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Chase away the rats… welcome the ox!

and to remind all the 1980 babies… 2009 is our last year to be officially known as the Twenties people..  eventhough i was born in Dec, and technically still got 2 years in my twenties, but still, officially i will be at my Thirty in 2010.. oh my…

but wtf.. who cares.. is not about how old we are but how much we’ve achieved.. haha.. and by the way, is a good year for us Monkeys.. cheers!!

A song that i’ve pre-recorded while i was in New Zealand.. for you guys!

 Chinese Horoscope – 2009 Ox Year

Rat Born in: 1924(86), 1936(74), 1948(62), 1960(50), 1972(38),1984(26), 1996(14), 2008(2)


Overall Forecast
Early part of the year is relatively favourable especially for wealth. If you are brave enough to make commitment, luck will be with you. Therefore, you must seize all opportunity that comes along your way. This year is also a good year to invest in properties but remember to manage your financials properly. You must guard against petty people especially when it relates to wealth matters. Also you need to guard yourself against sexual traps. As such, control your alcohol intake. Take care yourself this year as you might get hurt easily. For relationship, you need to exercise more tolerance and understanding.

Career
A good year to start your own business. Beware of petty people and therefore you should avoid gossiping against other people as well as not too trusting. Those born in 1948 and 1960 can have great achievement this year.
Relationship
Love is in the air for you this year. Especially those born in 1972, relationship can go into a new height but also can turn to worst. Married couple should build more tolerance and understanding.
Wealth 
Wealth luck is good. Wealth gains are from investment as well as lottery. However, spend your money wisely and guard against petty people.

Health
Remember to control your alcohol intake. You might get hurt easily this year.

 

 

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? Ox Born in: 1925(85), 1937(73), 1949(61), 1961(49), 1973(37), 1985(25), 1997(13)

Overall Forecast
This year, you offend Tai Sui and therefore, there will be obstacles through out the year. Be more vigilant and careful when dealing with matters. Fortunately, there are lucky stars present this year to help you. You will have the tendency to change job or travel. Regardless of the problem, this year will be better than last year. If you are religious, you can offer prayer to Tai Sui during the Lunar New Year. Remember to choose the correct Tai Sui that matches you.
Career
There is possibility that you might change your job. Don’t be too aggressive to make the decision. Weigh all the pros and cons before you decide to change your job.

Relationship
No major breakthrough. Control your emotion and exercise tolerance. There are still opportunities to meet the other party if you work hard to seek for it. Those born in 1949 and 1961 have to be careful in making acquaintances.

Wealth
Proper income is stable. Scrutinize all documents before you sign. Those born in 1937 can be in deep trouble if invest wrongly.

Health
You need to be extra careful this year. Accidents will happen easily

 

 

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? Tiger Born in: 1926(84), 1938(72), 1950(60), 1962(48), 1974(36), 1986(24), 1998(12)

Overall Forecast
This year is favourable for you. Wealth and health luck is good. Any undertaking will be smooth. Be sincere in your dealing and nobleman will help you. You need to differentiate who is there to help you and who is there to ruin you. You need to guard yourself against sexual traps and control your alcohol intake. There are people out there to rob you, so be careful when handling money matters. Avoid risky investment and take care of your health.
Career
It is a good time to start your new business or expand the current one. You need to workout who is your nobleman and who is there to harm you. Leverage on your nobleman to excel. Control your temper when dealing with matters. Career progression will be good this year. Do not be a guarantor.

Relationship
Love is in the air and for teenagers who will fall in love easily and this will affect your study. You should focus on your study and don’t be easily distracted. Couples in courtship will have the urge to get married. Those already married should steer clear from sexual temptation to avoid getting into trouble.

Wealth
Proper income luck is good as career progress. Save your money and do not lend to others. Do not make investment based on short term gain.

Health
No major issues with health but you have to control yourself against sexual traps and alcohol intake.

 

 

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? Rabbit Born in: 1927(83), 1939(71), 1951(59), 1963(47), 1975(35), 1987(23), 1999(11)


Overall Forecast
Luck will go up and down this year. Don’t be distracted and stay focused. Plan your action wisely as this year is not a good year to be aggressive. It is a good year to enrich yourself. Due to auspicious star this year, you should look out for noble person that can help you. There might be a chance for travelling this year.
Career
You shouldn’t be aggressive this year. Stay cool and guard against petty people. Don’t try to stick out, people might sabotage you.
Relationship
You will have mood swing. You will feel left out and lonely. You need to exercise tolerance and patience when dealing with your loved one. This is because your behaviour and temper will go up and down.

 

 

 

Wealth
Your normal income will be stable. However due to your up and down luck, you need to save up for raininy season and also exercise caution when spending your money. Do not be greedy for windfall luck – there is no such thing as easy money. People will take the opportunity to cheat you. Therefore, do not be too trusting when dealing with investment. Always do your due diligence.

Health
You will have unstable emotion, so need to take care as this will cause fatigue and stress. For those who love water sports, you will have to be careful this year as there is potential injury or accident related to water. Elderly folks have to take care of their health as chronic ailments might surface again.
 

 

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?Dragon Born in: 1928(82), 1940(70), 1952(58), 1964(46), 1976(34), 1988(22), 2000(10)


Overall Forecast
This year, you have guardian star and it will be smooth year for you. Every matter will be favourable for you. You might be changing career this year with helps from noble person or person with higher authority. If you have chance to take up overseas assignment – take it. Take care of your interpersonal skill and you should be fine. There will be much joyous news this year. Those who are hoping to have child this year, the possibility is high. Those who plan to get married; this year will be blissful for you. Students will have exceptional performance in their academic endeavour.
Career
This year is your prime year. Promotion and better job opportunity is around the corner. If you have planned to start a new business or change job, this year will be the year. If there is overseas assignment, go for it. On the other hand, due to your luck, beware of petty people that might be jealous of you. Be humble and modest.
Relationship
For those who plan to get married, this year will be a good year to do so. There is offspring luck this year. For the man, do show more care to your wife, especially when she is pregnant.

Wealth
Wealth luck is excellent and beneficial for both normal income and windfall luck. You may attempt different type of investment after careful analysis. Business transaction and dealing will be smooth. Since you are in luck, be on your guard against sexual temptation and alcohol to avoid getting into trouble.

Health
Your health should be fine this year. Since your career will be picking up, you need to take care of your health. Don’t be too stress over your new opportunity and busy schedule. Take extra precaution of your digestive system.

 

 

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? Snake Born in: 1929(81), 1941(69), 1953(57), 1965(45), 1977(33), 1989(21), 2001(9)


Overall Forecast
Lucky star is not on your side this year. You are bound for rugged year. Never try to stick out (gung ho) and cause unnecessary issue. Do not get involve in gossip as it might back fired and harm you. Treat everybody with upmost respect. Control your wealth wisely.
Career
Communication and respect is key to your career. There will be many obstacles and troubles in your career. Always show respect to others and keep a low profile. Maintain good relationship with others. Take extra precaution when signing or dealing with contracts and documents. It is not a good year to start a new business. Avoid risky business to avoid getting into legal issue.
Relationship
Your romance will encounter setback this year. Married couples should exercise utmost tolerance, open communication and trust with each other. For those who are single can look forward for some romance luck.

Wealth
Your wealth luck will go up and down this year. It is not a good time to invest heavily. Be contented with what you have and you will be fine. Never be too greedy. Take extra precaution when spending your money.

Health
Due to bad star influence, this year you will see blood. Take extra precaution when handling matters. If you have sickness, seek treatment immediately. Go for gum cleaning or donate blood. Avoid dangerous games and activities.

 

 

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? Horse Born in: 1930(80), 1942(68), 1954(56), 1966(44), 1978(32), 1990(20), 2002(8)


Overall Forecast
This year will definitely better than last year but the cloud is not entirely clear yet. You should take extra precaution when making major decision. Take your time, proceed slowly and cautiously. Do not be mistaken by the appearance of others. Be on your guard against sexual temptation and alcohol to avoid getting into trouble.

Career
Career luck is not that smooth. There will be ups and downs this year. There will be petty people trying to make trouble with you. Be careful of evil plots by petty people. Avoid getting into conflict with others.

Relationship
Love will be up and down this year. Be careful of third party intrusion for attached couple. Control your sexual lust to avoid getting into trouble. Communication is the key.
Wealth
Your normal income will be stable with improvement from last year. Financially you will be ok if you exercise extra precaution. Be careful of sexual trap as you might loose money from it. Save for raining day and be thriftier in your spending.

Health
You need to control your lust this year. Limit your illicit activities and cut down on drinking. As your luck is picking up, you will have busy schedule. Take a lot rest and stress control.
 

 

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? Goat Born in: 1931(79), 1943(67), 1955(55), 1967(43), 1979(31), 1991(19), 2003(7)

Overall Forecast
This year, Goat zodiac clash with Tai Sui. As such, it is not a favourable year. You have to stay focus and alert in dealing with matters. Be extra careful will petty people. Avoid gossip and be vigilant. Take good care of your health. You should lay low this year.
Career
A time to hold. Be extra prudent when making business and investment decision. Since your luck is not good this year, you have to rely heavily on your colleagues and friends. So treat them well. Not a good time to partner with others in business. Review all documents carefully before you sign.

Relationship
With this time of bad luck, you need the help of your friends and colleagues. You have to maintain good relationship with your friends and colleagues. Maintain harmony with all of them. Couples should maintain open communication with each other to avoid conflict due to stress from bad luck this year. Show respect and affection with each other.

Wealth
You hit rock bottom this year on your wealth luck. If can, stop all risky investment this year. Be conservative in managing your wealth. Do not be guarantor and also need to curb your gambling.

Health
Due to stress, you have to take care of your health. You will be mentally stressed also. Seek treatment immediate if you fall sick. Bring older folks born in the year of goat for medical check-up. Be careful against falls and cuts.

 

 

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? Monkey Born in: 1932(78), 1944(66), 1956(54), 1968(42), 1980(30), 1992(18), 2004(6)

Overall Forecast
This year is your lucky year. All your endearvour will be smooth. If you run your own business, it will be good. There will be good news for those who are working. Students will do well academically. For those trying for kids will have offspring luck this year. You will also enjoy good wealth luck. This is the year to charge ahead with aggression. However, take precaution as people will see you as showy and cause harm to you.
Career
There will be business opportunity coming up if you are running your own business. If you are working, there will be good news coming your way. News on promotion or new assignment might be coming your way. Be careful of petty people as people might be jealous with your achievement.

Relationship
You will be on cloud nine this year due to much good news. Courting couples will move on to next stage; i.e. marriage. It is also a good time to plan for marriage or start a serious relationship. Couples trying for kid will have offspring luck this year. Couples should guard against third party.

Wealth
Wealth luck is extremely good but don’t show off. Normal income and windfall luck is good. Petty people will be jealous of you so be more prudent.

Health
Take good care of your health this year. There will be minor sickness here and there. Avoid attending wakes.

 

 

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?Rooster Born in: 1933(77), 1945(65), 1957(53), 1969(41), 1981(29), 1993(17), 2005(5)

Overall Forecast
You will have good wealth luck this year. There are a lot of lucky star this year but there is also unlucky star. Be prudent and don’t be too aggressive. Perform your best and your superior will notice. Those in business can expect results and push forward for expansion. Students can excel in their academic study. Good year to invest in property.
Career
Good progress in your career and work luck with increase in reputation and status. Smooth business deal and good business relationship. There are chances of promotion and overseas assignments.

Relationship
No major breakthrough in relationship this year. Be more truthful and affectionate to your companion. Married couples should go for a re-charge vacation.

Wealth
Wealth luck is good this year. You will receive gain from your investment. However, you must control your spending also. You can consider investing in property. Be wary against petty people that might be jealous of your good luck this year.

Health
Health is normal this year but have to take note of home safety. Don’t climb high. Don’t speed or drink excessively. Take adequate rest and exercise.

 

 

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? Dog Born in: 1934(76), 1946(64), 1958(52), 1970(40), 1982(28), 1994(16), 2006(4)

Overall Forecast
This year your luck is good as there are many lucky stars shining on you this year. However, there is also unlucky star. As such, be extra caution when making decision. Keep to your path and avoid gossiping. Be mindful of petty people. Be alert and always ready for challenge ahead. A good year to purchase property or move house.
Career
Smooth and good year for your career progression. There will be increase in business volume. Be mindful of the way you communicate as you might offend the other party without you knowing it. Maintain good relationship with your superior. If you are in business, maintain good relationship with your business associates. It is better to maintain a harmony relationship to keep petty people at bay.

Relationship
Relationship luck is good also. However, be faithful and be careful with sexual trap. Couples will enjoy the company of each other but be careful of third party trying to break the relationship. Those who are unattached will find love this year. Maintain harmonious relationship with peers, friends,and business associates.

Wealth
Wealth luck is superb. If there is chance to purchase property or start a new business, go for it. Since wealth luck is favourable, be vigilant and be careful of petty people. Don’t be greedy and showy as it will invite unnecessary problem later.

Health

 

 

Health is normal this year. Cut down on drinking and sexual activity. There is danger caused by lust.

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? Pig born in: 1935(75), 1947(63), 1959(51), 1971(39), 1983(27), 1995(15), 2007(3)

Overall Forecast
There are many unlucky stars this year. However, there is still hope as there are a few lucky stars that can lend you a hand. As such, people born in the year of pig are advised to be modest, humble, handle matter logically and try not to be too aggressive. Students will have no problem with study. Be mindful with your investment this year. Don’t invest too much. Be vigilant and never make any hasty moves or decisions.
Career
Career or business luck is considered normal with minor obstacles popping along the way. As long as you are modest, humble and handle the matter logically, you should be fine. Evaluate every situation and do not attempt any huge investment. This year is not a good year to change job.

Relationship
You will feel vexed and stressed out this year with regards to relationship. There is constant conflict and argument this year. Be more tolerant, forgiving and understanding. Learn to give and take. It is not worth it fighting over trivial matters.

Wealth
You might lose wealth this year. Be conservative in your expenses. Remember to save up for rainy days. Do not gamble or speculate in share, you don’t have luck there. Your normal income is stable.

Health
Relationship luck is not good and as such, you will constantly burn out. This will affect your health. Take some time off to unwind and don’t sweat over small matters. Open up your mind. When outdoor, take extra precaution as you are prone to accident.

 

 

FGS, Kaohshiung

FGS, Kaohshiung

佛光山儿童读书会教师培训课程

The Training Class that I’ve attended in Taiwan last month is unforgetable.. There were altogether 32 teachers from Sabah, Brunei, Johore Bahru and Singapore. We all have only one Goal - Make them a Better kids Via the real Buddhist Teaching.

Group Photo at Taipei

Group Photo at Taipei

During our trip, We were treated like VIP by all the sifu, they gave us good food (even brought us for Buffet), good room, they gave us souvenirs, brought us to sight seeing, hotspring, visit to nursery, university, orphanage… I am so touched..

One of the Activities

One of the Activities

After this trip, i also understand that Nuns are not just a nun who pray from day til night, clean the temple and meditating..  Nowadays, Nuns are mostly graduates.. they have their own professions.. some are architects – they plan to build Temples, Schools, Universities.. some are IT expert – they manage digitize JingWen (Prayers) projects… some are Principals, some are managers…

I also learned that 星云大师XinYun is a very intelligent and generous person who is already 80+ years old and still haven’t stop building facilites everywhere in the world for everyone. He is still very busy with his daily routine, write Newspaper articles to enlighten people, helping people.

P

The kids' rooms are so tidy.. i feel so paisei :P

After hearing stories from some volunteers, I realised that I am one of the Luckiest person on earth… My eyes were full of tears when i entered the orphanage… I sobbed when I started to share with the rest of how i felt..

At the Orphanage 大慈育儿院

At the Orphanage 大慈育儿院

 More photos of this Trip: http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=52571&l=5de0d&id=665014494

Summary:

 

A Letter I wrote to My Coursemates

 

首先谢谢琳琳的这份报告,让正在忙于现实生活的我想起在台湾很你们的这段旅程。。。
当然我也要谢谢大家有意及无意的让我在你们的身上学了许多。。。特别要提起的是。。
 
俊仁师兄:第一天静静的男生,第2天就开始大方的发言咯。。 进步真快。。
根利师兄:小男生, 但当领副团长的功作。。
桂芝师姐:人小小却很感性。。。 要记得为了什么流眼泪哦!
小美娟师姐:为我们拍了一大堆难忘的画面。。。
大美娟师姐:开朗及幽默。。 常让大家大笑一场。。。
爱茱师姐:担心我晕车,特别让我坐第一排。。
顺生师兄:彬彬有礼,乐于和小朋友互动。。。 (你们走后,我到幼育院和小朋友打起球来。。。 嘿!)
美芳师姐:我们文莱和沙巴的Leader,念经太好听了!!我的偶像!!
素娣师姐:很活跃,幸好常有你带动气氛!!
嘉驿师兄:人小小,佛学问高强哦!!
秀佩师姐:谢谢你帮我换床单! 嘻嘻!
梅琴师姐:请我们吃冷热冰!
潤舒和心蒂师姐:和我一起Share宵夜!
 
最后, 也是最重要的:妙裕法师和Karen师姐, 谢谢您们为了这个培训团劳力奔波, 我知道您们都很累,希望您们回到新加坡可以好好的休息。。 我们不会白费您们的心机。。。
 
大家一起来爱的鼓励!!! Clap!Clap!- Clap!Clap!Clap! -Clap!Clap!Clap!Clap!- Clap!Clap!
 
你真的很不错,你真的很不错, 你真的真的真的真的真的很不错!
 
文莱的雪君合十

Upgraded Ben!

Time flies.. he is now a primary school kid!

At first, the school didn’t allow him to go to Primary 1 as he will only be 6 yrs old in March. We told him that he might not be able to go to Primary 1, and he said “I think is a good thing, because I’m scared to go to Primary 1, I might not be able to find my friends” I was surprised to hear wat he said as all the while i tot he is a very brave kid. But somehow the school decided to let him proceed to Primary 1.

I bought his Uniform from Hua Ho, then I bought the Badge at $1 from School and stitched on his plain uniform. We still save about $2 per uniform and the quality of the uniform from Hua Ho is better with hard collar. As usual, he likes to pose…

wj

Right before heading to school, we realised that we forgot to teach him on how to pee with his new pants.. is quite a challenging task, cos there is hook, zip and he is wearing underwear inside. I have no idea what’s the best way, should he just do it by unzipping the pants? How to get the “bird” out if he is wearing underwear? or should he remove the whole pants first? Luckily dad was at home..

wj2

All His ex  kindergarden-classmates moved to the same class as him in Primary 1, and hence he was very happy and started talking about BEN 10 stuff with his friend.. I sat beside him to wait for his teacher, and he pushed me away.. :(

wj3

This is a much more decent scene compared to the 1st day when i went to Primary One.  My sister went to my classroom with a Belt and span it like a cowgirl. She wanted to ensure that everyone in the class know I have a big sister so that no one dare to Bully me.. I was nicer than my brother, i didn’t push her away, in fact I was so proud of her. But think about it now.. is really funny.. Haha..  imagine this…

Who dare to bully my little sister?!

Who dare to bully my little sister?!

Anyway, my sister is always there to protect me and take good care of me… so Sis, please get well soon!!

31.12.2008

31.12.2008 11:46pm

一个人坐在电脑前面,看着快过去的2008。。。。
2008 过得真快。。 有痛,有乐,有喜,有得,有失。。。
通常伤心难过的事,往往会盖过快乐的事。。。 一直在想2008过得有多难, 有多曲折啊!

我想感谢那些有在2008年给过我快乐时光的人。。 谢谢大家。。 那些给了我痛苦的人。。 谢谢你们给我这些考验。。 真难得考验。。

以前常常认为New Year Eve 应该过得疯狂些。。 现在想想。。 是最好好好反省的时候了。。 好。。 下定决心!! 第一个New Year Resolutions 是。。。 2009的New Year Eve 一定要在外国过!!!

Happy 2009 to all of you!

What I did when i was 27

Summary of what i’ve done when i was 27

1. I travelled to China with my whole family (Dec 2007) and I was massaged and pedicured by a Handsome and well built masseaur :”)

2. I organised Milk awareness Campaign and being the main speaker for several Schools, there were altogether 8 sessions.

3. I self-directed a short clip and the wedding organiser for Sister’s wedding

4. I attended Money and You.

5. I drove to Miri myself for the 1st time

6. I cried for a comic – Crayon Shin chan

7. I backpacked to Laos, did a river swing in Vang Vieng, Laos and tubed in a cave, took a 9 hrs bus in Laos, I swimmed under the Kuangsi Waterfall in Laos and  jumped from a tree into one of the lagoon of Kuangsi Waterfall

8. I overtalked and missed a flight from KL to Brunei.

9. I Admited in Hospital for 4 nights, and got dripped for the very first time.

10. Joined the Mandarin Singing Contest organised by Radio Television Brunei and E-Huawang.com. Made it to the Top 20 but didn’t made it to Top 8. Somehow i was treated like a star, many thanks to family and friends. I love to sing on stage!

11. Joined AFC Talentime, we danced a XinJiang dance and Won!

12. MC for a Singing Contest.

13. Cut my hair short then shorter

14. Backpacked in New Zealand and Took the longest flight (10hr only) ever in my life

15. I saw snow and Skiied for the very first time.

16. Ride a bike for 33km at Otago Trail

17. Attended Tour Guide Course and Officially a Tour Guide Now!!!

18. Provided Consultation to 5 friends on Japan Trip Planning.

19. Got Interviewed and broadcast on Radio and on web.

Part 1   Part 2   Part 3

20. Hired a Personal Trainer for Gym Sessions and gained 4kgs in 2 months time

21. Someone norminated me as the Board Members for the Buddhist Associations.. but wasn’t selected..

22. Being Sent to KL and stayed in the hospital to take care of a Dengue Fever Patient for few days.

23. I’m 52KG now… 3 more kgs to go for my ideal weight!

24. Turned down an invitation for a vacation to Hawaii… (still can’t believe that)

25. Recovered from the Milk Scandal’s Depression.

26. I’m an Auntie to my little niece – Avril :)

Little Avril

Little Avril

27. I saw Proboscis Monkeys (Biggest Monkey on earth) while doing Mangrove Tour.

8… 18… 28…

8 岁的我。。。有位姐姐。。我长的黑黑瘦瘦。。 大约有140CM 高了。。 在文莱最大的华校就读2年级。。 那年第一次请同学到家里Party。。。 还特地早4天庆祝,因为生日那天搭飞机到香港。。。还在机上切蛋糕。。 那年后。。 我就没再回到香港了。。

When Snail was 8,  she has 1 elder sister… she was tan and skinny, was in Primary 2 in the Brunei’s Largest Chinese School.. had her 1st birthday party with frens at home 4 days before the actual day.. as she was flying to Hongkong on the Actual Day… another cake session on the plane..

Yee Suan in Blue, the Little gal is Yee Chian, the one in Red is Hsiaovun
Yee Suan in Blue, the Little gal is Yee Chian, the one in Red is Hsiaovun
Celebrate 8th Yrs old Birthday on Plane
Celebrated 8th Yrs old Birthday on Plane

18岁的我。。。 有位姐姐。。 也有位妹妹。。 我比较白了。。 也比较胖了。。 在吉隆坡读Diploma。。。 那年终于可以合法去Pub了。。 泰国餐。。 1 Utama 逛街。。。

When Snail was 18, she has 1 elder sister, 1 younger sister… she was fairer and Chubbier… was studying Diploma in KL.. it was the year when she can enter pubs legally… celebrated at a Thai Restaurant followed by shopping at One Utama…

When Snail was 18th

When Snail was 18th

28岁的我。。。 有位姐姐。。 也有位妹妹。。 也有位弟弟。。。 我因为过多户外活动。。 而更黑了。。 也胖了。。 在汶莱工作。。 在我这行圈圈里,总算有点名气。。 除了一两普通拿来行动的车,几份工作, 没有多少数位的银行簿子之外。。 我还在寻梦。。。 有的是几个CD的旅行照片, 许多国内外的朋友。。。 虽然如此, 但我知道,当我无能力再往外跑时。。 回头看看。。 我想, 我依然会。。 脸带微笑。。。

祝蜗牛28岁生日快乐。。

Snail is 28, she has 1 elder sister, 1 younger sister, 1 younger brother… she is very active in outdoor sports,  and hence she is abit darker now.. she has a car, several jobs, CDs of travel photos, Friends…  and i’m still chasing for my dreams..   Some day.. some where… when she looks back on the things she has done, she knows she will put a big smile on…

Happy 28th Birthday to Snail..

回头看看,依然脸带微笑。。

回头看看,依然脸带微笑。。

Snail checking out her 1st 28th birthday cake

Snail checking out her 1st 28th birthday cake

Referring to Blacksnail’s Lifelist #47 – be a Tour Guide. Why Tour Guide? it started up when i flung my air stewardess 2nd Interview (more), and i think Tour Guide is the closest job to Air Stewardess because both bring tourists a holiday and you get to meet people.

I attended the tour guide course since July, we have classes twice a week, sometimes once a week, it involves studies about Brunei’s history, customs, statistic, periodically we have to stand in front of the class to present what we learned, sometimes we were given a topic and have to talk about it for minutes without preparation. We did have classes on Bus, and field trips. After i have more understanding about the job, Tour guide is more than bringing the tourists around.

A tour guide has to:

  • have knowledge on almost everything, Tourist might not have interest in the history that you know, they might ask you questions on economies of Brunei.
  • Update with current News, Tourists might had read the latest news on brunei before they arrive, so the info given to the tourists have to be updated
  • Time Management – When the itinerary said you can only be in that place for 20 mins and you have to arrive at another place at certain time, you have to ensure you do.. else it will cause other groups to delay in the schedule too!
  • Customer Management – Sometimes you told them not to go out of the boundary, they will still do it or they will tell you they saw some tourist went there too.. ( i did that before while i follow some tour)
  • Nursing – There are older tourists who walk very slowly and have problem going up steps.. we have to hold their hands and walk with them patiently.. Its really good to train our patience to take care of people.
  • Entertainer – Sometimes tourists will demand you to sing and keep singing..
  • Waiteress – Serving Drinks and food… to ensure excellent service, we have to refill drinks for them and bring trays of foods to them..
  • Complaint Handling – Its unavoidable to receive complaints from tourists, they can complain about the Microphone, the itinerary, the place, the toilet, and even “why can’t we enter the king’s palace?” . we have to give the best answers to avoid them for bringing the complaints home.
  • Avoid any liabilities – in the case if tourist fell down by accident when you holding their hands, they can sue you until nobody business…
  • Attend more courses – we can’t be a Brunei Tourguide forever, we have to go into other specialties to be a successful tourguide..

The Class started with about 40 people and we left only 8 of us. the rest quited because of other commitments, phobias, and pressurised. Its been 4 months since we been doing this training, and i can’t afford to do a bad job and i have to do my very best. I went to some places of interest on my own to study into every single little things… Brunei Resources has been a great website for me to learn our history.

Our Class Outing at Temburong

Our Class Outing at Temburong

The first day when i worked as a tour coordinator, I got so excited when i see the tourists coming down from the cruise… musical instruments were played to welcome them. Thru out the journey, i Observed my senior Guide on how she ran the tour, and wrote down info that i didn’t know, help out here and there.. and i tell you.. i really wanted to grab the Microphone from her hand! i can’t wait to give commentary and run the whole tour! After the tour, i called adam and told him how eager was I to run my own show..

The Cruise

The Cruise

I dreamed about me becoming a real tour guide. I was late, and i didn’t get to do headcount, didn’t have an itinerary, didn’t know the name of the driver and so on. I can remember the commentary i designed for my first 5 minutes in my dream. I dreamed that Lunch break before the first places of interest, Adam gave me a form to fill in regards to bus no, no of guests, bus driver name, i didn’t have any info on that. After the Lunch break, everyone got into the bus, but i didn’t know how many ppl it should be, and i didn’t know who should be in the bus. Some passengers left the bus halfway then only i realised they are not my tourists!! and out of sudden a group of chinese at the back requested me to speak in mandarin. The Tour i had in my dream was a complete screwed up!

2nd Dec 2008 is my Big Day, is the first time i handle a tour group by myself! Its the Singapore Army Group, these guys were having their 3 weeks tough training in Temburong and were all exhausted. My Group has 44 of them and they are all GUYs.. got young got old ones. They requested me to sing for them, and i chose a Song from Singaporean Singer – Tanya Chua – 陌生人。Experience is important, but i think the most important thing is the Passion and sincerity that you wanna bring a good vacation to your guest. Although this is my first time, but i know i didn’t look like one, i had great time today, although some of them slept (because of their training, not my boring commentary), but i was still able to make them laugh.. and i’m looking forward for the future tours. 

So far, I was an observers Twice, and bringing my own tour once, and all these three times i was arranged to be on the Same bus and Same driver – Hj Maidin. wat a coincidence!!

Singapore Army

My first Guests: Singapore Army

Thanks to Mike for all the tips on how to get the boys responsive.. and Special thanks to Adam for the training.

One of my guests took pictures of me using his Lomo Toy Camera, I wish my mic can be seen in this picture.. thank you very much, Sharif..

Esjay the Tourguide

Esjay the Tourguide

Day 3: Otago Rail Trail

Prearranged the Bike and Transfers with Trail Journey. Catch-a-bus picked us up from Yeen’s Home at Cargill Street at 8am. (Mike and Goh dropped our car the night before) Catch-a-bus is run by a husband and wife -  Brian and Jane, and is actually a Van Service which serves between Dunedin and Clyde.

It took 42 yrs to complete Otago Rail Trail, it was operating from 1921 and train services stopped operating since 1980s… it is 150km Long, The sceneries are beautiful from wat we saw from the website, it was so hard for us to decide where should we start and where should we end. Normally people will take few days to ride, and there are few accommodations available in the route. We decided to pick parts of the whole trail and ride for a day only.

From Dunedin to Oturehua, The view is beautiful, we slept in the van as i was sleepy + car sick. I woke up occasionally, and was amazed by the beautiful sceneries, i couldn’t help it but take some photos and videos then dozed off.. Catch-a-bus stopped at several locations to pick up other passengers.. halfway thruthe trip, i woke up and saw a wide area with full of rocks and this place is called “Rock and Pillar”, I saw some rocks which look like a huge lions.. other than that, i saw cows, sheeps and snow alps..

Journey to Oturehua, Rock and Pillar, Cows, Sheeps

Journey to Oturehua, Rock and Pillar, Cows, Sheeps

 

At first i planned to ride from Oturehua to Clyde which is 63km, but everyone advice me to think twice, so We picked Oturehua to Lauder (23km) and Alexandra to Clyde (8km). Our package is NZD 155 per person which includes Catch-a-bus from Dunedin to Lauder, Bike Rental, Bike and us transfer from Lauder to Alexandra by Van 36km, Luggage Transfer from Dunedin to Queenstown, Wanaka Connexion Bus Service from Clyde to Queenstown (1hr 10mins). We arrived at Oturehua at 10:30am, they dropped us right in front of T.Gilchrist & Sons Grocery. This grocery is established since 1902, and is a very old and traditional museum like grocery shop which we often see in those late 50s movies. They displaying some old receipts and invoices of 1900s. We bought coffee for $3 each and had Yeen’s Sandwiches. Our bicycles are waiting for us in a small little hut behind the store. The bikes are adjusted according to our height.  

the 1902 Store, 1906 invoices and inside the store

the 1902 Store, 1906 invoices and inside the store

We started our ride at about 11:15am and arrived at Lauder at 2:30pm. During the journey, we only saw 2 families doing the trail, and we didn’t see anyone else except cows, sheeps and one huge rabbit… No Emergency Phone, no farmers..We went thru 1 Viaduct, 1 bridge (Manuherikia 110m), 2 tunnels (Poolburn 1-201m and Poolburn2 -230m), lakes.Poolburn Viaduct (at the Left) took 3 yrs to build 1901-1904, is the highest viaduct on the whole trail 37metre high and 4th longest (108m).   

Snail at the beginning of the Ride, Poolburn Tunnel 1

Snail at the beginning of the Ride, Poolburn Tunnel 1 (201metre long)

1. a family stopped halfway and went for a swim, 2. "SuperHero"

1. a family stopped halfway and went for a swim


The Short Break in Alexandria – We arrived at Lauder at 2:30. Only saw a few small buildings in Lauder. The Couch driver told us that it was snowing at this area the day before. We arrived at Alexandria at 3pm, it was dizzling and we decided to have KFC. Maybe we were very hungry, we spotted the KFC from far far away. KFC is pretty cheap, less than NZD30 for 5 of us.

). KFC

23km. Strong Uncle. Welcome Notes :) . KFC

We continued our Journey at 3pm from Alexandra to Clyde. This route is not as beautiful as the previous one, and is just one straight road, no left or right turn. There are vineyards, however all grape trees were dried up, and are closed. We get to see more sheeps, horses and bridges. Chian’s Tyres got punctured, luckily we got one Sifu who can fix it.

fixing the bike, horse, vineyard

fixing the bike, horse, vineyard

By the time we arrived in Clyde, it was 4:30pm, we were late by 30mins, there are quite a lot of pplwaiting for us in the bus already. The Coach Driver is very nice, he fed us with commentary thru’out the 1hr journey.

First we saw many houses in Clyde, the houses are divided by age of the houses. Some areas houses were built in the 19th century, some 1930s, some 1950s and etc. after all the houses, we saw the Clyde Hydro Electric dam. This is the first Dam i ever seen in my life. This place is well developed because it acted as hub between the towns of Wanaka, Queenstown and Alexandra. We arrived at Queenstown at 5:30pm and we were dropped right in front of our hostel.

Clyde's Dam, Connexions Bus

Clyde Dam and the Brilliant Connexions' Driver

Videos in NZ

Milk Advertsement
Snowman MTV
VOTE FOR MIKE a short video of Mike dancing around while backpacking through New Zealand. This video is entered in the Brunei RTB Aksi Video contest so hope you will like it and vote for it!! Will post up the Voting Details…

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