My weekend has been full of launch shows - was just at the Biotherm launch at The Heeren on Friday evening, and then Lancome butler breakfast makeup launch at CK Tangs. :)

Hightlight of the week though, must have been the beautiful rings I bought at Far East Plaza with Elin at such reasonble prices!

off the beaten track

Shanghai is growing on me, just after my first day here after more than a year. The city has changed so much, one would have thought that economic progression would be gradual but this city has really grown and developed. All the malls that have sprung up - so much is incredible I don't even know where to begin. The food, the people, the everything.

On my first day here, I met up with many people at the office. Shan't blog about work but it's been very interesting, and informative to say the least. Lunch was great - thanks to MZ. And I bought quite a few things I've come here to buy...tea, a silk quilt at RMB 400. One down jacket and shirt at a steal. Have also gone to the tailor. Yes, all these in a day when I'm also out at work.
Moving on, can't believe 3 sticks of snacks (also known as 小吃) + a bottle of mineral water + a can of lemon beer from 7-11 only cost RMB 10 (SGD 2).


I'm sipping the lemon beer then off to bed :)

Now that work's out of the way, it's free and easy for the next 2.5 days...

Shanghai Day One

Arrived in Shanghai and it was raining. Weather's pretty cold too. Good thing I'd bought a jacket in HK but it's still cold. Looks like I might have to get the down jacket from here. Shopping in Hong Kong is definitely better than here in Shanghai. For one, the clothes are cut way better in Hong Kong, and the styles are much more modern and chic as well. My boss has so kindly given me the go-ahead to book the hotel for Shanghai, so here I am, in the comfort of a reasonable hotel with excellent location right at 南京东路 (Nan Jing Dong Lu) where it's extremely convenient, and best part, just one metro stop away from the office. Well, I suppose put it this way, if I'm on holiday with a budget, I wouldn't mind staying at this Shanghai Charms Hotel ONLY for the location - really don't expect much, however, if I had a choice, I'd shop around for somewhere better - but it'll be more expensive for sure. So, landed at Shanghai Pudong Airport, got picked up by a lady coz I couldn't get a cab. Don't think I got fleeced at RMB140 from the Airport to the hotel. O well. Couldn't be bothered to wait it out with all my luggage!

I've settled in pretty fine. Took a walk down the city just to check out some shops (My, Shanghai has changed so much - it's really glitzy here with all the new malls and so many people). I picked up dinner at McDonalds. Amazing how I've taken two McWings meals since I've left Singapore. They really seem like less of a hassle, but I've promised myself a meal at 上海阿叔Shanghai Uncle before I head home.

First day at office tomorrow.
Friday, perhaps I'll head to Lujiabang Lu for my tailor. Then shop around for my down jacket?
Saturday, either a day tour (but weather seems gloomy) to Hangzhou / Suzhou, or head to find my relocated market.
Sunday, flying back home...

Life is so unpredictable at times I don't even know what to think. My horoscope tells me not to look too much into things but I think this is a bad habit which is hard to kick. I guess all of us are living ironies in ourselves. At times, we speak one mind and portray another - not to say we're deceptive but just interesting different sides to ourselves. Sometimes you get a moment in life and then you pause and think it might just be a fleeting moment...

Au revoir...

HK - after the weekend

I've checked into my hotel and it's been a wonderful 2 days so far in Hong Kong. Mave has been an excellent guide - THANK YOU!! An extremely patient shopping companion and such an amazing foodie, all the recommendations etc - Yum!

I've gone to so many outlets and I've had one of the best Japanese Scallop sushi I've ever had in my life!! ==> look at the pic, you can't even see the sushi rice underneath - trust me, it's the freshest I've ever had!

Also, the last dinner I had with Mave at North Point area (Java Market) was fantastic!! - I've got most of the cards with me - so feel free to check in with me before you ever fly again to HK!

The Holiday Inn Express is an excellent location next to Times Square on Causeway Bay (where you have the MTR as well) on Hong Kong Island and it's new - and quite modernly designed. Ain't the posh-iest 5 star stay, but I have free cable internet for my laptop, daily breakfast, cable TV, and 4 cushy pillows on my bed - bliss! Especially all at just SGD158 a night taxes inclusive - think I can recommend it to all my girlfriends coming for a short trip. I hate to think how my next stop - Shanghai would be like!!! Don't get me wrong, I love Shanghai - but I just hate to think the accomodation is very very unbearable in a way from what I gather from colleagues who've been, since it's a company apartment building...I guess we'll see...I've brought my own towels and slippers and everything just to be prepared for the worst...and, I'm totally on my own.

Shopping has been fruitful to date (as always) and I should be turning in soon...Training starts tomorrow - interesting...

Prego!...

...that's a wonderful word to hear over the phone - even though I'm paying quite a bit just to call Rome to get the airline report sorted out. The Italian lady was so nice and she got right back to me in 24 hours! Kudos to her!! 'Course now I can get our travel claims re-filed finally..."bornjourno...grazie..." - I miss Italy.

Umm so, I've checked in online (something I feel people should all do now that I've started I know, you choose your seats everything...it really saves the hassle!) and I'm all packed. Clothes (tick), shoes (tick), toiletries (tick), tickets (tick), documents (tick), all the essentials are in I suppose...I'm also carrying with me tons of food and I can't believe I'm leaving for HK tomorrow...ah technically speaking it's today. I'm gonna meet Mave whom I haven't seen in more than a year! And still apprehensive about Shanghai...we'll see.

See yas when I get back! Have a wonderful weekend!

R has left for the work week and I find myself busied with the usual tv programmes. I've just taken a shower and I can still smell the amazing massage oil on my back. It's been a relaxing weekend, and I'm leaving for HK in 5 days. I'm excited in a way, yet apprehensive as to how this business trip might turn out, especially since I'll be going all alone. Hmm, finished reading Sophie Kinsella's "Can You Keep A Secret?" - good read. I guess everyone has their own secrets some way or other, even if they're just thoughts not being spoken aloud?

I'm off to bed. Bonne nuit!

Wanting to get away from the usual crowds, we spent our countdown at the movies, catching "Blood Diamond". It's a great film but just a tad heavy in substance when I'm really in the holiday mood :) Horrors of war, and child soldiers (which to me, how they brain washed the kids was utterly inhumane), and the effect after the movie which made me think about whether I should love my diamonds so much. Hmm...Well, it all worked well in a complex, riveting, and disturbing way, yet bringing to life so many important issues largely ignored by society today outside of the African continent.

Then just this morning, I decided at the spur of the moment to try my hand at BC's durian cake recipe...which surprisingly turned out pretty good done by me!

Here goes - My first durian cake at home!

Step 1: De-seeding the durian fruits and good blending to even out.

Step 2: Adding of the cream to the yummy cake base, and layering up one by one.

Vióla! The end product - all chilled and ready to be served!