has more and more expressions. Over the past few weeks, whenever we sent him home to "Tampines", he had that stressful and sad look on his face. Somehow, Elkan knows it is time to say goodbye… Cos’ it would be another 3 days before papa and mama pick him up again.
 
It is getting harder to say goodbye. In fact, it has become almost impossible to wave "bye" to Elkan every Sunday night. When Elkan sensed us wearing our shoes, taking our bags, he would come running to us, stretching his hands for a hug. Most times, he would try to block us at the entrance, wrapping his small hand around our fingers and dragged us into the house. And of course, every Sunday, I have to break my little boy’s heart and bid him goodbye. When the lift door closed behind me, I still could hear his cries and screams.. that kind of pain cut me so deep everytime I say bye to Elkan.
 
That is the magic of parenthood. I was love-sick with my boy. More than my own parents, more than my own wife. Why so? Perhaps, I felt "needed" by Elkan…and that deepen my love and attachment for him.
 
While preparing my trip to Shanghai, I brought Elkan home…baby sit him everyday at home. I spent my last 5 days with him… taking photos and video clips of him. It was also this period of time when Elkan started calling me "daddy" with such strong love and conviction. He would called me "out of fun", got my response, smiled brightly and went back to do his things. He just want to make sure that I am around him…
 
The day finally came when I have to send Elkan back - 2 hours before my flight. Alone, I carried him out of Meijie’s car and brought him upstairs. I was standing in front of the door for some time…facing my boy, saying some farewell words to him "Elkan, look here… Daddy loves you…be good, ok? I miss you." He looked nervous, cos’ he knew it was farewell time. But he didn’t know I may not be there for him for another good 6 months or longer.
 
Holding back my sadness, I pressed the doorbell. My mother-in-law and sister-in-law greeted me. The 7am morning sun illuminated their face. I asked Chups to "distract" Elkan…carry him over to see birds (which is Elkan’s favourite hobby)… My mother-in-law passed me 2 hongbaos for good luck and wishes. At that point, I wanted to let go…but I still bite on….Told my mum to take care and I quickly back off the house. My last sight of Elkan was seeing him turning his head around, looking for me.
 
Without saying bye to Elkan, I left. The minute I entered the lift… in my own private space.. I teared.
 
Back in the waiting car… Meijie, Joanne and Feli could felt my sadness… they kept very quiet and comforted me. I know I be sad..  but I never know it could this hard.
 
The final mile to my boarding gate is filled with so much love, tears and hugs…Juli bluff me..she didn’t cry. Kalinda gave me a surprise appearance and even walked me to my boarding gate (with a special pass)… She must be so shocked and "happy" to see my redden eyes… We hugged and I am just so touched… 
 
Before I walked in the departure gate… Joanne handed me an envelop. She told me it was a card from Tracy and her. Inside the card, I found a small 1G MMC card. I loaded the card into my PSP…I was totally amazed and moved by the efforts that my 2 coffee-girls put in. The whole wahbiang clan did gave me a farewell card – a good representation of the IT era that we are living in…My first Farewell MMC Card. (wow..so hi-tech and advanced!) It was a fantastic and original idea! LOVE IT!
 
There are 3 major content inside the MMC Card. A Farewell Video Clip, Elkan’s home clips and a folder of all my favourite MP3 songs…..I played the video footage (inside the MMC Card) on my PSP.. Seeing funny and moving clips from Lusia, Yixi, Guofeng, Ivy, Juliana, Duuk, Kalinda, Joanne and Tracy put a smile across my sad face. (just one question: Where is Meijie and Yifu?)
 
This was the most meainingful gift…so much thoughts, sincerity, efforts just to produce one. Thanks Joanne and Tracy for doing so much for me. I love you. (Opps…too mushy)
 
Started my project on Friday… trying to settle down. Things look good..and I felt great.
Time to kick some ass and accomplished what I am here for. Friends, till we meet again!
 
p/s (Meijie thanks for fetching us to and fro the airport…1st time in 6 years since i last sat in the car you drove. The last car ride in Perth didn’t ended so well… :P )

Filed under Wahbiang

A Luggage of Wishes and Luck

May 7, 2006 1 Comment


Guys, you have spoilt me badly… Joanne would have agreed with me… For the past 10 days, you guys have been showering me with gifts, wishes and touching farewell greetings… My luggage is over-weight with all your wishes and luck (yes, I need lots of them in Shanghai).
 
Believe it or not.. I am still meeting my client next week…despite telling Tracy and Joanne that I need to clear some of my annual leaves. Had a very packed week…moved my plants, pond and toys to 3 different places (Tampines, Seng Kang and Toa Payoh). My lovely Auntie Amy helped me to move my belongings.
 
Guys, thanks for doing so much for me… (At some point, I thought I am migrating to Shanghai for good! Just kidding.) Yes, I am touched by all your friendship and love.. Despite me treating you guys so so bad… you guys worked so hard to plan things for me… Those surprise parties, dinners, calls are just so great…Made me feel so guilty and melted my heart……( Mmm..maybe that is why… You guys can’t wait to see me gone – cos’ I treat you guys so bad..Make me guilty, huh?) Anyway, thanks Yifu, Yixi, Joanne and Meijie for planning those "A Hero-Farewell" or "Get-Rid-of-Joe" party for me last week!
 
No matter how you see this, I could give you guys a good 6-12 month break in Singapore. You know, the "world-peace" thingy… heeee..
 
Sorry for not be able to inform all of you about the change in my departure. I was supposed to leave the island on 5th May. I received a lot of farewell calls / sms / msn on the 5th May (Nadirah, Jasbir, MC, Karen, Scott, Mary (Axxa), Bishan, Jenny (Oki) and even my own dad!). Due to some minor problems I had with my VISA, I am able to borrow more time in Singapore.. (with Elkan). I have just confirmed my flight – Yes yes, I am leaving on the 11th May 2006, 10am.
 
So, I am packing now… and ready to go. Thanks Tracy for that great discounted web camera. Thanks Meijie, Kalinda, Juliana, Duuk, Joanne and Tracy for the cordless phone that I really wanted! (Joanne just sent in the gift 2 hours ago!) And thanks for accomodating me with all those weekend programmes (mahjong, zoo trip, dinner etc). Even the most rare and closest bro turned out last night (Gareth and Ivy). 
 
Ok, here is a song for everyone who love me - "Time to say Goodbye"
For those who I have bullied, here is the song – "Born Free".
 
Here are the photos of our farewell gatherings! Enjoy!

Filed under Wahbiang

An Island Mall

May 2, 2006 1 Comment

I have great love and respect for this island of ours. It is
unique, beautiful and most importantly, homely. Our island has enjoyed
its golden era of prosperity, peace and progress. Sadly, many islanders
felt that the island has reached its peak and it is on its way down the
peak. I firmly believe there is hope and future for our island.

Imagine running our island
like a mall. To attract good crowd (EDB), we got to
build the best accessibility to the mall. Boosted by its natural
geographical location, we have built one of the world’s best airport
(Changi) and seaport (PSA). Beside the mega-structures, we have to open
more routes in/out of the island (SIA). Create a pleasant entrance,
speed up our porters’ handlings, and attract more carriers to park at
our terminals…Bingo! You have the crowd now.

With good location, 24/7 routes, major carriers, free
entry…there shouldn’t be any problem attracting crowds to the mall. But
first, we should attract big retailers who can afford to bring in strong
presence of goods / services (APPLE, IBM, Xerox, Microsoft). Make the
mall an interchange of trades, ideas and cultures. Big retailers are
able to boast the mall’s economy, raise employment and attract crowds.

The mall must be managed by a group of professional (PAP).
First, they must brand the mall well (UNIQUE SINGAPORE). Create an
unique identity about the mall… Make the mall a clean (NEA), safe (SCDF,
SAF, POLICE FORCE), friendly (COURTESY CAMPAIGN), beautiful
(N-PARK) and happy place to be in – for the islanders, the retailers and
the visitors. Set rules, recruit enforcers – so that our mall branding
will be closely followed and practiced.

To entice the retailers, we have to offer big space to them.
Rub their egos, offer free rentals or low-rate packages to keep them for
a long time. Support them with good workers (MOE). Train our natural
resources – the islanders. Identify what kinds of retailers (niche,
profitable ones) that the mall wishes to host – then mould our islanders
into the suitable resources. Education is the best resource maker.

When the space, the price and the human resources are ideal,
the big retailers will start taking up shops in the mall. The retailers
will start employing the islanders…and Bingo! The island is alive with
economic growth. Improve the tenants’ experience, make sure all
facilities within the mall are the best (SMRT, SINGTEL, PUB).

The mall needs to advertise (STB), run promotions to attract
shoppers to the retail shops. Let’s organize (SING-EXPO,
SUNTEC) festivals (food, arts, fashion), shows (aerospace, IT),
conventions and exhibitions. Bingo! Send invitation to the crowd and
they will come to the mall. Expand the mall with good hotel rooms,
attractions (outdoor and indoor), food joints – these are things that
keep our guest occupied and happy.

In the next 20 years, we need to set aside money upgrading our
mall (all aspect, not just the infrastructure…focus on the human
factor). We need to attract more world class retailers to retain our
crowd. As long as there are crowd, there will be employment, business
and growth. Perhaps, it is a good time to setup a good theater
(ESPLANADE), a casino and theme-park (SENTOSA) inside the mall.

The mall is revitalizing (NEW
FLOORS ADDED: EDU-HUB, SPA-HUB, MEDI-HUB, BIOPOLIS, DESIGN HUB, FILM
HUB, CASINO). It is a good time to reward its workers
(SINGAPORE SHARES). The mall will now set aside annual packages for its
citizens. Afterall, the islanders deserved the remunerations and bonus.
Why? Cos’ everyone worked together on a common goal, sharing the same
destiny with the Mall.

What’s going to happen in the next 10 years? Let’s renovate and
innovate the mall. There are many similar malls like ours out there. We
have lost a few big retailers to these malls. Those malls offer bigger
crowd, free rental and more goodies. Sadly, we cannot move this mall to
the crowd. We must always find ways to attract the crowd. At the same
time, we cannot afford to lose any big retailers… Take good care
(FREE TRADE, QUALITY MANPOWER) of the retailers…cos’ without them,
there will be no crowd.

While we are always on the constant look out for retailers…it
is time to create our own local retailers. Park our home grown retailers
to other big malls out there (IE SINGAPORE). Give our home-grown
retailers (CREATIVE, TIGER BEER, OSIM) more support (SPRING). Instead of
training our islanders to tend shops (WDA, NTUC) in our mall, guide
them to open retail shops in other malls.

Offer to setup malls for our neighbors (INDIA, DUBAI, CHINA).
Strike a good partnership and hold shares in their new malls. Park our
best and loyal islanders in these overseas joint. It is time to multiply
like Starbucks.

Mall Singapore has a good future. It is time to take care of
our retired islanders who have done well for the past 30 years.

Filed under Jo's Thoughts

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