Kevin's Rendezvous

It's been a long time...

2007-02-13T20:51:00.000+11:00

... since I wrote! Very long in fact, too long, way, way too long, shit! So a quick recap, for New Years (haha!), I ended up going to my sister's friends place for a party. It was great, we had an amazing view of the Harbour Bridge and saw the fireworks perfect. I really found it odd as I always saw the fireworks on TV (when they do the "New Year's around the world" dealio) and here I am, seeing it in person. Anyways, they were awesome! You want it to be cold for Christmas, but warm for New Years, it's fucking awesome! I bought a surfboard in January and def have not been out surfing as much as I'd like. I really shoulda thought the purchase out a bit more as having no vehicle really does make it a pain in the ass to get to the beach with a 7'3" surfboard. But, I'm stuck with it now, so I gotta make it work.

Also in January I saw my friend G (whom I liked to call Kumar as he was brown, I'm asian, so yeah) leave and go back to his native England. For those of you who don't know (and I'm sure that's everybody), Kumar and I met randomly at some bar (not like that) where he was there with some people and I was there with some people. We talked and found we were in the same boat. That being, new to the city, don't know anybody, but both had the intentions of going out, partying and trying to pickup. From that point forward, my Friday/Saturday nights were already determined: I was going out with Kumar to these dingy, sleazy bars, till 6am, trying to pickup girls. And isn't it funny, the one night I ditched him and decide to go out with my roommates, is the night I get into a scuffle. Anyways, our ritual began around 9pm. We'd hit the bottle shop and get a bottle of either Bacardi, JD, or Jim Beam. Then we'd get a couple small bottles of cokes, go to our usual drinking spot, tip out half the coke, fill them up evenly with whatever liquor we had and drink it within an hour. Then we'd debate/argue about where to go. We always made it a point to say "ok, next week we're going to go someplace nice". That never happend. Always the same, dodgy bars. Then we'd proceed to try and pickup girls. Sometimes we were successful and sometimes not. I had the method of actually talking to them (to which Kumar replied "you actually talk to them, that's amazing. if i talk to them, i will say something stupid, guaranteed"). He had the method of just dancing by a girl and somehow wheelin' her that way. I am not comfortable with this technique, though it did work for him (though when it didn't, he sure did get some bad looks). During these few months, I drank ALOT, or so my sister says. I would disagree, but that's just difference of opinion I guess.

I've made it a point to cook more things and experiment. I've actually been looking up recipes and making things WITHOUT my BBQ! Me not having propane for the last 2 months might also contribute to that. But even if I did, cooking is actually quite fun. I just wish I didn't have a cockroach infested kitchen to cook in. Hate those mother fuckers.

Last week the entire Account services team went on a creative retreat in Port Stephens for 2 nights and it was amazing! We stayed in these townhouse style places, with 3-4 people per townhouse. In our's, we had a fantastic view of the beach and was just spectacular inside. But it wasn't all surf and sand, we did have to do work, but enjoyable work. Stuff to expand your mind and get your creative brain juices flowing.

Some of you may know, I need to move, which is a pain in the ass. Reason being, due to circumstance, my one roommate had to leave. Then, my other roommate decides that he's going to move in with his g/f. Well I don't want to sign a lease, nor have bills under my name (b/c I'm still unsure if I'm getting sponsored or not), so I'm now looking for a place. Ugh. It took me a month to find this place and now I gotta find a place in about 2 weeks. Not cool.

Other than that, work is getting busy! People are going on holidays, getting married, etc etc. I've forgotten what responsibility was for the last while. But it's good responsibility, except when I fuck up.

Christmas time

2006-12-20T22:10:00.000+11:00

It does not feel like Christmas at all. I haven't had too many warm Christmas', had a few back in the homeland, but this is my first in Sydney. The time has gone by super fast, I can't believe Christmas is in 5 days! Not that I really care about Christmas as I'm not super big on it, it's just another day. Tho, I will accept gifts, easily:)

We had our Christmas party yesterday, which consisted of taking water taxis to a pretty swish seafood restaurant, called FLying Fish, on King's Wharf for lunch. Now, I'm not a fan of seafood, but I decided just to close my eyes and swallow. And honestly, it wasn't that bad. The deserts were the best part tho, so good. And with this lunch, was a lot of wine. Afterwards, we all headed to a lounge/bar (same place I had lunch on Monday) and proceeded to drink, drink, drink. I went from beer to wine to double G&T's to double vodka/Red Bull's (yea, I dunno why) to JD/coke. Broad range of liquor to grumble in my tummy. There were lots of whoooo'ing going on, these poor Sydneysiders, had no idea what I was doing. Surprisingly, I was alright this morning/afternoon. I did receive a fright, 2 actually, today. I woke up, walked out of my room to take a shower, only to find a bird in my living room. We don't have screen doors unfortunately and we leave our doors open all the time. I finally shoo'd the bird out, but fuck, did it freak me out. Another scare, at work we were in the courtyard enjoying some bacon/egg sandwiches. A bunch of us were sitting at the table where, unbeknownst to me, crawling on my sleeve was a gigantic cricket or grasshopper or something. Whatever it was, it was ugly. I finally noticed it screamed, jumped out of my seat and ran back inside, much to the amusement of others. But, it's time for me to sleep, I'm super exhausted. Enjoy the pictures!

P-I-M-P

I have an addiction to corn nuts. I received 3 bags from my Secret Santa. Woot!

Blotchiness galore alongside my boss

The Asian contingency... they bring food, I eat it. Just like mom used to make.

Comfortability is great!

2006-11-18T20:49:00.000+11:00

I'm finally starting to feel comfortable. I'm feeling a lot more comfortable at work, I'm getting on with everybody and enjoy going to work. I'm feeling very comfortable at home, my roommates are fun and outgoing. Life in Sydney is turning out to be alright. The other day I was about to meet my roommate for a film @ 7 on Oxford St. with some of his friends. I was about to leave work @ 6, when something last minute came up and I had to stay a little bit late, thus I couldn't catch my bus. This posed a problem as I needed to meet up with him soon. I decided I'd try to make it anyways and take a bus directly into the city and take a cab from the QVB to Oxford. I realized at 6:55pm, it wasn't going to happen so I decided just going to get a bite and head home. Whilst walking along George St., I notice a mob of people on the right at a movie theatre. As I got closer I could finally read the sign, which read: "SEE BORAT IN PERSON AT THE RED CARPET PREMIERE OF HIS NEW MOVIE". Sure enough from across the street, through the heads of people, stood a tall, dark haired individual with a fantastic mo and a terrible suit. I thought what luck that I choose to go into the city, get off at this particular station, walk at this particular time, only to see Borat.

I bought a sweet ass bbq the other day during my lunch hour. I went with these 2 lovely girls from work, one of whom obviously drove (and is quite cute I might add). We went to "BBQ's Galore", which I thought would've been close by but it wasn't, It was about a 15 min drive. We took an extra 15 mins for lunch, so we had 75 mins to get there, buy the bbq, get a bite and get back because I had a meeting @ 2. We finally get there and the sale's person was an older guy and loved to explain everything such as "you need to shut the lid everytime you bbq something". Thanks for the headsup... So I finally purchase my bbq and we head back, except traffic was terrible. I finally got back 5 mins late, but nobody else from the account team was in the meeting so I didn't feel so bad. Fast track to tonight and I finally got to use my new bbq. It's a beaut!
That's Giles (aka Jet) and myself throwing a shrimp on the barby.
Again Jet, myself and Lexi (some girl Jet's banging) on our balcony enjoying the end product of the new bbq.

A damn horse race...

2006-11-08T21:41:00.000+11:00

So Melbourne Cup lasts about 2 minutes. And for this 2 minute horse race, we stopped working @1:30 ate bbq and drank beer, then all headed to the pub. It was quite funny as I went to the bookie with my bosses to place bets and had no idea what I was doing. I was looking at this little piece of paper, marking X's at random, there ya go $20. Then another $10 for the office sweeps. I've never lost $30 so quickly, I'd rather go to the casino and play 21. Anyways, at the pub I must've had... like 6-8 schooners, then for whatever reason I switched to rye & coke. I never drink rye & coke, this night was different however. One HUGE disappointment: I must've talked to about 6-8 women and they were all old. Like old... like all above 30. If it's not minor's I'm seeking, its old women with kids 'n shit. Why can't I find anything in the middle!? Anyways, needless to say I was tiiiiiiired this morning. Much to my delight, we received massages today at work. And since there were no bookings directly after me, I got an extra 5mins;). I'm actually busy at work now! I have stuff to do! The days just fly by now, its great. But thats enough for now, time for bed.

** I found a greeeeeeeeeat blog. Warning, its very, very graphic... I love it.**

Glebe, my home sweet home

2006-11-07T08:03:00.000+11:00

Yes, I have finally moved into a place! I had to go to IKEA on Saturday and that was... a nightmare. I think IKEA has got to easily be the most negative place I've ever been to, and it doesn't matter what country you're in, its the same bullshit. People are arguing, kids are crying, its a very exhausting ordeal. Anyways, after spending too much money, I decide to take Oliv & Ian out for dinner, to show them my appreciation for letting me stay with them for 6 weeks (wow, I've been gone for almost 2 months!). We went to a place near my work actually and it just so happend the Tri-Nations tournament was on TV, Australia vs. Great Britain. I was never really watching it, until the entire bar went "Oooooooohhhhh". Obviously we look up and witness this:

So today is the Melbourne Cup. When I first heard about it, I couldn't believe that one single 10 min horse race stops a nation, but apparently that is the case. Our office will shut down today @2 for BBQ and beer to watch this horse race. In Victoria, it's an official holiday. Everywhere, it's an unofficial holiday. Just another reason for Aussie's to drink and gamble.

Anyways, I should be heading to work. I'll have pictures of my digs pretty soon, once it gets all unpacked. That is all.

?!?!?!?!!?!

2006-11-02T11:38:00.000+11:00

I dont like this one bit... http://au.news.yahoo.com/061029/2/117so.html

Kings Cross station is 4 stops away from Central, my station... yeah...

I heart 17 year olds...

2006-10-28T12:51:00.000+10:00

So I ventured off this fine Saturday morning to go to do an inspection at an apartment. It was actually pretty nice and quite cheap, unfortunately I got there kind of late so the real estate agent was just about to pack up to leave so I didn't have time to fill out the application. He advised me to go to the real estate office which was just down the road. So off I go to the office. Much to my surprise the receptionist was Mmm Mmm fine, cute face, nice cleavage, etc etc. So as I'm filling out my application, I notice that I need my passport #. I didn't have it with me nor do I have it memorized, so I asked her if it was really necessary. Much to my disappointment, she said it was. So I left. About a block and half down the road I decided, I should ask the receptionist out. So back I go. She was surprised to see me again so quickly. I asked her for coffee and she seemed genuinely flattered and into it. Unfortunately she was busy all weekend with work, as well as spending time with family because it was her birthday on Tuesday. Of course I ask her how old shes turning. She replies "I'm turning 17". Yes, 17. She wasn't even 17, she's fucking 16. I asked out a 16 year old. Needless to say I was shocked, and said have a great day and left. I find it pretty funny, yet gross at the same time. Tho, I'm sure all you dudes reading this are goin "hit that". She was a haht tho. Good for her ... good for everybody really.

Rubbish

2006-10-21T21:06:00.000+10:00

... the term they use for garbage over here. I'm going to use it in a sentence: the flats I saw this morning were fucking RUBBISH!

Still homeless

2006-10-20T22:16:00.000+10:00

Yes, nothing new on the apartment front. It's insanely difficult to find a flat here, places are posted and they're gone the same day. I've seen a few decent places, but there's always something wrong, it never fails. One place was amazingly beautiful, brand new apartment building, great balcony. But the room was sooooo small, the single bed and tiny desk barely fit in it. Another place was also nice, but the location sucked. The one on Wednesday had some great people living there, but the loo was outside. Yeah. So tomorrow, I go again. This time, to Darlinghurst as there are a couple places available. Also, the location is ideal as it's right next to King's Cross, the heat of the action! A little far from work, but whatever. Speaking of work, this 2nd week was much of the same, doing alot of nothing. Though, things should change this Monday as today was Maria's last day. So it should be interesting, how the work gets handed off to me. Today I had an eventful day. It started last night as Thursdays are the days to go out for drinks after work. Last night was also a going away for Maria and this other fellow, Dave, so for most of the evening drinks were on some tab, so I made sure to cash in and cash in I did. I must've had about 10 schooners and much to my chagrin, I didn't get red at all! No dinner either, surprising I know. Anyways, I cabbed it back home around 11 and something else I've realized, Sydney taxi drivers are retarded. For my 1st interview at my job, I hopped in a cab and told the driver the address/suburb. He knew the suburb, but didn't know the address. I freaked out, but everything turned out alright. Yesterday, I hop in the cab tell the driver address/suburb. Again, knew the suburb didn't know the address. So as we get close to home, I'm giving him directions and I say "make your next right". He turns left. Yup. Twit! Needless to say, I was tired this morning. So around 11 my bosses boss asks me if I can help him with a special project and of course I say sure. What was the task? We had to move his new mast for his sailboat, down a hill and set it at the wharf. Now, anybody not familiar what a mast is here is the definition: a spar or structure rising above the hull and upper portions of a ship or boat to hold sails, spars, rigging, booms, signals, etc., at some point on the fore-and-aft line, as a foremast or mainmast. This thing was huge and very akward. So after an hour and half, we get back to the office and at 3 we have an Oktoberfest type gathering. Almost on the dot, the rain comes pouring down. Me and my boss head to the site and the guys who set up are visibly upset and everything is blown away. So we have to move everything (tables, benches, bbq, chaffers, etc), to a covered area. Hard work it was. I haven't done this much manual labor in a long time, I'm not a fan. That's all for now.

Workin' 9 to... 6

2006-10-12T20:46:00.000+10:00

Yes, I'm back to work and I must say, these first 4 days of my new job have been so fucking, mind numbingly boring. I sit in front of my computer and literally, no stretch, surf the internet from 9 until 6. I get the odd job throughout the day that accumulates to about 45 mins of actual work. Other than that, I do absolutely nothing. I check emails. I cruise rental sites. Read up on the local and world news. Read up on the NHL/NFL news. That is all. So painstakingly boring. Now, I know there is light at the end of the tunnel, I know it gets better. I know I'll get actual work and responsibility and I know that I'll be super busy. But for now, it blows. Now to answer the question all of you are pondering. The reason I've been given nothing to do is because, they're all too busy to show me shit! They're all busy with campaigns and launches and stuff going live, it's nuts! Most of the people are there before me and are still there when I leave. To top it off we're losing 1 person at the end of this week, another next week (whom I'm replacing), plus they need another altogether. So I understand the boat they're in and I know the world doesn't revolve around me, so I grit my teeth and just sit there, getting up for the occasional coffee or release of bodily fluids. And I know what's going to happen, it's all going to get dumped onto my lap and be told "do it".

Anyways, this weekend I'm checking out some potential places to live. I'm also meeting this girl who has another friend who both need a place in November, so we potentially all could go out and find a house or something. It was weird setting this meeting up, felt like I was going on a blind date or something. "So what do you look like? What will you be wearing?" Very bizarre. Hopefully I can meet some cool people from these experiences. And by "cool people" I mean hot girls.

Here's my new favourite song. I know the video looks kinda gay, but doesn't it make you feel like DANCING?!

I GOT A FUCKIN' JOB!!

2006-10-06T14:48:00.000+10:00

Yes, after only 2 1/2 weeks of being in Sydney, I finally got the job I've been longing for since I graduated... I am an Account Executive for NetX, a digital marketing agency. I start Monday, 9:30am! I'm pretty scared. I mean, I'm actually starting a job that IS my career path! I'm not ready to grow up yet! But, at the same time I'm stoked about finally getting this opportunity and totally excited about working with a creative and innovative company. I got the lead from a guy at my sister's work, so ya, not really all on my own, but I did have to speak those magical words during my interviews. Here's how it went down: Chris (guy at my sister's work) sent over my CV on Thursday, I got a phone call on Tuesday, met the GM on Wednesday, had my 2nd interview a mere 2 hrs ago, they phoned me a half hour ago and would "love to bring me on board". A whirlwind week, no doubt and I couldn't be happier. And while speaking with them today, they were already talking about sponsorship! So kiddies, I could be here for a while.

Next on the agenda: 1) Find a place to live 2) Get an iPod (I really need one... bad...)

Oh, and on a side note, I got a haircut. It's not super short, but alot shorter than what I'm used to.

Sonuvabitch!

2006-09-29T18:00:00.000+10:00

I didn't get that job... Grr... this is starting to get really irritating. Lots of rejection emails. Oh well, keep at it, hopefully one pans out. If I don't get a job in 3 months, then screw work, off to travel Australia! On a side note, I've decided to join a poker league! They play at a few venues close by and the entry is either free or $10, which is great because I used to start off with $20 when played BJ in Calgary, so $10AUS is a steal of a deal for some entertainment. Plus, there's a possibility I'll be able to meet a few blokes. I've also had a stomach virus thing the last 3 days and I finally went to see a doctor today. He gave me some pills (4), which I had to take all at once. It instantly gave me an insane headache and left me drowsy for the afternoon. Not fun. On top of that, I've got to follow a diet in order to get better. Me, follow a diet? Plus, I can't drink coffee OR alcohol! This is gonna be a challenge... Hopefully I'll be better for next week, I plan on seeing a few things. Being confined in this place the last few days has gotten to me I think... That is all!

Zzzzz...

2006-09-27T17:59:00.000+10:00

So it's been a few days since I've last posted anything. Reason being... there's really nothing to report. I've been applying like a mutha fucka, trying to find a job. The interview on Friday ended up being a bust, they wanted to hire me, but I didn't want to do that type of work. Oh, and something that irrirated me. When she was giving me directions from the train station, she said that it was a "nice" 2 1/2 block walk from the station. I'm thinking, "great"! 2 1/2 blocks my ass, more like 5 BIG blocks. That was after the walk down the road, through a parking lot. And it was a hot, hot day in my dress shirt/pants. Grr... The interview on Monday went superb and is just the type of place I want to work. Nice big studio, friendly people, a nice cafe just around the corner, close by, what more could I ask for?! I sent in the "thank you" email, so hopefully they hire me. They should let me know by the end of the week. Yesterday (Tuesday), I did absolutely nothing, it was great... Well not really nothing. I spent my day looking up agencies and applying, calling up recruitment agencies and setting up appointments with them. I've actually got a meeting tomorrow with IC.U.R, a recruitment agency that is located DIRECTLY across the street from me! How convenient is that!? Very convenient. Today was more of the same, applying for jobs. I did however make time to head out to the grocery store. Beautiful walk on a beautiful day. That's really all for now, pretty boring so far. I spend some of my time playing on PokerStars. I would go out and actually do shit, but I've got to conserve my money. Once I find a gig, then you'll be hearing some stories. Oh, this weekend is the big AFL Grand Final between the Sydney Swans and the West Coast Eagles. Australian Football or "footy" as the locals call it, is fuckin' huuuuuuuge here. I think I'll be heading to a pub to catch the game, a game I have no clue about. Hopefully somebody can point out the basics.

And now, words of wisdom from THE Michael Scott:

Ah sunny Sydney

2006-09-21T17:44:00.000+10:00

It's been fabulous ever since I touched down on Monday evening. However, it's kinda like Calgary weather. Cool in the morn, hot in the afternoon, then cool again. So the past couple days I've just been hanging out with the mom, exploring the sites, walking alot, shopping, all that fun stuff. I absolutely love being in an entirely new city and figuring your way around it via city transit. You feel some sort of victory figuring out how to get from point A to point B. It's fantastic. At night, Oliv's been taking us to some good restaurants. Yesterday we went for tapas. Tonight is Thai. Then a fancy, schmancy dinner tomorrow, woot!

I've finally got my phone up and running, if you really wanna know the number, ask away. I've even made some sms messages and received a few phone calls. One of which was for a job at an Ad/PR agency. I've got my interview tomorrow morn @ 8 (yikes!). Which means I'll have to shave off my facial hair. I worked so hard to get it to where it is today. Sad, sad... Hopefully it all turns out in the end. And by that I mean, high paying, minimal work.

Funny story time! While waiting for my mother at a clothing store, I was sitting in the store's chair, which was directly beside a wall which had a mirror on it. An older lady, musta been like 60 or 70, came into the store and started browsing. She looked at me a few times, then looked at the reflection of me in the mirror. I could tell this by looking at her eyes move from me to the reflection. She even stopped to look at herself in the mirror. She then turns to me and asks "Are you twins?" Oy, I was speechless... I was without speech.

Here's a funny clip my sister sent me. Cockroaches are here to take over the world and this is their first victim...

That's all for now. I'll let ye all know 'bout my interview, keep yer fingers crossed, woot!

Off the plane, on the train...

2006-09-19T23:28:00.000+10:00

So Sunday I wake up and the house is empty as Mike & Shux had a prior engagement to attend, so I decide to shower up and head downstairs for some chicken & rice. It was good, filling and only cost $2 Sing, less than $1.50 CDN! Could it get any better? I think not. After that I walked around some market thingy where people were selling fish, meat, fruits, etc, etc. I bought some ice cream and headed back to the "Cosy Corner" where Mike was waiting. We decided to hit up Little India and check out some electronic stores so I could find a phone. Little India was interesting... Basically the same shit at each block. People selling cheap jewelry, cheap clothes and food. Repeat that for about 10 blocks, oy... Mike was hungry so we decide to get some curry. I was still a bit full from the chicken & rice, but I made sure to get my share of curry. After Little India, we go to meet Shux where we'll head to the electronics place. This was fun because I got a new phone! Motorola A732. It's pretty... Too bad I don't have a SIM card! No worries though, tomorrow I'll be visiting the Virgin store here in Sydney and getting a new number. But back to Singapore. This place was awesome, tons of stores selling brand name electronics at discount prices... so long as you're with a local and luckily I was. Otherwise, I def coulda been ripped off. After that ordeal, the three of us decide to go back as were are all bagged. Walking thru hords of people in hot hot heat drains you senseless. We ended up eating McDonalds that night and going to sleep relatively early as I had to catch my flight the next morn.

I wake up after a so-so sleep and I'm stoked because I get to see my fam today! Mike accompanies me to the airport and I'm on my way. It's odd, the Changi Airport in Singapore has the metal detectors at each gate, not at the entrance to the gates. It made for a very congested gate. Anyways, I hop on my flight, watch some movies **, 7.5 hrs later I'm finally in Sydney. Customs in Sydney is a bitch. Gotta wait in this long ass line, then get my passport stamped with the Visa thingy, then wait in a crowded baggage claim area, then get my bags x-ray'd. Fuck! I finally clear, and there is my sister and mother. It was nice to see my mother, but better to see my sister. Hadn't seen her in a long time. We cab it back to her apartment and the cabbie drives like a maniac. In fact, all Sydney drivers drive like maniacs. I had thought about getting a motorcycle or perhaps a scooter while I'm here, but now I'm not so sure. We arrive at Oliv's (my sister) apartment and much to my chagrin, she doesn't have an elevator. Luckily, it's not that far to walk. Her place is very nice, but way too small for 3 people, let alone 4. The next 5 days should be interesting...

Woke up this morning excited about my new city. I walked around my sister's neighbourhood and was impressed with how many little cafe's there are. Almost every block I turned there were places to sip coffee or grab a bite. We had lunch at a nice spot then ended up going to the grocery store to get a few things. One nice, very nice, thing I've noticed... the girls are hot. Fucking hot. And not just because of their accents as my friend on the MSN had just inquired. These are girls just walking down the street and my jaw is to the ground. Anyways, after some lunch, groceries, girl gawking, it's home time. I'm kinda tired and spend the rest of the day watching the tele. Tomorrow however, I'll be heading downtown to do a bit of shopping as I need/want a few things. Woo-fuckin-hoo! I'm also job hunting like mad... I need a job, I'm already bored not working!

PS - For all my friends back home, it was a sunny 29 today:)

** I watched MI:3, Training Day and X-Men

19hr Flight Later...

2006-09-17T12:18:00.000+10:00

So I left Calgary @ 11am on Thursday, driven to the airport by good friend and quirky character, Brice Stanley. We encountered some scary traffic on the way to the airport, but I got there in time. The flight to Vancouver was uneventful, Air Canada flight so the flight attendants were gross, very unattractive people. Question for all, whatever happend to honey roasted peanuts? I remember flying as a kid and that was the signature snack, they tasted great and I looked forward to getting them. Now I get these sesame things (CGY-VAN) and some cranberry/blueberry raisins (VAN-SIN). These are not good flight snacks, I want my peanuts! Anyways, so I arrive to Vancouver and have to find my gate, which is conveniently NOT stated on my ticket. Luckily there are some helpful staff and I locate my gate, which was conveniently NOT close by. I walked, what seemed like miles, I think I broke a sweat. Also on the way, I picked up some Crown Royal at duty free for Mike & Shux, my hosts in Singapore. Good news was that it killed lots of time and I took off soon after. I was pretty excited about flying in a big plane, its been about 5 years. I got the window seat and some other lady was in the aisle, nobody in between which was nice. However this person irritated me and this is why. So in each seat, a pillow and a blanket is placed. Since there was nobody in the middle, we both put our pillows and blankets in the middle, just for comfort until we needed them. So about halfway through our flight she gets her pillows and blankets. Yes plural, she decided to take 2 of each, which is fine since nobody was in the middle. I still hadn't used my blanket (I did have my pillow in use), I wasn't cold enough yet. I then see her take my blanket and use it! I couldn't believe the nerve. It's not enough to have 2 blankets, but she needs 3?! Shortly thereafter, I kindly asked for it back and she did give it back. Not that I was cold or anything, but principle man, principle!! Anyways... For some reason I was kinda nervous flying over water, I had never been nervous in my previous flights, but this time I was. I soon got over it as our first meal was presented to us. Now for anybody who knows me, I LOVE airplane food. It's one of the things I get excited about "I'm leaving soon, plus I get airplane food!". My first meal was turkey meatloaf... yeah... The 2nd meal was chicken "fly lice" and the last meal was really good, chicken and roasted potatos. Yum yum. I had some sort of pork bun in there also, which I destroyed in mere bites. So the guy gave me another one and a Nutrigrain bar. I was so hungry the entire flight...

After 10hrs of flying, I arrive in Seoul for fuel up. I get off the plane and wait about an hour in the beautiful Incheon Airport before I board again. 9 more hours of flying and I finally arrive in Singapore @ midnight. Mike & Shux are there to greet me, and I am bagged. I stayed up the night before I left Calgary with hopes of sleeping on the flight. Of course I didn't as the entertainment on the plane was phenomenal. Tons of movies and tv shows, right at your fingertips, plus the 3 mags I bought, I maybe slept 4 hrs total on the plane**. So I was tired, but we did have some beer before we called it a night.

Saturday we're up and "at them" at about 10, ready to get this day of exploration started. For brekky we had noodles and pork at, what I've been told, is a coffee shop . Basically it's like a big food court, but there are ladies walking around taking your drink orders and selling napkins. Yes, napkins are not complimentary. The noodles were real good. We then take the bus and train downtown. Everything is in English, which makes it really easy for a foreigner should they come alone, but I had tour guides. It's also really clean, I guess the no litter policy is paying dividends.

It's hot and humid here, and the humidity is destroying my hair. Look how curly it is!!! Grr...
Anyways, we get downtown and it's all shopping. So much shopping. I'm in the market for a phone so we hit a bunch of mobile phone shops. They're all so pretty:) I ended up buying a pretty cool Nike polo for about $30Cdn, pretty cheap. After some more walking and seeing, we hit up some lunch at a Thai place. I had Pho though, I love my Pho. More walking around, more picture taking. For dinner we head for some satay, Mmm Mmm. It was real good. By the time dinner is over, I'm super tired. So we head back and I fall asleep around 11 and wake up at 9, great sleep! Hopefully the jetlag is long gone... I'll write about Sunday in Singapore when I get into Australia!

PS - Photos can be viewed at: http://photos.yahoo.com/kwbintoro

** I watched: Nacho Libre, Thank You for Smoking, The Sentinel (which I fell asleep 3 times, 4th time I finally watched the whole thing), The Office x2, Arrested Development x2, The Simpsons and Everybody Hates Chris.