Out of the Oven (the sequel)

More great 08 look backs...

2009-02-18T11:11:00.003+08:00

Mini Tarts: In continuing with a look back at last quarter of 08.

Tioman - Sept 08

The previous posting saw me hiking to the peak. This one will see me diving down deep. Yup, it was the month I was going to get my PADI license and it was a long time coming! The dive spot...the oh so NOT popular diving island of Tioman. This island however will always bring back awesome memories along with a seed planted in my thoughts of the possibility of long distance relationships. That seed was planted nearly a year ago to this month, looking bad you just cant help but thing of the what if's...

Moving along...
If you ask me what are my thoughts about learning the course in the island itself...I would say its a wee bit rushed. Would prefer the studying and test to NOT BE on my 4day trip, as it was dive, study, dive, study, dive, swimming test, nearly drowned, test, dived, swimming test in that order. Nearly drowned?? More on that later. But like I said, in a nutshell, its a focused trip designed to get your diving license. Forget the relaxing and lazing you usually associate with beach / island holidays. Oh yeah...forget the photography part too! :(

With the heavy and focused schedule, I did bear in mind of how I should enjoy the moment. And enjoyed I did! Surreal experiences along with the overcoming of fear being underwater plus the successful dives and gorgeous views of the deep blue sea made it totally exhilirating! The sense of calmness while literally weightless and watching the underwater world come to life made it all worth it. What would ve made the dives perfect would be to see the rare underwater creatures that gets you excited after the dives, notably sharks or turtles. That however was none existing, although I could've sworn I saw a treasure chest...oh wait, on second thoughts I think it was my dive instructors "treasured chest"!

No this posting is not a promo for anyone to dive, simply because what I've experienced cannot be justified for in words nor pictures (if I had any). In the literal sense, its something you must experience for yourself to see what you believe.

So...the "nearly drowned" issue.
Here we go. On the 3rd day and it was after our 3rd dive. We were then told by our instructor the swimming test will be done right in the middle of the ocean. I dont wanna give excuses like we just had lunch on the boat (not so tasty chilly mi hun), choppy waters (the current was bloody strong) or that I am a weak swimmer (i suck at freestyle!), but yeah...so we had lunch after our morning dive on the boat that was swayed by strong currents... our instructor then pointed to a rock island bout 50-70m away as our halfway point to swim to and return back. A hard lump gathered on my throat, before she (our instructor) continued to say that we cannot use our snorkels or fins and if we're using a dive suit, we must wear weight belts! Ok so we all jumped in, correction: I precariously got into the water. Swam myself to the rock island...phew, made it...now lets head back, others are totally in front of me, exhausted...shit, left calf muscle is pulling...really bad, no...damn it...right calf is pulling too...damn it cant kick the water, body isnt floating properly...tried to keep afloat but struggle even more...gulped few mouthfulls of sea water, tried to cling on rock island but no grip, sharp rocks cut my fingers, not good....very very exhausted, head submerged in the sea...oh wow, what a gorgeous sight, corals are sooo beautiful....more gulps of sea water...emerged and yelled for help...damn it no one can see me nor hear me...yelled even more...legs are killing, first thoughts of drowning...stay positive, at the very least i would be CPRed and I would survive....more sea water, HELLPPP...first person jumping into the water, then the instructor, damn it...long way to get to me, just need to kick a bit more and keep afloat...and finally, cling myself on the guy while instructor stretches both my leg. What an episode... back on the boat I felt like passing out, not before feeding the fish with my barf!! Decided to skip the final dive...while I was about to pass out I thought I wasnt gonna get my license anymore!

Well, as it transpired, i did pass it. Ironically in the written test at that night, I scored the highest! Way to go to make up for nearly drowning! For the rest of the would be divers it was done...but I had to still partake in my last dive the very next morning of my last day, even more rushed! But despite it all...no more stupid incidents and yes...I retook the swimming test but this time it was from shore to somewhere in the ocean and back. And yes...finally I can dive!

What?! A posting after 6 months?!

2008-12-11T16:36:00.004+08:00

I used to think once a month was bad enough, then it was a bi monthly posting...not that it was anything worthy. Then I figured since the bi monthly posting didnt happen, what about a quarterly issue? That stalled to TWO quarters! So lets not waste any time and get straight into our once a "half year" posting! I guess I am a serial cyber promise breaker!This would be a series of adventures / trips / holidays during my past half a year.

Sarawak and Sabah - July

Much have been said of how Malaysians from the Peninsular side hardly ever visited their neighbouring Borneo states of Sabah and Sarawak. Not surprising since city dwellers may not find forest reserves, the sea, mountains, exotic animals (all the primary tourist attractions for both these states) that much exciting, plus a stereotype that most of the places there are under developed.

I for one had always wanted to find a reason to go there. Using the excuse that they have far hotter women than the Peninsular isnt something of an excuse (they do!). Thus two main events in July was the perfect reason (yes it was that long since my last entry!). That 2 events were the world famous Rainforest Music Festival (running for the 11th year) and the mind blowing adventure of climbing Mt Kinabalu, Malaysia highests peak and the 20th prominent one in the world.

Rainforest World Music Festival 2008, Sarawak

Where better than to celebrate the diversity of world (or ethnic) music than right in the middle of a serene and lush rainforest, where the gamut of ethnic music fused with world beats and jazzy fusions along with sounds of local / traditional musical instruments bring a harmony of wonderful melody. From the corners of Africa to deep in Europe to the edges of Asia, bands from all over the world come together annually to celebrate 3 days in a potpourri of music, cultures and traditions.

2008 was the 11th year and some may argue that last year's was better, but for a first timer like me...it was truly mindblowing and fantastic! The trip was more exciting especially seeing the motley crue of AIESEC trainees and international folks that were my travel buddies.

What surprised me even further was the fact the rainforest was right next to a gorgeous beach! And towering the beach and rainforest is the imposing Mt Santubong, making the scenery absolutly gorgeous. So imagine, lazing on the beach during the day and move into the forest for a jamming good time later at night! Now thats how you spend your holidays!

For those who care to read this blog, I truly recommend attending this at least once in your lifetime! Especially to those abroad, what better way for me to promote gorgeous Malaysia than this event.

http://www.rainforestmusic-borneo.com/2008/en/about_rwmf2007.htm

As for me...I am definitely going back again!

Mount Kinabalu, Sabah

Right after the sun, sea and singalongs (I am trying to allitirate here...) 5 of us flew to Kota Kinabalu, Sabah for our next adventure...climbing to the summit of Mt Kinabalu. Much have been said of how much you DONT need to prepare for the climb as its probably the easiest of climb in terms of mountain climbing. So much so I didnt even bother to prepare proper climbing gears ie. gloves, proper sweaters, shoes etc.

Now who would have thought of it to rain in a tropical forest area?! Right...? Stupid Malaysian that is me! So with most of the climb in pouring rain, I've never froze so much and it ever I was close to feeling a little frost bite (ok over dramatic here), that was it. Nevertheless it didnt dampen the climb although it did hurt much on the ego knowing there are much smaller girls who climb faster than myself. So after reaching the halfway mark, it was done to warming myself up and getting some food. Not to mention cam whoring! It did get to a point that my DSLR was a wee bit heavy that I blamed it for slowing me down!

Well besides the gorgeous view on the way up, which I tried to capture despite totally not comfortable breathing in thin air, there werent many exciting side stories to share. I guess the focus was to just keep on going and be totally driven by it. During the 2nd half of the climb which was done at 2am onwards...to be honest I had to keep telling myself I had to do as the brink of giving up was soooo sooo close! Again, I blame my camera and unpreparedness...with low stamina coming a close 2nd! :D

Low's Peak (how ironic) was the highest peak and after several hours of climbin (I would consider it to be "hiking"), I finally reached the summit just in time for sun break at dawn. Fingers were bloody freezing that I had trouble clicking my camera even! But I had to make sure that I get the shot that I ve always wanted...

Picture of Mt Kinabalu plateau in the background of RM1 note which has Mt Kinabalu plateau in the background

And boy was it a picturesque peak! Didnt know how gorgeous rocks can be, especially looking down towarda the plateau. I dont know what I felt most, all I knew was its total joy and satisfaction muddled by heaps of tiredness. However I wasnt sure if its towards my achievement reaching the summit...or snapping heaps of amazing photos...or damn bloody glad its over!

Hmmm...come to think of it, the descend was probably far worst on my knees than the ascend. Although it was fairly less tiring than the climb of course.

Kanye sang "I gotta testify, come up in the spot looking extra fly...

For the day I die, I'mma touch the sky"

Bonz said the same...but he didnt die

He just went up high

High up the mountain sky

Muscles cramp i could bloody cry

Alt sickness, O2 low caused the lungs to dry

But at the end of the day i could only sighI've finally TOUCH THE SKY!

For more amazing photos;

1 - http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=137851&l=44881&id=729675581

2 - http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=138048&l=0ed1c&id=729675581

3 - http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=141164&l=f717f&id=729675581

4 - http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=141165&l=b2b64&id=729675581

Funny la Manila (part iii)

2008-07-09T00:01:00.003+08:00

This isnt a "posh" complaint...but I just hate hotel food! I guess my gastronomy levels never bordered near "fine dining", fancying more the local and road side fares..."drain dining" for those whose more affluent.

So one evening we (me and Pam) decided to walk out of the hotel and search for any local grubs in any restaurant. The concierge pointed us towards one Jupiter Street, explaining the many diverse restaurants available within walking distance. Delighted, we walked to the said location. Only after nearing those familiar colorful and bright neon lights, did I realise this was indeed somewhere familiar! It was one of the so called red light streets...semi naked Pinay babes frolicking around and dancing while tourists like me stroll in on the pretext of wanting some drinks. ;)

So this was apparently the idea of the dude at the concierge for a good restaurant joint! And it wasnt even me asking...it was Pam! Nice...

Anyways dodgy restaurants wasnt part of our agenda (although I noted how close this street was to our hotel!), so we walked randomly around...middle eastern grubs, nah...Indian, we've got heaps back home, Italian...didnt feel like it, western...no freakin way! You know those times when good ol' McD's or KFC would suffice, no matter how you dont like it! It was THAT moment!

Anyways...we decided to go Chinese (really ran out of ideas). Unfortunately the only thing good there was the Chinese tea and fried dumpling, although the aroma of an oily stench only Chinese restaurants could provide did appeal to possibly thinking it might be a good choice. How wrong were we! And to make matters worst...I found HAIR in my food!! Not that I complain much, but Pam did prompt me to complain and we did, managing to tick that dish of the bill. Not bad...they do listen to customers!

We left, but the urge for Mickey D's was all of a sudden increasing! It was obvious I wasnt full yet...so I bought back an extra choc fudge sundae, large fries and apple pie (gym my foot!). All for a total amount of RM9 upon converting!

While walking back we stumbled upon this really young girl begging on the main road...literally on the MAIN ROAD, when cars stop at the traffic light, she'll just go randomly to any car and knocking and pleading and begging for any spare change. Now this scene is quite common across Manila, but it was that very moment which really made us realised how despite Manila is such a booming metropolitan, there are still the unlucky and impoverished few amongst them. Pam quickly gave the kid 100pesos (about RM10) while I gave her my extra fudge sundae. But not before chasing her around the cars as she wasnt even the height of the cars bonnet! It was freaking dangerous for the small kid to even be there!

Feeling a mix of sorrow for the kid and guilty for overindulging...we left for the hotel. Then 2 more kids appeared out of nowhere. Now its getting a wee bit suspicious...the kid even asking for my french fries. I guess if it wasnt for my guilt...I would ve just waved the kids off. Alas...I had to part my fries AND apple pie for the kids...the bitchy part of me complaining not just a crappy dinner...but there goes any chance to salvage it even! Grumbling as I walked towards the hotel...Pam still shocked over the incident (am sure its not bout me giving my food away, but more on the impoverished conditions still existing)...we then heard a super loud and squealy "THANK YOUUUUU" as the kids waved at us.

Our hearts melted...

Funny la Manila (part ii)

2008-07-03T00:23:00.003+08:00

You know you re looking forward to tea breaks during workshops when they serve you this...

And forget your diet plans and gym routines here as the Pinoys claim that they re all about food in the Philippines!! Now tell me where havent I heard that before back home!

You think Germany is all about PORK?

BAH!! For our project dinner today we had knuckles AND one of the bestest, juiciest, lemakest BBQ pork I ve ever had for free! Pity our Malay team mate though, but one can understand that when a country doesnt govern the consumption of pork to just non Muslims...damn nearly every occassion you ve got them porkys! And bacons here really taste like bacon...ie made of PORK!

(I'd love to show pics but gotta respect them none porky eaters though)

Anyways I think my proficiency to understand sexual / dirty joke innuendos has gone a wee bit to an embarrassing level. Already I ve been noted for laughing at ridiculously simple lines / phrases for no apparent reason...except that upon further thoughts one can find some sexual connotations to it! Or maybe I think toooooo 'deep'...

And it doesnt help either that the person that came up with those brilliant lines will always claim innocence!! Damn it...and to think I laugh because I appreciate a good joke...albeit a dirty one (hey you know the best jokes are always the dirtiest!). Compliments sometimes result in ones detriment!

And so as I took the last slab of yummy bbq pork, I was asked to finish the knuckles as well. I rejected, owing to the fact that my stomach had no space left later for dessert! However one of the Pinoys from the workshop (and a funny one at that!) commented, "Ahh, so Bonnie likes the 'tender' one"...emphasizing on a word which could lead to thinking of something 'delicate', 'soft', 'affectionate', 'delicate' etc on a piece of meat! I laughed my hysterical laugh...brilliant joke I thought...only to be confronted by staring, accusing eyes! I defensively muttered "Cant I laugh...?" knowing I was a mouse trapped in a corner with 5 cats stalking me!

"You dirty minded boy!", accused the supposedly funny Pinoy. "But...but...I was just laughing...", I again defended myself, trying to shoot my last bullet only to know its an empty 'shell'.

"But you had a 'DIRTY' laugh!"

I bowed my head in defeat as I knifed my last piece of 'tender' pork...

Funny la Manila (part i)

2008-07-01T22:27:00.007+08:00

So the adventures of the unexpected consultant continues...this time bringing the Portuguese Tart to Philippines...again! Better yet...this time i am based in the office situated right smack in the "Bukit Bintang" area of Manila (Makati), unlike the Cheras of Manila (no disrespect to Cheras folks though :P)

I totally missed my business travels; the new country feel, different office environment, cultures and diversity...yes down to the hotels as well (ready made bed, privacy and luxury...the best that business trips can buy!). And its one thing going to the a country you ve been before...but going to a country which you totally love is another! Too bad not all shared the same excitement of heading to Manila though; cant blame them for thinking the recent typhoon and stereotypical fears of third world country / terrorism / random reasons which could cloud their expectations.

But whats there NOT to like about Philippines!?

I absolutely love the accent (not just happy looking like one, I take pride in speaking like one too!), the girls are the BEST LOOKING in South East Asia (I VOUCH for it!), I ve got heaps of good, dear friends from Philippines (mabuhay Jennie Lee, Liv, Amy etc shucks, all Pinoy girls)...but best of all the SMILES! You would bet that babies delivered are not crying out of the womb but laughing / smiling their way out...and probably tickling their mummies too! :D Or maybe thanks to Krispy Kreme they re always on a sugar high...hence the smile always! Yummsss....Krispy Kreme...but thats for another post!

(While typing this...a bunch of Pinoys whom I ve met while facilitating in an AIESEC conference in Taiwan wayyy back in 04 is planning to show me around this weekend...they re like the awesomest and sweetest!!)

We flew out on Sunday noon, after a long Saturday night beginning with my clients (s)IT(i) business unit's awesome possum of an annual dinner!

Now speaking of this annual dinner...that is deserving of a post by itself. Beginning with being totally impressed with the organization of the event (cant imagine the budget...they freakin gave out iMac's as lucky draw gifts, and thats not even the FIRST PRIZE!), right up to admiring the amazing percussion skills of my "sister that I never had" (Fizzy, project mate that got upset cuz I called her my "project mate" and not "friend" - you knw I love you Fizzy!) - how I love them drummer girls - , amazing live bands (all staffs yo...so much for thinking its a geek dinner) and super performances (capoeira, a number from Hairspray etc...again, all staffs yo!)

Not content with going there alone, I was lucky enough to have 3 gorgeous handbags for dates (read: DRIVER!).

The theme of the night was elements of white, made the night look pretty elegant and fancy!

Tart and his handbags, L-R - Pam, Mel and Stel. It was one night in hell!

Tart and handbags along with drummer girl going rum a pum pum

Arriving in Manila, the team (minus the Project Manager) quickly checked in and hit the shopping mall immediately! Adventure really began when all 3 ladies need to look for shoes (Pam being a Charles and Keith whore really did her research of that store located in the shopping complex near our hotel...hmmm, I wonder if she chose the hotel simply cuz its near that shop?!) So imagine Pam's frustrations realising after treasure hunting the whole complex only to realise the treasure location is under construction! Oh man the frust on her face was 100x worst than when one of her incompetent project manager asked her whats the plan of the project plan...for the 100th time!

Until the Tart have to save the day...in fine print it says the store (or whats left of the store) has shifted to the TEENS AND KIDS dept! Pam insisted that it ll NEVER be in the kids dept...but like the other shoe use to say...Impossible is Nothing...I doubly insisted of no harm checking it out, and lo and behold, with an area no bigger than my office cubicle, lay a few racks of shoes and boxes with the banner CHARLES & KEITH emblazoned across, I swore I saw Pam reached climax...multiple times! It took her 20mins to pick the ones she wanted and in the end she purchased two pairs! Even then...her face was still flustered with heat still emancipating from her cheeks!

Anyways I could definitely understand her relief and sighs of contentment. For one, I somehow have a little fetish on really great looking shoes WORN by women (need to emphasize so as not to confuse ppl that I enjoy seeing women wearing sexy heels, not ME wearing them!). Somehow I am sure it definitely allows women to showoff their hidden sexual charms. Somehow those shoes, with the right height on the heels and straps going around the right (not slutty) way, it just screams SEXY! And somehow I totally agree that mens best invention for women was and will always be the heels! So yes...although despite the lack of eye candies in office, the shoes maketh the best replacement! And yes...I do compliment Pam for wearing really nice pairs...so am glad I helped her achieve her feets insatiable appetite to look good!

Anyways...to end this little post, I would like to quote the HR Manager which welcomed us;

"I hope you get to know Manila, but dont let Manila know you..."

March 8th...

2008-05-28T17:35:00.003+08:00

Mini Tarts: Ok ok...i know its like forever for an update! Still not quitting this blogging thing... :P

On the political side of things in Malaysia, March 8th marked a momentous day for democracy. The “political tsunami”, given the “disastrous” result for the ruling government where they lost the 2/3rd majority barring some untouchables seats in several states, saw the opposition gain hold of 5 states (something totally unprecedented).

It was also a truly memorable day in terms of rekindling lost friendship. Having practised my right as a citizen yearning for a major change in the country’s political scene early in the morning, I caught the next bus down south to Singapore.
The occasion; Jennie Lee’s much anticipated return to this side of the world (well she’s a Pinoy, dropping by the island to catch up with several other friends before heading for home).

The least I could do is drop by for a visit myself. Guess the halfway round the world trip from Germany was irrelevant to my 600km trip from KL to Singapore.

I still remember my last vivid memories of Jennie…she was the sweet angel soaking my tears while I cried and sobbed my eyes dry as I left Bonn for the final time (I stained her blouse for sure!). Accompanying me in my trip to Frankfurt airport (although not purposely for my departure), it was nice having someone to be there as I took in my last journey in a German ICE (inter city express) train while reminiscing of what WAS to be my Germany Journey.

It was apt as well that she was the last person I got to spend my time with as she was one of the first friend I got introduced too as I began my the Germany Journey. Our friendship spanned through many walks to her home, cooking sessions, Asian nights, long, fantastic stories and gossips, pizzas by the field in spring and summer, shopping, road trips…she definitely was a chapter in itself! Oh how would I then miss this occasion of meeting up with her again…even though its for exactly 24hours!

What made it a MUST NOT MISS is the fact that Shook and Amit would be there as well! Irony has it that both these other integral individuals in my life have not met prior to this…despite hearing tales and stories bout each other often enough to know they both can definitely click upon meeting up! This is thanks of course to me and Jen sharing tales of Amit to Shook plus Shook’s fetish of Indian men! Put all this elements together and we re gonna have one really memorable and unforgettable day! Add in a few extra Pinoys (courtesy of friends of Jen’s…hey that’s a nice ring to it!) and you ll get more laughters and songs for all you know! Guess the one thing to make this totally PERFECT would be meeting in a German themed restaurant!

Well, that was where we went for brunch the following day! A Bavarian themed restaurant to be exact, which brought all the fantastic memories of Rheinlust (THE brunch place amongst us Bonn residents) come together! Our meeting had everything that a few good friends who haven’t seen each other for ages had…stories, gossips, updates, laughter, cam whoring (we re ASIANS…plus we ve got new DSLR’s to show off!)…everything but the sentimentality of meeting up again after sooo many months! I guess the very desire to see each other again plus the fact that knowing it isn’t impossible (taking that very weekend as an example) helped make it to be a SEE YOU SOON, rather than a GOODBYE….

Jen, Me and Shook
German Food!
Jenny in all her glory before chowing down
Me and Shook along with all Pinoy Sweeties!

And still staying with the island that is Singapore…

Now every now and then one can have their random blonde moments. I for one probably have a top 5 blonde moment! However what happened this time wins it hands down for being the ULTIMATE BLONDE MOMENT for moi!

Now while in Bonn, I never had the chance to watch the super musical that’s based on Queen’s music, titled We Will Rock You. It was a staple performance in Cologne (some 30 mins away from Bonn) yet I think the thing that turned me off was that it was done in German! (yuck!)
Nevertheless, upon hearing that they re doing a 2-3weeks show in Singapore (why oh why don’t these fantastic acts ever come to Malaysia!?), I jumped at the chance to watch it on its final day. Accompanying my colleague on a road trip along with her two other friends on a Saturday morning, I diligently advised and reminded them if they ve done their checklist (ie. Passport, money, tickets etc).

However fate would play a cruel game with me when after the 6 hour ride and upon reaching the border on the Singapore side, I realised that the passport I was holding all the while (and YES I DID CHECK…somehow not thoroughly * shy * ) was actually my MUMS!!!! *smacks forehead*

My colleague were in total disbelief that the least they could do was laugh the shit out of me…which I duly allowed cuz I never felt sooooooo STUPID! (well I did have other stupid moments, but this tops it all!).

My brain quickly worked overtime (after all the stupidity, it took a while to even deduct how to smile) and analysed what went wrong…I woke up and groggily stumbled into the family drawer to get my passport, which was easily identified by the heaps of passport sized photos which I have in MY passport. Well unfortunately…the photos were transferred to my mum’s passport (I then found out it was my mum who shifted it!)…and thus begun my apathy towards being THOROUGH with my checking (does this now justify why I hate auditing and double checking my work!) of the passport which I brought! Believe me the thought that crossed my mind when I was stuck at the situation includes actually PRETENDING to be the holder of the passport! The things you would think when you get stuck in a rut!

When the girls were done laughing me off, my colleague actually offered me her car to drive back and get my passport (the musical was the next day). Me however was too tired to even think of driving a total of 12 hours to and fro (must be the thinking!). With that, I just considered the RM100+ ticket burnt and despite efforts to sell it the next day…I knew it was gone. But I guess nothing could be so much gone as to my pride and dignity…duly shown in full drama and comedy that it should be rated PG13 for the absurdity and stupidity that was me!

See Shell seaShells on the sea shore...

2008-03-17T21:30:00.009+08:00

How apt is this photo...? Too bad I cant get a perfect Shell.

On that extra day of the Feb, I had the benefit of attending (read: FREE!) another client event. This time its their Family Day and the destination was Pangkor Island.

Objectives of the weekend;
- meet more colleagues
- chil-lax (chill + relax)
- get maybe some work done
- most importantly...get intimate with my Japanese partner...A200!

The fact that there was some work to be done didnt bother much. Best part...it was a road trip all the way to the island...a great ride, good music, fun people... thats what the "chil-laxin" (chill + relaxin) was all about.

Here are some snapshots of the weekend...

Apparently over here you get heaps of hornbills too...not just Sarawak.

Poor cute lost nekkid boy...

Little kid oblivious to the action...

Telematch morning

Your's truly had to emcee his groups performance.

HORNBILLS!!! They just love to pose!

Beach bowling anyone?

This is a common shot...me stuffing my mouth with food!

For more shots...check out
1) http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=93940&l=02930&id=729675581

2) http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=93946&l=a08a1&id=729675581

My new girlfriend

2008-02-23T19:07:00.004+08:00

Mini tart: Bless me readers for I have sinned. Its been more than 2 months since my last posting. Throughout that period, I have promised to at least update my blog yet time have not been of essence. Therefore, I wish to convey my sins in the form of what I have done the past 2 months.
I have;
- turned 26, got sloshed for the first time and puke my birthday drinks all over the hotel sink and woke up trying to figure out what happened the night before (damn that was an awesome night!)
- spent a quiet New Years Eve with some friends (notably people whom I've spent my abroad period with) and witnessing for the very first time a countdown in Malay!
- attended my clients Annual Dinner with a Retro theme dressed as a 70's James Bond...only to be mistaken for the head waiter
- went for a cocktail themed party dressed up as mojito
- celebrated Chinese New Year at home although had the chance to go to the East Coast with a couple of babes (still regretting that).
- made my first tiramisu to much success
- gambled and won (was supposed to donate some to the church but I forgotten my wallet...serious!)
- had THE BEST clubbing night thus far back home when I was introduced to heavenly creatures, namely the former national rhythmic gymnast team (the whole gang!). It was a perfect ten night!
- spent Single Awareness Day (aka Valentines) organizing a dinner for my projects workshop, thus rubbing salt to wound in terms of ensuring I've no plans for the night.
- picked up salsa again

Did I mention she is Japanese?
The text below was taken from my update mail to my Bonn gang. It definitely took them by surprise...

"... I didnt tell you ppl I have a new girlfriend now! Am sooooo totally in love with her...I ll show you a pic of her soon! We re still at the early stages, hence its pretty tough getting the right picture at first..lots of buttons needed to be pushed here and there, but am sure we ll get it right pretty soon! But hey, its during this time the relationship is always the best!! Discovering each other...Anyways shes a gorgeous Japanese beauty...yups, looking east now. The one thing that made me fall in love with her...its just the moment she let me grip her. Holding her petite body...it feels like every smooth curves were meant to be shaped along my grip.

Cant wait to show her to you soon...havent got the right picture yet. "

Below was the picture of HER and me "GRIPPING HER PETITE BODY"

Thats right folks...finally got myself a DamnSexyLookingRabbit as a birthday gift. Finally...Portuguese Tart turned from cam whore to Photog!

I am...

2007-12-28T16:39:00.000+08:00

Typical of Chinese traditions (championed by my chinese half, my mum of course!), I was made to wait till midnight to pick the magic 4 digit! How? Ten pieces of papers depicting digits 0-9 are rolled in a jar. I will then jiggle the jar till a piece of paper drops out (miraculously only ONE always do). Do that for 4 times and voila...we're buying the number!!

Next was a rather peculiar one, my mum insisted that its a tradition...happening to me for the very first time! The prosperity infused tradition: Eat two boiled eggs! Well...I figured since the first meal as I turned 26 was nasi lemak (traditional and popular Malaysian food of rice cooked in coconut milk served with anchovies, nuts, chili paste and eggs), why not?? Prosperity hath come upon thee who ate two eggs...so they say!

Well...I am waiting! 2+6 = 8 (the most prosperous of all numbers in Chinese-dom). So its 2+6 = 2oo8. 28 is my birthdate...so I guess it ought to be a jolly good year! Bring it on...!

Recap of Dec activities

2007-12-21T15:34:00.000+08:00

So Manila came and went...nothing but work in a satellite city known as Alabang, the Manila version of Cheras or Kajang. Did spend some quality nights in Makati, smack in central Manila, where the really good clubs, bars (with half naked girls dancing) and coups occasionally happen. Nope...didnt see no tank ramming into someone's wedding.

Speaking of wedding, the previous Sunday saw me presiding my 2nd wedding this year. Not only that I was also the emcee for the night...this was the wedding of the sister of a good friend of mine whom I grew up with. Thankfully nothing went wrong, which then made this question creep up...what if I were to do this emceeing thing fulltime!? It's not hell of a money...but it does get me to weddings with great food, the attention on me and of course...heaps of possibly good looking women! :)

However...the bride was soooo caught up in her wedding (who wouldnt?!) that she forgot to introduce me to her good looking friends. Instead when the last of the crowd left the hotel...it was just me, the bride (with family and close friends) and lots and lots and lots of admirers...all at an age where I believe their GRANDAUGHTERS would ve suited me! So there I go again...presiding yet another couple as husband and wife, emceeing a first wedding dinner successfully...and playing Mr Charming to aunts and grandaunts alike!

Nevertheless...I am opening up my humble (and excellent) service of playing priest (again) or even emceeing any one of my good friends weddings...I dont charge (much), but you MUST do PROPER introductions! :D And they say if I preside/emcee a third wedding...I ll suffer the ignominy of not getting hitched myself!! I say nay to that...and aye to the wedding emcee extraordinaire!! Bring on the weddings...whether by accidents or not!

The presider cum emcee in action. Congrats once again to the newlyweds, Yuen Fen and Chee Keong.

**************************************December**********************************

Now...its December and did I already mention how I bloody love Decembers?! 2007's Dec is sooo gonna be a blast that I pity Jan 2008 cuz it'll be my hangover month! We've got party's, birthday bashes, company dinners, Christmas, New Years Eve and to top it all off...Malaysia is on SALE!!!

Deloitte Consulting SEA (KL Office) Christmas Dinner, at Izzi KL

So now that I am done with emceeing the wedding, last Saturday saw me emceeing (and being part of the organizing committee) my company's Christmas dinner as well! The theme was "Retro 80" and noticably the ones who barely remembered the 80's made the most effort in dressing the part!! Case in point...allow me to introduce Ah Piao Wan... Eric trying his best to look like 80s Chow Yun Fatt!

Well, the ones that are didnt...lets just say maybe the 80's is one decade they dont particularly want to remember!

Me and the Choy's...Shooks and her yummy sis!

Dinner went super smoothly with great Italian food plus the nights activities really got the crowd going! Having 3 (and a half) ex AIESEC members there, you can be sure we ll induce some AIESEC culture in this event! Namely for us being the loudest, wildest and craziest people...and with a little drinking competition where "On your marks, get set, GO" is translated to "Thumbs on the table, chins on the table, eyes on water, GO!"

"Thumbs on the table..."

"Chins on the table..."

"Eyes on the water..."

Superstar ROLL!

Needless to say...we got a few people reintroducing what they had for dinner in the toilet!
"You want a piece of me...?! Or two!?"

Stand up for the Best Dressed Santa!

Anyways...the dinner closed with several Christmas carols being sung (rather enthusiastically I must say, even for Nat King Cole's "Chestnut Burning on an Open Fire"...it definitely was the red wine singing). Shortly before midnight...the gang than preceded to head to Velvet. I must admit...I am a Velvet virgin...so entering it the first time was amazingly awesome!! Crowds were bloody gorgeous (not for the men though), deco was eye pleasing and music was playing to the grooves of hip hop and R&B, my type of sounds to make the moves! One to come again!

I think the pre party to the real party really went well! Whats the "real party" all about...??Dec 19th...the Threesome Birthday Bash!!! Cuz having it threesome is always better than doing it alone!

Mabuhay from the Land of Smiles!

2007-12-13T18:21:00.000+08:00

I can officially call myself a jet setter now! Not that I am complaining...but my next assignment within the current work that I do with Project Kerang had brought me to the land with the "Happiest People in the World"! What better way to add on to my fav month of the year!!

Where else can you find people who sing / hum to songs while they work (and we all know they can ALL sing!), have a local donut store named "Go-Nuts Donuts" and selling balud (THAT delicacy which you can only find here, the half formed chicken/duck in an egg) in a little store called "Dr Qwek Qwek, the Egg specialist"!

And I find Tagalog to be extremely exotic...not that I didnt before. Before this the only Pinoys that I know off was of Jennie's, Liv's and Amy's, even with these 3 their accents are sooo captivating and catchy! (as I type I am saying my words similar to how a Pinoy would!)

So, to begin with I have already been mistaken for looking like a Pinoy in the home office (my surname did confuse people apparently). You would think thats just a one off! No way!

As you embark in the Manila airport, every non-Pinoy will be issued an embarkation form. As for me, I only knew of this form ONLY WHEN I was at the immigration counter...after queueing up one bloody long line!
So you would think I may need a different approach when it comes to meeting the Philippina's (of which I vouch they are the prettiest girls in South East Asia, not withanding the Thai girls who are a close-shave second!).

Thus, in a Salsa club...and trying my best to look unPinoy.

me: Hey there, you know you look very much like a Chinese Malaysian? (I was standing next to a pretty thing in the bar)

PT: (balked at the thought of looking Chinese, perhaps insulted...then fakes a laugh) No...really?

me: Yeah...but judging from your accent, you re definitely not. By ppl here think I look like a Philippino...

PT: (giggle)... No you dont! But what are you?

Success...

Anyways, location wise I am far away from where a coup recently happened. Quite unfortunate really as that is the central business part of Manila. Was soo looking forward to another possible tank crashing into a hotel or office building! So where do we have to be based?? Now think of central Manila as KL. Where I am based, Alabang...which is a satelite city, is your Msian version of Kajang/Cheras in terms of development and distance! Why am I refraining from using Klang...hey, we ve got the worlds largest Jusco for a shopping mall up at High Hills (Bukit Tinggi). Here...well, nvm.

But the best view is from the highest point of the hotel I am staying, right at the 31st floor where you oversee Alabang and the rest of Manila central, surrounded by the sea and few more small islands. Its definitely a view I wouldnt mind having dinner at hotels na (the Pinoy's version of Lah)!

November 15 - Steve Irwin Day

2007-11-15T23:06:00.000+08:00

Steve Irwin, the Crocodile Hunter

This time last year, on my usual BBC news surfing hour at work (did I just say HOUR??), I saw a headline that really gripped me as how a shocking news would! I had the hair on my back stand as I read in silence; "Crocodile Hunter killed"... those 3 words was chilling in itself!

It was on that day he was fatally stung by a jellyfish while doing what he does best, a wildlife documentary. It was one of the reasons why I loved the Animal Planet channel. A cocktail of wild Aussie accent which I totally love, zany personality and the passion he has for conserving the wildlife and environment...those were merely the few reasons why I, like many others totally loved (and still love) this khaki shorts wearing bloke! Further readings and testimonials show the other side of him, that of a loving husband and a dedicated father. Now thats a real MAN!

Its my 2nd last night here in Melbourne. News all over are featuring his wife and sooo darn cute kids reflecting on him. I guess me being here shows why this entry is rather significant.

Imagine him teaching God some Aussie slangs! And if only the Aussie icon knows how much he is loved world over...guess he just got one thing to say that...CRIKEY!

Pics of Dubai

2007-11-12T17:03:00.001+08:00

Mini tarts: You know that something is fishy when a gay colleague of yours decide to skip a posh dinner hosted by a fellow Malaysian when he says he's waiting to entertain a friend from Oman! Hmm..."O-Man" indeed!

Wanna know where they come from if in case its a whole bunch of them? Hint...also from the Middle East. "Ye-men"!

Its not that this guy works in the "back-stream" side of an oil and gas business, certainly not MANaging the lubricants either. ;)

No offence...I love them still!

Alas, the few and only pics I've got of my Dubai trip. Thanks to my team mates for uploading them!

Team pic with Telekom Towers...err I meant the Burj Al Arab in the background.
Burj Al Arab
Me and Burj
Chow time; Me, Calvin & Pam

Me and Pam by the beach and old woman about to strip!
Me and Burj

Beach????

Big team dinner in uber posh restaurant
Team dinner in "Alhamdullilah its Friday"
Chow time; Michelle, me & Calvin
Searching frantically for a cab
Team photo in Dubai office

Burj and me
Me and my Banana Split
Dubai skyline in the background
On the way back from office in Dusty Dubai
Lost in the shopping complex

Group shots

No alchohol for me...

*******************************************************************************

Melbourne Posts (Part 2 - Sniffle me this...!)

2007-11-12T16:19:00.000+08:00

This whole fever and cough is killing me...STILL! I have now lost my voice thanks to phlegm spitting coughs and I now sound like Jabba the Hut trying to speak Aussie! :( And to think I am gonna have heaps of teleconferences this week!

Despite that all, heading to work on a Monday in a foreign land was devoid of any blues, what with the perfect sunny weather and cool spring breeze to perk you up! Despite the coughings and runny nose, I was in office all sunshiny and ready to face the world of HR Processes via "Project Kerang"!

How abruptly it ended! (cue: dramatic music)

No sooner have I settled in, I was going to be introduced to the Australian Biatch of the Year!

I was minding my own business and my runny nose decided to do the sprint instead, so naturally my brain triggered my nose to sniffle; breathe your mucus in so it doesnt flow out. Out of nowhere a balding lady with spiked hair peered over my partition which nearly looked like a muppet out of your Childrens Television Workshop. "Excuse me! Could you stop doing that?! That sniffling! It just sounds awful!"

I was momentarily stunned! I couldnt think of anything to say but mustered a muted "Oh, sorry!" And down she went from the partition akin to Oscar the Grouch into his bin!

I was tu lan to the max!! And next to me, a lady was sick too. But I guess her BLOWING HER NOSE away seems to be a norm, not the annoying sniffling sound! Officially, my Monday was fucked! I left the office to work from my hotel afterwards...

Melbourne posts (part 1)

2007-11-09T22:08:00.000+08:00

First and foremost, I personally dont like to fly MAS (especially after what happened to my cousin, a former lead stewardess - she was let go of her job for being pregnant with her 3rd child). However, its the company's policy to do so, and you would think I shant be complaining as it'll be in business class right? WRONG! I've complained more than enough, but you hear it from me...SIA is wayyy better! For the trip to Melbourne, the food has seen better days, entertainment seems to be on par with Astro's B-grade movie channels, plus the systems color and brightness was wayy off, the seat was not long enough (but I dont blame it for attempting to rest my 6 feet 1 frame) and one of the steward has this attitude problem that I didnt bother asking him for anything. Alas, they really need to depend on the satay to save their blushes! Now THAT could even give Haji Samuri a run for his...err, satay!

*******************************************************************************

Its springtime in Melbourne. With really good weather too!

That means sunny days with chilly winds, just the way I like my weather! Reminds me a lot of Bonn / Europe. Theres something about being in the cold and sipping a perfectly brewed hot chocolate, you really feel the liquid warming your chilled body, from the mouth to the tummy!

I arrived just in time for a huge national event, albeit it being in Melbourne. Called the Melbourne Cup, its an extravaganza of high fashion, free flowing champagne, legal bettings, elegant hats on posh women, heaps of food, super A list celebs...all centered around a HORSE RACE! Nah beh!
Its so big that its a public holiday here! They call it "The race that stopes the nation". I call it "Like the Oscars, with the Horses"!
I got up early (or tried too) to catch whats the fuss about. It lasted over 8 hours with each race not more than 3 minutes long! Crazyyyy!!!

On the downside of things...I got up with a fever on that holiday! And to make things worst, when I contacted my cousin who is studying over here...he said he was attending JT's concert at the Rod Laver Arena...where I have a super nice view of it from the hotel room, although not the concert! Now I thought what luck I would be having knowing JT is performing a day after I leave, but who would have known he is performing 3 freakin times! To top off my bad day, my cousin sold the last of his extra ticket a couple of days back! Why JT...why!!! You really want Sexy to come Back to your concerts right?! Sheeshh!

*******************************************************************************

Ok, I love Melbourne!

The garden-like city is primarily the reason. I havent gone out much (thanks to work and the damned fever), but I already see lots of museums, parks and gardens in abundance, lakes, nice Victorian architecture which makes it Europ'ish and ooohhh... a river!!! It is also the sporting and cultural capital of Australia...the Australian Open, the recent Commonwealth Games and many live concerts among the many events happening all year round!

More reasons to move over here...Melbourne was voted "Worlds Most Livable Cities" for 3 years!!

And Aussie chicks are one hot lot...apparently everyone seems to have a nice body, ohh and a super fine pair of legs!!
;)

********************************************************************************

G'day from Down Under...

2007-11-06T00:03:00.000+08:00

"I got some news for you", my project leader called me last Tuesday as I was heading for lunch. "I am not sure if you will like it or not". SHIT...not even a month and I got my first ticking off, I wondered nervously. "We have to take you out from the Middle East team and you need to fly to Melbourne immediately to join the Aussie team there," he explained. In between fits of controlled excitement, I calmly agreed, noting that if thats ok with team wants, I guess I couldnt say no. Besides...I am a team player (AHAHAHAHHA!).

6 days later...I am here in Melbourne! One more city I've added to my profile...I ve been down under before (cheeky cheeky), but this is the real thing!! I love the accent...I love the people...and I am loving this job! Crikey!

Dubai experience

2007-11-05T22:37:00.000+08:00

Mini Tarts : Photos of Dubai shall be coming, subject to availability and how quick my colleagues upload them into facebook.

I really hate the fact that I dont have my camera with me! Damnnnn!! Dubai is one giant plot of land thats sprouting with aethetically designed buildings which are so damn eye pleasing. And its constantly on construction, as in more and more buildings are being built. Among others an exclusive (now tell me what the hell isnt exclusive there!?) Versace designed waterfront apartment that looks too good to be true and get this...the soon to be "Worlds Tallest Building...FOREVER"!! Why...cuz not only will the Burj Dubai be the tallest building in the world upon completion, if ever some other country is even thinking of outdoing them, the building has the capacity to GO HIGHER! WTF...like I thought only Singaporeans are kiasu (scared to lose)!

Well for the imaginative ones in you...just imagine how Las Vegas looks like; ie. a long strip of road heading towards the city and upon reaching there you have beautiful neon lights lighting up the way on both sides, emancipating from hotels, casinos, motels, one stop wedding chapels, stripclubs etc. Now for Dubai, think a SIX LANE two way highway as the strip (I meant 6 lanes on either side!) and New York City like buildings that suspisously look like designer perfume bottles decorating both sides of the highway.

Oh, to top it all off...the gorgeous, super porcelain skinned, all round sharp features and gorgeous eyes of Arabic ladies!! They're soooo beautiful I wouldnt mind converting...that way I can legally have 4 of them! And biggest myth...NOT ALL Arabic women are covered from top to bottom. Apparently thats how you differentiate the local Emirati women with that of other Arabic country women (Egypt, Morocco, Kuwait, Iraqi etc); the locals cover up. Some even dont show their eyes, their most beautiful asset I reckon!

But all in all, the Dubai experience was just so-so, mainly due to the fact I didnt do the real fun thing...desert safari'ing and snowboarding!! Yup...you read right...there is an indoor sky resort where your average sheikhs go snowboarding and skiing!! Awesome! Other than that...its similar to Singapore (10x worst in fact) in the sense that its an extravagant city for the rich, filled with upmarket shopping complexes and bazaars, posh and luxurious cars zipping here and there, plus a huge number of migrant workers that can be divided to mainly South Asians (cab drivers, construction) and Phillippinos (retail - 100% gay if its men, restaurants and hotel). And to add to the already confusing nature of how weird I look, I was mistaken for a Phillipino countless times (sometimes even in H&M when I am shopping!!). Bloody hell!

In the meantime, "Project Kerang" went on smoothly, although I must say certain characteristics are slowly rearing their ugly heads. And we're talking how much money is spent on bringing people there yet for some, it did suspiciously look like a holiday. As for me, heaps more learning to do and definitely an eye opener!

Looking forward to going there again...

Mission: Impossible

2007-10-19T15:24:00.000+08:00

And so the journey of the accidental consultant continues. You know this is cliched when you hear ppl say "you learn along the way". Never more so with this line. Upon my attachment to my first project (more of that later), I quickly learnt / realised that the consulting line is similar to that of those super agents working in IMF, (not the higher-than-any-national-debt Intl Monetary Fund type, but more the uber cool espionage type Impossible Mission Force). You see, firstly you have a "profiler" that looks at profiles of all the available "agents" (us), views and compares the agents according to their strengths and skills and what nots to then match them to available "missions" (projects). When I was briefed bout my upcoming project (no we didnt get it from shades or tape recorders that blew up after 5 seconds), I already had a stupid grin plastered on my face as the bloody Mission Impossible tune was blasting in my head!

To my project...obviously nothing I could / would talk about except it involves the implementation of key HR services from one place to another. May sound like Russian Opera (read: I dont give a shit!) to others but it definitely tickles the HR afficionado's fancy for sure, or I think! Now the irony to it all is that the client is one of the places I would love to work for too, which I applied as well and is in fact Malaysia's TOP place to work (so says some survey). So unique is this project that us "agents" are "embedded" with the client where the mission will take place, meaning I get my gears and accessories from here as well (ie. email address, laptop, smart cards, similar holidays etc). It also means I am hardly ever at home base in Uptown, unless I am there to "claim some ammo" (literally do my mileage and claims!). Lets just call this project, "Project Kerang" (pic).

Already I was considered lucky as this project requires me to travel...it was in fact THE REASON I chose it in the first place. And right before my first salary, I am required to fly with my team to the Middle East, specifically DUBAI on the 20th! But funny enough, and cliched as it may sound, timing is in fact such a bitch! I fly smack on my mum's birthday, plus THE AIESEC EVENT OF THE YEAR (no, its not some National Committee election, but the AIESEC Msia Awards Night - acronyze it and you get AMAN which is PEACE in Malay, yup...the WORD for AIESEC!) and following that a combined birthday party of several close friends in a suite at Berjaya Hotel! You would think you ll get a natural rush of excitement at the mere thought of business class travelling for work...but not surprisingly its a bit lacking in me this time! :(

Try as I might to get an ounce of excitement...I wiki-travelled and googled about Dubai and at least knowing its a shoppers paradise kinda pleased me a little. Ok got even perkier knowing that there is H&M too! Of course lets not mention the skyscrappers and many man made islands of which Nat Geo has been showcasing far too many times! However before this I got excited about the mere mention of the Burj Al Arab...but blame it on the mood, or the fact I dont even have a freakin camera, or that I am missing several major events...the feeling is just not there!

Connecting the DOTS

2007-10-06T17:20:00.000+08:00

Mini tarts: Thanks to the sweet and lovely messages for those of you who thought it was nice to send sms'es on someone's first day on the job! It definitely melted my heart. And for those who always never fail to shower me with positive vibes wrapped with hugs and smiles and kisses to someone who was at wits end with his misery the past few months...needless to say it kept me going! And for those of you that predicted right and who need to say this...you can all collectively say this out loud so that it smacks my face real hard... "I TOLD YOU SO!"
Here's to a super journey in corporate Malaysia...

When I returned not too long ago (which sounded awkwardly wrong!), AIESEC UM invited me and Eric to share our AIESEC experiences, focusing on our working abroad journey. Now this was after we both went to an exchange participant preparation camp in Port Dickson (they call outgoing and incoming trainees that now...whats next, LEGAL IMMIGRANTS / LABOR WORKERS??).

The PD sharing was short, but it was great because the content of our experiences (although shorten dramatically to 7mins each!) gave the future ambassadors an inside and insights into whats it like going for a work abroad experience. We both enjoyed the attention given too (who wouldnt!), and shortly after that came the UM sharing...this time the crowd were the new members.

As I am always gaming for a difference, wandering how could our sharing be different than any other 'reintegration' sharing...I suggested to Eric that instead of presenting it alone, we should try to do it together. Themed "Connecting the Dots", we thought it'd be cool to share our experiences through our perspectives / dots. It would add heaps of leverage on our unique experiences together, plus doing things a little bit out of the box. Now who would ever have a sharing like this, our different lives intertwined through connected dots such as Chief Delegates for our delegation to our first national conference, rejected Local Committee Presidents, 'recycled' National Committee members and team mates in AIESEC Malaysia, facilitators in an Asia Pac conference and then...our work abroad experience at two neighbouring countries, Belgium and Germany. And now, sharing this story filled sojourn across continents in a lecture hall where it all began (at least for Eric).

We thought it went really well, although our ending was rather hurried which resulted in a rather not so good ending after all, at least for us. Not to mention some who took my constant proclamation of "how our dots connected", it got people to curiously suspect if we're both trying to publicly come out of the closet twogether!!!

Anyways, apparently the DOTS seemed to be connecting again...

May 2006 - Eric's first trip visiting me in Bonn. Our sojourn across Europe (mainly Belgium/Germany) became a monthly affair.

Sept 2007 - Same shirt, same company...the dots get connected!

I think I can safely say I owe my current job to him, as it was he who suggested me to send my cv to his current employer. I noted that I consulting isnt me, what more from the Big 4 which I never fail to shun whenever it comes to interesting opportunities, but what the heck...and voila...before you could say "Con+inSult=Consult", I got the job!

The pics were taken from our company's recently organized Impact Day, an annual community service activity. It was held the Friday before I officially began. We were at a disabled childrens home that housed several adults and old folks too. I thought it was a nice way to break the ice by joining the group early, despite not officially on payroll yet ;) Plus its doing a little bit of good for the society which will definitely get any ex AIESECer / Interact'er on board anytime!

Business analysts to consultants to managers to partners...on that day we broke ranks and built hope.

Impact Day - Kirtarsh Handicaped And Disabled Children's Home

How things can change...

2007-09-25T16:25:00.000+08:00

Mini tarts: Ok it has been FOREVER! Things has definitely changed for sure...but lets hope this blog shall continue with a new zest.

"How things can change!"

That statement hit me reall hard the moment I got news that my original offer to continue working in Germany got cancelled! I was told before I left by my supposed future boss to enjoy my hols back home. I even had tran-fuckin-sition! I left 2 thirds of my belongings in Bonn! Once home, I waited anxiously for the unconfirmed official offer...and after inquiring about it one week upon arriving, I got the worst ever reply. A warm, pleasant lady boss (supposed i thought) replied in the most cold, cruelly blunt way stating that they will not pursue the offer. Why? She promised to call to explain...but didnt. Very professional...PROFESSIONALLY BITCHY! I was left ruing what could possibly be a great future with the Yellow Company. At the end of the day, I was understood that my old dept bitchhead played a part in it. Bless her...

"How things can change!"

This was the 2nd time I was offered another position within the same company, albeit a different role. Alas all was not well too as again, the offer was cancelled. Excuse this time was they cant justify hiring me over a local. Err...ever heard of globalisation??

For this, I even went to Singapore for a face to face interview for the role in Bonn. Job scope was given, team mates told, everything except the legal paperworks. 3 days later and I called the Singapore office...only to be told of that stupid excuse. Strike 2...

In between, an offer within Malaysia (Yellow company again) which I rejected for the one in Bonn promised to get back to me if the Bonn thing didnt happen. It didnt, I got back to the Malaysian one...and no replies! 4 weeks later, another mail...this time saying I would be surplus to requirement. Strike 3...

"How things can change!"

This statement reflected how my life, which at one point was happily confirming the fact that I would be embarking a permanent role working abroad and building my life abroad, reacts to a broken dream, cruelly shattered by office politics! Who would have guessed it would become my worst nightmare!

Staying at home reflecting all this didnt help either. I will always end up being all furious and disappointed and really upset. Dream career down in the dumps, living abroad dreams crashed...i didnt even bothered bout the fact that most of my Zara's are still in Bonn! Having a pressuring mum didnt help either...plus situations at home made things much worst! At times my parents didnt want me to return to Bonn at all...confusing me sooo much more!

I didnt feel like going out...thanks heaps to some close friends who did pester me in the end (forking the bill out was definitely a good way...I owe them for sure!). I didnt bother replying mails or updating my friends abroad. Mood wasnt there at all...

"How things can change!">
In the pursuit job hunting in Malaysia...despite being overly confident yet the very desire to find a suitable, yet challenging company to suit my own personal and professional needs seems to be a huge obstacle for me to find that RIGHT job/company. Every single day waiting for a response equals to the ego glass getting thinner and thinner, ultimately making one losing the confidence that used to maketh the person in him. It definitely brings on the humility test! You ask yourself if you re even worth it! Its during these times words of encouragement from friends really, and literally pick you up!

Each day that goes by, felt like eternity in the job hunting world. Job portals, classifieds, networks, head hunting firms...tried all of it! I am just damn picky when it comes to jobs as much as I am picky on them girls.

"How things can change!"

More than 20 hours of interviews and several more interesting options, I have now embarked on a new journey with the ideal company which I believe suits my needs and wants and everything more. Its weird that I for one never thought of myself working in the consulting line...always thought it was a job that kills of your social life just so you can put up your nose real high and say "I'm a CONSULTANT for so and so..."

But nearly all the company that responded to me were in consulting, or so they said! Turns out...some of them were mere disguises...like a Sales job disguised in Consulting! Like, I so hate having a set of targets to achieve! Dont get me wrong...targets for sales vs career targets/goals are very different!

Ultimately it boiled down to two companies. One had me meeting my team leader on one day, a phone interview the next day with its managing director, a further interview with another director, managing director and HR on another day...boy, everyone except the cleaning lady interviewed me! The company is a well known headhunting firm but they re opening up their consulting branch within the APac region. Suffice to say, theres gonna be a lot of SALES (or Business Development) work involved. When they offered me...a desperate me would have just took it!

Nevertheless...I decided to reject it, hoping the answer which I so wanted will come. The answer came...positively! So after the endless wait...the roller coaster of emotional rides...the humility and ego shattering moments, I am up and running again...and hopefully will this blog too!

So where am I now?

Businessweek for September end issue placed it tops of their 50 Best Places To Launch a Career.

Although the survey was rather surfacial and very US centric. Plus, its for the bean counters, not the consulting line. But we all jump on cheap publicity anyways...

My nose aint high...but I can kiss my social life goodbye! Guess theres gonna be more adventures coming from "The Accidental Consultant"...how things can change indeed!

My last swipe to the Yellow Company...well I am not a bitter person. But despite only a year there...I bled YELLOW! I loved the job and most of the people, the culture and even Bonn! I was gonna be the rare breed that was gonna be loyal. I was so gonna be that super employee which have the critical skills they re yearning to find. Alas...it was not meant to be. Their loss then...

Farewell Bonn, thanks for the memories!

2007-07-11T03:54:00.000+08:00

29th June marked the day I would leave Bonn (by this time its nearly 2weeks later!), finally over and done with the most exciting year of my life. It also was smack in the middle of the mass exodus of numerous trainees, each one holding dear to one another in our rather big trainee community. Seeing that I was officially one of the longest trainee there still, plus the fact that many more from my 'gang' (we ll get to that later) were leaving shortly after me...we (as in the 'gang') decided to do like a series of farewell parties! Among others were numerous nights out clubbing, 'last' dinners and drinks with so and so, farewell lunches in office cafeteria and my personal favorite, the last minute themed "Tropical Beach Party" which was off the hook!

A sample of Tropical Beach Party photos...for more go to my FACEBOOK link here

Now, firstly on the definition of my 'gang'...I once had a real honest conversation with a Dutch chick who first labeled us the 'gang', namely me, Ana, Natasa (both Serbian hotties), Camilla (Indon hottie) and Segala (Brazilian dude hottie). Truth be told I was also closer to many, many more (Shook, Jennie, myself in the mirror etc), but visibly it seems the 5 of us were always seen as a group. Nothing bad or good, just the realization of an external perspective of how closely knitted was our group...despite the wrong numbers. Nevertheless, it doesnt help to stop distinguishing this group when we organized the series of farewells which were of course, meant for us.

Anyways, coming back to the final hours leading up to 29th June.

On the night of the 28th, the plan was at one of our (make that THE ONLY) Bonn club, Hausbar.

It was the eve of my departure...also the eve of Ana's birthday. Hence the double celebration...but I was obviously muted and quiet (till Put Your Hands Up came out!!). I was 'surprised' by a special gift by my buddies...it was a book of memories aptly titled "You know you had Leben mit (life with) Bonnie when...", and ppl will include individual memories shared with the recipient plus a photo. This went along with a pictorial book of Bonn, which all trainees would have and will get ppl to sign their names and write nice (sometimes forced) things bout the recipient. It was definitely a gift worth cherishing for me...

Me all 'shocked & surprised' over my gift ;)
Me and Segala, one of the contributors and producers of the book (who 'hid' it well from me!)
awwwwww...

Ana, person behind the book.

The other book...i changed mine from Leben in Bonn to Leben MIT Bonnie

Me and Shook...i ll miss her!

The 'gang' that went to Serbia, with the inclusion of Tanja

The sexy and good looking Coordinators Team! It was one hell of an office having them! Segala, me and Lisa (the coolest German chick you can find!)

Me and my successor...Michelle

The following day, everything was normal except for it was my last hours in Bonn. While all partygoers were trying to focus at work, I was busy packing. I had to leave from Bonn to Frankfurt Intl Airport at 6pm, leaving an opportunity for one final farewell with anyone that can make it to the McD's in front the train station at 5pm. Now, heres the deal...prior to this moment I didnt have any chance to reflect on my whole years experience here simply cuz for 2 hectic weeks, it was filled with unexpected interviews among unexpected interviews...one of which provided me an offer upon my first interview! So after heaps of meets and interviews (for my last day, I had FOUR!!), plus the verbal offer certainty of you coming back to Bonn again but the agonizing wait for HR and work permit confirmation, one definitely had no time to get all emotional. But then came that Friday, 29th June...most of my friends on Gmail chat had their nicks like "Farewell Bonnie" and "Goodbye Bonnie :(", it hit me that this WORKING ABROAD experience is finally OVER! Life as an AIESEC Trainee is DONE! Then upon seeing Segala's nick which sounded something like above...it just hit me...all the memories, friendship, job and experiences in one year that could all got mashed into a huge ball smacked right at my head!

For the 1st time abroad, not even during my first farewell...I CRIED!!! And I cried like a pussy! It was the sobbing, nose blocked type! And it was a good 20mins till Jennie Lee called and said, "Hey, I got your tickets!" (we were both taking the train to Frankfurt, a decision I didnt regret!)

Anyways, over and done with the tears! Hurried to McD's with Antoine Frenchboy cum chef extraordinaire who was such a buddy to fetch me over there! Although I didnt expect many to come (well, secretly I did!), slowly one by one arrived. In the end...there were 25ppl that came...it just made me the HAPPIEST!! You know your last moments whenever you re leaving will be the most cherished and memorable, so these guys and girls definitely made it all special for sure! I ll remember each of their faces as I hugged/kissed them one last time! Thankfully I had enough Malaysian postcards to give to all of them as my parting gift!

Arriving at the train station was rather rushed...but it was the most poignant scene I ll ever remember!! I always told myself that if someone cries when you leaves, you definitely were a huge part of their lives.
I will always remember the scene at Gleis 3 of the Bonn Hauptbahnhof...for it will remain etched in my memories forever!

The fact that nearly all my trainee friends were there, having some of them cry for me was a little too much. And to think, the only people I made cry were just ex girlfriends! I began to think if its surreal or just plain drama! Didnt help much with a very ON TIME train, I had to rush all the hugs, missing out on some! But with an eye of the whole scene all the time, it was just hard not to miss Natasa's and Shook's red eyes, Ana crying in one corner while someone was consoling her, Segala trying to hold it...it was the moment I stepped into the train with Jen. As the door closed, I managed to snap a final photo (which was crappy)...and I thought I controlled well, but when the train left...I was crying like a pussy again, this time on Jen's shoulders! This time, it was loud...real loud!
In Gleis 3 of the Hbf, part of the crowd that sent me off ;(

"Today, my heart melted into a puddle..." It was Jen's last minute addition to my Leben in Bonn book, which pretty much summed up the whole day. It was just the sweetest thing at the moment, was glad I spent my last hours in Germany with her!

First ever German AIESEC conference & Justin Timberlake's Concert - Part 3 (finale of a 3 part series)

2007-07-09T18:14:00.000+08:00

Mini Tarts: Again...wayyyyy too late for an update. By the way...am back home in Malaysia. More on that in the next postings.

June 8th-10th, Lueneburg (somewhere near Hamburg).

I finally was able to chair an AIESEC conference in Germany. Always wanted to do it simply cuz you re in AIESEC for darn long, you just wanna see how its like working for it in another country... and to simply increase my German friend base :) Always the selfish dude...oh yeah, if I do manage to inspire or motivate more than 1 people, that ll be a bonus! And of course, to show what we Malaysians are made of!

In short, it was definitely the MOST TOUGHEST chairing experience ever simply cuz I was working with people who have never know me before and thus, many expectations were brought into the mix. In contrast to chairing something in Malaysia or even Asia Pac, where people would already know you somehow and thus command a teeny bit of respect...here I have to build them all in the first day I met the trainers for ice breaking cum expectation setting. On top of that, it was harder too since much of the agenda was settled and the team selected already...so merely this "chair" role was purely of symbolic purposes...although that was changed as I did wanna assume a large amount of responsibility.

Nevertheless, I did get to know the team much better. They were such a big sport too...very open and direct with their feedback which i totally appreciated. Help eased up things on the opening day, then everything was presumably smooth sailing. The crowd was pleasing too (on the eye as well)...but I guess on lots of the trainers perspective, I could do much much better on the timing (what was I thinking, its Germany for goodness sake!). However...a question on do you wanna end things on time when conference mood is on a high or do you wanna begin sessions on time cuz the agenda says so...??? Tough pick, one has to make the decisions and usually not ALL will like it.

Sadly, this is the first conference I ve chaired where I went off knowing that delegates response was awesome to me, but cant be said for all the trainers. It was a gut feel...but hey, we all learn! It was definitely an eye opener for me...would love to do it again for sure! And am glad that the people I met there will be friends for life!

Heaps of pics can be seen here

J Timberlake's concert - 10th June

Me and Blondie Natasa were counting down the days to this event! Sadly, due to delayed trains right after the conference I had to miss the opening act by Natasha Beddingfield! DAMN!!
Nevertheless, arrived just in time for JT to open with FutureSex/Lovesound...the concert was a AMAZING, FANTASTIC and definitely ABOVE EXPECTATIONS!!! The best part was the surprise inclusion of Timbaland...he came!! Did a cool 30min solo as well!

The 2.5 hour spectacle was just simply of the hook!! The crowd was HUGE, although most of them were sitting (hello...who sits in a freakin concert man!).

JT did almost ALL his songs from his new album, some from his first effort and ONE from an N'Sync number!! No doubt Sexyback got the biggest cheers (it was the last song of his set, before an encore), but Nat was anticipating Cry Me a River while I was waiting for My Love. It was worth every euro of the ticket price (all 46 of it!!).

Cool thing was one of Timbaland's number had images of skyscrapers from around the world...and Petronas Twin Towers was there!! Woo hooo!!!

I didnt had soooo much fun in a concert before...and JT did it for me!

Links to THE DANISH WEDDING pics

2007-06-19T07:38:00.000+08:00

Finally they're here!!
Below are the links to some really gorgeous pics of the LeeDixon's wedding in Copenhagen.

Renbin's Picasa pics
My Facebook pics

Heres a sneak peek at a few of them...

A Danish Fairytale Wedding, 1st-2nd June - Part 2

2007-06-14T00:43:00.000+08:00

Mini Tarts: Below is the speech I wrote (plagiarized too) for the wedding. As the wedding was void of any religious or spiritual elements, I was given the honor to live out my once in a lifetime fantasy of being a priest/minister, by preciding the union of both my good friends, RenBin and Rolf. Symbolically, they changed their last names to LeeDixon. Congratulations newly weds!

The Introduction of the Ceremony and Couple

"Blessed with an amazing weather, a beautiful scenery, a dashing prince and a gorgeous princess...not to mention some kids making some noise in the background, welcome to this wonderful fairytale. We are gathered here today to participate in the most time honored celebration of the human family, uniting a woman and man in marriage.

We are priviledged to witness the union of two beautiful and wonderful people, Rolf and RenBin, through their very own unique celebration and public acknowledgement of a love they have for each other.

On this day you are specially invited so that Rolf and Bin would be able to share with us of their journey from PAST, to the PRESENT and to the FUTURE.

My name is Bonnie and I am proud to be given this honor to precide over this beautiful wedding.

From the PAST;

It was three years ago from this date, their passion and love started and brought them together, along with hopes and dreams shared. The location was Malaysia, the land where its beautiful and exotic, where it is a potpourri of cultures and traditions, where the modern urban blends with traditional rural...and apparently where the Danish men steal our women!

The past also brings us to Denmark, the land of serenity and fairytales. And the fairytale continues with a deep, profound respect for each other, while breaking down cultural divides and sacrifises made, their love and passion grew till the day a question of lifelong commitment was asked 1 year ago to this date.

Which brings us to the PRESENT;

As we come together on this day, Rolf and Bin wishes to project a unique celebration which is simple yet oozes charm and elegance with their closest few; their family and good friends. They also wished for this celebration to be void of religious and spiritual elements as Rolf and Bin envisioned a ceremony that brings the truest meaning of what a wedding is indeed all about; the union of two souls, the coming together of two individuals, whose hearts and spirits are entwined as one.

It is through this union they both perform an act of faith. This faith can grow and develop and last, only if Rolf and Bin both decide to make it so, and not guaranteed by any religious or spiritual ritual.

And through this commitment made today, Rolf and Bin now desire to profess before us all, their special guests, of their intentions to take the journey of life, heading to the FUTURE together...fuelled by dedication, love, joy and lots of laughter.

I would like to take the opportunity to introduce the King and Queen of the day, expressed in a way which the both of them know I do best, through a poem. It may be from a personal point of view, but I am sure you will agree on some points.

" Words are hard to describe who is she
Thats Bin to you and me
Smart, sarcastic, sweet and even strict
Echoes all in country and district

I know her back then in 2002
From uni mates, AIESEC colleagues, even the same classes too
Through common interests in humor, food and trends
It was how we became the best of friends

She longed to be a film and fashion critic
She ought to open a cinema or a boutique
I knew she was unique with her fashion back then
Remember her strange, fringe only blonde strands?

Now he was the 3rd Dane to come to KL

The girls (and some guys) fell immediately under his spell
Us guys thought he was such a thorn
Cuz the girls were always curious abut his horn

Through football our friendship started
AIESEC activities, he's very dedicated
Outgoing, helpful, wise and very driven
He often never expects anything in return

Since they met, she captured his heart
From that day on they never part
On this day their union is best acclaimed
From the moment they changed their family name

I am glad and proud to play a small part
Of how this fairytale begin to start
It has finally come to this very day
'I DO' is all thats left to say"

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The Introduction of Wedding Vows

...we now proceed to the next part of the ceremony. The time has come for Rolf and Bin to exchange wedding vows.

Dear guests, we are now priviledged to participate and witness the public acknowledgement of bth Rolf's and Bin's love for one another. Lets hear their dedications before us all. I would like to invite the groom to proceed first, followed by his beautiful bride.

~~~~~~wedding vows~~~~~~~~

May Rolf and Bin keep the vows made between them on this day. And to solemnize their profession of love for one another and to declare their union, we proceed to the witnessing the exchange of rings.

Exchanging of Wedding Rings

Deeply seeped in tradition, this circlet of precious metal is justly regarded as a fitting emblem of the purity and perpetuity of the union of two souls. We are reminded that the ring represents the circle of eternity, fashhioned as to have neither beginning nor end. Let it serve the meaning of this partnership to bring the both of you closer together and to last forever.

We are also reminded that the precious stones are so incorruptable that it cannot be tarnished by use or time. Then let this mean that the love of Rolf and Bin be incorruptable in its purity and will remain as precious as always. I would like to invite the best man to deliver the rings.

Announcement of HUSBAND and WIFE

As the rings have been placed, the vows have been declared, thus this union have been solemnized. May Rolf and Bin find happiness through this union, may they live faithfully together, may they remain ever loving and compassionate and may their journey be filled with the joys of life. Let it be known that a relationship isnt counted by the number of years shared, but the number of times you laughed, kissed and embraced together.

Now through the responsibility vested in me, I stand before your family and your close friends to (it was here that the generator died...leaving an eerie silence without music to accompany the last moment)...

I now pronouce you HUSBAND & WIFE. You may both kiss..."

Serbia, 25th-28th May - Part 1

2007-06-12T08:18:00.000+08:00

Mini Tarts: This is a trilogy entry of my time between 25th May - 10th June, beginning from my excellent trip to Serbia and ending with one of the best concerts I ve ever seen, J Timberlake!!

The first of my travelling stint. This trip was planned wayyy in advanced, since January and I was anticipating it ever since! Lets just say ever since me and Ana met, I have been dying to get myself there. So with the visa all approved, plus the gang of close buddies here included...Serbia was waiting for us!

The crew besides me and Ana was Camilla, Segala, Tanja and Natasa, who unfortunately wasnt much part of our plans although would have loved her to be with us. Remember when I had high expectations of Danish ladies but came back disappointed...well I try NOT to bring it up with Serbian girls, but it all failed when you have the Serbians (Ana and Natasa) saying how HOT they were, plus the rather obvious European trait where the more eastern you go...the girls get hotter! Dunno bout the men though! And oh theres the food expectations too...since Ana have been bringing back Serbian food specially for me...the food in this trip had to be an added incentive too!

So off we flew on early Friday. Upon arrival, I was welcomed by high humidity and scorching sun, traffic chaos and a somewhat unorderly fashion to nearly everything...it kinda reminded me of home! We headed straight to Ana's brothers place, where we were greeted with food brought from Ana's parents bakery! LOVELY!! It was enough to feed us for the whole weekend in fact! We took a nap after that and headed for a little sightseeing. Well except for some buildings that were bombed, Serbia look anything BUT a war torn city! So this was the first assumption of this country proven wrong.

The city is lovely and gorgeous...with greens spread around and of course...the ever beautiful Danube river snaking in and out of the city, Europes 2nd longest river passing through over 10 countries and over 30cities! Our day was spent in downtown Belgrade and a castle site, then ended with more great food at this traditional Serbian restaurant, where our appetiser of several cheese dish was already somewhat heavy! Then came the main dish which was great, plus a nice dessert!

The night, we clubbed at a place cheesily called Mr Stefan Braun! Music was hardcore house, wasnt my thing and worst...it was apparently gay night as crowd was 70% guys! Shit! Our girls were the best looking one of the lot...!

Following day, more sight seeing, and food of cuz! But one place that will always be remembered is this huge man made lake called Ada, where the who's who of Belgrades gorgeous people come to enjoy the sun, the water and the view...the view of lovely flesh crafted on beautiful bodies and gorgeous faces! This place seems to be the heavenly congregation of Belgrades finest! Even the men did seem to have a criteria, six pack or you re out, even if you re ugly! As for the ladies...its beyond my expectations now!! And Natasa has given me the right to say...she and Ana are merely averagers compared to the finest there (and mind you they re both equally hot on both stratospheres of Blonde universe and Brunette kingdom!)

The night followed with meeting more AIESEC ppl from Serbia, as they got a 3 hour boat ride party booked. Only thing was, its 80s night!! Damn...for the first hour it was alright, by the 2nd I was cringing!! After that we headed to a Gypsy restaurant, by the riverside ala those Port Klang seafood restaurants! Here they played live music and it was pretty fun, although me, Camilla, Segala and Tanja were clearly amused rather than enjoying. After an hour there, we thought how glad that we re finally leaving and headed to sleep...but we were so wrong! And we re glad too...cuz only then the party did start!

You see, while on the boat we passed by this super amazing looking open air club that was on a jetty...it looked damn awesome with its neon lights and the fact that its open freakin air! So we decided to head to this place...at 3am!! As we arrived there, the party was merely starting! The crowd was amazing, the girls were all glam and gorgeous...this was the bomb!! Till a random chick on a platform giggled "Kines...hahahah!" (Chinese)...and proceeded to mess my hair as in to say..."Aww...you poor thing!" Damn it...i knew then that it was easier to learn Serbo-Croat than to hook up a nookie with a Serbian chick :(

That aside, we literally partied till dawn as we saw the sun actually come up at 5am! That night was simply fantastic...and since we all had our adrenaline running high, we decided for our road trip (which was supposed to start at 12pm) to begin right away! Crazy as it may sound, but we did just that. A road trip to Krucevaj (i think its spelt like this), Ana's hometown.

Over there, we did nothing but ate, relax by a pool and took a dip, ate again...this time was a super huge meal with 4 rounds, each was enough for a meal by itself! Coming back to the pool side thing, it was supposed to be some therapeutical spring water and promoted heavily by Ana, so naive me was excited to see more of the hotties of the previous day in Ada. What a turn of events, when the people we saw there were old, fat, some walking with walkers, some with nurses, some old men that looked like a pregnant whale...gosch...i was just tooooo tired to feel dissapointed that i just slept there immediately! Woke up to more of those sights...although it did get more busier and theres at least 2 or 3 cuties there...oh wait a minute, they re Tanja, Camilla and Ana! Again...DAMN!

Nevertheless...it was fun all in all! Guess the whole elements that combined to make this trip one of the BEST, if not THE BEST...were the fact that Serbia was gorgeous, the company I was with were my bestest friends in my traineeship, the food was simply a culinary orgasm, the ladies of Serbia amazingly gorgeous, our host were the best they could be and we were treated to an unbelievable time, plus did i mention that Serbia is amazingly cheap, just like Prague!

We left Serbia rather sad...cuz it was one of our best times there! And to make matters worst...after all the sun and heat we got, we came back to a chilly, rainy Monday in Koln! I was having a Serbian hangover for many days... For a view of my trip to Serbia...check out the link to my Facebook here.

The ladies
(minus Ali G of cuz)

The food

The gang...

THE END...and A NEW BEGINNING

2007-05-23T08:53:00.000+08:00

So finally...the primary objective for the existence of this blog...my traineeship and my experience throughout, has come to an end. But it doesnt mean this blog shall end too...cuz sure it was THE END...but who knows where the NEW BEGINNING will start. My traineeship...as coordinator responsible for the MBA Internship Program and covering the marketing and HR aspect of it, a job which I totally love and was so engaged in (despite the shitty salary), ended last Tuesday, May 8th. Here are the ups and downs of my overall experience...professionally, socially and everything in between.

Professional
- In short, the past 6 months have been a professional downfall. It all begun with the change of my dept head...which didnt see eye to eye with my former boss, whom has left the dept and company since. My new boss was a total bitch who doesnt care bout me and was full of bullshit...not to mention a wicken penchant to back stab. And then she left...good riddance. And my last few weeks on the job was left waiting who my new boss would be...and not surprisingly it was another bitch, whom till i left, wasnt even officially working yet.

- Everyone says I shouldnt have bothered anymore bout the my MBA Program at all...but i loved my job so much that i was so bloody engaged in it (maybe foolishly even). But my successor wasnt even here yet, and its such a one-man show job that someone had to be there always! But well apparently dept didnt bother...so why should i right?

- Anyways, starting this job last year...i wouldnt have in a thousand years imagined it to be such a shit hole...but the last 6 months, unfortunately have been a huge shit hole!

- 3 bosses in a year...no professional support in my search for a full time...a dept head that doesnt support the AIESEC program...replacement bosses were bitches and a half...i just pity my successor. Good luck to her...

So whats next...
- Will hope something does come up during my remaining weeks here. Be it interviews or meetings...i would like to stay here professionally before returning home. Guess I would see myself as a failure if I dont get anything as my primary objective of coming here in the first place was to start my career from abroad.

- I do have an offer back home...within the same company. But I still think the time isnt right for me to head back just yet.

Social
- Well, if you remember, 3 PILLARS for A GREAT TRAINEESHIP would be job satisfaction, salary and social life. For the past 6 months its the social pillar thats supporting my experience here. Friendships strengthen, more was created, countries visited...like everyone always mention when they return from a traineeship...its the friendship forged that builds a lasting experience!

- Malaysians a plenty! Thats cuz Shooks came...my good friend and team mate back in those AIESEC days...put the both of us and we fill the room with our crazy horselike laughters! Thank god the people here like us still...they think we re cool, funny...and (gasp!) horny!
Theres also another Malaysian trainee, a mixec Malay girl named Merlyna Kraal (no relations to Diana). Very baik-baik and goody two shoes type. It definitely puts the word MUHIBBAH (means along the lines of DIVERSE) to our Malaysian trainees here! I think she was God sent as she made us nasi lemak...home made!! Gosch it was awesome!! These are the 3 Malaysian trainees. There are also several others; two who works at the company and one who lives nearby. So we kinda have our own Malaysian gathering these days...but quite bored with it as the conversations always never fail to go away from FOOD!! WE ALL MISS IT TOO!! But lets not bring it up always... ;) But all in all...nice bunch! Me and Shook will always go away bitching bout something for sure. So who would ve guessed...i thought Bon will be the only Malaysian in Bonn, apparently theres more as well. I say its already a crowd ;)

- Lets not forget the farewells. Beginning June, the trainee community will see a mass exodus of all the old farts like me. So we re expecting a FAREWELL SEASON again. I never expected myself to be one...but i guess its meant to be. I bought my tickets home for the 29th of June. Its weird that everyone here says that they'd never think i was one to go...and they re sooo right! My intentions were clear from the moment I arrived, and everyone knows it! And poor Shook, she ll be the one going through the depression as most of her close ones are leaving. But somehow...I dunno...I have this feeling that I ll be back.

- Travelogy. Besides the same old places that I ve visited again, namely Belgium and Amsterdam, thanks to the Malaysians in Europe trip, new places covered were Copenhagen and Prague. Next up, Serbia....! And Copenhagen again, this time for the WEDDING OF THE YEAR...part 1! Its a bit unfortunate that I didnt include any mediterranean / latin countries in my first year of visits...simply cuz i thought I'd do this once I get something permanent. Still crossing my fingers that I do...

- Goodbye Bronx of Bonn! Yep...finally have moved out of my flat which I ve grown to affectionately love. No more Tannenbusch for me as I ve moved in to Segala's room....which I am forever grateful. I save money...but I ll miss the neighbours whom I got close with, the Chinese dude that doesnt wash his plates and never takes out the rubbish (and you think why China is sooo poluted), that asshole (possibly German) who peed on the floor rather than toilet bowl, the Palestinian who thought I was gay cuz I cook and hang out with hot girls (he's just jealous!), the Polish girl whom Shooks think has the hots for me (I didnt reciprocate, which is why she also thought I was gay!), the other Polish girl who always gives me chocolates and watches movies in my room (but has a boyfriend), the Cameroonian that plays 50Cents and blast it along the whole floor (awesome!) and many more! I will also miss the trainees that got sooo unlucky enough to stay there. Last time round, its always me alone going back there after clubbing (freakin 40mins bus ride). Now its always fun cuz its a bigger group...heck you could share a cab even! Most importantly...I ll miss Shooks!! She played the mummy role soooo well that I nearly thought I wouldnt mind paying 180euros for another month just so she can make me dinner or supper, make coffee, asked if i needed medicine when i was sick, gave me chinese medicines, smses me if I am alright...she was indeed one of my best Bonn and Tannenbusch moments!! I regret that she came later and I ll be leaving her soon... :(

Anyways, this may seem rather short for a last 6 month review. But I could go on and on about the negative aspects which I do sometimes blurt contantly...but lets not make the negatives highlight what was to be an experience of a lifetime. I know for sure I will always remain bitter with what happened professionally...it just highlights the very fact that culturally, (and not to stereotype ALL Germans!) Germans do have a problem with accepting changes and embracing shifts of paradigms. The stupid politics and bureaucracy will always pollute the efficiency and effectiveness of how an organization can work...its so bad sometimes its childish and laughable!

But I would like to take into heart that no matter which bitch was my boss or whatever rumors that were going around about non performing interns...I was always very engaged with my job, although never satisfied financially or given the due credits. I get plaudits from all stakeholders that I worked with (managers from everywhere, business schools and MBA students) but never the people that mattered, the colleagues from my dept. So what now if I do a good job? I guess I question my principles a lot when it comes to playing the politic game...but one needs to learn the game to know hows its been played...so you know when you re been played as well! I could put this as one of the few things I ve learnt professionally in the last 6 months.

Now, I just want to relax....enjoy my last few weeks here...say proper goodbyes and take what the best of Bonn can offer. Lets hope if theres more opportunities for me to stay longer professionally, otherwise I guess working in KL again aint that bad (ok I am kidding myself!). To my traineeship...its THE END.

Looking forward to the NEW BEGINNING.

Titz for tat...

2007-04-24T21:26:00.000+08:00

Any one...and I mean EVERYONE in the English speaking world would have one thing in mind when you see a city named TITZ. And to top it off, it is situated just above Cologne!

Last Thursday the Local Committee of Bonn did some sort of Introduction Evening: where they introduce AIESEC to new members. In short promoting the cult that is AIESEC to unsuspecting minds...believe me, I bet YOU (fellow readers who are mostly AIESECers) were in that situation once! One noticeable difference from the last time I was there was the high amount of really fine looking would be members of the fairer sex! Hmmm...not too bad after all coming for this.

Upon the end of the evening was the usual chatting session, when a sweet, young, thing (I believe I am in the age where this is considered illegal in some parts of the world!) approached me. "Excuse me...are you Asian?", she asked. "Why...is it THAT obvious?!" I retorted. So it turned out that she studies Asian Science (is it that complicated that theres a SCIENCE about our continent??)...so apparently one of her topics include "How to spot an Asian?". What amazed me was how she studied Manderin for 2 years...so I began to mutter a few Manderin that I know since kindergarten...only to be embarrassed by how fluent she spoke! I must say it was a turn on too (i kid...)

Anyways...she also had a pendant with a Chinese character snuggly fit just above her cleavage...I couldnt stare but it did look familiar (the pendant dammit!). "I could stare to confirm my curiousity, but you ll have other ideas. What does your pendant mean?" I asked nonchalantly. "Oh...it means 'ai', for LOVE," she said excitedly! No wonder it was familiar...I used that character to design an AIESEC shirt before.

What happened after that was one conversation which I ll never, EVER FORGET!

Me: So...where are you from?
Her: Nah...you wont know it. Its a small town. (the usual answer I ll get cuz they think we foreigners are ignorant of local geography).
Me: C'mon...just try me.
Her: Well... its called Titz.
Me: (while trying to control my chokes of laughter...) Of course I know that place!!! It must be GORGEOUS, Titz!? (by this time you know where I am heading too..)
Her: Yeah...you know it?! It is BEAUTIFUL...!!
Me: I am sure...! You must show me your Titz...you know we can go there at cheaper rates (I meant the train of course)
Her: Sure...I can even drive you there! I dont take trains...I drive.
Me: Oh...you MUST drive me to see your Titz! So tell me whats soo beautiful about your Titz?
Her: Ohh...well, it has two castles, a river...
Me: (tears were rolling down...)
Her: Whats so funny? Dont laugh at my Titz...(and she proceeds to EXCLAIM loudly with hands out in the air and doing the "peace"sign-Asia Science taught her well)...I LOVE TITZ!!!!

..................

Ok...that was cute. Best laugh i had since a lonnggg time! I then asked her if she knows what "titz"/ tits mean...and she went..."Its my town!" I was shaking my head...
So after giving her a little lesson of Science of English Slangs...her face turned into a ripe tomato instantly!! She then pouted...and said, "In that case...I ll not show you my tits!"

Dont you love the English language...!

Whats the matter with Portuguese Tart???

2007-04-10T04:41:00.000+08:00

Mini tarts: Check out my new pic site, http://picasaweb.google.com/bonniearthur.desouza for the latest trips I did. First was Copenhagen then Prague. I love this new site for its simplicity, ease to upload and its a Google product! Reason for this change is unfortunate as my other sister site has been closed! :(
By the way...HAPPY EASTER to all!

This whole delayed postings issue seems to be bugging me a lot! Thing is...I cant really help it myself. Yes it does have to do with lack of time....but when there actually is time...theres isnt any motivation! It has been like that ever since the new year!

And how do the happy-go-lucky sort of person that is ME lose any motivation?

Well, if it includes everything about your PRIMARY GOAL of being abroad - to build your career - then it definitely has A LOT to do with your motivation. In short...I ve had the DREAM INTERNSHIP for the first 6 months...then with just a few changes here and there with regards to personnels within my department...EVERYTHING went downhill!! Its like the NIGHTMARE INTERNSHIP every intern shudders at!

Picture this;
A great start to your internship. Proven yourself to your boss. Given the ultimate honor of presenting company and my MBA Program to business schools. Travelling to really great locations where the schools are at (Barcelona, Madrid, London, Paris, Milan etc!). Great working environment and wonderful colleagues and friends. All this while still learning a lot! I loved to come to work...now thats MOTIVATION!! I have not taken a single day off if it wasnt for travelling.

Then...

Enter a new dept head, whom my old boss was competing against for the position. Because of that the new dept head...for short, lets just call her the bitch...look at my boss as a major pain in the ass threat! Well, my boss...a tough nut she...is anything but German in the sense that she speaks her mind out, even if ruffles a few feathers (referring to the bitch, in this case its fur!). All this politicking got to a boiling point that it involved the business unit head even...think cats fighting! So my old boss decided to leave the dept. I had a new boss...who doesnt seem to see eye to eye with my old boss either...so where would you think I'll stand in her eye?

Anyways, came the new year...and a new boss. Good start...apparently. One begins to wonder if she really would mentor or coach me. Anyways, new direction brought forward by the bitch means less emphasis on my program (its not bringing in the ROI's invested). GREAT! But still cant just pull the plug of the program...we re in the midst of external marketing phase, which means travelling to schools to present the program. As I am the only one who knows the program inside out...makes sense for me to go for it...right...WRONG!! Bitch says..."cannot bring an INTERN to present the program...". So there you go...sit down while my new boss and bitch go on a holiday! I was actually bad enough to wish that their visits will fail! Lucky me...there were some clashes in dates...so I did went for a few places to present, of which I absolutely loved (remember...as long as the attention is on me, I ll deliver a message!).

Then came the worst week ever in my internship...I applied for a position which was vacanted by a good friend within the dept, besides my boss, this girl was also my professional mentor. Guess why she left...cuz she cant stand the bitch as well! And her position...responsible for inductions and manage an internship program. Seeing that she got this position right after her internship (the days when you re able to stay cuz you re GOOD!), why the heck I wouldnt get this. Well...naive me again.

My current boss had her intern apply for it, she and the bitch then changed the role to include the program which my current boss and her intern manages...silly me was still optimistic to apply. I then got a mail which said I wasnt even shortlisted...this after 4 weeks long! Coming back to the worst week ever...I sent a mail to my business unit head (the one that stopped the catfight) on the advice of my former boss to see if I can gauge his networks and find me a job. This somehow got misinterpreted and he sent it back to the bitch, all in good sense that my dept head should be able to help me. NOT!!!! I was summoned to her office...apparently it was taken as overstepping her authority (what rubbish!!), told that well they dont see a position that would fit me, plus the position which was opened...it was best for someone with 3-5 years experience. While I just nodded my head ... here comes the best part! Bitch then preceeded to give me an unexpected evaluation, one that went..."your performance so far has been BELOW AVERAGE", and she said it two words TWICE! I asked why...she just replied nonchalantly to ask my supervisor, my new boss...whom I then did....and she simply said..."ohh, I didnt know she said that!" Totally...WTF!!!
Oh yeah, so guess who got the position in the end?? The intern of my boss...3-5 years my arse!

Anyways...fast forward till today. Just two Fridays ago...my old boss has left the company to pursue another career! There goes my remaining professional mentor. Plus my current boss...she also left for a new position out of the company. Not like she was any help to me...but nevertheless am now alone. Brings a whole new meaning to NO MOTIVATION!

So...putting it in an analogy of being in a restaurant. My search for something permanent here is akin to sitting in a table and having a menu (referring to the opportunities at a glance). Its a great sign compared to weeks ago when I didnt have a menu yet! As of right now, I havent ordered yet. Once my food arrives...you ll hear about it for sure!

Delayed Posting

2007-03-23T21:16:00.000+08:00

Apologies for many delayed postings.
Read here for the "recent" celebrations of Karneval and Chinese New Year.

To all the ladies....

2007-03-08T21:21:00.000+08:00

My life has revolved around many women...they influenced the way i think, they inspire me, they have my utmost respect and i LOVE them! From my beautiful mother, a former beautician who nurtured and brought me up and made me who i am (yes plus skills on taking care of the face!), to my loving grandmother who I missed sooo much and was there for me since the day i was born, to my aunts who also brought me up and whom I love to bits... to my gorgeous cousins from both sides of the family...successful, smart and sexy!

To my bosses and former bosses...I liked working with Women and it was one of the reasons why I got this job in the first place (I was asked how I felt working under a women...I replied enthusiastically..."I LOVE IT!"). I never had a man boss before...well except for my former MCP who does have the womanly touch as well...he works for SKII now! I ve had more than 5 bosses who were Woman, ranging from successful and married, to being a single expat, to a family Woman to several career minded, single and driven Ladies! It was a pleasure working with them...each with different learning curves personally for me!

Then there is the Birdy Gang...back in the early teenagers days when I (and the only dude) was initiated into a group of 5 gorgeous ladies, taught me everything and anything there is to know about the decendants of Eve...they were my bestest friends at a very important phase of my life...growing up! I learnt to love thanks to one of them...I ve learnt how to handle special mood swings...and I ve learnt a lot about friendships from all of them! I love them all...still!

Plus, the many girls in my social circle! You re always beautiful...

Today is YOUR day ladies...HAPPY WOMENs DAY!

And I would like to take this opportunity to highlight something that had brewed for many years already, but only came to light to the blogosphere a few months back. This is the case of a former Malaysian Airlines Chief Stewardess, pregnant with her 3rd child, was forced to leave her job if she decides to carry on with the pregnancy. She gave birth to a gorgeous daughter, her 3rd...and Malaysian Airlines terminated her contract. Loosely, this national corporation cum heritage, is ADVOCATING ABORTION and OPENLY DISCRIMINATING WOMEN!

The brave woman, Audra Denise Atkinson Yew, is my cousin.

Follow the stories and case here at http://muststopthis.blogspot.com/

Karneval Fatt Chai

2007-03-07T06:56:00.000+08:00

Very delayed posting...

So enter the year of the Golden Pig, the last time it was a Golden Pig was some 60years ago! New beginnings? We shall see... And how was Chinese New Year in Bonn? It definitely was a Carneval Season...simply because its smack on one of the regions most celebrated event of the year...Karneval (with a 'K')!

The Karneval Season begun with most of us celebrating Single Awareness Day @ Valentine's Day at an eat all you can pizza hut, following that was a series of celebrations which I would aptly call Karneval Fatt Chai! Karneval is celebrated usually before Lent, and is especially famous in Koln! Parades, costume balls and lots of revelry goes hand in hand with heaps of alcohol being drunk! It is sooo huge that our company had a huge company party on Karneval Thursday, 15th of Feb and nearly 1000 employees were partying in the Tower's basement! Everyone made an effort to dress up...and yours truly only had a Chinese samfu to wear! I wasnt bothered enough to play dress up, although being Capt Jack Sparrow was definitely a brilliant idea...till i saw some exactly like him came along! Damn, he looked exactly like him...even the swagger! The Karneval event lasts all the way till the following Monday, which was an official off day for us! Sadly I had the fever on that day...so i had to give the biggest event of Karneval a miss...the Karneval Parade!
Malaysian and Brazilian

(from top): Portuguese speaking dudes! Watch where you grabbing! Frightened by a drag!

(from top):Me and French maid! Me and my fav Serbians! Shook shalt not sin!

Chinese Zorro (Zollo)!

"So Kong, how do i get to the Empire State Building?"
Random Karneval revellers

Me and Cowgirl..."yee ha!"

Me and Serbian Pioneers
Malaysians in Karneval as Zebra crossings!
Malaysians with Mario and Luigi!

Me and Poca-hot-ass!
Salute to the legs!

But as it is, Chinese New Year was on Sunday! Knowing Eric will be coming, and also one of my New Year's resolution to bridge the Chinese community with the trainees...we organized a Chinese New Year Lunch on the first day of the Golden Pig year! It was a fantastic do as since everyone was soooo tired celebrating Karneval, the best way to compliment the feeling was to cook them authentic Chinese food!

Surprising that the main dishes were made by...MALAYSIAN Chinese! Even the Chinese were shocked at our culinary skills...among the dishes made were sweet sour chicken, spring rolls, bak kut teh, chicken curry, heaps of vege dishes...these were made by Eric, Shooks and me! Then there was rice, vege and fried tofu done by the rest of the Chinese! We even had ang pau packets, courtesy from Shook, to decorate the place! And guess what was the theme of the day...everyone had to wear RED!

This was definitely a nice moment for me, Shook and Eric, all of us for the FIRST TIME ever, not having the traditional Chinese New Year eve dinner with our families. So it was a great turn of events for us, as we re here celebrating Chinese New Year Lunch with our own families away from home, the trainee community! It was fun to also having us share the usual traditions of our celebrations, each one of us explaining one tradition to another...also what each food meant, who made it, how good it was...etc! Truly a memorable occasion for us...and me!

Red is the theme for the day!
Brazilian Vietnamese!

Introducing the sumptious food!

Bonn will be Shook'ed!!

2007-02-13T06:13:00.000+08:00

Mini tarts: Apparently there will be 3 Malaysians in Bonn; yours truly, the girl below and another girl with a more cooler name than mine, I hear of Dutch mix and a Muslim. Wow...i cant wait for our country presentation! Truly Malaysia...Bangsa Malaysia!

This picture was taken on May 10th, 2006 at my farewell

9 months later...Me and Shooks having coffee in Bonn!

Yups...she finally has got what she wanted...in fact it came more than 2 years later. After her numerous frustrations, finally she's got a match!! Thats right...she has finally arrived! Another trainee to the yellow company, the 1st of two other Malaysians coming. Whats more, she is my neighbour on the 8th floor, same block some more!

Get ready for the both of us...now i ve got my "stereo partner" with our thunderous laughters and booming voices...my floor occupants were the first victims of the "Malaysian Thunder"! All I can say is, "Get ready, Bonn will be Shook'ed!!"

Thats her running away from my room after ironing her clothes!

By the way, at the time of writing...I ve just been pampered and taken care off as I woke up with a fever this morning. Mummy Shook took care of me, prepared Maggie Mee sup and Milo! :)

Ahhh...my first SNOW!

2007-02-07T08:52:00.000+08:00

Minitarts - This just in...my mum STILL suspects that I am GAY! She thinks that my break up with my long time girlfriend just in time before leaving for Germany was proof of my own "sandiwara" (means along the lines of play acting) therefore my liberation in Germany would be my huge closet to come out!! Sigh...even to make the suspicion more obvious: My aunt seeing me in Brussels with BOOTS and a slightly tight jacket...!! HELLO!!! They oughta be more fashion conscious la...maybe a little lesson on fashion here (although more on guys fashion should be well worth it, at least i dont have to consult my Petaling Street fashion consultant) would help!

Sheer joy and delight of the SNOW VIRGIN!

I FINALLY SAW SNOW!!!

Okie the last time was a major faux pas...well it was DANDRUFF as far i as i know for the last time! And i thought fate would really deal me a cruel twist, since i missed the ONLY HEAVY SNOW MOMENT (read: not STORM) on the Friday which I was in Amsterdam with the Malaysians and Pet...but turns out fate was just teasing me!

It snowed sooo heavily for a few hours in Bonn last night, in fact MUCH MORE than that Friday which i missed...i got soooo excited that i had pictures and VIDEO to proof! It was sooo cool, amazing and GORGEOUS even!
Was with the Portuguese speaking crowd watching the Portuguese speaking footie friendly at a Portuguese bar between Portugal and Brazil (we...as in Portugal...beat Brazil!!!), as we were about to arrive to the place...we saw snow while in the bus! I was literally jumping around and sticking my tongue out like a JAKUN (err...lets just put it as LOSER), and if it wasnt for the still visible concrete on the sideways, i would just JUMP on my back and do a snow angel!

Well, so whats it like??

Snow is like how it is when its FAKE...its like SHAVED ICE, of different shapes and sizes...but heavy enough to drop and not float! Well at least for this one which I saw!
And its COLD (duhhh!), plus its WET (double duhhh!).... ok remember i have NOT seen snow, so one can be forgiven for this random moment of pure joy!
And yes...with the street lights emiting to set a droopy background...heavy snow drops (i still wander why they call it SNOW FLAKES when it clearly is as rough and unFLAKY as SHAVED ICE!) falling...it does present a very nice, ROMANTIC setting! Awww...makes me just wanna grab the next hottie Portuguese chick in the place and give her my first snow kiss!

You ve gotta leave your mark!

The rather romantic setting...

This is actually just in front of my block...yup in the Bronx of Bonn, Tannenbusch!! Suddenly it looked rather...oh no...GOD FORBID...NICE!

Leaving my footprints behind...

Malaysian Gathering (part 2)

2007-01-31T22:25:00.000+08:00

Mini tarts - KNN, am struck with the stupid dry cough (the one where you cough your lungs out and still no phlegm sputtered!). My guess is it started from whacking 5 or 10 daging salai which my aunt brought to Brussels and finished one jar full of pineapple tarts! So with the sore throat developing into this stupid dry cough...even my voice is lost to the constant coughing! Its amazing how my friends and colleagues can still handle me! Bless them! Even my boss ordered me to stop working, which i promptly did...so that i could update my blog! ;)

Since theres more nicer pics (courtesy of yours truly), i ve decided to put this entry at my sister site.

Amsterdam

The Malaysians met up again, but it was only me, Eric, Weihan, Flo and Waikwan (she followed since Brussels/Leuwen)...and accomodations, a 5 star one at that was provided by Patricia. Thanks a lot Pat, owe you heaps and it was such a great place i left my towel as a token of my "appreciation" (read: my stupidity!).

The Malaysians in Amsterdam

"HIGHLIGHTs" include being HIGH, the red LIGHT district (its Sin City after all)...sight seeing and get this...FOOD!! Lots of good food!!

Nasi Lemak in Amsterdam...???!!!

"Auntyyyy....Unncle, Eric smoking!!!"

Me and Pat

Go check out the postings...

Malaysian Gathering (part 1)

2007-01-25T22:44:00.000+08:00

Malaysians sprouting in Brussels (Jan 20th-21st)

What was supposed to be just a small meet up between the Malaysians coming (Flo and Weihan) in Eric's place in Leuwen turned to be one major meet up, bar one kaki FFK! Now after all the headache of organizing their trip has been settled (where me and Eric could end up arguing for soo long and not getting to any conclusion!), the day finally arrived!

But first, the headache...!

Coming to Brussels also is my youngest aunt, the biggest supporter of me NOT going on a traineeship (but we still love each other lots!), via a Euro trip which she got at a bargain price. The trip was organized by HP and is solely for its employees and vendors...so i wander in amazement how she managed to go through the whole trip without a single soul knowing that she doesnt knw the difference between a laptop and a PC! Anyways jumping on this unlikely opportunity, i tried to arrange for me to meet Flo and Weihan in Koln, then we rush to Brussels. Thing was, we ll arrive only at 3pm whereas my aunts bus tour will leave at the same time to Amsterdam! So knowing before hand that its gonna be Mission Impossible...i decided to pass some money to Ana, who is also heading to Brussels, to pass the money to Eric, who is already in Brussels to meet the other Malaysian gang, so that he can then receive my Malaysian Package from my aunt and pass it to me!

Pheww...in short thats also the old school way of how my company operating its business..."we bring anything to everwhere"!

With that modified example of the Yellow Company's transportation of goods away, my aunt told Eric she really really want to see me! Hence the several msges to me asking me to hurry...my aunt even called me to see if theres still possibility! I was already reaching Brussels then, time check: 2.57pm! Upon arrival i saw Eric, he had time to give two hugs to the visiting Malaysians and we both ran 3 blocks to where the bus was parked! What happened next was the unexpected family drama...soap opera style! Running uphill, i saw two tour bus parked, Eric confirmed thats the one! Then i saw my aunts outline...and then came the squeal of delight heard some 2 blocks away!It was then i realised "damn...EVERYONE in the bus is waiting for her WAITING for me!" We gave each other one bigg lonngg hug...and my aunt started to CRY!! Oh dear...now that was totally unexpected! The next thing you knew, she did possibly the MOST ASIAN thing one could do at moments like this...she whipped out her digicam and asked Eric to shoot some photos, including tears and curious tourists giving weird stares! Then as quickly as it began, it was goodbyes already! All in less than 5 minutes!!! All while EVERYONE was looking out the bus window! I sort of gave an apologetic smile and wave to all of them before the buses left...

With that done...shared the whole experience when we all got together...and laughed the whole of our short Belgium meet! And that plus lots of eating, drinking, milo, indo mee goreng and daging babi salai (courtesy of my Malaysian package!). Plus a little tour around Antwerp...whereby officially with that visit, i ve covered EVERY major city in Belgium!

Besides the both Malaysian tourists and Eric, our crew consisted of RenBin (best friend working in Denmark,hopefully not the last time i see her as a bachelorrette), Grace (Erics good friend working in Frankfurt, my German speaking buddy of the trip), her colleague from Hong Kong Carina, plus another friend of Erics and Weihan, WaiKwan who came from Italy. Overall it was nice meeting everyone again...more excitedly so with the bachelorrette!

The meeting was farrr to short...but then up next is Amsterdam though...although just us original 4 plus some friends in Amsterdam!

Below are some pics from our trip...cam whored rather little (surprisingly!).
HUGE DISCLAIMER...there are several not so nice photos courtesy of people who dont know how to handle my trustable Canon Ixus 3.2megapixels camera! But i have to post it as it was the ONLY shot available! Sigh...minions who dont know how to shoot!

The 3 "batangs", losing out on 2!

The best looking station in Belgium goes to...the Antwerp Train Station!
Poser.... The "batangs" up to their nonsence again!

The "look at my balls statue" by a castle in Antwerp

That white powdery thing...

2007-01-25T17:48:00.000+08:00

As i took my usual route to work...the 5 minute walk from my room to the station, the usual 10 minute wait for the next train as i missed one by a couple of minutes, the 15 mins journey to work while i watched the city wizz by. Weather forecast said its gonna be -4 degrees, wasnt the first time it went below zero although it was my first time seeing it with my own eyes in the weather news.

Then as i took the usual lane leading towards my office...i thought i saw several white, powdery stuff floating...or falling...NO!!! It cant be dandruff...i just freakin washed my hair...!

I looked all around...it was the same white, powdery thing falling all over...i had to look really hard at what it was cuz it was toooo small, toooo tiny to confirm...

YES! MY FIRST SNOW!!
As pathetic as it was...i am not a SNOW VIRGIN anymore! Think bad sex...but sex nevertheless!

Malaysians sprouting in Brussels...20th - 21st Jan

2007-01-19T22:40:00.000+08:00

Mini tarts;
I am sure some of you have heard of the freak storm that wiped most of Western Europe late Thursday (and now heading towards eastern Europe). It was one of the craziest weather conditions i ve ever witnessed and be in...imagine winds strong enough to blow my 80kg mass away while walking (no kiding!)
The company even issued a quick notice to all employees to leave work!
The following day...clear, blue skies! As if not bothered bout the over 20 lives taken, businesses halted, transportations gone awry etc.

Who: 6 (or more!) Malaysians and some others...
Where from: 5 (or more!) different locations
Where to: Brussels
When: THIS WEEKEND!

The plan started when Weihan and Flo decided to come over for their own Euro trip, followed then by a last minute shout out to RenBin in Denmark, PakYang in Finland...some others too...and after days of crazy planning and ticket buying, we re all ready for a crazy hell of a time!

Milo, chor dai di, speaking Manglish, some Malaysian food...all in the background of the cosmopolitan Brussels! And speaking of timing...my aunt will be there courtesy of her own Euro trip! But i gotta rush for that, her trip to Brussels apparently is just for 3 hours, and i have just half an hour for me to arrive and catch her! Shes got some pineapple tarts, dried pork and PeiPahKor (chinese medicine) for me...how the hell she got it through customs i dont know!

Not to forget, its the Global Coordinators meet will take place in Leuven, so Weihan and Flo will need to butter up to some coordinators if they re still interested in traineeships! As for Flo, she can get a "direct feedback" from the UBS dude that rejected her! Poor girl...

Anyways point is...Segala will be there! So theres plans to meet for sure! And the icing on the cake...Ana will be there too! My two bestest friends in Bonn, my bestest friends from Malaysia...my aunt...one city, its gonna be FANTASTISCH (pardon my Deutsche!) ;D

Oh yeah, did i mention this is just PART 1 of the Malaysian gathering...PART 2 happens in SIN CITY...Amsterdam! This time just me, Eric, Flo and Weihan! Cant wait...!

Malaysia Boleh

2007-01-06T08:26:00.000+08:00

Its 2007...and i thought i would begin my first post of the year with something positive. I would like to promote about the land i call home, where people of diverse colors, religions, cultures and ethnicity live and mingle, which as a result of this wonderful concoction produces one of the worlds best culinary delights, plus an easy care free life that balances the determination to ensure the land continues it progressive growth...thats Malaysia.

2007 is officially VISIT MALAYSIA YEAR (VMY). Not only that, 2007 marks the 50th anniversary of Malaysia as well. The golden jubilee marks a significant milestone in the history of our nation...and the country wants to celebrate by welcoming the world to our backyard!

Not to mention, here is one of several news worthy item (one which actually do get posted on prominent global news sites) that certainly makes us proud to be Malaysians. Our very own aviation tycoon, Tony Fernandes of Air Asia (low cost and no frills airlines, the biggest in Asia) fame, has unveiled plans to a new no frills, long haul airline called Air Asia X (sounds a little "porn-ish" though). This guy has done it again...we re talking bout opportunities to travel from Europe or America to KL without burning our wallets, what more with sky rising oil barrel per day prices! It ll be a reality some day soon...everyone can really fly! Without a doubt one of my idols of the business world!

The ladies of Air Asia...in their red, hot, chilli attire! They definitely make the "short" haul become a"long" haul!

Next up...first you have the London Eye.

Then theres one in Champs Elyssee in Paris that came out apparently out of nowhere.

The posh ferris wheel fever is catching up now in good ol KL! Built (apparently also out of nowhere) as an attraction for Visit Malaysia Year 2007...this 60m high circular giant will provide a breath taking view of KL's skyline be it day or night! But i just dont fathom the misleading name though...its called "The Eye on Malaysia"; firstly whats with copying the "Eye" name, plus its a birdseye view of Kuala Lumpur...not Malaysia.

The Ferris wheels of (from l-r); Paris, London, KL and one of the gondolas.

I guess i ll save another entry just on our food alone! But till then, for those interested...i strongly recommend to put into your travel plans a visit to Malaysia...better so during August as its the birthday month of the country. Its gonna be a colourful period...a festivities filled year which the country is hosting, and YOU ARE ALL INVITED!!!

3,2,1...

2007-01-01T10:30:00.000+08:00

HAPPY 2007 everyone!! Aus guten rutsch im neue jahr!! Selamat Tahun Baru!!! Xin nien kuai le!!

My Christmas week in Paris

2006-12-31T12:34:00.000+08:00

(From top left) Arc de Triomphe, Notre Dame, Louvre, Opera Garnier, Basilica Sacre Coeur, Eifel Tower from the bottom, Grande Arc, Eifel Tower from atop Montparnasse Tower and Sleeping Beauty's Castle in Disneyland.

It was definitely unplanned...thats how it all began....my trip to Paris to celebrate Christmas with Eric and Liv. It was one whole week...so bare with me as theres heaps of cam whoring moments and lots of stories to share!

Go on to my sister site for the Paris experience...! Photos are not yet described though.

Anyways, i know its a little too late...but Merry Christmas to all!

HAPPY NEW YEAR...good bye 2006, cant wait to see you 2007!!

Oh...and in between yours truly celebrated his 25th year of existence! "Celebrated" is probably overstating it...as the big landmark year was "observed" rather tamely...no party's, no hoo hahs, no cakes, no wishes from brother (WTF!?), just a quiet, reflective affair with me, myself and I.

Thanks for the sweet smses and wishes...it really made my day!!

A birthday posting (belated) will come soon...

Amsterdam high...

2006-12-13T00:30:00.000+08:00

Check out bonniearthur.blinklife.com for Amsterdam pics and updates!

Its DECEMBER

2006-12-09T01:14:00.000+08:00

Its December...and whenever this month arrives, boosted by a few really nice Christmas songs it always get me in a nostalgic and reflective mood! It slowly is dawning unto me that i wont be celebrating Christmas at home...sniff

Visiting trips with my family, yummy Christmas food, extended families and friends...yes even Christmas mass back home...am gonna miss it!

My Christmas plans are pretty blurry still...not going to Portugal or Madrid as was supposed to. Most likely i ll be spending my time with Eric in Paris with Liv, who is ending her internship there. Very nice of her to invite us over...

By the way, one of this European Christmas tradition which is completely new to me include a very novel thing called Advent Calendars. As we all know Advent is the Holy Season for Christians to prepare for the celebration of the nativity of Christ...or simply Christmas Season. Now with the Advent Calendar, you have a calendar which consists of 24 windows to mark the days number of days leading up to Christmas. In the windows you ll have little paraphernilias which symbolises Christmas, ie. bells, star, even Santa Clause...

Now my company have a very cool Advent Calendar where the employees can buy for themselves. Its windows are actually filled with DELICIOUS, SEDAP GILER Lindt chocolates designed into this cute Christmas symbols! I got sooo excited when i first saw it...i was wandering couple of months earlier what the heck is this calendar which we need to order! If only i knew...! Our office at one time was filled with 3 box full...sadly some freakin Grinch stole 1 box (or probably more)...

´ A little company promo!

Anyways, i thought it would be a novel gift so i expressed (courtesy of my company) 3 back to my family (they loved it) and 2 boxes to AIESEC Malaysia, hoping that one box would go to the current team and another box would be shared by my old team. Apparently without giving instructions (how silly of me thinking that delivery would take long...!!!), they received the boxes and ATE most of it already! Well...tradition says you have to eat one according to the date!!

The Advent Calendars, sooo cute! Windows as you open it, obviously chocolates were gone!

Sedap giler Lindt chocolates peek a booing! The reason i LOVE this calendar!!!

Nevertheless, me and my office mates probably ate a full year worth of Decembers already!!

Yummy!

Stop AIDS. Keep the promise.

2006-12-01T23:04:00.000+08:00

December 1st is World AIDS Day, a day dedicated to raising the awareness of the global AIDS pandemic caused by the spread of the HIV infection. To date, around 40 million people are living with the HIV virus throughout the world, increasing by the thousands every day in every region, and AIDS has killed more than 25 million people, making it one of the most destructive epidemics in recorded history. Somebody is infected with the deadly HIV virus every 8 seconds, equivalent to 11,000 infections worldwide every day, while another 8,000 infected people die.

Lets take this opportunity, through World AIDS Day and join millions worldwide to unite and fight against HIV and AIDS. Its up to you, me and us to stop the spread of HIV and end the prejudice. This years theme for World AIDS Day is "Stop AIDS, Keep the Promise".

PARTY...!

2006-11-29T23:18:00.000+08:00

You know about the many stories former or current trainees tell you about...the one where theres heaps of parties to attend. Well...lets just say it so damn true! Theres just so many that its inevitable that sometimes you need to take a break from them, learn how to say no...or just dont show up at all! Parties too can sometimes be sooo monotonous, ie drinks, dancing, see who makes out with who, etc.

Well this entry is about parties that stands out! Its a rare and amazing gem that has everything a really good party should have, besides the usual and the fact that everyone who is everyone are all there. So rare that the moment the first promo mail is sent, hype surrounds it like how bees to pollen. So amazing that you party the whole Saturday night and you spend the whole Sunday raving about it!

Pics of the crib, the deco's and food!

This party was held 2 Saturdays ago and it was organized by the PORTUGUESE SPEAKING trainee community. Notice the highlight as I for one am not taking credit for it...simply because i wasnt part of the organizing committee (OC)....simply because despite what its worth, my Portuguese blood (all 2% of it) doesnt qualify me automatically! So all Brazilians (last count was 4) and all Portuguese (2) trainees were the Ocs, hyping up the event two weeks before, preparing traditional food, drinks, music etc. As for me...despite having a Brazilian colleague working a backhand slap distance from where i sit...knowing full well I would be coming and all...I had to still provide an RSVP confirming my attendance! The travesty!! My ancestors would have turned in their graves! It made a mockery out of my 2%!

L-R: Sandro (Bra), random(Bra), Manu (Bra), Segala(Bra), Paula (Port), Tathi (Bra) and Pedro(Port)

The party was also a house warming event for Portuguese Paula...baptizing the most coolest crib i ve seen for some time, all pimped up with Ikea juice! She probably set the bar up there in terms of having your own apartment!

With the crib all decked out in Portuguese and Brazilian colours...the mood was set! Music at full blast...smell of traditional food baking in the oven...plus the inevitable lemon (some say lime) smell from making caipirinhas...soon everyone came in droves. Last count was a good 50 people in Paulas place.

The atmosphere was simply amazing...alcohol was in abundance (not that I was soooo into it)...much rapport happening...the occasional 3 or 4 people already showing their low tolerance to alcohol rather soon! First person passed out at about 10pm...!

Party people

Random funny moments include this Romanian dude who got really wasted...tried to dance with every single GIRL he could get his hands on only to be rejected! Poor Phillipina Jennie Lee had to scurried off as she was grabbed from behind by this dude! Out of desperation, he was left dancing alone with a Scrat…from Ice Age!

Scrat and his Caipirinha

ME and the nights "hotties"

Another scene happened nearing the end of the party, when an elderly couple arrived unannounced. As the host was already into her hour mark stuck in the toilet...we were confused as who do this group belong too. They began asking for drinks, we politely obliged, soon 4 other random people arrived. Then it hit us that these were random party crashers! Apparently the excuse one elderly miss gave for being there was that she was looking for her husband (she actually searched in the balcony even!)!

I’ve learnt a few things…you know it’s a great party when;
- Hype surrounds the promo
- Ppl passing out by 10…followed by the HOST a couple of hours later
- Scrat was even having a caipirinha!
- People arrive unannounced…then more random ppl arriving on the pretext of searching for spouses.
- Ppl actually staying back to clean up…gestures of appreciation I presume.
- You spend the whole Sunday raving bout Saturday’s party.

Trip to You-Kay!

2006-11-14T03:14:00.000+08:00

Mini Tarts:
I had a NIGHTMARE last night...i dreamt i was in this really beautiful city, along the highways were nice, lushing greens, even a billboard of my company was there...i thought i was in familiar territories aka HOME, till i realised...i was in SINGAPORE!
GOSCH!

Ok forgive my "scown" folly...it wasnt intentional Wendy.
Stupid me havent eaten one yet...what more spell it!
Sigh...

Nevertheless...the top of the pops of my lovely YOU-KAY visit, sans British accent (i still love the Aussie accent most, but it was fantastic listening to the varied accents of the good ol Queen's language!).

Check it out at bonniearthur.blinklife.com
...scown not included.

Above pic is THE London Pic...the Tower Bridge by night. And below is a London collage.

London calling...

2006-11-02T23:52:00.000+08:00

"London Bridge is falling down, falling down, falling down...

London Bridge is falling down...my fair Lady"

While it will never ever happen...but for many Malaysians that would probably be the first time ever they're introduced to London and its famous bridge. For me, the city has captured my imagination ever since that song...plus the country has always been a reference to all the books that i ve read and loved (from Robin Hood to King Arthur, from Brer Rabbit to Mr Meddler, from FHM UK to Maxim UK). Plus i absolutely love Brit Pop and rock...Also my all time fav shopping place was Topshop, based in London. Not to mention being an addict to the English Premier League...thanks to it i ve widen my geographical knowledge of England!

Today, in a few hours time will mark the first time i am going to visit London...ok to be more exact England...but London will be on Friday. Nevertheless i ve never been more excited about a trip such as this...am brimming with anticipation here! I remember once sharing with good friend Petrina back in uni days of how one day i am gonna walk in London...shop in Topshop while wearing a trench coat and having a scown while sipping tea! Oh boy...its sooo materialising siall!!! Trench coat and all!!

And making it possible is Dee...(thanks sooo much!), living near Nottingham (area of my ultimate childhood hero...Robin Locksley from the Hood, like literally the Hood!). So its gonna be fantastic...i ve got my itinary planned, meeting some other friends as well...its good to go!

From the famed Underground to Buckingham Palace, from Westminster Abbey to Number 10 Downing Street, from Big Ben to the River Thames...i ve heard it all....now i am gonna be there!!

So...i ve got my Big Ben (hahahah!!) and i ve got a fair Lady being my tour guide in London Bridge...awesemmm!!!

Can i have my hour back please?

2006-11-01T00:52:00.000+08:00

Mini Tarts:

1) You know you ve been Germanised when you say "Gosh" Germanly..."Gosch"! Hahahaha!

2) Its Halloween...

3) Oh my Gosch!!!

Back in Bolehland, the only people who knows about the Daylight Savings Time would probably be followers of the English Premier League...or those who happen to chance upon it in the papers. For us in Asia mostly, live games are now an hour later...means sleeping much more later...and worst would be Champions League games, instead of 2.30am its 3.30am!!

Not realising when exactly it happens, imagine the reality check that i am in Europe when people were all reminding each other to turn the clock back an hour on Sunday, 3am!

I was like..."So, we all turn this together?" "Is there a specific time to do it?"

Ok, being all 'jakun' about it...i thought wouldnt it be cool to have an extra hour of sleep...or, hey, its a Sat night, we were after all at a party...and its AN EXTRA HOUR of party!!

Blue area - Areas that observe daylight saving time

Orange - Areas that once observed daylight saving time

Red - Areas that have never observed daylight saving time

Of course this being something which i am going through for the first time, naturally i ll wiki it!

So, its commonly used in temperate regions...which explains why most south east Asian countries dont know what the heck it is, simply because theres equal balance of daylight and nighttime. Often touted as energy conservation (how ridiculous!?), people tend to use less energy if theres more sunlight. But thats how it began, ppl lobbied it through hard facts stating energy really is conserved if this hour is brought forward or backward, depending on the amount of daylight there is.

It usually begins by bringing the hour forward on the last Sunday of March, then bringing it back on the last Sunday of October (at least agreed within the EU). Which explained last Sunday's extra hour! Now its 7 hours away from Malaysian time!!! And there are more and more recent countries buying this whole Daylight Savings Time idea. And to answer Alicia's question of how do people know its THAT time of the year...well its not as if like puasa (fasting) time, where there is this guy from the Kings courtyard with the cap mohor saying "Esok kita raya!" (tommorow we celebrate end of Ramadhan) Theres no one saying "Tommorow at 3am, we re gonna turn the hour back to 2am!", but merely reminders via media.

Personally i dont buy it...but its important enough that your own Microsoft OS changes it automatically for you! I think its weird for ppl for changing and resetting their clocks twice every year...imagine those huge clock towers, which are of course NOT DIGITAL!! Imagine changing the clock hands of Big Ben!! Or any clock towers for goodness sake!

Nevertheless i had an extra hour of party...plus an extra hour of sleep...sayyy, i am beginning to like this idea!

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!!!

Thank God its Flyyyday!!!

2006-10-27T20:41:00.000+08:00

Mini Tarts:
1) To all October Babies...HAPPY BIRTDHAY!
And specially to Al...HAPPY QUARTER of a CENTURY!!
Heaps of kisses...!

2) Been following the developments back home. Good to see Dr Mahathir using the blogosphere to spread his message! Sayyy...how ironic?! And my hero of the moment...Dr Lim Teck Ghee, check out his interview on http://www.sun2surf.com/article.cfm?id=15882
Memorable quotes...

"Finding another job and leaving the country for me - like for many Malaysians presently abroad - is really the last option. We cherish our country, we are in for the long haul and want to contribute to a better society"

"There is a saying that 'truth and roses have thorns about them.' We must be prepared to be scratched and bloodied to arrive at the truth"

"You know how we like others to consider our country as a successful experiment in multi-racial living. I fear we are like the emperor walking around with no clothes, well, maybe with few clothes. For we are in reality really, really a deeply polarised country with cracks developing everywhere we look, and the situation is getting worse."

There are some cultural differences here that are similar to back home...or of similarities in people or way of life. For instance how some Germans (but mostly the immigrants from Turkey and North Africa) are similar to some Chinese in the sense that they take pride in the oral discharge of internal liquids, not to mention the acoustic accompanying of lungs + stomach air pressure!

But what i would like to highlight in this entry is the professional culture towards FRIDAYs in Germany! We all love Fridays...dont we! We even thank God for it!

For those not in the know, in Malaysia EVERYONE is used to the fact that Friday is nearly the same as working half day! As the majority of the population takes the necessary 3 hour lunch break (lunch,find parking,prayers,hang out,wait for other cars to leave as they re blocking yours,smoking, leaving the car park etc) on top of their morning coffee break and evening tea breaks, its definitely a free and easy day! Knowing full well that of course the nations productivity level still maintains as non malay companies or individuals are working their asses off...after all it is a normal working day to them nevertheless.

So its not unusual to see the city half dead by 4pm onwards, or theres less traffic...and offices empty or half full (being optimistic here) on Friday evenings. After several of this corporate cultures from my working experiences in KL, none ever had the "Friday is half day" mentality...for us its business as usual!

Well, imagine my surprise when this "Friday is half day mentality" is very much alive and well here!! The Tower's inhabitants are ALL gone by 3pm...lunch time you ll see half filled cafeterias, by 2pm if you walk at any of the floors you wont be surprised by eerily dead silence but just the deafening sound of your foot steps and your farts echo! Its as if God created Fridays so that we re able to take it easy after 4 HARDWORKING DAYS...then Saturday to party and Sunday to recupperate for the following week!

One of the many example of the Friday is half day mentality happened today, and its a classic! I was mailing a manager explaining i couldnt call her, hence the mail and its content. Her reply...and i quote, "Thanks for your feedback. It's Friday - sorry for not being reachable."

RESPEK! And heres my reply....
"... Cheers, and have a productive Friday!"

Well, as they say..."When in Rome, do what the Romans do!"
Oh by the way...i hate the fact that i couldnt get things done as many managers are "unreachable" during this day!

Enjoy the weekend!

Orang Cina Bukan Cina

2006-10-25T22:09:00.000+08:00

Mini Tarts:
Going through youtube some time ago and imagine my surprise when you type "AIESEC"!
And the fact that AIESEC Malaysia is using this super cool way to promote their events...BRAVO GUYS!
All the best for NLDS 06 in Penang...and Nish, nice ad with the food! I was salivating a pool here in Bonn!

Ok, memandangkan yang saya tidak pernah blog dalam Bahasa Kebangsaan negara tercinta saya...dan setelah mendapati yang Bahasa Melayu saya sudah makin lama makin raput (akibat cuba berbahasa Melayu dengan rakan karib saya yang Cina, Alan...kerana nak meng-anjing betina-kan hal hal)...dan memandangkan yang subjek ini mungkin sensitif jika dibaca oleh orang yang tidak memahami perspektif saya, inilah petikan saya yang pertama dalam Bahasa Melayu!

Setelah beberapa bulan saya menginap di Bonn, saya telah menjalin beberapa hubungan dengan ramai kawan (bukan perempuan...itu cerita lain), ramai yang menjadi hubungan yang karib dan ada yang cuma sekadar "hi and bye". Komuniti pelatih di Bonn kini makin lama makin besar, dan ada juga segilintir yang datang dari negara yang sama, maka terciptalah komuniti mereka sendiri. Contohnya dari Brazil, Romania dan termasuk juga komuniti yang berbangsa Cina. Subjek saya adalah mengenai komuniti ini...yang mana saya juga terdiri daripada, walaupun cuma 50%, ataupun lebih tepat tiga suku! Oleh kerana tiga suku ini saya rasa perspektif ini lebih patut dilihat sebagai...dengan sedihnya,"memalukan".

Mengapa memalukan? Ia bukan kerana komuniti ini tidak menganggap saya sebagai member mereka, dengan Manderin saya yang begitu "hebat" dan Hokkien saya yang lagi "HEBAT"...tidak, bukan kerana itu. Mereka cuma tahu yang saya separuh Cina...itu saja. Walaupun saya cuba berbahasa Manderin dengan mereka, mereka masih seperti tidak menganggap saya seperti geng mereka. Ia bukan kerana juga yang mata saya tidak sepet...malah lebih tinggi berbanding purata 4 atau 5 kaki tinggi mereka...ataupun yang saya tidak makan dengan bunyi yang kuat! Saya tidak cemburu...tapi malu.

Malu kerana geng ini selalu dengan orang mereka sendiri! Malu kerana mereka tidak mahu mengambil kesempatan untuk mempelajari tradisi, adat resam ataupun hormati bangsa bangsa lain. Malu kerana nak jadi katak bawah tempurung! Malu kerana tidak berfikiran terbuka!Tetapi...bukankah tujuan program AIESEC ini adalah membawa pelbagai personaliti dari serata dunia untuk mempelajari antara satu sama lain, di samping mendapat peluang pembangunan profesional diri?? Nampaknya mereka cuma ingin berjumpa bangsa mereka sendiri, makan dengan bangsa mereka sendiri dan tidak mengendahkan orang lain. Beginikah bangsa Cina ingin memaparkan diri mereka, komuniti mereka? Sedihnya...itulah yang disimpulkan oleh komuniti pelatih di sini, dan saya sedih...dan juga malu.

Mengapa harus makan kuih bulan dengan geng sendiri dan SAYA harus menceritakan tradisi perayaan Kuih Bulan? Mengapa harus duduk dengan geng sendiri dan SAYA harus memberitahu yang mereka mungkin tidak memahami cerita kami atau mungkin ada perkara penting untuk berbincang? Tetapi jikalau setiap hari...saya tiada lagi penjelasan!

Mengapa saya menjadi referandum kepada komuniti pelatih ini? Kerana saya juga BANGSA CINA (dan bangga juga!)! Dan disebabkan situasi begini, saya dilihat seperti Orang Cina, Bukan Cina!

Dan sebagai referandum...inilah senarai soalan soalan yang telah ditanya...
- Mengapa mereka HIRUP pasta kuat kuat sampai 4 meja boleh dengar, di samping mulut dan bibir diselaputi sos merah atau putih??
- Mengapa mereka MINUM sup KUAT KUAT?
- Mengapa bau mereka begitu busuk? Mengapa bawa bahan bahan masak yang busuk (rempah) dan masak di BILIK TIDUR? (masak di bilik tidur boleh menjejaskan bau pakaian, maka mereka datang pejabat dengan bau...hangit!) Saya bau dengan hidung saya sendiri salah satu rumah pelatih, dengan seorang pelatih Cina, biliknya begitu busuk baunya seperti kedai runcit dan ubat Cina! Bagi saya ia perkara yang mungkin boleh ditahan, tapi hidung Brazil, Venezuela and Hungary memang tidak boleh tahan, dan saya kesian mereka.
- Mengapa mereka makan dengan bunyi KUAT dengan mulut tidak ditutup?

Dan sebagai Orang Cina Bukan Cina, mereka mengharapkan yang saya boleh tolong membangkitkan perkara ini. Aduhai...macam mana la babe!?

Apa yang saya dapati ialah komuniti pelatih bukan Cina telah mencuba sedaya upaya untuk memahami pelatih Cina...tetapi soalannya, adakan pelatih bangsa Cina telah mencuba untuk memahami budaya, adat istiadat ataupun cara hidup orang lain?

Daripada komuniti ini, saya mendapati salah seorang daripada mereka yang mencuba. Dan saya memang suka dia, dia agak lucu, sedikit berfikiran terbuka...dan bagi saya, kalau dia pandai berjenaka, saya memang sukanya! Ini bermula dengan namanya sendiri, dalam bahasa Inggeris boleh diterjemahkan terus kepada "SIAPA BAGAIMANA"!!
Dan si SIAPA ini pandai berjenaka dengan namanya...dan saya respek lah kalau begitu.
Antara pelbagai jenaka namanya..."SIAPA bapa kamu?", "SIAPA si lelaki!", "SIAPA, BAGAIMANA buat begitu?"...dan banyak lagi! (memang kena berbahasa Inggeris untuk mendapat jenaka ini)

Pelatih lain sekarang melihat saya sebagai orang Cina yang sepatutnya...tapi saya rasa ia silap. Tidak tahulah saya...tapi yang pastinya saya masih ingin menjadi rapat dengan komuniti Cina di Bonn.

Dengan itu, saya akhiri petikan saya dengan serangkap pantun.

Makan dengan mulut ternganga

Bau pun bukannya sempurna

Hirup sup kuat tak terhingga

Itulah alkisah Orang Cina Bukan Cina

Saya harap tiada Orang Cina akan terasa daripada petikan ini, tetapi boleh menasihati saya bagaimana saya boleh memperbaiki imej bangsa Cina di antara komuniti pelatih di Bonn.

Portuguese Tart - Business Trips

2006-10-17T22:59:00.000+08:00

"Business trips"...the mere mention of it by friends always got me looking like Kermit the Frog (read: green with envy!).

Sometimes it was almost unbelievable hearing them COMPLAINING bout it...but hey, they ve achieved "frequent flyer" status...and me, just watching from the ground, planes taking off and landing!

I guess all that is gonna change soon!

What started as a personal review with my boss to discuss work and also future plans resulted in the nicest surprise ever!

Now for those not in the know, apparently my boss has this reputation amongst the trainee community for being quite a character! When i begun my traineeship i ve got numerous "congratulatory remarks" along the lines of...

"So you re the MBA Coordinator...good luck with your boss!"

"Oh your boss is so and so right...i heard so many things bout her..."

Well those were all nothing if you wanna compare to the fact that there is a little subtopic of "how to handle your boss" in my transition file!

All in all...her previous interns were all ladies, but i guess some (sexy...hahaha!) hormonal balance in the team in the form of me and Segala brought a little harmony to her! So i must say, we ve never seen her blow her top yet...but we did have a teaser here and there! And for me professionaly, having worked with 4 different lady bosses (i prefer them to men), one a highly successful career woman and wife, one a divorcee with a daughter, one that was your typical average ladylike mother of two boss...and now the current one being in the category of 'career first, steadfast, early 40s and single', its somehow a different ball game. But both me and Segala agree, its really good professionally working under her, we just need to anticipate when and how to handle her numerous moods!

So it wasnt long when i read the synopsis of the book "The Devil Wears Prada",

of which i havent watch the movie yet...but the first person that came to mind was none other than our boss! And Segala couldnt agree more!

Anyways (long digression), back to my review. One of my main tasks involves planning and organizing my boss's tour to all the major Business Schools to promote our company's MBA Internship Program. After finishing the Indian tour (she went to the Indian School of Mgmt in Ahmedabad and Bangalore) and now planning the US schools...the timing was opportune for me to see my value in terms of being there physically during the tours itself. Plus after a string of very good personal meets with Sandra and Segala...i hope to be the third recipient of the "good mood" period!

And so during the meeting;

"So Boss, what are the possibilities of me participating in this tours myself? I believe it ll be great for me to be on the field and seeing how the whole program works on the external marketing side."

And her reply..."Sure (shrugging her head), why not!? I already had you in mind to do it too."

Oh gosh...man everything after that during the meeting was a blur as i was already thinking of what to say to Segala!! Hearing that just brought this internship opportunity a few notches up from GOOD to EXCELLENT!!!

So looking at the UK and Europe Business Schools locations...I am gonna say HELLO to UK (several locations, London and Manchester included...hello Old Trafford!), CIAO to Milan, BONJOUR to Paris and OLA to Barcelona!!

Although not being sure about it till i see the tickets myself...knowing that the green light has been given just sums up an amazing feel to last weekend!

Nevertheless...i am soooo looking forward to my "Business Trips"! Well the Devil wears Prada has turned into an Angel wears Versace!

My one-third review (10th May - 11th Sept 2006)

2006-10-12T01:24:00.000+08:00

Thats the tower of the company i work, juxtaposed by the summer end sunset.

I ve been wanting to do this post as a quarterly review of my one year here. Entering into my 5th month, there are heaps to review about. From my perspective of this country to my job, from my social life to living in Bonn...but nothing is to late to start anyways. So instead of doing a quarter review, lets just do a one third review (for every 4 months).

And thus, lets begin with Portuguese Tarts 1st third review, capturing moments and highlights from the moment he touched down in Germany (10th May 2006) to his 4th month, (Sept 11th 2006).

Portuguese Tart and Germany
- The people are ACTUALLY friendly, people do say "hello", or "hAllo" here despite being new.
- I ve met Germans who do have a sense of humor, but i ve met these people before anyways.
- The national unity behind their country was unprecedented during the World Cup, boosted of course by the ever present alcohol! But then flags are all brought down and not publicly shown, it indeed brought back memories of war time Germany for someone to be "so nationalistic", but i believe its just feelings within this country only. Totally didnt know it was deemed "sensitive" to be waving the German flag.
- Funny how you re able to drink so publicly, anyone could just bring a bottle of beer around anywhere! And then this brings to what i find totally despicable, bloody drunkards all around the streets!
- You would think that in China, or the Chinese in particular would flood your streets with phlegm and saliva! Well you ll be shocked to know that it seems the louder you cough up your phlegm here, the more manly you are! And spitting in style is supposedly in fashion! Gross...!
- Weather here has been really nice, i came at the right time of summer! As it has ended, it does get a little chilly but the sun is our most of the times. And i love the sun out with chilly winds...and its doing wonders to my breathing (i have sinus), so knock on wood, i have not had the flu or fever ever since! Hearing that its hazy once again in Boleh Land makes me really lucky to be breathing fresh, summer or autumn air!
- Bureaucracy is always a pain...and thus the "its so German" assurance! Or the mentality of not being flexible. Example; I asked the canteen operator for an extra bit of chicken on my lousy pasta and he says "only 1"! KNN!
- Now who say German girls are ALWAYS big...theres always really gorgeous ones around (surprising fact though), and they re as slim as the Chinese babe in Bukit Bintang! But when they re BIG...they re HUGE!!! They put the capital 'O' in Obesity!! I meant the men too ok...which explains the huge servings during meal time!

Portuguese Tart and Work
- Work is simply GREAT! You know it when you wake up eager to go to office, or staying late just to complete some errands! Not only am i responsible for the MBA Internship Program in general, i am part of a team of coordinators that work on Internship Programs of the company. Hence i am also in charge of the marketing materials of all programs plus touching a little on the induction itself. And if i am able to travel to the many Business schools we work with (think Milan, Barcelona, London, Paris...), that would just be very very SWEET!
- I ve got great colleagues, plus the two other trainees that are coordinators! Namely Sandra and Segala...and how me and Segala especially hit it off is really awesome! Not to mention Elias, the other Brazilian in Miami. Imagine working really well in a team of 3 in Bonn, plus 2 more in Miami and Singapore! No wonder the Boss commented on our team...the GIP (Groupwide Internship Program) Team.

- Every lunch time would be awesome as we ll meet other trainees and NEVER EVER fail to have a super time! Our group will always be the loudest, noisiest and coolest!

Portuguese Tart and Trainees
- Inevitably these will be the people that will form the crux of your social life here, and i have been lucky to be blessed with such an amazing group of internationals that really has provided 80% of the magic in my traineeship! Being a people oriented person, i thrive in this really wonderful group, soaking in their enthusiasm, learning everything i could from each and everyone of them and enjoying every others company while it lasts.
- What i didnt prepare while being abroad was the friendships that will be lost while in a traineeship! Totally unexpected...you re always preparing the logistics, for your job, how to settle in etc, but never how to cope with losing people you re dear with! Thats whats been happening over the past few weeks...indeed affecting me very deeply! Two people whom i am here for (Amit and Mon) has left, people whom you ve grown to be affectionate and like so much (where do i even begin...Eva, Dee, Piyush, Andrew, Claudia...) have all left.

Me and Natasha

Me and Andrew >

Me and Clau>Me with Mon and AmitMe and Piyush

Me and Dee

Me and Eva

- But not all people are perfect and you would expect a few black sheeps. These people who either dont appreciate the cultural differences, not respecting other individuals, lack of proactivity and personality or plain dumb and ignorant will forever be labelled the black sheep, despite our efforts of "understanding" them. Sad but true, most of them are of half the race i am.
- All in all...the ones that are close will forever be bonded and the friendships formed will never be duplicated. Surprisingly indeed, i have much guy friends that i am closer here than back home, ratio wise. :)

Portuguese Tart and Learning
- You ll be really stupid and dumbright ignorant not to learn anything new if presented with the opportunity such as what i am going through.
- As such, although rather ironic that i am picking it up in a non latin country, but yes...I know how to salsa!! My "dummies guide to Salsa" class went on for nearly 2 months! My partner in crime was Jennie Lee and we ve gone from "ouch my foot" to "look at us dance"! Our little meringue lesson also wiped out any imagination of us humping one another from the back as we re practically were HUMPING EACH OTHER FROM THE BACK! Grrowwwll...! And instead of being complimented for my dancing, the instructor said "he is good in bed" while pointing at me after a series of warm up humpings. Head blew up with ego juice as the whole class looked at me doing my humps...there were quite a few cun chicks there too!
- And of course, i ve been learning the language. Started a little late, but in Segala i ve got the best classmate ever, you know you ll be better than him in pronounciation! Ahahaha! So i consider flirting in German to be my ultimate goal... *winks*, now lets see how "du bis das bomben" would generate a reaction!
- Also, not to mention i ve learnt how to drive on the left...oh wait...right side of the road...at speeds of over 200kmph! Now, seatbelts are on the left, not the right!

Portuguese Tart and Travelling
- One of the biggest reason for being in Europe is that i am able to be a travel whore overnight! With the cheap rates and multiple ways to travel, not to mention heaps of places to go...being at home on a weekend in Bonn has become slightly rare!
- So read on be jealous...Berlin, Baltic Sea, Brussels, Brugge, Cologne, Gent, Munich, Rotterdam, Warsaw...nice! Money is scarce but i will need to budget them for this, apart from saving for family. So up next would be UK, Amsterdam...and am still hoping and praying that when people ask me where was I during Christmas and New Year... I am able to answer "Christmas in Lisbon and New Years in Madrid".

All my trips in a collage

So to sum it all up...here are the TOP 10 Portuguese Tart eXPeriences (not in order)
1) Being in Germany for the World Cup and soaking in the football mania!
2) Crying on the first weekend alone here.
3) Octoberfest in Munich (ok so its after 11th Sept, who cares!)
4) Berlin trip (parade, dancing, Snickers moment...)
5) Amazing work related trip to Warsaw for Intl Congress and meeting Malaysian friends there!
6) Doing a great...no make it really good job in the MBA Networking Event, organizing this one after only 1.5 months here for MBA Interns, Managers, HR and Board Members...and getting heaps of compliments. Still, wouldnt have done this without the help of predecessor Natasha.
7) Amazing friendships formed...and the more ;)
8) Emotional trauma with friends leaving
9) The sending off (I have to put this in...still play it in my mind soo much)
10) Knowing that you re being missed...

SAM Conference in Bielefeld, 6-7th Oct

2006-10-10T20:44:00.000+08:00

One of the perks of being in the Coordinators Team is that i work closely with the other AIESEC coordinators, namely Sandra and Segala. Sandra being the German AIESEC Coordinator and Segala, the Global Coordinator. This means any AIESEC related events involving our company will involve my participation (the "could be less catatrophic launch" in IC, Poland was another example).

The Latin Coordinators (mininum 2%)

The HUGE cake

So with our company celebrating its 10th year of partnership with AIESEC in Germany, we re heading up north to Bielefeld for a national strategic conference called SAM (Strategic Alignment whatchaMacallit...dont really know what) where our company will once again celebrate the decade of cooperation, the key word being CELEBRATE. Like all great ideas, they would like to emulate our idea of a celebration held in Poland here too! So bring out the HUGE CAKE, balloons, party atmosphere and wait a minute...the confetti cannons wouldnt work here as they planned to have a chill out atmosphere with candles all around...and confettis might burn!

With Sandra helming this one now, i was merely the person in charge of music! It was way exciting than Segalas...he wasnt sure of his new role of Nothing To Do Executive! Oh yeah, i was in charge of navigation too...(thank God for Google maps!), whereas Segala would be driving! Wasnt that much to plan for this event, but did get into some unnecessary little debate of which sequence is better; Boss speech, cut huge birthday cake, birthday song (Sandra's) vs Boss speech, birthday song, cut huge birthday cake (could be anyone elses common sense idea). The debate went on till we re to confirm it during the dry run!

Cool thing bout events like this is that its considered a "businees trip"! So on with the company car (a sweet Audi wagon with a GPS). Turns out all my maps printed was a mere waste as we could make do with the GPS, even if its in German!

Trip was pleasant and it took us not more than 3 hours...we were put in a cute hotel (sigh...i cant complain) on some hills, akin to those cottage houses in Cameron Highlands! Short while later we had one of the OCs to transport us to the venue some 15minutes away.

After lunch and it was straight to the dry run, our session begins at 6. We ve decided not to go with Sandra's sequence (duhh!), plus also we could push the cake in...this time with sparklers and some fireworks! Awesome!! Although the cake didnt look that pleasing...it was rather plain. Huge yes...all yellow with our black logo on it. Hmmm...but well if its employer branding...that ll do the job!

As for the Nothing To Do Executive, i was introducing him the art of Corporate survival...a concept Sun Tzu wouldnt have thought of...the Art of LLB (Look Like Busy)! Well as we were there doing nothing, while the other people were arranging chairs and the plenary room, we decided to "help"...that is to just move around some chairs and act like its the most complicated thing to do. Note that if you do the facial expressions the wrong way...it might look as if you re constipating! So practise is all thats needed!

Dry runs over...where the heck is Boss? A few panicky moments later, she arrived half an hour before our start! A collective sigh of relief later...and it was our event.

Crowd with their yellow caps

Along with Segala, as we re both from the National Committee of our respective AIESEC countries, we were curious to see how conferences in Germany ran. Plus this was a strategic one...which means you ll have the executive boards of all local committees here. With that, let me just say how many local committees AIESEC in Germany has...over 30! Wasnt sure of the exact number...but this is heck a lot!

Venue of where the Celebration gonna take place and cake being rolled out

Anyways, our event went really well! Freebies like caps, notepads, memo pads and bags were given away, Sandras session went well (especially for the boys) plus I didnt screw up on the ppt clicks! On with the celebration, and you have to give it to German efficiency...they set the venue up in less than 30mins and when we came back, balloons were hung and candles were everywhere! The place was awesome! Had that pleasant, romantic feel to it as well...then the birthday cake rolled out after the short toast by the Boss, cake cutting, photo session...everyone loved it! Nice...!

Our "reserved" dinner table and one of the sessions we were observing.

Very cool AIESEC Promo materials

So...work was done! And its time for the "Red and Yellow" Party...which will happen close to midnight. We sent our boss back (shes got a MUST NOT MISSED appointment with her hairdresser in Koln the next morning!), we then headed back to the hotel for some shut eye before heading back to the venue again. In between my nap i got a disturbing call from a new trainee, who sounded exasperated on the phone. "....Bonnie, theres a spider in my house!"
'§$%§"!&!!!!

Its not like the spider is up there or what! Horny little spider!

Anyways the party started slowly...turned up a few notch when the super cool dj (I'm being sarcastic!) played AIESEC dance songs! Sooo...it is the same as parties in Asia Pacific conferences after all! Well although you wont be surprised to see a few hooking up and making out in any avaiable (read: WARM) corners, but the party always never fail to live up when there are AIESEC songs played! Gosh...its either they dont know what PARTY means or they only know how to dance to pre determined dance steps!! Sigh...so when mine and Segala's fav office Monday song came up ("I Cant Wait for the Weekend to Begin"), we were the only ones dancing in the dance floor! How fantastic!?

No prizes for guessing what they re doing...and i didnt know George Michael was an AIESECer!?

Hmmm...looks similar?? Well thats cuz they're sisters! Anna's loving Mace(donia) and Kate's asking me whats 2+2. Small world...the one on the left is the LCP while the one on the right is the "Snickers Girl".

Oh by the way...surprise of the night came in the form of one of the AIESEC dance songs. Now the bhangra dance song (Tunak Tun) have been one of Europes favourites...which started during the 2001 Natl Leadership Development Seminar, now another Malaysian creation is gaining popularity, and i am puzzled at how! It was the "Si Swah Swah" song from AIESEC in UTM...and i wanted to make sure if this was the exact same moves (not that i remembered all), but i do remember the Washing-window-with-a-sponge-move"...so this must be the same one! PRetty awesome...despite me not liking AIESEC dances, you re still proud how dances from your own country are becoming favourites elsewhere in the world!

Oh and funny...when i was in the toilet there was a huge flipchart with marker pens tied to it for you to cast your vote of Most Prettiest! Sandra confirmed there was something similar in the girls loo too!
Creative...!

Of course the party was complete with FREE alcohol...although i was fine with apple juice! Looks like beer...tastes even better!

Me and Segala noted this sad observation though...not that we were desperate for friends, but in our own countries, when we see 2 random trainees in an AIESEC conference, we talk to them and make them feel welcomed! Well, except for 2 or 3 people, that wasnt the case here. We didnt want to conclude, but it was inevitable, at the end we were questioning the same thing we question countries with lots of trainees...Do you see your Trainees as mere numbers, or their country's ambassadors to your country? Well...its up to them!

Anyways we re back only at 4am! We had to get up at 10 for our breakfast and head to Munster, some random place near Bielefeld which i wiki'ed and thought it was nice to visit. Well, what we didnt anticipate was shitty weather and that pretty much spoilt our plans. To conclude, Munster was cute...we had lunch and coffee there (plus deelicious apfelstrudel!) then left for home! I wished we could stay longer at the conference...to understand how the local AIESEC conferences ran and would love to also interact and get into a few discussion with them. I am sure this wont be the last German AIESEC conference for me.

Colors and sights of Münster

October Fest; 22nd - 24th September

2006-10-02T20:39:00.000+08:00

Gorgeous Girls...

Crazy, Thrilling Rides...!

And heaps of THIS!!!

Head on over to bonniearthur.blinklife.com for the Best of October Fest!!

It took a while to upload it as i was recovering from my hangover...and yes, i ll try to not make it looonnnggg (so iluvtina wont complain about too many words...!).

Sommerfest at the Tower

2006-09-22T21:10:00.000+08:00

One of the most anticipated events of the summer amongst the employees have always been the annual Sommerfest (Summer Fest). Held within the vicinity of the Tower, the event is highlighted by lots of free food, games, live performances and the disco (sounds 70’s but its typical clubbing music).

It has always been the highlight of trainees past and present (the ones that stayed longer) and one never fails to hear of this persons experience or that persons experience during SOMMERFEST.

Well, the publicity of this years event had begun nearly a month ago…and finally it has arrived!

Held last Thursday (14th Sept) from 3pm…offices were already empty from lunch time onwards. But as the coordinators need to prepare a VERY IMPORTANT PRESENTATION to the new Head of Dept the very next day at 10am, we know we had to finish heaps of work plus not staying till reaaalllyy late!

As the promotion went;
- breaking of the keg by the CEO at 3.45pm
- drinks and food at very low price (1 euro for all)
- live performances
- 8pm, mega disco by DJ Bjorn

The moment they saw that they had to pay…everyone went up in arms! “It has been FREE all the while, so doesn’t mean if the company is on a major budget cut across all depts., doesn’t mean Sommerfest had to be spoilt!!”…echoed all employees.

Well I think if you would want to know the effectiveness of a “workers council”…this was one thing you wouldn’t want them to go on strike for! So after about 3 weeks of promotions, they had to do a whole lot of new posters to promote the fact that…

“Food and drink for FREE”

Well we were a bit skeptical over the singular usage rather than the plural of “drink”, but anyways we were all happy nevertheless.

Party was in full swing from 3pm onwards…but before I left the Tower I saw a spot where they were giving FREE haircuts and styling! Being the Asian (or Malaysian) that I am…I quickly rushed and lined up for my free hair do! To complete the Asian lineup and proof that the event would be an Asian haven (since everything is FREE), Amit, Jennie Lee, a few Chinese as well as a UK born Chinese was lining up as well!

The result was a funky hairdo that is so unPortuguese Tart, plus a 45° angle Mohawk on Amit that’s not even on top of his head!
We nevertheless had fun watching our gay hair dresser cutting our hair. It was sure as thrilling as it was for us as it was for him to creatively redesign our tresses!

New hairdo, a few touchups for vanity sake in front of the mirror, more photoshoots and more free stuffs (shampoos and wax) later…we were ready to go out! Oh yeah…apparently we both agreed (and the others who had their hair cut) that getting a new look was far more important than seeing the event being officially opened by our CEO! And already people were calling me “AstroBoy”!!

There were heaps of tents, serving traditional German food, alcoholic and non alcoholic beverages, game booths and many more!! Its not that I savored all the really nice food…but I was savoring the fact that it was all FREE!! Yummy…

Really cool event, plus the fact that all trainees were there hanging out, we even brought some illegal ones in (read: Dee)!

The guys and me were literally stunned with the huge amount of gorgeous looking things which we never have met before! Even the canteen girl looked uber hot!! She actually had her hair made plus went for the free make up as well… a real life Cinderella!

The “mega disco” which followed during the night wasn’t a disappointment either, although the music choice was a little too lousy! I guess for some it was a bit weird seeing colleagues whom you ve never seen away from the office really partying like mad! Some was still in their suits on the dance floor!! You know when the alcohol and wine is FREE you’d expect this to happen! We were busy spotting if the CEO would be on the dance floor though! Super awesome time…but it had to end before midnight as me and the coordinators got some presentations the next day.

Cool thing about having events like this on a Thursday, it just compliments the Friday Feeling…where there is no mood to work, come in with a hangover, or leaving before lunch!

What about the presentation...it was POSTPONED to the following week! KNNCCB!!

Sommerfest at the Tower

Me and Amit with our new "do", the Astro Boy look and the "tilted Mohawk"!
The Sommerfest poster of 2005 The Sommerfest poster of 2006

Mega disco...

And speaking of Fest’s…

It is known as the LARGEST PEOPLE’S FAIR IN THE WORLD, with over 6 million people visiting it!

30% of the year's production of beer by Munich breweries will be consumed in the two weeks of celebration.

12,000 People are employed, of these, 1600 are waitresses (75% are C cups and above)

There is available seating for 100,000 people.
6 million mugs of beer was sold in 2005 (5.5 million in 2004) alone…

Roasted oxen: 88
Sausages: 219,443 pairs
Roast chickens: 459,279

Yup…after work today, along with 20other trainees, we re heading to Munich for OCTOBERFEST!!! Well, to celebrate the occasion, I would actually DRINK THE BEER there! A once in a lifetime opportunity and much to the envy of my beer drinking Malaysian friends…I would be there!
Come what may…sober or drunk, you ll be posted!

"You ll love it in Poland i tell you..."

2006-09-08T23:35:00.000+08:00

“You ll love it in Poland I tell you! The girls will go crazy especially since you re a foreigner! There are soo many beautiful girls in Poland and the guys are all ugly…”. Those words from a Polish trainee was ringing in my head the whole time as I prepared for to leave Bonn with Segala and Sandra.

That apart, I was really excited over this trip for the reasons below;

- Being in International Congress (the BIGGEST AIESEC international conference for national committee members and presidents in their local chapters) for the 3rd time playing a third different role. Back in 04 in Hanover, I was a delegate. 05 in Agra I was part of the facilitator team (plus the mission of wanting to see what opportunities I could grab my hands on in terms of working abroad - that resulted in my being in Bonn now) and now in Warsaw, Poland…I am representing the external partners, seeing that my company is one of AIESEC’s biggest and long running partners.

- Coming back to an AIESEC conference once again. You have to trust me on this, nothing ever beats the energy and enthusiasm of young, dynamic people congregating in a huge plenary! The vibe really makes the hair on your back stand…the feeling is electric!!

- Meeting fellow Malaysians, this years delegation consist of good friend and country president Anisha (whose mum always want to talk to me about the powerful teachings of Amah), Sandy as the external relations (continuing the trend I started where we were Local committee president rejects but having 2nd chances in the National Committee), my mentee Yoke Yen (also my suc-successor) in charge of People Development and 3 local committee presidents, Kah Heng (of which I remember us having a chat on his future in AIESEC once in a bus in Penang), Ethan (very promising talent from UTM) and Shavonne from UKM (one of the many bright talents that have emerged from the local committee that I mentored).

- Meeting old AIESEC friends. These could be less than 20…or it could be over 100! I am not sure, but I know for sure I ll be seeing familiar faces around! And for that I d rather not expect too much…

- Representing the company I work for and showcasing it to a global plenary! Now this one I used to remember vividly how I envy those interns who was priviledged to wear the “yellow shirt from the yellow company”, simply because it has positioned itself as one of the leading companies to work for after your AIESEC experience. Now I got to play this role, something which I know I ll cherish and I would be proud off…and moreover I am responsible for the Partnership Re-launch, of which I promised that it would be the BOMB! A launch which no one has ever witnessed before!

Read all about this exciting journey to Warsaw, the fun times I had there and the people I met, a different virginity lost, the hectic traveling and much more…!

Its gonna be a looonnngggg one....but its worth it! Its all at bonniearthur.blinklife.com

My 2nd trip to Belgium - Aug 18th - 20th

2006-08-22T22:03:00.000+08:00

What am doing again in Belgium, you ask?
Does Eric really need a testosterone filled companion on the weekend?
Or was it because travelling to Leuven didnt hurt my wallet much...or was it the other way round?

Well, head to bonniearthur.blinklife.com to get the heads up of my 2nd trip in 2 weeks to Belgium, trust me...after this trip i ll never think of heading there anymore, unless if i do get a position in Brussels, of which i dont mind really!

This time round, we toured Brugge, the Venice of the North...famous for being touristy because of its medieval feel, rivers and waterways running through the city, the usual waffles and fries...and get this, LACES!

The waterways running through the city, hence the nickname of "Venice of the north"

The famous City Hall, part of the huge central square called the Markt, which is one of the UNESCO World Heritage sites.

Brugge is also famous for laces...

Ok,laces...the real thing.

My trip to Belgium 11th – 14th Aug.

2006-08-16T18:14:00.000+08:00

I was looking forward to this trip since Eric’s first visit to Bonn. I timed this to fit the Marktrock, one of Europe’s biggest urban music festival. Stupid thing is the event only starts on the 13th, simply because it has to end on the 15th, which is a national holiday in most parts of Europe, except Bonn! Its Mary’s ascension to heaven on that day…and perhaps country’s that feel more religious makes it a public holiday. Damn Bonn!

Here is the poster for the music fest that was Marktrock, most of them we dont know

My Belgium Itinary (work - Koln - Liege - Leuven - Gent - Brussels - Leuven - Marktrock - Koln - work)

So what is famous in Belgium? Having been there during my Euro trip back in summer 04, my 6 hours in Brussels gave me a very bad impression of the capital. I hope to change this mindset with this trip. Besides fries (which apparently originated here rather than France…but still we call it French fries), waffles and really nice chocolates…what else makes Belgium…Belgium?! What do they speak…Belglish? (ok…its either Flemish or French or Dutch…depending on the region). We had a conversation during my Baltic trip about what makes Belgium tick…and sadly the outcome of it was that yes…Belgium as a country seems like a land that is neither here nor there (vague…but put in terms of economy, people wise, culture and traditions). But it definitely was something which I want to find out too…which made this trip all the more like a mission! All the more because I originally wanted to go to Belgium for my internship, having lost out a really cool position to a crappy guy (yes, I am still bitter!), ironically the same place where Eric is doing his internship now, the world’s largest brewery. So in a way I am coming full circle with this possible scenario which I missed…living a life in Leuwen, through my trip here to Belgium.

So I ve got Dee (my travelling partner lately) and introducing to Portuguese Tart’s blogosphere, Jonathan Lustgarten. This Venezuelan dude arrived recently and we hit it off instantly, from the moment we were “selecting” him if he fits the bill to replace Claudia in her room. Don’t ask me why I was involved…but yeah, maybe its cuz he has like the coolest surname since de Souza!! You could do like heaps of bed talk with a surname like this! “…allow me to show you around the garden of lust!” So cool! Anyways I’ve christened him John Lusty from the day we met! Amen…!

(Left - right); Portuguese Tart, Dee, John Lusty and the host for the weekend.

And thus our journey begins…with a transition to my sister site of course to begin with.

Baltic Sea trip

2006-08-11T00:06:00.000+08:00

This trip was planned randomly, thanks to Jennie Chinita Lee...and with the idea of renting a car, we needed to get 2 or 3 more people. ROAD TRIP!!!! I immediately said yes to Jen at the mere mention of "we thought of renting a car"!

Thanks to my many sweet sweet road trip experiences with my MC mates, i am sure this trip would generate as much fun too! Putting 4 or 5 zany individuals in a car for a ride of over 6 hours (not sure how long if we get lost), we needed specific people with specific characteristics! Which explains the rigourous selection process (which me and Jen were a bit uncomfortable with at first) of who will we ride with.

The Zany Selection Process

So we tried with the zaniest of them all...at least in Bonn, some say Slovakia, New Zealand, Rotterdam and India too...Amit. Alas...he felt his zaniness doesnt really suit our personalities (perhaps he was afraid he needed to navigate the map, of which we probably might end up in the Balkans instead of the Baltics) so he rejected the trip.

Zany person number two- Piyush...of which Amit might beg to differ; also rejected us solely on financial reasons and him wanting to focus on his CV. He thinks he cant be zany when he isnt in the mood, which i agree.

Zany person number three...Dee...just needed a little 'motivation' to get her to agree. Great...her zaniness can count for two actually.

Zany person number four...Segala...despite initially agreeing to come, at the end decided to pull out, saying he needs to stay at home. My guess is he and Amit just wants to spend some quality time together, develop their own little "housemate" relationship which heaven knws goes beyond arranging your bed and mine, cleaning your clothes and mine etc...

Well...then with nearly no one else in the rostrum, due to lack of zaniness and also more rejections (Sandra Mexican/Dutch and Steve Kenyan...who ironically are housemates and have had discussions about conceiving a blonde, black baby...hmmm), i bumped into one of the MBA Interns of whom i 'coordinate', a Taiwanese living in Canada and studying in Spain (mi llama Sharon y yo bonita, kannineh ho sei boh, do you understand my Spanish Taiwanese lingo,eh?).

She readily agreed to the road trip after i asked her if she was interested...and if zany could be measured by how loud she was...she is SUPERCALLIFRAGILISTICALLY ZANY!

The line up was complete...3 girls and a guy, 3 Hokkien speaking(again, the crassiest language in the speaking world) people and a 3 in 1 girl that represented the Balkans, Scandinavia and UK alltogether, 3 poor AIESEC interns and one financially stable MBA Intern (ok Jen is in between both)...

Join me in my trip update at Portuguese-tarts sister site... bonniearthur.blinklife.com.

*****************************************************************************

On another note, this Friday evening i ll be heading to Belgium to visit Eric. No selection process for this as what was supposed to be a solo trip turned out to be a trip for 3, me, Dee and Jonathan Lustgarten; him of which i would call John Lusty from now on! To welcome John Lusty into Portuguese Tart's world, here is a short intro of him. From Venezuela but speaks with an American accent, he took over Claudia's room just after she left. Even Clau is happy we got along well...not that i ll be sleeping with him though!

So Eric Yap...thanks in advance for your 'excitement' in hosting me and the gang! Aku tahu kita manyak cerita to share...tapi kita boleh cari masa untuk berbincang la k.

Reason for the Belgium trip, or Leuven to be exact; to experience one of Europe's biggest urban music festivals. Its called the Marktrock...and the annual celebration is usually held around August. Sad thing is its only beginning on Sunday till Tuesday...so not sure bout our return plans. Nevertheless i ve got my dancing shoes, looking forward to hip hop, r&b, house and pop, world and techno...!!!

In loving memory...

2006-08-04T00:21:00.000+08:00

Only recently i begun wearing my yellow band for cancer awareness which i thought i lost it here in Bonn. As much as i am big on advocating HIV/AIDS awareness as well, on a personal level this disease have affected me emotionally many times...some going wayyy back when i was in primary school. I think the last count of family members that passed away from the dreaded 'C' was 8 or 9.

Throughout my time in Germany, i have only seen Jenny 'Chinita' Lee wearing it religiously, although hers differ from mine (my msg says "Celebrate Life", its the Malaysian Cancer Society version vs Jens original "Livestrong" one). For those not in the know, the yellow band idea was pioneered by Tour de France legend and cancer survivor Lance Armstrong as part of his Wear Yellow Live Strong educational program intended to support cancer victims and survivors and raise awareness about cancer. The whole "coloured band" craze took a wild turn when capitalist companies (read: the clown that sells burgers and fries) began selling them and targetting teens and youths with each coloured band having a moral booster phrase or something similar. It was so sickening to see that none...none goes to charity whatsoever, and silly consumers buy like heaps of them! I am sparing the company with the 'swoosh' for its black and white band to raise awareness of preventing racism in football...although selling it expensively just looses the cause big time!

Anyways it was just this Monday me and Jen were having a discussion about cancer, how it affected us and who did it effect. The following day at work...while checking my mails, there was a mail through our AIESEC Malaysia community announcing the demise of one of its member. As heart wrenching as it is to realise the reality of such news...its even worst when you actually know this person very well! She was from the LC which me and my MC team helped form.

Turns out the cause of death was OVARIAN CANCER... the girl, a charming, lovely person, a passionate AIESEC member and very bright kid...i dont think she was even 20 yet. I always remembered as someone inquisitive, always asking questions relevant to AIESEC nonetheless. Shocked...disbelief...a moment of emptiness...stunned...

My condolences to her family, friends and all members of Taylor's Business School Local Committee. Stay strong...live strong...the passing of someone dear just reemphasises the message for us to celebrate life, and to celebrate the life of Rosline Lam.

You ll be remembered Rosline...rest in peace.

Then there was another shocking news from Eric, who told me the trainee he was closed with in his company who only recently returned to his country....met with an accident and passed away. He was obviously too distraught to even talk to me about it. I can imagine...i would be devastated the same knowing the trainee friends whom i grown to be sooo close with were to encounter the same fate.

And no...it wouldnt stop there. Until recently my MC team have not really been in the loop in terms of communication...and with my latest initiative of sending mails to everyone in the team, i would expect at least some nostalgia to follow suit in terms of all of us communicating once again, what with each and everyone of us leading different and separate lives. I wouldnt have imagined a reply from Anisha to include another passing of a dear friend.

This is by far the worst one to hit me...as this woman was not only a dear friend, but a fighter and champion of the HIV/AIDS awareness cause. She pioneereed the idea of having a shelter for women and children with HIV/AIDS, or orphaned because of it...and thus Rumah WAKE (Wanita & Kesihatan...Women & Health) was born. She fought for government support financially, and through corporate support as well. That was the point of first contact for me, during my stint with AIESEC and Standard Chartered Bank's Corp Affairs Dept, when we were championing a HIV/AIDS project together. She was a very dedicated women who knows the dirty business of HIV/AIDS awareness, the politics surrounding it...and a very direct, in your face person. I got really fond of her, and we kept in touch through sms throughout the time till i left the bank and AIESEC even. Malaysia has lost a very charismatic champion of HIV/AIDS...i have lost a dear friend in her...gosh Catherine, i cant believe you re not around anymore. I wish that Rumah Wake will continue its cause and support of the victims...i wish that Catherines soul and cause will not be lost...i wish life wont be too cruel to take away people who had a reason to live...

Rest in peace Catherine...I ll never forget you.

Its just another reminder that life is short...and be it in my life here in Bonn, or Malaysia...i ll always wanna live it to the fullest.

Read my posting on the World Cup

2006-07-29T00:57:00.000+08:00

Wanna know about the World Cup through Portuguese-tarts experience...read the first of many postings below, titled "Fusbal Fieber".

Its below the postings on my travelogy.

Have a super weekend!

Portuguese Tart's travelogy

2006-07-25T17:02:00.000+08:00

I think some of you know that I am a travel freak, and that I specifically focused my traineeship location to be in only a few countries within Europe (believe me, I’ve got a lot of stick for that before...). Combine those two together, and this explains why now that I ve arrived here, I made a promise to myself to be a ‘travel-whore’; traveling to somewhere new each month, budget permitting of course!

Now that it has been 2 months and 2 weeks into my adventure, lets recap the major destinations I ve been to. Note: Specially to Iluvtina…if you want to continue our lovely friendship, perhaps reading this is not advisable.

First trip, June 2nd- 5th: The supposed budget friendly and unforgettably wild experience that was the trip to Berlin. Turns out I would blow my return back by missing my train and buying another freaking one way ticket home that cost me nearly 50 euros!

Second trip, July 13th-16th: The recent trip to Rotterdam proved that AI Transition parties are what it has always been…a bit on the boring side, unless you re catching up with long lost friends. Awesome in the networking part, lets not forget the mini Malaysian Reunion! Surprisingly I got a bit tanned after this trip. And big thanks to Eva for allowing me to travel on dept budget and at first class…best giler!

Now apparently I have in store my destinations for the next months (or just for August only)

Mid August, I would play guest to Eric in Leuven, Belgium. There would be some kind of a huge festival happening there and I think I might even take the chance to organize some kind of huge trainee outing, just to show that saya ada guna jugak lah, bukan cuma muka hensem saja! And as Eric is also like me, whose good looking housemates are the reflections our mirrors, I think he would appreciate a big crowd coming over as well (he hasn’t known of this plan yet as of writing…oh btw, its his birthday too. Note to self, wish Eric). And I think organizing a trainee outing is simple…just delegate!

Now here is the next big outing…happening one week after the Belgium trip. And a big big big thanks for Eva and her successor (my new Brasilian buddy, Segala), for pushing my involvement in this. You see, as these guys are coordinators to the AIESEC cause for our company, it means they have a huge role to play in AIESEC’s biggest international conference, International Congress (IC). But Eva had a scheming way to bring the non AIESEC coordinator that is me…get me to do the re-launch of the partnership (a big slot witnessed by the global plenary of over 600 people)! So spent about a day (1 hour I think) doing a precise plan, crazy ideas and voila, I have the re-launch plan. Then, they proposed the whole of their plans for IC, a chunk of it was on my planning of the re-launch…which obviously got questioned by our boss. Well, I have to hand it to Eva and Segala’s charm…they managed to convince my boss that I could be there and still come back to work as well…so to cut the long story short, Portuguese-Tart is going to Poland for IC!! Plus Malaysians don’t need a visa to get in!

I have to give it to them, especially the way they pulled a prank on me by saying I wont be making it.

After their proposal meet with boss…

Segala: I think you have to pass me all your plans and proposal…
Portuguese-tart: What plans?
Segala: Your plans for IC…
Portuguese-tart: (hmmm, this is about IC. Now, if I knew that my buddy would be going…what would I do? I’ll play a prank and say he wont be going! Lets hope this works…I ll just play along) Ohh…ok. I ll just mail the proposal to you then (in a nonchalant manner, but showing a slight 10cents @ sad face).

I could then see the sparkle in their eyes already, and I was pretty sure I was right!

Segala: Man…I am good! See what a good liar I am! You re coming to IC dude!
Portuguese-tart: Oh my gawd!!! (faking it…but trying hard not to show it…but also really happy too about the good news) You guys just made my weekend! Thank you soooo much!!!

Well, this is awesome nevertheless! I hope I really get to go (not sure yet till i really see my ticket!)…it ll be great fun for the team of coordinators! I ll be meeting Elias (the coordinator for Americas working in Miami) again, of which I had great fun with! So with 2 Brazilians, Sandra, me and a German girl representing the Asia Pacific (??!!), this is one ‘working trip’ which I cant wait to go! The boss is always questioning why some projects we need to involve all the coordinators in the team, especially the Bonn Team. Boss always say “I don’t want it to be seen as a dept holiday trip / dept fun thing”. She said this of my huge networking event which I organized too…despite agreeing we re working on it together. But I think this really helps in getting us connected, and especially working on big events / projects…it definitely puts in the synergy of a multi national team which definitely turns me of…professionally of course! Plus it does potray an image of a team within the same dept that can be efficient, energetic and always emphasising on results...something which Boss, you could be proud off :)

So…with regards to Intl Congress, back in 2004 I was a delegate (of which I am still thankful for my National Committee team that sacrificed 2 or 3 non participating members) in Hanover, Germany.

The Malaysia Boleh delegation

Thats about 500++ delegates

When in Germany eat what the Germans eat.

Then in 2005, I was the facilitator at the conference…with the Taj Mahal as the backdrop.

Global Village with the Taj at the background

Team Malaysia with the fruit of our labor, i wished all my team mates were there. Tears of joy...

Moment of jubilation...AIESEC in Malaysia winning the UBS Excellence Award Asia Pacific region

Sunrise at one of the 7 Wonders of the World

Touch Mahal

All is serene at the Taj.

Now…in 2006, while in my internship with AIESEC’s biggest partner in Germany (and some say globally), I get to participate as a partner of the organization, planning the re-launch of the partnership! 3 years of being in the biggest international conference of AIESEC, 3 different roles, 3 different countries…thanks a lot! My stars are pretty aligned and luck is shining on me!

Portuguese Tart's travelogy has only just begun...join me to see the world!

Fussball fieber (part 1) - first live match

2006-07-21T22:18:00.000+08:00

The German sounding title would have anyone with an IQ to suggest it means "Football Fever", and yes this delayed post is definitely...delayed! Having to organize a huge project during your first months, especially during World Cup season, is not a good way to enjoy your World Cup. But nevertheless, for the benefit of those who are footie hardcores like me...one has to share the experience of being the lucky few that lived in a country that was hosting the World Cup...so here it is, albeit a little delayed, my series of entries for the World Cup...

"Portuguese Tarts World Cup Experience"

... a summary of the thrills, spills, emotional highs and lows, drama, friendship, and the 'fever' usually associated with the World Cup....

The Fan in me

Lets begin with me as a football fan-atic. Of the many levels of 'fan-dom', i fall under the 'play the game (some say good), history buff, statistics loving, strategy analyst, know all' footie fan. I play it weekly, i watched it nearly daily, i read bout anything and everything about it, i even cried for not being selected for a school team before...guess thats fanatic enough! You see, theres lots to know about the beautiful game...like who coined the word 'beautiful game' (Pele for those not in the know), from 4-4-2 to ultra defensive, offside to did the ball cross the line dramas...etc. And its not like the oft cited cliche (usually those who are either ignorant or 'stupid' say it) of "a game where silly men chase a white ball"! I get terribly upset when i hear that...but now more of pittance because it usually comes with ignorance (some plain outright stupid)...because this "game" has more than 22 people (refs, subs, etc) who definitely arent "silly", they dont "run" after a ball, they strategically keep possesion in order to put the ball in the oppositions goal! And the "ball" is never white nowadays!

The so called 'fever'

That apart...seeing that i was in Germany nearly a month prior to the World Cup, it was sad to say that i hardly felt the "football fever", cept for a couple of trainees whom i know were footie soulmates (kudos to Kenyan Steve, despite the fact he supports Liverpool). I knew back home promotions, marketing and nearly everything was footie oriented, but here...it somehow felt muted. Maybe its the expectation that the country may not even perform well...i dont know...i was just not feeling it! Unlike in Japan / Korea, man the whole of Asia was feeling 'it'! The random man on the street, the bookies, students...everyone!

Marketing Campaigns

So i got myself engrossed in World Cup related ads (mostly nike and adidas) to get me in the swing of things! Now this football business...industry experts dont really know how to put a figure of how big this industry is...anything related to football...cuz its simply HUGE! The obvious example can be seen through sport, electronic, automobiles...nearly all industry brands competing with one another...each having their own 'stars' endorsing their product.

The ones which most footie fans look forward too are ones which Nike and adidas produced commercials. With a stable of who's who in the football world endorsing either brands, its a footie fans dream having to direct an ad involving all the stars. So far, till i left, we re only bombarded by the nike ad campaigns (usually the innovator of creative football /sports commercials), led by my all time idol...Eric Cantona, promoting Joga Bonito (play beautiful, or something like that), and having the Worlds Number 1 player at the moment, Ronaldinho in most of its ads. It brought the whole football commercial campaign one level higher...it sort of created a movement...that football is all about playing beautifully! And damn...there goes adidas...lets see what they ve got in store for us.

And boy was i not dissapointed! It brought back the old school way of how we, as kids use to divide our teams. With their theme of +10 (it means YOU and your team of +10), the ad had 2 Spanish speaking kids doing a "one, two jus" (Malaysian version of scissors, paper, stone) to choose their players. "Zidane", and on comes the French talisman, "Gerrard", on comes the inspirational Englishman, "Robben", "Viera", "Beckham","Raul"...etc. The classic moment was when one of the kids mum, Jose...screamed "Jose...get back home", he took the ball and the game had to stop...with the rest of the footballers flabbergasted! The first time i saw that...i was completely bowled away...! Now...for both companies...i give them 2 thumbs up for superb, creative and innovative marketing campaigns!

First football game...LIVE!

I like the idea of having small towns hosting the participating teams in the World Cup. It has been like this ever since, and it just make great economical sense, bringing in tourism to the smaller cities that are not hosting any games. Bonn had the priviledge of being the host city to the Japanese team, it was no wonder the town was abuzz with everything Japanese; sushis restaurants more promoted, blue and white flags of the "Samurai Blue" and most significantly, turning a museum into a huge Japanese media center! It was this place which i visited with a HK trainee couple, Sean and Sam, that i realised there was a friendly between Germany and Japan! As the price was merely 25euros (and since AIESEC pay half of German 'cultural' related events), our chinese genes simply said this was a must watch, must see, must experience CHEAP match!! We bought our tickets right away...and got pretty excited about it!

The museum that was transformed to a Japanese Media center

Portuguese Tart trying his Japanese look

The game was in Leverkusen, bout an hour from Bonn, and i am sure it was a welcome home of sorts for Germany's top player, Michael Ballack as he used to play there! Now, this is important...i have never, ever, ever a fan of Germany simply because they play boring, organised football! So obviously i was going to this match, hoping for an upset! The trainees were always surprised by my "No way am i supporting Germany" attitude, despite me earning a living here. But hey...football is football...

Germany vs Japan

Crazy Ultraman fans! In LeverkusenStadium

At the beginning of the game

Venue, Leverkusen Stadium, home stadium of Bayer Leverkusen

Atmosphere was fantastic, German fans and Japanese fans screaming the lungs out, the view of the stadium from my seat, the green grass...man if you re a footie fan, this sort of environment gets the hair at the back of your neck stand! The euphoria was fantastic!

As i got the tickets in the Japan media center, i naturally was in the Japan side of the stadium! Not a bad view either...plus soaking in the atmosphere from the Japs perspective...simply awesome! (notice i didnt mention anything on Jap chicks...cuz plainly put it...there was NONE!)

And they got near hysterical when Japan scored the first goal!! I was livid...seeing the host suffer a defeat...definitely a great moment! On the hour mark...2-0, confirmed HYSTERIA!!! What a feeling!!

But in the end...lack of height and stamina proved their downfall, as Germany scraped back 2 late late goals through set pieces! Man...no matter how Japan outplayed the host...they were still a little "short" of height!

Game was not that fantastic, although it does have its fair share of spills and thrills! Germans were more cautious whilst the Japs were typical kamikaze in their game plan...although finishing was very questionable!
Like all live games, the only thing lacking were live commentary...but the atmosphere and the euphoria definitely made up for it.

Half time show (yawnnn)

Japan scores the 2nd goal...!!

Ballack vs Nakata

Nippon!!

Germany fans!

Final results... 2- 2. Lucky Germans!

But all in all, it was a great start heading towards the World Cup! There will be heaps more excitement to come!

Trip to Rotterdam

2006-07-18T23:27:00.000+08:00

From where i last left, i was minutes from leaving to Rotterdam. Well, like all big trips with heaps of photos, the best place to do this is of course my 2nd site, bonniearthur.blinklife.com. A sample of happened Rotterdam...

The AIESEC International Transition Party

The Malaysian Reunion

Ambitious Architecture

Beautiful scenery

This might be Rotterdam, or anywhere...

2006-07-13T21:58:00.000+08:00

I am minutes away to leaving for my first excursion out of Germany during my internship.

Destination : Rotterdam
Occasion : Joining hundreds more AIESEC members to the fabled AIESEC International Transition Party, where back in those days we use to curse them for inviting people to somewhere where less than 1 third of the global membership could attend. But now that i am here, these are just a few of the many occasions which i shouldnt miss!

Great chance to see many many familiar faces...but the most exciting part would be a Mini Malaysian Reunion!! I am soo freaking excited over this that i have packed with me about 10 tea bags and some milo to make Teh Tarik and... Milo! Will be catching up with RenBin (of which recently got engaged, must see the bling bling on her finger!), Eric (of which twice became my Bonn boyfriend) and Pak Yang (of which i suspect is screwing some Finnish girls, so need some juicy goss!). I even got them to bring some Maggie...so can do Maggie Mee Goreng! We ll find some place to buy eggs...to make the mata kerbau!

I hope one of them is proactive enough to bring the Malaysian flag...i couldnt stuff my 2 m long flag in my bag!

Anyways the party sounds happening, although most people i ve asked came back dissapointed. So i am there to find out...

This is gonna be a fun weekend! Postings up next week perhaps...well i havent even been doing much anyways!

Rotterdam Port, one of the biggest and busiest ports in the world.

Erasmus Bridge, linking the North and South of Rotterdam.

One of the crazy architectures in Rotterdam, the Cubic Houses

Clau's birthday...

2006-07-12T00:56:00.000+08:00

"Oh Bonnie, you're awesome!! You're simply amazing..." Claudia howled as she was stradling on me from the back. Tathiana could only look back at us, as she was hurrying up as well.

Coming to the spot at the same time, i put Clau down...breathing heavily after such a rigorous workout in the wee hours of the morning, perspiring profusely...i said in one breathe,

"Next time i am not gonna carry you on my back whenever you're drunk and we're chasing the bus!"

That was the first time we actually had a long chat, after both agreeing that the music in the club which Eva held her farewell party played 50's and 60's music...wow...i sooo can groove to that beat i tell you!

But anyways...that was about a month back...this entry is about the coolest party so far that i've attended (read: trainee friends that we're all close with). Too bad Sandra couldnt make it cuz her stomach couldnt 'stomach' Ding Dong a day earlier (she even missed work). I mean i didnt know chinese food was that dangerous...wait till they go to Murni's or any mamak, roaches FLYING and CRAWLING around, rats bigger than cats, cats and dogs scraping for left overs...!

Anyways...this is merely the teaser. Get over to my spanking new baby, bonniearthur.blinklife.com to check out the party, pics and more sardonic wits!

Was Portuguese-tart really drunk that night??? Click on bonniearthur.blinklife.com to find out!

*****************************************************

Wonders of "quittung"

On a separate note, i was finally introduced to the Regional Coordinator colleague of mine which is based in Miami, Florida. I actually wanted to go for this position, but the idea of being in Miami, surrounded by majority of hot chicks who only wears thongs, wild night scenes, crazy heat, beautiful beaches, did i mention hot chicks...well it didnt really suit me (who am i kidding...!)
As for the coordinator fellow, he is from Brazil and has the coolest accent (he sings as he speaks)! He kinda gets irritated if we teased him about it...although in a good natured way. But anyways i got pretty connected with him...and the fact that he is here on a 'business trip', whereby any expenses would be reimbursed, as long as he produces a receipt (quittung in German)! So what some more, i parasite him la, telling him this really expensive and sedap, i mean really nice and good food place called Tacos. As it was just before Clau's party, we decided to eat first before we just go there and got nothing to eat.

While in Tacos, besides having a super hot waitress taking our orders (for food, not other orders), we ordered a dish called THE BIG STARTERS PLATE. This was how it looked...

Huge rib, quesadillas (mexican poh piah, sedap habis!), buffalo wings, salad, nachos, country potatoes, potatoes...

Ok now head to bonniearthur.blinklife.com!

Recruitment ad....

2006-07-11T01:25:00.000+08:00

I am big on looking at recruitment ads (especially during those buah anggur/menganggur/jobless days), and am always bored to the death with all the ones i see in newspapers and classifieds. If i were given the task of doing a recruitment ad, i ll take all those ads i see in the newspapers/classifieds, tear it up and burn it down...to come up with something eye catching, creative and definitely FUNNY!

I just have to post this (as i am not in the mood to post anything else) as i find it as one of the most creative and innovative recruitment placements i've seen. It totally reminds me of the gem the people at Google did for their niche recruitment ad(http://googleblog.blogspot.com/2004/07/warning-we-brake-for-number-theory.html).

The ad is by Mind Valley Labs (continuing from the previous post raving about them!). Quite a gem too!

MindValley Labs
Web Application Developers for American Startup Developing New Web TechnologiesWe don't care if you already have a job, have made your first million or happen to be several time zones out of KL - if you're the type of programmer that truly considers yourself brilliant and one-of-a-kind - Let's Talk.
MindValley has set up MindValley Labs, an MSC status development center in KL and over the next year will be launching 2 new web applications, a book and several million-dollar ecommerce sites. We're one of the most innovative and creative startups in Malaysia and are seeking bright minds from around the world to join our team.If you're a top knotch programmer, web developer, ecommerce expert or content developer, we'd like to meet you, show you what we're working on, and give you the option to quit your current job and work on some of the most exciting internet projects coming out of Malaysia.We're launching 3 New Products this Year and Need More Brilliant People on Board our team.With MindValley you'll work in a tight team of marketers, product developers, and innovators. You'll work on exciting new products that aspire to be tomorrow's talked about Internet applicationsDo You...Consider PHP your "mother-tongue"?
Get so addicted to a programming project that you went 2 days without sleeping?
Consider people "un-datable" if they don't know HTML?
Get complaints from your family that you spend way too much time on the Internet?
Let relational databases get in the way of real-life relationships?
If you answered "yes" to any of the questions above - we'd love to meet you.
Why MindValley Labs?
We're a fully profitable MSC Status startup, originally founded in the USA and now setting up in Malaysia.You'll be working under Michael Reining, the former Head of New Venture Strategy for eBay and one of the brightest mind from Silicon Valley. Michael was strategic advisor to Meg Whitman and the person who got eBay to move into the classifieds market with it's investment in Craigslist.org and into the communications market with it's acquisition of Skype for $4.2 Billion.You'll also be working with Vishen Lakhiani, one of Malaysia's top ecommerce consultants whose book "The MindValley Way: 40 Tactic to Boost Your Site Conversion" will go on sale on Mar 24.At MindValley we invent and spin-off cool, new web applications. We pride ourselves in being a self-funded, Edison-style laboratory fueled by bright minds. Our creativity and business style allows us to attract talented people from around the world. Our company is 30% Malaysian, 30% American and the rest includes people from Finland, Holland, Estonia, Poland and other countries.We're a small team with some pretty big goals and even bigger ambitions.
Requirements:At our lab you'll be responsible for working on our "Blink" suite of Web 2.0 applications. We're experimenting with inventing entirely new applications and re-inventing old products into shiny new cutting edge tools. Our sites include BlinkList.com and BlinkLife.com. The latter is a new take on personal communication, and seeks to replace email as the personal communication tool of choice for millions of people.Our weapons of choice are PHP, MySQL and Ajax and we apply a lot of code re-use and best practices from the Web 2.0 community.
The ideal candidate will have strong PHP skills, Solid Object Oriented Programming Experience and strong programming fundamentals.Everyting else can be learned.Skills Preferred - If you have these you are a great match.Object Oriented PHP, MySQL, HTML, XML, Web Design, Advanced Database Design, Advanced SQL Knowledge, Object Oriented Javascript
Optional Skills - these will improve your odds of being accepted.Javascript, UI Design, Perl, Knowledge of Google and Amazon.com APIs, Advanced CSS Skills, Knowledge of Testing Methodology, Framework Development and Improvement
Are You a Match for MindValley?
The ideal candidate has a combination of these five personality traits:
1. Intense Drive and Ambition.
2. High Creativity and the Mind of an Inventor.
3. A Solid Interest in Technology
4. Strong Skills in Programming and/or Database Design
5. The Ability to Create Beautiful, Elegant User Experiences.
You gain bonus points if any of the following describes you:
1. You've written your own internet or desktop apps and shared this on the Web with the General Public.
2. You have made money through your website, through selling your own internet apps or through your own IT related consulting business.
3. You constantly check out new internet startups, mashups, and blogs to learn about the latest Ajax, CSS, API releases and JavaScript hacks.
4. You were considered one of the brightest kids in High School/University
.5. You speak fluent English.
6. You look at websites and think "this sucks, I could re-design this site to make it more elegant, friendly and easier to use".
7. You love challenging authority, are not afraid to question your boss and look down on average programmers.
We don't care about your field of study, grades, age or work experience as long as you're a brilliant coder, hyper creative and a team player. (although we have found a strong positive correlation between grades and coding ability).You must speak English - fluently. No other languages necessary. Although we're based in Malaysia our market is strictly North American, Europe, and East Asia.You can be from anywhere in the world. We recruit bright people from universities worldwide and bring them to KL. Our company 70% international, and 30% Malaysian.
You must be in love with the Internet. No we don't mean, reading the news online daily. We mean you must be excited and up to speed with the latest emerging trends in Web 2.0, Ajax, PHP, RSS, OPML and other new buzzwords making their way through the Net.Bonus points if you're an avid user of eBay, Craigslist, BlinkList, Del.icio.us, Digg, or are an active Blogger. Major bonus points if you like hanging out at Mamak's, debating User Interface over pints of Beer, going on team bonding trips to Redang and have a wicked sense of humor.
You can see some profiles of people who work for MindValley on our site here:<"http://www.mindvalley.com/about/">
Your Perks
If you make our team, we'll provide you a high-end laptop you can take home, a dedicated server, all the sugary, caffeinated beverages you need, a docking bay for your iPod and a beautiful office. You'll work in a Silicon Valley style environment with amazing people from around the world, and help us build the next great Internet business.We'll also pay you competitively plus grant you stock options.This is the job software engineers dream about.
Upgrade Your Life and Join MindValley.Interview invitations and status updates may be sent via email so pleasecheck your email regularly.
Need More Reasons to Quit Your Current Job and Work for Us?
Here's Top 10 Reasons to Be Part of MindValley.
1. Freedom: We understand that brilliant people hate rules and shackles and desire the freedom to do their work, in their way. We let you create your own work hours as long as they are fine with your team mates.
2. Thinking BIG!: We're not aiming to create an email software, we're aiming to create the biggest revolution in email since Gmail. We're not content with creating blogging tools, we aim to create the World's first "intelligent" blog. When we build an e-commerce site, we aim to put it in the top 1% of sites for performance rates. We aim to be as influential in improving people's lives through technology as Yahoo, Google or Apple. We love Big, Scary, Audacious Goals. Many people say we're nuts. We consider this a compliment.
3. Profitability: We're fully profitable, and continue to see our profits grow by at least 100% year-to-year.
4. Great People: We hire only the best. For a typical position we shift through 100 resumes and interview at least 10 people. Make it in, and you'll be working with some of the best minds in the business. We understand that "A" people attract "A" people.
5. Treats: We treat our employees well. This includes occasional concert tickets, Starbucks coffee, dinners and drinks and parties. In the last quarter we've tossed company parties in Luna Bar, taken our whole team to first Tioman then Redang and rewarded employees with trips to Bali. Our founders have worked at Microsoft and eBay and believe in the Silicon Valley model of treating Great People (see #4) in Great Ways.
6. Creativity: We let you spend 15% of your time each week working on your own projects or inventions. If your project is successful, we'll help you launch it. We've modeled this after Google and 3M's style of nurturing creativity within the organization.
7. Stability: We've never taken a drop of investment and so have no investors to pull the plug on us. Our business also spans multiple industries such as internet marketing, product development, publishing and coding. This protects us from short term market trends in any one industry.
8. Fun: We put the "Fun" in "Business Fundamentals". Don't get us wrong - we're a disciplined, well-oiled engine of growth. But we believe that business should be fun and people should look forward to going to work each day.
9.Idealism: 100% of our employees have spent significant time volunteering or working for non-profits. We started this business to change the world. As a result, we will devote our time and attention to causes that may not bring in short term profits, but may result in positive social change.
10. Entrepreneurship: We understand that great people dream of starting their own companies. We help you attain this dream. We provide training and mentorship to help you grow. We do not require any employees to sign a bonding contract (we find this practice ridiculous). Simply, put, you're free to learn from us and then move on when you're ready and start your own business - with our blessings. We respect entrepreneurship.
Care to Know What People are Saying About Us?
Okay, if you've read this far we know you're interested. Do some reading on us and then send us your resume. (See HOW TO APPLY section below).
On working for MindValley:One of our former employees from the USA blogs about the fun she had working for us in KL. Read her blog post here:http://adelle.nomadlife.org/2005/09/mindvalley-team-island-escape-kl-city.aspx
Product Reviews: Visit this link for a Review of our First Product, BlinkList:http://blendededu.com/2005/07/blinklist-learning-in-blink-of-eye.htmlOr click here for dozens more reviews from theBlogosphere here:http://www.blinklist.com/tag/blinklist%20reviews/
A MindValley Owned Ecommerce Site that is now pulling $2.5 million ringgit a year in revenue and relies on just one employee to run.
This is our speciality - high performance online stores that run on autopilot.
We're releasing a book on this in March. http://www.SilvaUltraMindSystem.comBlinkLife -
A New Way to Communicate with Friends and Family This product is designed to change the way the world communicates. It relies on the idea of using RSS to replace SMTP as a method of email delivery.Read about it here:http://www.blinklife.com/Vic_Code_Ver1.0/welcome.phpFinally, check out our site for more details: www.MindValley.com
How to Apply To apply, submit your resume and cover letter via JobStreet.com.
To improve your odds of being accepted, answer the following in your cover letter.
1. Why do you think MindValley is a Good Match for You.
2. Why do you consider yourself a Brilliant Coder. (don't be modest now).
Qualified candidates will be contacted for interview.
We look forward to receiving applications from qualified Candidates.
Vishen M Lakhiani Co-Founder and Director www.MindValley.com
PS - if you find this ad funny, interesting or unusual, please help us spread the word by posting this on your blog or website and emailing your friends about this position. We'll love you to bits and you just might help someone find a dream job.Email to Friends Company Profile View All Jobs Save This Job Close

Portuguese Tart is back!!

2006-07-07T23:17:00.000+08:00

Ok before anyone decide to think that i am one of those "hot like chicken shit" (hangat hangat tahi ayam) type when it comes to bloggin and decide to not check my site anymore, hold on to your mouse! Was really busy heading towards the end of June as i had to organize a major event. It was the Networking Event between the MBA Interns (of which i am coordinator for the program), managers and HR which was also a matter of do or die mission for me (i really thought i would be the first trainee fired if the event sucks). And because of this i also wasnt able to really experience the little football competition which ironically is organized here in Germany (ok i sound like i dont know nuts bout football).

Anyways more about the event and also the World Cup later, but i have a pretty cool entry about my trip to Berlin, with heaps of pics in it as well in a new link. This new site is simply awesome, especially the ease of putting up pics, videos (i ve got to learn that though) and acts more than just a blogging site. Importantly, this one is developed by brilliant people in MALAYSIA!!! Now thats reasons to screaming "Malaysia Boleh!!!" rather than doing it when people start making the longest poh piah, biggest roti canai etc...

Developed by the innovative minds at MindValley Labs, its BlinkLife (www.blinklife.com) and its a super cool way of keeping in touch! Like what the website boasts, its gonna be the next generation of Emails! Its capacity humbles even Google mail (think its over 100gigs), spam free plus you re able to send pics and videos simply by uploading it to your own site, without attaching anything! This reason alone is why i shift major posts (which has heaps of pics and videos) to this site. So check it out at http://bonniearthur.blinklife.com/

And additional info about this company, which is AIESEC related...is that they have definitely set the benchmark in terms of being a QUALITY customer of the AIESEC Internship program! Set up by a former LCP in the States, they are dedicated in bringing in top quality interns from all over the world, provides them with top notch working conditions and really treats the interns as part of their small family! Definitely a pleasure knowing many people there, and no....i am not expecting any cheque from the MindValley Labs Finance dept for this mini promotion. *winks* Its the least i could do... ;)

But stay tuned here...think blogspot will serve as my primary blogging tool for the time being.

The Most Beautiful Love Story...

2006-06-08T15:02:00.000+08:00

"One Danish Viking, one Chinese Girl.....one unforgetable love story...."

Now this isnt anything about mine at all, too bad...! But it is as loud as the title screams...and its sooo big i have to post this first rather than my unforgetable trip to Berlin last weekend! The question here is, what do you get when a land of fairytales combines with 'Boleh'(can)Land?

The Most Beautiful Love Story....

"....dear close ones, here is a little story about my so-called-life in the land of fairy tales and hotdogs...

It was a nice Thursday afternoon when me and my teammates went to a big park call Dyrehaven - literally animal-park - 15km away from Copenhagen city center and where animals (duh) like deers roam freely. We were there that afternoon, on June 1st, because we had been planning to have some activities around integration, especially since we are having internationals in a Danish team (me lah).

The weather was fairly good (in Denmark we always refer to the weather) and we had some nice walks and discussion around stereotypes, cultures, and so on. We were there from 2pm and agreed to leave the park around 5-6pm because some of us have other appointments during the evening. Such as me for example. Me and Rolf were going to have our 2nd anniversary in a nice expensive seafood boat-restaurant, which we had booked a table for 7pm. So yeah, it was urgent for people like me to finish on time.

Before that little voice in your head starts going " why the heck is she telling us this?", just read along and trust that I never do things without a reason.

As we were starting our last game at around 6pm, I was getting a bit nervy. We still had to play a game of trust - really simple and basic one, where a person is blindfolded and led by another. So I was one of the blindfolded ones as one of the girls in my team started leading me around the park. After walking for awhile, we reached a spot where I was told to be quiet and wait, as something will be happening within a few seconds. Being the mischevious and impatient one I, naturally, started singing out loud and even outdoing Cartmen's (Southpark) rendition of O'Holy Night. Suddenly, I felt a pair of hands holding my shoulders and slowly turning me around. The hands continue to untie my blindfold as I nonchalantly thought out loud that it's about time. Just then, I realised that the person standing in front of my was wayyyyy out of context. Totally. I mean, this person was not suppose to be in this context, in the park, in the game.

It was Rolf.

For some reasons that I couldn't comprehend at that point of time, Rolf was actually standing in front of me, in this park 15km away from home, during my office hour, while I'm still having activities with my team mates. So for a minute there, I was a bit thrown aback as to how in the world did he get there. I mean, it wasn't a "hey, I was just passing by and wanted to say hi" situation. But the weirdest thing has yet to hit me.

Rolf started talking. At first he started talking about how we first met and his impressions of me as time went along. How we became a couple and the time that we have been together. You know, those stuff. And then there was this strange voice in me that suddenly started going: wait a minute....wait a minute...wait a minute. Yeah, you get the point. This voice went on and on for the next few minutes as Rolf continue accounting our relationship in chronological order (yes, I'm a very pragmatic person and I think in logic). Then as if by enligtenment, it suddenly hit me.

Well of course, how wonderfully romantic my boyfriend is! He decided to make a surprise for me on our 2nd anniversary by coming all the way out here to this park. That was really nice. What was not so nice was that I didn't realised that the real "surprise" has yet to come. And boy...what a surprise it was.

As much as I thought things were really nice and romantic, but somehow in my intuitive mind, I knew that something was not that right. As in, I wasn't getting the whole context of things yet. There was something else that I didn't know. All these were the thoughts running through my head then in miliseconds as things happened really fast - yet slow at the same time - you know that feeling?

Time seems to roll a bit slower as I saw in slow motion how Rolf went down onto one of his knee. And in some strange way - I felt like I needed a reality check...real bad. I need to check for sure that it was Rolf; my boyfriend who is suppose to be at home waiting for me to come back and get ready for our dinner, who was really here. I needed to double check again that it was really Rolf and that it was really him who was kneeling in front of me and saying the words that I've never heard spoken to me in my life.

Will you marry me, question mark.

Rolf continues to produce what looks like a ring box...

me: Wait a minute....wait minute....(thinking: Is that a ring? Shit! It is a ring...no, TWO rings! oh man...)

(Rolf looking even more determine)

(Me sounding exasperated) What is this?! What are you doing here? I'm suppose to meet you home in around 30mins! What are you doing here? Wait a minute...(thinks for a very long time)...do I have to answer this now?

(Rolf probably thinking "duh"...) Yes.

me: maybe we should go back to the others. They're probably waiting for us (looking around exasperately).

Rolf: don't worry, they know we're here.

me: what?! they know?! who knows?! how many people know???

Rolf: only the twins (the girls in my team). They were the one who helped me set up this whole thing.

me: how long have you been planning this?

.......5 minutes later.....

me: ok, wait a minute (note: most over-used phrase of the day), it's not like we have to get married now right? Wait a minute, when do you suppose we are going to get married anyway?

rolf: in one years time maybe (seeing the look on my face)...maybe two. Doesn't really matter now, but yeah.

me: yeah that's right. It's just an engagement right...(thoughts flashes through my mind)...oh no, then I'm going to so old. I will be in another category. I will become old. I'm not old yet...geez, I haven't even reach my 1/4 century yet.

............2minutes later.....

me: (quietly) Yes, of course.

Rolf: yes what?

me:(smiles) yes of course lah, I will marry you. This is so surreal. I need a reality check. Umm...do I have to wear this ring now?

Rolf: (smiles) of course lah. (Gently slipping the ring onto my finger)

So, after a very surreal discussion and agreement with Rolf, we finally head back to join my team mates. They were already waiting with their cameras and cheering when they saw us. One even mentioned that they were getting a bit worried when it took so long. Rolf had actually also prepared a picnic basket full of grapes, strawberries, and cherries, and of course, a bottle of champagne - the sweetest one so that I can tolerate some. As we sat there celebrating with my team mates (6 of us) on top of the hill in the park for the next 20mins or so, I still couldn't believe what has just happened and was desperately asking for some sort of reality check in the form of a movie like X-men or something....

But lo and behold...that was just the beginning. Suddenly Rolf said it was time. Time for what, I thought. Then he slowly led me down the hill and there I saw - waiting for us was a horse carriage pulled by a magnificent White Horse. It just had to be white to complete the whole fairy tale. Me and Rolf were going to take a ride around the whole park in the carriage. So, there I was, with a ring on my finger, in a carriage pulled by a white horse, next to my newly engaged fiance.

Ha-ha. Whoa. Somebody, give me a reality check please. I'm not really old yet...am I?

If you're wondering, we did went for the seafood dinner. Despite being 1 hour behind schedule, the dinner was still divine and above expectations - including cost. But it was such a wonderful dinner. Being on a boat, we could see along the harbour and how buidling lights lit up the both the evening sky and the creases of the water below us. It was nearly 11pm when we finally left, but as summer was approaching, we were still able to catch a bit of a sunset. It was one of my most beautiful sunset...."

Maybe it was because i was damn tired, or because of the accumulative stress for the day...but i was crying right in the middle of the mail! Or maybe its because i saw this very relationship developed right before my very eyes! After reading the mail, i composed myself (so that i dont sound like a sissy!) and called the both of them immediately to congratulate them!

RenBin gave me the green light for me to credit the existence of this relationship...nah, i merely 'facilitated' it...hahaha, seeing that i was the chairing a little conference which the both of them were facilitators!

Sigh....