Monthly Archives: August 2012

The gig is up

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That’s right, I hate to say it, but my trip came to an end last Saturday. I am still coming to terms with this reality but I will get by, don’t feel bad for me as I had the time of my life.  Really sometimes can’t believe I just took this amazing trip, and have just taken a life-changing tour of SE Asia.  Not many people get an opportunity like this, and I am not only grateful for it, but I also took full advantage of it.

Happy Hour with the gang

A face only a mother could love.

Thinking back to the Singapore office, I keep laughing about the fun times we had.  Trips to the hawker stand at lunch with co-workers where they pushed my food comfort zone from time to time was a great laugh for all, especially them.  Even more laughs happened outside of work, where we had fun going to happy hour.  There may have even been a group of us that went to sing karaoke one Friday night, but I refuse to confirm or deny that.

On my last Saturday in Singapore, there were lots of last minute adventures to be had with Cari and Madhu.  First we waited for a torrential rainstorm to let up, so we could take a tour boat ride.  While we huddled under an awning shielding ourselves from the rain, we  watched the boat operator dance in the rain getting soaked with a huge smile on his face.

Mr. Happy Go Lucky

Talk about making the best out of a bad situation.  From there we took the tour, choked down a little durian (which was horrible), toured Little India, visited another hawker stand, and my favorite thing that day was going to Ku De Ta, which is the bar at the top of Marina Bay Sands.  I waited to go here until the last night, as I knew it was going to be amazing, and it sure was.  Besides the amazing price of $22 SGD pints of beer, the views and atmosphere were like no other.  It was a clear night, and we could see the whole city lit up in all it’s beauty from there.  So so cool.

After Singapore, it was time for some R&R in Thailand.  Phuket, Koh Phi Phi and Bangkok were on my radar and Cari was up for the adventure with me.  And adventures we had.  Some memorable experiences included: snorkeling in the warmest ocean water I have ever felt, having dinner with some crazy Australians, drinking Pina Coladas out of coconuts, getting kicked out of a taxi in Bangkok for no good reason, and being drug from jewlery store to jewelry store by a tuk tuk driver.  Does not sound as awesome when I write it down, maybe you had to be there?

Goof balls - Shefali and Fit

So hopefully you can understand why it is a little hard for me to be back.  Just look at some of these goof balls I am missing down in Singapore.  What am I thinking though, we all now there are plenty off goof balls in Portland too.  I’ll be fine!

Office Space: Singapore

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Wow, has it been 2 weeks already?  My scheduled has been so packed with not only work, but sightseeing, happy hours, and sitting in airplanes/airports that this past 2 weeks has gone crazy fast.  I really do not want this adventure to ever end, but at some point it must.  I am not really a crier like others, but I can understand how she feels.  It seems like I have been planning this trip forever, and I thought it would never get here, and poof, I am just about finished with my stint in the Waggener Edstrom Singapore office.

Just a few members of 'Pod Awesome'

So believe it or not, I have been working while here in Singapore.  It has not really felt like work, as it is not my normal day to day job, instead I have been meeting with my cohorts in Singapore for brainstorms, 1-on-1 discussions, pitch reviews, group lunches to hawker stands and more.  Work here has not felt like work at all, because it has been such a fun experience and I am absorbing as much as I can and loving every minute of it.

Hard at work

Just being here I feel like I have learned a lot and broadened my views on different cultures and ways of thinking, which is priceless knowledge if you ask me.  Sitting in on meetings where we have to think about so many different languages and cultures really startled me at first.  Also, working in a smaller office, but for the same Agency was a neat experience.  The Portland office is so large that everyone has a very niche task they focus on, while here in Singapore everyone wears multiple hats to get the job done.  I am not saying one way is better than the other; it was just cool to see and observe differences in the offices.

All in all, everyone in the Singapore office has shown me a wonderful time, and I enjoyed getting to know them all better.  I cannot thank them enough for the kindness they have shown, and I only hope I can return the favor someday.

You here that Singers?  If any one of you make it to the Portland office, you better look me up.  By then we would have stories to catch up on and beverages to consume!

Okay next stop, Thailand.  I know it is a rough life, I will get by somehow.  Let’s just hope there are no tatoos to the face involved in this next adventure.