Today, I received confirmation that two of my ex Chinese colleagues have died in the worst train crash this decade in China. I only know one of them; the other's the girlfriend of another colleague I know. I cannot imagine the anguish their family must be going through.
I was truly stunned for a moment yesterday when I heard the girl I know was in the train crash. She was one of the more outstanding staff, one of those sweet and cheerful types whom people love to love. Plus, she was good at her work, versatile and can often be counted to do a good job in ad-hoc company events and projects.
I don't know why I'm describing her. I don't know if it's because I can still see her face, in that I know her, or if it's because I think it's such a tragedy that someone like her should die young. It makes me wonder if I actually attach a value to lives. It's a very disturbing thought.
Friday, April 18, 2008
This is what my MSN messenger -- used mostly for communication with my ex-colleagues in China -- has been looking like these past few days. Today, I discover that some of my Macau colleagues have also started to add the "heart China" to their status.
Regardless of who's right or wrong in the Tibet issue, the recent CNN incident has rallied the Chinese together in patriotic defense of their country and themselves as a Chinese national.
Which brings some of us Singaporeans asking among ourselves, what would we have done?
Sunday, April 13, 2008
The Venetian Macao.
In this little town of Macau where New Yaohan proudly proclaims itself to the only departmental store, the opening of the Venetian Macao last year was a relief. This is where we go to do our shopping at its mega shopping mall when we don't feel like doing a skip and a hop over to Hong Kong.
This is also where we go to satisfy our craving for Singapore food, such as this chicken rice from Rasa Singapura which boasts the chef from Chatterbox at Mandarin in Sngapore, thanks to all the Singaporeans flocking to bring the tastes of Singapore (No Signboard, Three Monkeys, Buddha Bar and more!) to Macau. Unfortunately, this chicken rice wasn't great; the chef must have been on leave.
This is also where we go for drinks, with its friendly Ladies Night at Bellini Lounge on Wednesday when we don't feel like paying for it at any of the other bars at other hotels.
So, the Venetian Macao has really achieved its goals. Apart from trapping tourists in its mega integrated resort, it's got us working folks too.
In this little town of Macau where New Yaohan proudly proclaims itself to the only departmental store, the opening of the Venetian Macao last year was a relief. This is where we go to do our shopping at its mega shopping mall when we don't feel like doing a skip and a hop over to Hong Kong.
This is also where we go to satisfy our craving for Singapore food, such as this chicken rice from Rasa Singapura which boasts the chef from Chatterbox at Mandarin in Sngapore, thanks to all the Singaporeans flocking to bring the tastes of Singapore (No Signboard, Three Monkeys, Buddha Bar and more!) to Macau. Unfortunately, this chicken rice wasn't great; the chef must have been on leave.
This is also where we go for drinks, with its friendly Ladies Night at Bellini Lounge on Wednesday when we don't feel like paying for it at any of the other bars at other hotels.
So, the Venetian Macao has really achieved its goals. Apart from trapping tourists in its mega integrated resort, it's got us working folks too.
Labels: macau
Thursday, April 10, 2008
It makes a world of difference.
Today, someone told me, by way of after-work drinking talk, that one of my managers think that he could have been the one taking on my role as head of department.
Hmmm.
Given that this little birdie has joined us only for a few months, I don't know if this is recent or past news.
While I knew, before I joined 9 months ago, that inheriting staff hired from before my time means potential issues, it is different hearing it said. Somehow, it makes a difference -- "knowing" it intuitively vs having it said to my face.
So far, we've gotten along at work. But while he's expressed disappointment at my impending departure and made no attempt to gun for my role as my boss searches for a replacement, I don't care to know if it is because he's since changed his mind or is just presenting me a diplomatic front.
Really, what's the point when half the relationships in this world are established for the purpose of mutual benefits? Sometimes, it is worse bringing things out in the open, and serves no purpose apart from destroying so called relationships. I wouldn't have thought this way 4 years ago but my 3 years in Beijing has honed my political sensitivity, to a certain degree.
And since it really does matter to me -- "knowing" it vs knowing it, I'd rather not know it.
Today, someone told me, by way of after-work drinking talk, that one of my managers think that he could have been the one taking on my role as head of department.
Hmmm.
Given that this little birdie has joined us only for a few months, I don't know if this is recent or past news.
While I knew, before I joined 9 months ago, that inheriting staff hired from before my time means potential issues, it is different hearing it said. Somehow, it makes a difference -- "knowing" it intuitively vs having it said to my face.
So far, we've gotten along at work. But while he's expressed disappointment at my impending departure and made no attempt to gun for my role as my boss searches for a replacement, I don't care to know if it is because he's since changed his mind or is just presenting me a diplomatic front.
Really, what's the point when half the relationships in this world are established for the purpose of mutual benefits? Sometimes, it is worse bringing things out in the open, and serves no purpose apart from destroying so called relationships. I wouldn't have thought this way 4 years ago but my 3 years in Beijing has honed my political sensitivity, to a certain degree.
And since it really does matter to me -- "knowing" it vs knowing it, I'd rather not know it.