Monday, January 05, 2009

Shanghai Update!

It has been 2 weeks since I first stepped into Shanghai. I had a farewell I never intended to have. It was bitter sweet. My parents were so overwhelmed by my first group of friends that they decided to leave me alone at the airport with them. heh. Well, why do people always start to treasure people more when they are gone/when they are going away? I miss everyone at the airport a whole bunch. Every single one was precious to me and some of my friendships were only at the budding stage! Just as we were getting comfortable with each other, I had to leave. Sigh. Thank you for your well wishes, pretty cards, lovely mango delight, meaningful messages and warm hugs. I missed every single bit of it. I really hope to remain in contact with you all! I wonder how many of you are still interested in reading this blog of mine! heh!

Well, my greeting to Shanghai was nothing less than sweet. Joey greeted me with welcoming SMSes. heh. His driver sent us to my new home (courtesy of Christine Shao - his cell group mate). I'm now living in a condo in the rich man area and I have a queen size bed to myself. Heh. It's so nice to just turn on the heater and sleep under the duvet! Ah! So delightful. After unpacking, we headed back to his house where we had a candle-light dinner. Small, simple, sweet affair! Guess what, HE ACTUALLY COOKED!!!! (Now I need to buck up! haha. Zhi, need your help here!) He cooked Aglio Oglio (Seafood - Salmon, Prawns and Mushrooms). It was yummy I must say! No, I'm not being biased. I was very impressed. HAHA. He also passed me a 2009 diary - he hand-made it. Something he totally suck at (art), but he went all out to make the book! Awww.. Pretty. I'm using it now. Heh.

Everything is looking pretty good so far. I thank God for that. I thank God that He has answered my prayers (everyone else's prayer) that I might be able to cope with the weather changes, drastic changes - from HOT to COLD.

Then came HARBIN! Boy was it cold. It was -20 degrees Celcius! (negative 20!) 18 of us went on this trip together. It was a cosy group because it was his cell group. I enjoyed every bit of Harbin except looking like a DA BAO, BA ZHANG. All the winter wear made me puffy and fat. Well either that or I've really put on a lot of weight since my entry into Shanghai! haha. OH, I SKIED! I was the dare devil. heh. I skied down an intermediate slope with hardly any background in skiing. Well, I remembered violently tumbling down the mountain when I lost control of myself. heh. THANK GOD I AM STILL ALIVE MANN!

I will put up pictures soon! Once Mr Tan uploads the pictures. hehe.

Today's my first day at work - at Standard Chartered. I wore a shirt, a blazer and a skirt. It's NORMAL rright? But you know what, i was severely overdressed! I felt so out of place as I was walking along the streets and when I stepped into the office. ;( OH WELLS, tomorrow I will dress down! haha.

Two things happened today. They are extremely unglam moments of myself:

1. I spilled hot coffee over myself. Now I smell of coffee.

2. I slipped while walking down the hill back home! SO EMBARRASSING. Thank God my ankle is alright!