Local delicacies… then drama.. then CHINA…. November 9, 2009

Oh well… last couple of weeks has been full of excitement and embarrassment for me. So other than I am doing something that I don’t really like but managing to stay on it which still a wonder for myself, probably I have not really done the tough part yet. Oh well.. Surely that day will come…hmm.. lets shall not go into that, shall we? Just last week our fitness manager, A brought me to eat some local food. We ended early since we went for the Hotel Expo and the Macau Travel Expo. So we decided to take the chance to leave early. However since we took the wrong bus, we ended up at the other side of the Macau.

Here she brought me to a local shop that sells noodles. Hei.. its not just any kind of noodles but its with pig’s brain. (Pics below)  Haha yes.. you heard it right.. Pig’s brain… as you  do realize chinese eats everything.. the entire part of the pig can be eaten! It taste very creamy and it goes with the noodles with chili. Not bad and its something new to try… but if its too exotic like turtle soup or snake soup or even monkey brain, that’s my limit. I will not go for that. Too gross and its too cruel especially when we heard about how they kill or prepare that dish.

The next day somehow, my stumoch is churning very badly, maybe its due to my monthly period that I fainted at work! yes yes.. i know.. what an impression and its so embarrassing. It all started like this. I was the hostess for the breakfast session and starting from the beginning my tummy to ache. But I thought I am able to stand till after the breakfast timing then I will go to the toilet and let the tummy finish processing as well. Little did I realize that it grew worse after 1 hour, that it started churning very badly. Therefore I hid at a corner near to the office and squat for a while for the pain to pass. But my error is when the pain pass, I just stood up and walked back to the hostess stand. That’s when I realize the entire place is turning around me and I held on to the stand. The next thing I knew, I was lying on the floor and I heard my colleague calling my name and running to get help.

When I started to sit up, the GC assistant manager, executive housekeeper, M and our training and development director arrived and helped me up and brought me to the office to lie down. Oh man..I felt so bad that because of me, they are now short of 1 person and so embarrassing. I was so touched that the concern that they gave me. M was arranging for some blankets for me and kept on checking on me. The GC manager called to my assistant spa manager, Y for some medicines and the assistant manager got me some sugar water. After resting a while and when I thought I am able to manage to, I went out to go to the toilet. When I came out, I saw our GM and he is very concern about me and M helped me to the toilet. My boss, Y and A also came to check on my status. Just because of me, created such a big fuss.. so touch yet so embarrassing. After that Y brought me home, however because of that she left her phone in the cab. I felt so bad for that. After resting that day when I went back to work the next day, everyone kept asking me how am I and if I felt better.. even when GM saw me after a couple of days, he asked me how am I! But don’t worry mum and dad, I will definitely take good care of myself so that this incident will not happen again.. geez.. once is enough!

As the GC is opening to public this week, we took the opportunity of going out for dinner on Sunday when it will be the last time where all the staffs will have the same off day. However, they wanted to go to Zhuhai, China, which I can NOT go!!! I have not receive my blue card as they canceled my previous application for another department and therefore they have to reapply for me. So now that I do not have it, I can’t apply for China Visa. So I thought that I will miss this outing and I kept grumbling and grumbling. Then one of my friends, maybe cannot stand my grumbling anymore just said that I am able to apply for the 1 day visa at the checkpoint itself. But have to pay over there. Hmm.. suddenly the sky gets brighter.. there is hope!!! So eventhough I had made plans with A to go out shopping again, but I hope she will understand.. So I met up with A in the afternoon and I got my new toy – Nokia E71..ok Ok.. yes mum i know .. I change phone again. But my previous phone kept on getting hang and its so slow. So after a few hours of walking around the city and the New Yaohan, I made my way to the checkpoint. Keeping my finger cross. I met up with 2 of the GSos who is going together. So when I got the the China side and I followed the sign and went to the office to apply for the visa. I paid about RMB160 for the 3 days visa and less than 30 minutes I have it! Yippee!! Now I finally able to enter into China! We went down to queue up to enter. Since there are a lot of people, I thought I will be taking a long time. But to my surprise the lane for foreigner is very short, I manage to clear it within 30 – 45 minutes! Cool eh…

After everyone joined our group we proceed to our next destination. We made our way to a chinese restaurant for dinner. Here we have to go and buy the seafood from other place and bring it to the restaurant for them to cook.. what a weird system. So anyhow, 5 of us stayed back and the rest went to buy the seafood. We had prawn, shellfish, fish, oysters, scallops and they are all very fresh and very delicious! They had some Chinese white wine, which I don’t like the taste at all.. We had fun gossiping about another colleague who did not manage to join us and we really had a good laugh as well.

The night continue with bar hopping. When we were at the first bar, a couple of us left. I stayed behind with the group. We went bar hopping till 5am and went for foot massage that we slept till 9am and only then we decided to leave and return home. It was a very tiring day but its fun! I reached home around 11 am and slept till 530pm. Then I meet up with 2 GSos to go for the food festivals, which is near the Macau Tower. They have a lot of food stalls there. Here we ate all kinds of simple food – Japanese sashimi, thai tomyam soup, fried chicken, Chinese fried buns, Crocodile satay, hot dog bun for main course, bread papa, chinese peanut and sesame paste and banana crepes for dessert and it end with a cotton floss which leave my hands all sticky! It was very nice and very very cold!! We were shivering while eating all the yummy food! But after that, we have to wait to next year to go for the food festival again!

An unexpected twist.. November 6, 2009

Sometimes you will never know what you end up doing, which is out of your league. Even though 6 years ago, I did some food and beverage stuff but deep inside I do knew that I am not food and beverage inclide person, however after 6 years later, by fate, I ended up doing food and beverages again!

When I came to Macau, all I thought I will be doing is in the spa, at the reception. I do not mind working late or do something different once a while but little did I expect that I will be hed to Grand Club for several months! This is all because the spa is not ready at the moment and there was a delay in the opening due to the design of the spa that was not up to standard. Well.. it was a totally mess… and all we can do now is do the best that we can.. which means I have to tolerate to be in the F&B!! Sorry nothing against it..  but its just not for me.. the tray is so heavy.. lucky last few days and today I was doing the hosting.. which means I just greet and escort the guest to the table. But I think tomorrow they will switch my place and I have to carry those heavy trays! urgh…which also means from tomorrow onwards my arms going to be paining!

Now I am also helping them to dry those drink glasses and cutleries after they wash it. We have to dry it as soon as its still hot as its much easier, as once it cools, it leave water stains and its hard to remove them! Then we have use hot water to re-wipe them and need more energy..Especially when you wipe the glasses, hands quite painful due to the friction and the heat. Even today one of the staffs broke some glass as one of the server tray fell on the floor as the trayt wasn’t placed on the table properly and she cut her hand while trying to clean up the scattered glass ! This really reminds me to be extra careful with the glasses and the tray.. sigh.that is my biggest worry – that I will drop the entire tray! urgh.. touch wood! hope not…. I remembered I broke my mum’s plates during one of the new year eve dinner, when I slipped while carrying a stack of plates..a total nightmare.. of coz also remembering my mum’s scolding for my carelessness.. I hope the history don’t repeat itself over here..

A total challenge for me and one that I need to handle and cope for the coming months! The first time I got to do a split shift – working at 0700 – 1100 then 1500 – 1900 hours. the middle part I came back to sleep!! haha.. but damn weird feeling.. oh well.. I suppose there will be more to come!

New Hair Do.. October 18, 2009

After being here for about 2 months, which means its bout 3 months since my last haircut, so its no wonder my hair is in total mess.. When I made the decision to cut my hair its to cut away the fuss of tying up my hair, but short hair needs constant trimming.. which means more money I got to spend. I did think that I will let my hair be longer when I come to Macau thinking that it will be cooler here.. but then to my dismay, its not the case. So with this, I think it will be easier for me to keep my hair short!

Since I am at a new place, my housemate told me she saw there is a hair salon nearby our neighbourhood. Eventhough a bit skeptical but figured it will be cheaper than going to professional salons at hotels where you have the confident that the skill is at a level, but since my budget is quite low for this month, I decided to take a risk and give the  neighbourhood salon a try.

So for ladies haircut is from MOP 150 and if you get the master to cutthen it will be from MOP180. Actually for me, there is no preference but they thought i wanted the master to cut, so here comes the wait. Waited for about 30 – 40 minutes and in the mean time one of the staff washed my hair and to cut short of the waiting time. Finally the master came to cut my hair. So with some advise and there he goes.. snip.. snip.. The cut is only lasted bout 30 minutes and I am done!  Photos as below the side view, front view and back view! Nice?

A short getaway October 4, 2009

This week was a great week.. hmm.. do you think it’s because work related? haha. unfortunately no.. its because this week we have additional 2 days of off.. as last thursday we have a public holiday due to its China National day but I went back to work for a couple hours.. so its 3/4 day off for me.. then today and tomorrow we are off as well.. isn’t it great? today is our off day then tomorrow is our public holiday celebrating the mid-autumn festival. This is the festival where we hang lantern and eat moon cakes. Over here, this festival is one of the big event comparing to Singapore or Malaysia. Sometimes we even forget the dates of the event when we were in Singapore. We only know it when we realize that there are a lot lantern hanged and the supermarket, bakery and even Haagen Daaz are selling moon cakes! Here its so grand that we even have a public holiday because of it!

So my initial plan for these 2 days was to go to Hong Kong since its one of the destination that I was planning to visit for the longest time! But due to this festival, the accommodation is quite ex..so I decided to cut it short to just a day trip. The exciting day start at 9 am. I met up with one of my colleague, M and her bf at the McDonald below my apartment and then we took a cab to the ferry terminal. On the way I realised that I forgot to take the shopping list that my housemate gave me to help her to buy at Hong Kong. Even though I tried to texted her several times but no response as she off her phone when she is on duty. I have some vivid idea what brand that she uses and the color. So just hope for the best. We managed to take the 0930am ferry over. It was 1 hour ride and reached at Hong Kong at 1030 hours. As this was my first time in Hong Kong, M helped to plot a few interesting places on the map and then we go on our own way.

I contacted one of my friend, A who worked in HK for a few years. Actually ever since he came to Hong Kong I have always say that I want to go to Hong Kong and after so many years.. I finally made my way here! So we met up for lunch at one of the Hong Kong “cha chan teng” (tea cafe – direct translation). As he had some problem with his leg, he did not company me but gave me instruction as in how to get around and where to go. It was good to catch up with him after all these time.

After lunch I took the electric tram which cost bout HK2 per adult regardless which the length of the journey. It’s pretty fun.. since its my first time taking such transport. When you get up the bus you need to go thru a rotating gate then you pay when you alight. It’s very fun when you just alight which ever station you want then get up again. Of course whenever you go up you need to pay another HK2. I took it to the Causeway Bay(Wan Chai Station). After taking some pictures and walk around, I made my way to the lady’s street which is over at Kowloon area. The nearest MTLR station is Mong Kok, where I have to change at Aljunied station. Its so cute that their station name is almost the same with Singapore.

The ladies street is where the entire street was block for pedestrian or rather shoppers. Its quite nice where u go browse along the shops and stalls. There was a street where its full of stalls and here you can bargain.. haha which I hate to do so.. But funny part is when you ask how much is it and you ask again.. they will reduce the price automatically.. haha.. lucky me.. but I only bought 2 pair of shoes from there and a coin purse… This street is like Petaling Street in KL where they sells imitation bags and watches. But for all the shops, I realize that there are a lot of shops selling electronic goods, computers and mobile phone. Iphone the latest one is selling at HK6000 plus for 16 G and 32 G.. sorry forgot the exact price already..Here also I notice that they are a couple of hotels that goes by hourly basis.. wow.. does it really works? Is this the new era of hotels.. they don’t go by nightly basis but hourly… hmm. interesting rite?

After scouting a few cosmetic shops trying to look for the products that my housemate wanted, just when I nearly gave up, something caught my eye.. Its been calling me all along!The yellow brick shophouse with the shop name “Food Skin” was just at the entrance of the exit and I totally miss it! I went to the shop and all their products are all made from food stuff.. really amazing.. after getting the products and I got influence by the sales person to buy one more product to get more free gifts.. haha.. yes i know i am sucker for this.. and I get a free membership as well.. So I got myself a black sugar mask… so it exfoliate and its a mask also.. so 2 in 1 and it smells great too! But they only shops in Hong Kong but we are able to purchase thru internet… Go to www.skinfood.com.hk… Since I have been walking almost 3/4 day so I was thinking of going back home already.. so I took the train to Tsim Sha Tsui Station where I can go there to catch the ferry back to Macau.

But as usual being ladies, we tend to side track.. I saw a group of tourist taking picture of the Peninsular Hotel so I also take la.. don’t want to left out.. haha.. so kiasu.. then I went to another jetty where there is an observation area where we able to enjoy the view of Hong Kong from Kowloon  and I can see the local ferry. It’s like in the movies! Then on the right I am able to see Star Cruise dock at the cruise centre and waiting for passenger to alight… after taking some photos at the area, I decided to make my way to the ferry terminal. Somehow I ended up in another shopping mall.. But by then my legs is letting me know that I need to rest already. But even so I still manage to buy thing. I pick up a birthday present for A… Once all the chores been done, I find my way to the ferry and managed to take the 630pm ferry back to Macau.

Just like that, my day trip to Hong Kong ends.. Pics below.. The next trip to Hong Kong, I want to go to the Peak and Disneyland!!!..

Before I go..  I have also attached an odd pics.. thats my new bedsheet and quilt cover that I bought this morning so that I can wash the previous ones. But I like this one at least it gives my room some color and it make my room cozier!

Its not from HK but just from the local supermarket.. nice?

My Life in Macau October 4, 2009

Just imagine how time flies, it seems like I just arrived at Macau but now its been a month and half since I came to this country. The entire time was busy with trainings and trainings.. and dealing with all the attendence issues as well as minutes of meetings. Hmm.. seems like I became like a secretary, am I not? Oh well.. just take it as part of learning process. Better to have things to do than nothing to do.. or I will feel completely useless then.

Now that the hotel just opened about 200 rooms to capture the holiday guests, but the service staff and hotel is not really ready for it as yet. The entire place and the service level is still pretty raw. Even though all staffs are suppose to wear their uniform already but for some of us the uniform is not ready as yet  or the uniform need alterations. Sigh.. and they were saying that the uniform are very expensive but the quality seems not as good as it claims.. But now without the uniform, its hard for me to go around the hotel especially whenever I need to go to the office to do some paper work but the lift will take forever to come up or down and sometimes it will even skip our level. Its so frustrating to wait for the lift then whenever I take the stair case I will get lock outside the staircase and I have to walk one huge round to get back into the building . Just because we are unable to be seen in the front of the house (where guests are) wearing the purple T-shirt for room division and light blue for food and beverage. It was quite funny to see at the earlier time where we see purple and blue staffs..all color cordinated.. These Tshirt was the uniform for all of us during the pre-opening of the hotel and until our uniform is ready.

I have also attached some pics of all our uniforms that we took during our 1st staff party with a fashion show of all our uniforms from all departments. (Pic below)

But then whenever I am off or if my housemate is off we will try to cook at home.. The first meal was by my housemate. She made some Korean Sushi (The only pic I have of our home cook food). Its very nice and some korean soup. Very yummy.. the 2nd and 3rd time was prepared by me.. but just some simple chinese dishes.. and the last one was by my housemate who cook kimchi soup.. yumm… Its quite nice to have own apartment and you have your own kitchen.. It felt like I was back in my uni days where we cook and bring to uni our lunch and then we will rush back to cook for dinner. It was real fun.. But now its so long since I cook, sometimes I tend to forget what are the ingrediant.. haha.. but lucky till now.. no one get diahrrea yet.. haha..But then we will continue this.. at least not everytime eat outside with all artificial flavoring! Taste might not be fantastic but definitely healthier.. hehe.. hope so….

yum yumm.. very after that .. very very full!!

Another new Endeavor.. September 13, 2009

Most people are not so lucky that able to get a job so soon after they left the previous job even with all the various job hunting and I was lucky that I got a job before I left my previous company. I have always wondered what does it feel like to work in city hotel and to work with an international chain hotel.. and my wish came true. I applied, interview and got the job as a team leader for the reception for the spa at Macau with Grand Hyatt! wow!

After 2 weeks at home, I continued by career path to Macau.. The weather here is even more humid than Malaysia/Singapore! The day that I arrived, the humidity is around 80% and the next day is 90% .. seriously.. you do not need to do anything but just stand outside the building and you will start sweating.. hmm.. then I really wonder do they really require sauna or even steam room her since they have a natural one outside..

Upon arrival, I was being picked up by our Spa Manager, Serena Rogers. I never expected the spa manager will come personally to pick up staffs .. I wondered then if she does it for every employee? hmm…. But nevertheless, felt honored too! She brought me to the hotel to do some further registration at the HR. Once I completed everything, I was being brought to the hotel that I will be staying. Prior to my arrival, after checking and I thought that I will be put into the hostel which they provide for all the employee from China, but they arranged for me to stay at a hotel at Taipa area – Hotel Taipa(Best Western) I shared a room with a korean lady, J who is my current housemate. The company actually arranged a half day city tour for all the staff.. very good eh.. So I went around Macau for half a day and after that the orientation and trainings starts.

I managed to catch up with a friend who is working here and through him, I know a property agent who help to find my current house. Its quite centralize, eventhough its not a new apartment but the house is clean and sufficient for 2 ladies. After staying for 2 weeks at the hotel we moved into our home. Its great to finally able to unpack everything! Now its shopping time.. buying things for the house and for the room – comforter, pillows, bedsheets, pillow cases, quilt covers then for the house, kitchen items and bathroom items. Most importantly arranged for my broadband which finally arrived last Saturday! yippee.. and that is also why there is such a long silence!.. :p oh .. some of my house photo as below.

Home Sweet Home… August 19, 2009

After 6 months away from home, eventhough when I left with the thought I will only be back after 1 year, it feels good to be back to familiar grounds again.

When I came back last week, I am able to satisfy my food craving for some of my favourite food – Bak kut teh, mee rebus, thosai, laksa, satay, roti plata, fried carrot cake, rojak, fried kuey teow with crockles, fish ball noodles.. yum… but I over do it at the beginning and also due to the visits to the general hospital for my medical check up, I am down by the normal flu.. Let me stress again.. normal flu.. and not the ever spreading virus H1N1!…

Sigh.. even though I am recovering already with doctor prescription of anti biotics, but I have to obstain from many food. So there are still many food I have not eaten this trip – grill ray fish, Ah see won ton mee, chicken rice,  indian rojak, mee goreng, mee siam, nasi lemak .. oh well.. at least there are still food that I can look forward for the next visit home.

During the short period of time home, I also able to make a short trip back to Singapore to catch up with friends and ex-colleague. Eventhough its a very short period back and also my flu, its a great to be back home, able to recover under my parents concern and my mum cook my favourite dishes.. yummy.. so I am not deprive of my favourite foods even though I am sick!

Now that I will be going to Singapore later this afternoon and will be flying to Macau tomorrow another start of my life journey and challenge. There goes my short holiday..Oh well..at least there are  always things for me to look forward to when I come back next time round.

Tagged… August 10, 2009

While reading many friends blogs and then realized that I was being tagged by MNHL and SP .. so here it goes…

The tag is about childhood memories.

1. Ever favourite nursery rhymes : london bridge is falling down

2. Pet Name : Meowmy.. a cat that I had during secondary school.

3. Favourite treat : KFC and canteen fried drum stick

4. Milk in your bottle / Sippy cup you miss most : Chocolate milk packet tat we have to order from school

5. Favourite TV show : Singapore Chinese series

6. Place you love your parents take you the most : Supermarket

7. Adult thing you used to mimick : Wearing a wig, necklace and earrings..

8. Most embarrassing to recall : standing on the chair for not finishing homework.

9. Game with a sib you reminisce most : knee race from parents room to kitchen

10. Most unforgettable candy you used to take : Tic Tac

Voila! Now my turn to tag.. for those who is reading this blog and has not done this tag before!

Exploring.. July 26, 2009

I have been in this country nearly to half a year, but shamefully, I have not really explore this country. Even though there are trips to local islands before but I have not thought of joining any of these trips.

Last Sunday, there was a trip to a local island – Ihavandhoo and since it was during my off day I decided to do some exploring. Eventhough one of my staffs told me that its not so nice and its very smelly, so I thought that I will be able to see the local cultures. So after getting signatures for my exit pass.. yes.. to leave this stupid resort I need security, HR and the GM signatures.. Really like a jail.. and after getting all these signatures.. and off I went.

The speedboat ride is about 15 minutes. Its a very short boat ride comparing to the one that I took from Harimadhoo to the resort which takes 45 – 50 minutes! Prior to the trip the image that I had in my mind for this shopping trip was like a street with some shops along the street.. But when I reach there, the first thing I saw was a big mosque. Ok.. acceptable la.. since this is a Muslim country.. but then followed with residential area, schools! So where is the shops?

I walked around for 30 minutes.. and guess what.. I’m Bored!!! nothing to do.. ayo.. I saw a grocery shop, went in bought some potato chip, a bottle of coke and some wafer and then scout for a place to sit down and guess what I found, some swings.. Gleefully.. like a small child sneeking into someone’s property.. looking around for any owner who is going to shout at me for trespassing, slowly foot by foot i approached the swing. Since it was rather peaceful, I lowered myself at the swing. It was real fun. The swing was tied on a coconut tree, feel real pitiful on the tree but that does not deem my excitements .. 1,2,3 yippee!! there I go.. (Photos below)

While on the swing, I am able to enjoy the view and relax with the sea breeze (with the salted fish smells) My staff was right, this island is really stinko.. This is where the salted fish comes from. Nearby to where I was I notice there are a lot of crows (a common bird in Maldives.. I think its their national bird.. Its a no wonder why they choose this bird .. coz its everywhere!). After a while, my curiosity beats me, I went to investigate.. There are so many fishes being “sun tanned” there with a layer of salt. There are even baby reef sharks in there. Who say only Chinese eat shark fin.. These people eat them as well! (Photos below)

Imagine, I have to wait for the boat at 1700 hours and I reached there at 1315 hour, so I have to be there for 3 hours and 45 minutes! After an hour, I notice the speedboat start to dock at the jetty. Hoping that I am able to spend the rest of the afternoon waiting in the boat was dashed by the captain as he is scared that I will get sea sick due to when the boat stops, it start to sway right and left.

So luckily one of the crew is kind enough to bring me around the island. So I walked the island again with him, but which is pretty cool, as I have someone to talk to and to ask him questions bout the island. I found out that in this island, there are about 4k local people and they have 6 mosques! wow.. are they so religious or what.. Apparently the local are very furious with one of the political party that won the election last year, as the party promised the people that they will build a very nice jetty for them, but till now, nothing was done, its a real wonder why they are angry. As what the crew member told me, the jetty is like the public toilet. (pic below).

With him, I get to see the boat yard, and one old man approached us to see if I want a shell or salted fish, I told him no for both but because I do not really understand what he meant by shell, he brought us to his home to show me the shell (pics below). It was a huge sea shell. Very nice.. but how to bring it home? and where am I going to put it… hmm.. nah.. thanks but no thanks..

Finally, the time to go back to resort finally came, it was a very good experience for me, but I have get to see how does the local people live. I have put up some photos of the kids going to school, their main road, their houses and how they earn their living. Most of the people here are fisherman, some you see some nettings next to their home where they cook the tuna fish and they sell it to the public..

Its real amazing! Now I am planning to visit another island also quite nearby but different than this island on the 27th July – 1 day after their Independence Day! Not sure if they have any fireworks, apparently there will be some celebration on the 27th so I might be able to see some cultural shows.. The only one that I saw was Bodu Beru.. the Maldivian dance… my almost last few weeks in Maldives!

 

MJ farewell.. July 9, 2009

Just a month ago, I was copying some songs from the DJ from the previous resort and I came across some Michael Jackson songs and I realize that Its been years since I last hear his old songs. But sadly after a few weeks, I saw in the TV that he has passed away.

Even though I wasn’t such a great fan of his. But I practically grew up with his songs.  Some of his songs actually touches your heart with the rhythm, lyrics like You are not alone, Heal the world, Childhood and Earth song and there are some songs, when I hear the beat of the songs from the radio, without fail my feet will automatically beat with the tempo – Billy Jeans, Trillers, Beat It or Black or White.

Even though I liked his older image better before he turn white, but from his songs and his stories (whether its true or not) he has a very caring heart to the earth, community and especially children, its very sad to see/hear that he left this world so soon. But eventhough he is gone, everyone will always remember this King of Pop and we will still continue listen to his songs which will bring back memories of our growing up years.

“Good bye Michael, we will miss your song, your dance especially the moonwalk and will remember you always!”