Its a small small world

First met CONNIE IRAWATI when she was working with the Indonesian Civil Services in the initial years when ReCAAP was in its infant stage of conceptualization. We met again at a Conference in Tokyo when Piracy & Armed Robbery Against Ships was a major concern in the region. Separately, met CAPT HARMUT HESSE whilst attending a short course on the ISPS Code before it came on line in July 2004. Maritime Security was lurking in the background and indirectly, Piracy & Armed Robbery issues were related to Ship and Port state of security/well being.

Have maintained contacts with both of them separately, not knowing that they were both getting married though both spoke of their intended marriage (separately, with no names mentioned). They were miles apart from two different worlds with ME, the common entity (not realising it) It was in my participation of a MSC meeting that I was invited for dinner in London that all the "stars were aligned". After many years for friendship and occasional meet-up at various part of the world, we had lunch when Elsie joined us in London on 30 Nov 10 at a little Italian Restaurant near the IMO. It is a small small world afterall !!!

Once a Scout ....

As the saying goes "Once a SCOUT, always a SCOUT". Though I have not thought much about this, it has from time to time pop up, in the most unexpected moment. Whilst wondering aimless along CROMWELL ROAD, came across a familiar logo .... the SCOUT CREST, at the side of a building. On closer examination, there was a sudden excitement that was overwhelming. Inscribed boldly above the entrance to the building was : BADEN- POWELL HOUSE. Though I have read about the existence of this place, it didn't don on me whilst strolling along CROMWELL ROAD, though the road name did ring a little bell somewhere. Spent the next 30-40 min exploring the building, like a building inspector. There was just the sudden excitement like I belong there and how closely we are associated .... With camera in hand, it was snap !! snap !! Always prepared for a shot of the moment.

Rush !! Rush !!!

The pre-Christmas scene on TV is one where people rush in and out of stores to do last minute shopping. Had always wondered why can't these people shop early, after all, the day and date for X'Mas is already known and determined. Took a bus to Oxford Circle to get a "feel" of the pre-Christmas mood. Yes the scene of people rushing from store-to-store already started though the festive season is still some distance away. After standing at the street corner for a while, it was finally clear why all the rush .... It's darn COLD !!! Quick movement, sure help to warm the spirit and keep the shoppers warm. Shoppers, both local and foreign were all happily braving the cold, to heat up the season !!!

Whilst things were heating up at the departmental stores, news of snowfall at Scotland and along the North-Eastern Coast of the United Kingdom added further excitement to the already cold temperature. The cold spell was predicted to last for at least 10 days and was moving southwards; some traces of snow flakes already found their way to the Tower Bridge in the wee hours of the morning. Guess, its really beginning to look a lot like Christmas. Ho ! Ho !! Ho !!! in advance !!

Back to Monopoly

Coming back to London is like playing Monopoly, realtime. With familiar street names and train stations, its like recalling where on the board game are we whilst moving about from tube station to station. Was here at Baker Street and had this urge to take a pic next to the "Underground" Logo. Maybe, should make it a point to take as many of such pic to complete the BIG TIME MONOPOLY board game. Of course, that's just wishful thinking. Its darn cold at the moment. Weather prediction is not so warm for the next couple of days. Already wrapped up like a dumpling when heading outdoors. (Hopefully, this will help burn some FATS !!!). So much for wanting to paint the town RED. (Paint already frozen !!! Cannot smile too. Face also frozen !!!). Once the sun sets, temperature plunged and so is the spirit to venture out.

PS : Only Playing Monopoly in Singapore is not so cold .... Brrrrr !!!

Weeks of Juggling

The past 5 weeks had indeed been a rather challenging one. Started off in Tokyo having discussion with Africans + Japanese counterparts and faced an unexpected 200 odd pax forum. Back to a burning hot Singapore for a couple of days for more work related preparations and off to Shanghai on a less familiar ground meeting and concluded with some unhappy episode. Had a home run for about 3 hrs to shower/change bag and off to Jakarta for a wedding whilst son headed for Taiwan the very same morning. It was a good "Indonesian break" and had the must-have 5000 Rp/hr foot reflex. This was followed by a series of meetings/discussions back home and a rather uncooperative tummy. (Internal body system was already registering its displeasure !!!). Concluded the week in a hazy Singapore atmosphere with a "staff retreat" and it was off to the airport, that evening for Copenhagen. Final (mental) rehearsal and touch up of slides were done on the plane. On reaching the Danish City, Blackberry decided to give way. Survived the entire week without rice and oily/spicy stuff to cooperate with the tummy. Thank goodness, the Danish air-conditioning system (8-10 deg C) was excellent though the Mermaid (avoided me) and decided to have a vacation at the Shanghai Expo (My life story of avoidance, at its best !!!)

In between the trips, had the completion of the new house, sourced for computer charger, change money, clear bills, received some "not-so-good" news, work disappointment, upset tummy, duty driver, settling meals, arranged air tickets for returning daughter, clear more bills and what have you. 24 hours a day was just not enough. At the end of it all, it was just another juggling feat with some items dropping on the floor whilst desperately, trying to keep the remaining in the air.

An evening with the God family

Its 50++ birthday celebration for our God-sister "Bee", After a Deepavali celebration, we headed to her Yishun area home to join our Godparents and the "Bee Gang" to mark the occasion. (Missed Irene who left the scene before our arrival !!!).

With wine, coffee and cakes, we had an interest exchange of views and discussion on parents having blogs and facebook account. The "must-have" shot before Godparents departure for home.

Its officially WINTER !!

As of 3:00am this morning, the clock was set back by an hour for daylight saving and its officially WINTER here @ Copenhagen. Some trees in the parks are already left with only a few leaves on its branches whilst some are still yellowish / orange in colour. What used to be from my jig-saw puzzle greeted visitors with its pure beauty with a cool winter breeze. Simply lovely !!!