Just for fun !!!

Hmmmmm !!! Deep in thoughts ? Guess what's on everyone's mind ? Facial esperession can be a give away !!!
So much for a "Penny for your thoughts" !!! (Someone will need $0.20 for toilet paper, s well !!! No points for guessing correctly !!!)

Year of changes

2008 seem like any other year. Lots of stuff in the pipeline, many objectives to fulfill. Just as the Financial year is about to end, a couple of surprises popped up.

The first was YAYUK, who has been with the family for the past 11 years would be returning to Indonesia to attend to some domestic needs. This of course could not have come at a better time when REENA (Grandma's maid), has also completed her 1st term of contract and would like to go home for a short vacation.

The second set of change that came next was SARAH-MARIE, being offered to study BA (Communications Studies) at the University of Western Australia (UWA). Its a 2 year, 6 months course. More adjustments.

The third, (not really a surprises) but also having to cope with studies and assignments. Elsie on her Language Programme and I on my Executive Coaching Programme. (Day not long enough !!!)

Battery level is wearing thin and supporting elements are wearing out. More challenges ahead !!!

Family of PREFECTs/COUNCILLORs

22 April 2008 marks an important milestone for the family ... for Clarissa-Anne joins the Dad, Mum, her elder sister, Sarah-Marie and elder brother, Aaron-James as a COUNCILLOR. That completes the entire family of PREFECTs/COUNCILLORs in their respective school days.
A beaming Clarissa-Anne came home, happy with herself and all ready for a "mug-shot" (for record) of herself, complete with her BADGE/TIE of authority. WELL DONE !!!

CCA Merit Award

"Being Prepared" ... and being consistantly active in Scouting activities, Aaron-James had once again attained the St Gabriel's Secondary School (SGSS) CCA Merit Award for 2007.

Guess its another feather in the cap !!!

WELL DONE !!!

A view of the Indian Ocean

Following Chris, courtesy call on the local Police Commissioner, was invited to join him for a "Sze-Chuan" lunch at a nearby Chinese Restaurant. Along with him were 2 other local Tanzanian Policemen and his counterpart from INTERPOL. The lunch was good !!!

As it was drizzling, the local police brought us to a nearby museum to view some of Tanzania's history. Some of the items of displayed dated as far back to days of the silk route where Tanzanian barter traded with Chinese ... Ivory and metal for silk and stone-wares.
When the drizzle stopped, our Tanzanian host drove us to the other side of town to have a good view of the Indian Ocean. Driving along the Coastal Roads, we could see the Indian Ocean unfold, with the waves hitting the shores. We finally stopped by a beach resort which had a good bird-eyes view of a hidden cove.
As the floor was still wet and some tiles were under renovation, slipped and fell. Had a nasty bruise on the leg. Fortunately, was wearing a thick cargo pants thus, it did cushion the fall/reduced the damage to the leg.

When I wrote to Daughter #2, mentioning about the fall, Daughter #1 was all excited. SMSed and wanted to know more !! (Claimed that it was Mommy who wanted to know). Just because Daughter #1 had previously fell in Aussieland, it became great news with Daddy falling in Zulu land. Trying to associate a family trait !!

End of Part I of the Conference

The first two days of the conference saw several presentations by International Organisations, Navies and Legal Services sharing their experience in the management of piracy/armed robberies against ships.
With some 70 participants from several African countries from the Western Indian Ocean region, delegates exchanged views and offered suggestions on the many issues / challenges at hand.

At the end of the first day, joined the US/UK delegation for dinner at a local Indian Restaurant. In 3 taxis, the group gather at the ANGHITI Indian Restaurant. With several types of curries and "hot stuff", we had our filled of "goodness knows what". Though everything did taste good, we had absolutely no idea what we were actually ordering. Just went on recommendations from the waiter.
Presentation by International Organisations took place on the 2nd day to provide awareness on the many services available.
Our Tanzanian host, extended a cocktail reception at the end of the 2nd day. An African Musican group also provided entertainment for the evening.

Part II - Workshop to deliberate on the Agreement starts tomorrow !!!

My first Meal in Tanzania, Africa

After some 22 hours of travel + transit, finally managed to arrive at Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania. Attempting to get out of the plane was quite a challenge. There was a mad rush of passengers wanting to get out ASAP (didn't know why then !!). On reaching the custom clearance area, it became clear why the rush. Everyone was grabbing forms to fill in Arrival Cards and Application for Visa. There was only one person receiving the forms and he was the most popular man on the ground. The whole process took almost 45 min. Next was to recover our bags. Everyone was standing by the conveyor belt waiting for their bags to appear. The anxious look on the many faces (including mine !!) showed the remote possibility that our bags were lost since all had to transit at Dubai. When the bags finally showed up, it as a further 40-50 min.

My airport pick-up also did not take place. Either he gave up waiting for me or the message did not get through. Walked a couple of rounds before being approached by the local taxi drivers offering a ride to the Hotel. (Another round of anxiety !!)
On reaching the hotel, The Kilimanjaro Kempinski, there was a general feeling of relief that I've finally arrived. Tired, hungry and sleepy (not necessary in that order !!). Took a quick shower and headed to the restaurant to catch a quick bite. To my surprise, the 2 available restaurants were closed. They only open at 1900 hrs (that's midnight in Singapore). Eyelids were already supported by match sticks so headed back to the room and ordered room service. The "fish & chips" seem the most inviting and had it with a glass of freshly squeezed orange. Was told that the fillet was from a "parrot fish" but it didn't registered much in the brain dead mind. Quick meal and faced the ceiling not too long after that. So much for my first African experience !!!

Transit @ Dubai International Airport

Landed at Dubai at about 0515 hrs in the early morning. After clearing the security checks for transiting passengers, was greeted by a crowded departure hall that looked like a Shopping Mall having the "Great Dubai Sales". Whilst many tired passengers were seen lying around, many were browsing the many duty free shops. For passengers on more than 4 hrs between transists, the Airline offered a free meal at a local restaurant, which saw a super long queue of hungry looking people. There also a model of a Formula-One racing car on display which was a "must-stop" for pictures. Though there was a lovely girl standing by the car to draw the crowd but she was not catching much attention. Everyone just wanted to take a photo of the car ... poor girl had to stand aside for she was blocking some of the photographers who uses simple handphone cameras to DSLRs.
The spacous airport had high ceilings and were lined by palm trees making the entire place like a hidden oasis, in the middle of some buskering market place. The only shortfall in this busy airport was the lack of toilets. Queues for the toilets is a common sight with some in line looking quite desperate !!!