Finally after two and a half years, my iBook died on me..... With all the "abuses" it got from me for the past two and a half years, it began to show it's temper and not boot up smoothly and it stops itself from working while I am in the middle of using it. Having me to off and on it, again and again.
So, for some time, I may not be able to update my blog while I send it to the "hospital" and wait for it to recover. And I will update on what happened from the last date I've blogged.
In the meantime my faithful readers, you may wanna do another fund for me, which is, 'Jonathan's new power book fund'! Hehehehe.... :P
Till then folks!
I WILL BE BACK! ;)
Tuesday, March 21, 2006
Friday, March 10, 2006
Steamboat! (Updated)
Been a week I update my blog. Now it's time to look back what happened. ;)
3nd March
Back to work in the morning after coming back from Melbourne just the night before. Met up with my ATR bros for coffee at 58 at around 1700hrs. Stayed for about an hour and a half before visiting the accessories shop to kill time before meeting the other Devils for dinner.
We had steamboat at Golden Mile Tower and it's suppose to be very popular, but it's my first time to this place. It was indeed very pack when we were there and they have to extend their tables to the alley. Chief, his partner, Devil T, his wife, Bro P, Bro N and me, all 7 of us had steamboat and it only cost us SGD70 including drinks. Pretty good price I would say. Don't mind going back there again. And the dishes they serve comes in standard package, where they already mix the ingredients all placed nicely, ready to be cooked. Unlike some steamboat where you pick only what you wanna eat.
Also they sell white chicken and they only serve chicken rice. So we had steamboat, with white chicken and chicken rice. All for SGD70, I say that's cheapI shall let the pictures do the talking. ;)
After dinner, we walked over to Golden Mile Complex cos Chief's partner wanna buuy some Thai CD. Took this opportunity to digest our dinner as well. I've been to this place before but didn't walked inside the mall, and not till this day, I realised this mall is full of goods and groceries from Thailand! Even the signboards are in Thai! Amazing! Makes you feel like you're in Thailand!
Welcome to the Thailand in Singapore
This place is where buses and coaches are, and they fetch people to different towns of Malaysia some even to Thailand. And I've taken this coach before, once, to Malaysia, KL. Took me 6 hours to reach KL. My first ride up for a "mission", just because of a pair of shoe.
This shoe!
And this "misson" wa so popular with my friends that they used the story to tease me and said I cross the boundaries and made things difficult between their partners and spouses. Hehehe... Let's see when do I have the mood, then I will tell more about the story of this shoe. ;)
After Chief's partner got her CD, we head down to Bro E's pub at Le Meridian. Stayed there till midnight and we all head back home since some of them still need to work the next day. And I've realized, somehow I've overcome my allergy to beer. I've been drinking one bottle at each occasion and not once the next day I get rashes. Did I counter this allergy with the increase of drinking session?
4th March
Bro N called up to ask if I wanna join them to go into Malaysia and check out the new track. too bad I got tutorial so I turned him down. Which I regretted, cos tutorial was so boring and the lecturer didn't help much in our coming exam. Anyway after the tutorial, went to meet Mad Chinaboy.
He was conned into losing his handphone and his hostel mates denied taking his handphone when they were the last few to look at his handphone the night before. I went down to his hostel but those 3 fellows weren't in the hostel. And the one that last took his handphone went to Malaysia, only to be back the next day.
So I talked to his room mate and told him to pass a message to him, that I wanna see the handphone the next time I comedown to look for him, if not he's going to the police station for sure.
We had dinner together and then went to Pearl centre to get MCB another handphone, and also to withdraw some cash which his sister mailed me the atm card, to replaced the one that can't be used. Send him back to the hostel and met up with Sis S at Bro E's pub. Had a bottle of Heineken and reached home before midnight, head for bed.
Sweet dreams...
5th March
Sunday, bloody sunday... Hardly have the chance to sleep well and I got calls early in the morning. Dragged myself out of bed and since my niece and nephew are here, had lunch with them, and then went back to bed again till I go to work in the evening.
Bro PW leaving for BKK and came over to visit me in the store in the evening. Would have went out to have coffee with him if I'm not alone in the store.
Well, work ended late, am still awake to hit home, so drove around to buy this month's Hot Stuff magazine. Sis SR appeared in this month's edition under the SGR (Singapore Girl Racer) club. This magazine is so hot selling that I've to visit 5 petrol kiosk then I managed to get hold of it.
Thought of asking Devil J and Sis S out for supper since they are the nocturnal beings who will be wide awake at night. Then again, I reckon I head home to rest early. Took a bath and who knows, Devil J called, telling me he's with Sis S at Jalan Kayu, ask me to join them. What a coincidence, when I just thought of calling them, they asked me to join them instead!
We hanged around there, sipped tea and left around 0430hrs. Reach home and didn't go to bed till 0700hrs.
6th March
Off day, and what did I do? I slept at home the whole day! Hahaha.. Only to go to class in the evening. And it's an early night for me.
7th March
My rear right tyre has been giving me problems after coming back from the last track. It's loosing air bit by bit and went 50% flat after 2 days of pumping. When I got back my car from Sis S, I think she drove around and got a long nail into it. Thank god it's the same tyre. I got it patched, still it's loosing air.
So I decided to get it replaced. And I've to change the rear 2 tires. Being that I've done a rotation after coming back from track and it was originally in front. And cos of tracking and not enough air pumped into it, the side wall are worn out due to hard cornerings. So have to change a pair and put them in the front, and let it run abit and it should be good for this coming 25th track day.
Went to a few tyre shop but they don't have stock for the tyre I need, got to place order. I don't like to wait and would prefer to have them now since I only got the time now to run around and go search for it. Gave up searching for it since I'm tired after a day's work. So head home and took a nap before meeting my god-sister for dinner and her daughter for dinner.
Been 2 years I met up with her and the last time was when her daughter is celebrating her 1 month of birth. Meeting her tonight cos she's finally gonna go to the Register of Marriage (ROM)! So this dinner is to celebrate with her. Yupe, she gave birth to her daughter before getting married, and it took them 2 yrs to finally sign on the dotted line.
Her big eyes daugther, Chloe!
And we went shopping for her shoe to match her dress on the ROM date. Saw these shoes which is only selling for SGD9.90 at Suntec, Novo! Cheap and nice!
After all the shopping and dinner, sent them home and I myself went home to have an early night.
8th March
Woke up feeling groggy.. Felt sick, and yes.. I got the flu virus.. No wonder I've been feeling tired for the past few days.. And I so so so hate having flu.. Nose stuck, difficulty in breathing, sense of smell not there, keep sneezing and using tissue to clear nucus.. Arrrggghhhh..
But it ain't gonna stop me from having fun! Devil J is off today and he arranged to party tonight with the rest of the Devils. And ever since he got into a real bad accident with his car and had to total loss his car, he's been out of the scene for some time. Partly cos he's busy as well with his work and since he's off and organised an outing, all of us obliged to his outing. :P
And I was a good boy, I went home early to sleep and rest, cos of my flu. Hahahaha... :P
9th March
Ended work at 1500hrs and rushed down to attend my god-sister's ROM. Was there on time when she told me it will only start at 1545hrs. But there went in early cos it's a 1st come 1st serve basis and since they are early, they can get it done eariler. Thought they had left but my instinct tells me they are still around cos I notice a car with a baby seat at the back seat, and that's the only car with a baby seat. And it the brand of car that my god-sister's husband drives. Only that I dunno what number was his car. So I assume that belongs to him. So I waited for a while and was I right! They were still around taking photos and got to know it when her husband and daughter walked back to the car to get some water to drink!
Took some photos and left the place at 1700hrs. Send one of her friend to a nearby mall where she wanted to go, and this friend of hers is actually one of our secondary school mate. She's trying to hook me up with this friend of hers, a stewardess, but I show no interest in her, maybe during the ride, somehow had an akward feeling. Maybe during the school days, I don't have a good impression on her. Moreover If I were to add one more to my list, I would really have no time for myself already...
Let's see what happen during my god-sister house warming. Maybe something might spark.. Hehehe... :P
As usual, went to the meet up at 1730hrs and we went to Villa Bali for some red wine after dinner. We had 2 Outlanders joining us tonight and it was nice to see 2 OL joining the ATR club. Being under the same category of vehicle, we only had Airtreks and Airtrek turbos joining the club. This is the first for us and it was nice to have them join us.
Head home at about 10pm and some of them was thinking of going to MB for coffee. But my flu is bothering me so I went home to rest early.
Sweet dreams...
3nd March
Back to work in the morning after coming back from Melbourne just the night before. Met up with my ATR bros for coffee at 58 at around 1700hrs. Stayed for about an hour and a half before visiting the accessories shop to kill time before meeting the other Devils for dinner.
We had steamboat at Golden Mile Tower and it's suppose to be very popular, but it's my first time to this place. It was indeed very pack when we were there and they have to extend their tables to the alley. Chief, his partner, Devil T, his wife, Bro P, Bro N and me, all 7 of us had steamboat and it only cost us SGD70 including drinks. Pretty good price I would say. Don't mind going back there again. And the dishes they serve comes in standard package, where they already mix the ingredients all placed nicely, ready to be cooked. Unlike some steamboat where you pick only what you wanna eat.
Also they sell white chicken and they only serve chicken rice. So we had steamboat, with white chicken and chicken rice. All for SGD70, I say that's cheapI shall let the pictures do the talking. ;)
After dinner, we walked over to Golden Mile Complex cos Chief's partner wanna buuy some Thai CD. Took this opportunity to digest our dinner as well. I've been to this place before but didn't walked inside the mall, and not till this day, I realised this mall is full of goods and groceries from Thailand! Even the signboards are in Thai! Amazing! Makes you feel like you're in Thailand!
Welcome to the Thailand in Singapore
This place is where buses and coaches are, and they fetch people to different towns of Malaysia some even to Thailand. And I've taken this coach before, once, to Malaysia, KL. Took me 6 hours to reach KL. My first ride up for a "mission", just because of a pair of shoe.
This shoe!
And this "misson" wa so popular with my friends that they used the story to tease me and said I cross the boundaries and made things difficult between their partners and spouses. Hehehe... Let's see when do I have the mood, then I will tell more about the story of this shoe. ;)
After Chief's partner got her CD, we head down to Bro E's pub at Le Meridian. Stayed there till midnight and we all head back home since some of them still need to work the next day. And I've realized, somehow I've overcome my allergy to beer. I've been drinking one bottle at each occasion and not once the next day I get rashes. Did I counter this allergy with the increase of drinking session?
4th March
Bro N called up to ask if I wanna join them to go into Malaysia and check out the new track. too bad I got tutorial so I turned him down. Which I regretted, cos tutorial was so boring and the lecturer didn't help much in our coming exam. Anyway after the tutorial, went to meet Mad Chinaboy.
He was conned into losing his handphone and his hostel mates denied taking his handphone when they were the last few to look at his handphone the night before. I went down to his hostel but those 3 fellows weren't in the hostel. And the one that last took his handphone went to Malaysia, only to be back the next day.
So I talked to his room mate and told him to pass a message to him, that I wanna see the handphone the next time I comedown to look for him, if not he's going to the police station for sure.
We had dinner together and then went to Pearl centre to get MCB another handphone, and also to withdraw some cash which his sister mailed me the atm card, to replaced the one that can't be used. Send him back to the hostel and met up with Sis S at Bro E's pub. Had a bottle of Heineken and reached home before midnight, head for bed.
Sweet dreams...
5th March
Sunday, bloody sunday... Hardly have the chance to sleep well and I got calls early in the morning. Dragged myself out of bed and since my niece and nephew are here, had lunch with them, and then went back to bed again till I go to work in the evening.
Bro PW leaving for BKK and came over to visit me in the store in the evening. Would have went out to have coffee with him if I'm not alone in the store.
Well, work ended late, am still awake to hit home, so drove around to buy this month's Hot Stuff magazine. Sis SR appeared in this month's edition under the SGR (Singapore Girl Racer) club. This magazine is so hot selling that I've to visit 5 petrol kiosk then I managed to get hold of it.
Thought of asking Devil J and Sis S out for supper since they are the nocturnal beings who will be wide awake at night. Then again, I reckon I head home to rest early. Took a bath and who knows, Devil J called, telling me he's with Sis S at Jalan Kayu, ask me to join them. What a coincidence, when I just thought of calling them, they asked me to join them instead!
We hanged around there, sipped tea and left around 0430hrs. Reach home and didn't go to bed till 0700hrs.
6th March
Off day, and what did I do? I slept at home the whole day! Hahaha.. Only to go to class in the evening. And it's an early night for me.
7th March
My rear right tyre has been giving me problems after coming back from the last track. It's loosing air bit by bit and went 50% flat after 2 days of pumping. When I got back my car from Sis S, I think she drove around and got a long nail into it. Thank god it's the same tyre. I got it patched, still it's loosing air.
So I decided to get it replaced. And I've to change the rear 2 tires. Being that I've done a rotation after coming back from track and it was originally in front. And cos of tracking and not enough air pumped into it, the side wall are worn out due to hard cornerings. So have to change a pair and put them in the front, and let it run abit and it should be good for this coming 25th track day.
Went to a few tyre shop but they don't have stock for the tyre I need, got to place order. I don't like to wait and would prefer to have them now since I only got the time now to run around and go search for it. Gave up searching for it since I'm tired after a day's work. So head home and took a nap before meeting my god-sister for dinner and her daughter for dinner.
Been 2 years I met up with her and the last time was when her daughter is celebrating her 1 month of birth. Meeting her tonight cos she's finally gonna go to the Register of Marriage (ROM)! So this dinner is to celebrate with her. Yupe, she gave birth to her daughter before getting married, and it took them 2 yrs to finally sign on the dotted line.
Her big eyes daugther, Chloe!
And we went shopping for her shoe to match her dress on the ROM date. Saw these shoes which is only selling for SGD9.90 at Suntec, Novo! Cheap and nice!
After all the shopping and dinner, sent them home and I myself went home to have an early night.
8th March
Woke up feeling groggy.. Felt sick, and yes.. I got the flu virus.. No wonder I've been feeling tired for the past few days.. And I so so so hate having flu.. Nose stuck, difficulty in breathing, sense of smell not there, keep sneezing and using tissue to clear nucus.. Arrrggghhhh..
But it ain't gonna stop me from having fun! Devil J is off today and he arranged to party tonight with the rest of the Devils. And ever since he got into a real bad accident with his car and had to total loss his car, he's been out of the scene for some time. Partly cos he's busy as well with his work and since he's off and organised an outing, all of us obliged to his outing. :P
And I was a good boy, I went home early to sleep and rest, cos of my flu. Hahahaha... :P
9th March
Ended work at 1500hrs and rushed down to attend my god-sister's ROM. Was there on time when she told me it will only start at 1545hrs. But there went in early cos it's a 1st come 1st serve basis and since they are early, they can get it done eariler. Thought they had left but my instinct tells me they are still around cos I notice a car with a baby seat at the back seat, and that's the only car with a baby seat. And it the brand of car that my god-sister's husband drives. Only that I dunno what number was his car. So I assume that belongs to him. So I waited for a while and was I right! They were still around taking photos and got to know it when her husband and daughter walked back to the car to get some water to drink!
Took some photos and left the place at 1700hrs. Send one of her friend to a nearby mall where she wanted to go, and this friend of hers is actually one of our secondary school mate. She's trying to hook me up with this friend of hers, a stewardess, but I show no interest in her, maybe during the ride, somehow had an akward feeling. Maybe during the school days, I don't have a good impression on her. Moreover If I were to add one more to my list, I would really have no time for myself already...
Let's see what happen during my god-sister house warming. Maybe something might spark.. Hehehe... :P
As usual, went to the meet up at 1730hrs and we went to Villa Bali for some red wine after dinner. We had 2 Outlanders joining us tonight and it was nice to see 2 OL joining the ATR club. Being under the same category of vehicle, we only had Airtreks and Airtrek turbos joining the club. This is the first for us and it was nice to have them join us.
Head home at about 10pm and some of them was thinking of going to MB for coffee. But my flu is bothering me so I went home to rest early.
Sweet dreams...
Thursday, March 02, 2006
Conference @ Melbourne
Landed home from Melbourne last night at 2230hrs. Sis S came and pick me up and drove her to Bala then I head home to un-pack and rest. Still gotta work the next day.
Anyway, here's what happened since the day I flew to Melbourne.
25th Feb
Took the night Qantas flight to Melbourne at terminal 1, a 6 hours flight. I took naps inbetween and listened to my Nano. Good thing I brought my Nano along, if not I would be bored to death. The in flight entertainment wasn't that fantastic and I would rather catch some sleep cos once I reach Melbourne, there won't be much time to rest till the conference starts during lunch time.
26th Feb
Reach Melbourne at 0630hrs, and we took a cab to the hotel, Sofitel Melbourne. A gorgeous hotel with touch screen controls for the room! Went for breakfast in the hotel and took a rest till 1030hrs, went to Grand Hyatt to register. The conference consist of 4 different brands, OPSM, Lauman & Pank, Budget Eyewear and Sunglass Hut. Total of 750 attendees. HUGE!!
Melbourne arrival hall
Sofitel Melbourne
Trees outside Sofitel. Dunno if they're painted blue or they are blue by itself
Touch screen controls for the room! Neat!
The bed is really comfortable! But I find it's abit soft as compared to my bed, but it's still comfortable!
Pillow sure looks big and hard, but it's very very soft... Kindof difficult to sleep in and I've to stuff them higher. Maybe I'm used to hard pillows.
Study table and flat screen TV. Internet connection, but it charges 55cent per minute! That's crazy!
One of the nicest toilet I've seen. And they use branded lotions! I forgot what's the brand already....
Another toilet I like is Ritz Carlton at KL. Talk about RItz @ KL, there's a story that comes with it. Till now my friends still teased me on this.
Along the way from Sofitel to Grand Hyatt, where the conference hall is, came upon this flower shop and saw some beautiful sunflowers. I like sunflowers and does anyone else knows of any other guys that like flowers? ;)
My Regional Manager(riight) and fellow Store Manager(left)
After the conference, came the welcome dinner which is held at Melbourne Aquarium. They've arranged for the cathering and bartenders to be there and also a mobile disco.
Melbourne Aquarium
The mix of oriental and western food was good! Best is the Martinis! :P
Rose, another RM in Australia and my RM
We partied the night away and I drank quite a lot. Bought a big pack of milk and drank it all before I went to bed. And the pack of milk helped. And I managed to wake up early to catch the sunrise! Simply gorgeous!
27th Feb
Sunrise from Sofitel
Hot air ballons were in the air and I caught this
This is what I like most of the day. A beautiful sunrise never fails to make my day! Which is the reason why I like the sunflower. ;)
Conference starts from 0830hrs till 1730hrs with lunch and tea breaks inbetween. Weather in Melbourne is cooling and I like it. Not too hot, but with enough sunshine and rather windy with a bit of chill. I don't like the weather in Singapore. Too humid!
Tonight is the gala dinner. It was held at the event hall of the race course. I forgot what was it called. Everyone is dressed up in suits and gowns.
The dinner was rather boring and we decided to head back to the hotel to rest early since we haven't had enough sleep when we first reached Melbourne.
28th Feb
Last day of conference! Before the end of conference, took some pictures of my fellow Store Managers in Australia whom I had met before whenm we had our last conference.
Beautiful Amber
Chirpy Karrie
Lovely Belinda
I forgot her name... So sorry...
Conference finally ended at 1500hrs and we all bidded goodbyes and well wishes to people we know. I headed back to the hotel to take a nap while my other 2 colleagues went out for a stroll. They're keen on going out while I'm not cos I'm not really one who likes to shop. Prefer walking around and take pictures. So I woke up awhile later after my nap and went out alone to take pictures. And here are what I've taken.
Melbourne's tram lines
Melbourne's tram
Man using mobile
Lord of the fries
Melbourne's parking ticket machine
Crown Casino
Love boat
Teamwork
Dove looking for direction
Dove tidying feathers
Woman having fun in the fountain
Came upon hotel Holiday Inn and decided to take a break, after all the walking which I think I've covered like 2km. Ordered some snacks and called the rest to meet them for dinner in the hotel.
Snacks while going through the photos I've taken
Went back to the hotel to have dinner and caught the sunset from the restaurant!
Beautiful!
After dinner, they continue their window shopping while I stayed in my hotel room to transfer the photos I've taken onto my iBook. Anyway there won't be much shops opened cos Australia's stores usually are closed after 1700hrs. Except for some tourists spots, which I'm not keen cos there won't be much to see. Went to bed after the photos are transfered and the next day we'll be heading home, so better get more sleep and wake up early to walk around the city till we leave for the airport at 1500hrs.
1st March
Only got half a day and less to spend in Melbourne. Woke up early for breakfast, and left for the streets. One of them wanted to visit the Target store, which is like the Gaint supermarket in Singapore and I find it abit boring to visit it cos I've been to Target stores before and there ain't much stuff there. Suggested to them the Great Factory Outlet (GFO) which is in Bridge road at Richmond, where there are plenty of stores to shop and at good prices. Anyway, they choose not to heed my advice, so let it be, since I've no particular stores to visit.
As we walked, came by a few stores and we finally decided to walk on our own, and meet back the same place for lunch, before heading back to the hotel and then to the airport. Least this way we can go on our own way and have more time to search for what we want. Well, for me it doesn't matter much, so I just wander around. And this wander cost me AUD200.
Walked into Foot Locker and saw a pair of Nike shoes which I quite fancy, or rather, 2 pairs. Only 1 pair has the size I wanted (size 13) but I prefer the other pair, which they only have size 12 and the last pair. Since it's the limited edition and it's for the year of the dog design, I decided to go for it although it's a bit tight. And since it will widen a bit after some time, it should be fine. So instead of buying 2 pairs, bought the size 12, some socks and a can of spray to protect the shoes.
This is what I've paid AUD169 for
Bumped into one of my colleague and the both of us dunno where else to go cos the mall we're in haven't got much stores and we've covered almost the whole mall already. As we sat on the bench and ponder, I suggest we go to Richmond ourselves and meet the rest later at the hotel instead of the place we set on eariler. This way we'll have more time to shop at Richmond.
And this is one decision we didn't regret! Richmond is definately a better place to shop and the place is so huge they we didn't have enough time to cover the whole street. Had lunch there and head back to the hotel, when the rest knew we went to Richmond, they nagged at us for not telling them and going there together! Hahahahaha... :P
Lunch at one of the restaurant. Very big bowl of WanTon Noddle soup!
Took a cab to the hotel and since we're early by 2 hours, we did some shopping. Bought a few packs of nougats, and also bought a pair of Billabong slippers cos the shoe I'm in is killing me after walking in it for the last few hours. Moreover in the flight, I like to take off my shoes and if I do it then, I bet all the passengers will suffocate from smell! Hahahaha... :P
Paid AUD19.90 for this pair of slipper
And here are some photos I took in the airport.
Check-in bodies?
Buy 3 Guys, get 1 Lian free?
Burger King, Hungry Jacks
The inflight menu is pretty good and had a few wines to make myself sleepy, also watched Chicken Little, Walk the Line and Brokeback Mountain on flight.
In-flight dishes
Took some shoots while the plane is in the air!
Finally it's home sweet home, 2230hrs. Bought a few bottles of red wines and liqours from duty free. Sis S came to pick me up with my car, and I send her to Bala before heading home. Tiring day it has been and buying the pair of slippers is a wise choice!
Anyway, here's what happened since the day I flew to Melbourne.
25th Feb
Took the night Qantas flight to Melbourne at terminal 1, a 6 hours flight. I took naps inbetween and listened to my Nano. Good thing I brought my Nano along, if not I would be bored to death. The in flight entertainment wasn't that fantastic and I would rather catch some sleep cos once I reach Melbourne, there won't be much time to rest till the conference starts during lunch time.
26th Feb
Reach Melbourne at 0630hrs, and we took a cab to the hotel, Sofitel Melbourne. A gorgeous hotel with touch screen controls for the room! Went for breakfast in the hotel and took a rest till 1030hrs, went to Grand Hyatt to register. The conference consist of 4 different brands, OPSM, Lauman & Pank, Budget Eyewear and Sunglass Hut. Total of 750 attendees. HUGE!!
Melbourne arrival hall
Sofitel Melbourne
Trees outside Sofitel. Dunno if they're painted blue or they are blue by itself
Touch screen controls for the room! Neat!
The bed is really comfortable! But I find it's abit soft as compared to my bed, but it's still comfortable!
Pillow sure looks big and hard, but it's very very soft... Kindof difficult to sleep in and I've to stuff them higher. Maybe I'm used to hard pillows.
Study table and flat screen TV. Internet connection, but it charges 55cent per minute! That's crazy!
One of the nicest toilet I've seen. And they use branded lotions! I forgot what's the brand already....
Another toilet I like is Ritz Carlton at KL. Talk about RItz @ KL, there's a story that comes with it. Till now my friends still teased me on this.
Along the way from Sofitel to Grand Hyatt, where the conference hall is, came upon this flower shop and saw some beautiful sunflowers. I like sunflowers and does anyone else knows of any other guys that like flowers? ;)
My Regional Manager(riight) and fellow Store Manager(left)
After the conference, came the welcome dinner which is held at Melbourne Aquarium. They've arranged for the cathering and bartenders to be there and also a mobile disco.
Melbourne Aquarium
The mix of oriental and western food was good! Best is the Martinis! :P
Rose, another RM in Australia and my RM
We partied the night away and I drank quite a lot. Bought a big pack of milk and drank it all before I went to bed. And the pack of milk helped. And I managed to wake up early to catch the sunrise! Simply gorgeous!
27th Feb
Sunrise from Sofitel
Hot air ballons were in the air and I caught this
This is what I like most of the day. A beautiful sunrise never fails to make my day! Which is the reason why I like the sunflower. ;)
Conference starts from 0830hrs till 1730hrs with lunch and tea breaks inbetween. Weather in Melbourne is cooling and I like it. Not too hot, but with enough sunshine and rather windy with a bit of chill. I don't like the weather in Singapore. Too humid!
Tonight is the gala dinner. It was held at the event hall of the race course. I forgot what was it called. Everyone is dressed up in suits and gowns.
The dinner was rather boring and we decided to head back to the hotel to rest early since we haven't had enough sleep when we first reached Melbourne.
28th Feb
Last day of conference! Before the end of conference, took some pictures of my fellow Store Managers in Australia whom I had met before whenm we had our last conference.
Beautiful Amber
Chirpy Karrie
Lovely Belinda
I forgot her name... So sorry...
Conference finally ended at 1500hrs and we all bidded goodbyes and well wishes to people we know. I headed back to the hotel to take a nap while my other 2 colleagues went out for a stroll. They're keen on going out while I'm not cos I'm not really one who likes to shop. Prefer walking around and take pictures. So I woke up awhile later after my nap and went out alone to take pictures. And here are what I've taken.
Melbourne's tram lines
Melbourne's tram
Man using mobile
Lord of the fries
Melbourne's parking ticket machine
Crown Casino
Love boat
Teamwork
Dove looking for direction
Dove tidying feathers
Woman having fun in the fountain
Came upon hotel Holiday Inn and decided to take a break, after all the walking which I think I've covered like 2km. Ordered some snacks and called the rest to meet them for dinner in the hotel.
Snacks while going through the photos I've taken
Went back to the hotel to have dinner and caught the sunset from the restaurant!
Beautiful!
After dinner, they continue their window shopping while I stayed in my hotel room to transfer the photos I've taken onto my iBook. Anyway there won't be much shops opened cos Australia's stores usually are closed after 1700hrs. Except for some tourists spots, which I'm not keen cos there won't be much to see. Went to bed after the photos are transfered and the next day we'll be heading home, so better get more sleep and wake up early to walk around the city till we leave for the airport at 1500hrs.
1st March
Only got half a day and less to spend in Melbourne. Woke up early for breakfast, and left for the streets. One of them wanted to visit the Target store, which is like the Gaint supermarket in Singapore and I find it abit boring to visit it cos I've been to Target stores before and there ain't much stuff there. Suggested to them the Great Factory Outlet (GFO) which is in Bridge road at Richmond, where there are plenty of stores to shop and at good prices. Anyway, they choose not to heed my advice, so let it be, since I've no particular stores to visit.
As we walked, came by a few stores and we finally decided to walk on our own, and meet back the same place for lunch, before heading back to the hotel and then to the airport. Least this way we can go on our own way and have more time to search for what we want. Well, for me it doesn't matter much, so I just wander around. And this wander cost me AUD200.
Walked into Foot Locker and saw a pair of Nike shoes which I quite fancy, or rather, 2 pairs. Only 1 pair has the size I wanted (size 13) but I prefer the other pair, which they only have size 12 and the last pair. Since it's the limited edition and it's for the year of the dog design, I decided to go for it although it's a bit tight. And since it will widen a bit after some time, it should be fine. So instead of buying 2 pairs, bought the size 12, some socks and a can of spray to protect the shoes.
This is what I've paid AUD169 for
Bumped into one of my colleague and the both of us dunno where else to go cos the mall we're in haven't got much stores and we've covered almost the whole mall already. As we sat on the bench and ponder, I suggest we go to Richmond ourselves and meet the rest later at the hotel instead of the place we set on eariler. This way we'll have more time to shop at Richmond.
And this is one decision we didn't regret! Richmond is definately a better place to shop and the place is so huge they we didn't have enough time to cover the whole street. Had lunch there and head back to the hotel, when the rest knew we went to Richmond, they nagged at us for not telling them and going there together! Hahahahaha... :P
Lunch at one of the restaurant. Very big bowl of WanTon Noddle soup!
Took a cab to the hotel and since we're early by 2 hours, we did some shopping. Bought a few packs of nougats, and also bought a pair of Billabong slippers cos the shoe I'm in is killing me after walking in it for the last few hours. Moreover in the flight, I like to take off my shoes and if I do it then, I bet all the passengers will suffocate from smell! Hahahaha... :P
Paid AUD19.90 for this pair of slipper
And here are some photos I took in the airport.
Check-in bodies?
Buy 3 Guys, get 1 Lian free?
Burger King, Hungry Jacks
The inflight menu is pretty good and had a few wines to make myself sleepy, also watched Chicken Little, Walk the Line and Brokeback Mountain on flight.
In-flight dishes
Took some shoots while the plane is in the air!
Finally it's home sweet home, 2230hrs. Bought a few bottles of red wines and liqours from duty free. Sis S came to pick me up with my car, and I send her to Bala before heading home. Tiring day it has been and buying the pair of slippers is a wise choice!
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