So I am back.

Back from where ?

Last Saturday I went to Singapore with about half of my previous department to participate in the Singapore Marathon ! It was quite exciting, as I have never thought to run in front of so many people before. I had my first dinner with the team of seafood, and then walked two shops away to meet up with other colleagues and friends who were not from my department, chiefly many of the Sailors including SailorJeow and SailorJoyo who are now both working in Singapore. I put my head down as my manager walked past, but he saw us anyway, and came in. And stayed and talked a while. And then when he left, I had some more space for a little more seafood. We chatted a bit more after dinner before going back to the hotel. I was staying at the Carlton. Really a nice place, especially after I got upgraded by the front desk upon checking in. I was a bit late, so they gave me this pretty big room. Nice towels, bed, and pillows, but the shower failed miserably in comparison with Prince, my hotel home.

Woke up around 6 am, and finally made it down groggily to the lobby where we walked to the starting line. Most of what happened next was a blur. We started, and we were off. It was quite cool to run among so many other people, it felt as if I were a bird in a flock, all flying towards (or away from?) the North Pole. Or like ants, scuttling over the forest floor. 10 kilometres was what I signed up for, but I got more than that. I experienced running in the streets of an empty city, while people cheer you on. I must say, it is quite an adrenaline rush when you have hordes of people cheering you on to run. I made it in 1 hour 16 minutes and 23 seconds. It was well within my personal target of 90 minutes. But after that, I felt that I could have done much better, and I suspect that this is only the beginning. I would love to go for more after this. More runs anyone ?

After the run, packed up and had a lunch with some more Singaporean colleagues. It was at the hotel restaurant, and since I had a nice seat away from the bosses, I had a fantastic meal, thanks to the bank. I started off with a terine of duck for an appetizer, with a chocolate milkshake. Moved on to a piece of wonderful medium cooked beef steak, and ended with with a great coffee. Yum. Cost around $80. Oops. Then I moved my stuff over to SailorJeow's place. Rested, fell asleep, read Women's Weekly. Then dinner at this place called Pepper Lunch which was basically cook your own food in a hotpot. Good concept, but makes your clothes smell.

The next 3 days were basically lots of shopping and sightseeing of Singapore. Well, rather, I enjoyed the Christmas decorations while SailorJow shopped. I did enjoy it as well, as it has been quite some time since I had so much fun trying on really expensive clothes like that 2 layered DKNY winter coat, or the Calvins which were on 50% sale but I hardened my heart against it....
Sigh. Well, maybe one day.

Also managed to meet up with EstBear at the Coffee Club for some food. We also managed to catch Prince Charming doing some promotional event with Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty and a rather plump Snow White !!! So funny. Unfortunately we had so much fun catching up she forgot to give me a tie from XXBear and I forgot to remind her. Never mind, this just means that we can catch up again later !!

It was also fun as we conspired to buy a DVD player for SailorJeow as a housewarming present from a group, and later also got a tiny Christmas tree for her with tiny presents and marshmallows for her house as a super surprise. We left it for her to find when she got back from work. So lovely. Very sweet too. The only thing which marred the day was a whole day of rain rain rain. So much rain.

Finally got back late on Wednesday night. So tired and exhausted. Singapore might be a bit more glamourous, and decorative, but Malaysia is definitely more comfortable !

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