Thursday, May 31, 2007

pics and updates

I watched the students' performances yesterday and today. It's the end of the school term, so they had to perform on stage... dancing, singing, acting and so on. Everyone was involved. It was so FUN FUN FUN to look at them, the beautiful costumes, the nice music and songs, their body language, facial expression and acting skills.

I don't understand what they said... BUT I love it.

And I got roses from the graduating students... *hiks hiks so touched. They are wonderful :)

Let's see some 'FIRSTS' that I encountered here:

- My first and second Birthday Party celebration in Ukraine.
The first one was for Yulia Penko, the reception coordinator. It was at Dasha's small cosy room, her bestfriend. So, we sang songs in different languages and gave testimonials. Everytime we finished our 'message', we would do a 'cheer'. I was bloated by the end of it.

The second one was for Alex, the VP IS. I didn't know him before his Birthday, but we went to Sfera, a club to celebrate his Birthday. We played some games before we started everything, and I was chosen as one of the participants for one of the games. It's like they'd sing a song in Russian, and I had to act them out. The keywords: 'heart', 'cool boy', 'likes playing around' or I called it 'playboy' and 'making love with lotsa girls' -__-''. Geez... I was pretty scared *haha* coz I didn't know what the games was. But y'know what... I WON the games, I was so good in acting out these 4 terms that I won and received a heart-shaped soft-toy from Alex *hahaha*

- My first Japanese meal in Ukraine, courtesy of Sergei. He invited me and friends to the restaurant where he works. Well, we didn't know much about him, we met him in the bus and he asked my friend for my contact. Not bad huh! Too bad... I don't speak Russian, and he doesn't speak English. He speaks fluent Russian, not Korean, for he's been staying in Ukraine since he was a kid *or so I think*

- The very first Hip Hop Dance performance that I watched in Ukraine. It was Vova's dance exam. Gosh...I gotta say this, "YOU ARE FREAKING COOL, DUDE!!" It was superb..I watched it live, 4 metres from the dancers hahaha they jumped, crawled, puched and so on. It was H-O-T... I recorded all his dance performances *hahaha* I'm gonna show you guys when I'm back k. You'll be famous Vova! Anyway, I told him that I wont be attending the Global Village this Sunday if he's not gonna dance *lol... nice threat

- can't think of anything else now...

I gotta go..the school is closed soon.

Paka paka!

Labels: HaPpiNesS, LiFe

Posted by Ddee at 1:20 AM

| 2 guides for Eden  

Monday, May 28, 2007

Pictures from Kyiv

Labels: AdVentUre, HaPpiNesS, LiFe

Posted by Ddee at 11:14 PM

| 0 guides for Eden  

Saturday, May 26, 2007

k.i.s.s

You know what???

In the past two weeks, I have....

KISSED more people than the rest of my life...

on their cheeks for sure :)


Gosh...it's freaking HOT HOT HOT here...40 degrees!

ps: I am going for a disco tonite with the AIESECers....yeah yeah..

Labels: AdVentUre, LiFe

Posted by Ddee at 10:20 PM

| 0 guides for Eden  

Thursday, May 24, 2007

Update from Dnepropetrovsk

Privet all!

I am so sorry for my late update on how I've been doing here. It's been two weeks since I am in Ukraine, and well...it's not that easy to update on my internship here *from laptop which broke down, language barrier, and busyness here.

Anyway, I find A LOT of interesting things here in Ukraine that we don't really have in Spore and some other countries I suppose. It challenges me alot too, and I am glad that I am able to experience this. Below, I am gonna share some of my findings, but due to time limit, it will be disorganized, but I hope you find it interesting too.

- The women are one of the most beautiful girls in the world, I have to admit. They are gorgeous, tall and sexy. Come in different 'facial features', from mixed of Asian, Latin and Europeans....gosh... sooo lucky for the guys.
They like to wear high heels, mini skirt and tops and they put on make up properly, even from such a young age of 11/12 years old.

- I have to pay for plastic bags when I shop at the supermarket. Good way to save the environment although not too convenient.

- The weather is as HOT as Spore now, around 34 degrees and it's killing everyone. The difference is that it is DRY here and not HUMID. Students complain that they cant concentrate and are having headache because of the weather.

- The social gap is HUGE. Some people earn USD100/month, but we can see plenty of luxurious cars on the streets, from Mercy, Lexus, Jaguar and Limo. The people are pretty fashionable too, especially the young ones. Status is quite important I suppose.

- However, people will give their seats to the elderly, especially woman on public transport. Great way to start and learn Spore :)

- Smokers and drunkers are usual sight. Children are exposed to these since young and it's not difficult to find bottle of beers on the streets or groups of people drinking in the morning. The beers even come in plastic bottle like Coke *hehehe

- Fresh pollution :)

- When I asked what they'd like to change in Ukraine, many of them said: GOVERNMENT! Hm.. a pretty corrupted country like Indonesia in my opinion. But the good thing is the people realize it and they want it to be changed. I consent!

- and so on...

However, I MUST really applaud the AIESECers here in Dnepropetrovsk. They really ROCK! I and Richard, a trainee from Bogota, Colombia, really feel like we're having a family here. They are so friendly and warm. On my first day in this city, we had a Global Village with the members...and they're totally crazy. I love em! Now, they plan a schedule to meet us every day when we have free time, so they will take turns to accompany us, even if just for a short 1-2 hours. I am soooooo touched and grateful by them!

Another trainee is coming soon on Friday from India. So, we may have another Global Village on Sunday and I am so looking forward to it. It's gonna be cool coz Sunday is my only free day.

Last but not least, I was in Kyiv for 3 days when I arrived in Ukraine, and I have to say...THEY ROCK too! The trainees were crazy and I had so much fun with them. I really expand my networks, and I can't ask for more for my @ experience.

Now, I shall reconsider...Should I come back? The clock is ticking, and I know my time here will end soon... to stay in Spore or to come back? hm...

Take care all, I miss you here

ps: Surprisingly, I haven't really missed the food *hahaha* although I don't mind having some Asian food.

Posted by Ddee at 10:07 AM

| 2 guides for Eden  

Wednesday, May 23, 2007

more to come...

Hola amigos!

I am back to update now. Well, I shall say it's freaking tough to update you all. I went to an Internet Cafe a few days ago and typed a long email to update all, but well....apparently times up and it just closed down. TWICE!!! grr...

Anyway, currently I am teaching at 2 schools:
1. European Grammar School
- a private school for rich kids. Maybe even the 2nd most expensive high-school in Dniepropetrovsk :)
- Challenging job! But I am getting accustomed to it and the students are getting more receptive these few days. Cool! but the small kids are wonderful *hahaha* they're sooo sweet and cute. They always greet me and hug me when they see me

2. Sam's School
- a private tuition centre, so people pay to attend and thus they really wanna learn something out of it.
- Easier to handle, but I mostly in charge of adults classes *I like kids more...and teenagers haha I wanna be a cool teacher for sure

Busy busy busy, even on Saturday.

Well, as of pictures, lappie is still not working so I cant upload my pictures too. It wont be convenient to bring my camera and wire to the Internet Cafe as well. So, sorry for now...

Btw, will update more when I have more time...looks like I am not really fated to update as often as I want. The computer just closed down again.

Paka!

Dee

Labels: AdVentUre, LiFe

Posted by Ddee at 12:13 AM

| 1 guides for Eden  

Friday, May 18, 2007

im here...

Hi all,

Am sorry for nto updating my blog. I seriously did not have any internet access up till now. I am only using this for 10 mins to quickly check my email and update you on how's life has been going here in Ukraine.

I've typed over 4 pages of updates for my blog in my lappie, BUT it suddenly crashed and well...let's hope for the best. I don't want to lose my HDD *hiks hiks...

Anyway, I am doing good here, very challenging for me especially since the school that I am teaching at is a private school for rich kids. So, you know what it means...gosh...*kill me strangle me suffocate me..huhuhu

Ow...how are you all doing? Miss me?

ps: Won, will you go to Turkey then?

MISS YOU ALL....SO VERY MUCH!

Labels: AdVentUre, LiFe

Posted by Ddee at 11:11 PM

| 2 guides for Eden  

Thursday, May 10, 2007

I'm at Istanbul

Time: 07.50
Location: Behind *bucks Coffee at Atakoy Airport, Istanbul


I made it this far, an over-12-hour flight. Pretty fine except that my 'new' seat couldn't get the in-flight entertainment signal and thus I was forced to rest.

The plane did not take off till almost 12 midnight due to the heavy air traffic at Changi Airport, but it was also coupled with the strict security check for all our carriage.

The lady who sat next to me was from Indonesia *hahaha what a coincidence*. She's on her way to Istanbul, working for a gov institution with her hubby. She shared some things about Turkey which can help me when I travel there later.

It wasn't full house, so many passengers have extra space to put their heads and legs when they rest. So, I decided to move to a new seat, 2 rows behind. So, I paid for one seat but I got two seats. Unfortunately, these new seats couldn't catch the signal for the in-flight entertainment. So, went to sleep till 4am in the morning when my body started to ache.

Walked down the aisle to the toilet while serching for more empty seats... haha I wasn't the only one I suppose. All were taken, either by bags, blankets, heads and legs. Couldn't sleep so was kinda contemplating for some time before I tried different positions to rest well. Didn't wake up till my Esprit watch showed 8am.

Couldn't stand any longer, I asked the lady in the centre seats to give me one seat from her four seats *hahaha*... So, I spent the rest of the journey watching Joey, Friends, Two and a Half Man and Nada Sou Sou.

Hey Lele....who said the movie isn't sad at all. It IS, although it's not so sappy. But it's a touching story hehe I have a thing for movie starring small kids or like when they go back to their past and childhood moment. That's why I like Jdorama and Kdorama haha *pizz...mungkin lo lagi stress Le pas nonton hehe ato keburu bete ama cewe yg nangis sesungukan itu loch..^^

Turkish Airlines definitely can't beat the well-known Singapore Airlines. The cultural differences and the 'service level' are intertwined. Guess what:
They don't greet Sir or Mam
They speak casually
They don't have Apple Juice (but Tomato, Cherry and super sour Orange Juice)
They smile less
They put the bread bucket on empty seat (while servicing the food)
and....what surprised me most..
They passed me the bread without serviette. Straight in front of me, so I need to use my hand *wow*

However, what I like are:
Pretty cool in-flight entertainment (not too much options but a good combination)
Bright blue seating and blanket *very hip and fresh
Not too full *haha...I can have two seats

Okei...just wanna say that I've arrived in Istanbul safely, leaving to Kiev in 35 minutes.
Update you guys later...with some pics :)

Ki wo tsukete!

Posted by Ddee at 12:43 PM

| 1 guides for Eden  

I'm at Istanbul

Time: 07.50
Location: Behind *bucks Coffee at Atakoy Airport, Istanbul


I made it this far, an over-12-hour flight. Pretty fine except that my 'new' seat couldn't get the in-flight entertainment signal and thus I was forced to rest.

The plane did not take off till almost 12 midnight due to the heavy air traffic at Changi Airport, but it was also coupled with the strict security check for all our carriage.

The lady who sat next to me was from Indonesia *hahaha what a coincidence*. She's on her way to Istanbul, working for a gov institution with her hubby. She shared some things about Turkey which can help me when I travel there later.

It wasn't full house, so many passengers have extra space to put their heads and legs when they rest. So, I decided to move to a new seat, 2 rows behind. So, I paid for one seat but I got two seats. Unfortunately, these new seats couldn't catch the signal for the in-flight entertainment. So, went to sleep till 4am in the morning when my body started to ache.

Walked down the aisle to the toilet while serching for more empty seats... haha I wasn't the only one I suppose. All were taken, either by bags, blankets, heads and legs. Couldn't sleep so was kinda contemplating for some time before I tried different positions to rest well. Didn't wake up till my Esprit watch showed 8am.

Couldn't stand any longer, I asked the lady in the centre seats to give me one seat from her four seats *hahaha*... So, I spent the rest of the journey watching Joey, Friends, Two and a Half Man and Nada Sou Sou.

Hey Lele....who said the movie isn't sad at all. It IS, although it's not so sappy. But it's a touching story hehe I have a thing for movie starring small kids or like when they go back to their past and childhood moment. That's why I like Jdorama and Kdorama haha *pizz...mungkin lo lagi stress Le pas nonton hehe ato keburu bete ama cewe yg nangis sesungukan itu loch..^^

Turkish Airlines definitely can't beat the well-known Singapore Airlines. The cultural differences and the 'service level' are intertwined. Guess what:
They don't greet Sir or Mam
They speak casually
They don't have Apple Juice (but Tomato, Cherry and super sour Orange Juice)
They smile less
They put the bread bucket on empty seat (while servicing the food)
and....what surprised me most..
They passed me the bread without serviette. Straight in front of me, so I need to use my hand *wow*

However, what I like are:
Pretty cool in-flight entertainment (not too much options but a good combination)
Bright blue seating and blanket *very hip and fresh
Not too full *haha...I can have two seats

Okei...just wanna say that I've arrived in Istanbul safely, leaving to Kiev in 35 minutes.
Update you guys later...with some pics :)

Ki wo tsukete!

Labels: AdVentUre, AIESEC, LiFe

Posted by Ddee at 12:43 PM

| 0 guides for Eden  

Wednesday, May 09, 2007

I don't like saying Good Bye~s

At the airport....


I am leaving in less than 30 mins alone. Long hours... hopefully they play good movies and the passenger next to me is a nice one, would be best if a good-looking one haha

Mixed feelings inside: nervous, excited, fear, scary, happy, ...
My first time travelling so far by myself. Bring it on!

Whatever it is...Shall do my very best and get out the most from this experience too.

Play a lot, eat a lot, travel a lot, talk a lot, share a lot, dance a lot, sing a lot, discuss a lot... Let's see if I'm gonna gain weight when I come back *huhuhu*

Won: Thanks for the call. Didn't expect it to receive ur call *jolly jolly* Heard that it's freaking cold, so your jacket will be a great companion

Nophie: The bed is yours :) take care lil sis

Lele: Have fun at work, rest well too. Anyway, thanks much for the Ukraine guide, I'm needing it like hell

Cit2: So glad to see you at the airport....take care and thanks for ur gift too *Haven't opened it haha

Thanks for coming friends, so happy to see you all. Coming down all the way from the other side of the city :) Thanks Lan, Lucia, Mayas, Sharon, Terence, Lele, Citra and Nophie. Ow...Zack too.

Keep you guys updated soon......jaaaaaa

Labels: AdVentUre, LiFe

Posted by Ddee at 5:52 PM

| 0 guides for Eden  

my internship figures

Let's play with numbers :)

• 107 emails were exchanged as of now
• 5 different email addresses were used to facilitate the communication
• 2 months minus 4 days passed since the day she said she liked the CV
• 4 weeks was exactly the time that the Ministry took to issue my letter
• 1 luggage, 1 hand carry and 1 backpack
• 2 visas for Ukraine and Turkey each, but they use up 3 pages in my passport
• 14 hours 15 minutes flight in total
• 12 days of flight postponement
• 2 months 12 days later, I will be back in Singapore
• 70 days in Ukraine and days in Turkey (est.)
• $1710 is the total charge for the ticket ($1650 for ticket and $60 charge for changing flight schedule)
• $54 for a Turkey visa and $200 for an express Ukraine visa
• $25 for a basic health check-up
• and ....

Finally I spent some time to exercise again after being busy for the past few months due to Final Year Project. Gosh....it's FUN! Feel a bit like tai tai *Chinese for rich wife who usually spend time playing mahjong, gossiping and shopping* these late few days too.

And heaven's yeah...I finished another Kdorama series "My Girl". It's OK only, slightly boring and draggy *as usual*. So, 2.5 thumbs up coz the main actress is cute and very cheerful, making those who watch her feel happy too. You can watch this if you have extra free time or bored.

My name is Kim Sam Soon or My Lovely Sam Soon is GREAT. 4 thumbs up and better watch this if you think you're a big fan of Kdorama. Love Hyun Bin *the main actor*. He screams H.O.T. The cool hunk, Daniel Henney, is in too, but guess I don't really like his acting there *and that wide forehead huhuhu pizz*. Sweet supporting actress, but she gets on my nerves *haha....the script forced her to act that way

Ja...already copied lotsa movies onto my lappie and HDD haha

Labels: AIESEC, IdLe MoM3nt

Posted by Ddee at 12:54 AM

| 0 guides for Eden  

Monday, May 07, 2007

Ukraine...here I come

So they asked, "Why Ukraine?"

and some even mistook it as UK -__-'

Hm...lemme see:

1. I like the JD and the project scope
2. It starts at the time I want to start my internship
3. I sent my form and CV and they like it
4. I have never been there, so it's gonna be an exciting trip

I was pretty open on where I want to go for my traineeship. I prefer to look at the JD before the destination country. It happens that Ukraine is one of them, aside from China, Japan, Lithuania, Canada, Rusia and so on...

The intended internship period is till end of the year, but somehow they agree to take me in. So, there I go...

***

In my luggage + hand carry + backpack:

• 3 pairs of jeans
• 2 jackets
• 3 T-shirts
• 3 casual dresses
• 4 blouses
• 2 shirts
• 2 shorts
• 1 track pants
• 2 belt
• 1 skirt
• 1 pair of shoes
• 1 pair of sandals
• 1 small towel
• Underwear
• Accessories
• Toiletries
• Good books
• Diary
• Souvenirs
• Important documents
• A bag full of food: chili, instant noodles, and some Indo food
• Laptop
• Mobile charger
• Camera Charger
• Camera-PC wire
• External HDD
• CDs of Kdorama
• Money
• ...

Gosh....anything else that I miss?

ps: Sorry guys, there is no proper farewell dinner thingie coz I'm running out of time. A friend just came from Indo too. Er... I went to the welcome dinner cum farewell dinner and the BBQ...so hope those were counted.

pps: Gonna miss y'all like crazy.... and food too.... and Kdorama and Jdorama... and ...

Labels: AdVentUre, LiFe

Posted by Ddee at 11:41 PM

| 3 guides for Eden  

Saturday, May 05, 2007

1st trip to Botanical Garden

Niceeee................
Far from the hustle bustle of a cosmo life, fresh air, so rejuvenating and it's free ^^

3.5 hours at Botanical Garden... thanks it didn't rain and not too warm either.
But would be great if it's slightly cooler haha

The fact is... we saw more tourists and angmohs there than Sporeans. Guess they all prefer nice cosy shopping centres *hehe pizz

Anyway, I second if we're to have a picnic or outing there. Yummy...

Thanks much for bringing me there....yeah!

Labels: AdVentUre, HaPpiNesS

Posted by Ddee at 11:58 AM

| 1 guides for Eden  

Thursday, May 03, 2007

I am leaving on a jet plane..

Yeah yeah yeah.... *pom pom pom

I can collect my visa on Monday morning. Woo hoo...

And so I am flying off on Wednesday, 9th 2007.

09MAY TURKISH AIRLINE

SINGAPORE ISTANBUL 2310 0625 WED TK 67 K
CHANGI ATATURK

10MAY TURKISH AIRLINE

ISTANBUL KIEV 0840 1040 THU TK 1457 K
ATATURK BORISPOL

Coming back in July.

17th - 20th Stopover at Istanbul (visa granted hoho)
21st July Arrive in Singapore
25th July Convocation

and I guess I shall wave good-bye to Czech Rep as of now. I just wanna settle this and move on.

Hey ya.. you better stay away from hijacking the flights (or any other flight) or I am gonna 'beat you till you die' as what Korean dramas usually say ^^

Start start start...preparing again. Packing, meeting with some friends, settling my stuffs...and not to miss WATCHING my Kdoramas *wahahahaha

ps: Heya...wanna meet up for bbq at NUS this Saturday?

Latest movie: My name is Kim Sam Soon *recommended for sure* ^.*

Labels: HaPpiNesS

Posted by Ddee at 10:03 PM

| 0 guides for Eden  

Wednesday, May 02, 2007

let the pics do the talkin..

Labels: Cr*p

Posted by Ddee at 10:32 PM

| 0 guides for Eden  

Tuesday, May 01, 2007

he cares...

As I shut the hotel door that morning after I greeted good-bye...

He called, "Yen...

"Take care in Ukraine k!"


I will.

Thanks, thanks much Dad.

Labels: HaPpiNesS, LiFe

Posted by Ddee at 5:50 PM

| 1 guides for Eden